Accessories:

Choosing the right accessories, such as light fixtures, sink and tub fixtures, and even door knobs can be the key to making your rustic bathroom well-rounded.  To begin, choose sink and tub fixtures that appear to be from the not-so-recent past, like the kind that are white and read “HOT” and “COLD” on them.  Next, choose great lighting options.  Going with wall sconces rather than bright, flourescent Hollywood bulbs are great starters.  If you have an overhead light, think about getting a small but eye-catching chandelier made of a darker metal, wood, or even antlers.  All other fixtures in the room – door handles, drawer pulls, cabinet handles, etc. – should all appear dated.  To do this, stay away from shiny silver and gold if at all possible.

Final Touches:

You can also choose metal toothbrush and soap holders.  Here, though, could be your opportunity to have a little fun, as there are several rustic-themed pieces that depict bears, moose, ducks, and deer.  These are also great choices for the rustic bathroom.  Buying crisp, white towels and candles can also add an extra touch to the rustic bathroom.  You can even find candles wrapped in tree bark to finalize the rustic theme.

Of course one cannot forget about finding the perfect shower curtain for your bathroom.  If you’re not into a rustic shower curtain featuring bears and moose, you can often find southwestern shower curtains that also fit perfectly into a bathroom like this.  Then, don’t forget to add the finishing touch with your bear shower curtain hooks. 

Finally, because rustic has a nature feel to it, why not bring nature into the bathroom.  The most appealing way to do so is to have fresh flowers somewhere.  Even a small vase filled with lavendar or bright, yellow yarrow can make a dramatic effect.  Place flowers in a window sill or on the edge of the sink.  Make the rustic theme you’ve been desiring spring to life with the tips we’ve provided.  Allow the Spring that is blooming around us to provide you ideas for your rustic retreat.

-ang

Establishing the Backdrop:

Even with more modern or updated sink, tub, and toilet, you can accomplish a rustic feel.  The key is enhancing any rustic touches that already exist or bring them in where you can.  A great place to begin is the bathroom walls.  For someone who has several financial resources at hand, creating a fuax log cabinesque wall using wood planks is one way to begin.  Another option would be to use stone or rock for either a wall or to build up around your tub.  A cheaper option would include painting the walls with a natural color, such as a toned down yellow-green.  Taking the time to make the walls appear distressed after painting can add to their appeal.  Another color option may be a light tan, beige, or brown.

Furniture and Storage Spaces:

Larger accessories in your bathroom such as a wardrobe for towels, which can be great if your bathroom has not closet space, or a small stool or chair where one’s belongings may be laid are great touches to a rustic bathroom.  Dark or cream wicker pieces always appear nice, as do wood pieces that are naturally distressed or that have the appearance of distressing because of crackle paint.  I have a small lime green (although not bright) stool that has many years of other paint shining through as it has slowly chipped away over the years.  This piece would be a jewel to any rustic bathroom.

Completing the backdrop and establishing storage can be the two most time-consuming parts of setting up your rustic bathroom.  Next we’ll talk about the final touches, which can add striking personality to your bathroom and complete your rustic retreat.

-ang