With many of us spending more time cooped up indoors and dealing with unprecedented stress throughout 2020, it’s no surprise we find solace in nature. Especially here in Northeastern Wisconsin, where we have the Fox River, Lake Winnebago, and High Cliff State Park to enjoy. They are a welcome escape from the confinements of home. After the previous year, it’s no surprise that rustic and natural bathrooms are one of the top bathroom remodeling trends for 2021. Interested in bringing some of that outdoor serenity and natural beauty indoors? Let’s take a look at a few of the ways you can embrace nature and really add some natural beauty to your bathroom.
1. Nature-inspired colors
The great Wisconsin outdoors is full of amazing colors, which is probably why we love them so much. Use nature as your inspiration for your bathroom’s color palette — calming blue like the sky, rich greens like the trees and grass, gray like stone, or even shades of brown to emulate wood and sand.
When it comes to colors and patterns in a bathroom, a little goes a long way. Use those earthy tones for an accent wall with unique patterns and add other small pops of color throughout the bathroom to tie it all together.
2. Botanical walls/living walls
If you really want to bring some nature inside, consider a botanical wall (also called living walls). If you’re not familiar, botanical walls are one of the fastest-growing interior trends — and they’re perfect for a nature-inspired bathroom!
Basically, a living wall consists of a frame that fits the wall and connects to a planter. As the plants grow and climb, they take over your wall. While they do require some sunlight, upkeep, and maintenance, they are really beautiful and can make the space feel like an outdoor haven. They make for gorgeous accent walls.
If you’re not quite ready for a full botanical wall, that’s OK. Even adding smaller plants and greenery into the space can make a big difference.
3. Stone
Stone is another great natural bathroom idea. It has that rustic look and natural tones that are really beautiful. Of course, there are different types of stone you can work with — limestone, marble, onyx, etc. — that all have a different look and price point.
Depending on the look you want, marble countertops can add a touch of natural elegance to your bathroom, whereas limestone or granite sinks are a little more rustic-looking. You can also use natural stone as a great accent for your wall, floor, or shower.
4. Wood
Nothing says rustic quite like wood. The rich tones and natural patterns of the grain can really warm up a room. Again there is a variety of different wood and stain colors to choose from, depending on the overall look you want your bathroom to have.
You may be wondering “Can I put hardwood floors in a bathroom?” The answer is: absolutely! We love wood floors — and they happen to be a popular feature in today’s market, which means they can provide a lot of value if and when you decide to sell your home. However, in a space with a lot of moisture, like a bathroom, hardwood floors require a little extra care during installation and ongoing maintenance to protect against potential leaks and water damage. If this is the type of flooring you want, it’s best left up to professionals to install.
Beyond flooring, there are lots of other ways to integrate beautiful, natural-looking wood elements into your bathroom. Mirror and picture frames, shelving, window shutters, bathtub trays and caddies, and artwork/decor are all great options that can serve as focal points in the space.
5. Natural light
While we generally think that bathrooms should be private and closed off, that can make them feel a little depressing and unwelcoming. Enter sunlight. Finding ways to integrate natural light into the space (when you don’t need complete privacy) can definitely help make the space feel more open and inviting.
If the room has windows, take advantage of them when remodeling your bathroom to get the most out of the natural light. You can use mirrors to help bounce the light around the space and lighter colors throughout that won’t soak up as much of the light. There may also be opportunities to widen the windows during the remodeling process.
If your bathroom is in an interior room, try to make the most of the light coming from the doorway. Again, mirrors and lighter colors can help bounce the light around the bathroom. There are also light fixtures that are brighter and can somewhat mimic sunlight that may be a good fit for your bathroom.
Another great option for bathrooms is skylights. This can add a lot of natural light and be very relaxing when soaking in your bathtub or taking a shower under a rain shower head. Plus, you don’t have to worry about opening or closing them when you need privacy from neighbors.
Start your bathroom remodel
If you’re ready to finally get the bathroom you’ve always wanted, Watters Plumbing is here to help. From rustic and natural to modern and minimalist, our bathroom remodeling and design team can bring your dreams to life. Come check out our showroom in Menasha or connect with our Watters Plumbing team for more details.
