About a year ago, Diane bought a lovely 1960 ‘granny ranch’ in Florida. She’s been having fun decorating the original pink bathroom with vintage goodies from her mother’s collection, but now she is having problems deciding on a paint color for this kitschy space. She hopes Pam and me — and our wonderful readers — can help. Retro Design Dilemma time!
Hey Pam & Kate, I have a design dilemma for you. We bought a 1960 “granny ranch” a year or so ago in Florida with some money my late mother left us — as an investment and also in part to honor her and give me a place to put many of her vintage things with which I wasn’t yet ready to part (yes, I unashamedly claim the title of sentimentalist & vintage hoarder!)
Now I am trying to figure out what to do with the walls of my pink tiled bathroom there — paint, or maybe wallpaper?
I am going with a kitschy florida theme for the decor, spring boarding off of the vintage etched flamingo shower doors and a huge homemade collage I put together of old florida postcards from family members dating from the 40s, 50s & 60s, which I had discovered among my late mother’s things.
I am also thinking about using the great vintage wall paper mural “Magnolia Hill” (which I bought from your recent link to Steve’s wallpaper & blinds recently) in the hallway off of the bathroom.
- There are still some of this murals left, read our story — Thibault wallpaper murals in 11 designs
Anyway, I had initially thought that a contrasting color of Sherwin Williams “Holiday Turquoise” from their Suburban Modern collection would be just the ticket for the bathroom walls. However now, after applying a small swath of it on the wall, I am having second thoughts. Just the one coat seems to make the room appear darker — I’m worried what a second coat might do! Think you or your readers might be able to help me out with some suggestions? I’m open & up for almost anything! Much thanks!
Ok readers — what should Diane do with the walls in her vintage pink bathroom? Wallpaper? Paint – and if so, what color?
Kate’s ideas for decorating this pink bathroom:
My first thought when taking a peek into Diane’s 1960 pink bathroom — after I ooohed and awwwed over that gorgeous original tile — was that the deep teal blue towels, bath mat and toilet seat cover weren’t quite right for the space. Because they are so saturated with color, and much darker than most of the other decor in the room, the steal too much attention away from the fun, kitschy vintage accessories and delightful original tile. Also, because there is already a lot going on in the small space, simplifying the color scheme will help unify the space overall. For this same reason — that is, so much wall decor, both Pam and I agree you can skip the wallpaper — paint is the answer and yes, a real color will be better than off-white, grounding the wall decor better.
Above — First, I tried using the Sherwin Williams ‘Holiday Turquoise’ paint that Diane was contemplating, which looks much better with matching turquoise accessories instead of the deep teal towels.
Next, I tried a light green paint, pulled from the tropical print barkcloth curtain on the window. I think this color works well in the space without making it feel too dark overall because it helps harmonize the tropical barkcloth printed window curtain and complements the pink. Pink is basically light red and the complementary color of red is green — a combination that is very pleasing when done correctly. Adding a similar shade of green towel, bathmat and toilet seat cover helps disperse the green around the room.
Alternately, if Diane wants to add some major kick to the space, choosing a deeper teal green would create a tropical, ‘vintage miami’ feel in the space. Adding red bath towels and accessories help make the barkcloth curtain pop and make visual sense in the room.
Pam’s additional suggestions:
I very much agree with Kate’s key suggestion — that the royal blue linens are detracting from making this beautiful bathroom come together beautifully. I would take her suggestions even one step further and say: Change out the curtain. I think it would be relatively easy and inexpensive to find a similar, tropical styled fabric — but one that is in pink and green or blue pastel tones rather than the stronger primary tones of your current tones.
For example, above: Kate photoshopped Diamondhead Fabric’s Molokini (Sage) cotton bark crepe into the window and oooooh, I quite like how it looks. The pink really makes this pop. Then, choose paint colors and towels from the fabric itself. In general, I really like it when the field color of a fabric and the wall color are the same. Of course: You will probably want to get a real sample of the fabric first to test.
Above: Diamondhead’s Akaka (Natural) also has pink tones. I am less thrilled about this curtain, because of the natural field. In any case, we included it so you could get another idea of how a pink pastel-based fabric could look.
