It is with immense excitement that we finally reveal the completion of our Mid-Century Modern Inspired Bathroom Renovation at the lake house! This transformative project has been a labor of love, converting a dated space into a stylish and functional sanctuary. Today, we’re thrilled to offer a full tour, complete with captivating before-and-after photographs, showcasing every thoughtful detail of our newly revitalized bathroom.
The Journey: From Outdated to Outstanding
While our little lake house has seen numerous updates over the years, this particular bathroom remodel marks our first “to-the-studs” major renovation since moving in. When we initially purchased the property, the bathroom truly reflected its age, presenting a blend of pastels and practical, albeit dated, design choices. The original aesthetic was a distinct product of its time, built to the needs of an elderly couple, which included features like a very low vanity and numerous grab bars for accessibility.
Do you remember the natural oak cabinetry, soft pink walls, practical vinyl flooring, laminate counters, and the charming bisque shower portal with its matching toilet and sink? While the layout, including the much-loved linen tower to the left of the vanity, was perfectly functional, the finishes were far from our personal style. After thirteen years, the bathroom was not only aesthetically outdated but also showing significant signs of wear and tear.
A Budget-Friendly Bridge: The Mini-Makeover
Before diving into a full-scale mid-century modern bathroom renovation, we embarked on a budget-friendly makeover. With a modest investment and a lot of elbow grease, I revitalized the space by painting the cabinets, refreshing the tiles and walls, and introducing new accessories and artwork. It truly didn’t take much to enhance the room’s inherent charm, and I even managed to work with the existing mint green counters.
We were incredibly glad we undertook this interim update, even with a major renovation imminent and later postponed for a year. In a compact home like ours, every room is frequently visible—this particular bathroom, for instance, could be seen from the dining table. Making it look a little nicer significantly improved our daily experience and made the waiting period far more tolerable. While a better initial condition might have allowed us to live with it longer, unfortunately, despite my beautifying efforts, the space inevitably started to show its age. The shower portal doors were broken and inefficient, and the low counters proved increasingly inconvenient as the laminate surface began to peel. The overall functionality had simply declined, signaling that a comprehensive update was truly overdue.
Introducing the New Mid-Century Modern Bathroom
The transformation is truly remarkable. Our new bathroom now radiates a sleek, modern aesthetic infused with timeless mid-century charm. It’s a space that not only meets our functional needs but also delights our senses with its thoughtful design and luxurious finishes.
I absolutely *adore* it! While photos can sometimes fall short, especially with challenging lighting conditions common this time of year, I assure you this room looks even more stunning in person. Imagine it brighter, more vibrant, warmer, and simply exquisite. But enough imagining — let’s delve into the specific design elements and details of this mid-century modern inspired bathroom renovation. Throughout this post, you’ll find links to sources, with a comprehensive list provided at the end. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you notice anything missing or have any questions!
The Exquisite Walnut Cabinetry
The custom walnut cabinetry is truly a focal point, despite initial challenges with flawed drawer fronts from the manufacturer. Even now, the alignment isn’t perfectly seamless, but it’s a minor detail in the grand scheme. I initially envisioned using these exact cabinets in our kitchen, but the quality control issues have given me pause. However, I remain captivated by the design, especially the floating vanity and linen tower. This floating concept was a bold idea of mine, and despite some initial skepticism from others, I trusted my instinct and a moment of pure inspiration. The outcome is both incredibly practical and undeniably gorgeous, eliminating unsightly toe kicks and creating a clean, airy feel. Every visible surface—the sides and the entirety of the drawer fronts, both front and back—are crafted from solid walnut, reflecting my preference for a truly streamlined and luxurious finish, perfectly embodying the mid-century modern aesthetic.
The Shimmering Quartzite Counters
As you may recall, the counter fabrication shop made a slight error, necessitating a substantial shave on the right-hand overhang. Initially, this bothered me, but now it’s something I genuinely don’t even notice. In fact, every visitor to our new bathroom is instantly drawn to the surface, running their hands along its smooth finish, captivated by its beauty. What truly makes our quartzite slab exceptional are the incredible silvery-blue veins that course through it.
These striking areas glint magnificently, catching my eye whenever I move around the room, or even just walk by. Their luminosity and gleam are truly mesmerizing, making me incredibly pleased with our specific choice of quartzite. This slab was actually our second selection, after deciding not to proceed with the initial tile and granite company—who, unfortunately, damaged our bathtub during the tiling process (we seem to have the worst luck!). The previously chosen slab had ample veining, but lacked the captivating quartz areas found in our current one. So, in a twist of fate, the initial mishap led us to a superior choice. It truly is a silver lining! An added bonus: the stone’s intricate pattern expertly disguises water spots, a feature I deeply appreciate for daily maintenance.
