Jamie is in the final stage of renovating her 1950 bathroom, which has an *unusual* combination of tile, trim and fixtures: Turquoise tile, burgundy trim, and pink sink, tub and toilet. You can see an unmasked photo of the colors on the jump, but I had to use this one for the lead because: Oh my goodness, haven’t we all been here, amidst CHAOS. Now that the walls are prepped and the vanity and window are stripped of their old layers of paint (I hope you tested for lead and used proper safety/enviro precautions, Jamie), Jamie wants some “okay-now-I-must-really-make-a-final-decision-so-let-me-torture-myself-some-more” advice on what to do with the walls and the vanity to tie everything together. Okay, I am only assume she’s torturing herself — because that’s what I do, no question. Jamie has asked our help. Read on for her complete explanation… see some more photos (great curved ceilings!) and then let’s hear what you have to say, retro renovators. Jamie writes:
The bathroom "before" the wood vanity and window were stripped of old paint, and "before" the walls were prepped. AWESOME gorgeous basics, wouldn't you agree? That turquoise is LUMINOUS.
I was hoping you and the other readers could possibly give me some ideas for my bathroom. I have included a before-picture and a picture of how it looks now. The window frame and cabinets have already been stripped of all paint. When prepping the walls we came to the conclusion that the original paint was a pink that was an almost exact match to the sink, tub, and toilet. We were thinking that the cabinets may have originally been pink too….seems like a lot of PINK! Toying with the idea of staining the window and cabinets, but…not sure. I honestly would just love a fresh opinion…I have poured over the site and books but I am just not having any luck on ideas… I think the problem for me is trying to figure out all the different colors….pink , turquoise, and burgundy. I look at other bathrooms and haven’t quite found the same color combination…
Thanks so much! Jamie
So, readers, what do you think? What should Jamie do with the walls… and the vanity and window frame… to tie everything together in one sparkly jewel box bathroom package? I am going to hold back and let you readers run today’s show. A few more photos are below — delicious!
A Mamie pink bathroom for Jamie 
Decorating a turquoise bathroom for Jamie 
Liz’s pretty in pink bathroom 
Become a fan
Given that it’s a bathroom, I don’t usually recommend wallpaper, but this is screaming to me that a pattern is needed utilizing some or all of these colors. Adding one more paint color plus keeping the wood doesn’t unify it for me. I would like to see how the wood on the cabinets goes with the rest of the room and I’d hate to suggest painting if it’s been stripped really well where it could just be varnished or stained, because that’s a lot of work and if the job was well done? KUDOS!
Looking for wallpaper is a pain all around and looking for one with this color combination could be daunting but finding something that ‘works’ with it rather than mimicking all the colors (I’m including the wood in here) I think would be very nice.
Depending on how adventurous you are, you could consider finding a simple retro design you like and if it doesn’t have the colors you need you could create a series of stencils that will end up with the look of wallpaper. Yes, time consuming, but easy to paint over if you get bored instead of removing paper …say 30 years down the road — after all that work!
If you decide to go this route, and you’re not sure how to start, contact me via my blog and I’ll give you info. on a great stencil material and cutter and some basic instruction if you need it.
If that were my bathroom, which I wish it was, I would think about painting the cabinets the same shade of burgundy that your trim is. I would be tempted to paint the walls a light shade of pink that is similar to your bathtub. I always use one color as an accent and then take the rest and make them important statements in the room. In this case, your turquoise would become your accent color and the rest would be seamless. Would this be an original palette for your 50′s bathroom, no clue. Ill leave that one to our fearless leader, Pam.
My suggestion would be to stain the trim around the window and the vanity a red mahogany color, which would tie in well with the burgundy tile trim color. Honestly, I think that the original pink wall color matching the fixtures would be a good move, maybe a shade or two lighter, but in the same color family. There are so many colors already going on in there that introducing another could be very overpowering. I suggest a shade of pink to compliment the tub, toilet, and sink, because I believe that a shade of turquoise on the walls would be too much. I might consider painting the curved recessed area in the ceiling a burgundy to match the tile trim, just to break things up a little. Good luck!
