Is there such a thing as timeless kitchen/bath design?

12 years ago

I tend to agonize over finishing touches in my remodel, and part of that agony is to ensure my place doesn't look dated a few years out. That got me thinking: is there such a thing as timeless kitchen or bath design? Let's leave the functionality aside for the purposes of this discussion: assume everything is designed for good function.

Is there a 20 or 30 or 50 year old kitchen or bath that you'd want to replicate today? (Tile countertops, anyone?) I know there are furniture pieces that have withstood a test of time, and you can look on certain living rooms, bedrooms or exteriors from years ago that still look incredible today, but kitchens or baths? I'd love to see examples!

Yes

Maybe (explain, please!)

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MJ Designs

12 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Great question, Sonya N! I DO think there are design elements that will stand the test of time. A simple cabinet door front like the Shaker Style, butcher block and the combination of black and white.... Been around forever and still looks great today!

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Comments (8)

Curt D'Onofrio
12 years ago
Everybody different. My idea of a good idea = another person's nightmare
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Thos. Baker
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
I think one of the most timeless bath designs are vintage baths from the 1930's and 1940's. The black and white tile flooring, half wall ceramic tiles, pale green fixtures and other features are often treasured and spared from contemporary remodeling and upgrading.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker
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User
12 years ago
Yes, if the clock has stopped.
User
12 years ago
I worked in an old 1930s mansion that was now a nursing home. The bathrooms were spacious, had black plus colour tiling, but that wasn't all. In each bathroom there were gorgeous tile murals, each different. Then if you were sitting in the bath, you could look up at the cornices, which were not repetitions of motifs, but continuous stories around the room. These were painted in a naturalistic manner. Every bathroom was different in that house, no two cornices were the same.
Not everyone starved in the Great Depression.
Carolina
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
I think that the best chance to not have a dated kitchen or bathroom in let's say 10 years, is to go for simple, good quality design. And white bath, sink, toilet.
I think that something like this will be beautiful in 20 years too, nice detailing, but not over the top. Appeals to people who like a more modern, but also to people who like a traditional design. And Shaker style has been popular for ages.
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For bathrooms, again, good quality and simple. Nice detailing, not over the top.
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User
12 years ago
I think that every style will look dated, some sooner than others. Anything that is at least 20 or 30 years old will look or be old and worn, even if the colors are still okay. Have you ever tried recycling an old clothes that comes back into fashion 20 years later? It's difficult to do, because the old clothes still look old.

Also, with technology these days, I can only imagine how technology will be changing our kitchens and bathrooms in the next decade or two.
bungalowmo
11 years ago
I did my bath in a black hex floor & white subway tile wall. Chrome fixtures.

This room can change to any color with paint & linens.

@Thos Baker....I LOVE that cute yellow & green bath! It's adorable, but I can guess, not for everyone! I have that same exact tub in white!