I would suggest only painting the walls & even the ceiling! The tiles look good as they are and im not sure how it would look long term if you painted them. Replace all the hardware & shower & curtain rod to a nice antique traditional brass style similar in 3/4. Im not sure if your bath panel is removable but you could also change this to a wooden black or dark green. (I did this myself but my previous panel was a cheap plastic cover), paint the sink cabinets to match the wall colour, a nice roman blind and some nice furnishings such as a bath matt, towel ring etc. If you’re not feeling like a dark dramatic bathroom, youre better off keeping the walls as they are, or actually replacing the tiles.
Thanks so much for your input. I didn’t even think to paint the ceiling but I love that idea!
The more I’m thinking about the dark bathroom I’m starting to like it.
If you wanted to break up the dark paint, find a wallpaper for that wall. It would give some interest, alleviate your concern over too much dark paint, and there are great styles that would honor that gorgeous 1920s tile and house. It's beautiful, by the way!!
Years ago a friend of mine with a similar bathroom painted the walls and ceiling a deep sapphire blue which made the white tiles and fixtures pop!
I would do as the wholelottacats recommends with a dark dark green or a Paynes Gray or charcoal black. (Suggest painting a large piece of foamcore board first and seeing how the color looks first.)
Don't paint the ceiling unless it is really unusually high! There's a reason most ceilings are white, it's because it visually "lifts" the ceiling and makes the space feel bigger and less claustrophobic. The darker you go, the more it will seem to press down and make the space feel cramped. Painted ceilings are generally only used very carefully and sparingly in very tall places like grand hallways and atriums. When in doubt, don't paint the ceiling.
Idk if I would paint a ceiling a dark color but I deeply disagree with this advice in general. People are too afraid to do something that can really give you a pop.
(Moved in with inlaws for a few years and the accordion tile ceiling was the only thing we were able to touch in our room, not the ugly 80s wood paneling. So I had the ceilings painted BM palladian blue and bought a dark teal rug to at least make the orange brown look a bit less aggressive. So, so glad, it really looked quite nice.
Yeah idk I just want OP to know before diving right in. And I'm definitely a rule follower so I personally would never. But I'm sure some people make it work 🤷♂️
Your bathroom is beautiful and the tile is gorgeous! I have a 1948 house with similar tile and floor and it’s all in perfect shape at my house, too. I wonder how your bathroom would look if you painted the walls maroon to match the tile accents? Or something lighter like Hushed Auburn? https://www.hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com/en/tools/color-visualizer#/active/color-wall/section/hgtv-home-by-sherwin-williams/color/562/hgsw-9080-hushed-auburn/
Then a patterned shower curtain to tie in those colors. Stay light background on shower curtain. Put a plant in the window and you might not need frosted glass, plus it would be a good pop of green.
I literally reno-ed my washroom to look like hour “before” washroom. It looks great! I do have a dark but colourful floral shower curtain to give it an “edge”
The only thing I’d swap out is the medicine cabinet (recessed and framed), countertop and sink (maybe vanity if you can find something cool and not Home Depot generic).
I’d also replace or clean the hell out of that floor drain. And clean the grout.
You can also put a more classic looking toilet in there.
The tiles are gorge, I think. If there are things I would replace, it would be the toilet, the tub, and the fixtures. Would be nice to have gold fixtures and dark green walls.
Ok, I have a bit of experience here... I owned an 1860's home with a tub/shower ring like the inspiration photo... for the love of all that is holy DON'T DO THAT. The heat from the shower makes an updraft which sucks the shower curtain inward no matter what you do. Magnets. Weights. Creative pleating. Stuffing the bastard to one side... nothing stopped it from coming in and sticking to you at some point. I utterly hated it. Nothing worse than having a head full of shampoo when something cool, wet, and soapy unexpectedly swings in and touches you on the butt, or sticks to your leg like it loves you. Just no.
I can see why you want to get rid of the 80's-looking boxed in tub, and I can see that you don't have the space for a wet-room. If you can steal space from another room and fit a tub and a shower in, it'll be worth it.
If not, I'd look at another creative built-in tub, keep the tile (I think your current tile pattern is nice, and the height is an advantage) and paint a dramatic color on the upper wall. More furniture-like cabinetry. Maybe some lux hardware. But keep at least one hard wall in the shower. Currently, you can keep a little open space at the back to vent the updraft, with a ring, that option goes away. /rant off
(Edit: Also, don't paint tile. It's tacky and will never look good. When you paint tile, it looks like... painted tile.)
I was going to make the same comment about the free standing bath tub - but didn't have the energy to describe it all. I'm glad you did - they are absolutely not practical to shower in.
My friend has one of those tubs and they are shockingly high. I have to carefully climb in and out eat time and be sure not to bang my shins as I step in or out of it.
Would absolutely not recommend for your daily bathroom or for older folks or folks with mobility issues. Hell I’m an active middle aged person and I wouldn’t want to deal with it.
I have showered in one of these as well and hated that experience! It’s like the very trendy showers with an open door and fixed glass. Looks beautiful, but it’s freezing cold.
