When Mara signed on the dotted line to buy her new house, she wasn’t quite sure about the original pink bathroom. We’ve heard this “next step” in her story many times now, and it always makes us happy: Looking for ideas on how to live with the pink, Mara hopped online and found SaveThePinkBathrooms.com, one of our microsites. From that point on, she became a pink bathroom convert — deciding her pink bathroom was actually gorgeous and must be saved. Now Mara wonders — what can she do to decorate this space, which poses a special challenge: The beautiful 1″ square tiles are installed on all six walls. That is: The floor and ceiling too. She wants our ideas — read on for her letter, more photos, and then, to offer your suggestions.
I will be moving into my new home February 16. [She is now in.] I have an ALL PINK bathroom! I wanted to find ideas to decorate it and came upon your website. I was not sure if I would “save the pink bathroom” and after seeing your website, I have decided to embrace it! I have attached several pictures. Would love to hear about ways to decorate it from your readers. My style is a mix of retro-modern style… I love a little of pretty much every style. I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks about the bathroom and their suggestions!
Thank you!
We asked Mara what year her house was built. We expected to hear back… 1960s. But no: The house was built in 1916, she says. Pam will guess: This bathroom was installed in the…. early 60s.
Decorating a bathroom with tile on all four walls, the floor and the ceiling
Take a look at all the photos. Gorgeous tile, to be sure. And lots of it. How to decorate? No paint allowed. And heck, we’d also be wary of putting any holes in to the tile, it looks to be in such terrific condition. Note, looks like there’s a screw in the tile above the toilet — we can hang something there…
There’s a door on the shower. Tip to homeowners: Check if your old shower doors are made of tempered — or untempered — glass. Untempered glass is a safety concern, we are told: Consult with a properly licensed professional to determine what you have and how to handle.
Mara has mentioned that she likes many different styles including retro-modern.
Just outside the pink bathroom in the corner of the master bedroom, Mara has a large vanity and dressing area — complete with a peachy corner sink. With all of that counter space and storage real estate available just steps from the pink bathroom, there’s no need to try and fit any more storage into the bathroom itself.
Kate’s ideas for decorating this pink bathroom:
Kate writes:
Mara’s bathroom was difficult to decorate — all walls, the floor and ceiling are tiled — and there is no need for a shower curtain because of her shower door. That means that any additional color must be brought in with the accessories. I chose to go with white and pink accessories to give the room a light and airy feel. Obviously, she doesn’t need — or have the space for — all the accessories I have listed in number 3. Possibly just the trash can, tissue holder and soap pump would be needed. I’ve chosen a mix of modern and vintage — the vintage or vintage-style art, bathroom scale and bathmat are combined with modern towels, toilet brush and accessories. If Mara prefers either a more feminine, flowery and vintage look, it would be easy to swap out the simple modern accessories with more ornate vintage styled accessories — or vice versa.
For more contrast, another classic retro combination is pink and black, which would give the room a bolder, punchier feel. To add more color to the space, pale yellow, aqua, green, blue or purple would all work, too. It all depends on what colors appeal to Mara. Since these accessories aren’t expensive changes — Mara could start out with a pink and white color scheme and if she grows tired of it in a few years, simply change up the towels and bath mat to another color scheme. The pink is really quite versatile.
- Vintage metal flower wall hanging from Etsy seller MollyMcShabby
- Croft & Barrow quick drying pink towels (you could also do white towels) from Kohl’s
- Wamsutta Bath Elements accessories (available in white or pink) from Bed Bath and Beyond
- Vintage pale pink glitter bath scale from Ebay seller MidMod14
- Castile Rose Bathmat from Anthropologie
- Modern toilet brush holder from Urban Outfitters (no longer in stock)
Pam’s ideas for decorating this pink bathroom:
Mara can use towels, rugs and a few decor items to bring just about any accent color she wants into the bathroom. The soft 1960s pink in her bathroom is actually pretty darn neutral — it would coordinate well with most any soft pastel, as well as grey or brown. Mara also can swap out the shower door, if she likes, for a shower curtain instead. This would be a great way to add some softness to the bathroom. Note, old shower doors may be made of non-tempered glass — this is a safety issue to investigate; consult with a properly licensed professional.
As you can see from my mood board, I played with a soft green as the accent color for the bathroom.
Moreover, I put my big decorating focus on the “anteroom”. Because the opportunity to introduce color into the bathroom itself is so limited, my key idea was to decorate the dressing room area as if it were an extension of the bathroom. Which it is.
You know me, I love my vintage wallpaper. The launching point for everything here was the vintage wallpaper from Hannah’s Treasures. I adore this wallpaper — it has all the right colors to put in the bedroom adjacent to the bathroom. The design of the paper seems kind of soft and glowy — which works up next to the soft and glowy bathrooom… and, it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The shower curtain I found has “swiss dots” — like the wallpaper!
