Nantucket style is more than just a design choice; it is a timeless reflection of coastal elegance and island heritage that brings a sense of serenity to any home. When you think of a Nantucket bathroom, images of crisp whites, deep ocean blues, and natural textures immediately come to mind. These spaces are designed to feel like a breath of fresh salty air, blending traditional New England craftsmanship with modern luxury. Whether you are renovating a small powder room or designing an expansive master suite, incorporating these island-inspired elements will create a sanctuary that feels both sophisticated and incredibly inviting. Let's explore thirty stunning ways to bring this iconic look into your own private retreat.
1. Blue and white bathroom
How can you achieve a timeless look that feels like a refreshing morning at the beach? A blue and white bathroom is the ultimate expression of Nantucket style, using a crisp palette to create a serene environment. By pairing snowy white cabinetry with deep navy accents, you establish a classic contrast that is both sophisticated and calming. Consider adding marble countertops to introduce a layer of luxury, while blue striped towels provide a nautical touch. This design thrives on natural light, making the space feel open and airy. It is a perfect choice for anyone wanting a bathroom that remains stylish and fresh through every season of the year.
2. Shiplap bathroom
Are you looking to add architectural character to your space without doing a massive structural renovation? A shiplap bathroom brings that iconic island cottage feel indoors by using horizontal wooden planks to add subtle texture and warmth. These lines create a sense of movement and history, especially when finished in a soft white or light gray satin paint. Shiplap works beautifully as a full wall treatment or a targeted accent behind a vanity or freestanding tub. It provides a rustic yet refined backdrop that complements both modern and traditional fixtures. This material is a staple in coastal design because it instantly makes a room feel cozy and hand-crafted.
3. Marble bathroom
Can a coastal space truly feel like a high-end spa without the inclusion of natural stone? A marble bathroom is a hallmark of luxury Nantucket design, offering elegant veining and a cool, smooth surface that elevates the entire aesthetic. Whether you choose large-format marble tiles for the shower walls or a stunning slab for the double vanity, the material adds a timeless quality. The soft grays and whites found in marble perfectly complement the sea-inspired color schemes common in island homes. When paired with polished nickel or brass hardware, the marble shines, creating a sophisticated sanctuary that feels incredibly indulgent and beautifully polished for daily relaxation.
4. Brass bathroom
Have you considered how a simple change in metal finishes can transform the entire mood of your coastal retreat? A brass bathroom uses warm, golden tones to contrast against cool blues and whites, adding a layer of vintage charm and modern elegance. Unlacquered brass is particularly popular in Nantucket homes because it develops a beautiful patina over time, reflecting the passage of years by the sea. From the faucet and showerhead to the mirror frames and cabinet pulls, these golden accents provide a sunny, inviting glow. This design choice bridges the gap between traditional maritime heritage and contemporary luxury, making the space feel curated and intentionally designed.
5. Nautical bathroom
Does your home need a playful yet sophisticated touch that celebrates its proximity to the ocean? A nautical bathroom incorporates subtle maritime details like rope-framed mirrors, anchor-shaped hooks, and vintage map wallpaper to tell a story of seafaring adventure. The key is to keep the base colors neutral, such as sandy beige or crisp white, allowing the nautical elements to stand out without feeling cluttered. You might include a porthole-style window or light fixtures that resemble old ship lanterns to enhance the theme. This style is particularly charming for guest bathrooms, offering visitors a unique island experience that feels both whimsical and expertly executed within a coastal home.
6. Rustic bathroom
Is it possible to blend the ruggedness of the coast with the comfort of a luxury home? A rustic bathroom achieves this by using reclaimed wood, weathered finishes, and natural stone to create a grounded, organic atmosphere. Imagine a vanity made from salvaged barn wood paired with a heavy stone vessel sink that feels like it was plucked from the shore. This design emphasizes raw beauty and tactile textures, moving away from the polished look to embrace something more soulful. Exposed ceiling beams and matte black hardware can further enhance the farmhouse-meets-beach vibe, resulting in a space that feels incredibly warm, lived-in, and perfectly suited for a relaxed island lifestyle.
7. Coastal powder room
How do you make a big statement in the smallest room of your house? A coastal powder room is the perfect place to experiment with bold patterns and unique textures that might feel overwhelming in a larger space. Think about using a vibrant seagrass wallpaper or a graphic blue and white tile on the floor to create immediate visual interest. A pedestal sink or a floating wood vanity can save space while adding to the aesthetic. Adding a single piece of oversized coastal art and high-quality sconce lighting ensures the room feels intentional and luxurious. It is a delightful way to surprise guests with a concentrated dose of island charm.
