Old Home, Modern Taste: How to Bathroom Remodel Tips

bathroom design board text with oil rubbed bronze faucet, white oval sink, walnut vnaity with black handles, 2 rectangle mirrors with black frame, a toilet, grey tile flooring, shower with glass door with grey stone tiles, grey pebble tiles, grey, white and black modern abstract art

How do you design modern style without being out of place in an old home?

Welcome to our podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of interior design! In this episode, we delve into the exciting journey of remodeling a bathroom in an old home with modern design tastes. If you’re someone torn between preserving the charm of your vintage residence and incorporating contemporary elements, this is the ultimate guide for you!

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S1: Episode 1 Old Home, Modern Taste on Dream Home Remodels Podcast by OCSIB
modern small bathroom with greige wall paint on left wall, white and black herringbone wallpaper on vanity wall, with rectangle black framed modern mirror, gold faucet on a white quartz countertop on a walnut wood vanity with a modern sphere frosted glass light with brass cap on top and rod pendant.
Mid Century Modern: Black and white herringbone wallpaper with walnut vanity

Join us as we follow John, a homeowner facing the challenge of infusing his beloved 1960s house with his love for modern aesthetics. In collaboration with our expert interior designer, Tiffany, we witness the magic of blending old-world walnut and oil-rubbed bronze with fresh, modern selections like white marble and grey 12×24 tiles.

To create a stunning Mid Century Modern design:

In this captivating episode, you’ll discover four pro tips for remodeling your bathroom in an old home with modern design tastes:

1. Embrace the Harmony of Old and New.

2. Focus on Neutral and Timeless Palettes.

3. Integrate Smart Storage Solutions.

4. Pay Attention to Lighting.

Get ready to witness the transformation of John’s bathroom into a breathtaking sanctuary that honors the past while embracing the elegance of modernity. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or a homeowner seeking inspiration for your own remodel, this episode is a must-listen!

Don’t forget to subscribe and share our brand new podcast & blog for more captivating interior design content. Let’s embark on this exciting journey of creating spaces that truly reflect your unique tastes and style!

modern shower with rey tile floor and walls, door on black roller siding glass shower door, with white tile floor and blue tile walls in shower with tile shower bench. in blue 12 x 24 tiles.  and a white countertop on vanity with waterfall and walnut drawer on the right. On the left, built in walnut open shelves and cabinet doors on lower.

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The charm and character of mid-century older homes have a timeless appeal that attracts homeowners with a penchant for nostalgia and classic design. However, as the world progresses and design trends evolve, the need to modernize certain aspects of these homes becomes increasingly apparent. One such challenge arises when attempting to remodel a modern bath within the confines of a mid-century home. This blog delves into the unique challenges that homeowners and designers face when seeking to blend contemporary elements with the original mid-century aesthetic.

Preserving the Mid-Century Aesthetic

The most delicate balance to achieve during the remodeling process is preserving the essence of the mid-century design while integrating modern conveniences seamlessly. Mid-century homes often feature distinct architectural elements such as clean lines, open spaces, and natural materials like wood and stone. It’s crucial to maintain these elements to retain the home’s authenticity and charm.

mid century modern

Careful Material Selection

Selecting appropriate materials that complement the mid-century design while offering modern functionalities can be a perplexing task. For instance, integrating contemporary fixtures and fittings into a space that primarily features vintage design elements requires thoughtful consideration. Opting for materials with a mid-century feel but modern performance, such as ceramic tiles in retro colors or patterned terrazzo, can strike the perfect balance.

1. Embrace the Harmony of Old and New: Learn how to strike the perfect balance between classic vintage features and modern accents, creating a space that seamlessly fuses the past with the present.

2. Focus on Neutral and Timeless Palettes: Explore the power of neutral colors like white, beige, and light grey, as we demonstrate how these hues elevate your bathroom’s aesthetics and versatility.

3. Integrate Smart Storage Solutions: Get inspired by innovative storage ideas that blend effortlessly with your bathroom’s design, maximizing functionality without compromising on style.

4. Pay Attention to Lighting: Discover the transformative impact of proper lighting, as we demonstrate the art of creating a well-lit and inviting atmosphere with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Conclusion

Remodeling a modern bath in a mid-century older home can be both a challenging and rewarding endeavor. It demands a delicate balance between preserving the home’s original charm and introducing contemporary elements that enhance functionality and comfort. By thoughtfully selecting materials, fixtures, and colors, and employing creative space-saving solutions, homeowners can achieve a successful remodeling project that honors the past while embracing the future. With proper planning and expert guidance, the bathroom can become a seamless blend of mid-century elegance and modern convenience, a testament to the beauty of timeless design.

