Origins of the classical style
Classicism in the interior is easy to identify at first glance; it cannot be confused with something else, but the classic bathroom design is not only recognizable, but also infinitely varied.
The features of the classics originate in antiquity, but in European countries (by the way, almost all of them were once part of the Roman Empire) they are transformed into local traditions of demonstrating luxury and refined taste.
Classic style originates in antiquity
In France, Italy, England, Germany and Spain, design developed in different directions, but one thing remained unchanged - it was the best that architects could offer their clients.
Classic French bathroom design
The most popular are French classics. Emerging in the Renaissance, it combined the features of the Empire style and antiquity, taking from the former the capricious ornateness and picturesque decor, and from the Roman tradition - the sublime purity of lines and restrained colors. Is it possible to combine fire and ice? It turned out that it is possible. Moreover, the emerging standard of luxury in the interior remained the standard for centuries, gradually changing under the influence of fashion and the development of technology.
Luxurious classic bathroom design
Modern photos: classic bathroom design with French chic
Fashionable, classic bathroom design, according to French architects, should exude playfulness. They focus on eclecticism and mix elements of modern and imperial style, avoiding zealous copying of classicism.
Such frivolity turned out to be contagious, and in the list of world interior trends for 2018-2019, eclecticism is recognized as the main direction in design, which includes the design of a classic bathroom.
Modern interpretation of classic style
Textile dissonance
Bathroom interiors of past decades were often united by such details as textile eclecticism. It seems that everything in the interior in the photo is mixed: terry towels, a striped curtain with frills, a window curtain with an abstract black and white pattern, a voluminous rug.
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Italian theme in a classic style bathroom
Italian classicism was formed by absorbing the features of antiquity and the Florentine Baroque. What makes it different from French?
- Historical and cultural proximity to ancient art. Architectural features of antiquity - pilasters, enfilades, elements made of marble and travertine - are found much more often in Italian interiors.
- The incredible splendor of the Baroque is reflected in the shape and decor of furniture, bathtubs, and sinks. In modern interiors it is usually present in the form of stylization, but still the design of a classic Italian bathroom amazes the imagination with luxury.
- Italians are traditional and less likely to engage in dangerous experiments with eclecticism, but if they do so, it is with great taste and respect for style.
Lush baroque is reflected in the decor of the mirrors
In Italy, classics have never left the stage and photos of classic Italian-style bathroom design speak louder than words. Listen to this melody of exquisite perfection and vanity.
English traditions in classic bathroom design
It is believed that the traditions of Old England left a harsh stamp on the classics in the interior - in the English interpretation of the classic interior it is much stricter and more ascetic. In modern design, this is reflected in the attention to retro.
Historically accurate copies of earthenware sanitary ware, fittings, an abundance of antique utensils, dark shades of furniture - all this immediately points to the English roots of classic-style bathroom design.
Dark shades of furniture indicate English style
However, the trends of the times were also reflected in the English accent in the classic bathroom design. It increasingly features elements of colonial Victorian style, and is sometimes difficult to distinguish from the phenomenon of manufactured shabby chic. In light “Victorian” bathroom interiors, classicism is manifested in symmetry, elements of expensive natural finishes, and faint hints of antiquity.
Lighting system
The classic style in the interior of any room is characterized by the use of beautiful large chandeliers and bathrooms are no exception. But, given the difficult combination of different zones within one room, there may be a need for an additional light source - built-in lamps on the ceiling of the shower stall or a table lamp on the dressing table, wall lamps near the sink.
A chic chandelier with an abundance of glass or even crystal elements is the perfect addition to a luxurious bathroom with a fireplace and artwork on the walls.
The bathroom is literally bathed in light, thanks to an intricately designed central chandelier, recessed lights in the mirrors and a lighting system integrated into the ceiling. Reflecting from many mirrors, the light transforms the room and makes it endless.
Despite the contrasting decor of the bathroom, the design of the main chandelier immediately attracts attention.
Another example of how an extraordinary design of a pendant lamp can become a focal point of a classic interior.
Spanish classics
The Spanish classic interior stands apart - there is no hint of antique origin in it. But there are a lot of Gothic elements, patinated metal and old carved wooden bathroom furniture in a classic Spanish design, with characteristic deep panels. In the bathroom, decorated according to the canons of Spanish classicism, you seem to find yourself in a museum atmosphere.
Carved wooden bathroom furniture in Spanish design
What unites modern Spanish classics with other classical movements in European design?
- Symmetry in layout and decor.
- Incredibly bold eclecticism. Designers seem to be trying to take revenge on the strict standards that the historical Spanish interior follows.
Projects from Spanish architects are perhaps the most expensive options for classic bathroom design.
How to properly organize lighting
The style is characterized by the presence of several light sources. You can use candelabra-shaped sconces and unusually shaped spotlights.
A chandelier in the center of the room will look harmonious. Materials worth paying attention to are crystal, metal and their high-quality copies.
Choose special lighting for a classic-style bath.
A window in the room will be a good addition to artificial lighting.
