On the Hunt: Calm, Classic Bathroom Inspiration

My homegirl Jen is living the dream. Think rock star husband, pickle-tastic baby, and magazine-worthy Queen Anne house. Or rather, it will be magazine-worthy once she ditches the paleolithic wallpaper strata and the astroturf carpet. After gutting the bathroom Jen is ready to make her renovation wishlist--and I'm ready to live vicariously through her!

The vibe? Crisp, classic schoolhouse modern. The palette? A foundation of black and white, with either cool grey or warm taupe walls. The existing elements? A clawfoot tub original to the house, and a previously purchased sink from Ikea.

Regardless of whether Jen chooses to go the cool grey or the warm taupe route, I'd love to see her incorporate some dark wood into the space; it adds an element of depth and richness that complements the history of the house.

Of course ebony floors look stunning in a bathroom, but with a growing family they're pretty impractical. Jen could try wood framed mirrors or introduce a wood etagere. There's just something about that pairing of black tile accents with warm brown wood that I can't get enough of...

I have a thing about showers; when they feel old or dingy, with too many crevices and drapey curtains to brush against, they gross me out. So no matter the style of bathroom, the shower should be as sleek and astringent as possible. Above and below, simple glass panels appease my shower neuroses in bathrooms with a vintage sensibility.

In terms of flooring, Jen's thinking hex tile. She's a fan of the small grey tiles in the first image, but I also like the larger black and white fellows below.  The most important factor to consider is the size and scale of the bathroom. In general I prefer small tile in a small space and vice versa, but there are no hard and fast rules. Get some samples, lay them on the floor, and let your eye be your guide.

The final element to address? The tub! Right now it's painted butter yellow (what were the previous owners thinking?) so clearly Jen needs to deal with that situation ASAP. Sure she could have it powdercoated a pure and simple white, but my advice?

Do it up black! How striking and dramatic--yet subtly traditional---do these black tubs look?! It's an option that's just different enough to give Jen's bathroom a unique touch, yet classic enough that she won't tire of it in a few years. And it couldn't be farther from her current tacky astroturf situation!

So tell me: what's on your dream bathroom wish list? And do you need inspiration for a home project? Email me at anne[at]annesage.com and let's brainstorm together--I'd love to feature your decor conundrums here at The City Sage!

Image Credits: 1. Remodelista 2, 3, 5, 6, 9. House to Home 4. Elle Decor 7. Canadian House and Home

Comments

[Autumn]

Honestly, I could feel my stress level dropping while looking at these photos. Classic b&w baths are and will always be my favorite. My tip to Jen is to be sure to use a somewhat dark grout on the hex tiles. White loses the pretty pattern and is HORRIBLE to keep clean.

[forget.me.knot.weddings]

I love all these bathroom ideas! I really need to upgrade our bath area and these just really make me want to start saving up for it! Have a good weekend!

[michelle @ blissful musings]

I could happily relax in any of these bathrooms. I would LOVE to have a clawfoot tub one day. Nothing is better than a bubble bath, sweet smelling candles and good book.

[Courtney]

LOVE the last two pics! My mouth is watering. I want to go tackle my bathroom.

[Style Revolution]

I love bathrooms and these amazing ones are making me drool!!!

[rebecca]

Did you see this in the NYT a while back? That mega sink fills me with joy.

[rebecca]

My link didn't work. Here: http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/08/05/garden/20090806-easthampton-slideshow_15.html

[Jenny]

Love the tub! and also the black and white floor tiles.

[Amanda {Mocking Bird}]

Oh these are glorious.
I need an old bathroom so I can redecorate it hehe

[Amanda]

These are gorgeous!

And I'm with you - the black tub is incredible :)

[Kate Coveny Hood]

I love classic bathrooms. Not that I don't enjoy showering in a super modern slate and granite job - but there is something about the images above that really speak to me. And I especially love that chandelier in #3.

[jen ramos]

Clawfoot tubs seem to be more popular out East....here on the westcoast I rarely see them...BUT i so wish i had one!

Jen Ramos
www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

[Jenny]

i've been thinking about painting the beadboard wainscot in my sunroom a light gray color. That first picture inspires me to bite the bullet and do it!

[Krysten]

Oh my gosh absolutely beautiful!

[Jane Flanagan]

I'm crazy for the first bathroom!

[Hamptontoes]

I kept looking at the photo with the double sinks...I love that bathroom! And, the bath with the barcart...clever idea!

[julie]

WOW...what a gorgeous round-up of bathrooms! i love the black tub! on my wish list :)

[Jill Seidner]

I love these bathrooms! Love the look of a clean, classic bathroom. Forever timeless...

[Katrina]

Oh these baths are absolutely gorgeous - claw-footed baths are my favourite!

Umm, I have a silly question, but I was reading the comments on Blah, Blah, Blahg and you mentioned your "Tasmanian father-in-law" ... is your father-in-law from Tassie, Australia? That's where I'm from! Hehe I'm so daggy about the way I get excited whenever I see "tasmania' mentioned in blogs!

[cassandra @ coco+kelley]

this might be the most insanely drool-worthy list of bathrooms EVER. i would like #6, please :)

[Shell Sherree]

I love your thoughts on this, Anne! And I feel I must put a chandelier on the list when it's time to reno the bathroom.

[Space by Eliana Tomas]

so many good tips in here. all the images are simply great to illustrate your arguments.
my fav bathroom will have a bath tub like the last photograph, but maybe in baby blue, to add details in gold and silver.

[Michelle]

dude, you rocked it, the deco mirror, the wooden toilet seat, the hex floors, you covered all the fabulousness in one post! WEEEEEEEEEE

[caroline = patagonia gifts]

amazing tips, Anne! these bathrooms are so gorgeous! my favorite thing? that chandelier with light blue details! xo

[Emily]

A nice bathroom is so important to me and that will be one of the first things I focus my design eye on if I ever have my own house! Thanks for the inspiration!