Design your country bathroom by using unique accessories and materials

Use some of these ideas to jump start your imagination

The accessories and furnishings in a country bathroom reflect this modern outlook. This is no longer a room consisting of only the "necessary" items. Bathrooms today are also sporting candles, flowers, electronic equipment and even upholstered pieces of furniture.

What makes a country bathroom?

In my mind, a country bathroom brings us back to our grandparents home. It is a nostalgic reminder of life lived in a slower, more relaxed pace. Listed below are some of the characteristics of bathrooms from days gone by:

• An abundance of wood contributes to the room's ambiance.
  The walls were often covered with wood. 2X4's or 2X6's were often nailed to the beams. This not only were nailed horizontally or vertically, but many times attached on the diagonal. Rather than cover the entire wall with wood, paneling was sometimes used as wainscoting on the lower half of the walls. The ceiling was also often wood covered.

  Counter tops and vanities of country bathrooms were often built from wood. To achieve this look today, lavatories are installed into antique bureaus or tables.

• Plumbing fixtures were often made of porcelain or brass
• Hardware consisted mainly of wrought iron
  In early times most towns had the village blacksmith who constructed needed metal items in his forge. This explains the abundance of hand forged wrought iron available to us today.

• Claw foot tubs and pedestal sinks immediately bring a country atmosphere to a bathroom
• Wooden peg holders or an antique hat rack can be used to hold towels
• Mirrors don't need to be medicine cabinets. Use a wood framed mirror over your sink. Perhaps you can find an item a mirror can be inserted into such as a large antique horse collar, an antique picture frame or even an oxen yoke for his and her mirrors.
• Old gas lights can be rejuvenated with electric bulbs and installed on each side of the mirror.
• Wooden shutters can be used in place of curtains
• Use an oak toilet seat.
• Use a small antique shelving unit to hold books and an assortment of toiletries.
• If you have the room, a small upholstered or wicker chair will add character to your country bathroom.
• If your window is small or inconveniently placed for privacy, consider painting it. There is a large selection of paints and instructions for painting on glass in the craft stores. This will allow the light to flow into the room, but still give you privacy and add some originality to your country bathroom.
• Wicker baskets and old trunks can be used to hold towels and linens under a pedestal sink.
• On the wall at the foot of the tub, place pictures or other wall hangings that please you and bring good feelings to you as you soak and relax in your soothing bath.

Never Underestimate Candles and Scents

No matter what your bathroom style, from a country bathroom to a contemporary setting, candles and the scents they give off can set the tone for the feeling you would like your bathroom to evoke. Along with candles, plants and flowers are always soothing and relaxing to the senses.

Follow up with some of these ideas and perhaps you will come up with some creative ideas to go along with these. Always do only what pleases you and you will be sure to create a haven where you can retreat and rejuvenate your mind and body.

Visit the pages below for more information on Bathroom Decorating:

Visit More Bathroom Decorating Ideas for additional hints on designing a bathroom that's right for you.
Visit Analyze Your Bathroom for a worksheet that will help you decide exactly what kind of room you want to create

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