We’ve spotted a new trend on the horizon, the intriguing rise of an Alpine-inspired bathroom. These rooms are characterized by a woodiness that transports you straight to the mountains of south-central Europe, evoking the rustic but comforting charm of a ski chalet, a long way removed from mainstream modern bathrooms with their seamless, cold design.
Instead, an Alpine bathroom is characterized by warm colors, rustic texture, and plenty of wood, be it through paneling or exposed beams. But is the trend one that is here to stay? With the help of 5 interior designers, we inspect how they’ve achieved the look, and why it was right for these projects, and could be right for your bathroom too.
5 Alpine bathrooms to inspire a remodel
Comforting, simple, and evocative of nature; these are just a few of the reasons why bathrooms that recreate the feel of a mountain retreat are on the up. Here are 5 great examples of how the style has been used to enhance a bathing space.
1. Wrap the walls in timber cladding
(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)
‘Rough-sawn timber cladding where the saw marks are left unsanded lends a warm, alpine cabin-style atmosphere to this bathroom, creating a cozy and inviting space. The rugged, textured surface provides a rustic, natural feel, which pairs well with the reclaimed basin and rugged stone countertops,’ says Gemma Holsgrove, studio director at Sims Hilditch.
Beyond aesthetics, this type of wooden cladding can also prove to be very practical as a bathroom wall idea – it’s durable, and moisture-resistant when properly treated, and you don’t have to be too precious about it. ‘Any additional wear and tear will add to the charm, making the bathroom feel grounded, comfortable, and uniquely connected to nature,’ agrees Gemma.
2. Incorporate aged finishes
Copper bateau bath in Weathered Copper, Catchpole & Rye.
(Image credit: Catchpole & Rye)
Bathroom design inspired by the mountain regions is all about creating a cozy atmosphere; spaces that exude warmth and respite from the chilly outside air. ‘Lived-in finishes are better than high sheens to achieve this, as they so beautifully suit the rustic woods and more hygge design elements that are typical of alpine properties,’ says Lizzi Catchpole, head of design, Catchpole & Rye.
The weathered copper finish of this generous freestanding bath, set against a backdrop of reclaimed wood flooring, is the perfect case in point. ‘It’s worth noting that metal bateaus are more effective at retaining heat than ceramic baths so lend themselves well to long soaks in colder climates,’ adds Lizzi.
3. Aim for recreating the look of a traditional sauna
Easton exposed thermostatic showers, Waterworks. Project by Kligerman Architecture & Design.
(Image credit: Peter Aaron)
There are strong sauna influences in this teak-clad double shower room by Kligerman Architecture & Design, which looks as cozy and cocooning as any Nordic design. But is placing so much wood in such direct contact with water a smart idea? Founding partner Thomas Kligerman thinks so.
‘Teak is a rot-resistant wood used on boats from time immemorial. But rather than left unfinished, which would eventually allow the water to turn the wood patchy and grey, several coats of a water-resistant finish were applied at the time of fabrication,’ he explains. ‘On a roughly annual basis, it is reapplied to keep this shower ship shape.’ As this property overlooks the ocean, he chose polished, unlacquered brass for the shower fixtures, as a reference to the durable hardware on an elegant sailboat.
4. Embrace the past
(Image credit: Alexander James)
To capture the essence of the Alpine style, the trick is to take inspiration from the outside and avoid non-essential modernizing. When updating this 1930s Swiss chalet, Oakley Moore took care to respect its surroundings.
‘By fusing contemporary details with the traditional vernacular, we aimed for a harmonious, comfortable en suite with a strong sense of place,’ recalls founder and creative director Kate Aslangul. ‘Referencing the local surroundings, we chose granite tiles and commissioned a woodworker to hone the pedestal for the basin, effectively bringing the outside in.’
5. Make the most of natural light and views
Rockwell Bath, The Water Monopoly. Landmark floor-mounted single lever bath/shower mixer, Samuel Heath. Project by The Vawdrey House.
(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)
Evoke the tranquil, rustic spirit of alpine design by installing a cozy timber-clad window seat in your bathroom. Sophie Chapman, an associate of The Vawdrey House, clearly got the memo in this attic space, where she has embraced the awkwardly shaped space with sloped ceilings to create a window seat for the owners to sit and enjoy the sweeping treetop views.
Designed as a quiet, restorative sanctuary, the gable wall was clad in reclaimed floorboards and filled with cushions in natural tones. ‘This softens the hard surfaces of the bathroom fittings and adds warmth and texture. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a book or chat with someone unwinding in the bath,’ says Sophie.
A wooden caddy will help to achieve the Alpine bathroom look and is practical for storing bath salts and candles.
Signature Candle in Suede Wood and Vetiver
Choosing a candle with a nature-inspired scent will enhance the mountainside vibe.
A wooden side table or stool is a simple way to introduce a rustic feel to your bathroom.
No doubt, there are many reasons why an ‘Alpine bathroom’ might be right for you. Bathrooms are spaces where of course, we want to relax and pamper, and the woody, sauna-like coziness of a mountain retreat certainly aligns with this mood of self-care.
If there is a way to link the rusticity of the look with the rest of your home, as well as your surroundings, it could be the perfect practical way to introduce a daily dose of the medicine provided by the blissful fresh air of the Alpine region into your daily life.
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