Relive the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties by decorating your bathroom with the timeless motif of art deco. Art deco provides the ultimate balance of outrageous style and enduring relevancy. It’s a design that never goes out of fashion. Ever.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to putting together your own retro bathroom.
Set the tone with a bold basin
An art deco sink is defined by hard, angular lines and a long pedestal. Kohler’s Memoirs® line is an excellent choice that’s available in a variety of finishes to allow flexibility with your color palette.
Memoirs® is ideal for those seeking a “full classic” retro look.
For a more modern design that still plays along with the art deco theme, consider the 23 inch Rêve®. Rêve® offers strong geometric lines and contemporary contours to create a striking focal point in the bathroom. The V-shaped basin is both practical and stylish. Remember, one of the core tenets of art deco style is function over form.
Hang a large ornate mirror above the sink for added effect. Look for something with a gilded, brass, aluminum, silver or chrome frame.
Make a statement with a freestanding bath
When an original claw-toothed iron bath is simply unavailable, Kohler’s Iron Works® Historic freestanding tub is the next best thing. With classic curves and ornate footings, this tub melds modern comfort and lumbar support with old school chic.
Take a free pass on your toilet
The one-two punch of freestanding tub and pedestal sink ought to create sufficient impact to allow a “get out of jail free card” when it comes to toilet selection. There’s no need to go antique with your commode if you don’t want to.
Let’s face it, a modern toilet has its…umm…benefits.
And it’s easy to quickly transform a contemporary toilet to showcase historic flair. Place an art deco inspired vanity tray on the top of the tank to display ornate bottles and trinkets. Boom! Now you get a powerful flush AND a powerful impact.
Be audacious with your wall coverings
If you’ve got the budget for it, consider tiling your walls with checkered or subway tiles. Wall tiles have the dual benefits of being gorgeous and easy to clean.
An inexpensive alternative is to select bathroom wallpaper with a daring period print. Think bold vertical stripes or strong 2-tone patterns. Blacks, whites and grays round out the art deco color scheme.
Upgrade your lighting fixtures
You don’t have to hang tough to clean crystal chandeliers to encapsulate 1920s-styled lighting elegance. Any reputable lighting supply house will offer a wide range of retro-styled glass fixtures.
Don’t be afraid to go gaudy. Art deco is meant to be loud, showy and over the top.
Splurge on an authentic period piece or two
The marketplace is filled with designer imposter art deco furnishings to complete your bathroom’s look at a price anyone can afford, but to truly set off the wow factor in your retro washroom, find money in your renovation budget for at least one authentic antique.
Whether it’s a table, lamp or vintage timepiece, a little piece of history can whisk visitors to your bathroom back to the Roaring Twenties.
