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joseph_marafioti

Need help for a 50s pink bathroom (for a guy)

12 years ago
Ok so when I bought this house it has literally been untouched for over 60 years with a result to having a bathroom of baby blue tiles, pink bathroom and fittings and redish/pink terrazzo floor. "So in for 1954". But forward this to 2014 and I attempted to do a half renovated job to not spend too much money as one day in the future I will knocking this house down (not sure but...one day). So as a result i painted the tiles white (came out pretty good), change the basin, put a chandelier, and a new mirror. Nice!

But somehow i still need that something else.

I need ideas on what to paint the walls to match the floor and the pink fittings. I could paint it pink or close to it but I need to point out, I am a guy living here on my own and pink is so not me.

So what am I looking for, while leaving the pink bathtub and floor, I want something bold to be painted on the wall that isn't feminine. I will let you know, I am open to suggestions as my taste is quite creative given that I am a designer and artist...so throw me anything to consider within reason.

What I was thinking, painting a feature wall of a bold colour that compliments the existing bathroom and maybe having a picture of some sort hung up.

So hope you can help as from here once I sort out a base, I can work out the accessories from there on.

Thanks in advance.

Comments (23)

  • 12 years ago
    Find a cool piece of art first - then pick a color from that piece.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I think this begs a picture of the pink panther tiptoeing all the edge of the bath. Use grey to counteract the pink
  • 12 years ago
    What would you think of a charcoal/black and white geometric?
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    HI --- Find or do a painting with some of that vibrant bathtub pink in it . Then paint the walls black or a black/navy ... Polo by Benjamin Moore . There that is an artist's dramatic bathroom. Then use lots of white towels and accessories . And find one of those 50's black panther ornaments or big white Buddha statue . Then some bright LED lighting if needed and chrome hardware etc.
  • 12 years ago
    chartreuse walls.
  • 12 years ago
    Why don't you have the tub refinished in white? I don't think its very expensive, or Rustoleum has a DIY kit. And just curious if those bath toys belong to you, since you live alone : )
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    I think the dark blue/gray of the specks on the floor would make a super cool wall color, if you're going for eclectic and bold. I think you should paint the cabinet a darker version of the walls so that you will have something to focus on that isn't pink. then get a lighter gradient of these blue/gray colors for towels. And voila, you have more of something other than pink.
  • 12 years ago
    First, I suggest refinishing the tub in white as others have mentioned. Compared to what you have already accomplished, it wouldn't be that difficult. Second, I suggest a pale grey on the walls with a shimmer or sheen to it. This color would be pulled from a color in the floor. Tone down any rug in the room to a similar color. Third, have a "shower" curtain made in a custom size that would cover the whole length of the tub and the shower, i.e., the curtain rod would run the full length of the shower/bath wall. It should fall just about an inch above the floor and be about an inch or two above the shower door. The fabric could be a bold, graphic pattern or something classic and masculine, as you did put a chandelier in there. I would further suggest a flat (not ruffled) or box pleat valance on the window. The fabric would bring in great character to the room. Finally, get a cool metal container to go on the right side of the vanity to corral all your tolietries. That vanity and window are what people, including you, see first, and they shouldn't detract from the rest of the space. Good luck!
  • 12 years ago
    Grey all the way! :)
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks everyone for your great suggestions! It seems there is one common occurrence with the advice, grey seems to be something that everybody highly recommends...amongst other things as well.

    Thanks again.

    And with Depo's comment about the kids toys and 'living on my own'...good question! I'm a single dad to a young boy. ;-)
  • 12 years ago
    Ha! Thanks Joseph, I figured that was the case, I was just teasing you!
  • 12 years ago
    In that case, Joseph, embrace even MORE color! You didn't mention there was a tiny tot involved. ;)

    Leave the pink and then play up more colors in the room - yellows, greens, oranges, blues... Kids' bathrooms are some of the most fun to decorate. :) Sounds like you share this space with the boy, but no reason you can't enjoy a playful space, too! (And you can still incorporate plenty of grey...)

    As always, start with art:

    http://society6.com/product/fashionable-giraffe-dhs_print#1=45
    http://society6.com/product/sea-patrol_print#1=45
    http://society6.com/product/just-keep-swimming-zwa_print#1=45
    http://society6.com/product/jumbo-bubble-gum_print#1=45
  • 12 years ago
    Great work already, Joseph! :)
  • 12 years ago
    Think Art Deco and use a bold black. Possibly geometric shapes and black handles.
  • 12 years ago
    Very nice. I was wondering if you could share what product you used to paint your tiles and if they are holding up well to the use of the shower ?
  • 12 years ago
    Very cheerful, Joseph! I was wondering the same thing as Sue, what did you paint your tiles with? I'm getting ready to do the tiles on my vanity top.
  • 12 years ago
    Hey sue, I painted the tiles 3 years ago, and it's still is as strong after all this time even in the shower. I will find out what brand it is soon, in the next couple of days.

    All in all, it's not the type of paint you use, it's how well you prepare and apply the paint which determines how well it sticks.
  • 12 years ago
    Grey and pink and grey and black play nice together as others have mentioned. Have you been to savethepinkbathroom.com ? They show what can be done if you want to embrace it. While I appreciate a pink bath, I can't embrace pink and baby blue together so I do understand.
  • 12 years ago
    Thankyou Joseph. I will wait to hear back from you on the brand that you used.
  • 12 years ago
    For those asking about the paint I used its this brand using a primer (1 coat) and the paint (2coats). Ofcourse it's all about the preparation and application so read the instructions as you would. Good luck!
  • 11 years ago
    go to retro renovation.com. you will never look at your pink bathroom in the same way.
  • 9 years ago
    Hi all,

    Sometime ago you all helped me out with my pink bathroom, so I'm at it again to get ideas on what to paint the walls above the tiles to match the pink bathtub.

    I am hoping I could get away with a BOLD kind of colour, what would you recommend referring to this colour chart?

    http://www.colorcombos.com/pink-color-schemes.html