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.