From Turrets to Toilets: A Partial History of the Throne Room

This article delves into the historical significance and evolution of the royal bedchamber in seventeenth-century England, using a unique surviving bed rail from Hampton Court Palace as a case study. This rare artifact, initially overlooked for many years, was rediscovered in the nineteenth century and mistakenly identified as an altar rail from the royal chapel. More recently, it was associated with King Charles II; however, comprehensive technical and historical research has now established its creation during the reign of his father, Charles I, preceding the widespread adoption of the French _lever_ and _coucher_ ceremonies in England. New evidence suggests the bed rail was likely created for Queen Henrietta Maria, who introduced numerous French customs and possessions to England, including the use of bed rails during accouchements. Subsequent alterations indicate its adaptation for Charles II and possibly his Queen, Catherine of Braganza, and later for George I, the first Hanoverian King of Great Britain. The article traces the bed rail's journey, highlighting the adjustments made to accommodate different monarchs and evolving court ceremonies. It describes the bed rail's physical attributes, including its fragmented state, its construction from carved and gilded oak, and its distinctive decorative motifs featuring putti, fruit, flowers, imperial crowns, and the interwoven letters 'C'. The current incomplete state of the rail consists of ten panels, measuring 90cm in height and approximately 840cm in total length, though originally it would have been significantly longer. Technical examination has revealed crucial repairs and alterations that shed light on its operational life, which is not extensively documented in royal records. The dendrochronological analysis of the Baltic oak used in its construction dates it to between 1642 and 1650, challenging earlier assumptions of its origin. This dating excludes Charles II and points to Charles I's reign. The construction methods, characterized by simple pegged or nailed joints and thick laminated planks, suggest it was not typical of the highest quality carving in English palaces, potentially indicating a specialized craft like ship carvers. Paint analysis confirms only two gilding layers over three centuries, reflecting long periods of disuse, especially after the _lever_ ceremony faded in England. The imagery of fecundity and fertility on the rail, alongside floral motifs like lilies, roses, and sunflowers, strongly supports its use in a conjugal bedchamber, likely for Queen Henrietta Maria, whose contemporary iconography also featured such elements. Her role as a Catholic queen who maintained French customs, including the use of bed rails for accouchements, is emphasized. Historical records confirm her ownership of bed rails at St James’s Palace and Somerset House, with some being silvered, a practice that continued for queens in the seventeenth century. An engraving depicting Marie de Medici receiving guests in front of a balustraded bed suggests the typical arrangement of such rails, fixed to the floor around three sides of the bed with central gates. Despite a gap in the object's documented history regarding its original location, its design elements and later reuse by various monarchs underscore its function in the royal bedchamber. The article concludes by contrasting this unique object with later bedchamber furnishings of other English monarchs in the late-seventeenth century, who adopted different bed rail designs in response to England's evolving parliamentary monarchy. The bed rail's history culminates with its use by George I, whose adaptation of the ciphers to form the letter 'G' indicates a final reuse before the political significance of the bedchamber in Britain diminished with the rise of parliamentary democracy. This case study underscores the changing role of bedchamber ceremonies and the interplay of European fashions in seventeenth-century English court life. #RoyalBedchamber #SeventeenthCenturyEngland #HamptonCourtPalace #RoyalFurniture #BedRail #HenriettaMaria #CharlesI #CharlesII #GeorgeI #CourtCeremony #ArchitecturalHistory #HistoricRoyalPalaces

This article offers an exclusive look into the grand and often-overlooked hallways of various royal residences, highlighting their unique decorative styles, historical significance, and impressive scale. It delves into the interiors of homes belonging to prominent members of the British Royal Family and other European royals, showcasing how these spaces reflect their inhabitants' tastes and the historical context of the properties. The tour begins with Althorp House, the Spencer family home where Princess Diana grew up. The Saloon, serving as a grand hallway, features a large wooden staircase, chandeliers, and walls adorned with gold-framed paintings, maintaining a classic aristocratic aesthetic. Moving to official residences, Buckingham Palace's Principal Corridor, the Queen's primary London residence, is described with lime green walls, red baroque carpet, and high ceilings with gold carvings. The corridor reportedly houses over 3000 pieces of art, underscoring