Days Of Glamour

Discover styles which transport you back in time, and use them to build an elegant and refined vintage style bathroom.

It is easy to reminisce about times when glided accents, opulent spaces, lush interiors and refined taste graced both public and private spaces, for centuries at end. Thankfully, you can relive those splendid times by incorporating vintage design trends in your bathroom, with elements that can be tweaked and sewn into the modern realm beautifully. “In India, we have seen design and architecture flourish from as early as the Mughal era. Today, inspiration from Indian heritage is something that every designer uses, whether it is in the field of fashion or interiors. We have a rich heritage of design that has evolved through time; and people want to incorporate these elements in their personal spaces. Vintage design encompasses elegant and timeless detailing which adds to the overall look of any space, creating a royal and majestic vibe,” says Gautam Dhawan & Ruchika Baid, Co-Founders, Zanaat. By keeping in mind these few tips and tricks you can easily bring that regal era right into your bathroom.

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Architectural additions

A vintage bathroom is incomplete without pedestal sinks which come in all shapes and sizes, and pack a lot of style into their petite form with even more counter space. You can upgrade from the conventional pedestal sink with a tapered leg and crystal foot, which gives the circular sink a fashion-forward feel. For those with a nostalgic bent looking for an alternate for the pedestal sink, you can opt for a console sink which has two slim legs upon which the sink is placed. A marble capped vanity does not go out of style and can really emphasise the regal look of the bathroom. Ms Shriya Kolte, Founder, Imagination Inc. says, “Vintage interiors pay homage to the elegance of the past, and there’s no doubting the attention they receive over aesthetic even today. The key lies in creating interiors that are reminiscent of the past without coming across as an old and worn out.”

Floored over

You can install small white tiles which are inspired from old-school lavatories and subway tiles, as they augment the bathroom’s period character. A fresh take can be executed by using green penny tiles in the shower area or a retro daisy motif which re-energises the mostly white bathroom, as was immensely popular back in the days. Marble has always been a favourite amongst royalty through centuries, as it gives a sense of grandeur and opulence to the whole atmosphere of the bathroom. If you already have wooden floorings then don’t worry as wood is an evergreen material that gives a rustic vibe as well as sophisticated look.

Sensational accents

In order to break the monotony of white fixtures, you can add a fuzzy rug area, with woven baskets, fluffy towels and rich coloured ruffled curtains enclosing the footed tub to add that extra oomph. By adding patterns and colours, the character of the bathroom becomes unique to your own likings, even if it is just the addition of an accented wall colour which complements the decor. You can use bright hues of blue, red and purple, which can be done in paint, wall covering or fabric, along with quirky collectables that generally accumulate through the passage of time. “Many new designs trends may come across as monotonous and straight-lined, so it is important to break the monotony by incorporating items of one’s personal design aesthetic. Adding colour and statement pieces can do wonders in creating a unique space,” adds Gautam and Ruchika. Don’t forget to utilise the often forgotten wall above the commode, by decorating it with artwork, foliage or a towel bar. The decorations depend on the kind of vintage style that you want to adopt, whether it is cottage-cosy or chic and sophisticated.

Glitz glamour

Gold, silver, bronze and rose gold have an unprecedented charm when it comes to accentuating the appeal of a bathroom. They merge well with most types of decor and materials, and add a bit of oomph to otherwise mundane accessories. Gold or silver framed mirrors, a candelabra or maybe a chandelier, and even specific fittings and taps can elevate the whole atmosphere of the bathroom and give it a more glamorous and luxurious look. You can also add a glitzy claw-footed tub which continues to make a splash today, with its classic silhouette and deep basin, which still exudes a modern flair.

Dramatic flair

Adorn a metal chandelier, antique mirror, vaulted ceilings and white-painted rafters to create an old-world charm. Choosing the right light fixture around the mirror is pivotal because it illuminates the whole area, and if arranged strategically, can even make the room appear larger. Shriya adds that the most common influences noticed in Indian bathrooms include vintage patterns, colours, and other details, which become the focal point of the design, and therefore should be chosen on the basis of their quality and durability. Beaded-board wainscoting, a small wall-hung cabinet, and a timeworn mirror also work well, as a means of transporting the bathroom back in the era’s past. For additional storage an antique cupboard works great, which can augmented by a beat-up metal or a sleek marble top table.

From the January 2020 issue of L’Officiel India.