How to Decorate

European Farmhouse Style Bathroom

Have you ever wondered how to decorate in European farmhouse style? Join me as I tour inside our European farmhouse-style bathroom. I designed it with a comfortable and relaxed modern twist. In this post, I’m sharing all the details on European farmhouse style and some simple ideas for decorating.

Farmhouse style in Europe is a relaxed, comfortable aesthetic with old-world charm. Specifically, it incorporates earthy tones, subtle textures/colors, and vintage elements. It’s an understated style with simplicity and refinement. Moreover, the style holds rustic glamour and elegance without being fussy or extravagant.

European Farmhouse Architecture

European architecture elements are some of my favorite. The European farmhouse design features include open floor plans, mudrooms, wide porches, open shelving, and spacious kitchens. Additionally, old-world elements such as arched doors and windows grace the style with awe-inspiring beauty. Likewise, diamond grid windows, wainscoting, and beadboard indicate attention to the details. Finally, exposed beams, brick, and natural materials add rustic elegance.

Our European-inspired farmhouse bathroom includes many of these elements. Specifically, we used board and batten painted a warm, subtle gray. Above the board and batten, we installed a timeless beadboard to deliver additional architectural detail. A rustic beam at the edge of the shower wall gives a perfect rustic elegance to bring that old-world feel in. Last but not least, an arched mirror adds the touch of old European interest.

To see how we added board and batten check out my blog post: How to DIY Board and Batten Wainscoting.

 European Farmhouse Style Color & Texture

Muted and subtle tones define European farmhouse style. Warm whites, creamy beiges, and neutrals clarify a cozy, non-sterile feel. Since neutrals colors are classic and timeless, they provide the perfect backdrop for layers of texture and interest. Moreover, the style manages controlled touches of rich color. Consequently, a dramatic layer of interest can be found in colorful rugs, artwork, and textiles.

By the same token, layers of texture draw interest in the style. Items such as baskets, marble, and brick add an unpolished dignity.  Hexagon and herringbone patterns add a subtle texturized layer as well. Finally, natural fibers such as linen and wool relax the look.

Our bathroom includes these elements as well. In this case, we used neutral and warm tones as a backdrop. Subway tile and white marble conserve a soft scene for the contrasting black herringbone tile. In addition, a hexagon patterned marble floor adds a complementary texture to the other tiles. Lastly, the rug and vanity contributed pops of rich color into the space.

European Farmhouse Bathroom Furniture

Any furniture that looks like it tells a story or carries history might fit the Farmhouse style. Vintage, aged, and worn pieces express the old-European farmhouse look so well. Flea market finds and antique pieces are great additions as well. If it feels loved and lived-in, it fits the nostalgic ideal of a European farmhouse. In contrast, new pieces can also project the look. The trick here is to mimic a vintage and traditional feel despite any newness.

Admittedly, the bathroom vanity we chose is not vintage or aged. Still, it fits the criteria. This is due to the traditional farmhouse feeling the vanity projects. It looks like an old dresser-turned vanity. In particular, the legs make the vanity feel like found and restored farmhouse furniture. Even so, I changed the hardware on the vanity from the original pieces to bring in a touch of old-world gold. This addition transformed the piece drastically. Now, the vanity has enough architectural detailing to resemble historic furniture. The vanity color contributed a bold pop of rich color to the space.

European Farmhouse Style Bathroom Decorating

My favorite part of farmhouse style in any room is to decorate. I love to go to flea markets and antique stores. In fact, I’m never done decorating because I’m always collecting. Our bathroom is decorated with beautiful and simple touches. To begin with, we incorporated most of the style when we renovated the room. One example we included is patterned tiling that contributed to a European vibe. Not to mention the wainscoting and beadboard that basically decorate the space. Nevertheless, we chose an arched mirror in a vintage style to amplify and finalize the look.

I also love to add plants. Provided that this room has no windows, the plants in our bathroom are faux. Nonetheless, they add a touch of living color and texture to the space.

In addition, I try to find story pieces or handmade and hand-selected pieces when adding layers of decor. More specifically, I love the richness vintage portraits and paintings give. I am still on the hunt for the perfect addition to our bathroom.

Decorating in European farmhouse style means using things that invoke an old-world nostalgia and mood. In reality, it doesn’t have to be old. However, it should look like it could have a story of old-world life. With this in mind, I found a vintage-style bench to add to the space.

European Farmhouse Style Design

This renovation and design project was one of my favorite. To be sure, this bathroom is also one of my most loved rooms on social media and within our family. It’s a classic style with contrasting colors of neutral against rich tones making it an eye-catcher! I enjoy creating these beautiful spaces and hope you gained some encouragement for how to decorate in a European farmhouse style. In the end, we draw inspiration not to adhere to strict rules or replicate a design. Instead, the vision should provoke us to move towards whatever design makes our home feel personally comfortable and recharging.

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