Aquatic Themes for Bathrooms

Life’s a Beach

If the natural look appeals to you, consider using the simple colors and aged elements of the beach side. Draw on the earthy, neutral colors of the sand, sea, and sky for your color palette. Install ceramic tiles on the floor in sandy shades like beige, light gold, tan, or brown. The walls, towels, and accessories can reflect the various blues and greens of the sea and sky. Seashells, corals, and sponges can be used as natural accents or as inspiration for wall colors. There are also faux corals and shells available that look just like the real thing.

Cape Cod Style

For a quaint cottage like bathroom, borrow some Cape Cod design elements. This New England based style is defined by the use of white paired with the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue. These primary colors are often washed-out or muted rather than being used as bright tones. Beadboard wainscoting and wall panels are traditionally used as the wall treatments. The beadboard planks, trim work, moldings, and cabinetry are typically painted in crisp white tones. Lighthouses and sailboats are popular accents in this clean, coastal look.

Under the Sea

When dreaming up aquatic themes for bathrooms, children and adults are often drawn to life under the sea. For a truly wet experience in your bathroom, go for an adventurous underwater theme. Paint the walls in a deep blue or green to simulate the ocean’s jewel toned waters. If your budget allows, line your walls or shower with tiny blue or green glass tiles or mosaic designs for a shimmery water like effect. Use the naturally bright colors of reef fish and creatures as your muses for the accessories and accent colors. Add images of fish, corals, mermaids, starfish, and sea plants to your walls. This is easily accomplished with art prints, wallpaper murals, or hand painted designs. To insert a pirate theme, add a sunken ship to the wall art. Fun, colorful towels can be added in reds, yellows, and greens to round out the

Surf’s Up

To instill a Hawaiian or island vibe, try a theme filled with surf boards and palm trees. Look into the wonderful wallpapers available on the market featuring hibiscus flowers, pineapples, and surfboard designs for instant island flair. Then add some bamboo, coconut shell, or capiz shell embellishments and accessories to ground your design. Don’t forget the tiki gods! Retro island motifs are also popular and usually feature hula girl imagery and brightly printed fabrics. Images of the classic woody car with surfboards on the roof will make you smell sea salt in the air.

Aquatic Themes for Bathrooms Resources

Caron's Beach Cottage - Beach and nautical decor.

HGTV Cape Cod – Coastal room designs.

Hawaiian Days – Art prints, bamboo curtains, lamps, surfboard rugs, frames, and more.

Linens ‘n Things – Ocean City bath collection.

• Country French Style Basics
• Designing for Small Spaces
• Common Themes for Teenage Bedrooms
• Basics of Color Design
• Asian Style Interior Design

• Bathroom Decorating Themes
• Elegant Bathroom Designs
• Starfish Bathroom Accessories
• Bathroom and Bedroom Decorating and Accent
• Tropical Decor