How to Create a Rustic Bathroom

The principles behind creating a rustic bathroom are very simple. Everything needs to be old or look old. In this day and age of bright and shiny newness, there's definitely a desire to get back to the olden days, where things were simpler and better. You can create a rustic bathroom that will take you back to yesteryear's simplicity with very little effort.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pick a style. Rustic can mean a variety of different types of themes. It can be in the genre of western, country, cabin or farm. Despite the fact you may like each of these themes, it's not wise to decorate using each of them in the same room. Pick one for your bathroom.

2. Change your fixtures. If you're serious about a "rustic" remodel, the best way to reflect the new style is with new, rustic-inspired fixtures. Visit your local home improvement store for ideas as to what is available. Often, they have a lot of ideas about the fixtures they have on display and are capable of ordering. Your fixtures may be the first thing someone notices, especially if they fit the rest of the bathroom decor.

3. Paint or put up new wallpaper. You may already have the perfect walls for your newly established decor, but if you don't, you should paint or decorate with wallpaper to set the mood of the room. Consider this the canvas on which everything else in the room will be painted. It sets up the room for the rest of your decor. However, if you have budget concerns, this might be a step you can ignore, if your walls are currently plain. If you've got some other theme already going (for example, sea shells or rubber ducks), you might want to consider doing something to change the walls.

4. Work with what you currently have. You may not need to go out and purchase a lot of new items to decorate your bathroom. The key to being "rustic" is that it looks old or it is old. If you have a treasure trove of antiques or mismatched oddities, you may already have the necessary items to decorate your bathroom. Remember, these items need not be traditional bathroom items, either. You can use horseshoes, old picture frames, hats, whatever--as long as you follow your style and theme.

5. Finish up your bathroom with cabinet hardware and rustic lighting. These are those finishing touches that will bring everything all together. If you can find original drawer pulls and cabinet knobs, that's terrific. However, knobs that you've scratched up or worked with to make look worn at home are perfect accessories to your new rustic bathroom. As far as lighting is concerned, a traditional globe is going to look out of place in your new bathroom. Go to your local home lighting store to pick out an appropriate light fixture to go with your new rustic theme.