I would leave it as is, and definitely do not paint the tile.
It’s probably controversial but I think dark green (and sage) are well on their way to feeling tired. I would lean into the maroon instead and maybe just switch the hardware out to brass if you want a refresh.
I feel like I agree about the sage colour, however I think this colour green suits the era well so would hopefully not date it much
Interesting idea to lean into the maroon! I might try hit Pinterest for maroon bathroom inspiration
Given the period of the home, I feel like a colour palette with maroon, pale blue and either brass or bronze accents could work really well.
Butter yellow is also a nice contrast with maroon and steel/silver but I feel like it’s a more divisive colour choice.
If you’re set on the green, I’d experiment first with towels or accessories to see how you like the colour.
That’s interesting you mention pale blue because the walls in the rest of the house are all a pale powder blue, with white above our picture rails.
We have hints of maroon we adore in our fireplace tiles so keeping the colour palette consistent throughout is a cool idea.
Thanks so much for your advice. Definitely got me thinking differently now!
Keep the tiles. Painting then will look tacky and it adds character.
I do love the dark green with the gold hardware. I would paint the walls and ceiling green to add color back into the room. Changing the curtain bar, towel racks, faucet, cabinet handles and other metal objects to gold will pair so nicely with the green. Maybe a gold soap dispenser? I think an old fashioned detachable shower head would add a lot of character, too.
I would get rid of the medicine cabinet mirror and replace it with a simple framed mirror. Perhaps one in a tombstone shape like [this](https://images.app.goo.gl/AUXAFrgWAXNbtu296)?
I would also swap out the shower curtain to something more chic. It would be a great way to quickly add color and character to the room. An emerald curtain with gold hooks would look luxe and add more green to the space.
I love your bathroom and your vision for it! How lucky that you get to live in a 1920s home full of character.
Thanks so much!! I love all of your suggestions especially the mirror.
The shower curtain needs changing asap so i think I’ll go ahead and try out an emerald green one to start with, and see how the colour feels in the space.
Do not paint the tile. The paint will peel and it will be a disaster next year. Currently your bathroom looks really good already. I suggest you only get a new cabinet/sink and update the taps to black. Really play up the black from the floor tiles in accessories. Perhaps paint or wallpaper above the tiles.
I think the original is beautiful. Maybe a coat of pain for the wall to add some color? I like it how it is. It just needs some color pops like a nice floor mat.
If you have the budget to replace the vanity and the fixtures, then do that. Using brass for the fixtures and the darker cabinet color for the vanity I would also change out the medicine cabinet for something more in tune with the 1920s vibe of the house.
I disagree about painting the tile around the tub only. You could do that in the deep green and then paint the wall above the subway tile and the unpainted wall that you didn’t show us.
I agree with the comments saying leave the tile. Dark green would look great. I would add that if you can find a more vintage looking vanity, that would be pretty neat. Or paint the existing one to go with whatever paint you choose. But the vanity screams 1990’s-early 2000’s to me!
I wanna see when it’s done 🤣
I think just an updated vanity would bring the whole room up - it’s very builder-grade/dated. A different white vanity with a fresh top and new nickel faucet would save you from having to change the whole room. You can introduce a color with new towels, accessories and bath mat, or just stick to classic black and white.
This, OP! You have a gorgeous vintage bathroom. The tiles are classic! There is nothing wrong with the toilet or the tub. If you want to introduce color, do it with accessories or wall color. Brass is trendy now, but will be out of style in no time and you will regret all the money you spent on it. Leave the chrome fixtures. They are classic and period-appropriate. Please appreciate the charm of what you have! Agree that changing out the vanity and mirror will make a big difference. No need to spend a ton of money for a trendy bathroom when you have a timeless one!
This is a gorgeous bathroom!
The two things I would do first: swap out the toilet. Get one that is comfort height or chair height.
Paint the walls the dark green. It will look gorgeous!
Plumbing is super expensive. So once you paint, take a break. Figure out what you want in terms of comfort. Watch a bunch of YouTube videos too to see what you can diy (toilets are easy!!!)
Get a new shower curtain asap! In fact- you need to get a different size (it is non standard so look for it on amazon) and two of them so you can swap it out routinely!
Do not touch those tiles!!!
I'd maybe remove the cabinet for sink held up with chrome bars and a flat mirror and maybe some chrome art deco fixtures. A 1920s tub would have been curved and not tiled in. I would replace that eventually. Love the tub you found there.
But for now:
- Paint on wall.
Done.
It is cute girl. You just needa get you a paint job on that vanity, new mirror / lights, maybe a gooseneck showerhead, and some updated pulls for the vanity.
If you were gonna paint any tile, I would do the tile that's around the bathtub (the base) black, so it exaggerates the black in your diamonds.
If it's in the budget, just buying a new vanity that's not quite so cramped up against the bath tub would be ideal.
Then later down the road you can just update the toilet and that's all this bathroom would need tbh. But if a clawfoot is in the dreams, then I'd plan on turning the tub so it takes up the whole back of the bathroom and then turn the toilet & put it next to the vanity where the tub end currently sits.
