By Anna Hart

Many people like the idea of bathroom design that spotlights nature. TV advertising shows a person washing hair or showering under a pristine waterfall, and it strikes a chord within us. Nature is, to most people, linked to ideas of cleanliness. Clean and green.

A nature bathroom design focuses on this inner response. It builds on the theme, incorporating water, trees, rocks, grass, and flowers. It may include fish or seashells. Anything that is a part of nature is potentially a part of a nature bathroom design.

Private Spa

A nature bathroom design can achieve the feeling of a private spa. It is said that the word “spa” comes from the town of Spa, Belgium. That town has been known for its deep, soaking baths and relaxing atmosphere from the reign of Julius Caesar. Achieve that relaxing atmosphere with nature’s designs. Keep your colors warm, your design quiet, and your spirit free.

Natural Lighting

Natural, soft lighting is relaxing. Work skylights into your bathroom design, if possible, to let in the natural light. If skylights are not possible, use long, narrow windows in the upper part of your walls. Make the bathroom airy.

Halogen lighting is more natural than more conventional incandescent bulbs. Install dimmer switches so that you can enjoy relaxing light for a deep tub soak, or bright light for personal grooming.

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Natural Walls

A nature bathroom design originates in the backdrop of natural walls. Make them set the tone. Grasscloth wallpaper, treated to withstand the humid conditions, is a textured natural wall treatment in muted tones of green and tan. Consider using marble wall tiles on the lower part of the wall. Choose colors that resemble nature’s rocks. Alternatively, choose warm wood wainscoting for the lower wall to give the feeling of trees in your bathroom design.

Natural Floor

Your floor, too, should be natural. If you have used light colors on the walls, use dark flooring. If your walls are dark, use light flooring. Skip the carpeting and vinyl. Choose ceramic tile or laminate wood flooring for a more natural look in your bathroom design. If the budget allows, consider natural stone flooring such as travertine or marble.

Natural Showers and Tubs

Your nature bathroom design should be mirrored in your choice of shower or tub. A marble or imitation marble tub is a good choice. Use warm, deep brown shades of marble. Where price is not a consideration, look for a natural wood or stone tub.

If you want a shower stall instead of a tub, choose a clear glass stall with swinging door. Install rock wall tile inside the shower, and a rain shower head.

Natural Vanity and Sink

Wood and stone are important to carry the nature bathroom design into the vanity and sink. Your vanity is the bathroom’s focal point. Bamboo would be a good choice of wood. Mount a stone vessel sink on top of the vanity for a clean, natural looking bathroom design.

Natural Faucets

Look for faucets with a bamboo design. The most natural resemble upright bamboo sections intersected by a second, angled section. The second section ends in an inch or so of half bamboo, allowing water to flow forth as it does in Asian fountains. Choose a metal with a bamboo wood tone finish.

Natural Accessories

Once you have completed the larger part of your nature bathroom design, you will want to accessorize in the same theme. Look for natural materials for accessories. Use wood freely – towel bars and shelves – mirrors framed in wood. Use wicker baskets for extra towels or magazines. A hollowed out stone makes a good soap holder. Hang a picture or two, each showing a nature scene.

Natural Plants

A nature bathroom design would not be complete without plants. If you have sufficient light, use real plants. Hanging, trailing plants are especially appropriate in the climate of a bathroom. If you have insufficient light, or don’t want the care of real plants, choose good quality silk plants that will keep their realistic look over several years.

Helpful Tip

You will achieve the best results by taking time to plan your entire nature bathroom design before making the first purchase.

About the Author: 2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about bathroom design at

easybathroomremodeling.com

. Anna has also posted articles on that site about bathroom decorating. If you want to learn about

bathroom design with outhouse style

, you wont want to miss her article on the subject.

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