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This bathroom makeover kept the retro baby-blue tiles and it looks amazing
This blog post explores how to integrate retro tiles into a modern bathroom design, focusing on a successful renovation by Carrie Hayward from Disney Travel Babble. It addresses the common tendency for renovators to remove vintage tiles, particularly those in vibrant 1940s and 1950s colors like powder blue, avocado green, or baby pink, and instead advocates for preserving and highlighting these unique features. Carrie Hayward's approach demonstrates that with thoughtful design choices, retro tiles can become a focal point in a contemporary space.
The article details the transformation of Hayward's main bathroom, which initially suffered from a sterile appearance due to beige walls and hard surfaces, despite the presence of original 1950s turquoise tiles that were a key selling point of her apartment. Rather than stripping out these tiles, she aimed to create a more vibrant and cohesive environment. The centerpiece of the makeover is the Schumacher's Chiang Mai Dragon wallpaper in Aquamarine, chosen after extensive searching to complement the existing tilework. This expensive but impactful choice brought a sense of drama and color to the room, proving that strategic investment in key design elements can elevate the entire space. To further unify the design, a Roman shade was custom-made from coordinating fabric, with bright tangerine tassels sourced from eBay to match the colors within the wallpaper, demonstrating attention to detail and creative problem-solving in sourcing specific design elements.
Beyond the wallpaper, Hayward meticulously selected fixtures and accessories to blend retro charm with modern functionality. She retained a vintage 'log light' above the vanity while replacing a 'jelly jar light fixture' with a deeply discounted Arteriors sputnik light, showcasing a blend of old and new elements. The original builder-grade cabinet hardware was swapped for vintage bamboo pulls, adding another layer of retro authenticity. Orange accents were strategically placed in the lower half of the room, echoing the colors in the wallpaper and creating a harmonious flow throughout the space, avoiding a disjointed appearance.
A particularly interesting anecdote involves the restoration of the towel rails. One original towel bar had been broken and replaced, leaving unsightly cleats in the tile. Hayward located an exact 65-year-old replacement towel bar, still in its original packaging, on eBay. This allowed her to remove the mismatched replacement and install a period-appropriate towel bar that fit the existing cleats, ensuring historical accuracy and aesthetic continuity. Chris Turnham art prints were then hung above this restored towel bar, adding a final touch of sophistication.
The article also briefly touches upon another of Carrie Hayward's distinctive projects: a 'haunted bathroom' themed after Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. This earlier renovation, completed in 2016, transformed a small, unappealing three-quarters bath into a highly detailed replica of the Mansion's foyer. Hayward’s dedication to authenticity involved tracking down the exact materials Disney used, including wallpaper and sheers, and even finding quirky, creepy versions of everyday items like a toilet paper holder. This project, though different in style, further illustrates her innovative approach to interior design and her ability to create themed, immersive spaces. While the article expresses a preference for the retro glam bathroom, it acknowledges the Haunted Mansion project as a solid and creative endeavor, highlighting Hayward's versatility and passion for unique design concepts.
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