What a fantastic bathroom! That beautiful turquoise really steals the show! I think that a pale pink would look great on the walls. I’d do white on the window and vanity but since the paint has been stripped, maybe you’re going for something other than paint? Whatever you decide, I’d love to see an after shot. I know it will be wonderful.
I agree with the mahogany idea, I just love natural wood. My yellow bathroom has walnut stain on the window, but the cabinets and other woodwork are a creamy shade of white because I couldn’t face the idea of stripping them. As for the walls, maybe you could find a nice wallpaper to pick up your colors. That turquoise is awesome and makes me think southwestern theme.
One suggestion I have is to find a really fun printed wallpaper to tie all three colors together. Another thing to keep in mind is that burgundy is actually just a very dark shade of dark. If you were to paint the walls or cabinets burgundy, I would try to maybe start with the pink of the fixtures, and then darken it, or somehow try to tie the two shades together in that way.
I had a great time shopping for wallpaper for my yellow bathroom on eBay. Here are a couple examples I found there that might work with your wonderful colors. Just go to eBay and paste the number into the search field.
390124557574
390127047463
Lotta work, but fun project. I can’t help seeing the colors of seashells and beaches here. I would try out some tones with a nice sand color in an eggshell finish, for the walls. For the cabinets and trim, I would play around with the idea of either deepening the tone I used on the walls, or go with the pink. What ever color I picked, I would definitely go with an oil, (if it’s available) add penetrol, and brush for a smooth glassy finish.
I agree with Missouri Michael!
I would definately go with a wallpaper, also, but not as bold as the one in the original photo. Using it as an accent behind the mirror, as before, would be a good option. Then paint the rest of the walls a soft color pink or whatever neutral goes with the wallpaper (ivory). I prefer painted wood trim rather than stained. I think a stained trim would just add too much of a distraction to the already busy palette. I have a 1952 house with the original bathrooms and kitchen. I noticed you have the same light fixtures in the bathroom as I have. I dread the day that those glass shades break….does anyone know where you can get those long cylindrical glass shades?
Oh, how I wish I had your bathroom! If I did…I would paint the cabinets turquoise to blend in with the walls. Not sure how you feel about wallpaper, but I think a retro-y pink and aqua pattern would look fabulous (but I love wallpaper anyway). About the window trim…I would keep it neutral depending on my wallpaper background or paint it turquoise to match the cabinets. I would keep the burgundy to a minimum throughout the bathroom and focus mainly on the pink and turquoise. No matter what you decide, your bathroom will look incredible. I am so jealous!
Hi. Wow, what a fantastic room. The room has a slight art deco feel to me, with those colors and the curve of the ceiling. I would want to give the room some Hollywood glamour. The colors in this vintage wallpaper might complement the tile colors:
http://www.rosiesvintagewallpaper.com/servlet/Detail?no=478
If you don’t want a wallpaper, I would use a warm tannish-golden color for the walls — a light shade on the lower walls, with maybe a darker shade on the upper curved part. you could keep the window and the sink cabinet painted in an ivory color, or, with a hint of pink in the ivory. You could use some sort of lush fabric for a window treatment and shower curtain, something burgundy with metallic threads of turquoise and pink and gold in it. And a beautiful persian-style rug on the floor with the turquoise, burgundy, pink and gold in it. Beside the sink I would have a mirrored tray holding beautiful perfume bottles. Picking up on what Jill did with Beatles albums, you could have framed prints of Hollywood stars like Greta Garbo and Clark Gable. (I don’t know how those silver fixtures fit in with my emphasis on gold, I admit. Maybe they would be just fine, particularly if you used crystal perfume bottles with silver lids.) I am not a frou-frou starlet kind of person, but, that bathroom makes me want to primp in front of the mirror while wearing a pink satin robe and feather-trimmed mules!
That is alot of color contrast.
Is your home (and yourself) restful or “jazzy”?
I prefer a quieter backdrop-therefore would go with a PALE shade of tile color and use aqua towels…with a tiny amount….like 2 washcloths….of burgandy or pink. Maybe a pink toothbrush…and that would be IT as far as accessories. I would paint the base cabinet the exact color of the sink and tub. The window the same as the wall. To do so-you would be creating 2 “planes” of color working together, creating a cleaner look, and working in harmony.