Real photos of classic bathroom design with modern elements
Bathroom projects implemented in classic style designs are often far from the orthodox canons. They show a fusion with fashionable trends - Provence and Scandinavian.
This is explained simply. In choosing a modern look for classics in the bathroom, the following plays a role:
- real range of goods;
- the need to establish harmony with the design of other rooms;
- interest in mixing styles;
- budget boundaries.
Merging classic style with modern fashion trends
How to enhance the classic sound of a bathroom design? For this purpose, details are used, from the defining equipment - the choice of bathtub, to decorative accessories and finishes.
Retro - interiors from the past
Previously, apartments in apartment buildings and houses were distinguished by large, high, comfortable rooms. This was also reflected in the bathrooms, which were almost bath salons. Today, when most of us live in panel houses, it is difficult to find such a spacious interior.
The lucky ones who have a bathroom larger than 6 m2 can easily decorate it in a retro style. However, owners of smaller rooms need not despair - they can achieve this with a key vintage element or decorations in this style.
Photo of the perfect bath in a classic style
Sometimes the purchase of a unique bathtub “pulls” the design concept with it. In other cases, the right choice helps to enhance the classic note in the interior.
Nothing imposes restrictions on the color of a bathtub in a classic style, but enamel and earthenware in light shades or white are considered a typical option.
A red or black bathtub is a sign of eclecticism in the design of a classic-style bathroom. And, you see, a very bright sign!
A black bathroom will add eclecticism to a classic bathroom design
Curved bathtub legs, especially in the form of lion paws, are a classic style. They are often made “bronze” and covered with gold to accentuate this expressive detail and create a bohemian atmosphere.
The carved milled legs of the bathtub are also quite interesting. Italian designers love them.
Claw-foot bathtub legs – a classic style
When the bottom of the bathtub is covered with a screen, they strive to create the impression of a podium.
Acrylic bathtubs are available with a screen that follows their smooth contours and goes down to the floor. Such clean classic forms look very modern.
Where to put the bathtub?
The most successful placement of the bathroom is in the center of the wall or strictly at the same distance from the walls. This allows the rest of the accessories and decor to be arranged symmetrically in relation to it, duplicating mirrors, washbasins, and semi-columns.
If the size of the room allows it, in a classic interior the bathtub is placed in the center, with the headboard facing the wall or moving away from it. This alone makes a classic bathroom luxurious.
In large rooms the bathtub is placed in the center
Further design is built “from the bathtub” according to the laws of symmetry. A solo bathtub with legs looks especially impressive, but a bathtub covered on all sides with a screen is also often found in classic interiors.
In a fairly common case, when the size of the room is not much larger than the standard one, the bathtub is placed along the wall close to its middle.
Standard placement of a bathroom along the wall
In a room with a window, the bathtub is placed opposite the window or along it, so that you can enjoy the view. For privacy, windows are draped with transparent curtains, light blinds, or glass that is transparent on the inside but smoky-mirror on the outside is used.
Bathtub materials in a classic style - ideas and photos
The materials for bathtubs in classic design are:
- enameled cast iron;
- enameled steel;
- stainless steel;
- copper;
- bronze;
- glass;
- tree;
- marble.
The more exotic the material of the bathtub, the more likely it will become a favorite accent in a classic interior.
A copper bathtub will become an accent in a classic interior
Glass partitions around the bathtub do not visually clog up the space and are preferable to sliding curtains.
Retro style bathroom - which bath, sink and toilet to choose?
The best solution is a stylized free-standing bathtub with ornate legs. Ideally they should be gold or silver. To fully see its beauty, there should be a lot of free space around it. That is why it will not work in a small bathroom. So it’s better to give up and install a built-in bathtub.
There are several washbasin options. Suitable either with a countertop, or on a decorative cabinet, or on a stone countertop. But also go for a decorative, pre-war style. When it comes to the toilet, it is best to choose a highly clean toilet. It will be a great retro accent. If you have space, you should also place a bidet in the bathroom, always in the right style.
What you need to know about washbasins
In accordance with the trends of 2018-2018, washbasins are placed in pairs - “for her” and “for him”. In a classic bathroom this comes in handy - it’s easier to maintain symmetry in the design.
Symmetrical paired washbasins
Whether or not there is a cabinet under the sink is not important. But mirrors in a massive frame and crystal lamps will become the surroundings that will emphasize the classic style.
Sink on a narrow leg
Now, in the era of wall-hung sanitary ware with futuristic shapes, a deep round sink on a narrow pedestal looks very vintage. Together with simple curtains, a massive mirror in a slightly worn wooden frame, a wrought-iron chandelier and wicker baskets, it creates the retro style that many people strive for in their bathroom.
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Furniture for a classic bathroom
Wooden furniture maintains a classic style and is decorated in accordance with Italian, English or French classicism traditions. In the interior of a French classic bathroom, the furniture is light, from white to ivory, with gold-plated fittings. Italian classics include rich warm shades of wood, red, black and milky white varnish, gilding, inlays. The Spanish one has textured paneled facades in the color of bog oak and dark patinated fittings.
