I doubt very much that that is original to the house (if the house is from the 60s), except possibly the tub, unless you know for sure otherwise. But I agree that it looks like it's in great shape. I would start by changing the wall paint and see if that helps you to like it better.

But my guess would that's an 80s update, in the absence of evidence otherwise.

I'm betting you are absolutely correct! It makes sense when I look at the master bath which was definitely an 80s redo. Thank you!

renovations have become difficult and expensive. i'd have to hate something to want to spend an unnecessary $25K and up to gut it. change the floor if it gives you a thrill, otherwise i'd kick this can down the road til i was certain i wanted it gone.

Floors: anything except diagonal 4 inch white squares. Vacillating between large tile or small pattern, either of which carries on or compliments the original black.

My gut is telling me to change walls to grey. Shelves to black. Preserve tub and associated tile. Remove all tile around window and. Replace floor tile.

I agree that this scheme is probably 1980s because of the strong square graphic:

Floor possibilities:

2 inch black hex

Daltile artic and black hex:

Daltile octagon and dot

And this could be a great bathroom for wallpaper.

I'm going to tell you that if you start tearing out the floor, the wall tile will come with it. I'd either do nothing, it's in great shape, or gut it and do a total remodel.

Wallpaper. Hmmmm. Always open to suggestions.

I'd paint or paper and change the shelves and live with it for a while before I began ripping out tile. My main concern with doing just the floor is that you've got two strong tile elements already: the black square business and the fact that the tub surround is the same as the floor. I'm not so sure I'd want to add another element into that with new floor tile, although I like the ones palimpsest suggested.

Ive seen these floors replaced by cutting out the floor tile and covering the bottom row of wall tile, which may get damaged, with new sanitary cove base or bullnose:

I sometimes think you have to counter a strong design element with another strong one rather than avoid other strong elements. That's why I would consider a differently scaled black and white floor and wallpaper. That's a personal opinion.

Since it's a new home, if it were me, I'd try to have some fun with this room before sinking in $ for a remodel. I'd paint the walls, either a fun color or else white, and then work on the accessories (get the biggest rug that will fit to cover the floor, change window covers to something soft--fewer lines). From this pic, I'm not so crazy about the grid-like basket on the toilet (since it echoes the squares that are already there) or the chrome-edged shelves--maybe a train rack or something that looks more "period." (?) I might get a bid for removing the dueling black soap dishes. If it were me, I'd google for black and white bathrooms to see what other combos people have used. I love the look of the hex flooring but the walls are already so busy. Plus even if they weren't, all those groutlines would send me to the loony bin...(but that's just me. I've seen pics that I love). Good luck in your new home! ;)

Wallpaper, palimpsest, yeah, I can see that easily. Wallpaper and floor, maybe, but it would need some skill to pull it off well. I see what you're saying and I don't disagree. I just think it's tricky to do well.

ETA I came back to suggest a rug as a temporary solution to the floor problem.

I like it as is. Maybe a white rug near the sink or the tub.

I know this is a completely different sort of bathroom, first it's deco or moderne, and second a portion of the tile is pink, however, I think it needs this wallpaper to make the black look not so black. A paint color here, I would find problematic (first, what to choose). With paper I would either do an all black or all dark grey floor. Or leave it all white as is.

I see what you are saying regarding a strong wall design to blunt the black tile effect. Great thought, I will explore further.

I like the black and white, tile looks to be in beautiful condition, nice mirror, also.

I think changing the paint color would make a big difference.

Here a few less squares, so you can see that look.

maybe black on toilet seat.

a chandelier ?

Chandelier + black and white art.

For the walls as an alternative, you might want to
consider wall tiles that cost a lot less than you might think. Check out some ideas here at that
really easy to install: https://www.houzz.com/projects/1509556/wow-tiles-bold-unique-elegant

I really like your bathroom, just not the paint. Freedomplace has some great inspiration. I'd pick one of those options, and put your money elsewhere.

I collect images of vintage baths and kitchens from real estate, and I am particularly fond of pastels, (especially blue or pink) --like the last photo--with black and white tile, rather than bold colors, if you are going to use paint or plain papers.

But it does commit you to particular colors, even if the bath is black and white, where a paper that was black and white or multicolored would not. I am all for commitment, I'd have a pink or blue bathroom if I could still get pink or blue colored fixtures, but paper could actually provide more flexibility.

It's interesting, because I think in living spaces paper really locks a person in to a particular "look" whereas in a bath, because of the plain (white) hard surfaces, it may do the opposite.

I would keep the black and white. I like the blue pictured by freedomplace1.

I'll be the outlier here. I like the wall color with the black and white scheme.

If you can live with it, it's in good shape...I'd certainly leave it! Wallpaper is nice....not necessary...but it would add your personnel touch. I'd probably stencil it.

I have to say I really like the last photo that freedomplace1 posted, the one with the blue walls and the octagon-and-dot floor.

That top shelf seems unreachable and useless. Is there a linen closet nearby? Perhaps art on that wall would be an improvement. Lots of cool B&W bathrooms to see on the web and here at Houzz. The nice thing about B&W is that the wall paint can be changed to follow color trends and keep it constantly on point with your own taste in color. Load your pic onto a major paint company website and use their app to try some of your favorite colors on the walls.

Thanks everyone! So many great ideas. Stuff is formulating in my head that I think will incorporate many of the suggestions. Long story short, gutting is off the table. Trial of regrouting floor before tearing it up. Bringing in an interesting lighting element. And, of course, pastel walls and that black toilet seat cover.

Wow, I'd love to see that if you feel like posting the "after" photos. Initially I was going to suggest lavender walls but wasn't sure if that was too odd. Have fun!

I will post after pics, but it will be about 4-5 weeks before I start. And funny you should mention, I've always liked black with purples and Have about 5 swatches in front of me. : )

Would certainly leave this bathroom alone as much as possible especially if you have no issues with water damage. I like the wallpaper idea or alternatively changing the wall color. If you don't particularly like the floor, instead of ripping up the whole thing your could try carefully removing selected tiles and adding a few feature tiles. This can totally change the look of a floor without having to remove the whole thing.

Oh good. I love purple and b&w too. Not sure how dark you are considering, but I once painted my 15x9 office a medium-dark purple (inspired by a magazine photo of an elegant dining room). As I was painting around the narrow end of the room the walls began to feel like they were moving in on m It was horrible! So back to the paint store for a lavender that hinted at periwinkle.

So one option is lavender paint on top and dark purple rugs. FWIW, Kelly Moore lets you order 8x10 color samples, but you need to get the special form to fax in and then they mail them to you. I wonder if other companies do that too. ??? Good luck. Can't wait to see it.