If your bathroom is sporting a dated Tuscan look—think warm earth tones, heavy wrought iron, and perhaps even faux-finished walls—it’s time for a refresh. A serene bathroom should be a place to unwind, and Tuscan style, while once popular, can often feel overwhelming rather than calming. Let me show you how I transformed an outdated Tuscan style bathroom into a calm retreat which will make you want to stay awhile.
Ditching the Tuscan: A Fresh Start
The first step to creating a serene bathroom is to toss the heavy elements of Tuscan design. This means saying goodbye to:
Dark, warm colors: Replace deep terracotta, olive green, and golden yellow with softer hues.
Heavy, ornate fixtures: Swap out wrought iron for sleek, modern alternatives.
Overly textured walls: Remove faux finishes or heavy tile patterns.
Creating a Serene Oasis: Color Palette and Materials
Once you’ve stripped away the Tuscan elements and have a blank slate, it’s time to build a serene sanctuary.
Color Palette:
Choose calming hues: Here I opted for soft blues, greens, and neutrals like white, cream, and light gray.
Introduce nature-inspired shades: Incorporate subtle hints of earthy tones for a grounded feel.
Create a monochromatic space: For a sophisticated look, use different shades of the same color.
Material Choices:
Tile:
Modern classics: Subway tile and large-format porcelain tiles create a clean, timeless look. If you have a bath/tub combo, it’s nice to bring the tile over the front of the tub for a seamless look.
Natural stone: Consider light-colored marble or limestone for a touch of luxury.
Glass: Add a touch of elegance with glass mosaic tiles.
Countertop:
Sleek and modern: Quartz or solid surface countertops offer durability and a clean appearance.
Natural beauty: White marble or light-colored granite can elevate the space.
Paint:
Create a calming atmosphere: Choose soft, muted colors. Here I selected the classic can’t go wrong SW White Dove. Need help selecting a white paint? Read my simple method of how to select the perfect white paint.
Enhance natural light: Opt for light-reflective finishes like satin or eggshell. My go to for bathrooms is Benjamin Moore’s Aura Bath & Spa. It is a luxurious matte finish designed for high-humidity environments.
Lighting, Hardware, and Accessories
Lighting:
Focus on natural light: Maximize natural light with sheer curtains or blinds. Figure out your lumen output preference and lighting color tone for each specific bathroom. In this bathroom, there is plenty of light from the window. We also selected a cool undertone to mimic brighter daylight. Therefore, the lumen output was 3500K – 4000K.
Create layers of light: Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for versatility. If you don’t have a window, make sure you have enough canned lighting and other lighting elements. Believe me, it’s worth the extra money to add better lighting!
Choose modern fixtures: Opt for sleek, minimalist light fixtures.
Hardware:
Embrace minimalism: Sleek, brushed nickel or chrome hardware complements a modern aesthetic.
Consider black accents: Matte black hardware can add a touch of drama. There are subtle hints of black in the shower hinge/brackets and in the glass cabinet knobs.
Accessories:
Introduce natural elements: Incorporate plants, wooden accents, or natural fiber rugs.
Keep it simple: Avoid clutter and focus on a few key pieces. Negative space does wonders for any room! Remember, less is MORE (also one of my personal values).
Create a spa-like feel: Soft towels, luxurious bathrobes, and scented candles contribute to relaxation.
By following these guidelines and selecting materials and colors that resonate with you, you can transform your outdated Tuscan bathroom into a serene and inviting retreat.
Would you like to focus on specific design styles, such as minimalist, zen-like, or organic modern, to further refine your bathroom vision? Let me know how I can help!
Here are more bathroom design inspirations like the style above!
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