I also thought that this bedroom space screamed for wall-to-wall carpeting. Sure enough, I found a design at Shaw Carpets that has a sculpted design that might work. However, “Muslin” sounds like it might be too yellow for my design concept, I’d need to see the carpet in the room and next to the wallpaper.
I then played around with accessories and lighting.
AND IMPORTANT, I *think* — That sunken bathtub scares me. ON THIS ISSUE: I advise that you consult with a properly licensed professional — a professional bathroom designer, I *think*, and/or talk to your local building inspector for guidance *maybe the answer* BUT DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH TO FIND THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL — to assess the safety of the entry and egress of that sunken bathtub. You don’t want to fall in… you don’t want to slip when getting out.
My design is for a “girl next door” meets her “inner sex kitten” bedroom/bathroom. I named it “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies Pink” in honor of that old movie — and in honor of all those 50s and 60s girl-next-door-movie-wives who also had that little twinkle in their eyes.
- Vintage ceiling light from etsy seller QueenDecor
- Vintage wallpaper from Hannah’s Treasures
- Vintage vanity stool from etsy seller DavisMerc (we changed the color of the seat cushion via photoshop)
- Wall to wall carpet — Shaw Flooring “Fine Memory” in Muslin
- Vintage wicker shelf from etsy seller ShabbyNChic
- Vintage green bath towel set from ssmith7157
- Shower curtain is Swiss Dot in White from Coyuchi (link now gone) on Amazon (also available from other online retailers)
Mara says
Wow!! Ladies, keep it coming I LOVE the ideas! I do not plan on removing anything that is already in the bathroom. It was done with so much sytle and grace. All I would like to do is figure out a way to decorate it! Thank you!
pam kueber says
And, gentlemen!
Mara says
Yes, and GENTLEMEN!! Thank you!
Joel says
I agree with others who say leave it as is…. the only thing I don’t care for is the hopper window in the glass block, although I am sure it is practical. I would say add a ventilation fan as I will almost guess it does not have an exhaust fan as those were not a standard bathroom feature in houses with a bathroom window until the 80’s. My grandparents house was very similar in that the bathroom was all turquiose like this one (only the tub was not sunken and no tiles on the ceiling) and it was built in 1959. Make no changes and limit decorating to a piece or two of artwook and just use a single color of solid towels and rugs. For art, I suggest a Steve Kaufman painting…. his work has jumped in price since his death, but several are shown here http://www.serbagunamarine.com/rare-steve-kaufman-barbie-2900-00.html the Barbie, Beatles, Elvis, Mao or one of the Marilyn painting all have pink in them and I would use one above the toilet and pick up another color out of the painting for towels and rugs. And do replace that toilet seat or have it repainted the right shade of pink.
trish dillon says
This must be an awesome home. I am not a lover of looking at sink pipes so I would add a classy box pleated drape around the sink. The command strips will allow you to add art to the walls without damaging the tile. I’d like to see perhaps some vintage silhouettes – follow a theme – and I would only use cream or white rugs/towels. I also would change out the sink in the dressing area — love all the counter space for your toiletries/. I don’t think the tub needs a shower curtain but I’d add some lace curtains and tie them back (again – use command strips for that and spring loaded curtain rod) with a gorgeous coordinated ribbon. This will soften the look. It is also begging for some sort of shelving so perhaps a very narrow book case to hold necessities and knick knacks that just sits on the floor (not hung). You’ll have to post the finished pictures. I’m not sure plants will thrive in there because of a lack of natural light but worth a try. Good Luck you lucky lady.
Janet in CT says
Trish, my tile has that tiny pebbly surface and command strips don’t work, either because of the surface or because of the humidity in the bathroom or both. I thought of that and was very disappointed they don’t hold. It is very frustrating to me to not be able to hang anything on the walls. I did get a cloth fabric shade with a print to add some color other than towels. One thing I love in my bathroom that may work too is putting up a floral swag. I put one over my curtain rod that drapes down both sides and possibly this could be done somewhere in this bathroom too.
Dan says
I wouldn’t change a thing – just add (as space allows) one of those Harriet Carter-esque TP storage cylinders, a vintage hamper for towels, and maybe a big fabulous Blenko floor vase, filled with bamboo sticks or something, for some contrast.
Oh, and if at all possible, one of those pouffy little 60’s bathroom chairs, just for a bit of camp. She definitely needs one of those for her vanity.
