For many years, the go-to look for bathroom remodels has leaned heavily into spa-inspired minimalism. Think stark white finishes, chrome hardware, and clean, hard lines. But now, maximalism is making a comeback in a big way and that's bringing warmth, nostalgia, and personality back to the forefront with it.
If you've longed for a softer, more inviting space, this new trend might just be for you. Homeowners across the Lehigh Valley are rediscovering the timeless beauty of vintage styles, bringing in more character and decorative touches. The best part is, you don't need to go all in and create a bathroom straight out of The Gilded Age. Instead, this trend gives you the freedom to incorporate just a few touches of vintage into a contemporary aesthetic, to warm up the space without sacrificing modern conveniences.
Color Palettes that Set the Mood
The first step to any bathroom refresh begins with selecting a color palette. To achieve a vintage-inspired look, consider evocative hues that feel cozy, expressive, and full of history.
Popular pairings include black and white, blush pink and charcoal, butter yellow and soft cream, or coral and gold. These color stories serve as a backdrop for the details that follow, informing choices like hardware, tiling and flooring. Even just painting a vanity in a vintage tone or choosing a colored tile accent can help set the stage. Picking the right color palette will guide the rest of the design, making it easier for you to narrow down your options.
Turn of the century tones may be more minimal, with white and black paired with deep wood tones. However these styles can be warmed up with creams and deeper jewel tones. Inspired by the cheerful palettes of the 1940s and 50s, there has also been a recent resurgence in retro shades like blush pink, mint green and soft teal (yes, even that baby blue bathroom from your youth is back en vogue!). These colors can be used on tile, painted vanities, or even tubs themselves. When combined with white, cream, or wood tones, the look stays fresh instead of dated. It’s a playful return to a more expressive time in interior design.
Wallpaper for Personality and Pop
Any discussion of retro wall treatments wouldn’t be complete without including wallpaper in the conversation. As peel-and-stick wallpaper has become more user-friendly, a wide array of options are now available. From botanical prints and Art Deco motifs to delicate toile and bold florals, wallpaper adds depth, warmth, and a touch of whimsy.
It’s also a low-commitment way to lean into a theme. Go big with a fully papered room or opt for a charming hall wall look. Whether you’re channeling the Victorian era or embracing 1950s flair, wallpaper makes it easy to tell that story with ease.
Tile Takes Center Stage
Tile is one of the easiest ways to bring vintage style into the bathroom, with plenty of today’s options echoing the elegance of vintage sensibilities. A bit of research can help inspire your choices. Also don’t forget, it’s not just tile design but layout that also evokes a timeless vibe. Consider stacking or crosshatching tile formats rather than traditional staggering for a more retro look. Some popular tiles choices include:
- Checkerboard Floors - The classic black-and-white checkerboard is back, now often updated with larger tile sizes or honed finishes that tone down the contrast and make the look feel more modern.
- Penny Tiles - These tiny round tiles are popping up on shower floors, niche insets, and even entire walls and floors. Go with crisp white for a timeless feel or play with vintage pastels for a charming twist.
- Subway Tiles - Nothing says old-meets-new quite like subway tile. Lean into the classic white version with black grout for contrast, or explore deeper shades like inky blue or bottle green.
- Textured Tiles - Matte finishes, relief patterns, and hand-crafted looks bring softness and depth to walls and floors. These subtle details can mimic the feel of old-world craftsmanship without feeling fussy.
Sinks & Vanities with Old World Flair
The vanity space provides ample opportunity to convey vintage vibes. Consider a freestanding washstand with open metal legs, like the Victoria-haus style, which offers a fresh take on vintage elegance. Often paired with marble tops or porcelain basins, these vanities feel light and refined, especially in smaller spaces.
Accentuate the look with wall-mounted faucets, cross-handle taps, or brushed gold hardware. Rich wood accents, antique-styled mirrors, or marble backsplashes can add even more character without crowding the space.
Standout Fixtures: Crystal & Clawfoot
Bathrooms are the perfect space for a little drama. A well-placed chandelier (especially petite ones) brings a dose of old-world glamour when hung above freestanding tubs or centered in powder rooms. Opt for crystal or beaded options to catch the light and add a sense of luxury.
No vintage-inspired bath is complete without a statement tub. The clawfoot remains a favorite, especially in cast iron or acrylic versions with painted exteriors. Choose a bold color or classic white for contrast.
Warm Metals Rule for Faucets & Finishes
While chrome and matte black still have their place, vintage-style bathrooms tend to favor warm, tactile finishes. Brushed gold, antique brass, and oil-rubbed bronze all can add richness and warmth to vanities, shower heads, and cabinet hardware. These tones pair beautifully with vintage colors and materials, softening hard surfaces and giving the room a more curated, collected feel. Rich wood elements also complement such metals, bringing in additional warmth, especially when richly stained.
Don’t Hesitate to Mix Old with New
One of the most exciting parts of a vintage-inspired remodel is the ability to layer styles. You don’t need to commit to one era, or be historically accurate. The best designs blend old and new with intentionality. For instance, a modern glass shower enclosure can be paired with checkerboard tile flooring. Or a modern toilet can be next to a vintage-looking wall-hung washstand with antique wall sconces. Smart features like bidet seats, temperature controlled showers, or underfloor heat don’t need to be sacrificed, just hidden beneath retro charm.
The goal isn’t to replicate the past. It’s to create a space that feels true to your tastes and timeless in its own way. It doesn’t have to be historically accurate, but it should be authentic to your tastes. Whether you lean toward Depression-era grace, Parisian glamor, or midcentury optimism, the best bathrooms reflect what you love. Add in the right modern touches, and you’ve got a space that’s beautiful, functional, and entirely your own.