Ahoy there mateys! If you’re looking to create a calming, coastal bathroom, check out our tips below, and make sure your decor isn’t all at sea.
As I looked out of my bathroom window this weekend, for the first time in a while I was actually able to spot the thin blue band that marks the sea. Whilst I'm lucky to live on the coast and command such a view, most days I normally find the sea and sky simply blur into one grey mass, so this was a very pleasant surprise indeed.
As I stood there at my basin, peering at the boats on the horizon, it got me thinking about my own bathroom design and how I could apply some coastal style to it. So, taking inspiration from our own team of stylists and our creative customers, here are just a few top tips to bring the feel of the seaside to your space.
Shipshape and full of fashion
A luxury bathroom is certainly a place to escape to, free from the stress of everyday life. However, by adding a theme to your design, like a nautical style, you can make your escape far more literal, by giving your bathroom the look and feel of a cosy holiday cottage by the coast.
These days, the nautical theme is certainly a popular choice. Whether this is to do with the link between the sea and water is unclear—but when we think of nautical style we almost certainly start to think about fun. Our imagination can almost run away with us! No matter how large or small your bathroom is, it's a design that can be achieved in almost any space!
If you don’t believe me, take a look at this small cloakroom space we created recently. You can find out more about this refined nautical style by reading our 4-part style guide.
Find out how to get "The Harbour" look with our 4-part nautical bathroom style guide
Make sure your colour palette isn't all at sea
The colour scheme for a nautical style bathroom is typically based around the suitably named navy blue and white. However, you shouldn't feel restricted to just these shades.
Sea green, turquoise, sand and bone can all evoke the tones and colours of the coast—yet you can go in different directions with your coastal theme. For example, if you are looking to create a more refined look, traditional style pedestal basins coupled with suitably classical fittings are just the job. You should be thinking more QEII and the Queen Mary, rather than rubber dinghies and pedalos. However, if you're looking for something a bit more jaunty, you might want to consider a seaside theme rather than a purely nautical design.
A subtle yet stylish coastal bathroom design by Victoria Plum customer @mycosyvictorianhome on Instagram
Maritime materials
When it comes to materials, wood panelling or beadboard can really evoke the coastal feel. It's relatively easy to fit yourself and the great thing is you can paint it in your own style. Couple with a floral or striped wallpaper to really add some depth. Carrying on the wood theme, why not fit some wood effect tiles to your floor?
The distressed look is absolutely key to achieving a more weathered feel throughout your design, and the great thing is, tiles are hard-wearing and will cost you relatively little to install and maintain. However, if they feel a little impractical or you’re simply working to a tight budget, laminate or vinyl flooring is easy to fit and comes in a variety of beautiful, wood-effect designs, creating the desired effect. The same goes for your walls. If you want to cover a large space quickly and efficiently, shower wall panels are a great option with a range of finishes that replicate the look of wood and stone.
Rope is a fantastic material for using within your interiors and is certainly something to consider in a nautical themed bathroom. Coil a length of rope in a corner to add an intriguing highlight or attach to your wall, giving you some extra hanging space. Macrame is an old rope craft which has deep nautical roots, so why not make your own plant hanger and accessorise your space?
Remember, the materials you use can be key in turning a humdrum, run-of-the-mill bathroom, into something quite spectacular!
Aquatic accessories
If you're restricted by budget, simply accessorising your bathroom with coastal touches can help create the desired effect. If you are going for the more classical look, seek out some beautiful brass in the form of a lamp, clock or barometer. This will certainly add some real contrast to your decor.
Going for the lighter touch? Paintings of seascapes or beach scenes will immediately set the tone. If you have children, a coastal style bathroom can be lots of fun. Bathmats, stick-on fish and toy boats are all great additions. Plus, if you're actually visiting the seaside, you can get the kids involved collecting seashells and different coloured sand, which can be shown off to great effect in glass jars—adding further colour and texture.
For more maritime fun, why not seek out some bunting or ships' flags and spell out a message that means something to you and your family?
A suitably seaside style cloakroom by Victoria Plum customer @insidenumber15brighton on Instagram
Are you on-board with the coastal style?
If you love the nautical look and have been inspired by some of these tips in this post, why not "go coastal" this weekend with your bathroom? At Victoria Plum, you’ll find oceans of inspiration for your little haven. Check out our nautical style bathroom guide “The Harbour”, where we show you how to achieve a more refined look. Or take a look at more of our Calming Coastal bathroom ideas.
