A Basically All-Wood Paneled ’70S Bathroom Got An Americana Folk Makeover

A vintage all-wood-paneled bathroom from the 1970s has been transformed into a folk Americana style by a couple of professional architects. The renovation involved custom-built features, hand-designed tile flooring, and a modern update that preserves the space’s original charm. The project highlights how historic features can be integrated into contemporary design, making it relevant for homeowners interested in restoring vintage spaces.

Lauren Famularo and Richard Abendroth, both professional architects, renovated their primary bathroom, which was originally built in the 1970s with extensive wood paneling, chevron ceiling, and dark-stained vanity. The space was connected to their primary bedroom, making it awkward for guests and limiting functionality. The couple aimed to modernize the bathroom while respecting its vintage character.

The renovation included removing the dated paneling, creating a more open layout, and designing custom features such as a large, accessible shower and a bespoke medicine cabinet. They spent over a year planning and executing the project, with a material cost of approximately $5,500. Much of the labor was done by the couple, with help from family members. The flooring features a hand-designed, hand-installed quilt pattern using Fireclay Tile’s triangle ceramic tiles in earthy tones, creating a distinctive, folk-inspired look. The pattern was carefully centered around the shower drain for both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Additionally, they built a custom sliding medicine cabinet that accommodates their height differences and provides ample storage, saving significant costs compared to commercial options. The renovation successfully blends vintage charm with modern, accessible features, resulting in a space that reflects their personal style and professional expertise.

Reviving Vintage Spaces with Personal Touches

This renovation demonstrates how homeowners can preserve and enhance vintage features while adding modern functionality. It showcases the potential of personal craftsmanship and thoughtful design in creating unique, functional living spaces that honor historical elements. For homeowners interested in restoring or updating vintage bathrooms, this project offers inspiration on balancing nostalgia with contemporary needs.

1970s Bathroom Features and Renovation Challenges

The original bathroom featured extensive wood paneling, a chevron ceiling, and a dark vanity, typical of the 1970s aesthetic. The space was connected to the primary bedroom, which was inconvenient for guests and limited access. The couple, both architects, had long envisioned updating the space but faced the challenge of maintaining its vintage character while improving functionality. Their renovation reflects a broader trend of restoring mid-century spaces with personalized, modern touches, often driven by homeowners with design expertise.

“We wanted to keep the vintage charm but make it more functional and accessible for our family and guests.”

— Lauren Famularo

Details Still Emerging on Final Design Choices

While the overall renovation is complete, specific details about the final layout of the space, including the exact materials used in some custom features, are still being finalized. It is not yet clear if additional updates or adjustments will be made to enhance functionality or aesthetics further.

Future Plans for the Rest of the Home

The couple plans to continue updating other areas of their house gradually, leveraging their professional expertise. They aim to incorporate more vintage elements with modern design and may document their renovation process for a wider audience interested in DIY and restoration projects. The focus will likely remain on blending personal style with practical improvements.

Key Questions

What inspired the Americana folk style in this bathroom?

The couple wanted to create a space that felt both nostalgic and modern, drawing inspiration from traditional folk art and Americana patterns, especially in the tile design.

How did they manage the cost of the renovation?

By designing and building many features themselves, utilizing discounts from suppliers, and carefully sourcing materials, they kept costs around $5,500 for materials alone.

What are the main features of the renovated bathroom?

The key features include a hand-designed quilt-patterned tile floor, a custom-built sliding medicine cabinet, an accessible shower without a threshold, and preserved vintage wood paneling in a modern context.

Will they restore other vintage features in the house?

Yes, they plan to continue updating other areas, blending vintage charm with contemporary design, leveraging their architectural skills.

Is the renovation accessible for all family members?

Yes, the renovation includes features like a threshold-free shower and accessible storage, making the space functional for family members with different needs.

Source: rss