Our girls’ vintage elegance bathroom remodel took this space from dark and dated to bright, clean, and classic. See the timeless transformation and all the before and after photos of our vintage elegance bathroom remodel.
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I shared the design board here after we were forced into this project by a shower leak and faulty mirror. While we are thrilled with how this renovation turned out, we were completely unprepared for this big of a project so soon after moving in. As such, we hired out the tiling, plumbing, bead board, and trim work so we could have a functioning bathroom for our girls sooner than later. We have never been so happy to hand over the reins, and it was money very well spent.
Shower Area – Vintage Elegance Bathroom
At the outset of this remodel, I fell head over heels for this marble arabesque tile with black polka dots. I thought each mosaic sheet was a square foot and budgeted around this splurge item. When we came up short, my contractor informed me we would need quite a bit more to finish the job, so we found a way to save in other areas, like the floor tile.
But look at how it turned out! It was worth the added expense and the headache I know it caused my contractor with all those crazy cuts. Cutest. Shower. Ever.
For reference, here is the before of the tub/shower area:
We were planning to have the old tub refinished to save money and to save ourselves from getting into plumbing issues we couldn’t handle. Once our contractor told us it was the same cost to install a new tub, we went with that option. I love the tub we chose and the girls can’t wait to start taking bubble baths in it!
When it came time to trim out the shower, my contractor suggested a product called “schluter,” which is metal trim that comes in a lot of different colors and styles. I LOVE how it turned out…simple, classic, and beautiful.
We replaced the old toilet as well because it sat so low and was thirty years old. I know it’s kind of strange to love a toilet, but I love this one.
Floating Shelves – Vintage Elegance Bathroom
I also love the floating shelves I built over the toilet. They add so much warmth to the shower area, provide much-needed storage, and only took me a few hours to build. Tutorial can be found HERE.
Directly opposite of those shelves are three towel hooks. I had to change directions with these after receiving the original hooks I had planned because they were tiny!
Vintage Elegance Bathroom Layout
I love the separation of the toilet/shower area from the vanity area, especially with two girls (one tween, one teen) and also because it’s our guest bathroom. For these reasons, we felt it was important to have a space where one person can shower and use the toilet privately while another person is getting ready in the vanity area.
These cute signs add a fun touch that my girls think is so fancy.
Vintage Elegance Bathroom Remodel Inspiration
In the vanity area, I drew inspiration from Dear Lillie’s girls’ bathroom makeover because her girls’ bathroom setup is almost exactly the same as ours. I love her use of bead board as the back splash, and it fit with the English-preppy-tailored aesthetic I wanted in here. I also have a love affair with wallpaper, so incorporating it was a no-brainer and this wallpaper has my heart.
Vanity Area – Vintage Elegance Bathroom
We chose to keep the existing 30-year-old vanity because a wall-to-wall vanity made the most sense. Because of the length however, we would have had to have one custom made, and that was not in the budget. Instead, we had our contractor rebuild the drawers with dividers, install soft close hinges and slides, and raise it to 35″, which is comfort height for my very tall girls.
It shows some imperfections, and it doesn’t have more modern, shaker-style doors and drawer fronts, but I love it and am so happy that we could keep something from the original house (I’m sentimental like that).
The hardware I chose (which also changed from the original design plan) pairs beautifully with the cabinet paint color. It’s Sherwin Williams Sealskin and it is the perfect color in here. I also love how the brass hardware ties in with the sconce I chose and compliments the polished nickel faucets and towel rings. Mixed metals are where it’s at and I couldn’t love this mix more.
Touches of Vintage Elegance in Our Bathroom Remodel
Perhaps my favorite items in this space are my girls’ silhouettes hanging over the towel rings. They were hand cut nine years ago by a woman who just sat in front of my girls, looked at them, and proceeded to cut out their exact likeness. To this day, these silhouettes amaze me and remind me of how unique my girls are.
