This compact en suite was transformed into a modern-vintage bathroom, blending Art Deco, Hollywood Regency, and contemporary design for an elegant, timeless result.
We finally finished our en suite modern-vintage bathroom remodel and couldn’t be happier with the outcome. After a stressful period of unexpected water damage, this renovation came earlier than planned—but the result is worth it.
Our Bathroom Before
When we first moved into this colonial home more than four years ago, the bathroom was dated and in need of an update. At the time we made small cosmetic changes to hold us over, but the room never felt finished.
Bathroom 3 Years Later Post-Refresh
A year and a half ago we gave it a practical refresh—painting walls and the cabinet, applying peel-and-stick wallpaper, and covering the old tile with vinyl sheet flooring. Those updates helped temporarily, but we always planned a full renovation down the road.
Bathroom Water Damage
Unexpected water damage accelerated our timeline. While the situation was stressful, it pushed us to make careful design decisions and ultimately led to a bathroom we love.
En Suite Modern Vintage Bathroom Remodel Tour
My goal was a vintage look with modern conveniences and generous storage, all within the existing footprint. I wanted the space to feel larger and timeless, drawing inspiration from the 1920s and 1960s with hints of French, Italian, and Hollywood Regency styles.
Working in a small room required careful choices to maximize impact without overcrowding. The design focuses on bright finishes, warm wood tones, and classic details so the bathroom reads elegant and cohesive.
Marble Backsplash
The scalloped marble backsplash was a must-have and anchors the whole design. We used a marble remnant from a local fabricator to save cost, and they applied a UV seal to reduce etching concerns. This single detail elevates the room and gives a curated, upscale feel.
Wood Vanity
To balance the bright white walls and porcelain tile, we selected a mid-toned wood vanity for warmth and texture. It keeps the space from feeling cold and pairs beautifully with brushed gold hardware that leans vintage-Art Deco in style.
Enclosed Small Shower
The shower is compact by design but intentionally cozy. After asking followers whether they preferred a large or small shower, many said small showers feel warmer and more comfortable—and after using ours, we agree. A clear glass door keeps sightlines open and makes the shower feel bigger without changing the layout.
We removed the old surround, enclosed the area, and tiled the walls and floor to create a unified shower room that feels spa-like and refined.
Shower Door Knob
The glass door knob is a subtle, elegant touch inspired by designers we admire. It brings a refined, vintage character to the shower and complements the brass finishes in the room.
Shower Niches
We added two shower niches—one for each of us—and a low niche for leg shaving about a foot off the floor. Placing the niches on the side wall keeps them out of the immediate sightline when entering the bathroom, helping the shower feel uncluttered and larger.
Marble-Look Porcelain Tile
To achieve the look of marble without the maintenance, we used large-format polished porcelain that convincingly mimics marble veining. Fewer grout lines from 12×24 tiles visually expand the space, while a hexagon accent on the shower floor and niches adds a 1920s-inspired detail and echoes tile choices elsewhere in the house.
Bathroom Faucets
We selected Delta’s Champagne Bronze finish for a muted brushed-gold look that feels warm without appearing yellow. Wall-mounted sink faucets keep countertops cleaner, and the Trinsic shower system includes a handheld sprayer and slide bar for easier cleaning.
Bathroom Mirrors
We originally planned black arched mirrors, but space and stock limitations led us to Venetian mirrors instead. They unexpectedly became a favorite feature, visually enlarging the room and enhancing the European-Hollywood Regency vibe.
Bathroom Lighting
Shaded wall sconces on each side of the mirrors provide flattering, shadow-free light—ideal for makeup and daily routines. In the shower, a combined recessed light and fan keeps humidity under control.
Bathroom Wall Molding
We used picture-frame molding to add interest and height to the walls without the cost of full tile. This classic detail draws the eye upward and enhances the room’s refined character.
Wood Toilet Seat
Keeping the existing layout meant the toilet remained visible. A wooden toilet seat and a Champagne Bronze flush lever upgraded the look, turning a practical necessity into a thoughtful design detail.
Vintage Bathroom Art
We kept artwork understated with a small black-and-gold frame and a vintage gold frame featuring a landscape and floral etching—just enough to add personality without overpowering the room.
Open Bathroom Shelves
We added a narrow wall shelf for storage and styled it with towels, apothecary jars, and thrifted accents. The shelf brackets were spray-painted to match the brushed-gold fixtures, tying the look together.
Small Bathroom Storage
Open storage is kept tidy with apothecary jars and bins for small items, while a double hamper blends into the room. The result is practical, organized storage that doesn’t detract from the design.
This en suite may be small, but every detail was chosen to deliver maximum impact—an elegant, bold space that combines vintage character with modern practicality. Despite the unexpected timeline, this remodel is one of our favorite home projects to date.
I’ll publish a full budget breakdown and room measurements soon for anyone planning a similar remodel. If you’re local to Charlotte, NC, our contractors Paul Davis and Mike Bates at Home Rehab were fantastic throughout the process.
If you missed any of our renovation journey, you can catch up here:
- Water Damage, Demolition, and Our Next Steps
- Choosing the Best Bathroom Designs
- Modern Classic Bathroom Ideas
- Our Classic Bathroom Design Plan
- Marble Tile vs Marble Effect Tile
- Wood Bathroom Vanities We Love
- Faux Marble Herringbone Tile & Shower Progress
- Our Scalloped Marble Backsplash
Questions about our design choices, materials, or layout? I’m happy to share more details—my mind is full of bathroom renovation tips right now!