Dan says
Oops, looking at the pictures again, I see there’s no room for a campy chair or hamper. So I’d concentrate on the Blenko. As long as kids aren’t in the picture 😉
Janet in CT says
Oh, wow, this one is right up my alley! I have the exact same tile in my bathroom, but tiled in off-white with black floor. It was installed in this 1940’s cape in the mid-sixties. I have a built-in ceramic towel bar over the toilet and also in the bathtub enclosure. My husband wants to rip out the tub tile because it is in bad shape, but I won’t let him so we live with two huge holes covered with plastic! Eventually he will fix it. The problem is that it is impossible to hang anything at all. I am afraid of cracking or knocking off the tiles if attempting to put in a nail or screw. The roofers banging on the roof last year caused alot of damage in the seams and grout of the ceilings and corners just from the concussion. The former owner put in a vanity which I intend to remove and put a sink back in as shown in this bathroom. I think everyone has great ideas but mine is so tiny, there is little I can do other than rugs, towels and curtains. I found a hooked rug look type of bathmat that makes the entire bathroom and went from there. Pink is the main focus but I should do black too as suggested – never thought of that even though I have a black floor. Wonderful bathroom and I am so glad to see Mara has saved it. I love it just the way it is, and I think the dressing room is fantastic!
Charmaine says
It sounds like my bathroom – two holes with plastic in my tub surround as well! The thought of putting up new (not vintage) tile makes me too sad…..so I’m stalling. Glad to hear there are others like me!!
Amy in Sacramento, CA says
I’d use a tension rod on which to hang a curtain over the tub, since I always like to feel cozy when soaking. 😉 But I’d pull it back with a nice cord when not in use. (I’d leave the window alone — the tub curtain would do the trick of adding color and some privacy, and I’d hate to put holes in the tile with a curtain rod. I’d also skirt the adorable sink with a coordinating fabric, under which I’d store some extra rolls of tp, due to its proximity to the toilet. That rod hanging on the left side of the sink is a perfect spot for a magazine or two to be placed. (There is already a towel bar on the wall to the right of the sink, as well as another one on the right side of the sink — how many hand towels do you need at one time?!) Definitely add some floor rugs for warmth, to muffle sound, and for safety. Hang wall decor using hooks or screws already in place, or buy some of those plastic adhesive ones that are removable w/o harming the tile. The color? I’d stay away from much pink, since it is already the dominant color in the room, and pick another color or two that really speaks to you when paired with the pink. Pink/gray? Pink/black? Pink/aqua? A combo of pink/gray/black? Etc… Maybe a really cool pair of vintage bark cloth curtains in a pattern you love will decide for you. Vintage bark cloth can get pricey, but that is where I’d spend the money when it came to making a design statement in this wonderful bathroom. At any rate, have fun experimenting! I LOVE the bathroom/dressing area, you lucky duck! 😉
Amy in Sacramento, CA says
Oh, I forgot about the toilet — a toilet seat that matches the toilet would be grand. (And if you can’t find one, wood toilet seats can be painted…or covered with matching fabric or rug material.)
Denise says
A terrific bathroom—love the dressing room!
Don’t go “poodle” on this bathroom—it’s too modern. Use hot pink and bright green towels and rugs to brighten it up. Research 60’s lamp fixtures.
You might want to bring some of the colors (probably green) into the dressing room to make a transition.
A previous poster mentioned a piece of furniture in one corner–I could go with that and maybe a piece of sculpture on it.
kelly brickey says
Pink tile always seems a bit glam and flashy to me, and it makes me think of the glitzy cars of the 50’s. A popular combination with those cars was a pink, grey, and black paint scheme.
For this gorgeous bath, I would try a mid-mod abstract piece of art with those colors over the toilet, rich grey towels, a fluffy carpet (in the central area) of either white or black, and a coordinating small storage unit on the wall opposite the toilet. I would try to find one with chrome, and possibly some mirror to echo the mirror over the sink.
Sherree says
I would not change anything that is already there. It is wonderful! One thing I would add: some type of grab bar to help yourself up out of the sunken tub. At some point you may need help getting out whether it be from age, recuperating from injury / surgery, and for safety!
pam kueber says
YES. Please note, that in my mood board discussion coming up at noon, I say that I really think that Mara needs to find and consult with a properly licensed professional(s) to ensure the safe entry and egress on that tub!!! She needs to do her own research to find the *right* type of professional — I think I would start with my local building inspectors, who are terrific resources and could help understand what the building code says regarding a feature like this… she could also work with a certified bathroom designer on implementing the solution, I think. Again, though, she needs to do her own research on finding the right professional(s) to assess this issue.
Kae says
We have exactly the same style sunken tub in our 1969 house, except ours is blue. I can honestly say that we’ve had no problem getting in or out of it. We actually have two sunken tubs, this one and a much deeper tiled Roman tub, and we love them both.
Danielle C. says
This is a simple bathroom,seriously look how lucky she is to have everything in such good condition! All she needs to do is pick her choice of color to compliment the pink ( black,gray,teal/turquoise, brown,white, cream on & on) Lots of towels/hand towels (lol they are cheap and heck she could pick 2 of her fav colors and switch out during the year!) look at all the places to hang those towels that’s color EVERYWHERE! Throw down some rugs & add a picture or whatever on that screw, maybe a plant to give it a little life…..keep it simple!