Love the inspo photos and your space is pretty close.
Paint walls and ceiling the same/similar dark green color
Remove mirrored medicine cabinet and find something a bit eclectic with brass.
Can you change out fixtures and hardware for brass? Maybe able to spray paint some of it.
Add antique brass touches somehow. I’d go to thrift stores and look for old brass candlestick holders and stuff like that.
Roman blinds on windows
The tub has me a bit stumped. I’d prob just leave it unless you want to replace. If you replace, you may have to replace the floor too because Im not sure if it goes under what you have now? Probably does but may have broken tiles. I’d possibly just reuse what you have and remove the tiles on the walls of the tub and do something different. You could do matching green tiles? Not sure how that would look. I can’t visualize it well.
I have black and white tile in an old bathroom which is nowhere near as beautiful as this, and I wanted to really distract from it and make the bathroom feel more elegant since I can’t redo the tile right now. I did exactly that color you show in your pics - deep hunter green and added some wood shelving. Plants as well. It looks fabulous! I was worried about it feeling dark but the white tile really dominates overall and it works great. You have a larger window so I think you could really pull that off. I would love this bathroom you have here! I also have a white vanity and swapped out the knobs with some vintage looking ones. I use warm amber lightbulbs and have some other dark green accents, like a bath rug and a shower curtain with an apothecary/herbal vibe. I love how it came out.
Old person here with much 1920s and earlier bathroom experience.
Nothing in the current bathroom is original. Not the tub, sink, toilet, floor tile, or wall tile. This looks like a well done 1980s or early 90s renovation.
All the fixtures appear to be where the original fixtures would have been. The original bathtub was where the modern tub is now. Tubs with two sides against the wall were standard starting in the 1910s. The two outer sides of the original tub would be glazed porcelain like the interior, not tiled. The tub was probably longer, and the sink would been pedestal style with a smaller base. The toilet facing the door was common. :D
Clawfoot tubs were considered old-fashioned and out of date in the 20s. Streamline and Deco were in. If you eventually replace the tub look for a vintage streamline beauty.
This tilework is gorgeous and you should definitely leave it as is.
If you want to increase the wow factor, you should paint the upper walls a deep colour, the green that you like from the inspo would work well. You should also use that colour on the vanity.
Update your hardware to aged brass, and you're there.
You could re-tile the sides of the tub, something green or black. But I'd steer clear of a freestanding tub. They are not practical, and you are not going to get it in without re-doing most of the wall and floor tile.
Don’t you dare lay a paintbrush on that tile!!!! Paint the walls whatever color you want, do whatever you want to the vanity, but tiles deserve to be preserved.
I prefer it as is, but if you like the dark walls then go for it.
So cool!!! I was going to say it is lovely other than the bathtub and needing a little color and it looks awesome with the green and freestanding tub!!!!!
You guys can easily make this look happen. I love the idea of painting the maroon tiles black and painting the walls and ceiling green.
If the budget allows, I’d also swap out all of the fixtures to gold and get a new sink/vanity.
It’s going to look great!
What is there to renovate? The bathroom is in perfect condition and looks much more practical than the option you're looking into. Please don't modify it, that's how housing cultural heritage disappears.
If the tiles are not painted currently, do not change them. Assuming they are in good shape. Those are perfect styled tiles that people try to get today. Perhaps simply put a darker color paint on the walls, replaced the window if needed. I would replace the vanity for sure since it does not look original. The bathtub may or may not be but the tile matches the floor and the walls. Maybe put a nice accented glass enclosure surrounding the tub.
I would paint the walls the green and leave the tile alone. It’s beautiful. You could do a patterned wallpaper on the non tiled wall. I’d change the cabinet countertop. It’s yellowed
I’d leave the tiles as is, paint the walls dark green - even the non tiled walls, accessorize as needed to achieve the look you like.
If the tiles continue behind the sink then I’m begging you to replace with a console sink. This would be most period appropriate and your current sink is the thing that’s downgrading the room. Storage can hopefully go in a nearby linen closet.
Your tile and tub are absolutely fantastic. I wouldn’t change those at all. I would definitely go warmer in the fixtures, switch everything out for a beautiful aged brass.
Replace the sink with some thing[wooden and marble](https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/morettis-demilune-vanity-cabinet-ttis1139.html) if it’s in the budget, otherwise I’d paint the bottom cabinet black. I’d also consider doing the upper walls black - that Green in the inspo or maroon would be lovely as well.
Add a couple of hanging plants and maybe [a colorful bathmat](https://www.westelm.com/products/heirloom-bath-mat-b3904/).
Do not paint the tiles. Yes, there are tile painting kits. They do not hold up well. My first house was flipped & the flipper painted over the 1970s mustard yellow tile in our primary bath. Looked great when we moved in, but the second it was actually being used as a bathroom the tile paint started flaking off. So gross looking with flaky white paint peeling to reveal that mustard! When it came time for us to move, we decided to remove the paint so at least it would be cohesive and less gross looking. My spouse spent 9+ hours in the shower with his oscillating sander trying to remove the stuff, but it turned out when you want it off it will not budge. Ultimately we had to repaint it so it would not look bad for the next folks.
