Last week, we took a look inside the glamorous black-tiled 1948 master bathroom at Mary and Duane’s house, and now, let’s examine the upstairs bathroom. It, too, has an unusual color combination that we don’t see often in postwar bathrooms — brown wall tiles and yellow fixtures. And it, too, is in spectacular, high-quality, time-capsule shape, as if it had been built yesterday.
The house was in one family all these years, so some stories came with it. Word is, the upstairs in this little Cape Cod house was finished out by dad, a plumbing contractor, for a daughter in the family was either living at home while she went to school or had just started her first job after finishing school. Oops, I forget.
So, upstairs, there is a living area… a second, small kitchen… a bedroom, and various closets.
Remember: In 1948, many folks — including where I live, in Massachusetts — had the “Cape Cod” style in their sites as their “dream home.” The Cape Cod style was broadly publicized — and popularized nationwide — by Massachusetts’ own and my favorite architect Royal Barry Wills. It’s a is classic Colonial look… it’s a charming livable style… and folks could “grow” into it by initially only completing the downstairs, then, when their family grew in size, finish the upstairs. More photos to come of the rest of the house (I’m milkin’ it), but you can bet: There’s knotty pine involved in this house, too! No pink bathrooms, though! These homeowners were fashion-forward, going against the (pink) grain!
Now, all the lovely details:
So there you go: A love letter to a little 1948 brown-and-yellow bathroom, right down to the original Crane shower rod escutcheon.
- Want to see more stories about readers and their bathrooms? See our complete archive here.
Joe says
The colors totally work, because the brown isn’t THAT brown. I’m assuming the fixtures are original.
Evan says
I was going to say that brown (no matter the shade) is not a favorite of mine, but this one, with the cheery yellow to counterbalance it, is simply beautiful! *sigh* Beautiful…
Leigh says
I admire the craftsmanship of the period bathrooms. I just don’t understand how and why most of the HGTV shows immediately rip them out.
Sarah Middleton says
The HGTV shows rip out and discard quality, vintage fixtures and finishes because the shows are sponsored by Home Depot and Lowes, they must “Push” new materials and new fixtures. Sell, sell, sell!
The shows funcion as infomercials-commercials for big box stores. They would not recieve money for production if they were not advising consumers to throw away all their “old” stuff and replace it with brand new, often inferior products! It is all salesmanship.
So learn what you can from the shows, but do not buy into the mind-set that you have to rip out classic, lasting tile jobs and kitchens and baths, and replace them with this year’s cookie cutter trends in cheap fabrications, regardless of your home’s architecture or history.
Felicia Alexander says
Amen, Sarah! I couldn’t agree with you more.
Evan says
I totally agree Sarah. I had to stop watching those shows because my blood pressure would explode. They go in with sledge hammers to destroy perfectly beautiful tubs, sinks and toilets. WHY not just take them out and find a new home for them, if they’re so ignorant of the beauty?
Carolyn says
I’ve noticed that some of the newer shows are showing that they’re recycling and donating. This was my first summer of HGTV to see what the fuss was about. One gal has issues with the ’70’s but when it’s in a century-old mansion, I can see her point. But she does donate. A fellow even said out loud he didn’t understand the MCM mindset (it was those accordian doors featured here a while back). Maybe they’ve been getting letters or they’ve realized you can’t go to Round Top to flea if everyone throws everything away.
David says
But, but, where do I put my used razor blades?
Onawa says
Wow those 2 bathrooms are in good shape!
te says
SWEETS1 Love the colors. I just installed a ceiling fan type pull chain on the side of my mirrored medicinal cabinet which hangs off the outside side making it easier to get the lighted effects when needed.
Mary Anne S says
Beautiful, beautiful bathrooms. Thank you so much for focusing on the fantastic details. I can’t wait to see the rest of this great house.
Eartha Kitsch says
I’m absolutely loving this color combo!
Diana says
I love both bathrooms and I just cannot get over how clean and shiny and new looking these bathrooms are. I definitely need some cleaning tips from these folks! Lol!
Nikki says
Wow! What a lovely bath – and it isn’t even the “main” bathroom which is mind-boggling gorgeous. Clearly “Mrs. Clean” and “Mr. Fix-it-Right” plus a savvy interior designer lived here!
Love the way the tiles wrap the shower area – including the ceiling! I remember this in the home I lived in as a kid. Prior to fans in the bathroom to draw excess moisture it makes sense to protect the ceiling from moisture.
Really enjoy seeing these rooms. Keep the pictures coming Pam, this is an “inspiration home” for sure!
Susan Halla says
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sink with an integrated porcelain spout. Is that unusual, Pam, or have I just not been paying attention?! So, cool!
Pam Kueber says
These Crane sinks were wildly popular, I think.
Joe says
Yes, they were. I always thought they were cool, but wondered what would happen when it came time to replace the faucet.