These 7 beautiful bathrooms were all inspired by the designer's favorite travel destinations

Great bathroom style is something that will mean and look completely different depending on where you are in the world. From Scandinavia with the strong influence of natural materials, to Japan with its core minimalist aesthetic, different bathing cultures have shaped what is considered beautiful in the bathroom space.

When thinking of redecorating this key space, we'd suggest you take a look at bathroom ideas from around the world to fully expand your mind to all the possibilities. Here, with the help of 7 design experts, we have a look at some of the most inviting washing spaces they've created influenced by global design.

7 of the most beautiful bathrooms by interior designers inspired by travel

These luxurious bathrooms have taken a leaf out of the book of global inspiration. Creating a decor scheme influenced by world travel will not only create a small moment of escapism in your daily life, but it will also help you to build a space that feels unique.

1. Vintage Scandi

A combination of natural wood, crisp white, and inky blues in this serene space by interior designer Jessica Helgerson gives off a vintage Scandinavian mood that exudes warmth and simplicity. The property was built in the 1970s, which influenced the earthy materials palette.

‘We continued these bathroom colors throughout the house to evoke a sense of calm and connection to nature,’ says Jessica. Natural foliage and air-purifying plants improve the air quality, fostering a spa-like atmosphere.

2. Continental charm

The slab of Verde quartzite that surrounds this bath was the first purchase for the entire renovation and changed the trajectory of the project toward a more European-inspired design. ‘There’s so much organic movement within this stone, and I wanted to harness its drama and durability by using it to surround the bathtub for a bold, unexpected look,’ says Texas-based designer Ashley Ferguson.

‘Continuing the European route, I sourced some original 1970s French artwork, and suspended it, unframed, from gold chains to highlight the incredible textures on the piece and lend a little dimensionality to the space.’

3. When in Rome

A bespoke bath made from Belgian clay evokes the perfect blend of artisanal craftsmanship required for this spa-like bathroom inspired by Rome’s ancient baths.

‘Since visiting the Baths of Caracalla while I was in design school, its vast collection of ancient mosaics and color tones has always stuck with me as an ideal for a luxury spa installation,’ says interior designer Eliza Allés, who created this space in her own Nantucket home.

The rustic, hand-finished clay tub has an organic imperfectness that softens the space and tones beautifully with the green onyx mosaics. ‘The sheer linen drapery adds privacy but allows natural light to flow in and unobstructed views of the wildlife that passes by,’ she adds.

4. Japanese zen

‘When we designed this bathroom, the goal was to evoke the feeling of a modernized Japanese onsen – soothing, relaxing and, above all else, luxurious,’ says Christine Carney, director of design at Blackberry Farm.

‘The deep soaking tub and wet room design give it the feeling of an indulgent spa, while the natural materials, such as the textural stone, give it a more organic, earthy mood.’ For that all-important luxe moment, Christine turned to the circle pendant, a graceful outsized piece that casts a relaxing, diffused glow from multiple LEDs.

5. Out of Africa

Vintage wedding baskets from Africa lend pattern and texture to the soothing palette in this bathroom by interior designer Kara Childress. Her objective was to blend old and new to achieve comfort and harmony.

‘I used tadelakt plaster on the walls to create a sense of spaciousness and organic cohesion,’ she says. ‘The bath is beautifully complemented by the baskets, embracing the timeless art of Zambian weaving, which along with the rustic stool add warmth and authenticity.’

6. Moroccan magic

A modern take on Moroccan styling was the aim of this bathroom in a traditional property. ‘The owners have decidedly contemporary taste, so our challenge was to stay respectful to the historic architecture while introducing the modern vibrancy our clients sought,’ explains Jeffry Weisman, designer at Fisher Weisman Brugioni.

‘Our solution was to introduce a series of old versus new contrasts: from the wall of Moroccan-style tiles which we recolored in neutral tones to the antiqued terracotta tile floor and rug; the classic copper tub to the Knoll table; the vintage copper lantern to the contemporary sconce.’

7. Eastern promise

The owner’s globe-trotting lifestyle was the starting point for the design of this elegant bathroom in West London. ‘The family spends a lot of time working and traveling around the world, particularly the Far East, and this was the inspiration for the design of the glass mosaics,’ recalls Kaitlin Reading, showroom manager at West One Bathrooms in Chelsea Harbour.

Featuring Japanese cherry blossoms in the owner’s favorite soft purples, the branches spread outwards from the shower area, extending across the surface of the bath surround and splashback. Walls in the palest grey with lilac undertones continue the sense of peace and tranquillity.

Taking inspiration from global bathroom style will enhance your research when it comes to planning your refit. Whether it's the grandness of an Italian palace or the calming woodiness of a Scandi sauna, a deep dive into the various trends, styles and culture around the world will enable you to think outside the box and create something wholly unique.