How to Create a Timeless Bathroom

white circular bathroom tile backsplash

When you’re designing your home’s bathroom for a new build or a remodel, the vast array of choices out there can be intimidating. And since it’s a big investment, you’ll want to be sure to make decisions that you will love for years. While trends can be fun, sometimes it’s best to stick to the classics—that way, you’ll guarantee that you like your timeless space for years to come. Here are our tips on how to achieve the look of a classic, beautiful bathroom, without getting too trendy as you make your selections.

Tip #1: Be Deliberate About Color Scheme

Painted walls are a relatively easy change, so if you want to incorporate a trendy color in your bathroom design, we recommend doing it with wall color (or easily changed accessories like shower curtains and towels). Otherwise, we recommend choosing a neutral color scheme for a more classic feel. With tile specifically, selecting grays and whites for your color scheme lends itself to a traditional look. With regard to shape, look for classics like subway or hexagonal to keep it timeless.

Tip #2: Ensure That the Space Matches the Home’s Age and Style

If your home was built in the 1920s, a remodel that utilizes classic materials looks more cohesive and timeless than one that uses trendier elements. For example, this might look like incorporating a classic wooden vanity with a neutral countertop in a natural material. Alternatively, a powder bathroom might call for a classic-shaped pedestal sink. By keeping your home’s age and style in mind when designing, you’ll ensure that your selections feel natural and timeless.

Tip 3: Consider Your Vanity

Your bathroom’s vanity and mirror are the focal points of the room, so choose your vanity wisely. We recommend selecting one in a classic shape for a timeless feel. We think that wooden vanities in traditional shapes always provide a look that will last, without reading as too trendy. Ultra-modern options may feel dated in a few years, especially if the rest of your home is more traditional. That said, you can integrate modern convenience into a classic vanity with options like drawer organizers and in-drawer plug-in outlets.

Tip #4: Go for Marble (or Quartz) Counters

Natural stone in a bathroom always looks timeless and classic—and we think it always looks beautiful too. Choosing a marble countertop in white or gray tones can create a crisp, clean, and luxurious feel. Alternatively, there are plenty of quartz options available that are often very durable and more affordable than marble, and they provide a very similar aesthetic.

Tip #5: Choose Fixtures in a Timeless Style and Finish

While we love the look of modern and eclectic-shaped bathroom fixtures, a timeless bathroom likely isn’t the best place for them. Choose sink faucets that are classically shaped as well as shower fixtures that have timeless lines and finishes. Our experts can help guide you to the ones that may suit your room the best. We love a polished nickel for a classic look, but we also feel that aged brass is a beautiful element to add in a timeless bathroom.

We think of creating a timeless bathroom the same way we think of dressing timelessly: invest in foundational pieces that you’ll love for years and pepper the rest of the look with more trendy accessories. In your bathroom’s case, this might look like colorful hand towels, interesting soap dishes or dispensers, and fun decorative items. But to keep your space feeling timeless, select the foundational elements that feel neutral, classic, and luxurious.