Not One Wall Tile in Sight – Kirsten Dunst's Rich, Rustic Bathroom Shirks Convention With Strikingly Unorthodox Materials
The unlikely trio of copper, brass, and reclaimed wood brings Kirsten Dunst's neutral bathroom to life – here's why it works (and how to recreate it)
Practicality tends to take precedence in bathroom design. Though this approach can work, it can also lead to regrettable aesthetic decisions like subway wall tiles, streaky glass enclosures, and ugly recessed lighting. That's why Kirsten Dunst's design-first bathroom feels like a breath of fresh air.
The actor and her husband, Jesse Plemons, purchased their 1930s San Fernando Valley ranch house in 2018 and worked with the interior designer Jane Hallworth to combine Dunst's glamour and Plemons' cowboy aesthetic.
Though the entire home is stunning, the green bathroom may just be the biggest design triumph. Rather than traditional marble or tiling, Kirsten's space has matte moss walls, terracotta floors, and reclaimed wood beams on the ceiling.
Warming accessories bolster the feeling that the space is more than a bathroom. The wooden vanity sits opposite a blue Persian-style rug. In the corner, a checkered curtain complements the copper bathtub, creating an interesting contrast with the brass pendant lamp. My favorite detail might just be the wooden stool in front of the bath, which taps my recent obsession with vintage milking chairs (if you prefer something modern, this Trestle Teak Stool from Anthropologie is a great option).
Recreate Kirsten's Look at Home
This pretty brass and ribbed glass pendant would look gorgeous in a rustic bathroom for adding a touch of sparkle alongside country charm. It feels elevated yet accessible.
A checked linen shower curtain lends Kirsten's bathroom a stylishly country feel. This neutral version by Shea McGee is absolutely stunning.
Incorporating wood into your bathroom doesn't have to mean a full remodel. Accessories like this pretty acacia soap dispenser is a stylish celebration of the gorgeous material.
Though in the past, homeowners have been afraid to embrace alternative bathroom wall ideas, experts say these fears are unfounded. This creates a perfect storm for a rustic bathroom idea like Kirsten's.
Marcus Pearson, Head of Design at nuie explains: 'These days, not all bathrooms are – or need to be – completely tiled to be practical. Modern bathroom paint offers high performance in damp and humid conditions and creates a much more adaptable canvas for creativity. Unlike tiles – which are costly and time-consuming to install, rip out and replace – a lick of paint can transform an entire bathroom fast, and at a relatively low cost.'
If you are thinking of trying out Kirsten Dunst's green idea, now is the perfect time. Recent innovations have moved bathroom trends in bolder directions. Marcus states: 'homeowners are opting for bolder bathroom design choices because they can do so with less commitment. If clients get bored, they can always change painted or papered walls and swap out cosmetic elements like décor accessories, towels, and plants to match.'
There is more than one way to decorate a bathroom, and Kirsten Dunst's look points us boldly towards a tile-free future. When alternative materials create such a beautiful and cohesive story, who could resist?