its dual role as a functional passage and an art gallery. Windsor Castle, another significant royal abode, boasts the Grand Corridor, a lengthy space displaying hundreds of artworks and maintaining its appearance since 1846. St George's Hall within Windsor Castle is also featured, known for its vaulted ceilings, wooden wainscoting, and grand red carpet, serving as a connector between rooms and a venue for state banquets. The article then explores Clarence House, the London residence of Prince Charles and Camilla, revealing a corridor with cream walls, red carpets, gilded art, and a distinctive fabric mural overhead, showcasing a blend of elegance and personal touches. Kensington Palace, the home of Prince William and Kate Middleton, presents a more understated hallway with a simple white color scheme and a black lantern-style lampshade, as glimpsed during a documentary filming. Royal Lodge, the residence of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, offers a look at a hallway with cream carpets and green walls filled with family photographs, reflecting a more personal and intimate atmosphere. Further into the royal residences, the temporary Los Angeles home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, owned by Tyler Perry, is described with arched ceilings, wooden floors, cream walls, and coordinating glass and wooden lampshades and door frames. The article concludes with Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece's New York home. This 1913 property retains a retro feel in its hallway, featuring patterned stairs and antique furniture, despite modernizations in other areas. Each hallway, while serving a similar function, distinctly reflects the heritage, personal preferences, and official roles of its royal occupants, offering a unique glimpse into their opulent yet functional living spaces. #RoyalResidences #HallwayDecor #BuckinghamPalace #WindsorCastle #KensingtonPalace #ClarenceHouse #AlthorpHouse #RoyalLodge #RoyalInteriors

This article highlights the successful remodel of a Tudor-revival style home, originally a carriage house built in 1902, by the design team Kaminski + Pew. The property, located in Philadelphia, had undergone several less tasteful renovations over the years, losing some of its original charm and functionality. The new clients, an older couple relocating from Iowa to be closer to their children, sought a home that honored its history while supporting single-floor living as they aged. The core challenge was that the house was in an "upside-down" configuration, with a dance studio on the first floor and all primary living spaces, including the kitchen, located on the second floor. Kaminski + Pew began the project by thoroughly cataloging the existing details of the home. They identified and appreciated original features such as diamond lattice windows, heavy stonework, tin ceilings, rounded plaster walls, and substantial wood wainscoting. Their primary goal was to restore these elements and ensure that any new additions blended seamlessly with the historical context. The previous insensitive renovations were carefully reversed, and the existing wood floors were sanded and stained a rich chestnut to add sophistication. Damaged or missing trim and wainscoting sections were meticulously rebuilt or matched. The most significant aspect of the renovation involved moving the main living functions to the ground floor. The ground floor, previously a large open space due to its original use as a carriage house and later a dance studio, needed to be reconfigured to accommodate a kitchen, living area, dining room, and a new ground-floor bedroom and bathroom. To achieve a more intimate scale appropriate for a couple, the designers introduced two modest wing walls and a gentle arched opening to delineate the kitchen from the living/dining area. The tin ceiling and wainscoting were extended and adapted to make these new architectural elements appear original. A bold design choice for the kitchen involved selecting Rookwood Red from Sherwin-Williams for the cabinetry. Initially, the clients preferred neutral tones, but the designers persuaded them by drawing inspiration from the home’s red shingle roof and deep red front door, thus integrating the color into the home’s existing palette. For the countertops, a leathered granite was chosen for its soapstone-like appearance, offering durability and lower maintenance compared to actual soapstone. The kitchen also features an antique table sourced from a local auction, chairs from Fourhands, a pendant light from Visual Comfort, and sconces from Hudson Valley Lighting, with appliances from Bosch and a Wolf induction cooktop. Addressing the challenges of an old home, particularly the existing tin ceiling, required innovative solutions. While preserving the tin ceiling added texture and scale, it also presented difficulties when adding new lighting. The team discreetly installed new surface-mounted lighting by routing wires through the ceiling joists above the tin. A fabricator and installer were found to match existing profiles, ensuring that the new electrical work was indistinguishable from the original. Furthermore, a poorly placed spiral staircase that served