Traditional Bathroom Ideas

Texture adds exotic flavor to this stately master bathroom. The rich walnut-stained cabinets and granite countertop initiate a dignified, traditional look. Then, grass-cloth wallpaper, a carved wood mirror and vanity legs, and the hammered-nickel sink bowl lend interesting dimension for a unique twist on tradition.

Certain design elements convey a nostalgic look back while maintaining a fresh modern-day edge. Wide-plank beaded-board wainscoting finished with extra-wide molding captures timeless traditional style in this bathroom. A pedestal sink, oval freestanding tub, and retro-style fixtures compliment the vintage look with modern amenities.

This cheerful bathroom makes fresh use of traditional patterns and colors. Toile wallpaper enlivens the walls above crisp white subway tile. Bright yellow accent tiles embellished with a raised scroll lend further provincial influence to the room?s decorative scheme. Furniture-like fixtures -- a double-pedestal sink and cabinetry that looks like a freestanding hutch -- add classic traditional touches as well.

An arched alcove flattered with generous windows sets up a bubble bath haven in this bathroom bursting with classic femininity. Lush floral fabrics and sweet pink tile pour on the sugary touches. The claw-foot tub with matching vintage-style faucet rests on a mosaic tile floor with crystal chandeliers glowing overhead.

These custom-designed built-in vanities, with shapely legs that support the extended sinks, pay homage to freestanding furniture traditionally found in French bathrooms without sacrificing precious floor space. The tiered cabinetry features abundant storage and unique visual design with varying depths.

An expanse of built-in cabinetry adds much-desired storage space in this bathroom. The beautiful blend of inlaid mahogany and bird?s-eye maple woods lend dimensional interest that breaks up the mass of cabinets and drawers. White marble counters and gilded fixtures complimented by reproduction 19th-century damask-print wallpaper reflect the home?s Victorian roots.

Bold and bright yet rich and sophisticated, red is the perfect color to enliven a bathroom while complimenting its traditional character. True to tradition, this bathroom features classic molding and fixtures, dressed up with red walls and a few soft touches of fabric on an ottoman and area rug.

Warm chocolate brown balanced with cream wainscoting and crisp white fixtures make this powder room feel welcoming and spacious. A classic Roman shade, clean-line molding, and a pretty pedestal sink add decoration without overwhelming the small space.

Elements from other rooms of the house make this bathroom?s design more intriguing. A large framed mirror, like one that might enhance a formal dining room, stands in for a medicine cabinet behind the chest-of-drawers-inspired vanity. Plan ahead, asking your contractor to create openings through the glass for lighting and plumbing. The generous bay window is dressed with floor-to-ceiling draperies, adding a decorative backdrop to the tub, as they might in an eating nook.

When space allows, a dressing table area is a desirable feature in a traditional bathroom. Cabinetry, trimmed to match the rest of the bathroom, is used to create the private grooming space in this bath. Upper cabinets feature angled sides inset with mirrored doors, creating the look of a trifold mirror, with bonus medicine cabinet storage behind.

Wood paneling offers a timeless, traditional look. In this bathroom, rich mahogany with a matte furniture finish gives the classic design element a sophisticated modern appearance.

Gleaming white marble makes a stunning style statement. For this spacious master bathroom?s double vanity, the homeowners used the upscale stone not only for the countertop, but to fashion a decorative and practical shelf above. The finished look gives a vintage nod to a 1950s hotel.

Keeping with tradition was critical to the homeowners who added this master bathroom to their 1880s San Francisco Queen Anne. The key was combining Victorian design with modern functionality. Custom-designed console sinks offer more counter space with the airy appearance of pedestals. Marble floor tiles gain warmth from radiant flooring. And plentiful storage comes from a cabinet built to fit salvaged, 100-year-old beveled, leaded-glass doors.

While function is of primary importance in the bathroom, this master bath demonstrates that there is also a place for decoration. From the elegant wallpaper and draperies to the charming chandelier-style light fixture, decorative touches add a comfortable elegance to this bath. Even furniture -- such as this freestanding dressing table -- can fit in a functional bathroom.