Every time I glance down at the counters, I still see the ethereal beauty of a frozen lake, a subtle reminder of our lakeside setting.
The Playful Aqua Sinks
These gorgeous aqua sinks are quite literally what my dreams are made of! I’ve always fantasized about discovering a house with an original 1960s blue bathtub, toilet, and sink. My Mummu’s home still boasts her original pink tub and sink with a floating vanity, a sight I’ve cherished since childhood. For this bathroom, I aimed for a distinct mid-century feel while also paying homage to our unique lakeside location. These Kohler Serif Undermount Sinks in “Vapor Green” achieve this balance perfectly—their vibrant turquoise hue is wonderfully retro, yet it beautifully mimics the color and sparkling gleam of the lake on a sunny day, making them an ideal choice for a mid-century modern inspired bathroom renovation.
The sheen on these Kohler sinks is absolutely stunning, making them gleam beautifully. Initially, our hard water left unsightly dull white spots, but after cleaning both sinks with Kohler’s cast iron sink cleaner, something remarkable happened: they now seem to repel water completely, preventing any new spots from forming! This was an enormous relief, as for a brief moment, I envisioned a future dedicated to nightly sink cleaning, a servitude I was eager to avoid.
The Timeless Kohler Purist Fixtures & Sconces
I am utterly captivated by the elegant shape and minimalist lines of the Kohler Purist collection. Our tub spout, handheld shower, sink faucets, sconces, and even the toilet paper holder are all harmoniously sourced from this sophisticated line. Its design is truly timeless, and I’m particularly enamored with the brushed nickel finish. It exudes a cool, clean aesthetic that perfectly complements our lakeside bathroom setting. The best part? Unlike chrome, water spots are virtually invisible on brushed nickel—a welcome change as I was certainly ready to move on from chrome’s constant upkeep. While brushed nickel may not be the latest trend, I chose it because it’s a finish I genuinely love and plan to live with for a very, very long time. It simply pairs beautifully with my preferred cool color palette.
Our decision to opt for a large, expansive mirror proved to be an excellent one, as it effectively bounces light around the space, making the bathroom feel considerably more open and luxurious. Mounting the sconces directly onto the glass, though initially a daunting prospect, yielded results even better than we had imagined. This arrangement allowed us to incorporate three Kohler Purist sconces, providing ample illumination in the evenings and contributing to a more lavish appearance than a typical pair. The integrated nightlight feature at the bottom of these sconces truly sealed the deal for us, adding both convenience and a touch of modern sophistication to our mid-century modern bathroom design.
The Sophisticated Charcoal Grey Tile Floor
My decision for the flooring was purely intuitive. I brought home countless tile samples, but this particular Alfalux Ecogres Docks in Nero immediately stood out. Its scale, rectangular shape, and overall simplicity captivated me, but it was truly the perfect charcoal grey color that sealed the deal. The tile boasts a slightly irregular, subtly matte finish that masterfully disguises water spots—a feature I’m evidently obsessed with! This finish also cleverly fools observers into believing it’s natural stone, like slate; even my mother, who was with me when I selected it, consistently mistakes it for slate. While I briefly considered a hexagonal pattern, I ultimately concluded that this bathroom, with its already busy quartzite stone, rich walnut grain, and vibrant aqua sinks, demanded a simple and grounding element for the flooring to ensure a harmonious mid-century modern aesthetic.
Functional Elegance: The Water Hyacinth Hampers
Years after moving in, I still can’t quite believe we have a bathroom spacious enough to accommodate two clothes hampers! These beautiful woven Lamont Home Makatea Water Hyacinth Hampers from Bed Bath & Beyond fit the designated spot perfectly. I particularly love their natural aesthetic, which beautifully echoes the other subtle, organic, and textural elements present in the room: the rich walnut, the striking stone, and the shimmering shower tile. My personal style has evolved to embrace a “mid-century meets natural/beachy” vibe, and while you won’t find anchors or overt coral decorations, I thoughtfully incorporate natural touches throughout the house that evoke the serene beauty of driftwood, beaches, and the ever-changing moods of the lake. These subtle accents are deeply satisfying. The creamy finish of these hampers also provides a delightful repetition of the creamy, shimmering tile, our DIY white-stained maple kitchen counters, our cream leather sectional sofa, and even the whitewashed stool in our front entryway. This kind of thoughtful repetition brings a smile to my face and is especially vital in a smaller home where visual continuity across spaces is key to a cohesive design.
