A well-done farmhouse bathroom is the epitome of luxury when it comes to straddling the line between cozy and chic. Not only is it rustic and charming, but it also offers a sophisticated oasis for you to unwind at the end of the day, or get a jump-start on a new one.

If you’re looking for some bathroom ideas that are both cozy and rustic-inspired, these brilliant farmhouse bathrooms are sure to help you create a sumptuous design that is both liveable and aesthetically pleasing.  

BY ANDREA CHILDS

A painted freestanding bath can add just the right amount of color while contrasting against other neutral shades in your farmhouse bathroom. For a sunny outlook, a yellow bathroom will bring a smile to your day.

'While we think yellow is here to stay for a while, a painted boat bath can be changed when fashion dictates, or you can change the shade of yellow as and when you wish,' suggests Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs.

'There are several different yellow hues to pick from, from pale pastels to dark mustard, all of which can work in contemporary or traditional spaces. Homeowners are also turning to brass finishes and accessories, which also feature the warm undertone of yellow.'

Whichever color you choose, ensure it complements rather than clashes with the rest of the decor in your home – after all, harmony is a key feature of this style.

Wall paneling are the go-to option when you want to cover up uneven wall surfaces, which can be an issue in farmhouse homes. For bathroom paneling, you'll want to choose a material that can withstand moisture and humidity, such as marine grade ply.

Paneling can be a way to introduce warmth and texture to the cool, clean atmosphere of a bathroom. It could be shiplap on the lower half of the walls, a paneled bath surround, or a contemporary ridged design, as shown here.

'If you're feeling bold, go for floor to ceiling wood and contrast finishes, tones and plank direction,' says David Snazel, Hard Flooring Buyer at Carpetright.

Good lighting is a functional essential in any bathroom but its effects can be enhanced by the materials you use in the space.

'Smooth, reflective materials bounce light around and so tend to make a space feel bigger and brighter – think mirrors, gloss-finish tile, paint and brassware,' explains Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs. 'Alternatively, rougher textures like unpolished stone and wood absorb light to make a bathroom feel warmer and more comfortable. 

'Adding both finishes in different areas to create zones can be a fantastic way of bringing your bathroom to its full use. Think beautiful wooden finishes close to areas such as the bath for relaxing, while statement lights, mirrors and gloss tiles near to a vanity unit can help to keep this area fresh and bright.'

This stylish oatmeal and ebony scheme takes the farmhouse look in a new direction, adding in a smart wallpaper – Crane Fonda from Divine Savages – to elevate the finish. It's a great interpretation of black and white bathrooms.

The focal point is the beautifully textured bowl-shaped Sadie basin from London Basin Company. The design features shallow diagonal carvings, which gives it a natural, woven look that suits the modern farmhouse style.

If your farmhouse bathroom doesn't already have a wood floor, consider laying one to introduce the beauty of natural grain to your sanctuary. You can be assured that wood flooring is suitable for a bathroom, as long as you make the right choice.

'There are many choices when it comes to wood and wood effect flooring,' says Carpetright's David Snazel. 'Be guided by the room and your budget, and consider engineered wood or luxury vinyl. 

'There's something with beautiful tones and finishes in every price range, and recent advancements mean these grains and knots can be particularly realistic.' It's why wood flooring are so popular throughout our homes.

A deep metal bath, reminiscent of traditional tin tubs but with an updated air of luxury and style, can be the key element of your farmhouse bathroom ideas. 

There are many different approaches to planning your bath. If you have the space, consider positioning the bath in the center of the room as a focal point, rather than against the wall. And style the space around it – with a side table for bathing products, or a chair to relax in while the water is running.

Graphic tiles and contemporary wood paneling will update the look for modern farmhouse style.

While wood is frequently used in a farmhouse bathroom, marble bathrooms can also find a place in your scheme.

'As a natural material, marble is perfectly suited to a farmhouse look,' agrees Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief, Homes & Gardens. 'Choose a muted honed finish rather than a high-shine surface, such as this Calacatta Oceana Oro tile from the Elements collection at Artisans of Devizes.

You could also add an element of surprise with the addition of colored sanitaryware. Here, a pale green basin enhances the natural balance of the decor.

We usually think of texture as being a tactile element; something we can touch and feel. In the context of interior design, texture is also about adding visual interest and balance to a space. 

'There are different types of texture you can add, such as reflective, tactile and natural,' explains Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs. 'It’s important to mix up the textures in a space to create a balanced look that, while interesting, doesn’t overstimulate the senses.'