as the only access to the second floor was removed and replaced with a more gracious stair located off the entryway, enhancing both safety and flow. The redesigned bathrooms feature dark wooden vanities with veined marble countertops and pale blue paneled walls with large mirrors, marble sinks, and gold lighting fixtures. Ultimately, the project transformed a neglected Tudor-style property into a warm and welcoming home that respects its historical narrative while providing modern functionality for its residents. The designers successfully blended past and present, creating a timeless space that meets the client's needs for comfortable single-floor living. #HomeRenovation #TudorRevival #HistoricPreservation #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #SingleFloorLiving #ArchitecturalRenovation #HomeTours

Many homeowners renovating older properties between the 1920s and 1970s might stumble upon a peculiar and seemingly alarming discovery: hundreds of old, rusty razor blades hidden within their bathroom walls. This phenomenon, which often evokes images from a horror film, is surprisingly common and has a logical explanation rooted in the history of personal grooming and waste disposal practices. These aren't modern plastic cartridge razors, but rather blades from early 20th-century safety razors. The introduction of the safety razor by Gillette in 1903 revolutionized at-home shaving, offering a safer and easier alternative to straight-edge razors. As these razors became widely adopted, a significant problem arose: how to safely dispose of used, sharp, and potentially contaminated blades. Simply throwing them in the trash was not a viable solution, especially given that in the 1930s and 1940s, trash was often burned, and the ashes were spread in gardens. Razor blades typically survived these low-heat fires, posing a considerable hazard to gardeners and animals. To address this, a clever, albeit unconventional, disposal method was integrated into the design of medicine cabinets during the mid-22th century. According to Richard D’Angelo, a project manager at JWE Remodeling and Roofing, older medicine cabinets were installed directly into interior walls and featured a slot in the back. This slot allowed users to discard used blades, which would then fall into the wall cavity between framing studs and accumulate on top of the bottom-plate stud. This design effectively hid the sharp waste from immediate view and prevented injuries. The long-term plan behind this method was that the space within the walls was ample enough to accommodate centuries worth of blades before it would fill up. The assumption was that by then, new and better disposal methods would have been developed. This proved true, as advancements in shaving technology, such as the introduction of improved blades by Bic in the 1970s, offered more durable options that needed less frequent disposal. The convenience of trashing these newer plastic razors eventually rendered the wall disposal slots obsolete. Consequently, when new medicine cabinets were installed or bathrooms were remodeled, these disposal slots were often plastered over and forgotten. The practice remained largely unknown until homeowners began undertaking renovations in older homes. It's not uncommon for remodelers to find stacks of razor blades during demolition. In one instance, blades even fell through a wall from a second-floor bathroom into the ceiling cavity of the kitchen during a demolition, highlighting the extent of this historical disposal practice. While surprising, this discovery is generally not a cause for alarm, but rather a fascinating glimpse into past household practices. #HomeRenovation #BathroomDesign #HistoricalPractices #SafetyRazors #WasteDisposal #OldHomes #RemodelingDiscoveries #HouseholdHistory

Patti and Brian Wagner, a couple known for their expertise in restoring old homes into rental properties, embarked on a significant renovation of their own 1927 Tudor house located in Linden Hills. Patti, a senior designer at Target, and Brian, a commercial banker, dedicated their evenings and weekends to this project, transforming a home that previously deterred prospective buyers due to its dark galley kitchen. The central focus of their renovation was to modernize the living spaces, with a particular emphasis on creating a bright and spacious kitchen. A key aspect of the renovation involved converting the attached two-car garage into the new kitchen. This strategic move allowed them to expand the kitchen area and introduce ample natural light, addressing one of the property's major drawbacks. The design choices for the renovation were heavily influenced by the home's original features, particularly the foyer. The dark wood door and hardware in the foyer guided the selection of woodwork and material finishes for the new kitchen, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic that respected the home's historical character. Additionally, the 1920s floor tiles in the foyer served as inspiration for the kitchen's new terra cotta tile floors, blending old-world charm with modern functionality. The couple approached other areas of the house with a similar philosophy of thoughtful