Sumac Sue, aka Judi, has a 1959 bathroom that features classic retro pink tile (see thumbnail to the left) – and has asked for some decorating suggestions. First of all – great tile, I am totally jealous. Notice also the recessed white soap dishes, and the classic medicine cabinet with sidelights. In response to the question, I found the inspiration photo featured at the top. The colors chosen to go with the pink fixtures — turquoise, charcoal, black, white — are great.
- I’d definitely recommend wallpaper, vintage if you can find it. I found mine in an arts supply store. There were a number of single rolls in a bin marked “for crafts projects.” I asked if there were more and voila – immediately became the owner of 40+ rolls of vintage wallpaper each at $3/roll. If you can’t find vintage, I’d definitely recommend taking a look at Bradbury & Bradbury’s new atomic line. My personal favorite to go with Judi’s tile: Googieland in Gray or Ivory – both of which contain some pink detailing. Ivory for a less in your face look. But I actually think the Gray is even better – it has a substantiality to it that is a good complement to the strong pink tile. Anything too light will get overpowered — you’ve got to find the right balance for the look to come out just right.
- To accent the wallpaper, choose towels, rugs and a cloth shower curtain in a strong contrast color. For the Googieland Gray…I might try a smokey gray one or two shades darker…or, go the opposite direction with an ivory with a trim band of gray in it. These classic neutrals would help keep the bathroom from looking too kitschy. There are lots of good choices for complete sets of towels and rugs at Land’s End, Kmart, and Target. As a window treatment – I’d probably used a pleated shade, same background shade as the wallpaper, interior mount if possible. These are low-profile (not bulky), inexpensive and very functional.
- Other updates: Hmmm. Vintage trash can found locally at an estate sale or in a shop. And maybe, new lavatory faucet, depending on state of the existing one.
Midcentury Keith’s amazing 1958 pink bathroom 
Sheila, Defender of Old Pink Bathrooms 
A color scheme for a pink, maroon and white bathroom 
Video: Kate’s “penultimate” pink bathroom tour 
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50sPam says
Thanks, Sara. Others have mentioned the Habitat for Humanity stores – I think they are also called Re-Stores in some places. We all agree that they are awesome resources, no question!
Regarding adding a third color – whatever makes your “heart sing,” as another reader put it. If you’re going to need to add a contrast color in the shower – how about trying to save some of the old pink tiles and incorporate them somehow – like, turn them on the diagonal (like diamonds) and use them across the top running horizontally all the way around the shower – to tie into the pink in the rest of the bathroom?
And personally — I am now on a quest to help all readers overcome their fear of wallpaper. This makes a HUGE DIFFERENCE!
Finally – 1964 counts as part of the 50s – they were the tail end of the “Populuxe” years – and raised ranches were definitely a part of the era.
Sumac Sue says
Over the weekend, a relative asked what I planned to do about the “weird” pink tiles in my bathroom. I told her I planned to keep them. I have always loved the pink tiles, and this website has given me even more reason to treasure them.
It’s so much fun hearing about other people who have similar touches to their houses, such as Sarakay. Her 64 ranch definitely sounds like other houses in my neighborhood, where houses were built from the late 50s through early 60s.
By the way, we are hanging cabinets this weekend that we got at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. It’s a great store and the workers there are really helpful.
50sPam says
Way to go, Sumac Sue. I’ve found that there are many people who do not get the ‘retro renovation’ thing at all — yet. But as with Victorian homes…then Arts & Crafts and bungalows….all these things come back with elements that are greatly appreciated. And then, everyone who tore the stuff out has regrets.