The Mediterranean bathroom
A vacation getaway in your own home
Materials, shapes and colors for a Mediterranean bathroom
The term "Mediterranean bathroom" actually encompasses several different styles. It could refer to a Tuscan-style bathroom, as well as designs inspired by Greek, Spanish, or Moroccan traditions. The differences lie mainly in the details, while the main elements—the materials, shapes and colors—tend to have a great deal of overlap in large part. When designing a Mediterranean-style bathroom, the key takeaways are as follows:
Natural materials
When designing a Mediterranean bathroom, the focus should be on natural materials. Natural stone materials, such as travertine sourced from the area near Rome, work particularly well. Marble also has a strong Mediterranean connection. Use ceramic tiles, lime plaster, warm stone finishes, and rustic wood for the finishing touches in a Mediterranean-style bathroom. It’s best to steer clear of smooth, polished finishes: Textured finishes suit the style well and add visual depth.
The right colors
Natural tones also define the color palette in Mediterranean bathroom design. Colors from sandy beiges and ochres to terracotta, crisp whites, and soft to vibrant blues evoke images of the beach, land, sky, and sea.
Design language
Natural shapes and a relaxed feel are at the heart of the design. Sinks in the Mediterranean style will ideally be round, with all of the edges kept soft and flowing. If possible, incorporating separate niches can create a particularly striking visual feature.
Designing a Mediterranean bathroom
Once the basics are covered, it’s time to start exploring Mediterranean bathroom design ideas. You can add a variety of striking accents in different areas to create a cohesive and harmonious overall look.
Sink area
Mediterranean sinks with a round shape work best. Countertop sinks combined with a natural stone console can also create a striking effect. Freestanding sinks can also fit seamlessly into the design. Sink faucets in bronze or brushed brass are a perfect complement to the natural look.
Furniture
Mediterranean bathroom furniture is typically made from rustic wood. Open shelves and cabinets work especially well, emphasizing a light and airy atmosphere. Floating bathroom cabinets are also a great choice for this same reason.
Lighting
To enhance the relaxed and natural atmosphere, it’s best to focus on indirect lighting and layered light sources. Wall sconces with a wrought-iron look can add a rustic touch. If you’re drawn to modern Mediterranean baths, dimmable bathroom mirrors or mirrored cabinets can add contemporary touches without disrupting the overall feel.
Accessories
When designing a Mediterranean bathroom, the right accessories can serve as the perfect finishing touch. Baskets made from natural materials look great and also help keep your bathroom organized and tidy. You can also bring Mediterranean plants into your bathroom, like olive branches or (artificial) lemon trees. For a genuinely Mediterranean feel, go with terracotta pots.
Implementation tips
The focus of a Mediterranean bathroom is on relaxation. With that in mind, a relaxed approach to design works perfectly, as a Mediterranean bathroom can be achieved with relatively little effort. The following tips can help in the process:
Designing a small Mediterranean bathroom
A Mediterranean bathroom design will work well in any space, and it’s easy to bring the style into even the smallest bathrooms. To maintain the relaxing effect, keep things simple and avoid overcrowding the space. When in doubt, less is more when it comes to accessories and decorations. Gentle colors are more effective in compact bathrooms, whereas stronger tones can have too intense of an effect.
Accent wall vs. overall look
If you’re not ready for a full Mediterranean bathroom quite yet, you can start with smaller, space-friendly alternatives. The Mediterranean style will really shine if it’s used on an accent wall, especially when combined with ceramic tiles and ornamental plants. Combined with a mostly neutral white bathroom, it will create a balanced and cohesive overall look.
Modern Mediterranean
The Mediterranean style is far from outdated—it actually works perfectly in a contemporary bathroom. Modern Mediterranean is characterized by simplicity and minimalism. If you’re looking to combine modern and Mediterranean design, it’s best to avoid using overly busy patterns and instead rely on small geometric shapes or stripes. The result is an ideal combination of elegant relaxation and an understated contemporary style.
