Introduction

A cottage bathroom remodel offers the perfect opportunity to create a relaxing and charming space. When revamping a cottage bathroom, it’s important to maintain the cozy, rustic feel while also incorporating modern conveniences. With careful planning and design, you can transform your dated or dreary bathroom into a beautiful cottage oasis. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the key steps for revamping a cottage bathroom, from developing the layout and selecting fixtures to styling the space. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a Pinterest-worthy and highly functional new cottage bathroom.

Planning Your Cottage Bathroom Remodel

Before diving into the design details, it’s important tothoughtfully plan out your cottage bathroom renovation. Taking the time to consider your needs, budget, layout, and other logistics will ensure the project goes smoothly.

Assessing Your Needs

First, analyze how you use your bathroom and what you would like to change. Do you need more storage? A soaking tub? Shower stall? Double vanity? Create a list of your goals for the remodel. This will drive the layout and design plans.

Setting Your Budget

Next, develop a realistic budget. Bathroom renovations span a wide range of costs. Focusing on the layout, plumbing, lighting, and finishes you can afford will keep the project on track financially. Be sure to include contingency funds to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Choosing a Layout

With your goals and budget set, start mapping out potential layouts. Consider where the sink, toilet, tub, and shower should go and how the space can be zoned into functional areas. Measure carefully to be sure fixtures and traffic flow will work.

Selecting Fixtures and Finishes

Now you can pick finishes that match your cottage vision. Shop vintage and reproduction lighting and hardware to find charming cottage style on a budget. Choose tile, countertops, cabinets, and colors to create your dream bathroom.

Hiring a Contractor

Unless you’re a skilled DIYer, hiring a qualified contractor is key for a smooth renovation. Get estimates from a few bathroom remodel contractors. Check reviews and references. Ensure they have experience with cottage style and can work within your timeframe and budget.

Thoughtful planning is the foundation of every successful cottage bathroom remodel. Setting clear goals, budgets, layouts and finishes will help you create a cozy new bathroom you’ll adore.

Achieving the Cozy Cottage Look

The charm of a cottage bathroom comes from blending vintage character with modern amenities. When designing your cottage bathroom, focus on these elements to achieve the cozy, relaxed style:

Vintage Fixtures

Secondhand and reproduction fixtures lend old-fashioned character. Look for clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, exposed plumbing and vintage-style faucets and lighting. Pendant lights, sconces and chandeliers work well.

Classic Materials

Use classic decorating materials like subway tile, beadboard wainscoting, shiplap walls, honey oak cabinets and porcelain pedestal sinks to evoke cottage style without looking dated.

Soft Colors

Stick to a soft, muted color palette for a soothing cottage feel. Paint the walls light neutrals like ivory, beige, sage green, robin’s egg blue, or pale yellow. Use white trim for contrast.

Natural Textures

Incorporate natural textures with stone tile, wood cabinetry and accents, wicker baskets, soft towels and curtains. The mix of materials adds cozy appeal.

Floral Patterns

Vintage-inspired floral patterns on wallpaper, shower curtains, rugs and soft furnishings add to the cottage charm. Stick to ditsy florals in muted hues for a relaxed look.

Distressed Details

Chipping paint on furniture legs, antique signs on the walls and rough wood surfaces make a space feel genuinely cottage. But use these touches sparingly to avoid looking shabby.

Keeping these cottage elements in mind will ensure your remodeled bathroom has all the quaint, cozy charm you crave.

Selecting Cottage Bathroom Paint Colors

Paint is one of the easiest ways to transform the look and feel of a space. Choosing the right color scheme is key to creating a relaxing, welcoming cottage bathroom. Follow these tips when selecting paint colors:

Neutrals for Walls

Stick to light, muted neutral hues like beige, tan, light gray, and pale greens and blues on the walls. Soft neutrals keep the space feeling calm and airy. Crisp white trim adds nice contrast.

Accent Wall Colors

Consider adding visual interest with a muted accent wall behind the tub or sink vanity. Subtle sage green, robin’s egg blue, or muted yellow work well.

Avoid Stark Whites

Stark bright whites can feel harsh. Opt for soft antique whites with a subtle yellow/green undertone for a mellow cottage look. Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a popular choice.

Match Cabinets and Trim

For a cohesive feel, match your cabinetry and trim to walls painted in the same neutral tone. A slightly darker shade adds nice definition.

Color Suggestions

Some specific cottage-friendly hues to consider:

• Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
• Behr Cushing Green
• Behr Gray Cashmere
• Valspar seashell
• Valspar antique white

Sample Colors

Test samples on the wall before fully committing. The color will look different in your specific lighting. Paint squares of your top color choices for an easy comparison.

