In need of some bathroom remodel inspiration? Take a look at how we took our 1950s bathroom into 2018, and see how great it looks now.
This is the bathroom of the home that I grew up in and not much had changed in all these years. There was a little paint and some bath towels and that was about it. But now? Wait until you see the after.
This is the bathroom I lived in growing up.
If I close my eyes I can still smell the Aqua Net and hear Flock of Seagulls blaring over the boom box.
It’s a jack and jill bath upstairs at the new (old) house. My bedroom was on one side and my sisters’ bedroom was on the other side. They shared a bedroom and I got my very own. I wish I had pictures of that bedroom growing up.
At the risk of stating the obvious…
….it was quite fine.
It had Laura Ashley wallpaper and Laura Ashley bedding and a Laura Ashley lamp.
You know.
The one with the tiny little flowers that reversed itself when you flipped the comforter over.
It was glorious.
But the bathroom?
It still looked like a 1950s bathroom.
It always looked just like this.
Aqua tile on the floor and white square tile on the walls and a built-in toilet paper holder and mirrors with the mirror kind of flaking off.
And butterfly tiles that look just like this.
Two butterflies destined to fly together for eternity with their brilliant light blue and navy wingspan.
Until.
Until one day I decided it was time for the butterflies to fly away.
So we tore the bathroom down to the studs and took part of the closet to make a bigger vanity for the twins and replaced the toilet and refurbished the tub and tiled the room to the ceiling.
And now?
How to Introduce a 1950s Bathroom to 2018
The before….
….turned into this.
CAN YOU EVEN?
Wait.
Do me one little favor.
Please scroll up and look at the before and then look at the after.
*sigh*
I did that 10 times just to make my day even happier.
the before
Here’s this angle before.
the after
And the same angle with the new tile and new look.
the inspiration board to transform a how to introduce a 1950s bathroom
Here’s my inspiration board that I created as a jumping off point.
I knew I wanted to keep the tile classic and I partnered with Jeffrey Court for the product for this post and found this amazing, incredible glossy pearls tile.
The walls are a classic 2″ x 4″ subway tile that is so easy to install because it comes in a 12″x 12″ piece.
You can see it here
And you can find both these tiles (and a zillion other Jeffrey Court tile) at your local Home Depot.
Because the tile is so classic, I can easily change out the accessories in the room to create an entirely different look when the twins get older.
add accents
Next, I layered in gold.
I decided to go with gold instead of the traditional brushed nickel to create the impression that the room has jewelry.
There’s a brilliant gold chandelier on the ceiling that reflects light all over the room and keeps everything so light and bright.
add new fixtures to the 1950s bathroom
The faucets are brass.
The accessories like this toothbrush holder are marble and brass.
The mirrors were originally silver and I just added a little Rub ‘N Buff to give them a little more sparkle.
The handles are brass.
The pulls are brass.
(total decorating aside: the vanity actually came from our bathroom. When we cut down the wall to make room for the door, the vanity was too big, so we repurposed it in this bathroom and changed out the hardware).
There’s a tiny chandelier with sparkles that hangs over each vanity.
The faucet and shower head are brass, too.
And then?
After the classic and the brass, I added the color starting with this shower curtain.
add hand towels
Fun hand towels with pineapples on them.
And patterned towels.
And pink and white polkadotted organizers.
And painted floral artwork on the walls.
I also added this pink and white bathmat for the floor.
Here’s the before one more time.
And here’s the after.
But just in case you were wondering.
Just in case you were concerned that the butterflies had all flown away.
Just in case you thought I might have forgotten my roots.
No worries.
I saved one tile.
I think I’m going to frame it for the bathroom.
Just to remind me of sky-high bangs.
And Flock of Seagulls.
And stirrup pants and red lipstick and concho belts and prairie skirts and bangs…
…that faint inspiring smell of Aqua Net.
PS If you are looking for something from the room, I tried to list as many of the sources as I could over on my Shop My House page.
And there are tons more projects just like this over on my DIY projects page.
disclosure: This product in the post was provided by Jeffrey Court.
All opinions are my own.
Please see my disclosure page for more information.
Oh how lovely!!! The white backdrop, the pops of color and layers of brass...swooooon! Clean, crisp and oh so fun :) Awesome job!
Oh, my goodness! It's like the old bathroom went to Hollywood and got a glamorous make-over, perfect!
You had me at Aqua Net and Flock of Seagulls! Where do we find JC tile? I see it popping up and love it! xo laura
BAMM! The only thing missing from the before to the after....a big word bubble to warn us of the beauty about to unfold!!! Where's the word bubble warning??? LOL PS- I think if the twins were to spray a little Aqua Net around now and again, it would add to the memories they'll be making~ :)
Love the room but I especially love the vanity! It is so cheerful! Great job!
I laughed out loud when you asked us to scroll up and look at the before one more time, because that's exactly what I did, several times! What a transformation!! Love, love!!! xoxo
I can't even!