Of course, you can also look for vintage fabric. Living in Florida, you could probably find 50 different options with one trip to a local antique mall, I bet!
Finally, in response to many readers who suggested a more neutral paint color — a grey or ivory or lighter shade of the pink — I very much agree those could work too — and again, would coordinate the wall color with the field color of your window treatment. Honestly, ‘most any color could work done with a deft hand. That said, I think — and I think that Kate agrees — that you can make shades of aquamarine or green or blue work just fine — in particular because this is a kitschtastic Florida space where, hey, less is not more — more is more! We all respond to color differently — so do what sings to you! Paint is relatively cheap — it’s the perfect medium with which to take some chances… to push some design limits!
Good luck, Diane, and let us know how it turns out!
UPDATE — Above:Pam asked me to make a mock up with the Diamondhead Fabrics Molokini (black) cotton bark crepe fabric suggested by commenter James of the Woods — looks pretty good!
Josie says
I would go with a curtain with a bit more pink in it – Lilly Pulitzer, maybe? And some chartreuse… because…
Maybe Suburban Modern Chartreuse walls, or another light pear yellow-green? It’d be quirky, but it would also be bright. Not mint/hospital!
The blue-greens are all right too it’s just if I hear fear of darkness and willingness to love kitsch, I think a more glowing sort of yellow-green. Especially if you’re not afraid of fun.
Then I’d get matching mat and towels. The royal is dialing things down too much.
I love the flamingos.
pam kueber says
I adore Lilly Pulitzer colors – yes, very Florida!
dcgrl says
I’d consider a bamboo trelliS wallpaper with a jade ground
https://www.google.com/search?redir_esc=&client=ms-android-verizon&hl=en-US&safe=images&oe=utf-8&q=bamboo%20trellis%20wallpaper&source=android-browser-type&qsubts=1412022852804&action=devloc
Mary Elizabeth says
I am with the idea of a turquoise or aqua paint and accessories and a more pastel vintage fabric for the window. I agree that Diane doesn’t want to distract from her lovely vintage accessories with a busy wallpaper, and like most vintage bathrooms, the room is narrow to book.
One of the readers/contributors to this site had a pink and gray bathroom like mine, and she “popped” it with light turquoise/aqua, which I didn’t think of. My additional color is a sage green, which I thought was lovely until I saw the aqua!
BTW, love, love the etched flamingos on the shower doors!
Mary Elizabeth says
I meant “to boot,” not “to book.”
Geronimom says
Wow! There are some truly amazing ideas and suggestions here for my pink bathroom – thanks for all the wonderful input! I have to agree that the teal towels/accessories definitely distract. They were what I had on hand, however, & I wasn’t about to get different ones until I had some alternative ideas from the “professionals” here :-). I also agree that there is a LOT going on in this room. I wanted a bit of a fun, kitschy/crazy look, but I do think I may need to edit it down just a bit. Pam, although I like my barkcloth valance, I am not married to it, and I seem to prefer the look of your less busy Molokini Sage suggestion. Definitely more calming. Still waffling on the paint color. Although gray and pink are GREAT combos, they just seem more classy to me & don’t seem to have that “fun” spark I kinda want to go with here. I really do love the Holiday Turquoise color, but am thinking the more toned down version does work better. Although I want to be careful to not end up with what my son called “sickly hospital green”! I also was pleasantly surprised by how retro Kate’s suggestion of the pink/coral colored towels look. Would never have thought of that on my own. Oh, decisions, decisions, decisions – making them is definitely NOT my forte’ (as can be deduced by seeing the sheer amount of kitsch I’ve currently got going in there – couldn’t decide what to add, so just put it all in – although Hubby says at least it’s not boring in there 😉 ! REALLY looking forward to reading more of everyone’s great suggestions and creative input – it’s so nice to have this treasure trove of ideas from which to pull! Thanks everyone!
Kate says
Glad we could help! Be sure to let us know what you ultimately decide to go with! 🙂
Gwen says
This white and pink color scheme is BEGGING for some black. (And possibly another color).