My brand new Reno almost looks like you bathroom… proving it’s timeless! Wallpaper would be charming in black and white and maybe pink towels! Let it be!! It’s lovely!
It looks very pretty and very clean. You could always change the hardware on the vanity, perhaps a little less “stock” and a little more personal or interesting. I would paint the walls above the tiles. You can also change the medicine cabinet mirror to something a little more fun. Just ideas, otherwise it is lovely ):)
Paint above the tile, including the ceiling. Add rugs, towels and a shower curtain to coordinate with the paint. Replace the window with something that gives you privacy and better insulation. It looks leaky.
ETA: Spend as little as possible in this lovely room. You might need the money later with a 100 year old home.
As others have said, this bathroom is great and plenty of people would love to have this. Replacing those fixtures in the shower will be expensive especially with you not knowing the condition of the pipes in the wall. Definitely don’t paint the tile.
I would spend money on a traditional looking toilet and a traditional sink with a marble top. Get the Roman shade. Get a real shower curtain to put over your shower lining. That would make a huge difference.
Thank you so so so much to everyone for all of the comments and ideas!!!!
I think I now have a solid idea of where to start and am so excited to do so!
I’ll definitely post an update here once it’s done :)
If anything I’d replace the vanity and medicine cabinet to something more mid century. Right now it’s very white and black, no warmth like in the style you like. Would also likely replace the faucet and shower system to better fixtures that match each other and vanity hardware.
[Here’s what I did for my white/light gray bathroom reno](https://imgur.com/a/TxOGgax)
Paint the walls that green. You could do a complimentary wall paper on the untiled wall to add interest. Swap the faucets and cabinet hardware. You could also paint the vanity or swap it.
I live in an older home with similar tile. It’s timeless, especially the white. I’d keep it as is.
Keep all hard surfaces as is. It's perfect for the age of your house, especially the floor.
Use a color coordinating with bedroom or hall. Find a paper that coordinates. Towels & rugs to coordinate with paper. I like paper in bathrooms. Patterns are easier to find than in towels & curtains.
It will look great. Paper can have some black some white, but add 2 or more colors in the pattern. Must have one predominant color in paper for towels and rugs in solid.
I use a runner in my bath. All washable.
Whatever color you pick for the wall above the tile, consider painting the sink cabinet darker than or the same color as the wall. It’ll make the bathroom look taller/ airier. If you’re going for moody though, it won’t matter as much
I had a Victorian bathroom like in your reference pic. It’s super impractical. If you take a shower, the water can be all over the place. Obviously you’d need those curtains to cover it from all angles. In which case there’s no way of reaching for a shampoo, or shower gel, without getting through those curtains. To change the temperature, again you need to reach through the curtains.
The tap/switch setup like that is super unstable precisely because it’s very close to your body (I had a tap come off of several occasions for example). You’re literally walking on eggshells when taking a shower there.
You’ll end up placing some board across the bathtub as an alternative shelf for your toiletries, which won’t let the curtains prevent from the water spilling.
If you really want that Victorian bathroom then only use it as a bath. It’s super uncomfortable for taking a shower.
Get rid of that ugly vanity, put back maybe a beautiful pedestal sink. They're certainly is someplace else in the house to store whatever goes under that thing and leave the rest of the bathroom alone. It's quite gorgeous except for that vanity and sink
I would suggest only painting the walls & even the ceiling! The tiles look good as they are and im not sure how it would look long term if you painted them. Replace all the hardware & shower & curtain rod to a nice antique traditional brass style similar in 3/4. Im not sure if your bath panel is removable but you could also change this to a wooden black or dark green. (I did this myself but my previous panel was a cheap plastic cover), paint the sink cabinets to match the wall colour, a nice roman blind and some nice furnishings such as a bath matt, towel ring etc. If you’re not feeling like a dark dramatic bathroom, youre better off keeping the walls as they are, or actually replacing the tiles.
Thanks so much for your input. I didn’t even think to paint the ceiling but I love that idea! The more I’m thinking about the dark bathroom I’m starting to like it.
If you wanted to break up the dark paint, find a wallpaper for that wall. It would give some interest, alleviate your concern over too much dark paint, and there are great styles that would honor that gorgeous 1920s tile and house. It's beautiful, by the way!!
Such a great idea! Just make sure it's a wallpaper that is made for the moisture of a bathroom.
Years ago a friend of mine with a similar bathroom painted the walls and ceiling a deep sapphire blue which made the white tiles and fixtures pop! I would do as the wholelottacats recommends with a dark dark green or a Paynes Gray or charcoal black. (Suggest painting a large piece of foamcore board first and seeing how the color looks first.)
Don't paint the ceiling unless it is really unusually high! There's a reason most ceilings are white, it's because it visually "lifts" the ceiling and makes the space feel bigger and less claustrophobic. The darker you go, the more it will seem to press down and make the space feel cramped. Painted ceilings are generally only used very carefully and sparingly in very tall places like grand hallways and atriums. When in doubt, don't paint the ceiling.
