Introduction
Vintage style never goes out of fashion, but even classics need a refresh now and then. That’s exactly what happened in the historic guest bathroom of one home, where the owners wanted to add some modern conveniences without sacrificing old-world charm. With careful planning and a few strategic updates, they were able to give the space a more current look that still honored its roots.
The Original Bathroom
The original bathroom dated back to the 1920s and featured many vintage details. Hexagon-shaped white tiles covered the floor and lower half of the walls, accented by an antique clawfoot tub placed under a window. The sink was pedestal-style porcelain, and ornate sconces flanked a large round mirror above it. Despite its age, the bathroom was in good condition structurally. However, the layout was awkward and lacked storage or counter space.
Goals for the Renovation
While the homeowners loved the unique character of the original bathroom, they wanted to bring in some subtle modern elements. Their goals included:
- Adding more storage and counter space
- Improving the lighting
- Updating fixtures for functionality
- Retaining vintage styling in the new finishes
The priority was maintaining the old-fashioned feel while allowing for more practical everyday use.
Design Choices That Bridged Old and New
Several carefully chosen updates helped strike the right balance between vintage and modern in this historic home’s bathroom renovation.
Updating the Tub
The antique clawfoot tub was kept but reglazed in a fresh white for a clean, bright look. A handheld showerhead on a slide bar was discretely added for easier bathing. The addition was minimal and did not detract from the tub’s retro styling.
Maximizing Storage
Extra storage was created by adding a wall-hung wooden medicine cabinet above the toilet. The cabinet’s simple Shaker styling and white finish blended in with the vintage tilework. Open shelving flanking the window provided display space without cluttering the room.
Improving Task Lighting
Period-appropriate gooseneck lamps were added to provide task lighting on either side of the sink. Their old-fashioned design matched the wall sconces but gave better illumination for daily grooming needs.
Updating Fixtures
The pedestal sink remained but was fitted with new chrome drain pipes and lever-style faucets for a more updated look. The changes modernized the sink’s functionality while keeping its classic style.
Adding Small Touches
Fresh white wainscoting introduced a classic element without overwhelming the petite space. Crisp black-and-white hexagon floor tiles refreshed the vintage pattern underfoot. Clear glass bottles and containers provided countertop storage while complementing the room’s monochrome scheme.
The Finished Look
In the end, the homeowners achieved their goals for the renovation. The additional countertop and storage relieved clutter while letting the beautiful vintage features shine. Tasks like bathing and grooming are much more comfortable with the functional fixture updates. The new black-and-white accents and fresh finishes gave the entire room a brighter, lighter feel. Most importantly, the historic charm of the original bathroom was preserved through thoughtful design choices. The owners can enjoy an updated bath that retains its old-world appeal and personality. With just a few well-planned updates, this bathroom was able to reinvent vintage style for contemporary life.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about updating a vintage-style bathroom:
What are some ways to add storage to a vintage bathroom without taking away from its character?
Some good options are wall-mounted medicine cabinets, wainscoting with integrated shelves, open shelving flanking windows, freestanding furniture-like cabinets, and neatly organized containers.
What types of materials work well in vintage bathrooms?
Vintage bathrooms feature materials like clawfoot tubs, subway tile, hexagon floor tile, porcelain sinks, chrome or nickel fixtures, enamel surfaces, marble counters, and wood furnishings.
How can lighting be updated in a vintage bathroom?
Gooseneck lamps, wall sconces, and discreet task lighting provide brightness without sacrificing ambiance. Update existing fixtures with vintage-style LED bulbs.
What are some quick DIY refresh ideas?
Paint or reglaze tile and surfaces, update caulking and grout, replace fixture handles and knobs, organize toiletries into attractive containers, and add a fresh coat of paint to walls and trim.
Should plumbing fixtures be replaced in a renovation?
If fixtures are in good functioning order, you may only need to switch out parts like faucet handles and spouts. Replacing drain pipes and supply lines can also give a fresh look.
What about ventilation and humidity?
Vintage baths often lack ventilation. Consider discrete installations of bathroom vent fans and replacing metal surfaces with moisture-resistant materials.
Conclusion
Updating a historic or vintage-style bathroom requires careful decision making and strategic design choices. Focus on safeguarding the original charm and ambiance while discreetly integrating the conveniences needed for contemporary living. With a thoughtful approach, you can reinvent vintage style to suit today’s needs. From improved storage and lighting to fresh finishes and updated fixtures, small changes can make a big impact.
Though vintage design never truly goes out of style, it can benefit from some thoughtful revitalization. This allows treasured older bathrooms to retain their nostalgic appeal while offering the best of both worlds – vintage character and modern-day function. With the right balance of preservation and innovation, the classic style of yesterday shines for many years to come.
