Characteristics of Traditional Bathroom Design
If you look at most beautifully designed rooms, you'll notice that they're often a mix of design styles. It's very rare to see every piece of furniture or accessory emulate one design type. To keep spaces feeling natural, mix styles with their counterpoint. In order to do that, you need to understand some of the tenants of traditional bathroom design:
- Ornate molding, details, curves and luxe materials.
- Classic colors like white, black and navy.
- Detailed bathroom vanities or pedestal sinks.
- Oversized and elaborate bathroom mirrors.
- Bathroom hardware with character.
- Shaded sconces or lighting with detailed metalwork.
- Bathroom tiles with history like subway or penny tiles.
One of the best parts about a traditional bathroom design is how classic it is. To not overwhelm the eye, pick a few elements from the list above and have them be the focal points of the bathroom. Mix in modern pieces and accessories for balance. For example, if you have a traditional-style bathroom vanity, hang a more modern mirror above it so the two pieces aren't competing.
Ornate Bathroom Vanities
When it comes to a traditional bathroom vanity, the beauty is in the details. Far from minimal, detailed doors, embellished hardware and rich finishes steal the show in most traditional bathroom designs. Topped with real or faux stone, if you choose a neutral color it's sure to stand the test of time. Oversized versions often come with plenty of storage which helps keep its surface clutter free.
Classic Molding and Trim
A classic bathroom design doesn’t skimp on details. It's not unusual to find crown molding, chair rails, wainscotting or plaster finishes. No matter what you choose, they all work to add movement and texture to the room. These touches quickly turn a lackluster space into something special.
Gilded Bathroom Mirrors
If your budget is tight and you can't update your bathroom vanity, an oversized gilded bathroom mirror immediately makes the whole room feel more interesting. To figure out what finish you should use, take cues from the bathroom hardware. Repeating tones help tie the space together.
Historic Bathroom Tiles
There's a reason why penny tile and subway tile are so popular. They're styles of bathroom tile that look timeless thanks to their simple shapes. And what is traditional bathroom design if not classic? If you're looking for a more personal touch, it's all in how you arrange the tiles. Try a herringbone pattern or create a design with different color penny tiles to make it your own.
Bathroom Sconces With Shades
Bathroom lighting is important not just from an aesthetic standpoint but also a utilitarian one. Bathroom sconces offer even lighting near your mirror and look great too. To get the traditional look in your bathroom, opt for a style with a shade or a fluted glass cover.
Freestanding Bathtubs
An interesting characteristic of a traditional bathroom design are the separate zones within the room. So oftentimes, a classic bathroom features a standalone shower, a separate area for the toilet and a freestanding bathtub. There's nothing more indulgent than a separate clawfoot or soaking tub. It becomes a focal point and can be played up with accessories like lighting and slim shelving to hold candles and bath supplies.
Classic Paint Colors
Many traditional bathroom designs include classic paint colors. Finding the ideal shade of white, beige, black or navy creates a color scheme that won't need to be updated anytime soon. Whites make any bathroom feel bright and clean, but if you want a color that feels a little more daring try a deep navy or black. These deeper hues work well on walls in a bathroom that get a lot of natural light or a small powder room. Want to experiment with color? Paint the vanity instead of the walls or molding for a spot of color instead.