It would be very easy to make this “Clown Family Bathroom” with louder colors…but I would find it unsettling in the A.M and P.M.
I would install a burgandy linoleum floor as well. Thanks Pam….I love it when we get to play house on this site with other people’s property!
Best wishes with your choices!
Oh…and I would paint that wall vent the same color as the tile.
Not sure about the pink walls, that would not be my preference.
I’m thinking I might paint them semi gloss white, to allow the tile to be the centerpiece. Have all towel holders, lights, etc. in chrome or nickel. Maybe use pink towels, rugs, etc. to pull a little more pink in.
Since the wood has been stripped, I would use a light “blonde” stain, which was popular in that era, and it would also allow the tile to be the centerpiece, again.
I might use a pattern with the pink and turquoise in the curtain and shower curtain. Or just pink, if you can find the right shade.
I would also try to find a pink toilet seat cover to match the toilet.
Oh, and some sapphire blue or midnight blue in there somewhere — in the background of the rug, for towels, and in the pattern of the curtains and shower curtain. It would add some depth and romance.
A hint-
Prior to a trip to the paint store, take a trip to the fabric store. You will save yourself $ on any mistakes.
Purchase 2 yards of cheap fabric in each of the different colors you decide upon. Gently thumbtack it ….on the cabinet….on the walls….hanging as if towels…and live with it for a few days. You will soon know if you are on the right track and will have spent 10 dollars vs. 85.
I like your window glass and would have no curtains…the shower curtain: a solid aqua.
I like an quiet hotel-y look.
Trust me.
Lurking for months.
Secondhand Rose wallpaper has this
http://secondhandrose.com/paperb/5b.htm
So new, I don’t know how to paste in the image. It’s silver-grey (maybe turquoise?) with pink and burgundy fish.
Feel pride for keeping the color scheme!
I would have never thought to put these colors together but they do look lovely!
I think there is enough turquoise (wow, for me to say that) so just add some turquoise fishies and small accents and you should be good.
I would agree with everyone that said pink for the walls and yes, play with some burgundy around the recessed ceiling areas.
What color is the door? If refinished, I would refinish the vanity and window trim to match. If not, I vote the blonde finish. Though I am partial to refinished wood too.
Careful about wallpaper if you like to take steamy showers in here!
The floor, burgundy?? With turquoise and/or pink accents Hmm, I could make this project turn garish real fast
)
Don’t forget to show us the finished product!!
I agree with Gavin. I often will use fabric in a color I am leaning towards, before I buy paint or wallpaper. Try taping the fabric up on the walls with blue painters masking tape instead of using thumb tacks. Leave it up for a few days, as Gavin says. If you can sew, or know someone who does,use the fabric you decide on and make the shower curtain, window curtain, etc. There are so many more options to choose from compared to a standard store bought set. From the fabric choice, then you can pick the exact shade of paint you need. It is MUCH harder to pick the paint first, and then look for complimentary fabrics for the room. By the same token, pick the wallpaper first, then the paint color.
I also agree that a retro or tropical theme would look awesome. And I think the idea of a sapphire blue as a touch of a new color would make the room look less “matchy”. Good suggestion sumac sue!!!
The color combination reminds me of Heywood Wakefield’s Ashcraft line. I second the commenter that suggested a blonde wood vanity and then play up the color-scheme by introducing some of the same types of textiles or wallpaper that Ashcraft used (very tiki-inspired prints).
Here’s a great example of the blonde wood meshing well with a great print:
http://www.springdalefurnishings.com/florida_room/springdale_florida_rm.html
This ad for Ashcraft almost has the exact colors: http://www.flickr.com/photos/americanvintagehome/3938573482/
Butter yellow. More assertive than white, which I think would look like a cop-out, but not so assertive that it will compete with the turquoise and burgundy (both very strong colors) and cause color overkill. I’d probably paint the cabinets yellow to match, to avoid bringing in any more colors (including white).
Another BIG factor in this project is your age.
If you are 25, then a bathroom that packs a wallop is just the thing-and I can see a large barkcloth-y wallpaper and matching fabrics.