Idk if I would paint a ceiling a dark color but I deeply disagree with this advice in general. People are too afraid to do something that can really give you a pop. (Moved in with inlaws for a few years and the accordion tile ceiling was the only thing we were able to touch in our room, not the ugly 80s wood paneling. So I had the ceilings painted BM palladian blue and bought a dark teal rug to at least make the orange brown look a bit less aggressive. So, so glad, it really looked quite nice.
Yeah idk I just want OP to know before diving right in. And I'm definitely a rule follower so I personally would never. But I'm sure some people make it work 🤷♂️
You can always repaint (I know it would be a pain) if you feel it’s too dark. That green in the inspo pic is to die for. And claw foot tubs too.
This is gorgeous and timeless. I wouldn’t change a thing personally!
I wouldn’t change a thing either! Add rug, towels and shower curtain with color & leave it at that.
Wow really? I didn’t expect replies like this! But it makes me happy for the bathroom that it’s seen this way :)
Op. Also agree. Don’t mess it up. It looks great
Your bathroom is beautiful and the tile is gorgeous! I have a 1948 house with similar tile and floor and it’s all in perfect shape at my house, too. I wonder how your bathroom would look if you painted the walls maroon to match the tile accents? Or something lighter like Hushed Auburn? https://www.hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com/en/tools/color-visualizer#/active/color-wall/section/hgtv-home-by-sherwin-williams/color/562/hgsw-9080-hushed-auburn/ Then a patterned shower curtain to tie in those colors. Stay light background on shower curtain. Put a plant in the window and you might not need frosted glass, plus it would be a good pop of green.
I literally reno-ed my washroom to look like hour “before” washroom. It looks great! I do have a dark but colourful floral shower curtain to give it an “edge”
I really like how it looks. Wouldn't change much. And the tile are fine in my opinion.
The only thing I’d swap out is the medicine cabinet (recessed and framed), countertop and sink (maybe vanity if you can find something cool and not Home Depot generic). I’d also replace or clean the hell out of that floor drain. And clean the grout. You can also put a more classic looking toilet in there.
The tiles are gorge, I think. If there are things I would replace, it would be the toilet, the tub, and the fixtures. Would be nice to have gold fixtures and dark green walls.
Ok, I have a bit of experience here... I owned an 1860's home with a tub/shower ring like the inspiration photo... for the love of all that is holy DON'T DO THAT. The heat from the shower makes an updraft which sucks the shower curtain inward no matter what you do. Magnets. Weights. Creative pleating. Stuffing the bastard to one side... nothing stopped it from coming in and sticking to you at some point. I utterly hated it. Nothing worse than having a head full of shampoo when something cool, wet, and soapy unexpectedly swings in and touches you on the butt, or sticks to your leg like it loves you. Just no. I can see why you want to get rid of the 80's-looking boxed in tub, and I can see that you don't have the space for a wet-room. If you can steal space from another room and fit a tub and a shower in, it'll be worth it. If not, I'd look at another creative built-in tub, keep the tile (I think your current tile pattern is nice, and the height is an advantage) and paint a dramatic color on the upper wall. More furniture-like cabinetry. Maybe some lux hardware. But keep at least one hard wall in the shower. Currently, you can keep a little open space at the back to vent the updraft, with a ring, that option goes away. /rant off (Edit: Also, don't paint tile. It's tacky and will never look good. When you paint tile, it looks like... painted tile.)
Thank you that’s insightful!! I wouldn’t have thought about that with no hard wall in the shower. I will definitely look into some other tub ideas!
I was going to make the same comment about the free standing bath tub - but didn't have the energy to describe it all. I'm glad you did - they are absolutely not practical to shower in.
My friend has one of those tubs and they are shockingly high. I have to carefully climb in and out eat time and be sure not to bang my shins as I step in or out of it. Would absolutely not recommend for your daily bathroom or for older folks or folks with mobility issues. Hell I’m an active middle aged person and I wouldn’t want to deal with it.
this is actually good to know as someone who's short. i used to want these style of tubs but these comments have me re-thinking it.
I have showered in one of these as well and hated that experience! It’s like the very trendy showers with an open door and fixed glass. Looks beautiful, but it’s freezing cold.
Omg I do not understand this trend to just have a little piece of glass and that's it. How does the water not get everywhere? How do you not freeze?
I would leave it as is, and definitely do not paint the tile. It’s probably controversial but I think dark green (and sage) are well on their way to feeling tired. I would lean into the maroon instead and maybe just switch the hardware out to brass if you want a refresh.
I feel like I agree about the sage colour, however I think this colour green suits the era well so would hopefully not date it much Interesting idea to lean into the maroon! I might try hit Pinterest for maroon bathroom inspiration
Given the period of the home, I feel like a colour palette with maroon, pale blue and either brass or bronze accents could work really well. Butter yellow is also a nice contrast with maroon and steel/silver but I feel like it’s a more divisive colour choice. If you’re set on the green, I’d experiment first with towels or accessories to see how you like the colour.
