Nature-Inspired Bathroom Ideas
Being in nature has so many benefits for our physical and mental well-being. Whether enjoying an alfresco activity or taking a gentle stroll, being immersed in the great outdoors reduces stress and tension, lifts our mood, boosts energy and can even enhance cognitive function. So it’s no wonder that bringing a sense of the outside in has become a huge trend in interior design.
The bathroom is the perfect space in which to carve out a calming retreat. From natural materials, textures and finishes to soothing colour palettes, earthy tones and even outdoor bathing inspiration, we’ve got all the nature-inspired bathroom ideas you need to transform your bathroom into a natural sanctuary.
How to create a nature-inspired bathroom
1. Use natural materials
The best place to start is to pick materials for your bathroom that are found in nature such as wood, bamboo, stone, marble and slate. Made from a specially developed QUARRYCAST material, which combines a unique blend of Volcanic Limestone and high-performance resins, Victoria + Albert’s baths and basins are incredibly warm and tactile.
2. Choose nature-inspired designs
You’ll instantly create a natural look if you opt for a basin and bath that capture the very essence of nature. The Victoria + Albert Seros freestanding bath is the ideal choice with its sweeping chamfered rim and sculptured line work flowing effortlessly around the tub. The internal shape is moulded for comfort, encouraging a longer soak - the ideal treat after a long day outdoors.
Part of the Seros collection, it was designed in collaboration with British sculptor Sophie-Elizabeth Thompson. Inspired by Sophie's sculptures, the collection embodies the energy and movement of water through organic, fluid forms. “I live by the sea,” says Sophie, “and took photos of how the sea rests against the sand; how the wind affects and sculpts the sand. It leaves these beautiful, calm, flowing indents. The feeling of the movement and the natural marks that are left, are what I tried to capture in this collection.”
The collection also includes the Seros 55 vessel basin, designed for mounting on a countertop or vanity unit, and the Seros 49, Victoria + Albert's first podium basin (pictured). Sculptural and emotive, it appears to have grown from the ground with its twisting, elemental shape. The bowl features a hidden free-flow drain to maintain the purity of the shape.
3. Accessorise with nature
To frame a centrepiece freestanding bath such as the Victoria + Albert Monaco, use nature-inspired accessories for the rest of the room. In this simple yet statement scheme from The Idle Rocks in St Mawes, Cornwall, the bamboo ladder towel rail, wood-framed mirror and chunky log plinth all enhance its seaside location and bring the style together.
4. Style your space with a seaside theme
Giving your bathroom a beach house feel is a great way to bring the outdoors in. Designed by Denai Kulcsar Interiors, this Bronte Beach House in NSW Australia was inspired by the iconic aesthetic of The Hamptons. Hand crafted ceramic tiles and marble herringbone floor tiles are paired with softer materials and a shiplap-style wooden ceiling. It also features the Elwick bath by Victoria + Albert with Traditional and Georgian brassware from Perrin & Rowe.
Photography: Mare Homer Photography 5. Marry marble with wood
Natural materials such as marble and wood are ideal partners for a nature-inspired bathroom. This warm, minimal design features the Victoria + Albert Barcelona 64 pebble-shaped basin with Perrin & Rowe’s Langbourn brassware in pewter.
6. Introduce greenery
There are many benefits to adding plants to the bathroom. Spider plants, peace lilies, ferns, snake plants and pothos thrive in humid environments while helping to purify the air and bring that outside-in look. In this basin set-up by Anna Barnett Perrin & Rowe’s Deco mixer in nickel has a golden glow that works wonderfully in this space.
7. Go for brass or bronze finishes
Unlacquered brass and bronze taps are ideal for adding texture, colour and warmth. Created using a special coating, which is ‘baked’ on to the surface of the brass, English Bronze is Perrin & Rowe’s darkest finish available with the distinctive bronze tones designed to bring out the intricate details of the brassware. Popular in kitchens, we are seeing demand increase for English Bronze bathroom brassware, which we think looks stunning against the Bert & May Medina Moss Green Bejmat tiles.
