In days gone by, white bathrooms were the standard choice. But now, there’s a clear shift from the most classic neutral hues to those that inject these functional rooms with warmth and design interest.

And so, we asked interior designers and color experts what the go-to color is for bathrooms right now, and it’s all about variations of earthy, plaster pinks. Striking the perfect balance between neutral and colorful, earthy pinks have a lot to offer and make an incredibly stylish alternative to white.


In the past, white bathrooms were the go-to choice. However, there has been a noticeable shift from traditional neutral tones to colors that add warmth and design interest to these functional spaces.

Interior designers and color experts have identified earthy, plaster pinks as the current favorite color for bathrooms. These shades strike a perfect balance between neutrality and color, offering a stylish alternative to white.

As homeowners strive to create cozy and personality-driven homes, it’s no surprise that designers are embracing this trend of earthy bathroom colors. This trend is expected to dominate paint ideas in the coming year.

Why is earthy pink replacing white in bathrooms?

‘In bathrooms, everything used to be predominantly white,’ says Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design and Color Psychologist at Lick. ‘From the bath to the sink, white was the dominant color.’

Tash has observed a shift away from the classic white color scheme, with more people opting for pink tones in their bathroom decor. However, it’s not just any pink shade – it’s earthy plaster pinks, ranging from terracotta to subtle blush tones. ‘I’m noticing that people are gravitating towards colors that have a natural Moroccan style, like terracotta,’ Tash explains.

(Image credit: Dunn-Edwards)

While white bathrooms can feel sterile and uninspiring, soft pink hues create a more inviting and lived-in atmosphere, offering a neutral yet stylish alternative to white.

‘Earthy pinks are a wonderful substitute for classic white in bathrooms,’ agrees designer Darla Bankston May of Bankston May Associates. ‘Their warmth creates a cozy and welcoming ambiance, and they complement a variety of skin tones beautifully.’

It’s not just designers who are embracing the shift towards earth tones in bathrooms; paint brands are also on board. Dunn-Edwards recently revealed Caramelized as their 2025 Color of the Year, a brown-toned terracotta shade that indicates a growing interest in earthy pinks in the upcoming year.

‘Replacing classic whites with subtle pink tones allows for a gentle pop of color that complements neutrals, brass accents, and natural wood textures beautifully,’ adds designer Sarah Hargrave of The Collective Dallas.

‘Bathrooms provide an opportunity to have some fun since they are tucked away and smaller in size,’ Sarah continues. ‘Muted mauve, orchid, or blush tones are the perfect, conservative introduction to color – they satisfy the desire for a playful accent while maintaining a neutral and calm vibe, making them an easy choice for a polished yet personal look.’

How to style earthy pink bathrooms

With designers endorsing this color trend for the upcoming year, you may be wondering how to incorporate it into your own home. Earthy pinks are versatile, offering the flexibility of neutrals, but there are a few key tips to keep in mind when updating your space.

Here are some expert tips on decorating with earthy pinks in bathrooms – a refreshing departure from the traditional white decor.

1. Choose the right shade of pink paint

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

The first step in decorating with pink in a bathroom is selecting the right shade of pink paint.

While there are many options available to suit your specific space and lighting conditions, plaster pinks like Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink are a great introduction to this color trend. These muted and earthy shades eliminate the fear of the color feeling too ‘pink’.

‘Everyone looks fantastic against an earthy pink like Sulking Room Pink, and they are a great way to add depth and character to a small powder room,’ says Kathryn Murphy of Kathryn Murphy Interiors. ‘When paired with a vintage mirror and brass fixtures, they truly elevate the space.’

‘I recommend ordering swatches before committing to painting the entire room, as pink shades can look different under natural or artificial light,’ adds designer Soledad Alzaga. ‘If painting the walls or tiles in pink feels like a big step, incorporate the color through towels, accessories, and even light fixtures.’

2. Color drench for a cohesive look

(Image credit: David Hunt Lighting)

When using earthy pink paint in your bathroom, consider color-drenching for a cohesive look, as recommended by Tash Bradley.

‘Color drench the bathroom,’ Tash advises. ‘A small space like a bathroom shouldn’t have a white ceiling, as it draws attention to the ceiling. Paint everything – the door, walls, woodwork, etc. – in the same color. This creates a calming effect in the bathroom.’

Lick’s Pink 08, suggested by Tash, is a paint color that would work well when used throughout the entire room. This ‘dusty pink’ shade with warm brown undertones will make your space feel cozy and snug, offering a stylish alternative to lighter neutrals.

3. Pair earthy pinks with natural materials

(Image credit: STUDIO KEETA, photography Austin Leis)

Given the earthy quality of plaster pinks, you can enhance this by combining pink walls with natural materials throughout the space. Instead of the typical white fixtures and fittings, consider incorporating wooden elements and natural accessories.

‘An earthy pink shade can serve as a beautiful backdrop for natural elements like plants and textured linens,’ says interior designer Jenny Luck.

This concept is exemplified in the bathroom of STUDIO KEETA’s Glendale Spanish project, which features Portola Paints’ Oatmeal on the walls and earthy pink tiles. Paired with a wooden vanity unit and rustic decor, the space exudes character and cozy charm.


If your bathroom needs a makeover, why not try incorporating earthy pinks? Whether you love color or prefer a neutral aesthetic, this color trend caters to a variety of decorating styles, and you’ll soon discover how flattering it can be.