Some say farmhouse bathrooms are out. But if you still love the look, we've got you covered! Here's how to achieve the current spin on the trend.
8 Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas
Updated on Aug. 06, 2024
The Updated Farmhouse Bathroom
Farmhouse style bathrooms were trending big just a few years ago, but some say the look is on its way out.
And while we agree the traditional farmhouse look — black-and-white pattern tile, chunky rustic wood and industrial light fixtures — appears a little dated, you don’t have to say goodbye to farmhouse entirely. You can achieve an updated farmhouse bathroom with a few simple adjustments.
We spoke to interior designer Bryn Wulf, who told us how it’s done.
“Sleeker materials such as fireclay and enamel blended with classic shapes and vintage items are modernizing what we’ve come to think of as farmhouse style,” says Wulf.
“Adding a punch of color with a painted enamel sink or light fixture, and weaving in found objects to store bathroom accessories or toilet paper [for instance, a French laundry basket] can add warmth to a bathroom.”
She also suggests being thoughtful with your materials. Wulf says a sheer Parisian pleat café curtain, classic tile shapes like penny round or hex, and painted board and batten will achieve that cozy and vintage vibe synonymous with farmhouse design.
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Vertical Shiplap
Farmhouse style bathrooms from a few years ago incorporated a lot of horizontal shiplap paneling. Install vertical shiplap for a more updated look, as seen here in this space from @blessedandhumbledhome.
The vertical shiplap and peg rail add interest as well as a place to hang towels. Finish the look with even more layers of texture, like this antique stool and vintage-style rug.
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A Touch of Color
Here’s another example of updated shiplap, incorporating color. Black and white is the traditional pallet for modern farmhouse bathroom design, but current trends call for more color.
This accent wall from @kylieminteriors is painted a gorgeous gray-green color — Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams. Look for earthy, muted colors in hues you would find in nature to achieve the cozy style synonymous with farmhouse.
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Unique Vintage Details
Feminine, vintage touches, like these from @lhsimpleliving, give your farmhouse bathroom character. Notice the creamy beige color on the walls and wood tones, which add warmth. And we’re drooling over the wood doors to the linen closet. They were taken off an old boat!
Vintage pieces like the doors will help you avoid cookie cutter trends and attain one-of-a-kind style.
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Subtle Pattern
Outdated farmhouse bathrooms often feature bold black-and-white pattern, usually in the flooring. A more subtle one, like in the wallpaper seen here from @oliverjames_interiors, makes this bathroom a softer and updated.
Paired with the white beadboard paneling, it’s bright and airy, yet still gives off that welcoming farmhouse vibe.
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@ourlittleflintcottage Thursday Tour ~ A tour of our tiny cottage bathroom #smallbath #smallbathroom #smallbathroomideas #smallbathroommakeover #smallbathroomdesign #metrotiles #bathtimeroutine #howirelax #metime #bath #cottagebathroom ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay
Colored Tile
When using more color to update your farmhouse style, consider the tile. The pretty sage green tile in this space by @ourlittleflintcottage warms up the room and defines the bath and sink area.
Don’t forget other homey touches to achieve a layered, collected look, like the vintage mirror, barn-style door and wood floors featured here.
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@ourwintonhome DIY bathroom shelf Cut your boards to 23 inch length Drill a hole in all 4 corners of each board String rope through holes. tie a knot on the bottom of each board. Each shelf is 12 inches apart Repeat the knot process Once your reach the top, loop the rope over to the other side to create your handle. Repeat knot tying process all the way down #bathroomdecor #bathroomdecorideas #guestbathroom #bathroomideas #bathroomdesign #bathroominspo #homedecordiy #decortok #hometiktok #decordiy #diyhomedecor ♬ Barbie Girl – Cupido
DIY Shelf Unit
Farmhouse design includes natural textures like wood and rope. That’s why this DIY shelf project by @ourwintonhome is perfect for your updated farmhouse bathroom.
Watch as they drill holes into a few wood planks, and tie the shelves together into one unit with rope. Hang it above the toilet for functional storage space that compliments your modern aesthetic.
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@thewhole9yardsdesign Brick Flooring install #homerenovation #homedecorinspiration #interiordesign #bathroomdesign #newbuild ♬ Crazy in Love – Beyoncé,Jay-Z
Brick Flooring
The unexpected choice of brick flooring in this bathroom by @thewhole9yardsdesign definitely gives off farmhouse vibes. They used brick web sheets, which are easier to install than individual bricks.
Because brick and grout lines are porous, it’s important to properly seal the flooring for durability, water resistance and easier cleaning.
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@homewithhay #diyprojects #myneutralhome #cozyhome #cozyvibes #rusticvintage #rusticdecor #rusticwood #howyouhome #hunkerhome #liketkit #targetstyle #smmakelifebeautiful #peepmypad #modernfarmhouse #mixerofstyles #homedecorideas #masterbathroom #cljsquad #hometakestime #freestandingtub #bathroomdiy #woodworking #homeprojects #woodworkingtutorial #diytiktok ♬ original sound – Home with Hay
DIY Rustic Beams
Rustic wood will warm up any bathroom and add farmhouse flair. Here’s how @homewithhay made and installed her own rustic wood beam casing around her bathtub nook.
She purchased 4×6 wood beams, then added texture and saw marks to make them look aged. Next, she stained them with dark wood stain and attached them to the walls and ceiling with five-inch screws.
About the Expert
- Bryn Wulf is a senior designer at Two Hands Interiors, serving the greater Chicago area. Her interiors are comfortable, traditional and tailored to be expertly livable.
