Country-style bathroom
Key points at a glance:
- Choosing the right country style: Whether British, French, or Scandinavian—each style strikes its own balance between coziness and elegance.
- Opt for natural materials: wood, natural stone, and marble lend the bathroom warmth, character, and authentic country-style charm.
- Create ambiance with colors and details: Pastel shades, plants, and stylish accessories harmoniously complete the country-style bathroom.
What types of country house styles are there?
Not all country styles are the same. Although there are naturally many similarities between the different styles, there are also some striking differences.
First, it is important to differentiate between classic or vintage country style and modern country style. Furthermore, a distinction can also be made between British, French, and Scandinavian country styles.
Classic
The classic country house style is more playful and ornate than its modern counterpart. Country house vintage bathroom furniture, for example, often features details on handles for drawers or doors that are reminiscent of Art Nouveau. Mirrors and bathroom decorations also stand out thanks to their embellishments.
Modern
As with most modern bathrooms, less can be more when it comes to modern country-style bathrooms. So if you want to keep your country-style bathroom modern, opt for cleaner lines and more subtle decorations. Frameless mirrors and straight bathroom furniture handles are ideal examples.
British
British country-style bathrooms tend to be more classic in design. Check and striped patterns are often found here. Wood colors are often slightly darker, while dusky pink is a popular choice for wall colors. Generally speaking, the British style, often referred to as cottage style, has a slightly more elegant feel than the French style, for example.
French
Romantic yet rustic: the French country-style bathroom skillfully combines these seemingly contradictory elements. Lavender as a bathroom plant adds a touch of Provence. Since bathroom furniture with signs of wear and tear looks particularly good in this rustic country style, it usually complements the classic style well.
Scandinavian
The Scandinavian bathroom is a style all of its own. When it comes to country houses, it can be both classic and modern. As the Scandinavian style is somewhat more understated than the British or French styles, it can strike a good balance between understatement and opulence.
Materials for country-style bathrooms
Even though there are a few differences, country house styles have a lot in common. This applies, for example, to the choice of suitable materials. The rule here is: always stay natural.
Wood
Above all else, wooden bathroom furniture defines the country house style. It is hard to imagine a vanity unit in a country house made from any other material. It doesn't matter whether the style is modern or classic, the cozy, natural touch of wood is essential to the style.
Natural stone
Natural stone in the bathroom harmonizes beautifully with wood and can also look great in a country house style. For example, it fits perfectly with the rustic charm of French style.
Marble
Marble is often associated with luxury bathrooms, but this special natural stone can also serve as a real eye-catcher in a country-style bathroom. It is an excellent addition to the more upscale British style, for example as a console for the vanity.
Suitable colors for the country house style
Of course, the right colors are important when designing a country-style bathroom. It is rare to find a completely monochrome design. For example, country-style bathroom furniture is often white, but is then complemented by other colors on the walls or in the decoration.
By the way: even if you're not interested in country style, you can find out more about colors in the bathroom in our magazine.
Pastel colors
Peace and relaxation fit perfectly into a country-style bathroom—and matching pastel colors convey exactly this atmosphere. A calm beige is particularly popular for the English style, but mint green or soft blue tones are also very appealing.
Earth tones
Whether brown, dark green, or deep red tones—earth tones harmonize perfectly with the natural materials of the country house style. Accordingly, they work particularly well if the bathroom leans more toward the French style.
White and gray
White and gray are well suited to the understated Scandinavian style. Just make sure that the country-style bathroom furniture is in a different shade—light wood, for example, goes well with white.
Decorations & accessories for country-style bathrooms
Decorations and accessories also play a role if you want to bring country style into your bathroom. After all, it's the details that really complete the relaxed charm. The following ideas will help you create the right atmosphere:
Frames for pictures and mirrors
The right frames for bathroom mirrors and any artwork can really enhance the country house style. For example, curved, gold frames add just the right touch to a British or French country-style bathroom. For a more modern Scandinavian look, on the other hand, you can even do without frames entirely.
Suitable plants
No matter how precisely your country-style bathroom is decorated, plants are always a good choice. The exact type of plant you choose will depend on the specific conditions in your bathroom—you can learn more about this in our article on plants in the bathroom.
Accessories and details
Don’t overlook smaller details like the right soap dispenser or towel rack for a country-style look. As with the frames, more whimsical designs work well for British and French styles, while simpler, more linear ones suit the Scandinavian style. In all cases, towel ladders can also add an interesting touch.
Baskets
Baskets in the right sizes are perfect for storing towels or toiletries. They blend seamlessly into the rustic charm of a country home. They also provide storage space in the bathroom and help keep things tidy.