By contrast, if you are a bit older….I would toward a more sophisticated look-due to the fact that you will NOT be re-doing this bathroom in the near future (like the next 25 years…except for maybe some grab-bars, showerseat and a door to accomodate an electric chair….
From 1982 to 2004 I painted my livingroom 12 times until I hit on perfection. It was once peach for less than 6 hours. It was great fun and an adventure….but those days are over. I am now going for Gavin Hastings Museum Look which will live on for 50 years….even if I do not.
To each stage of life…..
Check out that wallpaper Sumac Sue picked out. AWESOME!!!!!! I would go with her recommendations. I would definitely avoid anything that caused you to have “Clown Family Bathroom” (LOL Gavin).
Study that before photo…I still believe a burgundy (the color of the bullnose) cabinet and floor just may tie all these separate colors together. Start tossing that fabric around!
A challenging, but SUPER color combo of tile! How about Bradbury and Bradbury’s wallpaper Mind Meld in Chromadelic on the mirror wall (like the before pic but so much more mod!)
For paint, I like a creamy white on the walls and cabinet, then an accent of one of the tile colors for the window trim (and door color?)
Whatever you decide, you’ll have fun, I can see!
Okay, I’m chiming in, but not on the main topic. Jamie told me that the floor is a simple vinyl, which she had to put in immediately to get her occupancy permit because the original floor was in bad bad shape. I think that if/when she replaces the vinyl, she could consider octagon and dot. Nemo used to have a white octagon with burgundy dot. It’s not showing on their site, but I bet you could still get it. See this post: http://retrorenovation.com/2009/09/12/octagon-and-dot-floor-tiles-in-13-color-combinations/
So…. I think we should all be thinking forward to the floor question, too.
I just added a few more photos of my pink bathroom to “Save the Pink Bathrooms” on Flickr. I was lucky enough to have original mahogany cabinets that were not painted over. We recently finished our bathroom project and you can get an idea of what mahogany looks like with our pink and gray bathroom. Good luck on your project!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sputnikhousewares/4445139599/in/pool-savethepinkbathrooms
Sumac Sue’s wallpaper is great!
I would put it everywhere…..with very little else. Solid shower curtain, no rugs maybe 2 decorative items at most.
My vote:
Either find wallpaper for the walls, and plain color coordinates for window and shower dressing (curtains) – paint vanity to match the background colors of wallpaper………..or………..
Now is the time to scour eBay for barkcloth, there is tons of patterns with these colors in it. Use on your window and shower, and then paint walls and vanity the background color of the barkcloth – could be a cream, or could be pale gray, or……or pick up a neutral color in the barkcloth.
Here are some examples now listed:
Item #’s:
280479439109
150423944558
220572152110 – This one is my favorite
320503232084
Okay, I’m no decorator, and my suggestion is not that exciting. But grey is the one color that complements burgandy, blue, and pink. So perhaps a light grey would tie the three colors together. Good luck, and I am sure whatever you pick will be beautiful.
I don’t really want to share this find, because ever since I saw it I’ve been dreaming of being able to use it somewhere someday, but it’s very good for you colors: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260505511111&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I’d personally not do wallpaper, but I’d find a similar type print to that paper in fabric and do curtains- soften up the tile a smidge. Definitely repeat the burgundy on the window frame, but not the cabinets- it’d hide your gorgeous tile! I’d do a subtle hint of pink on the walls and cabinets and let the tile sing.
My “gut-feel” for your consideration:
Matching torquoise paint on the vanity front to anchor it to the floor consistent with the remaining walls.
Coral pink (matching the porcelain) on the walls, window, door. (You can always wallpaper later if you don’t like. Wall paper now, and you’ll feel like you’re stuck with it. Plus you evidently know what it’s like from the “before” pic.)
Burgandy linens (towels, wash cloths, bath mat, commode lid/tank covers) to pick up the tile trim.
Finally, could the decorating gods be so gracious as to bestow upon you the octagonal dot tile Pam mentions above containing all 3 existing colors?!
Best wishes on completing your monumental task!
