Retro Bathroom Makeovers

Filed under: Your Home, Bathroom, Projects

Pink, Baby Blue...Avocado? Yes! Make the most of your funky-colored bathroom tile -- without breaking the bank.

Do you have a green bathroom? And do you think the only solution is to rip everything out and start over? Don't despair, there's hope. ShelterPop explores how to learn to love those unusually tiled spaces from the last century and how to make them work today:


Make it shine. The first step to reviving any vintage bathroom is to give it a thorough, deep cleaning -- and we mean deep. Take a day to really scrub every inch of grout and tile. A Mr. Clean magic eraser will work wonders on the soap scum you thought couldn't be scrubbed off the ancient tub. Wash the walls and windows while you're at it.

Get gorgeous grout. If your bathroom is looking really shabby, but you don't have the funds for a all new tile, consider re-grouting. You'll be surprised what a huge refresher this can be. Plus, it's a job you can do yourself if you have some time and patience.

Keep it neat. The easiest way to make your bathroom look great is to get rid of unnecessary clutter. (Beauty product hoarders, we're talking to you!) Note how tidy the bathroom is above: There are not five different kinds of shampoo on the tub's edge and you will not see rolls of toilet paper corralled in a wastebasket. When cleaning out your stash, remember that any unopened products will be welcome at your local women's shelter.

Limit your palette. If you're stuck with colored tile, painting the walls white is a good idea. White can act as a neutral balance to your bold tile and lighten up a dark space. If you want to add another color into the mix, do so sparingly. The blue bathroom above is accented with just a few hints of lavender.

Have fun with it. If you've got a quirky bathroom, enjoy the freedom it offers you. In this bathroom at left green tiles are matched with a bold, patterned shower curtain and bright yellow walls; striped towels offer another hit of pattern -- but it all works together. Again, the palette is limited, but it isn't shy.

Make some updates. If you're graced with a bathroom that is decked floor-to-ceiling in one color porcelain, one option is to replace just the sink and toilet and leave the tile and tub intact (like the bathroom below). A white toilet and a simple vanity can freshen up the look of a retro-feeling bath without the hassle of a full renovation. Plus, newer models of toilets are much more water-efficient.

Embrace the color you have. The bathroom above isn't trying to hide from its minty green tile. The homeowner picked a paint color that's a near match to the tile. The result is a pulled-together look that feels contemporary.

Keep things consistent. Don't try to update with radically modern hardware or fixtures. Take another lesson from the bath above: The sink vanity has vintage-looking faucets, the toilet paper holder and towel holders have classic looks and the new toilet has a decidedly vintage feel.

Want more bathroom makeover advice? Read on:
- Secret Source: Vintage Bathroom
-The Dos and Don'ts of: Cleaning Your Bath Tub

 

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