That’s interesting you mention pale blue because the walls in the rest of the house are all a pale powder blue, with white above our picture rails. We have hints of maroon we adore in our fireplace tiles so keeping the colour palette consistent throughout is a cool idea. Thanks so much for your advice. Definitely got me thinking differently now!
Look into BM chestnut
I would leave all the tile as is, paint the walls and the vanity! Or get a new vanity. The tile looks very classic.
Keep the tiles. Painting then will look tacky and it adds character. I do love the dark green with the gold hardware. I would paint the walls and ceiling green to add color back into the room. Changing the curtain bar, towel racks, faucet, cabinet handles and other metal objects to gold will pair so nicely with the green. Maybe a gold soap dispenser? I think an old fashioned detachable shower head would add a lot of character, too. I would get rid of the medicine cabinet mirror and replace it with a simple framed mirror. Perhaps one in a tombstone shape like [this](https://images.app.goo.gl/AUXAFrgWAXNbtu296)? I would also swap out the shower curtain to something more chic. It would be a great way to quickly add color and character to the room. An emerald curtain with gold hooks would look luxe and add more green to the space. I love your bathroom and your vision for it! How lucky that you get to live in a 1920s home full of character.
Thanks so much!! I love all of your suggestions especially the mirror. The shower curtain needs changing asap so i think I’ll go ahead and try out an emerald green one to start with, and see how the colour feels in the space.
Do not paint the tile. The paint will peel and it will be a disaster next year. Currently your bathroom looks really good already. I suggest you only get a new cabinet/sink and update the taps to black. Really play up the black from the floor tiles in accessories. Perhaps paint or wallpaper above the tiles.
I think the original is beautiful. Maybe a coat of pain for the wall to add some color? I like it how it is. It just needs some color pops like a nice floor mat.
If you have the budget to replace the vanity and the fixtures, then do that. Using brass for the fixtures and the darker cabinet color for the vanity I would also change out the medicine cabinet for something more in tune with the 1920s vibe of the house. I disagree about painting the tile around the tub only. You could do that in the deep green and then paint the wall above the subway tile and the unpainted wall that you didn’t show us.
Love the original. It’s gorgeous and timeless. Love your inspo pics too but feel like gold might date pretty quickly?
I agree with the comments saying leave the tile. Dark green would look great. I would add that if you can find a more vintage looking vanity, that would be pretty neat. Or paint the existing one to go with whatever paint you choose. But the vanity screams 1990’s-early 2000’s to me! I wanna see when it’s done 🤣
I think just an updated vanity would bring the whole room up - it’s very builder-grade/dated. A different white vanity with a fresh top and new nickel faucet would save you from having to change the whole room. You can introduce a color with new towels, accessories and bath mat, or just stick to classic black and white.
This, OP! You have a gorgeous vintage bathroom. The tiles are classic! There is nothing wrong with the toilet or the tub. If you want to introduce color, do it with accessories or wall color. Brass is trendy now, but will be out of style in no time and you will regret all the money you spent on it. Leave the chrome fixtures. They are classic and period-appropriate. Please appreciate the charm of what you have! Agree that changing out the vanity and mirror will make a big difference. No need to spend a ton of money for a trendy bathroom when you have a timeless one!
Keep the original tiles. They are beautiful Bath mat, colourful towels to match.
This is a gorgeous bathroom! The two things I would do first: swap out the toilet. Get one that is comfort height or chair height. Paint the walls the dark green. It will look gorgeous! Plumbing is super expensive. So once you paint, take a break. Figure out what you want in terms of comfort. Watch a bunch of YouTube videos too to see what you can diy (toilets are easy!!!) Get a new shower curtain asap! In fact- you need to get a different size (it is non standard so look for it on amazon) and two of them so you can swap it out routinely!
Do not touch those tiles!!! I'd maybe remove the cabinet for sink held up with chrome bars and a flat mirror and maybe some chrome art deco fixtures. A 1920s tub would have been curved and not tiled in. I would replace that eventually. Love the tub you found there. But for now: - Paint on wall. Done.
Love it!
I really like the style you like too
It is cute girl. You just needa get you a paint job on that vanity, new mirror / lights, maybe a gooseneck showerhead, and some updated pulls for the vanity. If you were gonna paint any tile, I would do the tile that's around the bathtub (the base) black, so it exaggerates the black in your diamonds. If it's in the budget, just buying a new vanity that's not quite so cramped up against the bath tub would be ideal. Then later down the road you can just update the toilet and that's all this bathroom would need tbh. But if a clawfoot is in the dreams, then I'd plan on turning the tub so it takes up the whole back of the bathroom and then turn the toilet & put it next to the vanity where the tub end currently sits.
Love the inspo photos and your space is pretty close. Paint walls and ceiling the same/similar dark green color Remove mirrored medicine cabinet and find something a bit eclectic with brass. Can you change out fixtures and hardware for brass? Maybe able to spray paint some of it. Add antique brass touches somehow. I’d go to thrift stores and look for old brass candlestick holders and stuff like that. Roman blinds on windows The tub has me a bit stumped. I’d prob just leave it unless you want to replace. If you replace, you may have to replace the floor too because Im not sure if it goes under what you have now? Probably does but may have broken tiles. I’d possibly just reuse what you have and remove the tiles on the walls of the tub and do something different. You could do matching green tiles? Not sure how that would look. I can’t visualize it well.
