It's not often I see a bathroom that stops me in my tracks, but interior designer Heidi Caillier has just shared a project that has left me in total awe. The space is the antithesis of fleeting trends – the vintage bathroom embraces timeless design, unique details, and one-of-a-kind finds. It's filled with unexpected colors, striking contrast, and a warmth that invites you to linger.
And there are so many details to uncover. Here's everything you need to know about the design, plus how you can recreate it in your own space.
As you take a look around this striking bathroom design, there's not a single feature that looks new – and it's what creates such a successful, vintage aesthetic. It might be a small bathroom, but it has maximum impact.
And it's all thanks to the carefully curated design features that blend seamlessly together. Yet nothing has gone down with followers quite as well as the beautiful blue hue applied to the walls.
It's the first thing that catches your eye, and the textured, blue finish really sets the tone for the whole space, contrasting with the glossy white paneled ceiling. 'This color palette is everything,' writes one follower, while another notes, 'the contrast of color here is so well done.'
The color may be striking, but it's the fixtures and furniture that bring the vintage look to life. The cast iron claw-foot bath, adorned in ornate details and a wooden border, is a striking piece that adds centuries-old tradition to the scheme.
The bathroom vanity also feels like something you'd find in a Parisian antique store – Heidi has chosen to introduce a wooden, washstand-style unit topped with marble, an on-trend yet totally classic look that adds character in abundance.
She's even managed to find new vanity mirrors and lighting that look aged and old, featuring reeded glass, brass finishes, and decorative details on the mirror facing. It's truly a lesson in blending old and new to create the most charming space.
To maintain that antique look, she's created an almost hidden shower – a genius move that's allowed her to add unexpected design elements. She's added an extra-narrow glass door into the shower nook, which offers a glimpse into the marble-drenched space.
But what really stands out here is the bathroom rug. The unexpected red is a welcome contrast to the moody blues and rich wood tones in the space. It brings pattern, interest, and another layer of vintage style to the bathroom. It's a simple way to elevate an otherwise functional element of the room.
Shop the look
There are so many beautiful elements in this bathroom, so even if you're not planning a remodel, you can still recreate the look in small ways (I've immediately added a similar wall light and rug to my cart). Here are a few items that offer the vintage flair this scheme exudes.
If you love the antique look of the vanity lights in Heidi's design, you'll be pleased to hear you can buy similar designs from plenty of retailers. This brass fixture features the same reeded glass and slightly aged finish.
Heidi has introduced a vintage rug to this design, so finding an exact match is almost impossible. However, this design features the same color palette of red, blue, and neutrals, so it has the same impact.
Heidi's vanity design is key to the vintage feel. For a similar look with rich wood tones and a marble top, this vanity is reminiscent of an antique store find. It also has great customization options.
The display of foliage in this bathroom is a real focal point – and the red leaves really tie into the tones in the rug. This faux red Japanese maple stem is a great way to get the look without the upkeep of fresh foliage.
If you love the pendant light Heidi has installed above the bath, be prepared to invest. It's a luxury design, but it has a huge impact and will last a lifetime. For a more budget-friendly option, the Madison Pendant from Home Depot has a similar feel.
Cafe curtains are a designer favorite for bathrooms – they provide much-needed privacy while looking far chicer than a standard blind. This off-white linen design is perfect for softening a darker bathroom, as shown in Heidi's scheme.
Spa-like bathrooms might be the trend making a comeback, but for me, this vintage-style space is the epitome of timeless, characterful design. It's a lesson in designing a bathroom that stands the test of time – trust me, this bathroom will still feel just as inspiring in decades to come.
