A small bathroom often seems like a problem that cannot be solved without radical measures. But what if you turn its disadvantages into advantages? The Provence style is ideal for this: it does not require a lot of space, and its charm lies precisely in its intimacy and comfort.
Imagine light pastel colors, worn wood, and soft, diffused light. This style brings a feeling of space and freshness to a small space, as if letting in sunlight from the south of France. With its help, even the most modest bathroom will become not just a functional room, but a place to relax and unwind.
In this article, we will explore key ideas that will help recreate the atmosphere of Provence. We will talk about choosing a color palette, materials, plumbing fixtures, and accents that will not take up precious centimeters but will make the room visually lighter and more harmonious.
The client and their wishes
"A young couple lives in the apartment. They hope to have a baby in the near future. The clients are fans of the Provence style and light, airy interiors. They dreamed of a functional bathroom with a well-thought-out storage system, decorated in the best traditions of the French south," says Anna.
Redesign
To create a full bathroom and fit a bathtub, the designer removed the partition between the bathroom and the toilet and combined the two rooms. The partition was non-load-bearing, so there were no difficulties with approval.
Finishing
To create a Provence-style atmosphere, Anna Teklyuk opted for tiles that imitate wooden wall paneling. They are finished in a pleasant milky color scheme. Combined with “boar” tiles and blue relief plaster, the desired effect was achieved—the interior looks light and airy. “To keep the room from looking dull, I still used dark black inserts in the floor tiles,” comments the designer.
They decided to install stretch ceilings, which are a very practical solution for bathrooms.
Storage
“We moved the toilet forward slightly and installed a built-in cabinet above it, which solved the problem of lack of storage space. For small items, such as cosmetics, we chose a mirror cabinet. A spacious cabinet is located under the sink,” says Anna.
Light
Built-in bronze spotlights on the ceiling provide uniform lighting in the bathroom. “Since the room is quite small, I decided not to add any additional lighting scenarios and to limit myself to overhead lighting,” says Anna.
Color
White and cream were chosen as the main colors—this palette is characteristic of the Provence style and is ideal for decorating a small bathroom. Blue, the hostess's favorite color, was added to the main shades. It perfectly refreshes the interior, breaking up the monotony of light shades.
Furniture and decor
“We chose the most essential plumbing fixtures: toilet, bathtub, faucets, sink—all from Villeroy & Boch. The bathroom is decorated with a cabinet from the same company's Hommage collection. It fits perfectly into the small space between the bathtub and the partition,” says the designer.
The decor and textiles in the bathroom are neutral in color. Their purpose is to emphasize the beauty of the finish. A light striped shower curtain, towels in various shades of gray, soap dishes, glasses, and toothbrush holders with silver edging fit harmoniously into the given style.
Style
The room is decorated in Provence style. It features light pastel shades, natural materials in the finish, and classic furniture and bathroom fixtures. “Simplicity and naturalness without a hint of pretentiousness—that's the effect we wanted to achieve. And we succeeded,” says Anna.
A small Provence-style bathroom is a cozy, bright space with wooden elements, pastel-colored ceramic tiles, and simple but expressive details such as wrought iron handles or an antique mirror. The main thing is not to overload the room: choose compact plumbing fixtures, use a white, beige, or soft blue background, and add character to the style with decor—potted plants, cotton curtains, matte lamps. Provence is not about luxury, but about warmth and naturalness, even in the smallest corners of the house.
Challenges and deadlines
"Since we are using expensive tiles with decorative cornices and baseboards, it will be important to find a skilled worker. They must carefully cut the corners, prepare the holes for the plumbing, and cut the tiles at a 45-degree angle. This work requires responsibility and professionalism. As for the time frame, two to three weeks is enough to complete the project," comments the designer.
Layout
Tips for InMyRoom readers: how to create a similar interior
- Choose pastel shades. Add floral elements: as an accent in the tiles or as a painting on the wall or textiles. But the background of the room must always remain light and monochromatic.
- Use natural materials in the finish—decorative plaster, wood, ceramic tiles. Avoid plastic and drywall.
- Bathroom furniture should be simple. Wicker or wood is suitable, perhaps with wrought iron elements. Try painting it white or, conversely, a bright color, and your cabinet or dresser will become the focal point of the room.
- You can go wild with the decor: lamps, sconces, paintings on the walls, dried flowers in vases, mirrors. It is best to choose textiles made from simple fabrics, such as calico or linen. Patterns can be striped or nautical-themed.
A small bathroom and Provence style are a surprisingly successful combination. The main idea is to create a feeling of light, air, and warmth, which visually expands the space. The secret to success is not in the number of details, but in their atmosphere and thoughtful organization.
Focus on key elements: a pastel palette, natural materials, and a few vintage accents. Open shelves instead of bulky cabinets, a mirror in a carved frame, a wicker laundry basket — these little things work wonders. They add character without cluttering the room.
The main thing is that you enjoy starting and ending your day in this cozy corner. It should give you a feeling of calm, like a corner of a French village. Even in a small space, you can create a space with soul, where every item will please the eye and serve with practical elegance.
