10 Ideas For Designing a Bathroom Inspired by Nature’s Beauty

A nature-inspired bathroom can evoke a sense of tranquility and serenity, and provide a soothing retreat from the stresses of everyday life.

Such a bathroom incorporates elements of nature to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. It is inspired by natural colors, textures, and materials found outdoors, such as wood, stone, plants, and water.

In your next remodel, you may want to design a nature-inspired bathroom. If this is you, consider:

(a) Your design preferences

If you’re drawn to natural colors, textures, and materials, then a nature-inspired bathroom may be a good fit for you.

Such a bathroom might not align with you if you prefer a more modern, minimalist, or industrial style.

(b) Your lifestyle

Within your household, you want to take importance into how you use your bathroom.

If you enjoy spending time in the tub or shower, a nature-inspired bathroom can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. However, if you prefer a more practical and functional bathroom, a nature-inspired design may not be as important.

We, however, advise homeowners to inject nature’s beauty into their bathrooms no matter how busy their lives get to get that kick of morning inspiration or evening relaxation every time you use the bathroom.

(c) Your budget

Natural materials like wood and stone can be more expensive to install and maintain in a bathroom than using synthetic materials.

So, consider your budget when designing a natural bathroom. Good thing, you can still create a nature-inspired look using less expensive materials like botanical prints or textured tiles.

Ideas to Design a Nature-Inspired Bathroom

If a nature-inspired bathroom aligns with the overall style and value of your home, use these steps to get started:

1. Use natural materials

Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and plants can help create a natural look and feel in your bathroom.

These materials can be used for elements such as flooring, countertops, shelving, or decorative accents.

Natural stone, such as marble, granite, or slate, can be used for flooring, walls, and countertops in the bathroom to give a rustic and natural look to the bathroom

Pebbles can be used to create a natural-looking shower floor, backsplash, or accent wall while bamboo flooring and accessories add a natural and tropical feel. Wood panelling also stands out in the bathroom.

Seashells can also be used as decorative accents in the bathroom to add a coastal and beachy feel to the space.

Note…

While natural materials are an eco-friendly choice for bathrooms, natural materials require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. For example, wood needs to be treated regularly to prevent water damage and staining.

In the bathroom above, wooden floors are used to add warmth to the bathroom. Such a great choice. To do it right also, you should start with a hardwood that is durable and can withstand exposure to moisture: think oak, maple, and teak.

Apart from sealing to protect the floor from water damage, other maintenance tips for wooden floors include:

• Wipe up any spills or splashes immediately,

• Place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas or areas where water is likely to be splashed, such as in front of the sink or shower, to protect the wood and prevent slips.

• Ventilate the bathroom to prevent moisture buildup in the bathroom, which can cause the wood to warp or rot, either through a window or a ventilation fan.

Also, natural materials such as stone and wood can be prone to damage if not installed properly. For example, stone tiles can crack if not installed on a level surface.

With stone finishes, you also want to:

• Clean spills immediately to prevent staining or etching of the stone. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot up the spill, and avoid wiping it, as this can spread the spill. The stone should be dry at all times.

• Seal the stone surfaces to protect them from stains and other damage. Depending on the type of stone, you may need to seal it every six months to two years. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific type of stone.

• Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for use on stone to clean and maintain the surface. Avoid using vinegar, lemon juice, or other acidic substances.

• Avoid using abrasive materials for scrubbing the stone – think steel wool or scouring pads- as they can scratch and damage stone surfaces. Instead, use a soft sponge or cloth for cleaning instead.

Therefore, when remodeling your bathroom, you want to use a professional contractor and have them share steps for maintaining your bathroom so it stays its best.

2. Incorporate earthy colors

Earthy colors can create a calming and soothing atmosphere in your bathroom. They include beige, brown, oliver green, terracota, rust and grey.

You can also use shades of these colors and incorporate them through paint, tiles or decorative elements. Think shades of green or blue on the walls or tiles, and brown or beige on the floors and vanity.

When incorporating earthy colors in the bathroom, it is important to balance them with lighter tones to avoid creating a space that feels too dark or heavy.

For example, using a beige or white countertop can help balance the richness of brown tiles.

Additionally, adding natural materials such as wood, stone, or plants can complement earthy colors and create a cohesive and harmonious bathroom design.

3. Bring in natural light

Natural light is essential for creating a connection to the outdoors. It can also enhance its overall aesthetic and create a bright, inviting space.

Skylights are a great option if you have a top floor bathroom or a bathroom with limited wall space for windows. Large windows also allow natural light to flood in and create a brighter, more cheerful space.

Note…

If you’re concerned about privacy, you can install frosted or stained glass windows or panels. These will let natural light into your bathroom while still maintaining your privacy.

A transom window – a narrow window that is installed above a door or larger window – can also be installed to allow natural light to enter the bathroom while also providing some privacy.

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4. Add natural textures

Incorporating natural textures like wicker baskets, a bamboo stool or a rattan light fixture can help enhance the natural look and feel of your bathroom.

You can also use textured tiles or a stone backsplash to add depth and interest to the space.

Natural fibers such as jute, sisal, or cotton can be used for bath mats, shower curtains, or window treatments to add a natural and organic touch to the bathroom.

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5. Use nature-inspired accessories

Adding nature-inspired accessories like a seashell soap dish, a wooden bath ladder or a driftwood mirror can help create a cohesive look that feels both natural and beautiful.

You can also add artwork featuring natural scenes or botanical prints to bring the outdoors in.

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6. Add Water features

Water is a central element of nature-inspired design and can be incorporated in the form of a waterfall shower, freestanding bathtub, or a natural stone sink.

These features help to create a luxurious spa experience at home.

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7. Bring in Plants

Adding plants to your bathroom can help create a sense of nature and bring life to the space. If you already have plants, here are 26+ plant display ideas you can copy for your bathroom interiors.

8. Bring the Bathroom Outside

Outdoor bathrooms can provide a unique and luxurious experience, allowing you to enjoy nature and fresh air while you shower or bathe.

Depending on the location of your outdoor bathroom, it can offer more privacy yet more of nature’s beauty than an indoor bathroom with large windows.

More so, you don’t need a lot of renovation for to create a nature-inspired bathroom. Now that saves your money!

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9. Go for an Indoor-Outdoor Bathroom

An indoor-outdoor bathroom seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living spaces.

This type of bathroom typically has one or more walls that open up to the outdoors, creating a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor areas.

You can achieve this type of bathroom by using large windows, sliding doors or privacy screens that allow natural light to flood into the bathroom and create a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

With an indoor-outdoor bathroom, you also save more on renovations.

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10. Fake the Outdoor Experience

If you love the look of an outdoor bathroom but don’t have the space or budget to create a fully functional one, a great way you can fake the outdoor look in your bathroom is to add outdoor-inspired decors.

Options include a showerhead that looks like a rain shower, or a wall mural or wallpaper of a forest or beach, which can help create the illusion of being outdoors.

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By following these design tips, you can create a beautiful bathroom that brings the beauty of nature indoors.

Remember to use natural materials, earthy colors, and natural textures to create a cohesive and calming space.

Disclaimer: The images are courtesy of Cocoon Bathrooms, Wewnetrzu, Kaldewei, Bodes Studio, GIA Renovations, Saneux Bathrooms, Victoria Plum UK, Unique Hideaways, Aqualisa Showers, Drummonds_Bathrooms, Stephanie Kraus Designs, and The Lifestyled Co. on Instagram.