The trick with colour: how to use vibrant tones in your kitchen and bathroom

The vast majority of bathrooms and kitchens in Australia use the same colours and materials. There’s white tiles and fixtures, a little stainless and some white stone or marble. 

This tried and true formula can look incredible, but if you want something different why not add a little colour? To help you get it right we’ve put together a straightforward guide to using vibrant tones in your kitchen and bathroom. 

First, consider your colour palette

Before you start choosing colourful kitchen countertops, sinks, mixers and appliances it’s best to think of the big picture. Consider what colours you’d like to include in your kitchen and bathroom, and if you can, get samples of them so that you can see what they look like together. 

To make sure they do, it’s usually best to include one or two feature shades, accompanied by neutrals – think greys, whites and creams. When you start adding too many colours your space can feel a little overwhelming (and it can get hard to match them). 

Think about where you’ll add colour

Almost any surface, fixture or fitting in your kitchen or bathroom can be colourful. It’s a good idea to start thinking about what will work for your spaces. You could go with:

• Colourful sinks and fittings – something like Abey’s Lugano range, which features coppers, golds and matte blacks. 
• Coloured tiles on your splashback
• Coloured marble or stone benchtop or cabinets. 
• Painted walls or cabinets. 

It’s a good idea to check out all your options first to get an idea of how you can add colour, so visit as many showrooms as you can. Why not start with your nearest Abey showroom, where you’ll find one of Australia’s biggest collections of bathroom and kitchen fittings and fixtures, many of which are made right here in Melbourne. 

Go for on trend shades

We always advocate choosing a timeless design for kitchens and bathrooms to ensure your space ages well, but it’s a good idea to check out colour trends for inspiration. 

Right now we’re seeing plenty of green in kitchens and bathrooms. We love the look of sage or light tiles in both spaces – and soft greens look great on cabinets and walls. If you’re feeling bold, soft pinks and reds are also trending. These can add real warmth to your space, just be careful that the shades don’t clash with any of your fixtures or fittings.

Go green

We’re seeing a rise in bathrooms and kitchens around Australia that incorporate plant life and we love the idea. Even if you’re not planning to renovate, a beautiful plant can bring so much life to stale, staid spaces. 

Just make sure you choose a plant that thrives in humid areas like the ZZ plant, snake plant, heartleaf philodendron, or peace lily.

Don’t be afraid to use natural materials

One of our favourite kitchen trends of 2025 and beyond is the move toward natural materials. We’re talking rough stone and marble, with imperfections and veins of colour, rich timber benchtops, shelves and cabinets. 

If you can incorporate these materials into your kitchen or bathroom you’ll add a generous dose of warmth and personality.