A Modern Makeover of a Classic Bathroom
Home type: House
Project type: Bathroom
Style: Modern, Organic Modern
Skill level: Professional
Rental friendly: No
Mid-century bathrooms often have a unique charm, especially those with wall-to-wall pastel tiles. However, this charm can sometimes come at the cost of practicality. Andrea Ford, an architect, faced this challenge when she and her husband, Hunter, decided to renovate their 1930s bathroom. While the original features were nostalgic, they didn’t meet their needs as tall individuals.
“The bathroom before was your classic pink-tiled bathroom with original features,” Andrea explains. “Although I’m an architect with a care for historic fabric, the function just didn’t work for us. The sink was too low and had a small leaking issue. The toilet, while amazing in its pink glory, used so much water. And the shower head was at about shoulder height on my husband—definitely not a desirable shower experience.”
The overall space felt tired and unfunctional, and Andrea admits that the charm of the pink bathroom had lost its appeal for her. She and Hunter decided to say goodbye to the pink tiles and embark on a $20,000 top-to-bottom renovation that would create a more usable and enjoyable space.
Keeping the Layout for Cost Efficiency
To keep costs manageable, the Fords kept the same layout but made changes that improved functionality. “The layout, although small, is very efficient,” Andrea says. They worked with contractors to bring their vision to life, with Andrea sourcing materials and fixtures over the course of a year to take advantage of sales.
“Since the rest of the house was in such great shape, this was one of the top spaces we felt like we could really invest our money and do something that we would really enjoy,” Andrea says. “My husband really wanted a walk-in shower. I wanted something clean and fresh.”
They achieved both goals through a light, bright color scheme of white, cream, and gold, which gives the space a fresh and modern feel.
Enhancing the Space with Smart Design Choices
One of the most impactful changes was the installation of a floating vanity. The old console sink was not only unattractive but also lacked storage. Andrea chose a floating vanity instead, which offers a lighter look and more floor space. “I’m glad we did the floating vanity,” she says. “There’s a linen closet and medicine cabinet, so that holds everything, and the extra floor space makes the space feel bigger than it is.”
Andrea’s biggest splurge in the room was the floor tile. She opted for a 6-inch circular glazed tile from Tierra y Fuego, which she still loves. “It’s a unique shape and the color is perfect.” For the shower, she chose a more basic tile with a twist, arranging it in a unique pattern to elevate the classic subway shape.
Key Features of the New Shower
Andrea highlights three things she likes about the new shower: the built-in ledge for storage, the knobs on the glass doors, and its overall functionality. “We are both tall people, so the ability to simply shower without squatting is a luxury enough,” she says. “But really, having the overhead rain shower has been a dream, and the handheld was strategically placed so when I workout I can do a quick rinse without getting my hair wet. Bonus: It makes giving our dog a bath super easy!”
Overcoming Challenges
The hardest part of the project, according to Andrea, was keeping the process moving with contractors. “We had hoped to start the project sooner, but our original contractor kept pushing us back; eventually, he just plain bailed,” she explains. “So I was back to the drawing board, but I found a good contractor. The process was a bit slow as it’s a small space, and he didn’t put a lot of workers on the job.”
Despite the delays, the final result was worth it. The bathroom is now much more functional, especially in the shower area. The style has completely transformed from the pink bathroom of Andrea’s past. She describes the new vibe as “light and airy with a hint of playfulness.” The crisp white walls, Benjamin Moore’s Simply White, add to the fresh and modern aesthetic.
Adding Warmth and Visual Interest
Andrea wanted to play with tile patterns and shapes to bring in visual interest while keeping the design clean and simple. To add warmth, she incorporated brass lighting and accents. The result is a dreamy new bathroom that she and her husband both love.
If you’re inspired by this transformation, consider sharing your own project. Explore more stories and ideas from AT Media, including tips from pro travelers, decluttering techniques, and home transformation projects.
