Proving you needn’t stick with one single style, “Modern Vintage” is a growing interior trend, combining traditional statement pieces with contemporary elements. In our latest “Bathroom Trends” article, we show you how to achieve the look.
Contemporary bathrooms, containing simple, unfussy items, clean lines and neutral colours, are by far and away the most popular choice for British homeowners. Traditional bathrooms also remain a firm favourite, thanks to their time-tested, elaborate designs which bring a real sense of luxury. But what if you like both?
Well…there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to styling your bathroom, which is why we’ve seen a growing trend in eclectic styles, combining statement traditional pieces, like roll top baths and classic vanity units, with contemporary elements, like waterfall taps and walk in showers.
If you’ve already read my latest bathroom trend predictions, you’ll know that the “Modern Vintage” look is set to be big this year, and in this blog post I’ll show you just some of the easy ways you can achieve this in your bathroom space.
Eclectic shower settings
Whilst the history of showers goes back a surprisingly long way, for most of us, they are a relatively modern convenience. So, adding a modern shower enclosure into a traditional space can often be a little jarring. But don’t let this put you off. As you can see, with a Modern Vintage style bathroom, you can still have that designer walk in shower and combine with more traditional elements. One of the most popular Modern Vintage combinations is the on-trend black framed shower enclosure and Victorian style patterned floor tiles—a truly stunning combination (see below).
Left: I love how Victoria Plum customer @surreyfamilyhome on Instagram has combined vintage elements like the feature floor tiles and toilet with contemporary elements, like the shower enclosure and bath. Right: The 8mm black framed walk in glass panel pack from Mode Bathrooms combined with Victorian style patterned floor tiles creates a Modern Vintage style.
Many contemporary showers are designed to be sympathetic to a more traditional look, with graceful loops and round-shaped heads. Another good tip, to allow your traditional elements to shine through, is to fit a frameless shower enclosure. The clear glass pane will make your space feel open and spacious, drawing the eye towards those key items which direct the style of your overall bathroom design.
With this design, we created a space in which you can show off treasured possessions from your travels. Find out how to “get the look” by reading more about our Objects of Desire bathroom.
Metro tiles are an incredibly popular choice for bathrooms due to their versatility and work brilliantly well in a Modern Vintage interior. Or why not go for vintage glazed tiles with a contemporary shower enclosure?
Left: Classic metro tiles combine with an ultra-modern black shower and framed screen by Victoria Plum customer @myhomereno__ on Instagram. Right: This is stunning! I simply adore the upcycled vanity unit and black framed walk in with classic glazed green tiles by Victoria Plum customer @strikeme_pink on Instagram.
I love the introduction of tropical plants to these bathrooms, hitting yet another new bathroom trend: the tropical spa. Upcycling (restoring and repurposing an old piece of furniture) is another great way to combine the old and the new (see above), something which I’ll talk more of shortly.
Timeless bath time
Your bathtub is the ultimate statement piece; the focal point of your whole space and the item which gives the room its name. And the great thing is, with a Modern Vintage bathroom, you aren’t limited to a specific design. Roll top baths are a classic choice, sometimes featuring ornate feet which raise the tub off the floor. Meanwhile, designs which sit roughly between traditional and contemporary styles are fast becoming a popular addition. Why not accessorise with more contemporary elements, like a freestanding tap?
Left: We combined traditional elements, like the bath, high level toilet, shower and radiator, with ultra-modern convenience. Right: A simple yet stylish bathing space from Victoria Plum customer @foreverflippinghouses on Instagram, combining a traditional style bath with a contemporary tap.
If you have a small bathroom space, it needn’t curtail your design aspirations. A multi-functional shower bath can be used to great effect. Yet again, Metro tiles can play a big role in adding a vintage element to your walls, complementing contemporary showers and screens. Block bold colours are a big trend now, so why not go all out with a colour you love?
Victoria Plum customer @little_edwardian_semi on Instagram has created a stunning Modern Vintage bathroom. The combination of an on-trend black framed screen and shower and a traditional bath panel—painted to match the wall colour—is delightful.
Combining suites and storage
Choosing the perfect bathroom suite to match your preferred style isn’t always as straight forward as it would first appear. Nowadays, it isn’t just a simple choice between traditional and contemporary designs; you will find plenty of ways to bring classic style to modern convenience, with innovations like the traditional back to wall toilet—a more recent addition to British household bathrooms. Countertop basins are also a more contemporary choice, although there are a variety of methods you can use to create a Modern Vintage mix, echoing the type of washbasin you’d have found in Victorian households.
Left: Victoria Plum customer @jones_home_22 has used Camberley satin grey furniture from The Bath Co. to create this Modern Vintage masterpiece. Right: This vintage mirror from the Accents range looks great with a contemporary countertop basin installation.
You can even achieve a careful mix of styles in a small ensuite or cloakroom. Why not pick out a classic vanity unit or toilet and complement with a contemporary tap? There is a wide variety of new metallic finishes you could choose. Or create a display of photos and artwork (see below)?
Left: Has this bathroom by Victoria Plum customer @therhodeshome_ given you some green bathroom ideas? I love the combination of on-trend colour and classic furniture. Right: A simple yet effective cloakroom design by Victoria Plum customer @athomeinstamford bringing together a traditional sink unit and an up-to-date shelving display.
Vintage heating, modern warmth
Another simple yet effective way to achieve that eclectic mix of styles is to add a traditional style radiator to your bathroom space. Classic heating is a great way to mix things up a little, so why not keep an eye out for vintage column radiators and add to a more contemporary space? You can even add in black accents to keep things on-trend.
Left: We adore the way Victoria Plum customer @home_life_46 has picked out black metal with the tap and heated towel rail.
If you love the look of traditional heating, why not read my article on modernising your home with Victorian radiators?
Like the look?
Is Modern Vintage a look you love? If not, why not have a read through some of my other “Bathroom Trends” articles? Simply head back to our bathroom inspiration page or type “bathroom trends” into the search bar at the top of this page.
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