8 Elements of a Traditional-Style Bathroom
Evoke the past with furniture-like cabinetry, period-look lighting, ornate details and calming colors
Good things can last forever. That’s why traditional-style decor, some of which has its roots in 18th-century England, is one of the most popular styles found in homes today. But defining what constitutes it is somewhat tricky. For example, most people aren’t going to outfit their bathroom with furniture pieces built in the 1700s, or pay through the nose for antique French faucets. Instead, designers try to use pieces that are manufactured today but still pay homage to that particular time period, without crossing into the clean lines of contemporary bathroom style.
“You try to get that feel,” says Jill Breed, a project coordinator at David Sharff Architect, a firm that’s spearheaded countless traditional projects in places like Boston and Newport, Rhode Island. “So we use painted, furniture-like cabinetry, traditional faucet styles with cross handles and avoid things like modern or sleek fixtures, rectangular sinks and contemporary materials like Caesarstone that would make more of a transitional style.”
Here are eight ways designers add traditional style to a bath.
“You try to get that feel,” says Jill Breed, a project coordinator at David Sharff Architect, a firm that’s spearheaded countless traditional projects in places like Boston and Newport, Rhode Island. “So we use painted, furniture-like cabinetry, traditional faucet styles with cross handles and avoid things like modern or sleek fixtures, rectangular sinks and contemporary materials like Caesarstone that would make more of a transitional style.”
Here are eight ways designers add traditional style to a bath.
2. Antique-Style Lighting
The fixtures are ornamental and unique. Think curvy antique sconces rather than tubular or streamlined fixtures.
Shop for traditional-style bathroom lighting
The fixtures are ornamental and unique. Think curvy antique sconces rather than tubular or streamlined fixtures.
Shop for traditional-style bathroom lighting
3. Calming Colors
You probably won’t find a lot of bright orange in a bathroom that’s leaning traditional. Instead, pale blues and greens are the often the norm, and neutrals like white, black, gray and brown take center stage.
You probably won’t find a lot of bright orange in a bathroom that’s leaning traditional. Instead, pale blues and greens are the often the norm, and neutrals like white, black, gray and brown take center stage.
4. Plenty of Molding
Keeping in line with a detailed space, no area is spared when it comes to molding. It is prevalent on ceilings, armoires and cabinets. Wainscoting, bold wallpaper and detailed millwork are also common.
Keeping in line with a detailed space, no area is spared when it comes to molding. It is prevalent on ceilings, armoires and cabinets. Wainscoting, bold wallpaper and detailed millwork are also common.
5. Lots of Detail
One of the hallmarks of traditional spaces is the attention to detail. Tilework, millwork and cabinetry all bear extra ornament in traditional settings. “It’s not something you’re going to become sick of or will grow old on you. It’s refreshing,” Breed says.
6. Unique Tilework
You’ll see lighter veining and colors in traditional bathroom tile, which runs the gamut but typically is something classic, like Calacatta or Carrara marble. You’ll see more tile play and mosaics and unique patterning, like the black and white hex tile floor seen in this Seattle bathroom.
One of the hallmarks of traditional spaces is the attention to detail. Tilework, millwork and cabinetry all bear extra ornament in traditional settings. “It’s not something you’re going to become sick of or will grow old on you. It’s refreshing,” Breed says.
6. Unique Tilework
You’ll see lighter veining and colors in traditional bathroom tile, which runs the gamut but typically is something classic, like Calacatta or Carrara marble. You’ll see more tile play and mosaics and unique patterning, like the black and white hex tile floor seen in this Seattle bathroom.
7. Stand-Alone Storage Cabinets
In traditional settings, function is usually hidden and artistry is showcased. You’ll quite often see separate armoires or vertical cabinets used as linen closets.
8. Lusterless Finishes
You’ll see a lot of brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze rather than shiny new polished chrome.
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In traditional settings, function is usually hidden and artistry is showcased. You’ll quite often see separate armoires or vertical cabinets used as linen closets.
8. Lusterless Finishes
You’ll see a lot of brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze rather than shiny new polished chrome.
More on Houzz
What’s Your Bathroom Style? 9 Great Looks to Consider
5 Ways With an 8-by-5-Foot Bathroom
Get traditional bathroom design ideas
Find bathroom designers and renovators
Shop for bathroom products
Rounded legs, carved door faces and ornate knobs define cabinets and vanities in traditional spaces. “Vanities look more like pieces of furniture,” Breed says.
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