modernization. The living room, which previously featured buttery walls, was brightened using Benjamin Moore’s White Dove paint. Brian meticulously refinished, reglazed, and repainted all of the home’s original windows, preserving their historical integrity while enhancing energy efficiency and visual appeal. A neutral Room & Board sofa was strategically placed to define the relaxation area, while also accommodating a play zone for their daughters. Charming built-in features, such as a shelf nook in the dining room and a mailbox slot in the foyer, were retained and highlighted as beloved details of the home. The kitchen transformation from the garage space was executed without altering the original footprint or window placement. Garage doors were replaced with elegant French doors and sidelights, and faux wood beams were added to the ceiling to enhance the room's character. The installation of oil-rubbed bronze hardware and Shaker-style inset cabinets contributed to a timeless look, making them appear as if they were always part of the house. The design contrasted dark architectural elements like the terra cotta tile floors with white cabinetry, marble countertops, and subway tiles, creating a light and airy ambiance. The kitchen doors open directly to an adjoining courtyard, which is further complemented by a newly constructed detached garage and studio. Instead of a conventional, concealed pantry, the Wagners opted for a built-in bar, designed for easy access to drinks and stemware, reflecting their love for entertaining. This airy cabinetry, topped with honed marble, became one of the most admired features of their home. A sunlit corner in the living room was transformed into a serene reading nook, furnished with a rattan chair and textured throws. A framed 1920s pamphlet, discovered during the renovation, was incorporated into the decor, adding a unique historical touch. The daughters' room was designed with a sweet, sisterly feel, featuring twin iron beds. The Wagners, who often seek salvaged items, found these bed frames online. Floral Ikea bedding and colorful pillows were used to introduce pattern and vibrancy into the room. The comprehensive renovation was a collaborative effort, with Benjamin Johnson of Local Lakes Construction serving as the general contractor and W Landscapes handling the landscaping. The Wagners' renovation exemplifies a balanced approach to preserving historical charm while integrating contemporary design and functionality, creating a home that is both beautiful and practical for their family life. #HomeTours #TudorRenovation #HomeDesign #BeforeAndAfter #KitchenRemodel #InteriorDesign #HistoricHome #LindenHills #FamilyHome

Bathrooms are experiencing a significant shift in design philosophy, moving away from purely utilitarian spaces towards softer, more decorative environments. This evolution is prompting a revival of several traditional bathroom features, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into both classic and contemporary schemes. These elements infuse character and personality, prioritizing aesthetic appeal beyond streamlined storage and watertight functionalities. One such feature making a notable return is the built-in bath nook. While freestanding baths have long been associated with luxury, built-in bath nooks offer an equally opulent, yet architecturally distinct alternative. These nooks, often featuring paneled sides or stone surrounds, create a strong visual focal point and add architectural interest. They provide generous ledge space for toiletries, candles, or even an iPad, transforming the bathing experience into a spa-like ritual. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, built-in bath nooks are also highly practical, offering waterproof surfaces and the ability to discreetly hide shower fixtures. Traditional washstands are also experiencing a resurgence, becoming coveted elements in modern bathroom designs. Although they may offer less concealed storage compared to typical vanities, designers view this as a worthwhile trade-off for the elegance and openness they introduce. These washstands, characterized by their white porcelain basins and metal or wooden frames, evoke a sense of sentimentality and heirloom value. They create negative space beneath the basin, allowing for a more graceful display of other bathroom materials. Contemporary interpretations of washstands, such as deVOL's Victorian Washstand, blend traditional design with modern finishes and colors. To compensate for reduced surface space, wall-mounted storage and decorative accessories can be incorporated. Ornate wall lights are another traditional feature re-entering the mainstream, addressing the often stark and sterile nature of bathroom lighting. Moving beyond bright overhead lights, designers are integrating decorative ambient lighting to add both style and function. Layered lighting, commonly seen in kitchens, proves equally effective in bathrooms. Ornate wall sconces, whether flanking a vanity mirror or placed in unexpected areas, create a more inviting atmosphere and serve as decorative elements. This lighting approach also provides a more flattering light source than sole reliance on ceiling