Retro Bathroom: How to Design It So It Works Today

A retro bathroom is not about decoration

Search terms like retro bathroom, vintage bathroom or country house bathroom often lead to images that only work visually, not in real life.

This type of space is not created by filling it with “old-looking” elements. What matters more is how you work with material, proportion and scale – and knowing what to leave untouched.

It’s not about styling. It’s about a space that holds together.

Retro bathroom in a villa: a black-and-white classic in Beroun

One of the cleanest approaches we worked with in the BEROUN project. A black-and-white mosaic, a bathtub placed as the central element of the room, and a bathroom located in what used to be a living space – this combination defines the entire interior.

The original mosaic couldn’t be preserved, so we had to reinterpret it. That’s often part of the process – not everything can be saved, but it’s important to know what is worth bringing back.

Thanks to the generous layout, the bathroom has natural daylight, access to a balcony, and works as a a full-fledged room rather than a service space.

Here, details are not the main driver. The space is.

Retro bathroom in a country house and barn: Kokořín

In the KOKOŘÍN project, the bathroom is part of an old country house and barn. The approach didn’t come from styling, but as a natural continuation of the existing structure. Black-and-white flooring, green strip tiles and industrial fittings work because of their contrast with raw walls and original construction.

This kind of solution wouldn’t make sense in a new build. It works here because it connects to what was already there.

The washbasin comes from Agape, a brand that works with archetypal forms without nostalgia. A similar approach can be seen in our trip to Italy, where bathrooms feel natural rather than stylized.

It’s not the main theme of the space. It’s part of it.


 

A white bathroom without chrome: BOX

In the BOX project, we removed one of the biggest issues of these types of bathrooms: modern chrome. Instead, we worked with fittings from Waterfall, brand, French metro-style wall tiles, and flooring inspired by old wood. 

The shower is separated by a simple framed glass partition reminiscent of factory windows. Lighting plays a key role – pendant lights above the sink create a softer atmosphere than standard bathroom lighting.

The result doesn’t rely on a single element. It works as a whole.

Bathroom in an Industrial Loft: Vanguard

In the VANGUARD project, we set the bathroom within an industrial setting. Small-format tiles from Archtiles, brass accessories, and exposed concrete create a combination that would seem forced elsewhere. Here, it works precisely because of the context—the original factory building, the structure, and the overall atmosphere of the loft. This is not a standalone concept. It is a layer that makes sense within the whole.

FAQ: What to Keep in Mind When Designing a Retro Bathroom

• Does the design have to be literal?
  No, it doesn't. And usually, it shouldn’t be. Form and material are more important than stylization.
• Should bold tiles be used everywhere?
  No. Use them where they make an impact. Keep the rest understated.
• Does combining them with industrial elements work?
  Yes, but in moderation. Otherwise, the space will start to feel disjointed.
• Does it make sense to preserve original elements?
  Yes. They often have more impact than new additions.
• How can you tell when there’s too much?
  When everything is competing for attention.

A retro bathroom in a new building? Usually a dead end

This approach needs context. In an old villa, cottage, or barn, it has something to build on. In a new building without that historical layer, it often looks unnatural. And it almost never works in a prefab apartment building. In such cases, it’s better to create a clean, contemporary solution than to try to imitate something that was never there. A well-designed bathroom doesn’t rely on a stylistic label. It relies on proportion, materials, light, and tranquility in the space. When it has something to build on and isn’t overloaded, it works in the long term. Not as a trend, but as a natural part of the home.

Are you interested in how we approach similar projects? Read more about it here in the section RENOVATION, it’s our favorite discipline.

from Radka - 21. 4. 2026