The bold brilliance of cool turquoise against the deep neutrality of brown offers many avenues for self-expression when it comes to bathroom decorating. Starting with these two colors – perhaps in floor tile – you can play one off the other, explore contrasts or monochromatic shading, or introduce other hues to the mix. The blend of turquoise and brown suits a range of styles, from modern, to retro and classic. Here are some creative ideas for refreshing your bathroom using turquoise and brown as a color base.

Classically Neutral

Brown is a neutral color that may set a deeply dramatic backdrop or one that is pale and spacious depending on what shade of brown is chosen. A deep chocolate brown for the walls provides a sedate contrast for gleaming white porcelain, shiny chrome fixtures and turquoise accessories. Towels, shower curtain and floor rugs can be in lighter shades of brown, turquoise or patterns that combine both colors if balanced elsewhere with solids. Play up the turquoise by using the color in a freestanding corner cabinet, in a mirror frame or wall art. If the bathroom is without much natural light, choose a lighter shade of brown for the walls and accent one wall or wood trim in a deeper shade of brown.

Spa-like Contrasts

Turquoise and brown are natural contrasts; think of how shades of brown, sand, aqua and turquoise creating a soothing contrast of seaside color and use these same relaxing tones in your bathroom. For example, you can tile your shower in a sandy colored tumbled stone tile and use a mix of sand, brown and turquoise in the shower curtain, floor mats, and decorative wall art. Paint the walls in a pale soothing shade of aqua. Bring turquoise to the forefront with a glass tile backsplash behind the sink, in countertop accessories and introduce brown stones and twisted branches in a glass vase for texture and contrast. Painted wicker, in shades of brown or turquoise, will underscore a beach resort ambiance. Set a wicker chair or stool beside the tub and add stacks of plush towels in brown, sand, aqua and turquoise.

Retro Fun

Turquoise fits right into a retro-theme bath and is juicy and vibrant when combined with orange, yellow and avocado green. Choose a shower curtain with all these hues in a funky pattern of stripes, squiggles, circles or dots. Or choose a solid shower curtain and let the bathroom rugs and towels add pattern. Swap out a standard overhead fixture with a retro bubble-lamp circa 1964 and add wall art with op art, starburst or flower-power patterns for a fresh and fun look.

Modern and Warm

Bring in warm shades of rose, coral or red and you fire-up the bathroom with dramatic inviting color. Let brown set the backdrop and use turquoise selectively, perhaps as an accent in floor tile, picture frame, metal wall grilles or set of candle wall sconces. Candlelight throughout the space will keep the ambiance soft and alluring. Add fluffy towels and rugs for comfort and accent a side chair or bench with a turquoise pillow contrasted with your chosen shade of red for a modern vibe that is as comfortable as it is beautiful.