In modern interior design, tasks are often solved that seem to have no chance of being completed. The chalet-style bathroom is a wonderful example of solving the complex conundrum of how to combine the intimate space of the bathroom with the defiantly rugged, yet cozy, aesthetic of a style that evokes images of a mountain cabin.
Chalet-style bathroom - a combination of comfort and brutality
Style features
Chalet is the name of a house in the Alps, which is incredibly cozy and retains heat well. In cold, snowy weather, these two factors are especially valuable. Such a house is built from stone and wood, with stone being the material for the foundation and first floor. As you would expect, the style of the chalet is quite simple, original and at the same time romantic. Romance is achieved through the use of aged-looking wood materials. The interior decoration, which is quite logical, also consists of stone and wood. Stone is used on the floor, wood on the walls and ceilings. Ceiling beams are an integral attribute of the chalet, which is the hallmark of the style. The beams can be painted to match the overall color scheme of the interior, or they can contrast.
The specific style and materials used are more suitable for country houses. However, recently, people who do not have their own country house and do not want to put up with their situation are using chalets in their city apartments. With a skillful approach, it is quite possible to get an interesting version of the bathroom interior, however, absolute similarity and consistency of spirit in such conditions can hardly be achieved.
More about style
The chalet originated from shepherds building houses for families in the Alps. More precisely, the French province of Savoy. Such structures had two characteristic features - excellent heat retention and reliability. Modern chalet houses are small but comfortable houses in which you can wait out bad weather, for example, when traveling in mountainous areas.
The word "chalet" in Switzerland meant a "rural house" made of natural materials. Such a stone-wooden structure was considered very reliable. Stone was used mainly for the construction of the foundation and first floor.
As for the style itself, it is romantic, original and very simple. As a rule, wood and stone are used to decorate the room. To add romanticism to the design, it is better to choose aged wood material. For example, you can use wood on the walls and stone on the floor. An important element of the style are the beams on the ceiling. They can be in harmony with the color scheme or can be contrasting.
Given this characteristic of the style, it is often used in the countryside. However, even in an apartment, this direction can be very relevant. Nowadays you can increasingly see the chalet style in urban environments.
Photo gallery of chalet-style bathrooms
Appliances
We’ve sorted out the mood of the chalet style, but then what about modern technology, which is an integral attribute of any interior? For example, how can you refuse to use a washing machine? If possible, it is better to install this device not in the bathroom, but, say, in the kitchen, if it is made in a different style. If the machine is needed specifically in this room, you can build it into some kind of cabinet that will correspond to the chalet.
The plumbing fixtures should be selected not white, but, say, beige, which will make it possible not to focus attention on it, thus, you can better maintain the style. If you use a water heater, you should make sure that its body is also colored. In the photo you can see what it looks like.
Bathroom finishing
As already mentioned, wood as a finishing material must be aged in a special way. The walls can be plastered or painted with white paint. If you want to create a relief pattern, structural paints will help you with this.
The chalet-style bathroom is not loaded with furniture. Everything here is just the essentials. After all, a person comes here to relax, and an excessive amount of things will be visually oppressive. A cabinet and shelves made of wood will become necessary elements of the bathroom. To add an alpine cottage feel, hang pictures of a rural idyll or alpine mountains. Vintage items like kerosene lamps or something else found in the pantry from grandma's time will fit perfectly into the overall concept.
One of the best ways to add coziness to a chalet-style bathroom is handmade items called handmade. They keep the warmth of the creator’s hands, and if you are a jack of all trades, this is your chance to express yourself by decorating your bathroom with crafts from scrap materials.
Plants in the interior of the chalet also play an important role. To place them in the bathroom, you will need ceramic pots. However, remember that the bathroom is a source of high humidity and temperature. In addition, there are often no windows, which means no sunlight. Based on this, choose those that can easily withstand moisture and lack of daylight.
A fireplace is one of the main features of the chalet style. But in the bathroom it’s difficult to imagine a full-fledged fireplace. Therefore, if you still really want to see this heating element in the room, it is better to limit yourself to a portal that will create the desired atmosphere of warmth.