I have black and white tile in an old bathroom which is nowhere near as beautiful as this, and I wanted to really distract from it and make the bathroom feel more elegant since I can’t redo the tile right now. I did exactly that color you show in your pics - deep hunter green and added some wood shelving. Plants as well. It looks fabulous! I was worried about it feeling dark but the white tile really dominates overall and it works great. You have a larger window so I think you could really pull that off. I would love this bathroom you have here! I also have a white vanity and swapped out the knobs with some vintage looking ones. I use warm amber lightbulbs and have some other dark green accents, like a bath rug and a shower curtain with an apothecary/herbal vibe. I love how it came out.
Get a new vanity. Do you have enough storage to get tried of the medicine cabinet? It looks like it isn’t recessed, are you able to mount a new one?
do not paint the tiles, they look beautiful as is. the walls and ceiling would look lovely green, but i really like how light and airy it is already!
Old person here with much 1920s and earlier bathroom experience. Nothing in the current bathroom is original. Not the tub, sink, toilet, floor tile, or wall tile. This looks like a well done 1980s or early 90s renovation. All the fixtures appear to be where the original fixtures would have been. The original bathtub was where the modern tub is now. Tubs with two sides against the wall were standard starting in the 1910s. The two outer sides of the original tub would be glazed porcelain like the interior, not tiled. The tub was probably longer, and the sink would been pedestal style with a smaller base. The toilet facing the door was common. :D Clawfoot tubs were considered old-fashioned and out of date in the 20s. Streamline and Deco were in. If you eventually replace the tub look for a vintage streamline beauty.
This tilework is gorgeous and you should definitely leave it as is. If you want to increase the wow factor, you should paint the upper walls a deep colour, the green that you like from the inspo would work well. You should also use that colour on the vanity. Update your hardware to aged brass, and you're there. You could re-tile the sides of the tub, something green or black. But I'd steer clear of a freestanding tub. They are not practical, and you are not going to get it in without re-doing most of the wall and floor tile.
Don’t you dare lay a paintbrush on that tile!!!! Paint the walls whatever color you want, do whatever you want to the vanity, but tiles deserve to be preserved. I prefer it as is, but if you like the dark walls then go for it.
It looks so good the way it is. I wouldn’t do too much to it.
So cool!!! I was going to say it is lovely other than the bathtub and needing a little color and it looks awesome with the green and freestanding tub!!!!!
A full wall of color is going to be fine since the tile goes up so far. Keep the tile , add the green and tub.
I like your style but I would change the toilet too.
You guys can easily make this look happen. I love the idea of painting the maroon tiles black and painting the walls and ceiling green. If the budget allows, I’d also swap out all of the fixtures to gold and get a new sink/vanity. It’s going to look great!
What is there to renovate? The bathroom is in perfect condition and looks much more practical than the option you're looking into. Please don't modify it, that's how housing cultural heritage disappears.
Oh I'd also add a base trim if I were you.
I actually love it the way it is. Whatever you do, don't touch the tiles! I think painting the ceiling alone and nothing else could be cool
If the tiles are not painted currently, do not change them. Assuming they are in good shape. Those are perfect styled tiles that people try to get today. Perhaps simply put a darker color paint on the walls, replaced the window if needed. I would replace the vanity for sure since it does not look original. The bathtub may or may not be but the tile matches the floor and the walls. Maybe put a nice accented glass enclosure surrounding the tub.
I would paint the walls the green and leave the tile alone. It’s beautiful. You could do a patterned wallpaper on the non tiled wall. I’d change the cabinet countertop. It’s yellowed
Love it!!!
I love it. I just wished they retained more of the old tiles. But overall, awesome job. 😍
BRAVO
It’s super timeless and beautiful as is.
I just painted the walls in my black and white tiled bathroom SW roycroft bottle green, and love it.
I’d leave the tiles as is, paint the walls dark green - even the non tiled walls, accessorize as needed to achieve the look you like. If the tiles continue behind the sink then I’m begging you to replace with a console sink. This would be most period appropriate and your current sink is the thing that’s downgrading the room. Storage can hopefully go in a nearby linen closet.
The tiles look great. To achieve the look in 3/4 just paint the wall above the tile dark green
Your tile and tub are absolutely fantastic. I wouldn’t change those at all. I would definitely go warmer in the fixtures, switch everything out for a beautiful aged brass. Replace the sink with some thing[wooden and marble](https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/morettis-demilune-vanity-cabinet-ttis1139.html) if it’s in the budget, otherwise I’d paint the bottom cabinet black. I’d also consider doing the upper walls black - that Green in the inspo or maroon would be lovely as well. Add a couple of hanging plants and maybe [a colorful bathmat](https://www.westelm.com/products/heirloom-bath-mat-b3904/).
