In the 1950s, pastel colors were favored for kitchens and bathrooms. Among them were “Mamie Pink” (named for President Eisenhower’s wife), powder blue, and pale shades of green and yellow. In the kitchen, these colors were seen on appliances, and metal cabinets with built in sinks and drainboards. In the bathroom, everything from wall tiles and bathtubs to sinks, toilets, and fixtures could be found in these colors. Today, there are multiple websites and Facebook groups devoted to lovers of this nostalgic look.
Moving into the 1960s and early 1970s, the color palette shifted to deeper colors like orange, avocado green, harvest gold, and brick red. Appliances, wall phones, and Mom’s Tupperware all featured these tones. While some fondly remember the 1970s (hello Brady Bunch!), its color scheme has not evoked the same devotion as the earlier looks.
This leads us to our clients, Zach and Tricia. Their hall bathroom was a 1970s time capsule: green tile on all the walls, green bathtub, green soap dish and towel holder. They even had the original green vanity sinks and the white laminate countertop! It was the perfect candidate for a complete bathroom remodeling project.
Our clients wanted a complete makeover in this bathroom, so goodbye avocado green! New 12×24 matte white porcelain tile went on the walls around the tub, and matte finished “Carrara” tile with a white/grey marbled pattern was installed on the bathroom floor. A new, bright white tub replaced the old green one. We added two wall niches with matte black shelves for soaps and shampoo, and carried the matte black finish over to the shower fixtures.
The white vanity was replaced with a shaker-style one in “Harvest” stain. A tall cabinet was also added, to provide additional storage. The “Frost Granite” cultured marble countertop, matte black faucets, and black hardware complete the look.
We also updated the primary bathroom. The vanity and toilet were relatively new, so they remained as is. The shower, however, needed a fresh look. We replaced the acrylic shower insert with the same matte white tile we used in the hall bathroom. The shower floor tile is 2×2 “Designer White” mosaic from the Daltile “Color Story” collection. Two 12×28 wall niches, stacked vertically with matte white shelves, provide storage, while the Herringbone mosaic tile installed in the back of the niches adds interest and pattern. Because the shower is too small to accommodate a corner shelf or seat, a third, smaller “foot niche” was set into the left wall. Suggested by our tile vendor, this niche allows for stability while shaving, without taking up valuable space in the shower.
Both bathrooms now have a more contemporary look that also provides better function for the family. This bathroom remodeling project shows how the right combination of tile, storage, fixtures, and finishes can completely transform an outdated space.
So, what’s your favorite style era? Mid Century Modern? Groovy 1970s? Clean and Classic? Ultra-Modern with glass and chrome? For those of you who favor a blast from the past retro look, manufacturers like Wilsonart and Formica are bringing back many of their old laminate patterns, and we’re seeing a wider variety of tile colors and shapes to suit any decor.
Whatever style you choose, we’re here to help you bring your dreams to reality!