8. Spa bathroom
What if your daily routine could feel like a getaway to a five-star island resort? A spa bathroom focuses on tranquility and wellness, featuring a large soaking tub, a rainfall showerhead, and a minimalist aesthetic. This design uses a soft, neutral color palette of taupe, sand, and pale blue to promote a sense of calm. Natural materials like bamboo mats, pebble tile floors, and soft linen curtains add to the sensory experience. By removing visual clutter and focusing on high-quality finishes, you create a private sanctuary where you can truly unwind. It is the ultimate luxury for a Nantucket home, prioritizing relaxation and a peaceful connection to the surrounding environment.
9. Beadboard bathroom
Are you searching for a classic way to add traditional New England charm to your interior walls? A beadboard bathroom utilizes vertical wooden paneling to create a sense of height and historical character. This detail is often used as wainscoting, covering the bottom half of the walls and topped with a decorative chair rail. When painted in a bright, clean white, beadboard provides a textured backdrop that feels both cozy and sophisticated. It pairs exceptionally well with pedestal sinks and clawfoot tubs, reinforcing a vintage cottage aesthetic. This design element is a favorite in Nantucket because it is durable, visually interesting, and deeply rooted in the island's architectural history.
10. Navy vanity bathroom
Can a single piece of furniture define the entire personality of your room? A navy vanity bathroom centers the design around a bold, dark blue cabinet that serves as a stunning focal point against lighter walls. This deep hue evokes the mystery of the Atlantic Ocean and provides a sophisticated anchor for the space. When topped with a bright white marble or quartz counter, the navy vanity pops, creating a look that is both modern and timeless. You can complete the design with brushed gold hardware for a regal touch or polished nickel for a classic nautical feel. It is a confident way to introduce color while maintaining an elegant atmosphere.
11. White oak bathroom
Have you ever noticed how the right wood tone can make a cold room feel instantly welcoming? A white oak bathroom uses light, honey-colored wood for the vanity, shelving, or even the flooring to bring a natural, organic warmth to the space. This material is highly prized in Nantucket design for its durability and its ability to complement a coastal color palette without feeling too heavy. The subtle grain of white oak adds a layer of sophisticated texture that pairs beautifully with white tile and matte black or brass fixtures. It creates a serene, Scandinavian-inspired coastal look that feels modern, clean, and deeply connected to the natural world outside.
12. Clawfoot tub bathroom
Is there anything more iconic than a vintage bathtub sitting center stage in a light-filled room? A clawfoot tub bathroom celebrates traditional elegance and provides a stunning sculptural element to your design. These freestanding tubs, often featuring ornate metal feet in chrome or brass, invite you to slow down and enjoy a long soak. Placing the tub under a window allows you to take in the island views while relaxing. To complete the look, use a floor-mounted tub filler and keep the surrounding decor simple to let the tub remain the star. This design choice brings a sense of history and romanticism to any Nantucket-inspired home.
13. Kids coastal bathroom
How can you create a space that is both durable for children and stylish enough for a high-end home? A kids coastal bathroom uses fun, ocean-themed elements like whale-patterned wallpaper or bright turquoise tiles to create a playful environment. Practicality is key here, so consider using easy-to-clean quartz countertops and non-slip floor tiles in a fun herringbone pattern. Built-in step stools and double sinks can make the morning routine much smoother for growing families. By using a palette of navy, white, and red, you can achieve a classic nautical look that feels youthful yet sophisticated. This design ensures that even the youngest family members enjoy a beautiful, functional island retreat.
14. Stone drenched bathroom
What happens when you take the beauty of natural stone and apply it to every surface of the room? A stone drenched bathroom is a modern trend that creates a seamless, monolithic look by using the same material for floors, walls, and even the vanity. In a Nantucket setting, using a light-colored limestone or a soft gray marble can make the space feel like it was carved directly from the island's landscape. This approach minimizes visual breaks, making the room feel larger and more serene. It is a bold, luxurious design choice that emphasizes texture and the raw beauty of nature, providing a truly unique and spa-like experience.
15. Attic bathroom
Have you ever thought about transforming that unused space under the eaves into a cozy private getaway? An attic bathroom makes the most of unique architectural angles and sloped ceilings to create an intimate, charming retreat. By installing a skylight, you can flood the space with natural light, making it feel bright and airy despite the smaller footprint. Using light colors on the walls and floors helps to open up the room, while a compact glass shower or a small soaking tub fits perfectly into the layout. This design is all about maximizing character and creating a secret sanctuary that feels tucked away from the rest of the busy household.