Silhouettes created by: Judith Housel
These mirrors from Target were one of my first purchases for the bathroom. I knew they were hard to come by, as they are always out of stock, so I scooped them up right after Christmas on major sale. It’s amazing how something so affordable can pack such a beautiful and interesting punch.
Countertops – Vintage Elegance Bathroom
I partnered with a local company called Giza Granite for the counter top. I knew I wanted quartz because I needed something durable, yet beautiful. When I saw this Calacatta Gold Quartz in person, I knew it was a match made in heaven. The warm veining is beautiful, with tones of taupe and gray, and I just love how it looks in this space.
Another look at the before:
I love the hexagonal window in this bathroom, and I was so pleased with how my contractor trimmed it out. It lets in some much-needed natural light and provides a bit of character.
Hexagonal window before:
[All photos taken by Aileen Dollick – @aileendollickphotography]
I wasn’t able to install crown molding before the girls’ bathroom reveal photo shoot, so that’s the one finishing touch missing from these images. The day after the shoot however, I got to work and put up the crown. It really finishes off the space and I can’t wait to show you that addition. [Update: Here’s how the bathroom looks with crown molding.]
I’m over the moon with the result of this Vintage Elegance Bathroom remodel. It’s hard to believe a leak and an unstable mirror led to all this beauty, but it just goes to show that what we think is a disaster can be redeemed and made new. My girls now have a beautiful, clean, safe bathroom and I couldn’t be more thankful.
I think I’ve covered this remodel in great detail, but if I have missed something or you have a question about anything, please leave me a comment below.
Shop This Space
Marble Arabesque Mosaic Shower Tile
Polished Nickel Shower Valve and Trim Kit
Polished Nickel Cross Bath Handle
Plant Basket – Similar one
Floating Shelves – I made these but the Target ones are very similar.
Wall Color in Shower/Toilet Area: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee in Satin
Trim Color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee in Satin
Door Color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron in Satin
Gray Striped Floor to Ceiling Shower Curtain: DIY by me (fabric is from Hobby Lobby)
Wallpaper – Bliss by Albany: Wallpaper Direct US
Counter Tops – Calacatta Gold Quartz provided by Giza Granite
Vanity Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Sealskin in Satin Acrylic and sealed with Deft Acrylic in Satin
Vanity Pulls – Sumner Street Home Hardware
Vanity Knobs – Sumner Street Home Hardware
Mirrors – French Country from Target
Sconce – Vendome Double Wall Sconce
Flushmount – Destan 2-Light Flushmount
Calacatta Gold Quartz counter top was provided by Giza Granite, but it was our choice and we paid for labor. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Affiliate links are used at no extra cost to the viewer.
I love the wallpaper! Do you mind sharing which rough in kit and diverter valve you used? As well as any additional parts needed to build your own shower kit (so to speak). Thank you!
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This is amazing!! I love the wallpaper! Do you mind sharing which rough in kit and diverter valve you used? As well as any additional parts needed to build your own shower kit (so to speak). Thank you!
Thank you so much!! I’m not sure about the rough in kit (my contractor installed all plumbing), but here is the diverter valve we used: https://rstyle.me/n/dhisssb8wx7. You can also find all parts we used to put together the shower kit by following this link: https://www.liketoknow.it/ltk/ONrqX6EEugS0HoQBsPnFM. Let me know if those don’t work and I’ll get those to you another way.
Absolute perfection! Loved watching the whole process!
Thank you! It was crazy but fun and I can’t wait to do it again in another space!
This is gorgeous! What a transformation! I especially like how you added the silhouettes and Dalmatian figure to personalize the space.
A bathroom can be a space that most people would just put practical items in but I really wanted to personalize it for my girls and I think those few little things added just the right amount of personality. Thank you so much for your kind words!
