1960, I love you. I recently heard from reader Lynn, who has just bought a 1960 brick ranch house that includes some great original features — like this amazing laminate-covered vanity. She call it a “giraffe” or “leopard” pattern. I’ll call it “Wilma Flintstone’s”. Luv. Read on for Lynn’s story and 6 more photos of this rare and delicious time capsule bathroom.
Lynn writes:
Pam,
My husband and I bought our empty nester downsize home. It is a 1960 all brick ranch. We have not moved to it yet, and would love feedback from readers for decorating and remodeling ideas. I would like to send photos of the pristine bathrooms: … one a brown with mosaic flooring that I have not seen anywhere on your site yet. Also, the vanity in the brown bathroom has a leopard or giraffe print on the vanity.I think it is a Satin Glide style. The kitchen was redone in the 70’s or 80’s, but the original pink metal General Electric kitchen was moved to the basement, pink sink and pink cook top intact and functioning. Most of the light fixtures are original. I discovered your website several weeks ago when I started trying to find photos of my very unusual giraffe vanity. I’m learning to love what I have.
Lynn
St. Louis, MO
Well, heck to the yeah for that bathroom vanity, Lynn! I love it. Remember: Socrates or Plato or Aristotle or some smart vintage dude like that taught us: “The rare is the good.” You vanity style is not exceedingly rare — but laminate covered like that? YES.
And assuming your bathroom wall tile and floor are in good shape — they are quite valuable too, very very expensive to replicate that mud-set tile today — if you can even find someone to do it. The floor looks like it might be porcelain — again, very very expensive to buy and install. This bathroom = Easy to love! Many thanks for sharing it with us!
Jennifer says
That floor is *almost* just like mine! Same pattern, just slightly different colors. The small “dots” are dark brown, and the rest are salmon colored. With black base tiles on the walls, which seems an odd choice, so I don’t know if it’s authentic or remuddled (the shower was definitely retiled with a blue design at some point, but the base paint color on the walls matches the salmon floor tiles).
JKaye says
Beautiful. Hardly looks like it was used. Would gladly trade in my pink tiles for that warm brown. Love seeing that Covington KY sticker. I spent a big part of my growing-up years living near Covington, and got my first non-babysitting job there, as a clerk in a women’s dress shop, in the summer of ’73. Awful job — the older clerks were ruthless about stealing my customers and my commissions. Only lasted three months, and went back to babysitting.
Robin says
I live in St. Louis as well and have two 1961 bathrooms. One is gray and has a crazy original vanity (not this crazy) and all original tile that I adore. Lynn’s bathroom is prettier than mine but there areso many similarities… the slot for the razors in the medicine cabinet, rectangular light shade, and the small small size, even the layout is almost identical. Wonder where in St. Louis she’s located. The other bathroom is a really bad pink bathroom (and I like pink bathrooms). It’s just really really bad. Some day it’s going to have to go. Wish I could do a brown one just like this! It would go so well with my gray.
Lynn says
Robin,
The house is in Crestwood. Where is yours.
Lynn
Patty says
My guess was Crestwood and no, I didn’t see it onlie in the realtor ads. I wish I could guess the lottery numbers like I can guess other things.
Sherree says
Lynn, that vanity is awesome! I am also looking forward to seeing that pink basement kitchen! I too have a brownish/peachish bathroom in my 1951 brick ranch (also our downsized home). In fact my trim tile looks to be the same color as your brown. The main tile and fixtures look to be like your wall color. I too discovered Retro Renovation after we purchased this house and it had made me learn to love what I have. As far as decorating, I would aim for the era of the house. Chalk ware fish (check ebay) for the walls would be great. They come in all colors! You have certainly gotten a treasure in that house 🙂
Diane says
The tile work and design is beautifully executed.
Kate H says
How fun! If you feel like wallpapering, maybe a jungle theme would be appropriate.
Wendy M. says
The vanity is so fun! It looks like the whole room has been well maintained. I hope you are happy in your home! 🙂
Becky says
What a beautiful bathroom. The color of that tile is positively delicious – reminds me of coffee ice cream!
Jamie Farone says
absolutely gorgeous!!!! I would love to see pictures of this pink basement kitchen!! <3
ChrisH says
The tile is beautiful. I like the way the tile is used in place of door casing.