Didn’t fix the color, but it felt way more intentional after that. Sometimes you just gotta lean into the weird.
That’s honestly the best approach. I’ve run into my fair share of “what were they thinking?” tile choices—one place had this wild salmon pink and black combo in a powder room, which sounds kind of Art Deco but was more like ‘50s diner meets haunted house. At first I thought, no way am I living with this. But after a few failed attempts to disguise it, I ended up embracing the drama. Swapped in a vintage crystal light fixture and some heavy velvet curtains (yes, even in a tiny bathroom), and suddenly it looked like an intentional throwback instead of a design mishap.
I do think there’s something to be said for not fighting the bones of a space too hard. Sometimes those oddball details are what make a home memorable. Like your avocado green—sure, it’s not everyone’s dream shade, but paired with brass and an ornate mirror? That’s got character. And honestly, I’ve seen some high-end designers lately leaning into those retro palettes on purpose. Maybe we’re all just catching up to what our grandparents already knew.
The only thing I’d push back on is lighting—if there’s any way to sneak in more light (even if it’s just layering lamps or adding reflective surfaces), it can make those bold colors feel less oppressive and more playful. But yeah, sometimes you just have to roll with what you’ve got and let it become part of the story of the house.
Funny how these “flaws” end up being conversation starters when people visit. No one ever remembers a perfectly neutral bathroom, right?
Couldn’t agree more with this:
That’s the thing—those “what were they thinking?” moments are what give a place its soul. I’ve toured so many high-end homes where everything is beige, beige, beige, and honestly, it just blurs together after a while. But the ones that stick in my mind? Always the ones with some wild tile or a color choice that makes you do a double take.No one ever remembers a perfectly neutral bathroom, right?
I’m with you on not fighting the bones of a space too hard. There’s a certain luxury in embracing what’s already there and making it work for you, rather than bulldozing every quirk into submission. I once saw a powder room with this almost lurid turquoise tile—think 1960s pool liner. The owners leaned in, added a gold-leafed ceiling and a massive, ornate mirror, and suddenly it felt like a jewel box instead of a design disaster. It’s all about confidence, honestly.
Lighting is a huge one, though. I’d even go a step further and say that in these quirky spaces, you can get away with more dramatic lighting than you’d expect. Sconces with colored glass, or even a statement pendant, can turn “weird” into “wow.” Reflective surfaces are underrated too—mirrored trays, metallic accessories, even a glossy paint finish can bounce light around and make those bold colors feel intentional.
One thing I’ll mildly disagree on: sometimes, if the tile is truly heinous (I’m talking hospital green or that muddy brown from the ‘70s), it’s worth considering a bold wallpaper or even a removable mural. Not to hide it, but to create a deliberate contrast. It’s like fashion—sometimes clashing on purpose is more stylish than trying to match.
At the end of the day, the best spaces are the ones that tell a story. I’d take a powder room that sparks conversation over a “tasteful” but forgettable one any day.