16. Moody bathroom
Can a coastal home embrace darker, more dramatic tones while still feeling connected to the sea? A moody bathroom uses deep charcoals, forest greens, or midnight blues to create a sophisticated and enveloping atmosphere. This design moves away from the typical bright white aesthetic to offer something more intimate and cozy, perfect for a late-night soak. You can balance the dark walls with warm wood accents and glowing brass fixtures to prevent the space from feeling too heavy. Using textured tiles or a matte plaster finish on the walls adds depth and interest. It is a stunning way to bring a sense of modern drama and refined luxury to your island home.
17. Shaker style bathroom
Are you a fan of clean lines and functional beauty that never feels cluttered? A shaker style bathroom focuses on simplicity and craftsmanship, featuring cabinetry with recessed panels and straightforward hardware. This look is a staple of New England design, offering a timeless appeal that works in both traditional and contemporary settings. By choosing a soft gray or off-white for the cabinets, you create a neutral base that allows other elements like a patterned floor or a statement mirror to shine. The lack of ornate detailing makes the space feel organized and calm, which is exactly what you want in a room dedicated to your daily self-care routines.
18. Wet room
Have you considered a layout that completely removes the traditional barriers between your shower and the rest of the room? A wet room is a modern, open-concept design where the entire bathroom is waterproofed, allowing for a seamless transition from the vanity to the shower area. This approach is perfect for creating a spacious, high-end feel in a Nantucket home, especially when using continuous floor-to-ceiling tiling. It makes the space incredibly easy to clean and provides a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. By including a large rainfall showerhead and a freestanding tub within the same zone, you create a functional and visually stunning area that feels like a professional spa.
19. Waterfront bathroom
What could be more luxurious than a room that perfectly frames the breathtaking beauty of the ocean? A waterfront bathroom is designed specifically to highlight the exterior views, using large windows or even glass doors that lead to a private deck. The interior decor often mimics the colors of the horizon, with soft blues, sandy beiges, and misty grays. By keeping the furniture low-profile and the window treatments minimal, the natural landscape becomes the primary focus of the room. Imagine soaking in a tub while watching the sunset over the Atlantic; this design is about creating a deep, daily connection between your home and the coastal environment.
20. Patterned tile bathroom
Do you want to add a splash of personality and visual energy to your floors or walls? A patterned tile bathroom uses geometric shapes, floral motifs, or classic cement tiles to create a stunning focal point. In a Nantucket home, you might choose a blue and white mosaic that resembles traditional Portuguese tiles or a subtle gray herringbone pattern for a more modern look. This design choice adds a layer of artistry and craftsmanship to the room, making it feel unique and curated. By keeping the rest of the space relatively simple, you allow the intricate patterns to stand out, resulting in a bathroom that is both stylish and full of character.
21. Linen bathroom
How can you use soft textiles to enhance the relaxed and breezy atmosphere of your coastal home? A linen bathroom focuses on natural fabrics and soft textures to create a space that feels incredibly comfortable and inviting. From heavy linen shower curtains to plush Turkish towels and woven window shades, these elements add a tactile quality that balances the hard surfaces of tile and stone. Using a palette of soft neutrals like oatmeal, cream, and pale sky blue reinforces the serene vibe. This design approach is all about sensory appeal, making the room feel less like a clinical space and more like a cozy, well-appointed extension of your living area.
22. Vaulted ceiling bathroom
Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt like you could breathe easier because of the height? A vaulted ceiling bathroom utilizes the vertical space to create a sense of grandeur and openness. By exposing the structural beams and painting them in a contrasting wood tone or a crisp white, you add architectural interest that draws the eye upward. This extra height allows for larger windows and grander light fixtures, such as an oversized chandelier or a series of elegant pendants. The result is a space that feels incredibly airy and light-filled, capturing the expansive feeling of the island's sky and providing a truly luxurious atmosphere for your home.
23. Storage bathroom
Is it possible for a room to be both incredibly organized and beautifully designed at the same time? A storage bathroom prioritizes functionality by incorporating built-in shelving, hidden cabinets, and customized drawers to keep clutter at bay. In a Nantucket-style home, these storage solutions are often finished with shaker-style doors or open wood shelving that adds to the aesthetic. You can use woven baskets to hold extra towels and glass jars for smaller essentials, keeping everything within reach but neatly tucked away. By planning for every item's place, you ensure that the bathroom remains a peaceful and tidy sanctuary, allowing you to focus on relaxation rather than managing a mess.