WOW!!! It’s stunning!! Gorgeous!! I’m not sure I could brush my teeth or take a shower! Would not want to make a mess! 🙂 it’s so so so beautiful, inviting and very feminine!! Love the tile!!! Counter tops, decor!! All if it! What a fun bathroom!! What a blessing for the girls!!????
Thanks Aunt Patti! They think it is SO fancy, like Daddy Warbucks’ house on Annie! We’ve already made messes in there because I had some finish work to do. It helps to just go ahead and make a mess to get over the disappointment…haha! It is such a blessing to have such a sweet, clean, beautiful space for these girls as they go through junior high and high school. Love you!
I love how readily you share about the changes you made after your design board- it is so encouraging to me that others who have beautiful homes and great style sometimes deviate from their original plan and it still turns out beautifully! Thank you for sharing!
You’re very welcome Allison. I think it’s so important to get things right and a lot of times that means making changes along the way. I also think it’s important to be honest about it and show people that mistakes happen…it’s how you respond to those mistakes that is critical. Thank you for stopping by!
So beautiful! I’m in LOVE with the wall paper and the gorgeous tile you used. Truly stunning!!
Thank you Wendy! I’m in LOVE with the wallpaper too…it’s just so gorgeous and affordable!
Absolutely stunning Marynn!!
Thank you Megan!
Awesome job, Marynn! Fingers are crossed for a step by step floating shelves post!! Thanks for the amazing content!
Thank you Elyse! I will definitely get a post up with that tutorial for the floating shelves. It’s so easy and doable for just about anyone!
Turned out so beautiful sweet friend! I know the girls are loving it so much!
Thank you Patsy! They are THRILLED to have a working bathroom and a beautiful one too!!
It turned out so beautiful!!! Your girls are so lucky to have a Mom that makes special places for them. We’re trying to wrap our daughter’s (6 and 11) shared bathroom and I hope it turns out as special as this bathroom. And I may have to steal the silhouette idea if you don’t mind. Our silhouettes are in the dining room, but I love this idea so much!
Thank you Kim! My designs come from a place of such love for these two. I would LOVE to see how you incorporate your girls’ silhouettes into their shared bathroom! Each girl gets a side!
I’ll be sure to dm you a pic on insta! Right now we still have a bit to do. ????
Please do! Hang in there…it’ll end…haha!
Absolutely stunning!!
Thank you Jessica!
So beautiful Marynn!!
AA
Thank you Aunt Anne! It reminds me so much of you every time I’m in there. Just so classy and pretty and girly. We love it!
What a beautiful transformation! Thank you for taking us on your bathroom renovation journey. I learned so much! And thank you for listing all the sources. So helpful!
Thank you Mary! It’s been quite the journey huh! I’ve learned SO much and thought I’d be over it by now, but I’m now chomping at the bit for the next project because the end result is so worth it. I’m glad you found the sources helpful…that’s always been a big help for me with other bloggers.
All I can say is: Wow—this is perfect! So beautiful and personal; you really made it your own. Congratulations! ????????♥️
Thank you Tracey! Yes, I believe design should be incredibly personal…no copying (unless you really love it and it then becomes personal…ha!). We are thrilled with it and I’m excited for the next project already!
Marynn, this turned out beautiful and I love that you have some new things and repurposed the cabinet instead of it heading to the landfill! Great job!!!
Lori, thank you so much! I really tried to be practical, and though we wanted to reuse other things in the bathroom, some of them just couldn’t be salvaged after 30 years. I’m so happy the vanity wasn’t one of those things and now it’s ready for 30 more years!
Love what you did with your girls bathroom! How special for them!! Every detail was so perfect, great job Marynn!
Thanks girl! So much work but so worth it now! Thank you for stopping by!
Great job, Marynn! The bathroom looks astonishingly beautiful!
Thanks Crystal! It’s an amazing transformation and now I’m hooked on transforming the rest of our house…ha!
Beautiful Marynn!
Thank you friend! You captured it perfectly.
Yay! So excited to see what you do!