An original pink and black bathroom is always a crowd pleaser — and today, we have a beautiful example. After figuring out relatively early in his house-hunting journey that he was likely to end up in an older house, eader Robert set his sites on finding one with either a pink-and-white or black-and-white bathroom. Of course, the RDGs delivered unto him the pink. To put his own stamp on the space, Robert needed to complete only minor defroufrouification, and the bathroom was good to go. <– bathroom pun, teehee.
Robert addressed his first email to Pam, writing:
Hi Pam – I always enjoy your blog and I thought you might like to see my pink bathroom. I’ve included probably more images than you want (i’m a photographer, sorry!)… The house is in Connecticut from 1950, and the bathroom was in pristine condition. Not a crack or chip anywhere. It’s like it was never used. It originally had some pretty u*** [edited] wallpaper and drapes which all came down immediately! I decided to work around the theme and have fun with it adding vintage stuff, rather than try and make it look current. The walls are painted with a silver iridescent glaze paint.
Funny story – when I was looking at homes I kept seeing h****** [edited] bathrooms. I remember thinking to myself, “If I have to have an old bathroom, can’t I find a black and white, or pink and black?” So when the realtor walked me in {to this house}, and she starting apologizing for the bathroom suggesting how I could work with it, I held my hand out stopping her, and said, “NO, no, no!! this is GREAT!” She looked at me and was like, “It IS??!”
Decorating a pink and black bathroom
Robert, we agree: This is great! You were very lucky indeed to land a vintage pink and black bathroom that was in such great shape and which *needed* only modest cosmetic updates to suit your own personal style. We don’t include a resource list with this story, because it looks like most of your decor items are vintage. However, we will say, it looks like you added black porcelain bathroom sconces from Rejuvenation — correct?
Painting the walls a metallic silver and adding the black crown molding really played up the contrast and angular detail of the space — making this bathroom feel handsome. The crown molding also nicely echoed the black bullnose and liner tile that outlines the bathroom — and helped to balance out the dark flooring.
The graphics used to advertise and market vintage bathroom products are so cool — a relatively easy way to make a nod to a vintage bathroom’s history — and great decor, too.
Other black accessories — like this retro wall clock — repeat the “outlined in black” motif.
Agreed: No matter how sophisticated a pink and black bathroom might get, there’s always room for a pink poodle in Paris. We are sure that lots of readers will be green with envy over this vintage laundry hamper.
Another clever trick that Robert used to continue the room’s outlines was to paint the inside of the shower opening black — thus continuing the tile outline all the way around the shower entrance.
A few other vintage details like this pink Detecto bath scale amp up the retro factor.
Vintage advertisements framed as art in pink and steel finish out the space.
We can certainly see Robert’s visual skills — he is a photographer with a nifty retro site design — in this thoughtfully designed space. Thank you, Robert, for sharing this gorgeous pink potty with the appreciative tribe at Retro Renovation.
brenda says
Your pink and black bathroom brings back so many memories. When I was growing up the bathroom in our house had the same flooring, wall tile, laundry hamper, and bathroom scales! The walls were painted a shade very close to the one you have chosen. Thank you for sharing your photos, I hadn’t thought about that bathroom for years.
robert norman says
Thanks Brenda, thats really nice to hear. The bathroom gives me that same feeling, and so many people who strop by say the same thing. Kinda funny that something as simple as a BATHROOM can conjure so many memories!!!
June says
We have a pink bathroom…..I would love to know the actual color and company of the silvery paint from your remodel…it’s what I am looking for.
thanks
robert norman says
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/paint-products/benjamin-moore-studio-finishes?lang=en_US&role=H#piSheen=405&advs=0&tab=2
its the Studio Finishes Metallic Glaze in Silver. I’ll warn you though- it is NOT easy to apply and requires multiple layers as its a glaze and not really a paint.
June says
Thanks so much, Robert for taking the time to give me the answer regarding paint color….it looks great….I think it’s worth the time, but the real question is, do I have the skill? I’ll have to think about that.
