to boldly go

A DRAMATIC HUE WAS THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR THIS EN SUITE

bold colour can work in large and small bathrooms alike. ‘We often use warmer bold colours in smaller spaces with an absence of natural light because the colour becomes a feature of what could be an uninspiring space,’ says Sarah Ellison, creative director, Frank & Faber.

For this windowless main en suite, the owners didn’t take much convincing to embrace Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal in a bold way. ‘It’s a fantastically rich colour with impressive depth,’ Sarah says. ‘With any bold shade, it’s important to get the balance right so that the colour supports other finishes in the room and doesn’t overpower. The Calacatta Viola marble used here, for example, has a strong aubergine vein that balances with the Brinjal – a paler, more delicate marble would have been lost in the space. The unlacquered brass finish on all the metal elements brings a similar warmth and will naturally age with time – a great way to add character.’

The shower tiles are in a rich but muted green, which sits virtually opposite Brinjal’s aubergine shade on the colour wheel, making it the perfect accent.

‘We always opt for warm lighting – 2700K minimum – in bathrooms,’ Sarah says. ‘With no natural light, getting the design right was even more essential, and we installed multiple circuits to allow different lighting scenes through the day. We always avoid too many spotlights, as they have a harsher quality, whereas the wall lights here really bring the Brinjal to life, making it even warmer and richer.’

Finally, try to keep things relatively fuss free when using strong colours. ‘For example, we often use the same finish on the walls and ceilings, as well as skirtings, architraves and doors,’ Sarah says. ‘The simplicity of the palette creates a more calming overall aesthetic.’