Classic bathrooms are never out of style. While the latest colors, accessories, materials and bathroom fixtures can be appealing and add “zing” to your space, sticking with timeless white porcelain, soothing colors and quality materials will never disappoint. Traditional bath spaces rely on the details to achieve their timeless appeal.
As an added bonus, the classics always hold their value, and quality always shows.
So, if a bath renovation or update looms on your horizon, consider “going back to the basics” to achieve a timeless, upscale look that will delight you for years to come.
The Elements of Traditional Bathrooms
If there is one quality that lifts traditional bathrooms above the crowd, so to speak, it is the use of quality materials. Traditional can have different faces, and may exude cottage charm or 18th Century elegance, but the starting point should be lasting value, and a decor style that is grounded by tradition, with no elements that seem out of place. That doesn’t mean that you have to purchase costly antiques to achieve the look, but rather look for modern interpretations of older classics.
The basic hallmarks of traditional style include:
- White fixtures in classic styles
- Wood vanity cabinets with character
- Moulding, paneling or wood trim
- Soothing colors
- Luster to highlight metal finishes; patina rather than polish!
- Plenty of detail
- Freestanding pieces like storage cabinets and benches
- Unique tile work, patterns or mosaics; or classic marble
The Details
Traditional bathroom design is usually grounded in a specific era or distinctive regional style. It is important to be true to that look. For example, a traditional Cape Cod bathroom might feature painted vanity cabinets, a pedestal sink, simple light fixtures, a tiled tub surround, and painted woodwork. It would very possibly feature blue and white decor, and might draw from the sea for accents and accessories.
Tradition in the Midwest, however, would be more likely to include darker or mid-tone woods, a marble vanity top, a more substantial tub and porcelain vanity, decorative embellishments, fluted columns or curved legs on the furniture-quality cabinets, elaborate light sconces with decorative glass shades and formal faucets and hardware. Floral fabrics and jewel-toned colors would accentuate the formality.
European traditional might speak of elegance and function: Think luxury hotel, with smoother surfaces, an abundance of marble and stacks of fluffy white towels in a very subdued white and grey setting.
Choosing the Right Options
In order to achieve the timeless, classic look that looks effortless, you should spend some time paring your options and honing your preferences. A traditional look need not be overly conventional, but it should be well-defined, with no extraneous elements. As you develop your traditional theme, seek guidance from design books and professional consultants so that you can choose appropriate faucets, fixtures, hardware, lighting and accessories to complement your chosen theme.
It is not difficult, but the decor choices on the market today are so vast that you might want to rely on the expertise of the certified designers at The Kitchen Master to help you develop the look in a way that fits your personality perfectly. When planning your bathroom, our 4,000-square-foot design center is one of the finest bathroom showrooms in the greater Chicago area. May we schedule an appointment to show you around?
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