Traditional bathrooms evoke a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication. With classic styling that has stood the test of time, traditional bathrooms remain a perennially popular choice for homeowners seeking a refined and luxurious bathroom aesthetic. This week, we explore a stunning traditional bathroom design that incorporates modern conveniences and fresh twists on classic elements for a beautifully updated take on tradition.
Blending Old and New
The hallmarks of traditional bathroom design include symmetrical layouts, clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, ornamental moldings and trims, marble and porcelain surfaces, and vintage-inspired lighting fixtures. This bath artfully blends these traditional features with contemporary innovations to create a bathroom that feels comfortably familiar yet current.
Gleaming white subway tile and hexagonal floor tile establish the clean, classic look. Brass trim and fixtures add warmth and shine. Design choices like the freestanding tub, wall sconces, and pedestal sink nod to tradition. At the same time, modern touches like the frameless glass shower enclosure, undermounted rectangular sinks, and discreet recessed lighting update the look. The overall effect seamlessly bridges old and new for a timeless but fresh design.
Harmonizing Materials and Finishes
One key strategy was harmonizing the materials and finishes to unify the traditional and contemporary elements. The classic white subway wall tile pairs beautifully with the modern hex floor tile while the brass fixtures coordinate with the oil-rubbed bronze shower trim. Crisp white pedestal sinks work with the soft gray vanity paint color. Though the materials differ, shared colors and metallic finishes create cohesion. This thoughtful blending of material finishes is essential to smoothly integrating traditional and modern aspects.
Playing with Proportions
Another effective update tactic was tweaking the proportions. Oversized subway wall tile and narrow grout lines create a more modern tile layout. The expansive rectangular vanity mirror feels fresh compared to traditional oval or arched mirrors. The slender pedestal sinks have cleaner lines than bulky vintage pedestal sinks. The roomy walk-in shower ditching a cramped tub/shower combo is a more current use of space. Subtle proportional shifts away from classic dimensions give a streamlined effect.
Thoughtful Design Choices
From the transitional light fixtures to the mix of sink styles, the design choices artfully intertwine traditional and modern. The wall sconces with cylindrical shades add vintage charm while remaining minimal and pared back. Undermount rectangular sinks put a modern spin on traditional pedestal sinks. The furnishinglike freestanding tub updates a clawfoot tub. These purposeful selections walk the line between old and new, preventing the room from skewing too historic or too trendy.
The overall result is a bathroom with enduring, elegant style that doesn’t feel stuck in the past. Its light and bright aura also diverges from some heavily ornate traditional bathrooms for a more refined and relaxed vibe. This savvy makeover proves tradition can be honored while moving a design forward.
Achieving the Traditional Bathroom Look
For homeowners who aspire to create a traditional bathroom infused with up-to-date features, there are several design moves worth considering:
Seek Inspiration from Historic Styles
Study classic architecture and interior design through the decades and centuries. Periods like Victorian, Art Deco, and Colonial Revival have distinct stylistic traits that can inform traditional design. Understand the hallmarks of your preferred periods from light fixtures to layouts and apply them to your bathroom. Just focus on one or two periods rather than overlapping competing aesthetics.
Opt for Classic Materials
Traditional bathrooms showcase fine materials like marble, porcelain, granite, subway tile, nickel and brass. Opt for clawfoot or slipper tubs, pedestal sinks, and vintage-style faucets and lighting. Paint colors typically skew neutral or pastel. Though you can modernize finishes, the materials themselves form the foundation. Source them thoughtfully from trustworthy vendors known for quality and durability.
Nail the Layout
Traditional bathrooms favor compartmentalized spaces versus sprawling open plans. Distinct areas for the tub, toilet, sinks, and shower create an orderly layout. Symmetry and geometry also feature prominently, hence abundant rectangular shapes and balanced locations. Floating vanities help continue sightlines. Be sure your layout aligns with principles of traditional design.
Elevate Architectural Details
Ornate trimwork, paneling, wainscoting, and molding inject traditional flair. Corinthian columns, ceiling medallions, and decorative tilework can provide wow factor. Consider framing mirrors and artwork to play up the traditional gallery wall effect. Though less common in contemporary bathrooms, these architectural details create vintage character.
Choose Transitional Fixtures
While ornate crystal chandeliers suit historical bathrooms, transitional light fixtures better blend old and new. Pick streamlined sconces, pendants, and vanity lighting with elegant materials like nickel or brass. For plumbing, select transitional faucet and shower designs with minimalist shapes and classic finishes. The fixtures should steer clear of ultra-modern and hyper-futuristic aesthetics.