I have a pink and grey 1950’s bathroom with burgundy trim tile around the shower (ugly :-/ ). I looked and looked for wallpaper that resembled the original pale grey fish themed paper but couldn’t find anything close. I ended up painting the walls a pale greenish grey but quickly tired of it. Back to EBay. I found a vintage flamingo wallpaper (probably 70’s) that was PERFECT) White background with pink flamingos that had black legs and beaks. The flamingos were in horizontal rows with alternating legs that were one down/ one crossed and then two down in an inverted V. The initial impression is that the flamingos are walking in single file. Each flamingo is 2″ wide by 5.5″ tall. It is fun and funky vinyl wallpaper that has held up for around 10 years and I’m still loving it. Flamingoes were so 50’s that the wallpaper doesn’t appear to be mis-dated.
I normally avoid wallpaper like the plaque but sometimes its just what a room needs for interest. The good thing about my flamingo paper is that it is just white, pink and a touch of black so ANY other color could be introduced as an accent. I purchased a vintage Jazz album that had a funky 50’s flamingo playing a flute, framed it and hung it on the wall. I mixed and matched pink and black towels/ washcloths. Guests go crazy over this bathroom.
If there is time, talent and patience, the bathroom could be stencilled in flamingos, funky palm trees (in black on a color backdrop), or any other design (Pink Panther? Dragon Flies? Funky Fifties Fish).
Its a bathroom……don’t hold back Go bold and be unique. 🙂
Joe Felice says
Avoid the plaque by all means. It can lead to cavities. LOL We’ve discussed this on this site before. Those are called “spoonerisms”–words that look alike substituted for words with a completely-different meaning. I do this for fun all the time. People think I’m crazy. (They are, of course, correct.) Some people do this out of ignorance, but I’m sure that’s not the case here, just a typo. A retro flamingo playing the flute? I love it! It sounds like a hoot to me. And I like your style–go for bold and unique.
pam kueber says
I don’t think you need to edit… Your collections make the room very fun.
pam kueber says
Geronimom, Kate mocked up the Molokini Black for you – and we put it in the story. I looks pretty rockin’!
jim says
I’d go with a pastel paint and the lighter curtain pattern. But, dare I say, decorating a room around things on the wall is a very tricky task. I’d empty the room out and focus on how the wall colors will work with the tile, decide about the curtain, then paint, and only then start to bring in the “stuff” that compliments the new color scheme. As well, for my taste, there’s just too much stuff in this small bathroom at the moment, I’d distill it down to your absolute “can’t live without” faves. But then again, I’m a minimalist!
Jan Hare says
Here’s one from the peanut gallery. I’m not a decorator nor do I have my own bathroom to redo. One thing you might do with your knick knacks is to run a shelf along the top of the wall. That way they woudn’t look cluttery nor would you run the risk of somebody running into them when they get out of the tub or a guest bumping them when they get off the john. :). I’ve done that in my small apartment with all my kitchen collectibles and I really like the lookl
As far as color, my first thought was gray but then I thought that if you’re wanting to do your beachy theme that just wouldn’t do. I like the second picture above with the DARKER walls and lighter towels. (I’m having trouble w/the pictures not loading so can’t describe it exactly.)
I DO agree that the teal towels etc. are too bright/dark. I think aqua would be better and I think maybe the palest aqua on the walls. In my mind there’s no sense doing a 50’s reno if you can’t use the colors you like. The paler aqua wouldn’t close the room in so much.
I would change the curtain to a primarily pink and aqua barkcloth, maybe with a gray background.
Your mural is absolutely beautiful, but I grew up in the era of murals and they were almost always in the dining room. I think that if you used it in the bathroom, you’d lose it’s purpose because you can’t stand far enough back to really enjoy it.
These are just suggestions from someone who knows what she likes, sharing it. 🙂 You’ve done SUCH a nice job with it. Actually when I look back on it, the white looks nice and clean, but I think a pale, pale aqua would work for you.
Good luck! Have you already done your kitchen? 🙂
Randerson says
Gray and Pink is a very sophisticated combination if you’re looking for a less-is-more tasteful kind of ’50s look as opposed to an over the top fun look. Darker Gray or Burgundy towels and accessories would be a nice match.