fixtures. Furthermore, traditional floor tiles are enjoying a significant revival, drawing inspiration from Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian periods. These tiles infuse bathrooms with a classic yet visually engaging aesthetic. The checkerboard pattern, for instance, has regained popularity, alongside other traditional styles. These designs can range from busy and colorful to more subtle, making them suitable for various design preferences. Traditional flooring fundamentally alters the room's perception by establishing a strong horizontal plane that grounds the space, balancing other fixtures and introducing visual discipline. Even simple patterns, like black and white tiles with triangular accents, can transform a basic floor into a captivating focal point. Finally, the trend of using two single vanities instead of a single long double vanity is gaining traction in primary bathrooms. While double vanities offer convenience and ample storage, two separate vanities provide a more curated and formal appearance. This approach enhances design versatility and opens up more possibilities for bathroom layouts. By breaking up the continuous counter space, designers have greater freedom in arranging fixtures and creating a sense of symmetry within the room. However, it is advised to avoid placing two vanities back-to-back to prevent an 'infinity mirror' effect, instead opting for arrangements that flank entrances or showers to maximize visual appeal and functionality. #BathroomDesign #TraditionalFeatures #InteriorDesignTrends #BathroomLighting #WashstandRevival #BuiltInBathNooks #TraditionalTiles #HomeDecor #BathroomRemodeling

Patti Wagner and her husband, Brian, undertook a do-it-yourself renovation of their 47-square-foot Tudor bathroom, focusing on replacing the dated flooring while preserving the historical charm of the chartreuse wall tiles. This two-month project involved a significant overhaul, including stripping 89 years of paint from the walls and removing old floor tiles, highlighting that such a project is achievable for patient and willing individuals. The initial phase of the renovation involved careful preparation. The couple started by removing essential bathroom fixtures such as the sink, toilet, and radiator. This step required meticulous planning to avoid damage to existing structures. For tile removal, an angle grinder equipped with a diamond blade was used to precisely cut along grout lines and through the old mortar base. Following this, a hammer and chisel or flathead screwdriver were employed to delicately detach the tile pieces. A primary concern during this stage was to prevent any damage to the wainscoting while extracting the old flooring. In line with their goal of honoring the home's original Tudor architecture, the Wagners selected a flat-finish white hexagon tile for the new flooring. This choice was deliberate, as it complemented the bathroom's original green wall tiles, maintaining a cohesive and historically appropriate aesthetic. The decision to work with existing elements, rather than completely replacing them, underscores a thoughtful approach to renovation. The subsequent steps involved laying the new floor. They first installed wire mesh, followed by pouring a self-leveling concrete base to adjust the floor height appropriately. Once this concrete layer had dried, a thin-set mortar was used to securely place the new hexagon tiles. The final touches included applying grout and a grout sealer, noting that the tile itself did not necessitate a separate sealant. The couple emphasized that the most challenging aspect of the entire process was sustaining momentum and committing consistent time to the work, particularly with young children in the household. Their experience demonstrates that patience and perseverance are crucial for the successful completion of such a project. #BathroomRenovation #DIYHomeImprovement #FloorTiling #TudorArchitecture #HomeRenovation #SmallSpaceDesign #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter

Vancouver-based artist and woodworker Colin Johnson has completed an impressive piece of functional art titled 'The Emperor’s Cabinet.' This creation is a large, handcrafted wet bar meticulously designed to resemble an AT-AT Walker from the iconic *Star Wars* films. The wet bar is distinguished by its detailed construction, featuring high-density plywood, mahogany veneer, and solid brass trim and guns, which replicate the intimidating appearance of the Imperial Walker. The interior of 'The Emperor’s Cabinet' is just as thoughtfully designed as its exterior. It includes a usable bar area equipped with shelves and a mirrored back, providing practical storage and display space for beverages and barware. The choice of materials like mahogany veneer adds a touch of sophistication and craftsmanship to the *Star Wars*-inspired theme, elevating it beyond a mere prop to a piece of fine furniture. This unique wet bar was recently showcased at the Hot Art Wet City art gallery in Vancouver as part of 'May LaForge Be With You,' a group art exhibition paying tribute to both *Star Wars* and *Star Trek*. The exhibition provided an ideal setting for Johnson's creation, allowing attendees