Embracing the Past: Three Paths to Revitalizing Historic Bathrooms
Preserving the Original Essence: A Tribute to History
When a bathroom possesses significant historical value, some designers advocate for its complete preservation, allowing its inherent character to shine. Brittny Button, a designer from AD PRO Directory based in Los Angeles, exemplified this philosophy in her restoration of Mesa Bungalows, a 1930s Spanish residence in Palm Springs once owned by actress Ali MacGraw. Button's vision was inspired by Jayne Mansfield's 'Pink Palace,' aiming to amplify the existing 'Old Hollywood' allure. Fortuitously, the bathroom retained its sound structural integrity and functional plumbing. Button's intervention focused on careful restoration: reinstalling a classic pedestal sink, vintage clam-shaped sconces, and a pink claw-foot tub, all set against a backdrop of deep green square tiles with white grout. She emphasizes that incorporating vintage fixtures is crucial for endowing a property with profound historical resonance.
Harmonizing Old and New: The Spirit of Thoughtful Evolution
Conversely, designer Amber Lewis contends that a rigid purist stance isn't always necessary. A subtle yet thoughtful renovation can yield significant benefits. Lewis recently refreshed her 1937 lake house in Lake Arrowhead, California, acknowledging the temptation to gut the entire space. However, she recognized the inherent 'soul' of the house, opting for a more gentle approach. The bathroom, having undergone a partial renovation in the 1980s, was structurally sound but lacked a refreshed aesthetic. Lewis preserved the existing wall paneling and trim, replacing worn countertops with new walnut ones that mirrored the original style. A fresh coat of warm white paint (Dunn Edwards’s Rice Bowl) revitalized the vertical shiplap, and a new vanity replicated the charm of its predecessor. Grasscloth wallpaper added texture without disrupting the cozy ambiance. Lewis articulates her approach as 'building on a space's story, not rewriting it,' drawing a clear distinction between mere transformation and genuine refinement.
Revolutionary Revitalization: Transforming with Respect
There are instances where the most respectful way to honor a vintage bathroom's legacy is to embark on a comprehensive reimagination. Such was the case with the Onna House in East Hampton, New York, designed by architect Paul Lester Wiener in 1962 as a summer retreat for art collectors Ethel and Robert Scull. Designer Lisa Perry acquired and restored the house almost six decades later with the assistance of Harper Design Build, envisioning it as an exhibition space for art. Perry aimed for every surface to serve as a canvas. While she admired Wiener's signature use of black, including the original graphically tiled bathroom, time had caused significant degradation. Consequently, she replaced the tiles with new ones in a similar graphic style. After a complete upgrade of the plumbing system with modern fixtures, the space became a platform for artistic expression: a custom metal vanity now displays sculptures instead of toiletries, and an inset niche showcases ceramic vessels in lieu of typical scented candles. Perry challenges conventional bathroom design, suggesting that an artwork by Nancy Lorenz, featuring billows of Palladium leaf that obscure reflections, offers a unique 'American standard,' proving that bathrooms needn't conform to a 'cookie-cutter' aesthetic.