Mary Beth says
Agree on the suggestions to paint in a similar value to the gorgeous pink ( Bermuda pink?) tiles. My 2 cents is on the bark cloth ‘valance’ – I would mount that up at the ceiling which will a) elongate the window b) no light will come through diluting the intensity of the fabric color. If possible I would paint out what looks like a bronze/brown window frame and or add an opaque panel on a tension rod inside the window casement to obscure it. The hem edge of the re-located valance should drop just below the frame to hide the tension rod.
Robin, NV says
For once, I can’t quite get onboard with either Pam or Kate’s ideas. I do agree with Pam that changing out the window treatment for something lighter would be a good idea and that pulling a color from the curtains will help unify the look. I also agree with Kate that the dark teal towels and accessories are a little too bold in this setting. More than anything though, I agree with reader Andrea that Diane should consider removing her wonderful vintage accessories to get a better sense of what colors will work in the room. Right now, there’s a lot of colors and patterns in there, making it difficult to imagine the right color for the walls.
james of the woods says
i would go with the shade of mint green that is hiding somewhere in the bushes on the base of the big flamingo. the bath linens would be best if they matched the paint as closely as possible and were uniform. take the flamingo along when you go the paint store and the linen shop.
keep the ceiling bright white and ultra-glossy.
for accent and pattern at the window, i like the molikini black pattern over at:
http://www.shop.diamondheadfabrics.com/Molokini-Black-MB2.htm
it would play up the black knick-knack racks.
you might also consider installing 2 inch venetian blinds(white please with white cloth ladders) as the window itself looks too new for the room and the blinds would mask that and give a better sense of privacy when the room is, ahem, “in use”.
and i would seriously edit the amount of things you have on the walls and on the counter. it feels like you are trying too hard.
however, you’ve a wonderful collection and the bathroom is a real gem!
pam kueber says
Yes, I think that molokini in black — with those pink and accents! — could look great too, considering all the black accents that Diane has in the bathroom
Geronimom says
James, I actually REALLY like this idea! It incorporates a shade of the greenish color that I like with the black still pulling everything together. Still a look that can be made to appear fun, kitschy and not take itself too seriously. Brilliant! And the suggestion of the blinds w/ the cloth ladders is great, as well. White ladders & not contrasting? I will be on the lookout to see what I can find that fits that bill!
Geronimom says
The suggestion of the black curtain jogged my memory and reminded me of this bolt of Waverly flamingo sunshade fabric I picked up at a thrift store awhile back ($7 – yay me!). Do you think that pattern could possibly work? There is a bit of that greenish color in it, but not sure if it would be enough. Also wondering if the black might not end up making the room appear darker, bringing me right back to my initial dilemma! Man – this is not easy! But I’m loving everyone’s ideas….Those of you who are gifted creatively do not know what a blessing you have!
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/DianeLu/slideshow/Pink%20bathroom%20ideas
pam kueber says
James in the Woods, Kate mocked up your suggestion and we added it to the story — great call — I think it looks great! Adds a bit of “class” to the kitsch!
james of the woods says
thanks pam. i would however throw one more thing in by saying that a pair of curtains might be more fun than a valance, especially over blinds. the curtains could be very simply shirred over a black cafe rod, again, to tie in with the other black metal things going on.
your mockup looks really cool. nice work!
by the way, being an old florida boy myself(now living in california), i wonder where this bathroom resides.
Geronimom says
James, “it” resides in the lovely panhandle of Pensacola – think more laid back “old” southern Florida, less cosmopolitan Miami hotspot Florida 😉
james of the woods says
i have ordered many times from this company with consistent quality and satisfaction(most recently some amazing brushed aluminum blinds for a vintage airstream land yacht). i suggest the pure white with white cloth ladders as it is very clean and simple and will give a white balance to the paint on the cabinets under the sink. also, it is most likely what would have been ordered “back when”. the colored ladders are fun, but they can again make it look like you are trying “too hard”. here is the link to the blinds:
http://www.blinds.com/control/product/productID,8199
pam kueber says
ok but, if Diana does not need the blinds for privacy, I sure like how the window as-is frames that lovely flamingo! A wonderful focal point that will be lost with blinds….