Choosing soft, muted paint colors is the first step to creating the cozy cottage bathroom of your dreams. Take your time testing out shades to find the perfect hues.

Cottage Bathroom Flooring Ideas

The flooring sets the foundation for any cozy cottage bathroom. Natural textures like stone, wood and tile complement the rustic style. Assess your options to find the best cottage bathroom flooring for your space and budget.

Stone Tile

Natural stone tiles in neutral hues bring lovely texture. Materials like travertine, limestone, and slate have an organic, earthy feel perfect for a cottage bath. Use larger tiles for a seamless look.

Wood Flooring

Wood instantly evokes cozy cottage charm. Wide-plank floors or chevron patterns work especially well. Opt for durable wood types like teak that resist moisture.

Mosaic Tile

Tiny mosaic tiles arranged in patterns are a charming choice for cottage floors and shower walls. Stick to soft neutral colors. Vintage encaustic-style tiles offer old-world appeal.

Porcelain Tile

For a budget-friendly option, porcelain tile resembles natural materials like stone, slate and wood. Matte finishes are better than glossy for the cottage look.

Vinyl Sheet Flooring

If your subfloor requires moisture-resistant flooring, sheet vinyl designed to mimic wood or natural stone offers the cottage look without the hefty price tag.

Color Considerations

Aim for light, natural-looking hues that won’t make the small space feel dark and cave-like. Beige, gray, white and wood tones are best for cottage baths.

Whichever material you choose, opt for matte finishes over polished for a softer, more relaxed vibe. The flooring should enhance the cozy cottage charm of your new bathroom.

Cottage Style Vanities and Cabinets

The vanity and cabinets provide essential storage in a bathroom and make a big impact on the overall style. When selecting vanities and cabinets for your cottage bathroom, look for these characteristics:

Vintage Style Doors

Shaker-style doors with visible hinges and hardware or glass-front cabinets with open shelving have an old-fashioned cottage feel.

Distressed Finishes

Cabinets with worn, chipped paint or intentionally distressed stains complement vintage bathrooms. But use sparingly to avoid looking shabby.

Beadboard Cabinet Fronts

For easy DIY cabinets, beadboard paneling cut to size affixes nicely to cabinet door fronts with wood trim edges for cottage appeal.

Wood Materials

Painted oak or maple cabinets suit the aesthetic. Pine adds rustic flavor but requires extra sealing. Heartier teak and cedar work well in moist areas.

Open Shelving

Freestanding shelves or wall ledges for folded towels make a functional and charming addition to cottage bathrooms instead of wall cabinets.

Hardware

Vintage cabinet hardware like ceramic knobs, exposed hinges, and wire pull handles enhance the old-fashioned look. Brass and chrome suit bathrooms.

Selecting cabinets and vanities with vintage style and detailing will contribute to the cozy charm of your cottage bathroom renovation.

Cottage Bathroom Countertops

When selecting a countertop for your cottage sink vanity, natural materials like stone and wood add organic texture and warmth. Here are some charming, low-maintenance options that complement the cozy style:

Soapstone

Soapstone has a smooth, velvety texture. Neutral gray shades with subtle veining suit vintage baths. It resists staining and etching. Avoid glossy finishes.

Marble

Classic marble with gorgeous veining instantly elevates a bathroom. Hone the marble for a matte finish and old-world appeal. Requires frequent sealing.

Granite

For a durable option, granite countertops come in muted neutral and creamy tones fitting a cottage bathroom. Brands like Kashmir Gold are ideal vintage-inspired hues.

Butcher Block

Wood countertops lend cottage charm, but they must be thoroughly sealed to withstand moisture. Acacia and teak offer hardness and water-resistance.

Limestone

Understated limestone in muted, natural-looking neutrals adds organic texture. Fossil flecking has cottage appeal. Avoid polished surfaces.

Concrete

Simple poured concrete counters offer a raw, utilitarian look fitting relaxed cottage baths. Concrete stains create any color but work best in gray-beige tones.

Picking natural countertop materials with subtle patinas, wear and textures enhances the vintage charm of your cottage bathroom remodel.

Best Cottage Style Lighting

Proper lighting sets the mood in any bathroom. For a cottage bath, look for fixtures with vintage shapes, materials, and details that feel distinctively rustic chic.

Pendant Lights

Hanging pendant lights over the vanity add charming ambiance. Look for clear glass globes, braided fabric cords, visible filaments, and antique brass or black metal.

Sconces

Mount matching sconces on the wall on either side of the mirror for handy task lighting. Go for vintage milk glass, geometric metal mesh, or fabric drum lampshades.

Chandeliers

Mini chandeliers make a big statement over a bathtub area. Opt for delicate crystal or dangling candlebulb shapes to match the cottage aesthetic.

