When upgrading older homes, labor and structural materials can quickly erode a budget. See how one couple kept costs from spiraling when they took on a vintage-inspired bathroom renovation — and explore tips for stretching funds without skimping on style.
The brief: Turn back time in a vintage home with a 1980s bath. Find ways to offset the “bowling alley” feel of the ~ 11’ x 6’ (65 sf) room. Balance the need for storage and open floor space. And use Art Deco details to bring some easy-going elegance.
This home’s bathroom came with an interesting configuration: a cast iron tub shoehorned in under the stairwell. When the bath’s deconstruction confirmed the tiled-in tub was a clawfoot missing its feet, the homeowners donated it to an architectural salvage store. Minus its tub and 1980s elements, the bath in this circa 1905 home was ready to move both forward and back in time.
Post-renovation, the 3’ x 4.5’ shower zone creates an airy, more accessible experience for bathers. The room’s design choices pull from classic materials and include terrazzo, marble, linoleum, shell, 6” x 6” tile, reeded and leaded glass, chrome, painted inset cabinetry, and zebrawood.
Due to the room’s long and narrow proportions, House Vixen Design proposed a tile design that would create the illusion of width. A running bond pattern using low-cost 6” x 6’’ field tile won out. To enhance flow, she recommended matching the Marmoleum flooring to the terrazzo shower base — as well as tiling the entire 6’ tall stub wall.
In smaller spaces, partially recessed storage cabinets can offer significant value for the money. This bath’s custom linen/storage cabinet extends 8” into the room and varies in depth to accommodate structural necessities. Its 6’ height aligns with the ceiling slope, shower tile, neighboring towel rack, and a second tall cabinet (unseen).
The view from the shower captures the widest useable point of the room — 6’ — as well as the two painted custom cabinets. Fully recessed, between-the-studs storage gets a lot of press; however, even a few inches of additional depth adds a surprising amount of storage. In extremely tight spaces, partially recessed open cubbies can save the day.
In the room’s problematic back right corner, the 6’ high cavity was split to enhance usability. A honed marble shower bench and niche now occupy the front half of the space, while a basement pantry makes use of the rest. The room gets light and ventilation from an awning window stacked above a fixed privacy window.
The project’s visual goal of “Art Deco colors, tiled walls, and white built-in cabinets” allowed for many potential directions. The final result echoes the era’s colors, shapes, and materials — without attempting to replicate a period bathroom.
With visions of a fully tiled bath firmly in mind, budget calculations for key materials and combinations kept spending in check. While all agreed handmade field tile — along with border and accent tile — gave the “most Deco” look, the homeowners opted for a pared-down interpretation using primarily low-cost tile.
FEATURED PHOTOS
Fashion Plate (George Barbier; Paris, 1924) and Furnishing Fabric “Disc”'(woven silk; Warner and Sons, Essex, 1924) from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection.
Bathrooms with original 1930s tile work.
Mirror/Brush set (Elsa Tennhardt, 1928), Textile of Diana the Huntress (Thomas Lamb, rayon, 1920s), and Evening Coat (silk, beads, metallic embroidery; circa 1925) from the Cooper Hewitt Museum collection.
Medal detail (Norman Bel Geddes; 1933) “Commemorating the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of General Motors.”
A happy accident occurred before the “white pedestal sink or traditional painted vanity?” question was settled.
Before committing to a design, the homeowners stumbled across a deeply discounted zebrawood vanity and mirror set and bought them on the spot. With a medicine cabinet above the sink no longer an option, a custom cabinet was designed to hold toiletries. Both the room’s storage cabinets were capped at 6’ to avoid overwhelming the space and to align with the horizontal throughline set by the ceiling’s slope.
The bathroom’s demilune vanity and oval mirror add beautifully contrasting curves and an opulent feel to the modest space. They serve as a small homage to Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann’s stunning Art Deco pieces.
