6 Features That Will Give Your Bathroom a Country Look
Add some – or all – of these key elements to turn a standard bathroom into a cosy, farmhouse-style haven
If you’ve been browsing for ideas on how to get a rustic look in your home, you’re not alone. According to the 2024 Houzz UK Emerging Summer Trends Report, searches on Houzz for “country cottage interiors” have risen by nearly 50% this year, with “farmhouse bathroom” jumping by 13%, so it seems a country look is high on a lot of interiors wish lists.
To help you achieve country cottage style in your bathroom, consider adding one or two of these key features.
To help you achieve country cottage style in your bathroom, consider adding one or two of these key features.
2. Tongue-and-groove panelling
Nothing says ‘rustic’ quite like tongue-and-groove panelling, so if you’re going for a country look in your bathroom, consider installing it somewhere in the room.
You don’t have to cover the whole wall, though. Instead, add it as a bath panel or take it up to mid-height on the walls, as Beth Dadswell of Imperfect Interiors has done here.
The compact space has odd proportions, but Beth has embraced the imperfections by following the line of the sloping ceiling with her panelling. The timber slats give the room a cosy feel and make a feature of the basin area.
More: 24 Ideas for Using Panelling in Your Bathroom
Nothing says ‘rustic’ quite like tongue-and-groove panelling, so if you’re going for a country look in your bathroom, consider installing it somewhere in the room.
You don’t have to cover the whole wall, though. Instead, add it as a bath panel or take it up to mid-height on the walls, as Beth Dadswell of Imperfect Interiors has done here.
The compact space has odd proportions, but Beth has embraced the imperfections by following the line of the sloping ceiling with her panelling. The timber slats give the room a cosy feel and make a feature of the basin area.
More: 24 Ideas for Using Panelling in Your Bathroom
3. Exposed surfaces
If you’re lucky enough to live in a property that already has some rustic features, leave them on show and work your design around them. The team at InsideOut Interior Design have done just that in this cosy bathroom.
They haven’t been tempted to fill in an awkward gap where a window used to be and have instead turned the recess into a handy ledge. The arched shape and Cotswolds stone wall add farmhouse character to the room, and the choice of natural stone tiles ties in well.
Don’t have any period features to show off? You can apply brick slips to the wall to create a similar exposed effect.
Easily find reviewed interior designers and bathroom designers on Houzz.
If you’re lucky enough to live in a property that already has some rustic features, leave them on show and work your design around them. The team at InsideOut Interior Design have done just that in this cosy bathroom.
They haven’t been tempted to fill in an awkward gap where a window used to be and have instead turned the recess into a handy ledge. The arched shape and Cotswolds stone wall add farmhouse character to the room, and the choice of natural stone tiles ties in well.
Don’t have any period features to show off? You can apply brick slips to the wall to create a similar exposed effect.
Easily find reviewed interior designers and bathroom designers on Houzz.
4. A roll-top bath
A freestanding tub can instantly turn a modern bathroom into something altogether more rustic, so consider choosing one if you’re going for a country look. The classic model is cast iron with ornate claw feet and a painted exterior, which is what the team at Brooke Copp-Barton Interiors have gone for here.
You can take advantage of this design by using it as an opportunity to add colour. The plum paint chosen here, for example, perfectly matches the patterned tiles on the floor.
A freestanding tub can instantly turn a modern bathroom into something altogether more rustic, so consider choosing one if you’re going for a country look. The classic model is cast iron with ornate claw feet and a painted exterior, which is what the team at Brooke Copp-Barton Interiors have gone for here.
You can take advantage of this design by using it as an opportunity to add colour. The plum paint chosen here, for example, perfectly matches the patterned tiles on the floor.
5. Mix and match patterns
A farmhouse look can embrace colour and pattern; in fact, more is often more if you’re after a cosy vibe. Go for a traditional design, like the wallpaper in this country bathroom, and set it off with some tongue-and-groove panelling.
A scheme like this is where an interior designer’s skills will really come in useful. There’s an art to making mixed patterns and colours look cohesive rather than chaotic and, while there’s a lot going on in this room, the space feels harmonious and balanced.
The trick is to start with the main pattern and pick out colours from there for other elements in the room.
A farmhouse look can embrace colour and pattern; in fact, more is often more if you’re after a cosy vibe. Go for a traditional design, like the wallpaper in this country bathroom, and set it off with some tongue-and-groove panelling.
A scheme like this is where an interior designer’s skills will really come in useful. There’s an art to making mixed patterns and colours look cohesive rather than chaotic and, while there’s a lot going on in this room, the space feels harmonious and balanced.
The trick is to start with the main pattern and pick out colours from there for other elements in the room.
6. Natural accessories
A simple way to bring warmth into your country-style bathroom is with natural textures. Materials such as wood, stone and wicker are perfect for giving the space a bucolic look, and can be incorporated through some well-chosen accessories.
In this bathroom, designed by Run for the Hills, the team have added smaller baskets and vases, as well as a wicker bench. The mix of organic materials gives the room a lovely farmhouse feel.
Tell us…
Are you a fan of the country look, or do you prefer something more contemporary? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
A simple way to bring warmth into your country-style bathroom is with natural textures. Materials such as wood, stone and wicker are perfect for giving the space a bucolic look, and can be incorporated through some well-chosen accessories.
In this bathroom, designed by Run for the Hills, the team have added smaller baskets and vases, as well as a wicker bench. The mix of organic materials gives the room a lovely farmhouse feel.
Tell us…
Are you a fan of the country look, or do you prefer something more contemporary? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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You can instantly give your bathroom an old-fashioned country feel by including vintage items in the design. A great way to do this is by creating an upcycled vanity unit, as the team at Nefarious Design have done here.
For best results, choose a solid piece of furniture that can hold the weight of a worktop and basin, with enough space below for the plumbing. The dark wood cabinet here has been teamed with an earthy-toned marble surface and a curved undermounted basin, which complements the pale green walls beautifully.
More: How to Turn a Piece of Vintage Furniture Into a Vanity Unit