Modernizing a Traditional Bathroom
Homeowners with existing traditional bathrooms who wish to update them can do so thoughtfully and effectively. Here are some top modernization strategies:
Update Fixtures and Finishes
Swapping outdated brass and gold finishes for unlacquered brass, matte black, or nickel gives fixtures a facelift. New showerheads, faucets, and cabinet hardware refresh the space. Consider replacing ornate mirrors with frameless, beveled-edge styles. Update lighting and swap builder-grade surfaces for higher end materials. Refinished or new tile and countertops make a big impact.
Streamline Storage
Traditional bathrooms often lacked ample storage. Adding a wall-hung floating vanity or medicine cabinet eases clutter while maintaining a clean look. Freestanding furniture-style cabinets also increase storage discreetly. Built-in shelving in the shower area adds space for bath necessities. If over-the-toilet storage makes sense, select a sleek cabinet.
Improve Lighting
Proper bathroom lighting is essential. Swap out dated lighting for diffused LED vanity strip lighting and add layers like pendant lights or sconces. Install dimmers to control brightness. Add a waterproof light inside the shower. Use lighting to highlight display areas and artwork. The right lighting makes the updated bathroom feel brighter and airier.
Upgrade the Tub
A vintage clawfoot tub can be impractical. Switching to a roomy freestanding soaking tub or seamless walk-in shower opens up space. Contemporary air jet tubs add luxury. If keeping a clawfoot tub, have it refinished. Updating the tub and surround materials gives the bathroom a more refreshed look.
Incorporate Technology
Integrating today’s bathroom tech improves functionality. Adding a wall-mounted tablet keeps entertainment handy. Digital shower systems simplify temperature and pressure controls. High-tech toilets and bidets increase efficiency and comfort. Mirror TVs enable catching the news during grooming. Just incorporate tech discretely to maintain the overall traditional ambiance.
With these savvy improvements, homeowners can update a traditional bathroom to better suit modern lifestyles and standards without sacrificing the charm of classic design. The refreshed space will retain its inviting, timeless appeal while offering conveniences that today’s bathrooms demand.
Common Elements in Traditional Bathroom Design
While traditional bathrooms vary based on specific historic influences, certain common design elements create their nostalgic charm:
- Clawfoot, slipper, or pedestal tubs
- Oval, arched, or framed mirrors
- Pedestal, console, or wall-hung sinks
- Marble, porcelain, or ceramic tile
- Hexagonal floor tile
- Subway wall tile
- Nickel or brass fixtures
- Decorative sconces and chandeliers
- Crown molding, wainscoting, and ornate trim
- Neutral color palette
- Compartmentalized layout
- Symmetry in layout and design
Beyond these recurring features, traditional bathrooms showcase fine craftsmanship through carved details, custom woodwork, and high-quality materials. The overall look has an elegant, sophisticated charm rooted in historic design eras.
Style Profile: Victorian Traditional Bathrooms
Victorian style has long influenced traditional bathroom design. Drawing inspiration from 19th century Victoria-era architecture and decor, Victorian traditional bathrooms are romantic and dramatic spaces.
Ornate details lend a sense of luxury. Look for:
- Intricate or patterned tilework
- Elaborately carved cabinets
- Decorative mosaics and inlaid tiles
- Clawfoot tubs placed on a pedestal
- Distinctive faucets and showerheads
- Hearty crown and base molding
These bathrooms also display a deeply feminine aesthetic. Floral motifs, soft colors, frilly shower curtains, and vanities styled like dressers reinforce the Victorian lady’s bathroom vibe. Painted or antique vanities with bold color choices also keep the look whimsical and chic. Metallics and jewel tones pop against lighter wall colors.
The overall lavish ornamentation distinguishes the Victorian style, resulting in a one-of-a-kind nostalgic bathroom.
Style Profile: Art Deco Traditional Bathrooms
For sleeker vintage flair, Art Deco bathrooms elegantly blend geometry and ornamentation. The emphasis on precise patterns and lavish details creates visual drama.
Art Deco style emerged in 1920s and 1930s architecture, particularly in transportation hubs and movie theaters. Its influence reshaped both interiors and product design. Traditional bathrooms embraced the style and key traits like:
- Black and white color schemes
- Gold, silver, and glossy lacquered finishes
- Glass block walls and chrome accents
- Hexagonal tiles on floors and walls
- Towering faucets and vertical details
- Arched mirrors and sconces
- Rich materials like marble and onyx
The bold graphic patterns and sweeping curves pair modern sleekness with retro elegance. Angled vanities and sunburst mirrors keep the look dynamic versus staid. For contemporary edge or bright vintage glam, Art Deco delivers.
