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Vintage Design for a Timeless Bathroom: 6 Tips

Charles Hilton Architect:

Hey y’all! I’m super excited to share some fabulous tips and ideas on how to bring vintage charm into your bathroom. I’ve discovered six incredible ways to make your bathroom feel like a cozy room- not sterile and cold!  Let’s turn your bathroom into warm and stylish retreat. 

1. Vintage (or Vintage Inspired) Lighting 

To set the perfect mood, consider installing vintage-inspired lighting fixtures above your vanity or even on the ceiling. Picture elegant, antique chandeliers or beautiful sconces that put off a soft glow, adding a touch of retro to the room. The gentle ambience is guaranteed to feel like a hug after a long day. 

 

2. Faucets with Classic Finishes 

Jessica Helgerson:

Upgrade your bathroom’s hardware with thoughtfully chosen vintage inspired plumbing fixtures. Classic finishes like polished nickel and un-lacquered brass bring a sense of sophistication and character to the space. I urge you to consider these timeless fixtures as they are elements that set your bathroom apart from the crowd. Investing in these small details will have your bathroom looking like a masterpiece for years to come!

 

3. Ornate Mirrors

Establish Design:

Look for mirrors with ornate frames or unique shapes that can act like art pieces for your vanity. I can attest to the transformative power of vintage mirrors; these time-tested pieces add a layer of intrigue and depth to your space, turning your daily self-care routine into a luxurious experience. 

 

4. Earthy Colored Vintage Rugs

Clouz Houz:

Don’t underestimate the impact of a vintage rug in your bathroom; it’s a designer’s secret weapon to introduce texture and warmth. Look for rugs with fun patterns and earthy tones (washed out dye is the perfect patina) that compliment your bathroom’s color scheme. Experiment with vintage rug styles to see how they instantly elevate your bathroom from ordinary to extraordinary. 

5. Vintage Décor 

Clouz Houz:

When it comes to vintage décor, it’s all about the details that create that nostalgic and personal atmosphere. Baskets made from wicker or metal add a touch of old-world charm, while also being practical storage solutions. Vases filled with fresh flowers are also great for infusing your bathroom with a breath of life. These small yet significant additions are a reflection of your unique taste, and remind us of when every item used  holds great meaning and purpose… and a piece of history! 

 

6. Dresser Turned Vanity

Heidi Caillier Design:

Okay, now onto the best for last: converting a vintage dresser into a vanity! Find dressers with a lot of character that would be perfect for speaking to your space. Customizing the sink area to fit the dresser’s dimensions creates a unique and functional vanity. As many bathrooms nowadays are embracing the trend of incorporating furniture, these timeless pieces can turn a utilitarian space into a personalized retreat. They not only provide ample storage, but also become the focal point. 

***

Elevating your bathroom with vintage touches is a journey worth starting. The rewards of these efforts will extend far beyond aesthetics – they’ll become a cherished part of your home that you’ll fall in love with time and time again. Embrace the warmth, nostalgia, and personality that will allow you to truly unwind and indulge in moments of luxury. Happy designing!

Welcome to the Tumalo guest bathroom vision, a snapshot of what we have created for our vintage-inspired bath. We are so excited to share our progress and ideas with you all. The moodboard showcase a selection of soft pastel hues, intricate patterns, and carefully chosen antique fixtures. Stay tuned as we bring this vision to life and share the renderings to give you a better picture in the next week to come!

 

Shop our LTK to discover all of the items we used as inspiration! Let us know what you want to see next and how we can help source what you need:)

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I know my routines, what I reach for daily, how I want a space to function for me. That part makes designing for myself feel easy. (But making decisions for myself is where things get tricky LOL).

The difference is, I know what’s a non-negotiable for me. I know what actually matters day to day, not just what looks good.

And that’s really how I approach client work too.
It’s not just about picking beautiful pieces. It’s about asking the right questions, understanding how you live, and reading between the lines a bit. What you say you want... and what you actually need can be two different things.

That’s where we come in. We help make sense of it all so your home doesn’t just look good, it works for you in a way that feels natural.

Click the link in bio to start working with us today!
Comment ‘ME’ to get all of these items delivered straight to your inbox! I hope you can join me over there each week:)

Are you all ready for summer like I am?!? Our team loves pulling all the inspo and things that are shaping our design work each month. June is my favorite... for a lot of reasons, because, one: I’m a total warm weather girl and two: it’s Derrick’s and my anniversary month! I can’t believe we are celebrating 29 years next week!

Anyway, I digress... I’m breaking down all the things in today’s Between The Layers post (live at 5:00 PST). I can’t wait to share with you allllll the things we have our eyes on for projects.

I’m even sharing some items I have been debating for our house because I need your help assuring me I’m not crazy with all these ideas I have brewing.😂

Inspo imagery via Pinterest
If you’re going to be creative, you have to be willing to stay in a bit of a playful mindset... not everything can be overthought or perfectly safe, because that’s usually when things start to fall flat. I see this all the time, even in my own home, where the moments I almost didn’t do something end up being the ones I love the most. The same goes for our client work. The best spaces don’t come from playing it safe, they come from trusting the process and being open to ideas you might not have considered at first. That’s really the point of hiring a designer, especially at a higher level. You’re not bringing us in to repeat what you already know you like or to be directed every step of the way. You’re bringing us in for our perspective, our resources, and the ability to see things a little differently. We’re never going to lead you in a direction that doesn’t work, but we are going to push you a bit, because that’s where a space starts to feel more thoughtful, more layered, and ultimately a more thoughtful, refined version of your vision. Brought to life with a level of detail that’s hard to achieve without a clear plan behind it.
Part 2!

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