Farmhouse bathrooms are an iconic staple of the design world, and a look that’s usually pretty dependent on a few specific fixtures and features. Clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, and subway and hex tile all spell a look that’s homey and classic. But if you want a style that captures that coziness but feels a little less vintage, you need to move away from those ever-present favorites and opt for a few more subtle farmhouse-style features.
Get The Look: Building a more modern farmhouse bathroom largely means taking a step or two away from some of the most iconic elements. Instead of a classic clawfoot tub, look for an elegant oval soaking tub and pair it with tub hardware that’s still vintage, but a little less elaborate than clawfoot tub hardware. In this bathroom, white tile planks serve as a nod to traditional shiplap wall and make a great replacement for the typical subway tile on the tub mount. Similarly, the carrara marble tile in a herringbone pattern echos a classic farmhouse and cottage look, but in a different size format that keeps it looking distinct.
Instead of a pedestal sink, look for a simple, transitional vanity – ideally a shaker-style vanity. Switching from white to a more traditional black finish will increase that modern feel, but a vintage faucet will keep it from feeling too daring. If you’re feeling bold, look for slightly less traditional farmhouse style lighting fixtures too, upgrading from milk can lights to dark oil-rubbed bronze factory lights with exposed bulbs. These types of fixtures still have that turn-of-the-century historical feel, but they have an urban edge to them that most farmhouse style fixtures don’t – which in turn will help give your space a more updated feel.
The best way to update a farmhouse bathroom is to ignore what are generally considered the most important staples of the style. Instead, look for pieces that are a little more streamlined and a little more modern, but that pay homage to the fundamentals of a farmhouse design.
