Hi Cheryl,

To me it really depends on the surroundings, and on the person’s style.

Regarding the surroundings, a good example would be driftwood. It’s a material that I think of when I imagine a coastal theme but I think it only works when it can actually be found on the beach near the house, otherwise it makes little sense to bring it in.

Regarding the personal style, that’s something to take into consideration for each room obviously and the person’s or family’s lifestyle plays a big role too. No point in adding, say, surf elements for people who aren’t interested in surfing.

in any case though, I would avoid the buoy, net and lighthouse combo, and look for opportunities to be subtle about the look. Also, not everything has to be white and blue, unless they’re your favourite colours ;-)

Best

Mehdia

Beachy bathroom - I picture an outdoor shower and sand!

I don't think bathrooms should be beachy, mountain-y, farmy-y, etc. Design a bathroom that fits the style of the house. I would use mostly neutral colors and maybe an accent tile that brings in some color.

Agreed with others. Unless I’m on the water or beach I wouldn’t recommend a beach bathroom (and I would never recommend arrow signs that say “Beach this way” although I was probably guilty of that in my 20’s when decorating my kids themed rooms ;) ). However you can have a coastal “feel” using different colors and textures. When I think of coastal I see driftwood and variations of blues. Again I agree it should be an expansion of the entire home in general (and of the owners’ tastes); not stick out like a theme.

Ideas

I think moldy concrete floors that never dry, FRP walls, a fluorescent light flashing greenly dim and bright, and sand everywhere.

I think my bath has a nautical nod but I hope not too beachy. I do not have a water view but can walk to my marina and town beach from my spot. I used colors I associate with the sea, not the beach. Greys, blues, small area of sea glass tiles, white stained not painted and dark woods. I hung the tiller from my first sail boat on the wall and added tons of natural light with Windows on three walls, one is round so in my mind it can represent a port hole. I made a rope waste basket and added a few items the kids find at our beach to give a nod to the sea.

Thanks for the ideas. This house I'm designing has beach views, so that's the kind of beachy bathroom I'm thinking of. It's on the gulf coast, so more nautical than beachy. I like the ideas of natural elements like driftwood and aged furniture.

I am another fan of Roarah's gorgeous bathroom. It's ideal to me.

Cheryl, I think the concept of beauty bathroom is flawed as a premise. You may want to think about low maintenance bathroom for a vacation house. But the words beauty and bathroom make no sense as a design imperative to me.

For a vacation house, I would want simple materials and a bit more fun that I have at my usual house.

I can't post pictures right now for some reason. Google Heath ceramics and bathrooms and see if you like anything there. Heath may be out of the budget for this project, but could be a good inspiration.

Also try Fireclay tile and bathrooms for more fun, colorful looks.

Thanks Rita!

OMG my autocorrect is on something- I hope you know I meant beachy bathroom and not beauty bathroom. Yikes.