Bathroom featuring a tree trunk and natural elements, combined with Duravit ME by Starck fixtures

Natural bathroom

The gentle lapping of water, the scent of plants, and soft, golden light—what could be more relaxing? If you want to experience this feeling in your own home, you should opt for a nature-inspired bathroom. Done right, a nature-inspired bathroom can help you forget the stresses of everyday life and transport you to your own world of peace and relaxation.

Key points at a glance:

  • Use natural materials: wood, natural stone, bamboo, and raffia create a warm and relaxing atmosphere in the bathroom.
  • Creating a sense of calm with color and light: Earthy tones and warm, dimmable lighting highlight the harmonious character of the natural-style bathroom.
  • These details complete the natural bathroom: plants, rugs, and water features add extra coziness and a spa-like atmosphere to the bathroom.

Suitable materials for natural-style bathrooms

The key to a natural-style bathroom is the materials. Of course, they should be as natural as possible.

Light wood finish of a Duravit Brioso bathroom cabinet

Wood

Wood is an essential element in a natural-style bathroom. This material should therefore be used, especially for bathroom furniture in such a setting. Generally, wood with a natural grain is recommended over a high-gloss finish.

Vanity unit with a natural stone finish featuring a Duravit Studio F. A. Porsche Collection countertop sink

Stone

Natural stone complements all types of wood perfectly. In a natural-style bathroom, for example, it shines as a material for vanity tops and vanity consoles, as well as for shower trays, and can thus complement wooden bathroom furniture.

Bamboo shrubs behind a freestanding Duravit Studio F. A. Porsche Collection bathtub

Bamboo

Bamboo can be used in addition to or instead of wood. It lends a tropical lightness to the natural-style bathroom.

Bathroom plant, with a Duravit D-Neo bathtub in the background

Bast

Much like bamboo, raffia bathroom furniture also looks great in a natural-style bathroom. This elegant material is particularly well-suited for baskets used to store toiletries or laundry.

Tips for designing natural bathrooms

Not every item in the bathroom can be made of wood or stone, even in a natural-style bathroom. But that’s not a problem. After all, you can achieve the same look with other materials. Plus, some “unnatural” items actually look really good in a natural-style bathroom.

Duravit Stonetto shower tray with cascading water

Ceramics

It doesn’t always have to be natural stone. Whether it’s a sink or a shower tray, ceramic or even innovative materials can be designed to look like stone. These often offer practical advantages over natural stone: easier cleaning and maintenance, lighter weight, and so on. But even classic white ceramic blends perfectly with a bathroom decorated in natural shades of green and brown.

Duravit Cape Cod freestanding bathtub on wood-look tiles

Tiles

While it is technically possible to install a wooden floor in a natural-style bathroom, this is generally not recommended. This is because wood is sensitive to frequent contact with water. To bring a natural feel into the bathroom using bathroom tiles, many are now available in a wood-look finish. Of course, a stone-look finish is also an option.

Duravit faucets in brushed bronze

Faucets

Even if you prefer to use natural materials in your bathroom whenever possible, this isn’t an option when it comes to faucets. Nevertheless, bathroom faucets in coordinating colors blend perfectly into a natural-style bathroom. Warm copper, bronze, or brass tones are particularly recommended. However, silver or black also look excellent, especially when paired with stone-effect finishes.

Tip: While a rain shower doesn’t automatically create a natural look, this feature is a must-have in any nature-inspired bathroom! With the right showerheads, you can perfectly complete the natural experience in your bathroom.

Wall colors and lighting for natural-style bathrooms

It’s not just the fixtures and fittings that turn your bathroom into a true nature-inspired space—the atmosphere is also key. This is where wall colors and lighting really come into play.

Duravit sink area against a green accent wall

Wall paints

A bathroom in natural tones like brown or green is an obvious choice. This enhances the natural feel, and both colors harmonize beautifully with materials like wood or natural stone. But subtle colors like white or gray are also perfect for drawing attention to the natural materials and highlighting their impact.

Duravit Zencha vanity unit with a countertop sink beneath illuminated bathroom mirrors

Lighting

Warm, soft lighting works particularly well in a natural-style bathroom. Dimmable lights also help create a twilight atmosphere and make the bathroom feel even more natural. For example, mirror cabinets are ideal for indirect, dimmable lighting in a natural-style bathroom.

The right accessories for a natural bathroom

Bathroom ideas for a natural look should also take the details into account. In addition to bathroom furniture, accessories can also help create a natural feel.

Duravit SensoWash Starck F shower toilet surrounded by bathroom plants

Plants

The perfect addition to any nature-inspired bathroom is a selection of plants. Of course, these should get enough light and be well-suited to the conditions in the bathroom. They look especially good in planters with a stone finish or made of raffia or bamboo.

Freestanding Duravit bathtub next to a green rug

Rugs

Rugs can also be a wonderful addition to a nature-inspired bathroom. A green, plush bathroom rug is almost indistinguishable from a soft layer of moss. This enhances the overall look and makes the bathroom even cozier.

Water droplets falling onto a Duravit Tempano shower tray

Water features

If you're looking for something a little more unique, you can also install small water features in a nature-inspired bathroom. The gentle splashing of a well-chosen fountain enhances the natural feel and the relaxing atmosphere.