The Harmonious Tiled Shower
Resolving the issues with the initial tile company proved to be an uphill battle, and to be perfectly honest, after they ceased communication, I simply lacked the energy to pursue legal action. The previous year had been incredibly taxing, and I’ve since made a conscious effort to eliminate unnecessary stress from my life. Beyond the damage they caused to our tub, I later realized I was given the incorrect tile color! I had specifically ordered white tile, unaware that a very similar “cream” option existed. When they presented the tile and tentatively asked if it was correct, I agreed, as it appeared right under the blinding sun outside. However, once installed, it looked considerably more beige than I remembered. While I initially dismissed it as a reflection of other surfaces, a later check on the tile company’s website confirmed it was indeed the beige variant—explaining why it differed so significantly from my original white sample. This unexpected turn meant we received the Pamesa Ceramica Capua in a cream/beige tone.
However, this “mistake” turned into a happy accident, as I’ve grown to genuinely love the cream tile. It imparts a warm, natural, shell-like quality to the shower. Furthermore, the quartzite slab we ultimately selected was considerably warmer than our initial choice, making the cream and greige tones of this tile a perfect complement to the overall palette. As I gradually introduce more cream accents throughout our home, this shower tile now seamlessly integrates with our evolving whole-home color scheme. Or perhaps I’m simply enchanted by its subtle, shimmering glimmer, which I absolutely adore. I’m also thrilled with the tile’s large rectangular shape, which translates to minimal grout lines—a practical consideration for a mid-century modern bathroom renovation. There was no way I was going to commit to cleaning the extensive grout required for actual mosaic tile!
We meticulously finished the shower surround with the same trim used throughout the rest of the bathroom. Although the tilers installed a white Schluter edge as requested, a miscalculation resulted in a butt-joint instead of the preferred mitered corners, and the drywall was slightly compressed. To elegantly resolve this, we simply trimmed out the entire portal, creating a polished and seamless finish with ease.
The Indispensable Tiled Shower Cubby
I have dreamt of having a tiled shower cubby for years, ever since our townhouse bathroom renovation left us with no practical place for soap and toiletries. This feature was my absolute priority number one for this mid-century modern inspired bathroom renovation, and I’m incredibly pleased with both its generous size and thoughtful placement. It’s low enough to be easily reached from the bathtub, yet still perfectly convenient for showering. The cubby comfortably holds shampoo, conditioner, face washes, and soap, with room to spare. It’s beautifully finished with crisp white Schluter edging, and our tile installer even meticulously aligned the tile pattern within it, which is an awesome detail. Seriously, even though it adds slightly to the overall cost, I wholeheartedly recommend incorporating a tiled shower cubby into your next bathroom remodel!
The Dramatic Ceiling Mounted Shower Curtain
You might already be familiar with the detailed saga of our shower curtain delays and how we ultimately arrived at this exquisite floor-to-ceiling pale aqua tweed. This unique fabric, with its subtle texture and vintage appeal, perfectly enhances the overall mid-century modern aesthetic of our renovated bathroom. The ceiling-mounted rod creates a clean, uninterrupted line, adding a touch of tailored elegance and making the space feel taller and more expansive—a sophisticated finish to our mid-century modern inspired bathroom renovation.
Thoughtful Artwork & Accessories
As I’ve mentioned, I have a particular fondness for thoughtful repetition in home decor. Throughout the lake house, you’ll find elements like my mantle rock collection and my framed agate art (now gracefully displayed just outside the bathroom). This new set of framed mineral and gemstone prints continues that subtle theme, tying the bathroom’s stone counters to the broader natural aesthetic of our home. These particular prints are actually repurposed pages from last year’s IdleWild calendar, cleverly designed to break down into 8×10 prints. These three are my personal favorites, though you can also purchase the gem prints individually. I initially intended to paint some custom art for this spot—I had even sketched simple drawings of lakers and sailboats—but for now, these prints offer a perfect blend of sophistication and natural appeal. However, I’m always open to ideas for something even more retro to enhance this mid-century modern inspired bathroom renovation—do tell me your thoughts!
I’ve deliberately kept the bathroom accessories minimal, as I prefer a clutter-free environment, especially in a space that sees a lot of hairspray use and needs to be easy to clean! Our Mike & Ally Studio Venetian Soap Dishes from Bed Bath & Beyond are perfect, with their simple enameled finish and subtle sheen. They are wonderfully neutral and beautifully complement the quartzite stone. I also use a separate lotion dispenser for my face wash, a small touch that elevates even my budget-friendly Neutrogena cleanser to feel surprisingly luxurious.
I created the gem soap myself! Isn’t it adorable? And it’s even organic, adding another delightful touch to our renovated space.
