Housekeeping: Let’s get old…

Have you ever wondered what it is about ‘vintage’ that makes it so irresistible? The answer probably lies in its elusiveness and that’s why, the vintage look never goes out of style. Be it in fashion, music, films and home decor — the vintage look is always a point of aspiration.

Talking of homes, vintage inspired designs are becoming very popular, with homeowners sourcing quirky stuff from across the world. It’s pretty apparent that a ‘vintage look’ ups the comfort value of a home. And when you’re talking of the most private spaces in a home — the bathroom, the classic or vintage can really make the space look fabulous. An easy way to inject some whimsy into your bathroom is by using vintage-inspired designs. Vintage style creates a bathroom that evokes certain specific trends of past eras, portraying the design of the future.

Making the old new again is a fun experience, as well as easy on the budget. In vintage, every detail requires a careful study.  The best part of vintage design is that top quality materials last from one generation to the next. According to Mani M Nagasubrmaniam, CEO of RD and M Architects, “Design and function follow an idea and theme, as against a bathroom just for its functional utility. In the case of vintage, one starts with the shape and style of the commodes, closets and basins, at the onset. Within vintage, you figure out which route you want to take, that is Roman, French or Mediterranean from the Middle Ages or the British Colonial look, to treat the space in the bathroom accordingly.” A few things in a vintage-inspired bathroom can add an old artistic touch. The key is to select three major pieces or bath fixtures for the vintage feel. So, here are some pointers:

The bathtub
A must-have in any vintage bathroom is the claw footed bath tub which comes in classic shapes. With a rounded front end, or in a slipper style, with one or both ends raised and rounded to create a look of comfort blended with style.
 

The sink
Vintage sinks were built for constant use and as a result, they are easy to clean and maintain. If you want to achieve a completely customised look, then add a bit of design to a plain white vintage sink and replace the faucets.

Accessories
No vintage style bathroom is complete without well co-ordinated vintage bathroom accessories. According to designer Michelle Salins, the choice of tiling is essential to achieve the regal vintage look. She says, “Vintage tiles with subdued colours and detailed borders create a very royal and rustic feel. Classic accessories are a must if you want to achieve a well co-ordinated traditional, yet stylish bathroom.”  If a total vintage redesign is not in your budget, then styling with small decorating touches and unique wall decor is a great way to recreate the feel.

The colours of the bathroom walls —like creamy bisque, ivory, pink, pale yellow and sage green are beautiful and timeless. Honeycomb tile, either on the floors or on the shower, surrounded with art decor and even artwork mirrors can create an interesting and elegant look. The faucets and lighting should be either chrome or brass to stick to tradition and create an enduring style. One can even opt for a built-in rustic wood medicine cabinet instead of more modern wall mirrors. For vintage flooring, a checked pattern can be a good option. 

According to Nagasubrmaniam,  choice of tiles are important, which ought to be plain and simple, yet classic. He says, “Limit the use of glass to a minimum, the windows or ventilation should have drapes of flowery prints, gathering on either side, with an auditorium type curls from above. The luminaries (light fixtures) have to be carefully chosen with bulbous shapes. One  could also consider a tiny chandelier with the switches clearly visible and bulky in more than one location.