After a long, busy day at work, you’re looking forward to taking a relaxing shower or bath in a space that’s serene and beautifully designed. If this sounds perfect but your current bathroom is outdated and cluttered, it may be time for a renovation. Get inspired with a few key Scandinavian bathroom ideas.
For lovers of minimalist, functional designs with natural elements, the Scandinavian style is one of the top choices for the home.
As a bathroom remodelling company in Burlington, our team at Opal Baths often gets requests to create a peaceful, minimalist yet cozy escape from daily life. In this blog post, we share insights into what Scandinavian design is all about and how you can translate it into your bathroom style with five key elements.
Learn about Scandinavian bathroom decor and design and start planning your serene, timeless space that becomes an escape from daily life!
A Brief History of Scandinavian Design
The popularity of Scandinavian design began in the early 20th century and reached global appeal in the mid-century.
It is rooted in the region’s cold climate, which influenced an emphasis on creating warm, functional, and cozy interiors. This is why it continues to be popular in North America, including Canada.
This style often reflects the natural beauty of the landscape, with an emphasis on blending the indoors with the outdoors.
With a general increasing focus on wellness and simplicity in style, the clean lines and natural touches of Scandinavian bathroom design fit perfectly into modern-day homes.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into five Scandinavian bathroom ideas for your next remodel!
What is Scandinavian Bathroom Design?
Before diving into the ideas, it is important to understand what makes a bathroom Scandinavian in style.
Scandinavian design creates a calm, simple, and warm mood. It is all about blending functionality with a sense of serenity. While it’s minimalist in style when it comes to the functional aspects, it is softened by the use of natural, organic materials and earthy, neutral colours.
Key elements of Scandinavian bathroom design include:
- Minimalist Aesthetic: A clutter-free environment with an emphasis on essential and well-designed pieces.
- Natural Materials: Wood, stone, and other organic materials bring warmth and balance to the space.
- Light and Airy Atmosphere: Natural light is a significant feature, often enhanced by pale colours and light finishes.
- Functional and Clever Storage: Scandinavian design values smart storage solutions to maintain a clean and organized bathroom.
Let’s explore some of these key aspects of Scandinavian design and decor ideas in greater detail.
1. Use Neutral Tones for a Soothing Atmosphere
A quintessential element of Scandinavian bathroom decor is the use of soft, neutral colours. Whites, grays, and light pastels are commonly used to create a calming environment.
For a bathroom remodel, consider soft matte white or light gray tiles for the floor and walls to set the stage for a clean, serene aesthetic.
If you want to add warmth to your space, light wooden accents—such as a wooden Scandinavian bathroom vanity or shelving—are a great way to break up the cool tones and add a touch of nature.
Neutral colours will help open up smaller bathrooms, making them appear larger and brighter, while also contributing to the spa-like feel of the room.
2. Install a Scandinavian Bathroom Vanity with Simple, Sleek Lines
The bathroom vanity is a key feature of your remodel, and choosing the right one can set the tone for the entire space.
A typical Scandinavian bathroom vanity is characterized by sleek, functional designs that often incorporate natural wood or matte finishes.
Look for minimalist vanities with clean lines and understated elegance. For example, floating vanities create an airy and open look by elevating the storage area off the ground.
To bring the design even closer to Scandinavian ideals, choose a vanity with a mix of wood and metal accents. This blend will help you create a natural, balanced feel.
Choose a wood finish such as oak, walnut, or birch for a light and organic vibe. This also pairs well with black or white sink units to maintain that sleek, minimalist appeal.
3. Add Natural Materials for a Warm Touch
Incorporating natural materials is an essential part of Scandinavian bathroom ideas.
Think wood, stone, and ceramics, all of which create a sense of calm and connect the indoors with nature. For your bathroom remodel, consider adding a wood-framed mirror or wood shelving to complement a minimalist vanity.
Adding a wooden bath tray or stool creates a functional yet stylish way to embrace natural elements.
Add texture and a touch of sophistication with stone countertops, marble tile accents, or slate flooring. Consider a stone sink or freestanding stone tub for a luxurious touch that fits within the Scandinavian design principles.
This use of natural materials, especially paired with natural light, will keep the space feeling fresh, airy, and inviting.
TIP: Complement natural materials with plants. Green plants work well with wood accents and amplify the serenity of a Scandinavian bathroom.
4. Maximize Natural Light and Simple Window Treatments
Natural light is a crucial part of Scandinavian bathroom design. Not only does it make the space feel bigger, but it also enhances the natural materials in the room.
During your bathroom remodel, if your budget allows for it, try to enhance natural light by installing larger windows or opting for a skylight if possible. If privacy is a concern, frosted glass or simple sheer curtains provide a balance between light and privacy.
If changing your windows is not an option, consider incorporating neutral, light-toned flooring and walls. They will reflect the light and add to the airy feeling.
At night, minimalist light fixtures blend into the design while providing ample illumination. Consider adding wall-mounted sconces or pendant lights in matte finishes. They are an excellent option for creating a Scandinavian ambiance in your bathroom.
5. Opt for Smart Storage Solutions
One of the core principles of Scandinavian design is practicality, and bathrooms are no exception. In a remodel, focus on smart storage solutions that keep your bathroom organized while preserving its minimalist appeal.
This includes a Scandinavian bathroom vanity, which can incorporate hidden storage solutions. Our team at Opal Baths can customize your bathroom vanity to suit your storage needs.
In addition to the vanity, open shelving or sleek, wall-mounted cabinets are great options for creating both storage and display areas. Consider floating shelves or hidden storage solutions to maintain a clean, clutter-free space.
TIP: Use smart yet aesthetically pleasing concealed storage in the Scandinavian bathroom style to keep your space tidy and decluttered. Floating shelving is ideal for holding towels and toiletries. They are also great for decorative pieces like candles or plants without sacrificing style.
Plan Your Scandinavian-Inspired Bathroom Remodel With Opal Baths
A Scandinavian-inspired bathroom remodel is a perfect way to transform your space into a calm, functional, and stylish retreat.
By incorporating key elements like neutral tones, natural materials, functional storage, and a minimalist aesthetic, you can create a bathroom that feels open, relaxing, and modern.
Whether you are looking for a custom Scandinavian bathroom vanity upgrade or a full remodel in the Scandinavian style, Opal Baths is your bathroom remodelling team to make it happen.
If you’re ready to embrace the simplicity, functionality, and beauty of the fresh Scandinavian style contact us today.
At Opal Baths & Design, we’ve been helping customers build their dream bathrooms since 1983. We proudly serve Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Ancaster and nearby areas. Our bathroom renovation team specializes in bringing our clients’ visions to life with meticulous attention to detail and using only the finest materials.
