TAKING INSPIRATION FROM GRANDMA’S SUNNY YELLOW BATHROOM
Remember how the cute little pink half bath at Grandma’s house inspired me to make my own pink bathroom? I think I’ve done it again — more of the materials and style decisions for my master bathroom remodel seem to be lining up with the design of Grandma’s yellow bathroom.
Though I haven’t committed to putting up any chalkware fish in my bathroom — even though Grandma’s fish are pretty cute — maybe I’ll change my mind and hunt some down?
I’ve already been contemplating wallpaper, though I’m not sure I’ll put any up right away. Wallpaper can always be added later — should the perfect design appear…
If that floor pattern looks familiar to you — it might be because the tile pattern is very similar to the pink tile that I’ve chosen for the floor of my master bathroom remodel.
Recently I may have acquired a vintage pink sink (more on that to come!) — with hudee ring for my bathroom project, similar to Grandma’s yellowy peach model. And her wood vanity — complete with drawers and stained in a medium color — is along the same lines as I’m planning to build for my bathroom.
I’ve also requested samples of two boomerang laminate countertop designs from Heffrons.com — to consider for the countertop.
While I won’t have room for a tub, I do want to put in a diverter with a “shower hose” to aid in cleaning the shower as well as for washing Leo
If it seems like I am teasing with all this talk (and no show) of my master bath remodel — don’t despair — I’ll soon have an update — complete with mood board and revamped plan — on my decisions over on RetroRenovation.com. Stay tuned!
Managing Editor and Graphic Designer for the popular blog RetroRenovation.com by day and part time home improver, interior designer, retro enthusiast, vintage bargain hunter, gardener, cook, artist, picture taker and the brains behind this blog on evenings and weekends.
Okay, if you’re going to do your bathroom remodel right, you gotta have a huge retro scale on the floor. Something teal, perhaps, to contrast with your pink. And chrome… lots and lots of chrome. If you can find one with googie foot pads, all the better.
hehehe that would be fun to have! I wonder how accurate they are…?
As long as they lie in your favor, then they’re accurate enough!!
Brought up the subject in the hope you–purveyor of all things mid-mod–would locate a company making them today, and post the link!
You said you are going mid-mod with a touch of modern, so I’m sure there is a “googie”-influenced (so named after the coffee shop designed in the “atomic” style, which launched the term) line of those around somewhere. Think of “flying toasters”, and you’ll get my drift.
A good read, this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Googie_architecture
This is your Grandma’s bath?? I am so impressed! what a great little bath – I love it
Love the boomerang Formica too, and the flooring. And the fishies. Sometimes you can find a pair of Miller chalkware fish on Etsy in pastels and pinks – I almost bought me some 
Looks like you’re on your way – can’t wait to see the mood board!
Yes, this is also grandma’s bath. She has a full yellow bath and a half pink and white. Very cute indeed!
BEAUTIFUL bathroom! So glowy!
Yes! Always happy in there. Window faces south too!
Looks great! Makes me remember my grandparent’s colorful bathrooms!
I think everyone’s grandma had at least one colorful bath…
Pretty! My bathroom has yellow tile similar to your grandma’s. Unfortunately, the owners before us replaced the original flooring when the toilet had a major leak and ruined the subfloor. I bet it was something similar to your grandma’s flooring. Maybe someday I will replace the new stuff with the old stuff again.
Aww..what a sad story. It is very cool tile. Have you seen the University tile made by Merola/Sommertile? They have a very similar pattern — which I’ll be using for my bathroom floor!
yes, you must find some chalkware fish…the epitomy of retro bathroom decor! I bought these for mine; 1960 Herman Miller https://www.etsy.com/transaction/85182709
Very cool! Maybe I do need some fish!
Let us know the final result! I really want to see the remodel.
I’ll keep you posted. I haven’t started the actual remodel yet, but have gathered many retro pieces and decided on tile and design. Stay tuned!
It is so awesome to see this bathroom. I have the exact same tile covering every bit of wall space in my entire mid-century mod bathroom (with turquoise tub, sinks and countertop). However, a good portion of my tub tiles have fallen in and the entire surround will need to be gutted and redone. I’m hesitating on pulling down all the tiles in the bathroom. Could you tell me anything more about this yellow tile – possibly where to get enough replacement for the tub surround? I would love to be able to save the remaining tiles in the bathroom. Thanks! PS I’m in Canada. Charmaine
Hi Charmaine,
I would recommend checking out RetroRenovation.com (It’s my full time blogging gig). We have lots of resources for vintage bathroom tile. Start here: http://retrorenovation.com/category/bathroom-categories/tile/
Hope that helps!
I love this bathroom! Not only were the main bathrooms in two of my childhood homes tiled in yellow (AND yellow fixtures!), not only has yellow been my main favorite color since I learned to say the word (“lello”), but I’m working on tiling the main bathroom in my current home in yellow! Beautiful, charming bathroom, Kate!
aww thanks! I always did like grandma’s yellow bathroom — I’m glad everyone else is also enjoying it!
If you want to try your hand at making your own chalkware fish, I bought some mermaid molds from here: http://www.artcove.com/Plaster/Animals5/animals5.shtml
I haven’t made mine yet but intend to for my bathroom…hope they turn out since I can’t afford the pricey vintage ones. When my husband’s grandmother estate was being cleared out several years ago I asked for her homemade plaster mermaids hanging in her bathroom…they look a bit funny with their rhinestone eyes.
That’s very cool TammyCa! Thanks for sharing!