24. Porthole bathroom
Would you like to incorporate a unique architectural feature that pays direct homage to the island's maritime history? A porthole bathroom features a circular window that mimics the look of a classic ship's cabin, providing a charming and unexpected focal point. This design element not only adds visual interest to the exterior of the house but also creates a beautiful, framed view of the outdoors from the inside. You can echo the circular shape with a round mirror or curved light fixtures to create a cohesive look. It is a whimsical yet sophisticated way to bring a nautical theme into your home, making even a small space feel like a special, seafaring retreat.
25. Wallpapered bathroom
How do you add a layer of sophisticated pattern and color to a room without using traditional tile? A wallpapered bathroom uses high-quality, moisture-resistant paper to transform the walls into a work of art. In a coastal setting, you might choose a delicate seagrass texture, a bold botanical print, or a classic blue and white stripe. Wallpaper allows you to introduce a level of detail and personality that paint alone cannot achieve. When paired with elegant wainscoting and polished fixtures, the result is a space that feels curated, warm, and incredibly stylish. It is a fantastic way to make a big impact in both small powder rooms and large master suites alike.
26. Polished nickel bathroom
Are you looking for a metal finish that offers a warmer, more luxurious glow than standard chrome? A polished nickel bathroom uses this high-end material for all the hardware, from the faucets and showerheads to the towel bars and light fixtures. Polished nickel has a slight golden undertone that feels more sophisticated and timeless, making it a favorite for Nantucket interiors. It reflects light beautifully, adding a subtle sparkle that enhances the airy feel of a coastal space. When paired with white marble and soft blue walls, polished nickel provides a refined finish that ties the entire room together, ensuring that your bathroom feels both polished and exceptionally well-designed for years to come.
27. Double vanity bathroom
How can you ensure that your morning routine is both efficient and luxurious for you and your partner? A double vanity bathroom provides two separate sinks and ample counter space, making it the perfect choice for a shared master suite. In a Nantucket home, these vanities are often designed with classic shaker-style cabinetry and topped with a single, massive slab of marble or quartz. Large mirrors and twin sconces provide balanced lighting and a sense of symmetry that feels very intentional. This layout not only adds significant value to your home but also creates a spacious, functional area where everyone has their own dedicated spot to prepare for a beautiful day on the island.
28. Pedestal sink bathroom
Do you want to create a look that feels light, airy, and reminiscent of a classic seaside cottage? A pedestal sink bathroom is a wonderful choice for smaller spaces or powder rooms where you want to maximize floor area and maintain a vintage aesthetic. These sinks offer a timeless silhouette that feels much less bulky than a traditional cabinet vanity. By choosing a model with elegant curves and pairing it with a beautiful mirror and high-quality hardware, you can create a very sophisticated look. This design focuses on simplicity and grace, making the room feel open and uncluttered, which is a hallmark of the relaxed yet refined Nantucket island lifestyle.
29. Glass shower bathroom
Have you ever wanted to make your bathroom feel twice as large without actually moving any walls? A glass shower bathroom uses frameless or thin-profile glass enclosures to remove visual barriers, allowing the eye to travel across the entire room. This design highlights the beautiful tile work inside the shower and makes the space feel incredibly modern and bright. It is a perfect way to showcase a rainfall showerhead or a stunning mosaic accent wall. By keeping the lines clean and the surfaces transparent, you create a sleek, high-end atmosphere that feels like a professional spa. It is a smart and stylish choice for any contemporary coastal home looking for a fresh update.
30. Hydrangea bathroom
Is there a more iconic flower that represents the lush, summer beauty of the island than the blue hydrangea? A hydrangea bathroom incorporates this beloved floral motif through artwork, fresh bouquets, or even subtle patterns in the textiles. The soft blues and greens of the flower provide a natural color palette that is incredibly soothing and quintessentially coastal. You might display a large vase of fresh blooms on the vanity or hang a series of botanical prints on the wall to bring the garden indoors. This design choice adds a touch of organic beauty and seasonal charm, making the space feel vibrant, fresh, and deeply connected to the natural landscape of Nantucket.
Conclusion:
Creating a Nantucket-inspired bathroom is about capturing the perfect balance between coastal tradition and modern comfort, resulting in a space that feels both timeless and refreshing. By focusing on crisp color palettes, natural materials like wood and stone, and thoughtful nautical details, you can transform any bathroom into a serene island retreat. Whether you prefer the rugged charm of a rustic design or the polished elegance of a marble-filled spa, the key is to prioritize light, texture, and a sense of calm. These thirty ideas provide a comprehensive guide to bringing the iconic beauty of the coast into your home, ensuring your daily routines are always accompanied by a sense of peace and sophisticated style.
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