Midcentury Modern Bathroom Renovation

Our last post featured a midcentury modern kitchen renovation. In the same ranch house, it had been decades since the primary bathroom had been remodeled, and it was time. The main priority was to create a bathroom where our client could age in place comfortably.

For this midcentury modern bathroom renovation, we needed to expand the footprint in order to accommodate a large vanity, zero-threshold shower and freestanding bathtub. We did so by taking over a small adjacent closet.

Other concerns were replacing aging cast iron plumbing and providing ample storage. Design-wise, the bathroom needed to be cohesive with the home’s midcentury architecture. However, it also needed to be a fresh, updated take on the style.

The Existing Space

Typical of most midcentury modern homes, space was tight in this primary bathroom. One of the challenges was to expand the space a bit to make room for a tub and shower that were separate, as well as a vanity with ample storage and countertop space.

Other challenges included:

Replacing the original cast iron plumbing that was not in good shape.
Eliminating the space-hogging swing of the double entry doors between the bedroom and bathroom. They impeded the furniture arrangement in the bedroom.
Updating the room’s finishes and style while respecting the original architecture.

Midcentury Modern Bathroom Renovation Floor Plan BEFORE

Midcentury Modern Bathroom Renovation Floor Plan AFTER

Expanding the Space

The most important key to meeting all of the challenges in this midcentury modern bathroom renovation was expanded the bathroom’s footprint. We were able to take over an adjacent closet (right).

This allowed for a stunning double vanity with a concrete trough in a limestone color. The custom vanity cabinetry also includes lots of closed storage as well as an open shelf on the bottom. This kept a more open and light feel in the relatively small space.

A large mirror reflects the light, making the room feel larger.

Entry Doors and Bathtub

We solved the entry doors issue by installing sliding double frosted-glass doors. These allow for a more flexible furniture arrangement in the bedroom. They also allow light to be shared between the two rooms, an important asset in the long, narrow space.

Our client was drawn to a sculptural freestanding bathtub. This model fits nicely into one side of the room, surrounded by the earthy tones of the tile. And it’s minimalist style is appropriate to the era.

Tile Selections

One strategic way we infused the space with midcentury modern spirit was with tile. Geometric shapes and playful vibes were key.

Wrapping the tub surround tile around the corner to continue as a backsplash lends a clean-lined, midcentury modern-inspired look. It also helps mitigate the low ceilings in the room by drawing the eye to the line where tile meets drywall.

This wall tile is in an earthy, organic green color. And the rectangular shapes are very era-appropriate. This tile is a calming element in the room.

By contrast, the floor tile is dark and graphic. It dots the floor in playful circles and adds lots of personality to the space.

Vanity Wall Details

The new vanity has plenty of storage, including a low shelf for baskets or rolled-up towels. There’s room for two to use the large trough sink at the same time.

Vanity Wall Details

Here’s a closer look at some of the finishes. “Handsome” was the inspiration. The deep stain on the vanity nods to midcentury’s favorite wood, walnut. The matte black faucets mix in wood handles that play off the vanity. The concrete trough added another organic material.

Brass is of the era and today. We used it on the mirror frame, light fixtures and as a detail on the beautiful cabinet hardware.

Cylindrical glass sconces provide lots of light for shaving. Their shapes are in keeping with 1950s design but the look is also timeless.

Our design team was thoughtful about carefully editing the material palette. They made impactful choices while limiting them. While these are modern-day choices, the limited palette, simple geometric shapes, earthy colors and contrast are in keeping with midcentury style.

The Shower Before

The shower was cramped and had a high curb that was not conducive to aging in place. And the placement of the toilet so close to the curb made it feel cramped.

The Shower After

The new shower was designed for aging in place. More on that in a minute, because it also has great style.

The floor tile continues seamlessly into the stall, thanks to the curbless design. The shower floor slopes imperceptibly to push the water to a linear drain.

The clear glass enclosure keeps the room feeling open, airy and larger than it actually is.

Here’s a closer look at the shower’s finishes and fixtures. We continued the same tile we used on the bathroom walls for a cohesive and clean look. They have a reflective quality that makes the most of the light.

We added two shower niches and repeated the limestone-colored concrete we used on the vanity on the shelves. We also repeated this material on the shower bench.

The matte black plumbing fixtures add contrast to the soft color of the tiles. They also pick up on the dark floor tile.

Aging In Place

Making this house a home where our client could live comfortably as his needs changed was key. After all, he plans on making this his forever home. Universal design elements in the shower include:

A zero-threshold entry, allowing for easy access when aging in place.
A handheld wand and bench for washing while seated
Grab bars for safety
Small tiles with lots of grout for good grip

Side note: There are a lot more options for grab bars with style these days. And even if you aren’t considering adding them now, when renovating, you can have the walls blocked to support them in the future. This will make installation as easy as possible should you want to add them later.

a drawing of a bathroom with a double glass door — Here is an elevation of the other side of the room.

Midcentury Modern Bathroom Renovation: Results

In this midcentury modern bathroom renovation, we turned a small, cramped and dated bathroom that was in bad shape into a chic and handsome retreat. We were inspired by our client’s love for midcentury modern design and embraced it.

More importantly, we created a space that allowed him to turn his recently purchased house into his forever home. Aging in place strategies we designed and installed will keep him safe and comfortable here for many years to come.

Are you considering updating your home so that you can age in place there? We can help you remodel key spaces like bathrooms to make sure your house will remain your forever home. Please give us a call for a free consultation.

Another side note: If you have a passion for modern architecture, check out the Modern Atlanta Architecture Tour. It is always such a fun way to peek into some of Atlanta’s best modern homes. This year it takes place October 4-5.