When I set out to design the modern cottage bathroom at Stamping Cottage, I knew I had a challenge on my hands. This little shower room is tiny—but that just made me even more determined to make it stylish, practical, and full of character. If you love modern cottage bathroom ideas with a fresh yet timeless feel, you’re in the right place!
We’re still in the midst of renovations at Stamping Cottage, and while things are coming together beautifully, there’s still a little way to go! This modern beach cottage bathroom still has to be finished! As soon as the builders have packed up and the dust has settled, I’ll be able to share photos of the finished spaces, including all the little details that make this bijou retreat so special. I can’t wait to show you how it all turns out—stay tuned!
our bijou holiday retreat
Stamping Cottage itself is a one-bedroom bijou retreat available for holiday lets, tucked away in the Cornish countryside between Penzance and St Ives. You can read all about the cosy bedroom in my post: Modern Cottage Bedroom – A Cozy Retreat at Stamping Cottage, but today, we’re focusing on the shower room—a small but mighty space that captures the essence of a modern English cottage bathroom.
modern cottage bathroom ideas board
Designing a Tiny Shower Room with Big Style
modern cottage bathroom design
I love the challenge of working with small spaces. There’s something so satisfying about making every inch count while keeping the design beautiful and uncluttered. In this cottage modern bathroom, I wanted to create a space that felt fresh, fun, and a little bit coastal—without straying too far from the timeless English cottage aesthetic.
1. A Shiplapped Ceiling for a Coastal Touch
One of the first things I decided to do was shiplap the ceiling. Why? Because small rooms can sometimes feel a bit boxy, and adding ceiling paneling creates visual interest while subtly drawing the eye upward. It also brings in a slight coastal element, which fits beautifully with Stamping Cottage’s Cornish setting.
The soft white vertical shiplap walls complement the ceiling, giving the space a relaxed yet structured look. This kind of detailing is a great way to add depth to a small bathroom without overwhelming it.
2. The Colour Palette – Soft Greens & Warm Neutrals
I’m a big believer that colour sets the mood, and for a small space, it’s especially important. I wanted the bathroom to feel light, airy, and fresh while still being warm and inviting.
I chose soft sage green tiles for a fresh yet classic look. Green is the perfect choice for a modern cottage core bathroom because it’s both calming and timeless—exactly what you want in a holiday retreat. We’ve created a vertical stripe with a milky white tile by stacking them vertically and alternating the colours. Stripes feel good in this space, they add a bold pattern and are a great nod to coastal design.
To balance it out, I paired the green with white vertical panelling on the other walls. It keeps the space feeling open while adding a touch of vintage charm.
3. The Shower – A Statement Feature
A small shower room doesn’t have to be boring! I decided to make a statement with vertical green tiles, creating a subtle striped effect that elongates the space. The polished nickel fixtures keep things feeling classic, and I opted for separate hot and cold taps as a nod to traditional English cottage bathrooms.
4. Vintage & Modern Mix – The Sink & Mirror
One of my favorite features? The wall-mounted sink, which feels both vintage and modern at the same time. It’s small but stylish—perfect for a compact space. I particularly like that it has a raised back.
Above it, I chose a round mirror with a striped green and white trim, tying in the colors from the shower tiles. It adds just enough pattern without overwhelming the room.
5. Natural Textures & Finishing Touches
No cottage bathroom is complete without some natural materials to soften things up. I brought in a woven basket for storage (practical but pretty!), warm-toned terracotta tiles for the floor, and brass lighting to add a soft, golden glow in the evenings and to bring in a vintage touch.
This mix of materials is what makes a modern cottage interior bathroom feel special—it’s all about blending clean lines with rustic textures, balancing function with charm.
Making a Small Space Feel Luxurious
Even though this is a tiny shower room, I wanted it to feel just as special as the rest of Stamping Cottage. A well-designed small bathroom can feel just as indulgent as a larger space, and it’s all about the little details. Here are a few ways I made this space feel bigger and brighter:
- Shiplap panelling: The vertical lines naturally elongate the walls and the panelled ceiling draws the eye upwards.
- Large mirror: Reflects light and makes the space feel twice as big.
- Wall-mounted sink: Keeps the floor visible, which creates an illusion of more space.
- Light colour palette: Greens, whites, and warm neutrals keep things feeling airy and open.
It’s proof that even the smallest bathrooms can have a big impact!
Want to see more? Head over to Modern Cottage Bedroom – A Cozy Retreat at Stamping Cottage for a peek inside the rest of the cottage, including all the details, paint colours, and links to shop the pieces we’ve chosen to bring this modern cottage style to life!
And stay tuned—next up, I’ll be sharing the entrance hall at Stamping Cottage. This tiny space has had a full makeover, bringing in the same modern cottage charm with coastal-inspired details. I can’t wait to show you how it’s coming together!
Milk Glass/Brass Wall Light
Triple Light is out of stock!
Love This Look? Stay at Stamping Cottage!
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If you’re dreaming of your own modern cottage interior bathroom, I hope this space has given you some inspiration! And if you’d like to experience it for yourself, Stamping Cottage is available for holiday lets.
This one-bedroom hideaway is the perfect place for a cosy getaway, with interiors designed to be both beautiful and inviting. Book directly from our website, and we’ll include a continental breakfast in the price!
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