10 modern farmhouse bathrooms to inspire a cozy, contemporary upgrade

Modern farmhouse bathrooms are both cozy and charming to boot. Bring home all the rustic yet chic vibes with a few key decorative elements.

neutral bathroom with modern tub, rustic bench, chair, coir rug, vase, panelled wall, exposed brick wall
(Image credit: Waters of Ashbourne)

The beauty of modern farmhouse bathrooms is that they are all about comfort and charm. Think rustic pieces alongside a cool looking tub, or a walk in shower that’s positioned next to an antique vanity. It’s a homey look that can easily be teamed with elements from modern bathrooms for a unique finish, whether your home is in the city or the suburbs. 

‘Modern farmhouse style is about creating a light, warm, and welcoming space that feels updated yet not trendy. Frequently these pull ideas from different types such as minimalist and Scandinavian to tone down the appearance while adding a rustic touch,’ says Marco Bizzley, interior designer and consultant at House Grail

Modern farmhouse bathroom ideas that will transform your space 

‘Modern farmhouse style shares synonyms with vintage and countryside! Hence, it can easily be symbolized by blending modern color schemes with intriguing linear shapes, and materials with warm and rustic finishes. In your bathroom, you can easily style with floating shelves of untreated wood, clay pots, and vintage signage. Also, you wouldn't want to hold back from apron or farmhouse sinks,’ says Nishtha Sadana, interior designer and writer at Decorated Life

1. Lofty with rustic elements 

rustic bathroom with brushed steel roll top bath, tiled floor, stone slab walls, wall mounted basin, green painted wall loft

(Image credit: BC Designs/Meliora)

Modern farmhouse bathroom decor is often about mixing different materials and making them work successfully as Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs explains: 

‘Modern farmhouse bathroom decor is the combination of two contrasting styles. One is homely, warm and welcoming, while the other is cool and minimal. Combining the two is about taking the best parts of both, for example the simplicity and cleanness of a modern style but adding rustic touches for welcoming warmth.

‘To bring this style to life, it is about merging modern colours, shapes and materials with rustic warmth of untreated wood and hand-hammered metal as we see here. A traditional and rustic tin bath has been paired with modern brassware and poured concrete basin, along with large format modern tiles and added warmth of dark green colour palette.’

2. A small change is all you need 

blue and white patterned tiles bathroom with walk in shower, wooden stools, chrome shower

(Image credit: Fired Earth)

This beautiful bathroom encapsulates everything about this charming look – the trad space gives you the classic elements – wooden floors and large sash windows, whilst the blue patterned bathroom tiles add a decorative touch and color, of course. The modern part comes from the shapely wooden stools and shows that’s all you need to add that contemporary aspect.

3. Add contrast with textured walls 

walk in shower with square cream tiles, herringbone floor, wooden stool, exposed brick wall

(Image credit: Britton Bathrooms)

The twist in this modern farmhouse bathroom is the juxtaposition of the exposed brick wall, that’s synonymous with country living, with the neat square porcelain tiles and bright brass contemporary shower. The rustic stool and herringbone floor are the finishing touches.

4. Choose graphic floor tiles in an existing scheme 

cottage style bathroom with painted green shiplap walls, grey graphic tiled floor, wooden stool, corner unit

(Image credit: Carpetright)

If you already live in a farmhouse – we’re not jealous at all – you can create the ‘modern’ aspect by laying bold geometric floor tiles. Choose a design that either makes a bold statement in a bright color, or make sure they blend slightly by picking a paler tone that ties in with your current paintwork. Either way, the finished result will be eye-catching and very on trend.

