The importance of Colour and Decor

As well as cleanliness, busyness and odour, the design and aesthetic of a bathroom can have a significant impact on how pleasant an experience users will have there. In addition to the 73% who said a bathroom in poor condition is enough for them to take their business elsewhere, it is interesting to note that over a quarter (26%) of our respondents say they do check the bathrooms before deciding to eat or drink somewhere. This accounts for one in four people and is something hospitality establishments cannot risk ignoring as it shows many venues are judged before they’ve had a chance to serve the visitor.

Our survey found that the colours people associate with clean, stylish bathrooms in hospitality establishments are whites and creams (39%). For 14% of respondents, lighter colours also impact visitor perception on how a bathroom smells.

A response to colour in this manner is not something that would necessarily be at the forefront of a designers mind but nonetheless goes to show the affect decor can have on our senses that goes beyond the visual. A little over a third of those surveyed (38%) said colour did not influence their perception of smell which means for the majority it is a factor.

Hygiene and scent aside, decor can also affect a bathroom user’s perception of comfort in hospitality sector washrooms.

As seen above in the experiences shared by respondents, bright, spacious bathrooms with large mirrors and sinks were almost universally considered positive features. Asked if the style/decor of the bathroom impacted whether they felt comfortable using the facilities, 42% of respondents said it did.