8 chic coastal bathroom ideas for the Australian home

The coastal style for a bathroom isn't just for beachside properties. With the right touches, any bathroom can evoke the fresh and relaxed vibe of the seaside. From simple decor tweaks to larger design choices, there are plenty of ways to achieve a coastal feeling in your bathroom without breaking the bank. 

Using patterned blue tiles behind a bathroom sink can make a big difference. These tiles bring in a calm, ocean-like feel to a bathroom. They’re simple but effective, adding a fresh and relaxing touch without being too flashy. When combined with simple fixtures and good lighting, the bathroom feels like a peaceful seaside moment, no matter the time of day. It's a straightforward way to add a coastal look or coastal aesthetic to any bathroom.

Artwork in a coastal-themed bathroom plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Choosing prints or paintings that depict serene beach scenes, marine life, or nautical elements can evoke feelings of relaxation and a connection to the sea. When placed prominently, this art can be both a focal point and a conversation starter, enhancing the overall beachy ambiance of the space.

A feature wall in a coastal bathroom can be transformative. Using materials like reclaimed wood, sea glass tiles, or even a mural of a beach scene, it immediately draws attention and anchors the room's theme. It’s not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a visual experience that transports you to the coast every time you enter the space.

Freestanding baths fit well in coastal bathrooms. They stand alone, much like the feeling of openness at the beach. With a simple design and the right colours, they can remind you of relaxing by the sea. Adding a few beach-related items, like seashells or driftwood, can make the bathroom feel even more like a quiet spot on the coast. Even better, if you have an open view of the beach from your bathroom you can spend plenty of time relaxing in the bath enjoying your coastal view.

For a small bathroom channeling a coastal theme, selecting a neutral colour palette is fundamental. Drawing inspiration from the seaside's natural hues — like the off-whites of sandy beaches, muted blues of shallow waters, and light browns of driftwood — can immediately evoke a coastal ambiance. Decorations should be minimal but purposeful: think a framed beachscape, a jar of collected seashells, or a driftwood piece. These elements not only embellish the space but also serve as tactile reminders of the coast's textures and tones, providing an authentic coastal feel without overwhelming the limited space.

Coastal brick tiling for bathrooms draws inspiration from traditional seaside architecture. The tiles often feature a weathered and aged appearance reminiscent of brick walls exposed to the salt and sea air over time. The colour palette typically ranges from washed-out whites and greys to subtle pastels, mimicking the natural shades found along the coast. This tiling choice is not only aesthetically pleasing but also ties the bathroom to the distinctive character and history of coastal regions.

An open layout in a coastal bathroom echoes the expansive nature of the coast, promoting a sense of spaciousness and airiness reminiscent of a seaside escape. Such a layout minimises barriers, often opting for small partition walls or sometimes no partitions at all, allowing natural light to flood the space, reflecting off pale, coastal-inspired colours and materials.

Features like open-plan showers or wet rooms, floating vanities and wall-mounted fixtures further enhance the feeling of space, making the room appear larger and more breathable. By eliminating excessive cabinetry or clutter, the bathroom evokes the serene and unobstructed vibes of the shoreline. Incorporating open shelving made from driftwood or reclaimed wood can introduce natural, rustic elements while maintaining the open, relaxed feel.

If you're redesigning or installing a new bathroom and you live in a beachside property, you may have the option of making the central theme of the bathroom a view of the ocean. This offers a genuine coastal feel. Using large clear windows can maximise this view. Sliding doors or a balcony can further enhance accessibility and ventilation. Incorporating such features not only provides a visual connection to the sea but also introduces natural light and fresh sea air, which can be beneficial for both mood and indoor air quality.

A weathered timber bathroom vanity is akin to a piece of driftwood shaped by the relentless caresses of the sea. Over time, both undergo natural aging processes that bring out unique textures and tones, making them stand out. Using weathered timber for a bathroom vanity not only adds character but also channels the raw beauty of coastal landscapes. It's a functional piece, yet it carries a story – much like driftwood that has journeyed through the tides and time before finding its place on the shore.

There you have it: eight different coastal bathroom ideas that you can use as inspiration for your own bathroom. With these ideas, you can incorporate coastal elements into your bathroom design, whether you're undertaking a full bathroom renovation project or just adding some decoration to an existing space.