If it was my bathroom I’d stick with more neutral walls and cabinets to avoid color overload. Then I would find fun options for curtains, towels, etc, that would help tie the colors together. For example, I find this shower curtain http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-BATH-TOWELS&id=993365“>these towels very inspirational. I think they complement the vintage style without making it cartoonish.
Great bathroom. I would paint the cabinets to match the tuquoise to make the room feel larger and less chopped up. Above the tile can be a great wallpaper with all the colors. Another option is a lighter turquoise or lighter pink. I would paint the window frame either the background color of the wallpaper or the same light turquoise or pink as the walls. ..there’s no reason to make it stand out. Maybe a pink shower curtain or just liner behind curtain in fabric to match the wall paper. Only minimal burgundy accents (hand towels, tissue box, etc) are needed. Have fun!!!
Hmmm…
It is possible that the trim tile may have been replaced at some point, I’ve seen that done before and I can’t think how the original designer/ builder would have done such an “odd” mix of tiles and fixtures. Even if they are original however, practicality might lead you to contemplate replacing just the trim tiles if you could find some in the same pink/ coral as the fixtures.
Ruling that out though, grey is usually my go-to choice for uniting different colors. I’m thinking here a light to medium grey vinyl floor with a dark red/ burgundy accent line or inlay, and If the room is big enough you could even do two lines, a thick one in the red and a thin one in the pink -and light grey walls.
traditionally, the vanity and window sill would be the same paint color as the walls, maybe in a higher gloss finish, and the door and ceiling painted in a glossy bright white. You could add a modern touch by re-grouting the existing tile in a grey tone as well that matches the wall color.
You might scout around for some replacement handles for the vanity as well, maybe some vintage Bakelite or even plastic repros in red or pink to further tie everything together.
Jamie-
I am glad that we have given you ONE definite answer. Thank you for sending your question in for our panel of experts! Hey, Pam…does the winning scheme get a prize?
gavin, I think that what I will do is on about Wednesday, after lots of folks have had a chance to look at this and weigh in, I will make a “mood” board with my favorites… or something like that. And how ‘about this: WIN A PRIZE FROM PAM — I will use a random number generator to pick a winner from among those who make comments… winner will get something groovy from my stash o’ grooviness.
Oh my what a gorgeous color combination and tile! Just love!
My first choice would be wallpaper with those colors, if you want to paint either a pale pink or pale aqua.
I would do the cabinets and window trim etc. a white for the eye to rest and keep it fresh with those bright colors.
Hmm the floor, maybe the burgandy, or burgandy little rugs would be cute. Gray would be a pretty accent color too, that wouldn’t compete with the other colors.
I would do the walls a shade or two lighter than the pink of the fixtures, and then go with burgundy trim. Or a lighter shade of the turquoise, again with the burgundy trim. To finish it off, a rug and towels in the burgundy, with pink curtains.
To me you need to bring in some of the pink on the wall. I agree that a wallpaper with a print would be a great touch. Myself I would probably do a pink and white paper. I would paint the window and vanity white or cream (I like painted wood). I would add simple white curtains to the windows.
I look forward to seeing what you do.
Rather than wall paper, I’d use fabric (as those above have said) You can do a shower curtain and window coverings in an achingly ’50′s fabric, like this at Repro-Depot
http://www.reprodepot.com/nft50sbb.html
They also have some tropical, hibiscus patterns that would work well, if the space-age print isn’t your bag.
Or this if you are in a truly whimsical mood:
http://www.reprodepot.com/pshpdsb.html
The poodle is iconic.
As for the wood, I’m with those who say, stain the wood. Burgundy to match the trim on the tile, or a light natural color, like the lighter woods of the ’50′s.
As for the window trim, cream or another neutral color, with a wall color just a hair darker than the trim. I’d keep the walls light because with fabric and the tile, you’ve got plenty of color going on in there.
You might want to accent with some framed ads for beauty products of the period.
Just some thoughts. I envy you this gorgeous bath!
I love theme
If you want to have some wood grain showing on the vanity and window frame, you can always do a tinted stain. That way you can coordinate it with the other colors in the bathroom.
