French country home designs have been extremely popular for decades, and a common jumping-off point for new home owners both urban and suburban. Even if you haven’t really heard the term before, you’re almost guaranteed to have spent some time in a French country kitchen or living room and almost guaranteed to have said something like “wow, I really like what you’ve done in here” in the same space.
French country is a laid-back and somewhat-rustic sensibility that applies itself particularly well to living spaces and kitchens, but really, it’s a design principle which can be applied anywhere. In truth, even if you’ve got minimal, Brutalist or maximalist mid-century aesthetics elsewhere in your home, French country designs can absolutely shine in the bathroom. If you want rustic elegance and timeless beauty or the warm, inviting, and relaxed ambiance you deserve from a bathing space; this classic style is a must-try. And here’s how to do it.
Colour Scheme And Design
The key word for French country bathroom designs is, as it would be anywhere else in the home, ‘rustic’. There’s a cottage sensibility to French country, but with a slight minimal edge that yields elegant charm (over, say, the shabby-chic cosiness of English country styles). To achieve this in your own bathroom, try using natural materials like reclaimed wood, stone, and terracotta tiles.
You’re lucky if you have any exposed wooden beams to show off, but not doomed if you don’t. Something like a stone accent wall can add plenty warmth and character to your space. More widely, try incorporating a muted colour palette, with an emphasis on soft pastels and earthy tones. Floral patterns might be a bit much for the bathroom, but actual flowers are always a good call.
Traditional Fixtures And Features
Most of the work in your French country bathroom will be achieved with the fixtures and fittings. Make sure you’re choosing fixtures and features that reflect the rustic, raw-material nature of the aesthetic; brass or oil-rubbed bronze faucets are de rigueur.
A little life-hack here, both for your bathroom budget and for your French country plans: pick pre-loved porcelain for your sink. Cracks and patina will give a lived-in and loved feel, also giving you more money to spend on a luxurious freestanding bathtub. Finish the look with a wrought-iron light-fitting to add some texture.
Modern Elements
Traditional French country bathrooms naturally eschew modern convenience in favour of the vintage elements that define the aesthetic. That said, the odd modern amenity can enhance the aesthetic work you’ve put in, as well as improve functionality of your space overall. An illuminated bathroom mirror is a hugely beneficial addition to your bathroom for both a practical and contemporary touch – and all the better if it has adjustability in the lighting department, giving you more control over the ambient lighting of your newly-renovated space.
