Cottage style bathrooms really work beautifully with white ceramic tile. It’s a little bit more elegant than the farmhouse bathroom style; but it’s also a lot less feminine than the shabby chic style. It’s more polished than country bathrooms. This makes it perfect for a space that you have to share such as a master bathroom.
White paint is really your best friend. It’s also one of the farmhouse colors but the materials make it mroe sophisticated. However, some farmhouse decor or hallmarks of farmhouse interiors can still make it into the space. Breathe new life to all of your paneling and molding. You could even add molding or wood appliqués to a basic wood tub facade. These are common on a lot of jetted tubs. Of course, jetted tubs are a lot more common than vintage claw foot tub designs but you can still make it quite fancy.
The vanity styles are going to be quite simplistic in this design. You can also use more of a pedestal style sink. However, then the statement is really going to be in your drawer pulls. Add vintage flair with crystal or chrome versions.
Some stones will work in these kinds of spaces; such as any kind of faux marble. White ceramic tile is also a staple in this look. Try bringing in beadboard on the walls as well. You will want to stay away from slates and granites unless you already have these in your room. These tend to be more contemporary and heavy. Cottage style baths are all about creating a light and airy feeling.
One of the more opulent pieces in trendy bathroom vanities is going to be the farmhouse sink. This has an apron front and is a way to make a basic vessel sink seem a lot more vintage inspired.
As far as your color goes; it’s important to go with distinctive colors. However, it’s really going to be imperative that you make all of that white tile and classic fixtures work in this theme. This means that you might want to go with a lot of taupe or peach as far as your wall colors go. There is a possibility for yellow, but this is going to be paler. A bright primary yellow seems really country inspired.
The only really acceptable place to use wood in this kind of room is going to be on the floor or ceiling beams. You’ll need to paint out your vanity. Sure real cottages might have wood floors but it’s probably not going to be too conducive so plain white tile might be a better way to go.
It’s also important to add in a slightly feminine element. Going with Roman shades over blinds accomplishes this easily. You can bring in a toile print but it might have a rose pattern on it instead of a typical village scene.
There are also fun ways that you can make your own artwork. Chalkboard paint on a small picture frame allows you to write out different poems; just make sure that the frame is orange. You could even try this on an architectural detail like a plant shelf.
If you do want to go with a vessel sink then find different ways to make it more vintage feeling since this is such a contemporary element. This could be a handpainted rose design. Even if it’s a glass vessel it could just be a pink foil version that might even be in the shape of a flower. Keep the rest of the furniture in a shaker style so you don’t cross that shabby chic line.
We’re also seeing a sense of whimsy on shower curtains. Stores like Anthropologie have really popularized a layered ruffle look. However, this can almost mimic an old fashioned petticoat. You can even sew this yourself. You could add more ruffles to the bottom for a unique look.
There are a few ways to make the lighting that you already have work in this design style; especially if it’s cream or chrome. Skip amber shades which are too Tuscan. Instead, look for a clear or frosted glass. These cottage style bathrooms should be vintage inspired.
