In this week's post Style Guide: Characteristics of Traditional Bathrooms House Tour Round-up, we explained that it is hard to define exactly what makes a bathroom "traditional", a blanket term that often overlaps with retro, vintage and eclectic styles.

Traditional bathrooms are dominated by classic elements that transcend contemporary trends, including "spa-like" features and sleek minimalism. But traditional doesn't mean unstylish. Rather, beautifully designed new traditional bathrooms will often incorporate the best of modernity, including eco-friendly materials, neutral colors, and state-of-the-art toilets and fixtures. The key is that the overall aesthetic will not scream "2011" but will instead be more classic and timeless.

What are some characteristics of traditional bathrooms?
1) Natural stone or porcelain subway or hex tiles
2) Natural stone countertops (e.g. marble) in neutral colors
3) White cotton towels and bath mats
4) Freestanding bathtubs, especially claw foot tubs
5) Pedestal and console sinks or sinks with a traditional cabinet base
6) Hinged mirrored medicine cabinets
7) Vintage or antique fixtures and accessories
8) Chrome or nickel-plated fixtures
9) A lot of neutral color and/or white, including a black-and-white combination
10) Wainscoting and wallpaper

Here are some examples from all around the web to help illustrate the style:

FIRST ROW
• 1 Brabourne Farm.
• 2 Shop Gramercy.
• 3 House Beautiful.
• 4 Brabourne Farm.
• 5 Bradbourne Farm.

SECOND ROW
• 6 This is Glamorous.
• 7 Absolutely Beautiful Things.
• 8 Lonny.
• 9 Things That Inspire.
• 10 Everything LEB.

THIRD ROW
• 11 Brooklyn Limestone.
• 12 Material Girls.
• 13 This is Glamourous.
• 14 Beach Bungalow 8.
• 15 House Beautiful.

You might also like