5. Use wood as cladding on your walls to create texture

white bathroom with wooden cladding, white tub, shower, vanity unit

(Image credit: Carpetright)

Give a bathroom a modern farmhouse makeover by adding wood cladding, as Edward Eagle, residential sales director at Havwoods explains: 

‘As a rule, wood flooring is not the most practical of surfaces to use in any wet environment, so at Havwoods we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as a first choice. However, if you are set on introducing wood into the bathroom then an engineered board is the best option as opposed to a solid wood plank. From a style perspective, wood cladding will add a beautiful natural aesthetic to any bathroom as the authentic colour variations and wood textures help to create a relaxing backdrop for a spa-like space’ 

6. Panel on top of a colored wall for impact

turquoise bathroom with wood cladding, exposed piping, vintage lighting, patterned floor tiles, blind at window

(Image credit: Carpetright)

Vintage lighting and exposed piping with antique taps combined with the use of reclaimed wood cladding that has been cleverly attached to allow a peek of turquoise gives this colorful bathroom the modern farmhouse look.  

Finished with contemporary artwork and bold Morrocan style tiles this bathroom is full of charm and character. 

7. Warm crisp white walls with vintage rugs and woods

white bathroom with mosaic floor tiles, vintage rug, white tub, black stool, basket, large vanity

(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Design Studio/Chad Mellon)

It’s not all about color, rather textures – if you’re a fan of fresh and airy white bathroom spaces then you can still create this look. Modern farmhouse bathroom decor looks great with neutrals and of course, wood is a key material to use. 

Woven baskets and a vintage rug add gorgeous texture and pattern. And don’t forget, you can use black too for a modern edge. 

8. Mix farmhouse elements with a contemporary tub

neutral bathroom with modern tub, rustic bench, chair, coir rug, vase, panelled wall, exposed brick wall

(Image credit: Waters of Ashbourne)

We adore the clean lines of this sleek tub and how it contrasts visually against the painted exposed brick wall and wood paneling. The rest of the scheme is warmed up visually by the rustic wood bench that holds the basin, artisan vase, chair and coir rug. The combination of all these elements is modern farmhouse bathroom decor at its best.

9. Shiplap for a quintessential farmhouse finish

white bathroom with shiplap walls, vanity, black wall hung shelf, vintage mirror

(Image credit: Industville/NK Living/Chris Snook Photography)

If there’s one modern farmhouse bathroom decor piece to install, it’s a DIY shiplap wall. That alone will transform your space into this charming look, even if all of your fixtures and fittings are contemporary. Make sure it’s white and add in a modern wall hung shelf unit and an antique vanity. Pop in some plants and a shabby chic mirror and you’re good to go.

10. Choose a tub that has a modern profile

farmhouse cottage style bathroom with navy blue painted wall, pink wall, blue painted bath, white floorboards

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

In the same way as the shiplap can switch a contemporary bathroom to a farmhouse style design, a modern style tub can do the same in an old property. One single element, albeit quite a big feature, can give your space that enviable modern farmhouse style. 

The same can be said for the colors you choose – in this bathroom there’s a good mixture of trad and modern shades but they work really well together to create a charming feel. 

What is modern farmhouse bathroom decor?

‘Modern farmhouse is a style we often work with upon request by our clients. We recommend incorporating natural woods while adding modern elements as well. Our team at Muretti would first recommend rich natural wood cabinetry to give a warm and authentic feel. Another idea if possible would be a barn door. A fun patterned backsplash or tile flooring in the right space could also help bring out some personality in the space. And finally matte black hardware is a popular choice to complement the overall Modern Farmhouse style,’ says Carlos Coronado, lead designer at Muretti

'Introducing shiplap is a great way to imbibe a fresh, farmhouse vibe. Whether on the ceiling or an accent wall – shiplap is the most popular way to style a farmhouse. Also, a couple of wicker or rattan baskets styled in the corner is the way to authentic farmhouse style! Buffalo plaids on the fabric will ultimately make a statement of farmhouse style when used in the bathrooms,’ says Nishtha Sadana, interior designer and writer at Decorated Life

Sophie Warren-Smith

Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 22 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor of indie magazine, 91, Sophie trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for the modern bride. 

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