If leaving the urban rat race has been a long-held dream of yours, we show you how to get the Refined Rustic look, with a bathroom that is chic, stylish and sympathetic to the original features of your rural home.
With the right choice of products, colours, textures and accessories, you can easily work with, and accentuate, all those beautiful elements that make a period home so special. Whether you’re refurbishing a barn, cottage or coach house, you can enjoy a bathroom that’s fresh and contemporary, yet in harmony with your surroundings.
In part 1 of this 4-part style guide, we’ll introduce you to the look, with some initial ideas and inspiration. However, if you’d like to skip ahead, click on the links below:
- Part 2: Achieve the Refined Rustic look in a small space
- Part 3: Discover the colours, textures and accessories which make a Refined Rustic bathroom
- Part 4: Shop the Refined Rustic look
Why is “rustic” style so popular?
Leaving the urban rat race far behind and moving to an idyllic property in the countryside has long been the dream of many a homeowner. Indeed, with our towns and cities getting ever more congested and cramped for space, many people are turning to the villages and hamlets of the UK to create their very own rural retreat.
The Coronavirus pandemic gave added impetus to this outward migration. Increased homeworking and continued concern about the spread of the virus in urban areas saw many people plotting a move to the countryside.
So, it’s only natural, that many of us are now looking into creating a bathroom that is in-keeping with the rest of a rural property, or at least, giving the impression of this rustic idyll. Take a look at just some of the customer bathroom photos we've received, showing this kind of design.
What is the Refined Rustic look?
Converting an old property, like a barn or farmhouse, to modern use doesn’t mean having to lose the character or history of your home. Indeed, with our Refined Rustic bathroom, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Making the most of the original features of your property, the refined rustic look combines the warmth and natural appearance you’d expect from a country style with sleek, contemporary items to produce a look that is modern yet sympathetic.
To achieve this look, here are a few quick tips to get you started:
Classic ceramics
Choose traditional basins and toilets, like those from The Bath Co., with timeless, elegant designs and ornate embellishments for that softer touch. The pristine white of your suite will contrast brilliantly with the more rustic elements of your bathroom such as exposed wooden beams and rough stone walls.
Weathered textures
Your bathroom walls and floors, should have a weathered, rustic feel to them, with faded oak or warm walnut being excellent choices.
Be sparing with accessories
Keep your bathroom accessories to a bare minimum and let the sense of space do all the talking.
To inspire you further, I’ve even created this handy mood board:
Refined Rustic in a small bathroom or cloakroom
Whilst rural properties lend themselves well to traditional décor, you can still achieve a bathroom that keeps up with the latest trends in terms of colours, textures and furnishings.
In part 2 of this style guide, we’ll be taking a look at how you can achieve this look in a cloakroom or small bathroom. Click on the image below to head there now.
More bathroom style ideas
Not quite the bathroom style you’re after? Discover lots of different style guides by heading to our Get the Look hub, where you’re bound to find a look you love.