Thanks so much.
robert norman says
its gets VERY streaky and ‘brushy’ looking. And the first few coats will; look like a disaster until it starts to build up. I did a lot of ‘feathering’ with an almost dry brush to try and keep brush marks away. It almost seems like you’d be better diff if you could SPRAY it on!!!
Amie In STL says
I am just looking at this story for the first time, but I came home from Lowe’s two weeks ago and announced to my husband: I have found the paint colors for the hall bath! The colors I had picked out were a darker silver, still metallic, and an aqua. I am so happy to see how good the silver looks in this room. Makes me feel good about my choice. 😀
Donna says
Well done Robert! Makes me feel 5 years old again! Looks just like my childhood!
You did good!
James says
Now, just rip up the peel and stick vinyl and let’s see the orignal porcelain floor tile. I wonder what color and pattern?
pam kueber says
I don’t think that’s peel and stick …
kay says
Colored toilet paper was discontuined because the dyes used in it were connected to cervical cancer.
Some of them were also perfumed and the perfume caused irritation. Also it’s hard to see blood on colored paper. so white can help identify health issues.
The new dyes they use are safe, but there are only a few companies putting out colored paper.
I remember when it went away and people would say, sotto voce; “it gives you butt cancer!’
Beki says
Bravo for not only saving this wonderful pink beauty, but for breathing new life into it. You did an amazing job…such attention to detail. Being a hairdresser seeing the hair product sign & Barbicide jar made me smile. Having painted numerous light fixtures, a high gloss black spray paint would easily do the trick for that ceiling fixture. I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but the toilet seat in the before photo? Is it open? closed? or am I just seeing things?
robert norman says
oh my god–I never noticed that!! how weird–I wonder if they had some sort of liner to keep the kids out of it?!?!
Ana says
It looks like a quick Photoshopping job. The photo was taken with the seat up, but that’s frowned upon in real estate listings so rather that re-shoot, someone did a digital fix.
I love the bathroom’s new look, particularly the new black accents.
pam kueber says
I had Kate cover the open bowl in Photoshop. If you are a regular reader of the blog, you will know that I strive NEVER EVER to show open toilets. Bad feng shui. Sends money energy down the drain. We need to make money here, hehe.
robert norman says
Oh gosh–I did NOT know that!!!!
Alice Campbell says
If my comment is accepted, I would appreciate it if only my last initial is used, rather than my full name. This might already be your policy, not sure. Thx. Great site; great posts.
Alice Campbell says
This bathroom made my day! Sheer delight from top to bottom.
Enjoyed reading all the comments as well. In regard to the coloured toilet paper, which I clearly remember, I recall that it was discontinued as it was considered harmful for septic tanks and plumbing! Go figure.
Incredible patience to get this bathroom right. Sheesh…even Gleem toothpaste!
Susan H. says
Hi Robert,
Great job on the bathroom! I LOVE IT! Believe it or not, I think I have the metal wastebasket and tissue cover that matches your hamper (they’re stored away at the moment, which is why I’m not sure). If they’re not an exact match, they sure are close.
I especially love the paint, vintage ads and ephemera. More than anything, though, I applaud you for appreciating your pink-and-black vintage bathroom!
robert norman says
oh my gosh–you DO??! Thats so cool!!!
Susan H. says
I DO, Robert! If you’re interested in having a matching set, let me know and I’ll dig them out for you.
robert norman says
OOO! really???! I may take you up on that if you can locate them!
Susan H. says
Unlike most of my things in storage, I know exactly where they are and how to get my hands on them pretty easily. 🙂
Susan H. says
Robert, I’ve had family in town and have been working a lot. It may take me a little while to dig them out, but please feel free to remind me. I don’t always remember to check the blog!
Susan H. says
Robert! I’m so sorry I haven’t gotten back to you on the wastebasket and tissue cover! I remembered and remembered… and then totally forgot. I’ll try to look this weekend. 🙂