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A couple of professional architects renovated their all-wood-paneled ’70s bathroom into a folk Americana style space. The project included custom-built features and hand-designed flooring, blending vintage charm with modern accessibility. The renovation was self-funded and completed over a year, with significant design input from the homeowners.
A couple of professional architects transformed their all-wood-paneled ’70s bathroom into a folk Americana-inspired space with custom features and hand-designed flooring. The renovation aimed to update the dated decor, improve accessibility, and incorporate their design aesthetic, making it a notable example of DIY renovation blending vintage charm with modern style.
Lauren Famularo and Richard Abendroth, both architects, undertook a year-long renovation of their primary bathroom, which was originally characterized by wood paneling, chevron ceiling, and dark-stained vanity. The space was connected to their primary bedroom, causing awkwardness for guests and prompting the renovation.
The couple designed and built custom features including a large sliding medicine cabinet and a hand-designed, quilt-patterned tile floor. The tiles, sourced from Fireclay Tile, were installed individually to create a subdued, earthy pattern that complements the vintage aesthetic. The flooring was made to be non-slip and waterproof and to fit seamlessly with the accessible shower.
Costing approximately $5,500 for materials, the project was primarily completed by Richard with help from family. They also used their professional discounts on materials, including Fireclay Tiles, West Elm, and Kohler, to reduce costs. The renovation also involved removing the wood paneling, painting walls white, and adding blue wainscoting to modernize the space while maintaining a nostalgic feel.
Reviving Vintage Spaces with Personal Style
This renovation demonstrates how homeowners can preserve and update vintage spaces through personalized design and DIY craftsmanship. It highlights the potential for combining mid-century charm with modern accessibility and aesthetics, inspiring others to undertake similar projects. The project also underscores the value of professional expertise in creating functional, stylish homes that reflect individual taste while addressing practical needs.
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’70s Bathroom Design and Modern Renovation Trends
The original bathroom reflected typical ’70s design elements, such as wood paneling and patterned linoleum. Renovations of vintage bathrooms have become popular as homeowners seek to balance nostalgia with contemporary updates. This project is part of a broader trend where DIY homeowners and design professionals collaborate to create personalized, functional spaces that respect the original architecture while integrating modern features.
“We wanted the space to feel like folk Americana, not just a typical farmhouse aesthetic. The tiles and patterns reflect that earthy, nostalgic vibe.”
— Lauren Famularo
Details Still Emerging About the Final Design Choices
While the overall renovation is complete, some specifics about the final layout and materials used are still being finalized or documented by the homeowners. It is not yet clear if additional updates are planned or if the space will be further personalized in the future.
Upcoming Home Projects and Design Plans
The homeowners plan to share more details about their renovation process and may undertake additional updates to other parts of their home. They are also considering creating more custom furniture pieces to complement the folk Americana style, with potential tutorials or workshops for DIY enthusiasts.
Key Questions
What inspired the design of the bathroom renovation?
Lauren and Richard aimed to blend vintage ’70s charm with folk Americana style, emphasizing earthy patterns, custom-built features, and a nostalgic yet modern aesthetic.
How much did the renovation cost?
The total cost for materials was approximately $5,500, with most labor completed by Richard and help from family members. They used their professional discounts to reduce expenses.
Were there any specific challenges during the renovation?
Installing the complex quilt-patterned tile floor was particularly challenging, as each tile was installed individually to ensure precise pattern alignment around the drain.
Will they make further updates to the bathroom?
While no specific plans have been announced, the homeowners are considering additional custom projects and may share their process publicly in the future.
Is this renovation suitable for rental properties?
The project was tailored to their personal home, but the DIY techniques and design ideas could inspire similar updates in rental or other residential spaces, keeping in mind durability and tenant preferences.
Source: Apartment Therapy
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