Rustic bathroom - all you need to know

There is a reason why the rustic style is otherwise known as country style. The interiors are dominated by natural materials and stylized furniture. Rustic bathrooms look cozy and are associated with homely atmosphere. Such interiors often feature folk motives and flowers. In a traditional version, rustic bathrooms will look similar to what we used to find in the countryside before. When designing a bathroom, we can go in two directions. The decor can include only what is characteristic for the rustic style, or we opt for a combination of rustic style and elements of contemporary style.

Before, bathrooms were meant to be functional above all, and this is what should guide us when planning the decor.

One of the most important aspects in any decor is a well-chosen color scheme. In every design style, there are colors that are a must, and others that work great as add-ons. Rustic bathrooms are maintained primarily in earth tones, white being the basic color. It can be in various shades. Its complement will be shades of beige, gray, brown and green. A white bathroom in rustic style complemented by such colors will be super cozy.

Going for such a design, we need to avoid flashy and strong colors. Turquoise, red and yellow are impressive and can make the interior look more attractive, but not in this case - rustic bathrooms would lose their character.

Another important matter are the materials. Rustic interiors are finished with natural materials. However, as bathrooms have a specific microclimate, this can be slightly more challenging. For this reason, we can consider imitations that react better to moisture.

The base is wood, which can be used to finish virtually any surface. No matter what kind of room we incorporate it into, it will bring a cozy and homely atmosphere, which is what rustic style is all about. It’s important to remember, though, that not every type of wood is suitable for the bathroom, and that it needs to be properly protected. Exotic wood will be perfect for the bathroom as it is hard and much more resistant to moisture. However, it is also quite expensive. High-quality porcelain stoneware can be an alternative to wood.

A rustic bathroom will look spectacular when complemented with brick. It is often used in contemporary interiors, but it will also find it’s place in a country bathroom. Best effect will be achieved if we keep it in its natural color or, alternatively, paint it white. In tenement houses and some old buildings, what we can do is remove some plaster to expose the brick used to build the wall. This won’t be possible in contemporary buildings, though. In this case, we can go for brick-effect tiles. But it’s not the only kind of tiles that will work well here. Rustic bathrooms look great when white ceramic tiles are used. Those with subtle patchwork patterns will look great, too.

Once the floor, ceiling and walls are finished, it’s time for furnishings. When choosing furniture, we should focus on wooden and wood-like models. Ideally, they would have vintage look. Bulky furniture will look good, too. Depending on whether investors want to follow the classic rustic style or one that has a contemporary touch, plain furniture or, just the opposite, decorated with milling and fine handles can be chosen. In the latter case, mirrors complemented with ornaments will be a great option. The bathroom cannot lack an under-sink cabinet and free-standing shelves, but if there is space, a plant rack and floating shelves will be a good idea as well.

There can be no bathroom without ceramic. In case of a traditional rustic bathroom, the focal point will be a free-standing heavy tub, but if there’s no space, it can be built-in. A rustic shower unit can be an option, that is, one with black profiles and plain panes. Ideally, it should have no shower tray or have one that is very slim and almost unnoticeable.

The washbasin, toilet bowl and bidet should have a classic rounded shape. Although those with square shapes are trendy and look interesting, it’s better to leave them for contemporary bathrooms. Back to the washbasin - a model that isn’t made of ceramic, but made of stone is a good idea. Like this, it will also resemble a bowl.

The most important color in the rustic style is white: creamy, milky, ivory. Bright colors, especially white optically enlarge the interior, so obviously, they are a good option for a smaller bathroom. A small rustic bathroom will look more spacious, especially if there aren’t many decorations and trinkets in it. It is also advisable to give up on bulky furniture and focus on those pieces that have a slightly lighter design. Since rustic style works well in smaller spaces, a rustic bathroom can also look great in the attic.

In design, colors, materials and furnishings are the base. However, it’s the accessories and decorations that are responsible for the atmosphere of the interior. What can we do to make a rustic bathroom look great? Here are some inspirations.

It’s definitely worth getting a wicker laundry hamper, and baskets for towels or beauty products. Since the interior is supposed to refer to nature, it’s great if we find some place for potted plants. Check our blog to find out what kinds of plants thrive in the bathroom. If the bathroom has a window, we can decorate it with lace curtains or wooden blinds. When choosing ceiling and wall lighting, it’s worth opting for models with shades and light bulbs that give warm light. Candles will also introduce a nice atmosphere.