When it comes to creating a stylish and relaxing retreat in your home, the bathroom often takes centre stage. It’s an intimate space where you begin and end your day, so why not make it as enjoyable as possible? If you’re a fan of the casual, laid-back vibe of UK coastal style, you’re in for a treat. The bold, maritime hues of blue and white, the refreshing open space and the signature tile designs all contribute to the classic coastal aesthetic. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key elements you need to create an authentic UK coastal style bathroom.
Incorporating Coastal Colours
It’s no secret that colours play a monumental role in setting the mood for any room. For a coastal style bathroom, you’ll want to focus on blues, whites and soft, sandy neutrals. These colours mimic the natural hues found along the British coastline and will add a calm, serene feel to your space.
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Choosing a pale, sandy colour for your walls is a good starting point. This will create a neutral backdrop against which you can layer different shades of blue. For example, you could incorporate a deep, navy blue for your bath or shower tiles, while using softer, lighter blues for your towels and other bathroom accessories.
A coastal bathroom design wouldn’t be complete without a good amount of white. White is a timeless colour that adds a sense of freshness and openness to the room. You could paint your bathroom cabinets white or use white tiles on the floor or halfway up the wall. Remember to balance out the white with pops of blue to avoid a clinical look.
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Opting for Maritime-inspired Tiles
Tiles are a crucial element in any bathroom, but they hold particular significance in a coastal themed room. There’s something about the texture and shimmer of tiles that evokes images of the sea and sand. To instill this sentiment, consider using tiles with a glossy finish to reflect the light, much like the sun hitting the ocean.
Introduce some maritime inspiration by using tiles in shades of blue, ranging from turquoise to navy. You could opt for a mosaic tile design for your shower wall or a more subdued subway tile for your flooring. To add a touch of sophistication, consider using marble or white-tiled flooring.
Utilising Open Space and Natural Light
The coastal style is all about openness, light and airiness. As such, designing your coastal bathroom requires clever use of space and light. If possible, incorporate a large window to allow natural light to flood into the room. Not only will natural light make your bathroom feel bigger and more welcoming, it will also highlight the beautiful blue and white colour scheme.
In terms of layout, aim for a spacious feel by minimizing clutter. Your bathroom should evoke feelings of a breezy beach house, not a cramped city apartment. Opt for floating vanities and wall-mounted fixtures to free up floor space, and consider a glass shower enclosure to maintain an open feel.
Adding Coastal-inspired Accessories
No coastal bathroom is complete without some maritime-themed accessories to tie the look together. Consider adding a large, round mirror reminiscent of a ship’s porthole, or choose towel hooks shaped like anchors. You could also add a touch of nautical whimsy with a ship-in-a-bottle display or vintage maritime prints.
Consider using natural, sustainable materials wherever possible to add to the coastal vibe. Wicker or rattan baskets can provide stylish storage solutions, while a jute rug can add texture to your floor. Remember not to overdo it with the accessories, though – the key to coastal style is simplicity and understated elegance.
Bringing in the Coastal Scents
Lastly, don’t forget the power of scent in creating your coastal style bathroom. The smell of the ocean can instantly transport your senses to the coast, creating a truly immersive experience. Consider using scented candles, diffusers, or bath products with notes of sea salt, fresh linen, or driftwood to add the finishing touch to your coastal bathroom sanctuary.
Creating a coastal style bathroom does require a good eye for design and an understanding of the key elements that make up this style. The blue and white colour scheme, the use of tiles, the open space, the coastal-inspired accessories, and the scents are all critical factors. But, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can successfully transform your standard bathroom into a beautiful coastal retreat. Remember, a well-designed bathroom isn’t just a room, it’s an experience. Make it a good one.
Implementing British Colonial Design Elements
For an authentic UK coastal style bathroom, integrating elements of British colonial design can be a fantastic enhancement. This style, originating from the British colonies, showcases an elegant blend of traditional British style and tropical elements. As the bathroom is often a retreat, why not give it a touch of exotic elegance?
Start with your bathroom furniture. Opt for pieces that have an antique, weathered look. A wooden vanity unit with a white marble top can be a great focal point. You can also consider a standalone bathtub with claw feet for a truly colonial feel. For floor tiles, a hexagonal or herringbone pattern in white can provide a classic yet stylish touch.
A large, ornate mirror can be a standout feature in your coastal bathroom. This not only evokes the British colonial style but an oversized mirror will also amplify the light and space in the room, enhancing the overall coastal vibe.
When it comes to textiles, stick with white or soft neutral colours. This keeps the room feeling fresh and clean. However, don’t shy away from patterns. A striped shower curtain, for instance, can add a touch of sophistication.
Finally, as Arabella Bowes, known interior design maven, puts it, "The devil is in the details." Incorporate brass or aged bronze fixtures and fittings, which are quintessential to the British colonial style. A chandelier or lantern-style lights can create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Interspersing Greenery and Plants
The UK coastal style is not just about the sea and sand, but also about the vibrant coastal plant life. Including greenery in your bathroom design can make the space feel more connected to nature, enhancing the coastal aesthetic.
Ferns, such as the Boston or maidenhair variety, are excellent choices as they thrive in humid, low-light conditions. Aloe vera and bamboo plants are also great options. These plants will add a fresh, lush touch to your bathroom, creating a spa-like ambience.
You might also consider installing a living wall. Not only will it serve as a stunning visual centerpiece, but it also has practical benefits, such as improving the air quality in the room. If a living wall seems too ambitious, simply hang some potted plants from the ceiling or place them on shelves.
Lastly, consider incorporating floral or botanical prints into your décor. These can be in the form of framed artwork, or even on textiles such as towels or bath mats. Remember, the goal is to create a natural, serene environment that ties in beautifully with the coastal theme.
Conclusion
Designing an authentic UK coastal style bathroom requires careful planning and a thoughtful approach to each element. From selecting the perfect coastal colours, to deciding on maritime-inspired tiles, to incorporating British colonial design elements, every detail matters. The clever use of space and light, as well as the addition of coastal-inspired accessories and scents, can help you achieve this desired aesthetic. Remember, as Serena Fokschaner, esteemed design writer, said, "A well-designed bathroom is not just a room, but an immersive experience."
Whether your home is a country house or a Notting Hill London apartment, every bathroom can benefit from the tranquil, refreshing vibe of a coastal retreat. Whether you’re looking for bathroom design inspiration or you’re ready to dive into a complete bathroom overhaul, remember these key elements to create a perfect coastal sanctuary. And don’t forget to give credit to the future you, who will undoubtedly appreciate your efforts in making an idyllic, relaxing space.