We selected two new sets of towels to complement the bathroom’s fresh look: a vibrant turquoise set and this exquisite grey set from Bed Bath & Beyond. The cool grey hue and the organically ruched detail at the bottom of the latter felt like the perfect touch. (Currently, the grey set is on significant sale and is also available in white and beige!) I’m still absolutely enamored with our luxurious towel warmer, an essential comfort in our lakeside retreat.
The Ever-Evolving Home: A Renovation Milestone
It feels truly surreal that this mid-century modern inspired bathroom renovation is finally complete! Of course, we still have a few minor touches, like adding a clock and replacing a misplaced valence for our blinds, but I firmly believe that rooms are never truly “done-done”—there’s always a little tweaking and refining to do. Hubby and I tend to hold onto things for a long time and move at a deliberate pace, which allows our spaces to grow and evolve with us. I am confident this stunning bathroom will continue to evolve and bring us joy for many years to come.
Before & After: A Visual Summary
Here’s one last, concise visual journey through the transformation, saving you some scrolling and clearly illustrating the incredible impact of our mid-century modern bathroom renovation:
SOURCES FOR THE MID-CENTURY MODERN INSPIRED BATHROOM RENOVATION:
Floating Walnut Vanity: Cabinetry by AYA Kitchens
Brushed Nickel Pulls: Richelieu
Counter: Quartzite
Floor Tile: Alfalux Ecogres Docks in Nero
Shower Tile: Pamesa Ceramica Capua
Sinks: Kohler Serif Undermount Sink in “Vapor Green”
Faucets: Purist Tall Single-Control Lavatory Faucet With Straight Lever Handle in Vibrant Brushed Nickel
Soap Dishes: Mike & Ally Studio Venetian Soap Dish from Bed Bath & Beyond
Liquid Soap Dispenser: Mike & Ally Studio Venetian Lotion Dispenser from Bed Bath & Beyond
Faceted McCoy Planter: Vintage (these are nearly identical, but this has a similar vibe – and this faceted beauty has a can’t-beat-it price tag)
Turquoise McCoy Planter: Vintage (I love these ring dishes– they come in aqua, but this dish is aqua too and has such a great beachy feel)
Sconces: Kohler Purist Single Wall Sconce in Vibrant Brushed Nickel
Toilet Roll Holder: Kohler Purist Brushed Nickel Pivoting Toilet Tissue Holder
Toilet: Kohler Persuade Skirted Toilet
Gem + Mineral Art: Framed IdleWild Calendar (frames from Michael’s), but IdleWild sells prints too, like this turquoise mineral print and this gorgeous grouping
Gemstone Soap: DIY Project
Handheld Shower: Kohler Purist Multifunction Handshower in Vibrant Brushed Nickel
Tub Spout: Kohler Purist Wall-Mount Bath Spout, 35-Degrees in Vibrant Brushed Nickel
Tub Faucet Lever: Kohler Purist Transfer Vibrant Brushed Nickel Valve Trim
Shower Curtain Rod: Budget Blinds
Shower Curtain: DIY
Shower Curtain Liner: Hotel Fabric Shower Curtain Liner from Bed Bath & Beyond
Towel Warmer: Amba Radiant Straight Hardwired Wall Mounted Towel Warmer from Only Towels Warmers
Towels: Kassatex St. Germain Bath Towels from Bed Bath & Beyond
Clothes Hampers: Lamont Home Makatea Water Hyacinth Round Hamper from Bed bath & Beyond
Make Up Organizer (Not Pictured): Lori Greiner Spinning Cosmetic Organizer in White
CATCH UP ON ALL OF THE LAKE HOUSE BATH RENO POSTS:
- Inspiration: The Easy Bathroom Design Decisions
- Inspiration II: The Less Easy Bathroom Design Decisions
- Inspiration: Mounting a Sconce on a Mirror
- Why Our Bathroom Reno Was Delayed So Long
- Progress: The Tiling is Done – But The Tilers Damaged Our Tub!
- Progress: Our Kohler Purist Shower Fixtures are Installed
- Progress: The Floating Walnut Cabinetry is Installed
- How to Drill a Hole in Ceramic Tile
- Progress: New Quartzite Counters + Aqua Sinks!
- Progress: Our Kohler Purist Faucets Are Installed
- Progress: Our Mid-Century Modern Inspired Cabinet Pulls are Installed
- Shopping for a Towel Warmer
- Progress: The Ceiling Mounted Shower Curtain Rod + DIY Pleated Shower Curtain is Done
- How to Make Gemstone Soap
A HUGE thanks to Kohler, Only Towel Warmers, and Bed Bath & Beyond for their wonderful collaborations on this mid-century modern inspired bathroom renovation!