I’m throwing my vote in for pink walls. I’d also do about two shades lighter than the original pink – with a lighter shade to bring out the ceiling feature. And I’d tint the wood work the same lighter shade than the walls and then use a finish to make it shine. And one point no one has brought up yet – pink is very flattering to the complexion!
oh yes, zew croo mom, we know about pink and its bathroom radiance! be sure to see my second little site: http://savethepinkbathrooms.com/ where, among other things, i call pink in bathrooms “retro botox.” nice to see all these comments – what fun!
Thank you! Thank you! So many wonderful ideas! What a great way to end the week….inspired and renewed!! I was starting to feel overwhelmed….but now I have so many things to ponder and try! Don’t worry…I will be sharing the final photo!!
Jamie
Okay, I’ve changed my mind. Grey may be a little cold. I agree that a lighter shade of pink would be best. It compliments [notice that I spelled it correctly this time] all the colors in the bathroom, it is a warm color, and it would make the bathroom feel larger. The funny this is each time I look at your bathroom, I see flamingos in my mind’s eye.
What a great bathroom Jamie! I would suggest wallpaper if you can find a good match for the colors and the era. I’m not sure why some folks are afraid to use wallpaper in their bathrooms. We have a 1956 home and ALL of the bathrooms still have their original wallpaper and it is in great shape and not peeling at all.
Regarding the cabinets and trim, I would suggest that you try to match the pink and use that on all of the wood surfaces. I’ve noticed in many of the homes from the 50′s that they used color on their wood trim and accents and it is kind to the eye.
I must confess that I too see flamingos when I look at your bathroom! Have fun with the project!
One LAST post from me, please
I enjoy reading everyone’s ideas, although I am constantly torn between recreating the original design or decorating to today’s standards and tastes. In older homes, I have always tried to imagine what the room would have looked like in say, 1947: and use that as reference point…..weirdly right down to who would have lived there.
One thing is certain: We have a multitude of options today-moreso than 1947. Within half a day, we have provided Jamie with many different schemes…right down to wallcoverings and showercurtains. This excercise would have taken forever at any earlier point in time….and that is really amazing.
I like the idea of light pink walls – if you look at the before picture, behind the shower wall above the toilet, the wall “looks” like a paler pink. And it looks nice with the burgundy trim and turquoise tile. Sumac Sue’s pick of wallpaper for the wall behind the mirror would look beautiful. You could also put the same wallpaper around that curved area to break up the pink. The cabinets and woodwork would be the same light pink as the walls. The ceiling would be painted a color similar to the floor color. I like Pam’s choice of the octagon white with burgundy dot tile for a floor-in that case do the ceiling white too. It will be exciting to see their final choices and “after pictures”!!
I love how those ceramic colors look together ! I bet those colors were originally chosen to match a wallpaper or fabric pattern. My powder room has all burgundy tile, with white sink and fixtures, which was not a color of which I was initially fond, so I went out hunting for a fabric to put the burgundy in perspective. It’s easier to choose fabrics first, and then base your paint off that. I found a reproduction barkcloth with burgundy, rose pink, and green on a pale aqua ground for curtains, painted the walls to match that pale aqua, and it has been the easiest paint color decision I have made in my house! There are also 50s kitchen tablecloths that are pink, turquoise, and burgundy, if you wanted to go more kitschy than classic retro style.
I would have to agree with the wallpaper ides (I can’t believe it myself!) But it would definitely be cool to find something retro inspired but maybe a more modern take on it then you aren’t limiting yourself to just vintage fixtures/accessories etc.. If you are stuck on painting I have to agree with some shade of pink!!!
Hi. That wallpaper I suggested — which I agree is beautiful and sure wish I had a bathroom this cool to put it in — I wouldn’t do too much of the Hollywood stuff I suggested if I had that wallpaper. Those gltizy suggestions were if the walls were painted. If you went with that wallpaper, it is so beautiful that you would want to keep other details more subtle. Like Gavin says — no clown room!
It’s fun when there is a post that draws this much attention. What fun reading all of these suggestions. And does Pam, or anyone else, have a clue of what the original owners might have done with a bathroom like this? What has your research shown — was wallpaper used a lot from the get-go in these 1950s bathrooms? Or were the walls usually painted?