Design Profile: Shiplap Walls and Beadboard Ceilings
For a casual and cottage-inspired traditional bathroom, beadboard ceilings and shiplap walls add vintage farmhouse charm.
The defining features include:
Shiplap Walls
- Thin wooden boards with subtle grooves
- Crisp white paint to mimic farmhouse or coastal homes
- Provides texture and visual interest
- Distressed or whitewashed finishes optional
- Often used on accent walls or full bathroom
- Creates casual, relaxed vibe
Beadboard Ceilings
- Thin wooden planks with small grooves
- Traditionally unfinished but now often painted white
- Used in historic cottages and farmhouses
- Adds architectural interest and dimension
- Visually expands smaller bathrooms
- Affordable option to wood panel ceiling
Together, these finishes give bathrooms cozy vintage character reminiscent of an old country home or seaside cottage. The rustic elements pair nicely with antique-style sinks, clawfoot tubs, and vintage pendant lighting for easy traditional charm.
Q&A About Creating a Traditional Bathroom Design
Traditional bathroom designs never go out of style but successfully creating one does require some knowledge and skill. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about crafting and updating traditional bathrooms.
What is the first step when designing a traditional bathroom?
The first step is determining what exact style of traditional bathroom you want. Look at photos online or in books to identify your preferred traditional aesthetic – Victorian, Colonial Revival, Neoclassical etc. Knowing the style narrows down architectural details, materials, layouts and other key design factors unique to that style.
How do I pick fixtures and finishes for a traditional bathroom?
Traditional bathrooms use high-quality classic materials like porcelain, marble, granite, nickel and brass. Stick to rectangular or hexagonal white subway tile for walls. Choose porcelain or ceramic tiles for the floors. Brass fixtures suit many traditional styles. Ensure any reclaimed or antique elements suit the period. Avoid very modern materials like glass tile or concrete.
How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom with a traditional design?
According to HomeAdvisor, the average bathroom remodel cost $10,428 in 2021 but traditional bathrooms often cost more due to higher end finishes. Expect costs between $15,000-30,000 depending on the size of the bathroom, chosen materials and complexity of the remodel. Using vintage salvaged materials also ups costs.
Can I still have amenities like a walk-in shower?
Absolutely. While vintage styling defines traditional bathrooms, you can still integrate modern amenities. Many homeowners opt for large walk-in showers in lieu of clawfoot tubs. Just use traditional materials and finishes in the shower design. freestanding tubs also add style while maximizing space.
What mistakes should I avoid when designing a traditional bathroom?
Avoid these common missteps:
- Mixing too many decorative elements from mismatched periods
- Using budget versions of materials like faux marble laminates
- Overdoing ornate details resulting in a gaudy look
- Including modern elements that clash like colored glass tile
- Cramming in too many pieces resulting in a cluttered look
- Choosing colors not suited to the period style
How do I add storage to a traditional bathroom?
Storage solutions like built-in wall cabinets, window benches, and bathroom hutches suit traditional style. Look for ways to conceal clutter in enclosed cabinets versus open shelves. If needed, add a vintage style cabinet like an apothecary chest. Any storage furniture should coordinate with other finishes.
Conclusion
Traditional bathroom design stands the test of time thanks to its timeless elegance and sophistication. This refined, ornamental style has evolved to incorporate modern elements like spa-inspired showers and cutting-edge fixtures while still retaining vintage charm.
For today’s homeowners, a thoughtfully updated traditional bathroom blends the best of classic and contemporary design. By honoring tradition through layout, architectural details, and materials yet tweaking proportions and finishes, bathrooms can feel current rather than relics of the past.
When creating a traditional bathroom, carefully curate finishes and fixtures to ensure cohesion. Seek inspiration from specific styles like Victorian and Art Deco to inform your design choices from tilework to tub shape. Consider adding unique vintage elements like shiplap walls and beadboard ceilings for a casually elegant cottage look.
Most importantly, take a holistic approach to integrating modern updates and conveniences to ensure the new bathroom feels harmoniously traditional. With mindful design and quality craftsmanship, your bathroom can evoke enduring sophistication and comfort. The traditional aesthetic never disappoints, especially when given fresh twists.