Specifics of bathroom design
A modern bathroom is a room for relaxation. It should be convenient and comfortable, meet the needs and expectations of the owners of the house.
A chalet-style bathroom is, above all, a very cozy space
A chalet-style bathroom is an interesting experiment for all those who are tired of sterile and faceless tiled rooms. But first, let's look at the basic principles of bathroom design.
A chalet-style bathroom will appeal to those who are close to natural and rural aesthetics
The choice of bath plays a big role. This is a difficult and responsible task. If we exclude exotic options, then basically baths are:
- enameled cast iron;
- steel enameled;
- acrylic:
- “marble”, made from marble chips combined with acrylic resins.
Cast iron bath
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Cast iron bathtubs are durable, have a convenient shape, and can be placed at the desired height. Steel ones are significantly cheaper, also convenient, but they rattle when filled with water. Acrylic bathtubs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, but they are easy to scratch.
A sink made of natural stone looks interesting and unusual
In addition to the bathtub, the bathroom has a washbasin. It can be either separate or with a pedestal (“tulip”). There is another type of washbasin - a sink built into a cabinet or chest of drawers. He is also aptly called “Moidodyr” for his resemblance to the hero of the famous poetic fairy tale by Korney Chukovsky. The shapes and sizes of washbasins can be very diverse. In spacious bathrooms it is customary to install several washbasins.
If the bathroom narrows and has irregular geometry, then a good option would be to place the washbasin between two corners near the narrowest wall
You should not ignore such an important element of many bathrooms as the toilet. It can be safely called the most perfect hygienic device. This seemingly simple object is actually a symbol of the triumph of functionality and form, characteristic of modern design.
Bathroom items should be comfortable and functional. Manufacturers of modern plumbing strive to make their products not only stylish and beautiful, but also as comfortable as possible. For example, handrails are built into the edge of the bathtub, and wall cabinets are equipped with lighting, radio, etc.
For a small bathroom, a shower stall would be an excellent solution.
The design of modern bathrooms is characterized by:
- desire for roundness and smoothness of shapes;
- retro fashion;
- complete masking of functional units.
For a chalet-style bathroom, it is better to choose natural finishing materials
Traditionally, the bathtub, washbasin, and the entire bathroom area are tiled with ceramic tiles of various colors, shapes and sizes. Of course, it's beautiful and practical, but there are other great options, and the chalet-style bathroom clearly demonstrates this.
Color solution
As expected, the colors used in the chalet are natural. Among them are red, burgundy, grassy, dark orange, brown - all are close to natural analogues. It is possible to add bright, saturated colors in small quantities. But at the same time, the general atmosphere should not be destroyed.
Colors such as grey, brick or blue are quite rare in chalet interiors. But beige and pastel shades will find application on floor or wall tiles.
Furniture
Furniture for a chalet-style bathroom should be more massive than usual. Moreover, it must be wooden. Of course, this complicates the task. After all, the wood must be impregnated with a special composition so that the material can withstand the high humidity of this room.
A wicker basket for dirty laundry is a necessary and relevant attribute.
The fiery heart of the chalet
No chalet interior is conceivable without a hearth, stove or fireplace, conveying all the warmth and comfort of a country house. If there is enough space, designers offer unusual projects where the key element is located in the center of the lower floor room. For decoration, it is better to use materials that can convey an alpine aura. Sometimes they use wood embossing and artificial aging - cracks, patina; ceramic cladding. The techniques are widely used for decorating other surfaces.
A soft fireplace group is created around the hearth: it acts as the center of the living room and at the same time the heart of the house - the whole family and loved ones gather here for communication, it can be as large as the area of the zone allows. Nearby you can put a rough wooden table, which serves as a coffee table, but with its appearance it connects the ancient past and some bourgeoisness of modern design.
A few more modernized performances that do not violate tradition:
- Glass surface separating the real flame;
- Tables with built-in bio-fireplaces;
- Electric fireplace with plasma TV placed above it;
- Kitchen dome hood imitating parts of a real hearth.