That is one of the most dramatic befores and afters I've ever seen! Wow!! The girls must adore it Totally modern and yet very classic, and totally changeable if styles change or their taste changes. You know I'm no 'fresh hen' but I would love that bathroom..
Absolutely stunning ! I had scrolled back up before even reading your suggestion, that’s how incredible this redo seemed. I am a new subscriber to your blog and quite annoyed with myself at not having stumbled on your style before. Silver lining is now I’ve loads of your great post to read at once and pictures to savour.
Get. out. KARIANNE! This is just amazing. Seriously. You've outdone even YOU! Yes, I did look at the before-and-after several times, because wow! Of course I ordered that Jeffrey Court lookbook the second you posted about it, and now I'm even more excited to get it. Question for you: is the countertop carrera marble? If so, how do you take care of it? I only have marble in my powder room, and I'm just stumped about how to keep it looking good. You are amazing, friend!
Wow!!!!!!!!! I love it.
I am blown away! Wow - what a gorgeous transformation! I don't know if I can even pick a favorite thing because it is all SO beautiful!! Those chandeliers are perfect and those mirrors! Love, love, love it all!! Shelley
This is a standout makeover. And, unlike the turquoise-tile original, the colors you added can easily be changed out and updated (bolder, softer, whatever is on trend) without ripping the room down to the studs. Very smart. You get many extra points for repurposing a vanity that you already had. The best line, though, is "give the impression that the room has jewelry." YES!!!!
OMGosh STUNNING!!! You out did yourself on this one and I bet your girls just love it!!
Absolutely stunning. One question, did you take out the window in the shower? I couldn't tell by looking at the photos if it was still there. If so, how did you handle it for the remodel?
What a transformation! It's gorgeous. I was kind of hoping you kept one of the butterfly tiles just for the memories! 😉
Wow! What a difference! That aqua is almost the exact color I painted over in our master bath before we sold our house in Raleigh. I love all the accents you put in your bathroom! Just enough color to make a subtle statement. As always, GORGEOUS!
Okay - this is absolutely amazing, and you had me doing the scrolling up & down about 10 xs also!
love, Love, LOVE it!!!! I'm especially swooning over the poppy color and how it just brings joy to the rest of the gorgeous space. I'm not usually big on gold, but this may have sold me. The title is fabulous too - timeless! Just love it!
KariAnne, your bathroom is stunning! The beautiful tiles, the gold hardware, and all the accessories are perfect together!
Just stunning! Two very lucky girls to have such a glam space to get ready!!
WOWZA!
WOW!! What a transformation! I'm sure your girls absolutely love it! It's AMAZING and PERFECT for two teenage girls! A little bit of glam and a little bit of fun! Karianne, you've outdone yourself on this one!!! Beautiful!!
KariAnne~ Girl, girl, girl..... you have seriously OUTDONE yourself. I absolutely love every single detail of this bathroom makeover. Every. Single. One. It is BEYOND amazing and over the top gorgeous! With a bathroom like that, I would probably find several reasons to stay in their all day. Beautiful! :-)
Beautiful and I love how free it is to change the look/colors whenever you desire. I bet your girls love it and will have many of their own getting ready stories!
As always your makeover is amazing! What a beautiful room! It looks so much cleaner and brighter, yet still has a classic, vintage feel. Lovely!
Oh, this tile takes me back! My family moved into a new (old) house in about 1976.. The one and only bathroom had aqua and black shiny tile, and the wallpaper was black and silver and aqua ANGEL FISH. My mama took a sledgehammer to that tile right quick and redid everything in white, but I'll never forget being WOWed by that bathroom tile!!
Wow, wow, wow, WOW!!!
Awwww, I want to do this in our new (old) house!!! I love it!!! But it will likely never happen! 😕 I'm loving seeing all your renovations! 😀
It is GORGEOUS! As always you did a great job.
I love reading your happy posts. You always make me laugh...and drool over your makeovers.
My first thought was how did three girls get ready for school at that tiny sink!!! It is just perfect. Couldn't be better.
Wowser! Pure glam. I love it. It is gorgeous. You did an amazing transformation! You inspire me! Thank you!
A few years ago I was shopping for a new light fixture at our one and only lighting store (not a big box store) to match my brass accessories in my master bath. The store owner informed me that NO ONE is using brass anymore..."it will never come back" she said. I left and have not returned. I kinda think I want to send her the link to today's bath transformation. It's back and it's LOVELY! Great job! (and I'm so glad you saved one of the tiles too!)
💕 Love !
Oh wow, what a makeover. This is amazing
That right there, ladies and gents, is a jaw-dropper. What vision! Well done!!
is a surprise (in a good way!!) every time i come to your site!! love the new bathroom!!
All I can say is WOW! I love it! I'm sure the girls do too. What a fun place to get yourself ready for the day!
