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!
Diane’s request (edited):
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!
Christina says
Maybe this is the artist in me talking, but I actually love your bathroom with the white walls. I know I know- white, how boring! However there are so many lovely vintage treasures in there, the tile and decor have more than enough color. A very simple background gives them the attention they deserve. But if you are wanting to change it than the white obviously does not do it for you so I would suggest going with a lighter shade of the tiles or a very pale warm grey. Thus keeping the focus off of the walls and on the beautiful tile work and all those great accessories. Regardless of the direction you go you are so very lucky to have such a great canvas to start with, so whatever you decide to do have fun with it!
virginia says
Am going to echo what others have said above and commend you on the wonderful vintage postcard piece. Such a great idea and you did a bang up job of it. I would place it elsewhere also.
I saw this post very early this morning and have been thinking of it since. I too thought of a light pearl gray — also a very delicate pale yellow or again, a very light spring green. You have that particular shade in your flamingo pieces and some candles on the window sill. I believe. Lovely.
You have a terrific collection of vintage items and I know how tempting it is to put it on display. Once you have made whatever decision you make, I’d be looking to take it down a bit and to be dissuaded from too much symmetry. Just me — I’m more drawn to groupings than I am to symmetry. As a decorator pal said to me years ago — let the room breathe a little.
Look to the towels too. I have a bright yellow, light blue and black bathroom — It’s really more like a closet. For years, I went with towels that were too deep and dark a blue. A lighter, sky blue was the ticket. Not painting it such a saturated sun yellow might have been a good idea too but, oh well, onward and upward.
It’s a lovely bathroom and I’m envious. Thank you for letting us see it. LOVE LOVE LOVE your various vintage pieces and the wonderful flamingo shower doors.
modmonroe says
I would do a bolder and rich color of peachy rose to the walls to harmonize with the color of your beautiful tilework and not compete with it. I would go several shades darker than the tile work but stay in the same color family. sThe current light color on the walls washes out the tiles and I think any similar light color will appear the same. Painting in the same color family as the tile work will allow the “pop” and focus in your decorating scheme to remain on your retro treasures and your interesting window treatment.
Cynthia says
I live in South Florida so the feeling you’re after is very familiar to me. The shades of pink tile are particularly pleasing and the combination of tile patterns on walls and floor (very nice!) are not plain, so I’d go with a light gray with pinkish undertone for the walls. Your black metal accessories will stand out nicely, as will your ceramic flamingo and the white ceramic sea shell. Light or medium gray towels, or even white. Consider moving the vintage postcard collage and anything made of paper to another room – the high humidity of So Fla plus the extra humidity in the bathroom will ruin it, even if it’s under glass.
deb says
I love grey, pink, and aqua. Like many, I would paint since you have so many wonderful items on display.
I ran into the same issue with the Holiday Turquoise, and ended up using the same color but about 3 shades lighter in my kitchen. I liked the lighter aqua much better!
Andrea says
I am also in favour of a light-medium pearl grey color. It works well to make colors against it pop.
I would take everything out of the bathroom and begin brainstorming with a blank slate. I think the focus of the bathroom should be the beautiful pink tiles and floor, with a secondary accent theme – like the herons (they look more like herons than flamingos to me ?) on the shower enclosure. Grouping a bunch of flamingo retro kitsch together on one wall can work well – and the chalky pastel shades of vintage ceramics/chalkware will stand out against a grey. I would coordinate towels to either the pink shade in the tiles, the wall color, or have plain white. The turquoise seems overpowering against the pink. One trick I have used is to take a ton of paint chips from the paint store – and while I have the concept of the color I want, I use the paint chips against actual items to make a good match. The results have often been surprising – ie the turquoisey shade on the base of the flamingo ceramic might yield a slightly greyish mint shade for a good match. Vintage paint palettes often have a different sensibility than modern palettes – which tend to be too bright or intense (pigments and paint technology have come a long way since the 50’s).
Jay says
Nice bathroom! The etched birds on the shower doors certainly enhance the Floridian feel. I think pale colors as others noted as you do have a lot of decorative accents (not kitsch) going on. Please reconsider hanging your collage of family postcards in the bath if they have great sentimental value to you – the moisture will eventually get to them if not properly sealed.
Rick S says
I like the idea of pulling the color from the tile so your walls don’t upstage your collection and it you can change out things as time goes by. Towels are a great way to add color and if the color doesn’t work, take them back and try again. You may also find a great vintage set.
Jay had a great point about the Post cards and moisture. If you really like the looks of them in the bathroom you may see if you can scan and print copies and put the originals in an album. Much safer for the Post cards.
Rick
Geronimom says
Hmmm…. Good point. Wonder if a coat of shellac/ mod-podge would help to keep humidity at bay?
Ranger Smith says
I am a huge fan of turquoise, therefore it pains me to admit that it might not be the best choice for this bathroom. Not a bad choice but as has been suggested, perhaps a light grey would be better. Alternatively, I wonder what baby blue or light blue would look like. White looks fine too. In any case, I think wall paper would not work with all of the items being displayed. I think the vintage collection would be best served on a painted wall rather than competing with wallpaper. The tile floor gets a big thumbs up from me. Great room and a very fun collection you have inherited from your mom.
Robin, NV says
I want to agree with others who have said “go with paint over wallpaper.” But I’m also thinking about the wallpaper that was featured in the recent story about Nanette and Jim’s pink bathroom. A nice vintage wallpaper with a light grey background with pink patterning would look very nice. In Diane’s bathroom, the solid bullnose above the speckled tile helps to visually break the speckled pattern of the tile, so adding another pattern (I would go with something subdued) wouldn’t look too busy.
I have speckled tile in one of my bathrooms (yellow/gold rather than pink) and I know how hard it is to find something that coordinates when you have a lot of colors in one bathroom – I have the added problem that my fixtures are Ming green! I was going to submit my bathroom for a Retro Design Dilemma because I’m having the same issues with picking a paint color! Looks like Diane beat me to it.
Chad's Crooked House says
When I first read your “paint over wallpaper” comment I was wondering what the ##@%#$ you were suggesting. I calmed down after I realized I was being too literal.
Kate says
hahahaha too funny Chad! 🙂
Stacia says
I don’t think the turquoise does anything for that room. Which is OK, because now you just get to use it in another room! Pick something in the room to feature, and make sure to keep it the feature with your other design decisions. That tile is dreamy! I think you should go with very light walls, creamy white, light gray, light green, the same peachy/pink, etc. as stated above. OR I think you could do wallpaper, just not a bold pattern; a light color just for texture. I think a color that matches the tile but has a subtle pattern would be lovely. What fun!
Robin, NV says
I’m not a big fan of the turquoise in this bathroom either. Another thing that should be considered is how the color looks against your skin. Greens, yellows, and blues tend to make most people look sallow. A nice warm tone like pink or pinky-tan is what’s needed here.
Geronimom says
We did consider using a lighter shade of the pinky beige, but then started worrying that it might then just end up being a “death by pink”, situation!
BlueJay says
This echoes my sentiments exactly. Both turquoise and pink are iconic colors of the period but together it’s too much. A light grey would be my suggestion and then maybe bring the turquoise in as an accent color in the towels. What a lovely bathroom!