How to channel the French countryside in your vintage bathroom design

If a trip to the French countryside has you wishing you could move to the rural landscapes of Provence, take note of an easier way to transport yourself to the region. Decorate your bathroom with the whimsical elements of France while still incorporating your love for vintage bathroom design.

What is French country decor? This favorite in the interior design world blends the traditional elegance of European culture with that of the rustic old world countryside. When the two are combined a room has overlapping layers of comfort and style.

Tub as the centerpiece
When designing a space that represents the French country theme, many start with a clawfoot tub. It’s the focal point of the bathroom and serves as a jumping off point to base the rest of your design choices. This bathtub has the best of both worlds. The deep basin is perfect for long soaking sessions, while the ornate feet and roll top make it a highly stylized piece of furniture.

Vanity and other furniture
To help meld your vintage and French country bathroom design, pair a decorative vanity with a vintage faucet. Additionally, choose a mirror with an ornate frame that is iconic of this old world design. When choosing your seating, think of chaise loungers that will add to the comfort of the space. Opt for styles with feet that mimic the design of the clawfoot tub.

Exposed pipes
While this theme has touches of decorative furniture, it is a fuss-free alternative to other designs. Feel free to let your sink and bathtub piping show, as it brings extra character to the space. You can even go a step further and incorporate vintage-style fixtures like a clawfoot faucet with a hand-held shower head. Polished chrome is a clean choice for faucets, but also consider an oil rubbed bronze finish that will add depth to the room.

Color scheme
French country decor routinely has elements of white woven throughout. When incorporating this color into the space mix distressed pieces in with newer units. Creams and wood tones
also work well.

Wall treatment
There is a type of wallpaper that is iconic to the French country theme. It’s a toile motif of landscapes and people in various scenes that is printed in one contrasting hue, set on a light colored background. Incorporating this into your bathroom would truly anchor the design theme. If you don’t want the print on your walls, consider adding toile drapery or seating to the room.

Lighting
To incorporate a French touch, add a chandelier into the space. Make sure the size is appropriate for the room and has a vintage look. Source similar wall sconces to place on either side of your vanity’s mirror.

Vintage accents
Balance the theme by bringing in vintage accents like ornate porcelain vases and wooden jewelry cases. Additionally, add distressed tin baskets that can be placed on the floor to house extra linens and other bathroom amenities.