How To Embrace Your Retro Bathroom Tile, According to HGTV’s Leanne Ford

Deep in the throes of one of the most competitive real estate markets in history, house hunters have realized how difficult it is to find a home at all, let alone one that is updated to their liking. And, while many are partial to “vintage charm,” it’s easy for new owners of throwback homes to rip out bathroom tile that looks dated. However, HGTV expert and schoolhouse chic designer Leanne Ford urges you to resist ripping those retro tiles out of your home and start embracing them instead. 

Ford devoted an entire Instagram post to try to save pink tiles from going extinct in the design world. “They always say ‘what goes around comes around!’ And it’s true—I am always getting inspiration from the past!” the HGTV star wrote in the caption. 

Ford pointed out that over the last few years, the blush-toned tiles have gotten a “a BAD rep then a GOOD rep,” but regardless, she suggests leaving them intact. “I am here to say don’t rip the pink tile out of your bathroom just yet, it’s got so much potential,” she promised.

To demonstrate her theory, she shared an image of a gorgeous bathroom, decked out in some vintage-feeling, distressed square pink tiles. “While this particular pink tile wasn’t original to the house, I paired it with a vintage brass faucet and sink, two globe sconces that, yes, I took white paint to, and a fresh linen for good measure,” she explained. “The final product is a very gentle and very elegant version of a classic pink tiled bathroom.”

And this can go for other vintage-colored tiles, too. Just pair with some brass hardware, some retro light fixtures, and do a fresh white paint refresh on the door and window frames. These few tips will complement your antique tile while also giving your bathroom a much-needed update, making it feel more intentional and less dated.