The gray and black tile is a great color combination from the last century. There are so many other less attractive combos that were used then that you could have. Remove the wallpaper and just paint the walls white. The vanity would also look better if it were white. If you can't replace it right now and you're going to have it several years it might be worth painting. Just be aware that painting a vanity isn't as simple as putting wall paint on it if you want to DIY. Do your research before painting it so you do it right and it lasts. If you paint it white, also do the frame of the mirror black. The light fixture looks like it could stand to be replaced. The shower curtain looks like a good choice.

I don't have a good idea from your picture exactly what the floor looks like. Is there something wrong with it, does it need to be replaced? If it does, it's possible you would be better off doing a complete remodel unless you have no intention of ever remodeling this bath.

@kandrewspa Thanks for the ideas, the floor is a laminate tile. Which is in good shape but could be swapped out for something more rich, bathtub is a old school standard Vinyl.

We were thinking of the same

Paint / replace wall paper
Update vanity
Swap out mirror and light fixtures.

If we were feeling adventours swap out the floor with something that goes wel with the subway tile.

Love that tile, glad you’re keeping it!

Can the open shelves be enclosed? Fluffy white ( or another color ) towels. All the same.

@flopsycat1 The shelve isn't attached to anything just a piece of furniture, but permanent enclosed shelving may be a nice touch !

The tile looks great but need better photos to give any suggestions.

I agree at least not beige but I would like to see thew hole bathroom and without the towels and also the tub and surround. So post more pics here in a comment do not strat another post .Show the floor a bit better too. Is this a master bath or a main one?

@Patricia Colwell Consulting Its the main bathroom of the house. Still haven't moved in yet. Closing in April! So more to come! Just wanted some ideas to start planning.

Definitely go in an Art Deco direction. Perhaps you can go with 1" white and black hex tile for the floor with gray grout and paint the vanity white. Alternatively, I'd look for a freestanding vanity with chrome legs to give it more of an "Old New York" feeling.

Georgetown Kitchen and Bath · More Info

Black and White Art Deco Bathroom · More Info

@Sabrina Alfin Interiors Do you think the wall trim/ molding above the subway tile would mesh well?

I’d do what many have already said, but I have an addition: if your vanity is the old, low kind where you almost break your back bending down so far, replace it with a new one….no need to paint the old. You can find them online, or even at Lowe’s, won’t break the bank. Add a nice, new faucet, plain towels all same color (I’d say white), and you’ve got an improved bathroom. Better and closed shelving/storage should also be doable w/o adding too much cost. Good luck!

Here is a visual of my suggestions:

- Install black floor tiles

- Paint the vanity white (or replace)

- I show a gray & white wallpaper

- Replace the mirror for a narrow black frame one for a more modern look

- Buy black towels

- Buy a black & white roman shade and shower curtain

- Mix-in some decorative items in your open shelves, trays & baskets are useful to make it look organized

- Replace your faucets for black ones

Do you think the wall trim/ molding above the subway tile would mesh well?

Are you talking about the black border above the existing gray subway tile? If so, the answer is yes.

@coray brings up a significant question - is the vanity too low for comfort? If it is, your investment in a new vanity will be well worth it. @lisedv gave you a simple, perfect list of what to do/buy. You have what look like good condition square grey tiles with a black border. A b&w,tile floor(if it needs replacing) leans into the style you’ve inherited. Tons of great b&w floor tiles around.

The vanity can be white with black fixtures - OR it can be a black vanity and you can stick with polished nickel or good ol’ fashioned chrome. Since you don’t live there yet, hold off on purchasing anything but start a Houzz inspiration folder. Grey and black tiles give you a lot of options.

The messiness doesn’t help visualize anything, so take more photos when it’s empty.