Final project photos coming soon…

Transcript

Old Home, Modern Taste: Bathroom Remodeling Tips

Old Home, Modern Taste: Bathroom Remodeling Tips

​[00:00:00]

[00:00:00] John: I’m really struggling with this bathroom remodel. I just can’t seem to see the vision for it. My home is from the 1960s, and while I love my vintage house, my taste leans more towards modern design. It’s becoming a real challenge to find the right materials that blend both styles.I want the bathroom to feel more contemporary and functional. It’s like I’m torn between two worlds. I’m not quite sure how to choose the right colors. I’ve been looking at these design magazines, and everything seems to look amazing, but when I try to imagine it in my bathroom, I just can’t see it.

Tiffany: This is John. a, homeowner facing unique interior design challenge. Picture a beautiful 1960s house. Filled with nostalgic charms. Retro tiles, vintage fixtures and white Oak cabinetry.

Now meet John. A man with a deep appreciation for the heritage and character of this home. But whose heart leans towards modern sleek design. . John came to me, struggling with. This beloved bathroom of his, that he needed to remodel . Though he cherishes the vintage allure of the 1960s residents and wants to make sure that what he redesigns doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb when he goes to possibly and potentially sell this home.

He reached out to me because as delving into the world of remodeling all on his own. He becomes overwhelmed. Unable to see the vision and unable to see the cohesive design that needs to come together to balance the past and the presence.

This is a tale of how I pulled together a design solution for him in this conundrum.

John’s journey mirrors, the challenges, many of you face when it comes to preserving the nostalgic essence of your homes. While infusing them with your personal style and current trends.

His story serves as an inspiration for you who seek to harmonize your love for history with the allure of modern design. and with my expert eye for , balance and blending old world charm with contemporary finesse. I will share with you how I accomplished just that.

And in addition, I will share with you four pro tips on how you can achieve this design for yourself. .

So join us And listen in to see. how I strike to solve a solution and a design plan. To create a transitional mid century modern bathroom design.

Here on.

[00:02:47] Tiffany: Dream Home Remodels, where we bring you home design, inspiration, and professional advice.

When I entered John’s 1960s home to assist him in his bathroom remodel. I couldn’t help, but notice the inherent charm that enveloped this space. Although everything was original and quite yes, old, the vintage white Oak cabinets, exuded, warmth, and character, and immediately caught my attention.

It was this that I knew was the start of the inspiration for this bathroom. It was evident that preserving the essence of this heritage, even if he chooses to change out and remodel the kitchen. It goes alongside with the exterior and the whole architecture of this space. And it was crucial to create a design that resonated.

The Walnut inspiration style , with John’s love for modern design. As I explored further and my eyes fell upon the painted vanity that John had initially chosen while it was undoubtedly a beautiful piece. I couldn’t shake the feeling that it didn’t quite capture the right design inspiration for this project.

The vanity seemed to clash with the vintage aura of the home. And it was a painted gray, which is on trend, but just not right for this home. And it dawned on me that a more fitting focal point was needed. One that would seamlessly marry the old world with the modern aesthetics.

It was then that I envisioned the perfect solution. A, dark Walnut, modern vanity with black iron accents. The rich tones of the dark Walnut brought a sense of sophistication to the space while the black iron details added an element of modern elegance. This choice, not only paid homage to the vintage cabinets, but also created a stunning focal point.

That embraced the essence of both old and new. It was perfect. To tie the entire design together. I selected a white, very subtle patterned marble tile for the shower walls. The soft veining in the marble echoed the elegance of the vintage era while creating a timeless and classic backdrop for the shower area.

The light and bright ambience. That the marble exuded was precisely what we needed to uplift the small bathroom and make it feel open and a welcoming. For the flooring I opted for a modern textured tile in a 12 by 24 size and a soft shade of light gray. This choice brought a contemporary touch to the space while maintaining a harmonious connection with the vintage Oak cabinets.

The large tile size added a sense of openness to the small bathroom, making it feel more spacious and airy. And in the flooring of the shower. Listening to John’s preference. I selected small pebbles, but in a modern look, . .

For the floor in the shower. Giving a nice personal touch that I know John would have picked out all on his own.

And all the other accents on the walls and the fixtures. I chose the oil rubbed, bronze or Venetian bronze to tie into this old world, 1960s classic finish. Because the black, the matte black was just too modern and too much it wasn’t tying back into the house. And in the end, the design came together flawlessly.

Encapsulating the essence of John’s home. A delicate blend of old world charm and modern elegance. The dark Walnut, modern vanity with a black iron accent. And stood as a centerpiece, bridging the gap between the past. And the present. And that white marble shower and the wall all the way down behind a toilet and the vanity.

The entire wall of marble.

With the light gray textured floor. Tied the entire composition together, creating a seamlessly transitional design between old and new creating a bright and beautiful elegant space that John will enjoy. That really meets both design worlds in the middle. This bathroom challenge was actually really fun. I enjoyed hearkening back to the old oil rubbed bronze, because so much of us are using the matte black right now. It was.