Photography: Chris ReevePlanning a natural bathroom
8. Make the bath the main event
When planning a nature inspired bathroom, a great starting point is to think of water and then how to make a feature of it. In this Moonfleet Manor beautifully restored Dorset Georgian manor house by StudioJill, the blue backdrop is complemented effortlessly by Victoria + Albert’s bateau-inspired Toulouse bath with Perrin & Rowe’s Traditional freestanding bath mixer with handshower.
9. Add natural textures
As well as being visually attractive, natural materials also have feel-appeal, so try to incorporate different textures such as a stone basin or countertop, woven baskets and rugs and wooden shelves. This striking stone basin is paired with Perrin & Rowe English bronze brassware for a natural, organic look and feel.
10. Keep it clutter-free
When you see nature-inspired bathrooms online and in magazines, they are never full of clutter. So keep your space serene with clever hidden storage and if you must have items on show, use open wooden shelves and woven baskets so they blend in.
11. Incorporate natural scents
Scent has the power to evoke memories and set the mood for our homes. Before you indulge in a long soak fill the room with a scent that is fresh and natural such as Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt or Wild Bluebell.
12. Introduce Art
Introducing art to your walls is a simple yet effective way to bring the outside in. Depending on your budget you could commission an artist to create a statement mural. This ethereal design by French artist, Claire Basler works beautifully with the Victoria + Albert Taizu bath which was painted in a matte olive green.
Photography: Billy Bolton 13. Let the light in
If you’re taking on a major renovation, see if you can add a skylight to the bathroom to let more natural light in, for an instant connection to the great outdoors.
Earthy bathroom ideas
14. Pick an earthy colour palette
Whether it’s for a painted vanity unit or standalone storage, a marble-clad scheme or a lick of paint on walls, an earthy palette will instantly give your space that organic look and feel. Choose naturals and beige tones, pebble greys, deep rich brown hues and dark moss greens for paint, tiles and flooring.
15. Enhance the space with warm lighting
Warm bulbs are ideal for enhancing the bathroom, giving it a cosy cocooning feel.
16. Stick to a simple scheme
This eye-catching master bathroom focuses on a limited palette, which allows the materials and products to have a big impact. It features the Victoria + Albert Barcelona Classic bath, two Barcelona 64 Basins and Perrin & Rowe’s Langbourn brassware in pewter.
18. Be inspired by your surroundings
Inspired by the dramatic landscape of the surrounding Snowdonia National Park, Penmaenuchaf Dolgellau offers breath-taking interiors that are also sympathetic to the age of the house. The bathrooms feature a warm and earthy colour palette with freestanding baths paired with Perrin & Rowe’s Traditional freestanding bath-shower mixers in chrome for the ultimate relaxing bathing experience.
Ideas for outdoor bathing
19. Take the tub outside
Inspired by luxury hotels, spas and lodges, outdoor bathrooms are the ultimate way to add luxury to your home, allowing you to relax and unwind in nature.
If you want to make a real statement, then a show stopping bath such as Victoria + Albert’s opulent circular Taizu design is a must. With a large diameter of 1500mm, the sloping sides are softened by a chamfered edge and sculpted detail at the base.
20. Choose strong, durable materials
Victoria + Albert’s specially developed QUARRYCAST™ material, made from a unique blend of Volcanic Limestone™ and high-performance resins, is UV resistant, allowing you to create an outdoor bathroom of your dreams. It is also incredibly durable, resistant to hair dyes and bath oils, is more than twice as hard as acrylic and easy to keep clean.
While the material is hardy, it is surprisingly lightweight - the average weight of these baths is just 72kg for easy installation and they come with a 25 year guarantee for consumers. This Pescadero freestanding bath is perfect for outdoor bathing, as it’s inspired by the sea with a distinctive asymmetrical ‘wave’.
21. Plan your next trip
For more inspiration for your nature-inspired bathroom, plan a trip and take it all in. We love the natural beauty both inside and out of this &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge. Where will you go?
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