I am so happy I found your blog. I just absolutely love your decorating and your writing style. You are a very gifted lady and I just want you to know you’re a blessing and an inspiration. Thank you!
It's so beautiful! Am I the only one that feels it has sort of a "70's vibe now? Everything comes back around doesn't it?
Shut the front door!!! I actually did a not very attractive mouth drop, the transformation was that spectacular. I'm sure your girls are thrilled ! (For the record, I kind of liked the aqua tiles. They reminded me of a Tiffany blue box, so I'm glad you decided to give the bathroom jewelry!) Enjoy!
When I first looked at the "after" photo, I let out a big "WOW!" What a difference! I just love a good before and after. It looks phenomenal!!! I'm sure the twins are absolutely loving the new bathroom design. Thank you for sharing another successful project with us.
Just lovely! Great p[ace for teenage girls to spend lots of time!
Amazing! I think this is my favorite room in your home so far.
Just beautiful. And I love that the color scheme could easily be changed with a few accessory swaps.
Wow... you are rocking the brass, my dear! Love everything about this new/old room! What is your mom saying about these changes? ;-)
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! You knocked it out of the park, thank you for sharing your home, I'm inspired!
KariAnne, I wish you were my Momma, I’d then have the most beautiful bathroom ever! Well done!
Beautiful! The bathroom looks so much better. Please buy those girls a curved shower rod. They will LOVE it and give you extra hugs and kisses for it!!! Those few inches makes so much more room when you're standing in the tub taking a shower.
What a fabulous transformation! Thank you for sharing. One question...what happen with the window opening in the tub/shower area? I was assuming glass block but didn’t see it in any of the after shots. Your girls are just too lucky!!!
WOW! That is an amazing bathroom!
Karianne, your daughters’ bathroom is shockingly beautiful. Will you be my Mama?
That subway is just what I've been looking for, but I see HD doesn't carry a matching bullnose for edges. What did you use? Bathroom looks beautiful. Thanks much.
I am planning the renovation of my hall bath now, so this post was so timely and sooo inspiring! I have a question, I was thinking of painting my blue bathtub instead of replacing it. Do you think there is any value to doing that or should I just get rid of it all?! Love, love, love what you did!
Pretty, pretty, pretty, from that tile floor to the brass tub and faucets fittings. Perfect for those sweet girls. Can’t believe how different the vanity looks, and the chunky brass hardware is beautiful. xo Pat
Absolutely love all the bright colors!! Framing the blue butterflies is an excellent idea 💗
OMG!!!! Fabulous!!! love everything!!! Have been eyeing the tile for a bathroom update we are planning! Perfect! You are amazing!!!!
Beautiful!!! I really love the idea that you are saving the butterflies!! ♥️🦋
This is gorgeous - another beautiful and inspiring makeover! Can you share the source for the mirrors? Thank you!
WOW!
Love love love AMAZING redo
All I kept thinking about while I was reading, were the butterflies. so glad you kept them! Yayyyy! I would have too. The bathroom is beautiful! Linda
Every room needs a little jewelry! Great job! I love that it will be so easy to change out everything.
Those darling girls just HAVE to love this! Wonderfully feminine for your sweet twinkies!
Love, love, love it! The girls must be thrilled! Just wondered how you "refurbished" the tub?
Marilee, We had a local company come in and resurface it in place! It was only $500. Happy day friend! karianne
Emerson saw the before, and she was like "Um, is that Mrs. Karianne's house?" as I was scrolling through the post. She side eyed me like she expected more. THEN I scrolled to the after and she gasped out loud. She gasped. And then she said "WOW can she come do OUR house?" REALLY, EMERSON? REALLY??? HAHAHAHAHAHA hope this made your day because that's a major compliment from Miss Sass herself. ;} BTW, clearly, I love it too.
Love, Love, Love. You had me at the pineapple towels. Where did you get them?
Erin, They came from Target! It's actually a shower curtain that I cut down and made into towels. You can see it on my Shop My House page here: https://thistlewoodfarms.com/shop-my-house/ Happy day friend! karianne
All I can say is...Wow! What a fabulous change!
Amazing, hard to believe it’s the same bathroom. Love the white with pops of color
Love! Just love! We're currently knee deep in renovating my daughters' bathroom and this gives me hope that one day it will be finished and beautiful. But probably not this beautiful because WOW! I love all of this!!! Great job!!!
Totally digging everything in this bathroom makeover. I just HAD to pin it up!!!
NO!! I simply canNOT even! It's just gorgeous! I love the thought you put into every detail. I saw your image floating around Instagram, and it's so nice to read the entire blog post! You have a great sense of humor - and a new reader! ;) xoxo
I LOVE that shower curtain. We have a 1950s bathroom we will update one day soon. Ours isn't that bad though. We have the black and white tile floor and I love it. The previous owner took excellent care and it still looks good. But the sink is another story!
Absolutely fantastic makeover. I would give almost anything to have such bathroom. Wow!