Hello again dear readers! I am still working on my home project wish list for 2020, and updating/renovating our main bathroom is on the agenda! For as much as I love vintage style and adding lots of little treasures and collectibles all around my home, I really prefer a less cluttered look when it comes to the bathroom. A “modern-vintage” bathroom is actually very chic and timeless. Many modern styles are more reflective of the original bathrooms in older homes. Most of us with older properties usually want to design our bathrooms to remain in keeping with the character of the building. *This post contains affiliate links and/or sponsored content.
That being said, even if the fixtures are vintage or original, it is probably not a good idea to keep them if they are cracked, discolored and worn, as these may make the room look tired. So how do you design a timeless, yet chic and “modern” bathroom an older home? Here are a few classic features that will keep a bathroom looking updated, but still traditional in style. *This post contains affiliate links.
Keep it monochrome (tone on tone).
To keep your old bathroom looking chic, keep to a monochromatic color scheme of black, white, ivory and grey. Bright colors won’t give your bathroom a classic look and they are likely to date faster. Blacks, whites and greys have a neutral and clean feel.
You can experiment with materials like hexagon or chessboard tiles for a traditional feel. Black painted wood can also look classy and traditional – consider black painted wood cabinets and a vanity.
Install a fixed shower head.
Many older bathrooms had fixed shower heads. There are lots of modern retro designs such as chrome steel apron shower heads that are as beautiful today.
You can incorporate this with a thermostatic power shower mechanism so that you’re still getting the temperature control and water pressure of a modern shower. Another option could be to have a multi-head shower, offering a fixed shower head and a removable shower head. This might still give you the practicality that a removable shower head offers whilst also having an overhead fixed shower to provide that classic look.
Buy a freestanding bath.
Freestanding baths have come back in fashion – being less confined, they offer a more relaxed bathing experience. There are many types of freestanding tubs such as the slipper shape and the more traditional oval tub. Faucets could be positioned on one end, or positioned in the center.
You can shop online for modern freestanding bathtubs and have them delivered to your home. Not all bathrooms may have the space for such a tub, although you may be able to extend so that you have enough room for one. My favorite style will always be a clawfoot tub!
Add some new tiles
Tiles look great in a traditional bathroom. Your room may already have tiles, but these might need replacing if they’re starting to look worn. Old grout can really make a bathroom look outdated, but fresh tile can give it a whole “new” look while retaining classic style. You can add tiles to all four walls or create a feature wall by a shower or bathtub. When designing a classic bathroom, try to avoid patterns and stick to one color scheme such as white or grey.
Install a retro radiator.
Another feature that you could add to your bathroom is a retro radiator. Once old-fashioned, these radiators are now coming back as a stylistic feature. Some versions may also double up as a heated towel rack.
You’ll find lots of retro radiators of all different sizes online. Cast iron radiators are some of the most eye-catching, although these are more expensive and require a lot more work to deliver and install.
Overall, a simple and modern bathroom can really look quite vintage! Simply add some nice white towels and only a few accessories to keep the bathroom from looking cluttered. Our family loves Ralph Lauren towels. They last forever and just feel so good!
As you can see, a “modern” bathroom can work well for any home. Minimal decor, monochromatic colors and classic tile choices are the style elements that make up a timeless bathroom. The great thing about decor trends right now such as farmhouse and cottage style bathrooms is that they are also incorporating neutrals, such as black and white and many of these same design concepts.
Working on this post definitely solidifies my decision to stick with a classic and minimalist look when renovating our bathroom. When our remodel begins, I will be sharing it here on the blog. Be sure to subscribe by email to see join along as we transform our bathroom and other areas of the house in the months ahead!
See you again soon!
Amber
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