Reader Dawn has just finished remodeling the only bathroom in her 1950s home — using readily available black and white tiles to create a crisp and classic bathroom that looks like it’s always been there.
Prior to the remodel, the space was in sad shape — cheap, big box store ‘upgrades’ and cracked floor tiles dominated.
Dawn writes:
Hi!!! Just wanted to share my awesome bathroom remodel with you. Your site was a great resource and I learned many things along the way from you site. It made it so much easier in the long run having so many questions I had already answered on your pages. Thanks a bunch. Hope you like it.
Yes Dawn, we do like it, nay — we love it! Golly, that original vanity is cute, and we love the vintage sink too.
This bathroom remodel is a great example of how you can use very affordable (relatively) tile in a midcentury bathroom to great effect. The white 4″ x 4″ wall tiles and 4″ black liner tiles are from Home Depot… the black and white 2″ hex tile on the floor and the other trim are from B&W Tile. And oh my goodness, we love the Marimekko Unikko shower curtain — it makes a great mashup of 1960s mod and 1940s/1950s modest, with brilliant use of scale and color. Nicely done, Dawn — you have the eye, for sure!
See the complete transformation and Dawn’s resource list:
- You can see all of the photos of Dawn’s retro bathroom remodel and read more about her story over on her blog digadig home.
Thanks so much for sharing your space with us, Dawn!
Jennie McGarvey says
This is quite simply perfect! It keeps the original integrity of the house + time period but also updates it with great style. GREAT WORK DAWN!
Anastasia says
Nice Job!
Maryann Roy says
That’s Gorgeous !! Great job!
Janice says
Wow, nicely done! I love the color of green you paired with the black and white. Your bathroom looks timeless and classic – and what a transformation from the before!
Mary Elizabeth says
Wonderful job, Dawn! You didn’t say what color and brand the paint is–I love that green, and it is so late 1970s as well as classic–very similar to the color in my new bathroom. Did you pick out the shower curtain first, then match it to the walls, or vice versa? I love the way the flower pattern pulls in the color of the walls as well as echoes the pattern of the hex floor tiles, while adding another softer, more abstract and less geometrical dimension to the whole room.
One suggestion. Since that shower curtain has been discontinued, be on the lookout for one on eBay, etsy, or your vintage store to get a spare. That way, if the shower curtain gets ripped, stained or worn out (you do have kids, I take it), you have a replacement handy.
Dawn says
Kind of a funny story about the shower curtain.
I have loved that shower curtain and wanted it the minute I saw it 3 1/2 years ago when we moved into our house. I didn’t get it then because it didn’t match the original bathroom (I got the blue one instead). I figured I would just get it when we redid the bathroom.
Well as you know 3 years later it was discontinued. I searched ebay for months looking for one when we decided it was time to do the bathroom. Somehow I missed one in July. I decided to google “marimekko shower curtain craigslist” and one came up in Richmond, Va. I emailed the seller and asked if she was willing to mail it to me. She came back and said it just didn’t fell right. Oh my gosh I was heartbroken. I emailed her back explaining that my bathroom remodel was almost finished and I had been wanting this curtain for years and I had planned my bathroom around it. I even linked her to my facebook page and bathroom pinterest board where I pinned it years ago. I am sure at this point she thought I was crazy. lol She said she would talk to her husband about it.
Well a few days went by and I didn’t hear from her. I asked my facebook friends anyone was near her. No luck! Ugh.
I am part of an online bargain board so as a last attempt I asked if any of them were near Richmond. Not even 30 minutes later a women came back and said she was only a couple miles from the craigslist seller. She ended up emailing her and the seller said it was still available. Woo hoo. The lady went to pick it up and told the seller it was for the crazy lady in California. I guess the seller just about fell over when she heard that.
So ever since then I have been on the lookout for a back-up. lol
pam kueber says
Great story! The great thing about the black and white bathroom is that you can paint the walls any color!
Dawn says
Great point Pam about being able to paint the walls any color in the future. That was a big motivation for the black and white tile.
The paint is Behr Corn Husk Green 400D-4
Mag says
And this is one of the things that feeds my pack-rat tendencies! *snorts* Glad you found the curtain & I hope you find a backup.
linda h says
Very cool bathroom! I love the green and black and white color scheme. I have the same Marimekko fabric as bed linens and comforter cover. Also have it in a different colorway in the guest room. My favorite fabric ever!
LuAnn says
Be still my heart! There’s just something wonderful about black and white tile. I especially love the pencil and border trim and the shampoo shampoo niches.
Janet in CT says
Wonderful bathroom! I got a kick out of the clock that remains where it was; I too like to save those special things. The tile work is truly inspiring. Is that a vintage hamper? Did you paint it? Those little touches really do make the bathroom! Great job!
Dawn says
The hamper is vintage. That is the original color.
Jay says
Yes we like! Very much! The window placement is interesting. One on either side of the cabinet. Allows for lots of natural light at the sink.
Jeanne says
That bathroom is gorgeous! The shower curtain really ties in everything and is perfect! Your guy did a great job with the tile. What a difference in the before and after. Congrats on a job well done!