to appreciate the scale and intricate details of 'The Emperor’s Cabinet.' The artist's previous work on this piece, specifically its partial completion, had also garnered attention, highlighting the anticipation for its final unveiling. Photographer Chris Bentzen, associated with Hot Art Wet City, captured several images of 'The Emperor’s Cabinet' at the 'May LaForge Be With You' show. These photographs effectively convey the substantial size and presence of the wet bar, offering viewers a better sense of its true scale. The images, which were shared on platforms like Flickr and Instagram, allowed a wider audience to experience the artistry and engineering behind Johnson's creation. The blend of pop culture fandom with skilled woodworking and functional design makes 'The Emperor’s Cabinet' a notable example of creative furniture and artistic expression. #StarWars #ATATWalker #WetBar #WoodenArt #CustomFurniture #ColinJohnson #PopCultureDesign #FunctionalArt

This article highlights the meticulous refurbishment of a bathroom within a Grade II-listed Georgian rectory, showcasing how traditional elements can be updated with modern sensibilities. The project was led by Tor Vivian, an interior designer with a background from the Inchbald School of Design and Sotheby's, and experience with acclaimed designer Chester Jones. Her approach focused on refreshing existing high-quality fixtures and joinery rather than a complete overhaul, demonstrating a sustainable and respectful method of renovation for historic properties. The original bathroom featured handsome joinery, reclaimed parquet flooring, and classic fittings from Drummonds, which Vivian recognized as timeless choices. The primary challenge was the outdated color scheme, specifically a creamy beige on the walls that clashed with the purer tones of the Carrara marble vanity basin. To address this, Vivian selected Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball, a warm, light grey, to establish a harmonious backdrop. The cupboards were painted in a gentle mid-grey, and bone handles were added to enhance the traditional joinery, creating a cohesive flow throughout the space. Lighting was a critical aspect of the redesign. Above the vanity unit, two bespoke mirrors from Westgate Fine Art were installed, flanked by three nickel wall lights from Jim Lawrence. Vivian emphasizes the importance of placing lights on either side of mirrors to ensure even illumination of the face, a practical detail that significantly improves the functionality of the basin area. In large bathrooms, incorporating upholstery helps to soften the aesthetic dominated by hard surfaces. In this rectory bathroom, an antique bench was introduced, providing an elegant seating option within the dressing area, adding both comfort and visual interest. Window treatments were also carefully chosen to complement the overall design. Roman blinds made from a simple cotton linen were hung, featuring a braid along the edges that subtly picked up on blue accents present in the adjoining bedroom. This deliberate choice aimed to create a seamless transition and a sense of continuity between the different rooms. Overall, the refurbishment exemplifies a balanced approach to updating a historic interior. By preserving and enhancing existing quality features while introducing carefully selected colors, lighting, and soft furnishings, Tor Vivian successfully transformed the bathroom into a space that is both traditionally elegant and contemporarily refined, without sacrificing its Georgian character. #BathroomDesign #GeorgianRectory #InteriorDesign #GradeIIListed #HistoricRenovation #TraditionalJoinery #LuxuryBathrooms #TorVivian #FarrowAndBall

Mid-century bathrooms, characterized by their vibrant tile colors such as yellow, pink, green, and blue, elicit strong opinions, with many homeowners either embracing or rejecting their distinct aesthetic. While some view these colorful bathrooms as outdated, others, like the author, celebrate them for their unique charm and historical significance. The author, a self-proclaimed lover of all things midcentury, found her "bubblegum pink" bathroom, complete with dark green trim, to be a dream come true when she moved into a rental property. Mike Helmstetter, a renovation specialist with 40 years of experience, notes that many clients express dislike for these colorful tiles, particularly pink, opting for modern-day favorites like white, beige, or gray. He estimates having demolished at least 50 such bathrooms, replacing the original pastel constructions with contemporary designs. These demolitions often involve significant effort due to the robust, old-style masonry, which was built with masonry wire and two layers of concrete, making them "bulletproof" and challenging to remove. However, there are growing instances of homeowners choosing to preserve and even highlight these vintage bathrooms. Elaine Forstall, a retired luxury drapery maker, initially planned to gut the "highlighter yellow" bathroom in her newly purchased 1950s condo. She envisioned an all-white interior but ultimately decided against it, seeing it as a creative challenge to incorporate the existing color. By strategically adding