A pleasure to bring in that earthy, grounded tones. Of that finish. And this bathroom is now John sanctuary, where the nostalgic memories of the past. Can harmoniously co-exist with the contemporary aspirations of his style. His personal love. And the present design.

Here are my four pro tips for you who are looking to remodel your bathroom in an old home with modern design tastes. Number one is to embrace the harmony, the old and the new don’t. Just throw out the old and just completely ignore it. And put in something. Brand new and modern. It will stick out like a sore thumb.

Embrace the charm of the classic features like vintage cabinet or . Natural wood vanities versus painted vanities. Or your fixtures, the styles, and compliment them with modern accents, such as dark Walnut. With oil rubbed bronze. , faucets. , you do the old finish of oil rubbed bronze, but you can choose a very modern, simple lines.

Faucet design. You don’t have to get them with all the old fashioned knobs and turns and very traditional. Go for the modern look, but use the old fashioned finish. And the blending of these styles and finishes creates a unique and harmonious space that honors the history of the house. And reflecting your contemporary tastes.

Number two is focus on the neutral and timeless pallets. Opt for neutral color palettes that transcend. Tech trends and times like shades of white. Beige. Those are definitely steadfast. Light. Gray is more of the modern new beige. And soft earth tones that really work exceptionally well in emerging old world charm because the older bathrooms are smaller.

So you want to keep your materials as a light. As possible unless you’re doing a really intense punch of color. To make the room really dramatic, but more than likely choosing the lighter white types of Carerra marble, or a Miraggio marble. Are the ways to go. And this smaller bathrooms that have this classic, like marble is old world, but it’s also modern. It’s used in modern spaces. So marble is really.

Even if it’s just a tile that mimics marble it’s perfect way to combine the old with the new and really focusing on the neutral palettes. I would also advise on larger tile sizes, 12 by 24, even the 30 by 18 so that you can really get a big. Expansive look because the smaller, the tiles are the busier it becomes and the smaller that bathroom looks.

Number three, integrate smart storage solutions. Older homes often lack the storage space that we need in today’s modern lifestyle. So while remodeling, think about incorporating smart storage solutions that seamlessly blend into the design utilize hidden niches built-in shelves or sleek wall mounted cabinets to maximize storage without compromising the overall aesthetic of the space.

This integration ensures that your bathroom. Bathroom remains both functional and visually appealing. And in John’s case, We kept the medicine cabinet for additional storage and reflection with the mirrors to open up the space even more.

And number four, pay attention to the lighting. Lining plays a crucial role in any design. And it becomes even more crucial. In the older homes with. Incorporating your modern designs. Typically the older homes do not have recessed can lighting. So that is something that you want to build into your budget.

Incorporate. And in addition to have a wall sconce in the space, If you do not have recessed can lighting and you just have the wall spawns, cause you don’t want to invest in that type of lighting. Then make sure that you have. Adequate bulbs. So have a good four bulbs in there for other standard long.

You know, 60 inch vanity toilet plus shower. Do you, and of course the bulbs nowadays are so bright and led. So you can get away with a three bulb light as well in the space. If you’re utilizing that brighter light. But also know that bright light is horrible for putting on makeup. I caught a cast, such a light down.

So having side sconces. For additional layering of light. To put on makeup. The sponsors that are on the side of the mirrors are better than the ones above the mirror overhead specifically for putting on makeup because it creates no shadows. So consider all of these things in your lighting design.

Mixing the ambient, the task lighting and accent lighting, which is from. Design school. This is not just adding money to your, your budget, just for fun. This. It’s all part of the different layers of light. And it creates a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Putting one of your lights on a dimmer.

It’s a really great way for, at nighttime when you aren’t to start instigating your sleep hormones. Pull that light down to the middle or low in the dimmer. So you can brush your teeth and still have your serotonin starting to kick in rather than your brain thinking. It’s daytime and it’s noon because your lights are on full blast.

So install that modern light fixture. I love rejuvenation for these types of projects where you’re combining the old world with the new they’re excellent at combining this vintage style with a new modern twist and adding in the modern styles. And , you just easily find whatever you like, and it will go with your.

Modern slash vintage style.

These are pro tips for you. .And, by following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your old homes, bathroom into a captivating space with beautifully marries old world charm. With your modern tastes. Remember to embrace the character of your vintage home, integrate timeless elements and carefully select materials.

And fixtures to create a bathroom that stands the test of time while reflecting your unique sense of style.

Two more little bonus tips. If you wish to do a towel hook instead of. A towel bar. Those are really great, modern way of incorporating as well as modern art. Instead of doing a standard landscape or. I guess no art at all. Incorporating some modern abstract art into the space will then bring an infuse more of the modern while mixing with the old vintage.

To view the blog and this projects, photos head on over to. ocsib.com forward slash blog. The link is in the show notes If you wish to discuss the matter of your bathroom or kitchen remodel. With. Myself, Tiffany or Kim, feel free to click the link in the show notes and contact us

At www.ocsib.com

Irvine, California

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