It doesn’t just have to be about a single object in a room either as texture can be about layering various materials, colors, metals and textiles in a space. Here, the softly textured tile plays against the smooth Nimbus cabinet and gleaming brushed gold Victrion faucet for a look that's rich in texture.

If you prefer your farmhouse bathroom ideas to be more pared back, look to the East for inspiration. The Zencha bathroom collection by Sebastian Herkner for Duravit was inspired by traditional Japanese rituals and craftsmanship. Bathers are invited to immerse themselves into the deep water, an experience reminiscent of a Japanese Onsen bath.

'When paired with natural wood finishes in the bathroom, this look is a serene interpretation of modern farmhouse style,' suggests Melanie Griffiths, Editor of Period Living magazine. 

'Minimalist color scheme like creams, whites and soft browns are best to achieve the farmhouse bathroom style but don’t be afraid to experiment with rich greens and blues, which can add character to kitchens and bathrooms,' says Richard Petrie, interiors expert at Thomas Sanderson. 

Green bathrooms bring a verdant look  that suits this aesthetic. Adding a bold tile design is a perfect way to enhance rustic elements and fuse modern and traditional styles. 

'Modern farmhouse bathrooms are all about the natural elements and chunky furniture, seamlessly blended with modern fixings and fixtures to create the perfect balance,' says Connor Prestwood, interior designer at Dowsing & Reynolds.

'Source a beautiful rustic wooden side cabinet from a charity shop or reclamation yard and combine with a worktop basin and modern mixer tap to create the ultimate statement.'

'A main feature of the farmhouse bathroom is the fusion of old and new,' says Richard Petrie who suggests pairing classic features such as wooden beams to give a vintage charm with more modern elements. 

In this space, crafted by Alexander Waterworth, the neutral color scheme and wooden beams create a traditional style which is complemented by a modern freestanding bath. 'Standalone baths are becoming an essential look to the farmhouse approach,' says Waterworth. 

Introduce rustic fittings and furnishings to get traditional farmhouse bathroom ideas in the mix. The rustic elements will add warmth which perfectly complements the modern white tones and clean lines. 

Connor Prestwood from Dowsing & Reynolds recommends styling worn wooden shelving with ornaments to create a homely feel. 

Light and bright colors are easy farmhouse bathroom ideas. 

In this space, crafted by Kate Lester, the pink cabinet and patterned flooring enhances the clean lines and challenges the traditional neutral palette. 

'I think the concept of farmhouse bathroom ideas is all about taking the traditional farmhouse vibe and making it your own,' says Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors.  

'To me, it means warm bright whites, pops of black, and infusions of traditional pine or elm woods. I think it’s really important to push the boundaries and introduce juxtaposition with textiles, patterns and artwork that may not feel traditionally farmhouse-inspired.’ 

'I find that I lean towards chrome and brushed brass when working on farmhouse bathroom ideas,' says Amala Raj Swenson of Amala Raj Interiors. 'Both these finishes add a nice “jewelry ” statement to the space.'

The space, crafted by The Residency Bureau, combines rustic and wooden elements with modern features such as the brass taps which creates a warm feel. 

'For cabinetry, I love using natural wood tones,' says Amala Raj Swenson. 'I think many people stick with white but by incorporating more color, your space has an extra vibrancy to it.

'The wood tones also add to that perfect contemporary farmhouse feel without being too heavy of a look.' 

'When creating farmhouse bathroom ideas, mix clean lines with natural textures, high-contrast finishes, like dark bronze hardware and black grout on white tile,' says Bevan Talbott of Bevan & Co. 'Farmhouse bathrooms are all the creature comforts of home, a visible artist’s hand, mixed with the clean lines of modern furniture.'

'Textures, natural materials such as wooden panelling or exposed brick, and earthy tones exudes a farmhouse feel,' says Emma Joyce, brand manager at Fortune Brands.

'Darker tones including black, navy and burgundy help to build a cosy, farmhouse look in the bathroom.'

In lieu of a shower, a claw tub or a stock tank are options that blend beautifully with modern farmhouses. Laura Mooney, Owner and Head of Creative at The Mohicans Treehouse resort suggests choosing a white cast iron tub for a more classic approach, or go with a copper sitting tub or repurposed stock tank as alternatives for a bolder scheme.

‘For me, farmhouse style really is about a lifestyle – cozy, comfortable, easy fabrics, light and airy,’ says interior designer Karen B. Wolf. ‘The idea is for the interior to reflect a welcoming attitude that is relaxed, friendly and uncluttered.’

To achieve this, particularly in a small or compromised space, you may need bathroom storage made for purpose.