bold colors and patterns through a floral shower curtain featuring monkeys, artwork, and a rug to cover mosaic floor tiles, she transformed the space for under $2,000. Her guest bathroom, now her favorite room, stands as the only one in her home with significant color. Similarly, Nancy and Jeffery Helmstetter were drawn to the midcentury bathrooms in their Bayou St. John home, which they found after a two-year search. Their primary bathroom features mint green tiles with sea glass-colored bullnose trim and diamond-patterned mosaic floors, complete with original Art Deco vanity lamps. Their second bathroom is pink with black bullnose trim, adorned with a midcentury-designed shower curtain to enhance the vintage feel. They appreciated the good condition and unusual design of these original installations. The flamboyance of 1950s home design, including brightly colored bathrooms, was a direct reflection of the post-World War II optimism and economic boom. This era saw a departure from the all-white bathrooms prevalent during the Art Deco movement. Millions of suburban ranch-style homes built for returning veterans and their families featured bathrooms tiled in vibrant pinks, blues, greens, and yellows, often with contrasting trims. Pink, in particular, gained immense popularity following Mamie Eisenhower's pink ballgown at the 1953 inauguration and Elvis Presley's pink Cadillac, leading to the common term "Mamie Pink" for these bathrooms. Recreating such bathrooms today would be difficult due to the scarcity of skilled artisans capable of the original quality masonry work. Modern homeowners, in contrast to those who appreciate the vintage aesthetic, often seek spalike luxury, roomier showers, and taller vanities. Despite these contemporary preferences, the author found a way to enhance her pink bathroom, repainting the walls with Benjamin Moore's Mascarpone to highlight the pink tiles, and completing the look with a black and white midcentury styled shower curtain, ceramic vases, and plants, creating her own "Mamie Pink tile-palace." #MidcenturyDesign #BathroomRenovation #VintageDecor #TileDesign #HomeInterior #HistoricalDesign #ColorInDesign #HomeDecoration

This blog post delves into the design and creation of a period-style bathroom within a historic Grade I-listed house located in the Chilterns, United Kingdom. The project aimed to seamlessly integrate the bathroom's aesthetic with the existing architectural style of the house while ensuring a luxurious feel. Interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen, known for her expertise in antiques and set design, spearheaded the project. The bathroom is part of the master bedroom suite and benefits from a captivating view of the 'Long Ride,' a significant feature of the surrounding 14th-century parkland. The design process began with the restoration of the listed panelling, an essential element for preserving the historical integrity of the space. Additionally, the wooden floors were carefully matched to those found in the rest of the house, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the property. A notable design choice was placing the bathtub on a raised wooden plinth, strategically positioned to maximize the enjoyment of the scenic outdoor views. This elevation enhances the sense of luxury and provides an immersive experience of the natural surroundings. At the far end of the bathroom, a dedicated seating area is arranged by a fireplace, fostering an atmosphere of relaxation and comfort. This thoughtful inclusion transforms the bathroom beyond a purely functional space into a private retreat. Custom-made cabinetry and a bespoke shower cabinet were incorporated to ensure a perfect fit within the existing architecture and to maintain the period authenticity. These custom elements highlight the attention to detail and the commitment to a tailored design solution. The article also provides specific recommendations for sourcing furniture and fittings to achieve a similar period look. For furniture, Jonathan Sainsbury is suggested, a traditional furniture-making business located in Dorset, known for its craftsmanship. The Water Monopoly, a London-based showroom, is recommended for acquiring a wide array of traditional baths, emphasizing their handsome designs. For taps and other sanitaryware, Lefroy Brooks is highlighted for its exquisite range of products, including bathroom furniture and accessories. Regarding flooring, Walking on Wood, a London supplier, is presented as a valuable resource for various floor types, from classic oak options to more distinctive alternatives, ensuring that the foundational elements of the bathroom align with the period aesthetic. The article, written by Arabella Youens and published in June 2016, serves as a guide for individuals interested in interior design, particularly those looking to recreate a luxurious and historically appropriate period bathroom. It combines practical design insights with specific product recommendations, offering a comprehensive approach to achieving this sophisticated style. #PeriodBathroom #InteriorDesign #HistoricHome #LuxuryBathroom #HenrietteVonStockhausen #ChilternsProperty #CustomCabinetry #TraditionalFurnishings