Light wooden furniture for classic bathroom design
Cabinets under sinks, wardrobes, chests of drawers, dressing tables, ottomans, chairs or armchairs of a distinct classical type in a modern interior are often replaced with furniture in a more restrained format. It resembles, for example, Provence, but in the completed interior it looks organic, neutral, fades into the background, leaving brighter elements as accents - wall and floor decoration, a bathtub, a crystal chandelier, richly decorated mirrors.
Wooden furniture with bright fronts
An important point: the washing machine destroys the classic design of the bathroom. It is hidden behind the cabinet fronts.
Retro style with a modern twist
It is not necessary to use aged elements in the interior: create a retro style with a modern interpretation. In our case, this was achieved with the help of classic accents in the form of decorative columns by the window, a pedestal bathtub, a vintage chair and stucco moldings on the walls.
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Surface finishing: stucco and tiles for a classic style bathroom
The most interesting section is left for dessert - about the design of walls, floors and ceilings. This is such a broad topic that we will only touch on a few ideas.
Classic wall decor in the bathroom
Classic bathroom tiles, natural stone and stucco are used for wall decoration:
- Marble, traverine or porcelain stoneware imitating them.
- The tiles are relief and volumetric shaped, from which pilasters, capitals, and wall rosettes are laid.
- Decorative classic tiles for the bathroom with a pattern that includes laurel leaves, antique meander and palmette motifs, and a damask pattern. When laying tiles, the overall symmetry and rhythm of the ornament are strictly observed.
- Small tiles for mosaic installation.
- Artistic plaster with stucco elements.
Decorating bathroom walls with marble
Rich ceiling decor in the spirit of classicism
The ceiling is decorated with hand-made stucco or ready-made stucco elements made of polyurethane, polystyrene foam, or plaster. The classic style bathroom design is supported by stucco ceiling decor:
- cornices;
- caissons;
- sockets (shades);
- Garlands;
- friezes.
Cornices and frieze decorate the junction of walls and ceiling.
Decorating the junction of walls and ceiling with a cornice
Caissons divide the ceiling into squares, imitating figured ceiling beams.
The lampshade is usually located in the center of the ceiling and frames the crystal chandelier, but the motif can be repeated many times - along the bathroom, in the corners - while maintaining symmetry.
Garlands are placed under the frieze. All stucco work is often emphasized with gilding.
Stucco bathroom ceiling decor
The possibility of stucco decoration does not exclude another option - simple, neat plaster. But still, cornices and a lampshade transform the interior of the bathroom and emphasize its classic design.
Classic bathroom flooring
Natural stone or porcelain stoneware is used to finish the floor.
Luxurious floor finishing with natural stone - travertine, marble, granite - personifies the genuine nobility of the classics.
Luxurious floor finishing with natural stone
Porcelain tiles provide great expressive possibilities: its design can imitate mosaic or inlay, or a complex classical ornament. The rhythmic pattern of classic tiles in the bathroom supports the interior design.
Expressive ceramic tiles on the bathroom floor
Vintage tiles
You can give your bathroom a retro effect using time-tested ceramic tile combinations. If you decorate the bathroom walls with classic hog tiles and decorate the floor with small ceramic hexagons, you can create a retro style. Pay attention to the flower patterns laid out with black tiles - this used to be one of the main trends!
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Decor and accessories ideas for a classic bathroom
What decorative elements can only be found in a classic-style bathroom? How can one or two objects indicate the royal status of the classics?
Carpet
The bathroom floor is not covered with a rug or rug, but with a Persian carpet. Of course, this is usually a lightweight version, made with a mixture of synthetics, decorated with rich patterns in muted shades.
A rug will add coziness to a classic bathroom design.
Crystal Chandelier
The easiest and most effective way to elevate the status of a classic bathroom design is to hang a crystal chandelier in the center. Strictly speaking, it is difficult to replace it with other lamps.
Spectacular crystal chandelier
Attention! When choosing a chandelier, pay attention to its moisture resistance.
Framed mirrors
Mirrors add airiness to the interior, but of particular importance for emphasizing the classic style is not the size of the mirrors, but the massiveness and relief of the frame. In the photo of a classic bathroom design, you can see frames with gilding - solid or only emphasizing the contours of the relief ornament. Particularly picturesque are mirrors and frames of complex shapes other than rectangular.
Mirrors in complex shaped frames
Retro style accessories
Regardless of the style in which we decorate the interior, we should not forget about accessories. They are of great importance. It's like icing on the cake. In a retro-style bathroom, place a mirror in a richly decorated frame, preferably gold. In addition, you need a chandelier made of crystal, gold or brass, for example with light bulbs that imitate candles.
If you have windows in the bathroom, then thick, heavy curtains are perfect for them. They can also be hung around the bathtub to create a canopy of sorts. Also suitable for this style are flowers and richly decorated frames with paintings or old photographs.
As you can see, creating a retro-style bathroom is not easy. We must remember that all elements must fit together. Nothing random. Retro style is visible not only in large elements, such as a bathtub, but also in small ones - in the form of cabinet handles.
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