Wall Mounted Fixtures

For a sleek look, choose vintage-style bath fixtures like articulating swing arm wall lamps or porcelain flush mount lights.

Edison Bulbs

Visible filament bulbs paired with vintage cages, pendants, or sconces emit a beautiful ambiance. Use bare bulbs sparingly to avoid feeling industrial.

Dimmer Switches

Install dimmers to control the lighting mood. Soft light sets a relaxing cottage tone while brighter light aids tasks.

Choosing the right cottage bathroom lighting ensures your new space glows with cozy vintage character.

Styling a Cottage Bathroom

The finishing touches and accessories you choose will tie your whole cottage bathroom design together. Follow these styling tips to complete the look:

Textured Shower Curtains

In place of doors, shower curtains add softness. Choose cloth curtains in natural linen, lace, or crochet textures for a cottage feel.

Woven Baskets

Incorporate baskets woven from wood, wicker, jute or rattan to hold towels and toiletries in an attractive way.

Houseplants

Plants like ferns, ivy and orchids liven up the space. Opt for low-maintenance varieties that suit the bathroom humidity.

Framed Mirrors and Art

Hang framed mirrors or pleasing artwork featuring floral motifs, nature scenes or sea shells.

Window Treatments

Add pretty privacy with embroidered sheer curtains, charming cafe curtains, or matchstick bamboo blinds.

Vintage Signs

For character, display vintage-look metal or wood signs marked “Water Closet”, “Ladies” or “Gents”.

Extra Towels

Fold some fresh towels over a basket or ladder to add warmth to the room.

Small finishing touches make all the difference in creating a truly cozy and inviting cottage bathroom retreat. Experiment until you achieve the perfect styling.

Maintaining Your Cottage Bathroom

To keep your revamped cottage bathroom looking its best and protect your investment in the renovation, be sure to properly care for and maintain the space.

• Use bath mats, shower curtains and ventilation fans to minimize moisture damage.
• Immediately wipe up spills and splashes on surfaces.
• Clean tile grout and apply fresh sealant yearly to prevent staining.
• Use mild cleaners and avoid abrasive products on vintage fixtures.
• Open blinds/curtains after showering to allow ventilation and prevent mold.
• Check for leaks around the sink, tub and fixtures. Repair immediately to prevent rot.
• Clean whirlpool tubs per manufacturer instructions. Refill water softener salts.
• Replace worn out caulk and grout with matching colors.
• Freshen wall paint when it appears faded or stained.

With regular care and maintenance, your beautiful cottage bathroom can stay looking cozy, fresh, and inviting for years of enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Bathrooms

What colors work best in a cottage bathroom?

Soft muted colors like light grays, greens, blues, and pale neutrals help create the tranquil cottage vibe. Crisp white trim contrasts nicely.

What flooring options suit a cottage bathroom?

Natural materials like wood, tile, stone, and vinyl sheeting resembling stone or wood make cozy cottage bathroom flooring.

How do I add vintage style on a budget?

Visit antique shops and look for vintage reproduction fixtures. Or create DIY touches like beadboard cabinet fronts and open shelving for that timeworn charm.

Should I get a clawfoot tub for my cottage bathroom?

A clawfoot tub evokes classic cottage style. Make sure to measure the space carefully first, as they take up more room than built-in tubs.

Can I do a cottage bathroom remodel myself?

Minor cosmetic updates can be DIY, but extensive layout changes, plumbing and electrical work require professional skills. Hire a contractor at minimum for major structural work.

How do I add storage to my small cottage bathroom?

Floating shelves, corner shelves, bathroom wall cabinets with concealed storage, freestanding furniture, and a sink vanity with drawers all maximize space in cozy bathrooms.

What are rustic alternatives to shower doors?

Vintage-style cloth shower curtains, wood blinds, or frosted glass are charming options for cottage tubs and showers instead of plastic curtain liners or shower doors.

Revamping a tired bathroom into a beautiful new cottage oasis is a rewarding project. With careful planning and design choices that enhance the vintage charm, you can create a peaceful and inviting space with lots of character. Use this guide to help bring your cozy cottage bathroom vision to life.

Conclusion

Transforming a dated or dreary bathroom into a charming cottage retreat takes careful planning, but the payoff is well worth the effort. Focus on designing a layout that makes the most of the available space and suits your needs. Select fixtures and finishes that accentuate the cozy vintage style. Soothing colors, natural materials, and vintage accents are key. With these tips in mind, you can revamp your bathroom into a functional and relaxed cottage haven. A thoughtfully planned remodel will provide a beautiful, soothing space your whole household can enjoy for years to come.