March 18, 2022

How to Design a Modern Country Style Bathroom

Choose your colour palette

Selecting a colour palette is a great starting point when designing your modern country bathroom. Fortunately, it is relatively simple, as modern country design favours neutral and organic tones. For example, cream, beige, white, grey, and charcoal create a timeless base that feels warm and inviting. Therefore, to add interest, introduce nature-inspired accents such as duck egg blue, navy, rust, or forest green. These colours work well with neutrals and reinforce a natural aesthetic.

However, for or tapware, brushed metal finishes are an excellent choice. They provide a refined yet organic look that feels both modern and luxurious. As a result, they balance rustic charm with contemporary style.

Similarly, timber elements play an important role in modern country bathrooms. Choose rich, medium-brown tones that feel natural and balanced. Avoid shades that are too yellow or too dark. This ensures the space remains soft, warm, and cohesive. Ultimately, combining neutral colours, natural materials, and subtle accents creates a timeless modern country bathroom.

Decide on a hero piece

Some of the best modern country bathrooms feature an iconic hero piece that either highlights country living or celebrates the heritage of the home. Some of our favourite hero pieces include:

A claw foot bath
A statement basin, like a butler’s sink, vintage vanity, or concrete basin
Provincial-style tapware

Some of the most successful modern country bathrooms feature an iconic hero piece. In many cases, this element highlights country living or celebrates the home’s heritage. Additionally, it helps set the overall tone for the space and anchors the design. Some of our favourite hero pieces include a claw foot bath, which instantly adds vintage charm. Alternatively, a statement basin can also create strong visual impact. For example, a butler’s sink, vintage vanity, or concrete basin works beautifully in this style. Furthermore, provincial-style tapware is another excellent choice for reinforcing the country aesthetic.

When selecting your hero piece, it is important to consider how the remaining bathware will work alongside it. In particular, achieving balance is essential for a cohesive design. You want your hero piece to stand out, while still feeling integrated within the space. However, it should never overwhelm or dominate the entire room. For instance, you could pair a bold concrete basin with sleek, contemporary tapware. As a result, this contrast creates visual interest while maintaining harmony throughout the bathroom.

Find the perfect tiles

Tiles will instantly define any bathroom, so you want to be thoughtful with your selections to ensure you achieve the look you’re going for. Thankfully, our sales consultants can help you find your perfect tiles if you opt to visit our Springvale showroom. However, if you can’t make the trip, this handy chart that shows you the best tile combinations for your modern country bathroom:

Tile Names:

01: Floor – Day & Night Fitzroy Matt 200x200mm | Wall – Cottage White Gloss 75x150mm

02: Floor – Intarsio Moro Matt 600x600mm | Wall – Argile Ice Matt 100x100mm

03: Floor – Vintage #17 Green 200x200mm | Wall: La Riviera Botanical Green 65x200mm

04: Floor – Vintage #7 Blu 200x200mm | Wall – Coco Blue Grass Matt 50x150mm

05: Floor – Penny Round Bianco Carrara Mosaic | Wall – Subway White Matt 100x200mm

06: Floor – X-Rock White Natural 600x600mm | Wall – La Riviera Vert Gloss 132x132mm

07: Floor – Meteora Grigio Matt 600x600mm | Wall – Maioliche Cementine Blu #1 200x200mm

08: Floor – Luni Blanco Polished 600x600mm | Wall: Japanese Traces White Linen Mosaic

09: Floor – Schwarz Grey Polished 600x600mm | Wall – Lodge White Gloss 75x300mm

As you can see, modern country interiors often embrace the timeless combination of subway tiles and square encaustic floor tiles. In fact, this pairing remains one of the most popular choices for the style, as it draws strong inspiration from traditional and heritage homes that have helped define the modern country aesthetic.

Additionally, marble-look and stone-look tiles are excellent options, as they enhance the natural, rural charm that is central to country-inspired design. When selecting floor tiles, however, it’s best to avoid patterns that feel overly angular or harsh. Instead, opt for softer designs that continue the relaxed, organic feel inspired by the outdoors.

If you’ve been researching modern country bathrooms in magazines or online, you’ll likely have noticed that many designs feature timber flooring. While timber certainly complements the rustic nature of the style, it is generally not recommended for wet areas such as bathrooms. Fortunately, you can achieve the same warm and inviting appearance with a waterproof alternative. Our Intarsio range of porcelain tiles, for example, is inspired by traditional parquetry and delivers the beauty of timber with the durability and practicality required for bathroom spaces.

Furthermore:

If you’re considering timber flooring for other areas of your home, be sure to explore our range of hybrid, vinyl, laminate, and engineered timber flooring. After all, timber remains one of the most popular flooring choices for country-style living areas, offering exceptional warmth, texture, and character. Ultimately, it creates a welcoming foundation that perfectly complements the timeless appeal of modern country design.

Define your space

After you’ve decided on a colour palette, chosen your hero piece, and selected your tiles, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your space through thoughtful styling. To achieve an authentic modern country aesthetic, incorporate a balanced mix of traditional and contemporary pieces. However, it’s best to avoid ultra-modern furnishings, as they can appear too stark or out of place within the warm, inviting nature of this design style. Additionally, combining both second-hand treasures and carefully selected new purchases can help create a space that feels layered, personal, and timeless.

For example, upcycled furniture is a staple feature of many modern country interiors, bringing both character and charm to the room. Similarly, cast-iron wall hooks are a practical yet stylish addition, providing the perfect place to hang towels or display trailing plants. Meanwhile, vintage baskets, chairs, stools, and small side tables can introduce texture and a sense of history to the space. To complete the look, incorporate fresh flowers or greenery, speckled ceramics, and aged metallic accents. For instance, brass candlestick holders, antique trays, or a rustic metal pitcher can enhance the room’s country-inspired appeal. Ultimately, these carefully chosen decorative elements will help create a warm, welcoming, and Pinterest-worthy modern country bathroom.

Do you need help selecting tiles for your upcoming bathroom project? Visit our friendly and knowledgeable team at 1664-1666 Centre Road, Springvale so we can help bring your dream to life.