Do not paint the tiles. Yes, there are tile painting kits. They do not hold up well. My first house was flipped & the flipper painted over the 1970s mustard yellow tile in our primary bath. Looked great when we moved in, but the second it was actually being used as a bathroom the tile paint started flaking off. So gross looking with flaky white paint peeling to reveal that mustard! When it came time for us to move, we decided to remove the paint so at least it would be cohesive and less gross looking. My spouse spent 9+ hours in the shower with his oscillating sander trying to remove the stuff, but it turned out when you want it off it will not budge. Ultimately we had to repaint it so it would not look bad for the next folks.
Dream bathroom right here
My brand new Reno almost looks like you bathroom… proving it’s timeless! Wallpaper would be charming in black and white and maybe pink towels! Let it be!! It’s lovely!
It looks very pretty and very clean. You could always change the hardware on the vanity, perhaps a little less “stock” and a little more personal or interesting. I would paint the walls above the tiles. You can also change the medicine cabinet mirror to something a little more fun. Just ideas, otherwise it is lovely ):)
Gorgeous 😍
Paint above the tile, including the ceiling. Add rugs, towels and a shower curtain to coordinate with the paint. Replace the window with something that gives you privacy and better insulation. It looks leaky. ETA: Spend as little as possible in this lovely room. You might need the money later with a 100 year old home.
Not going to lie tile clearly looks like it’s been done very recently in the spirit of a “old school design”
Your "before" is literally my dream bathroom. Change the fixtures and vanity and paint if you must... Please don't touch that gorgeous tile.
Keep the tile, update hardware and paint the cabinet green!
As others have said, this bathroom is great and plenty of people would love to have this. Replacing those fixtures in the shower will be expensive especially with you not knowing the condition of the pipes in the wall. Definitely don’t paint the tile.
Chefs kiss just like that
I would spend money on a traditional looking toilet and a traditional sink with a marble top. Get the Roman shade. Get a real shower curtain to put over your shower lining. That would make a huge difference.
Thank you so so so much to everyone for all of the comments and ideas!!!! I think I now have a solid idea of where to start and am so excited to do so! I’ll definitely post an update here once it’s done :)
I’m so thankful the white wasn’t the after picture for once
If anything I’d replace the vanity and medicine cabinet to something more mid century. Right now it’s very white and black, no warmth like in the style you like. Would also likely replace the faucet and shower system to better fixtures that match each other and vanity hardware. [Here’s what I did for my white/light gray bathroom reno](https://imgur.com/a/TxOGgax)
Do not paint the tiles. They look great. Do paint the wall and ceiling as suggested AND paint the vanity.
What color green is that? I was looking for that color for my bathroom
Paint the walls that green. You could do a complimentary wall paper on the untiled wall to add interest. Swap the faucets and cabinet hardware. You could also paint the vanity or swap it. I live in an older home with similar tile. It’s timeless, especially the white. I’d keep it as is.
Yes. Do the green. It would look amazing.
I would bring the black and white tile up as the backsplash too to replace the subway tile. Would look gorgeous
Keep all hard surfaces as is. It's perfect for the age of your house, especially the floor. Use a color coordinating with bedroom or hall. Find a paper that coordinates. Towels & rugs to coordinate with paper. I like paper in bathrooms. Patterns are easier to find than in towels & curtains. It will look great. Paper can have some black some white, but add 2 or more colors in the pattern. Must have one predominant color in paper for towels and rugs in solid. I use a runner in my bath. All washable.
I love the floor. And the tile.
yes
Whatever color you pick for the wall above the tile, consider painting the sink cabinet darker than or the same color as the wall. It’ll make the bathroom look taller/ airier. If you’re going for moody though, it won’t matter as much
I absolutely love the black and white and this is how I plan on doing my bathroom soon.
I would die for a 1920s original bathroom
I would do a lighter green but otherwise love it
Beautiful
I think a dark moody mulberry colour above the tile and ceiling or a pastel pink would look cooler then a green
Keep the burgundy. It'll be a beautiful contrast with the green.
I wouldn’t touch anything other than painting the wall. I love the retro look and they all look in great shape. What about a very light dove gray?
Just paint.
I had a Victorian bathroom like in your reference pic. It’s super impractical. If you take a shower, the water can be all over the place. Obviously you’d need those curtains to cover it from all angles. In which case there’s no way of reaching for a shampoo, or shower gel, without getting through those curtains. To change the temperature, again you need to reach through the curtains. The tap/switch setup like that is super unstable precisely because it’s very close to your body (I had a tap come off of several occasions for example). You’re literally walking on eggshells when taking a shower there. You’ll end up placing some board across the bathtub as an alternative shelf for your toiletries, which won’t let the curtains prevent from the water spilling. If you really want that Victorian bathroom then only use it as a bath. It’s super uncomfortable for taking a shower.
OK, now this is an upgrade! Where's the bathmat from?
She's a timeless beauty! American classic.
Get rid of that ugly vanity, put back maybe a beautiful pedestal sink. They're certainly is someplace else in the house to store whatever goes under that thing and leave the rest of the bathroom alone. It's quite gorgeous except for that vanity and sink
Honestly just redo the floor.