So many great reader opinions on our story asking whether to paint or wallpaper Laura’s 1957 bathroom, but here’s an idea I forgot to mention, and which several readers suggested: Stenciling the walls to look like wallpaper. Kathi followed up to share photos after she stencilled her walls — what a transformation of this already glowy lovely midcentury bathroom >>>
Kathy wrote:
I’ve attached a couple pictures of a stencil project I did in the hall bathroom of our 1954 ranch. I used this stencil I found on Amazon and two shades of metallic stencil creme from Royal Design Studio. [Pam notes: The Amazon links earn me a wee commission if you click and buy.]
The refresh was completed by (a professional) removing about 4 layers of flooring (sadly the original layer was too damaged to restore) and installing a vintage-feel vinyl flooring. We also replaced the non-original light fixtures with something more appropriate and scored an older wall mirror at a neighbor’s garage sale.
Overall very pleased with the end result and like having the look of wallpaper without having to worry about the durability in a humid place like a bathroom.
I’m currently working on our daughter’s “big girl room” which involves stenciling “Flamingo Lagoon” on to the walls of the original Ming Green bathroom. I’m using four colors instead of two for this pattern, so I’ll need the Retro Reno gods in my corner.
Wish me luck!
Kathi
Luck!!! Thank you, Kathi, this is just beautiful! Indeed, since many readers are wary of putting up wallpaper given the humidity of bathrooms, stenciling is a wonderful option to get the look … without the paste. Arguably: Just as much work, though!
The new flooring looks fantastic, too! And — what pretty and spacious bathroom you have. I love the soft cocoa tiles and slightly more cocoa fixtures. And that built in cabinetry: Oh how many of us would just love to have that in our bathrooms!
The flooring that Kathi used:
Indeed, questions started flowing in and Kathi replied:
… The flooring is Armstrong Flooring DecorArt Corlon. I believe the color we chose was Stone Harbor. It’s a commercial grade product (thanks again to RR for all the inspiration) so a little spendy, but I’m hoping it’ll last for another 60 years!
Be sure to send us photos of the the Ming Green Flamingo Lagoon when it’s done!
Mary’s vintage bathroom decorated with Bradbury’s Grete wallpaper 
Vintage wallpaper — or paint? — for Laura’s 1957 bathroom 
Rollerwall: Paint your wall to look like wallpaper — 146 patterns 
Which floor tile for the 1963 blue bathroom? Elizabeth wants our help 
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Virginia says
This is so beautiful and inspired. It is such a fresh update but still lets the vintage fabulousness shine. Really amazing job!
libbyontheprairie says
Can you tell us more about your new flooring?
The whole project looks adorable! Love it =)
Nikki says
Fantastic job Kathi. You have a very good eye for color and composition. I’m not sure I would have figured out how to approach the cocoa color, but you did a lovely job. Kudos on a job well done and thanks so much for sharing!
Mary Elizabeth says
I love what you did with the bathroom. It looks more like it might have in the 1950s than before. Love that Suez Tan when the decor around it is complementary.
Elizabeth Minish says
Totally nailed it on this re-do. The wall colour was an inspired choice to “flatter” the colour of the tile and fixtures. The stencil job just put it right over the top. Kudos indeed!
Joe Felice says
It does look like wallpaper, only without the repeating pattern.
I had an aunt who used to put designs on her walls with an embossed roller that painted the design on the wall. I never tried it, because it seemed you have to be very exact, especially with getting the right amount of paint on the roller, and sing just the right amount of pressure. Then you’d have to be sure to roll in perfectly-straight lines.
Joe Felice says
using just the right amount of pressure.
Apparently, there is no way to edit comments once posted.
DJ says
Beautiful!!! I love the colors and the stencil pattern you chose! And yes, the flooring! Your bathroom is a 10, for sure!
Lyndasewsalot says
That looks so great!!!
Wendellyn says
Hi Pam,
Sorry I didn’t know how else to contact you. Perhaps you already know about this company, Vance Solutions for Your Kitchen, if your readers are needing a hudee ring I have found a company in Illinois. They have several (18) standard sizes and are even willing to make custom sizes and they include the mounting clips and screws. Their prices seem reasonable. They also offer several other items for the kitchen which can be also used in the bathroom. Their web site is vanceind.com, phone# 847-983-0960, address, 5617 West Howard Street, Niles, IL 60714.
Pam Kueber says
Hi Wendellyn, I have written about this company many times. I was in touch with the company owner, he sent me lots of materials including vintage.
See all the stories here: https://retrorenovation.com/search-results/?q=vance%20hudee
Wendellyn says
That is great! I am relatively new to your site, so I apologize about not knowing. If I am lucky enough to get the sink I so badly want, I will need a hudee ring.