Ruhlmann x 2: "Colonette" Dressing Table, circa 1919–20; ebony and burr amboyna. “Hydravion Berger” chair frame (variant with sculpted front legs), circa 1918-20; mahogany/burled mahogany.
The pale colors under consideration needed a bridge to the zebrawood’s deep tones if they were to stay. Luminous oyster shell accent tile reminiscent of vintage mother of pearl accessories united light with dark.
Geometric elements abound in vintage Art Deco baths. In this modern-day interpretation, rectilinear shapes dominate and curves compel attention — but triangles play their small role to the hilt.
This bath used items across various price points to achieve its look, feel, and function. If your budget skews more lean than luxe — or you just like to maximize your money — don’t overlook the seven strategies below. Then read on to see how the owners both saved and splurged.
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- Aim to identify low-, mid-, and higher-cost favorites for all your items. It keeps you from having to start from scratch if budgeting priorities shift; additionally, it helps you map out ideal places to save or splurge.
- Consider using salvaged or repurposed cabinets if you have have flexibility in your design. You may want to explore using cubbies (niches) in place of closed cabinetry.
- Look for tile closeouts or factory outlets that net you higher-quality tile for less. Ensure that bargain tile won’t increase the cost of installation materials and/or labor costs beyond your comfort zone.
- Ask stores if, when, and how they move floor samples along.
- Quiz plumbing retailers about upcoming sales and research online overstock. Fall in love with high-end plumbing fixtures at your own risk; these beauties can easily take a big chunk of the budget.
- Check local online listings, salvage stores, and antique shops for used items.
- See where the pros go. Commercial flooring stores and stoneyards often have discounted options that meet the needs of smaller baths.
Featured Bath
SAVE vs Splurge Items
- Custom terrazzo shower base. Even with shipping costs, it was significantly less expensive than a professionally tiled base or other high-quality pans.
- Low-cost field tile and relatively straightforward design. The Dal Tile 6” x 6” field came in at under $2/square foot, though matching trim pieces added cost.
- Floor sample vanity and mirror.
- Lower-cost plumbing fixtures with good track records.
- Salvage towel bars and ring.
- Marmoleum (natural linoleum) sheet flooring remnant.
SPLURGE vs Save Items
- Custom unfinished cabinetry with inset doors. “Save” element: painted by homeowners.
- 1” x 6” shell liner (accent) tile.
- Cabinet hardware and lighting.
- Awning window plus fixed privacy window (versus single fixed).
- Floating shower bench. While the homeowners sourced a remnant, installation costs made this a more expensive option than a stand-alone bench.
Sources
- SHOWER BASE: Creative Industries Terrazzo base (Pearl Gray)
- FLOORING: Forbo Marmoleum (Concrete)
- TILE: Dal Tile 6” x 6” and matching trim (Crisp Linen in Semi-gloss); 1” x 6” liner (Dal Tile Ocean Jewels series: Basketweave Brown Lip Oyster)
- SHOWER HEAD: Neat Items dual-arm showerhead (chrome)
- FIXTURES: Kohler Forte shower valve/trim and matching faucet (chrome)
- LIGHTING: Rejuvenation (reproduction Art Deco opal glass shade and fixture); Restoration Hardware (sconces)
- HARDWARE: Rejuvenation (deco offset hinges and crystal knobs); Salvage (towel rods and ring)
- CABINETRY: Custom; finished with Miller Paint
- VANITY/MIRROR: Fairmont Designs; style: demilune (aka half moon)
- WALL PAINT: Custom blend, Miller Paint
Whether actual, illustrated, or “inspired-by,” vintage color tile baths seem to specialize in delightful surprises. If you’re drawn to more expressive rooms, consider how you can use color, texture, and shape to create the home that’s right for you.
A House Vixen Design Connect to Color Project. Guidance for this home included custom cabinetry specifications; shower zone, tile, wall, and floor colors/materials; lighting; fixtures; and hardware.