Thanks so much Sue. I can't seem to find anyone who will color match. Daltile and others have minimum 500 sq feet. Any ideas?

Sorry, I was really being tongue in cheek. Daltile’s minimum doesn’t surprise me; they need to sell a certain number to make it worth their while. You might check with an artisan tilemaker like Watowi in Ann Arbor to see if they’d make the quantity you need in lavender, but it would still be very expensive. I think all white in the shower would be perfectly fine and true to Deco. Another possibility might be all black in the shower, very period-appropriate. It’s enviable to have a 95-year-old space in such good condition! Best of success with it.

https://retrorenovation.com/2019/01/22/12-places-to-find-4-x-4-ceramic-bathroom-tile-in-vintage-colors/

Pratt and Larson isn’t cheap, but I think they do color matching. Old Sue meant Motawi, with an initial M. I got my kitchen backsplash tile from them. (Also not cheap, but it was a specialty design.) I adore your bathroom and hope you are able to save as much as humanly possible. What a gem!

Stupendous bathroom!

I have a small shower from 1938 with all black tiles. It is pretty cool. I think it would look great in your space as well. Otherwise, I'd do all white. It is going to be very hard to get the right match for your original tiles. I would not use your extra 12 tiles. Hold on to them in case you need to replace singular tiles with cracks.

My question is, how do they demo the walls in the shower without breaking other tiles in the surrounding space? Every worker I have had like a bull in a china shop and breaks something else while they are fixing the thing they came to work on.

Well... that is a stunning bathroom...

I am basically speechless. ( i.e. without speech.)

I have not read any comments- and I am enjoying the day, so probably will not read comments. So all I can say is: I MIGHT change the vanity light(s)- and that would be It. For. Me.

Oh... I see. I just read your dilemma description.

You are redoing the shower because of those black and white tiles in shower area(?) Where? On the threshold? The black border in back of the shower? I am confused. I am honestly not seeing a problem with the existing shower. And your AI images do not really look like an improvement over what is there- i.e. over what previous owners did. Have you demo-ed the shower yet?

I don’t understand the problem with any of the existing black and white... I really don’t. Maybe I am missing something. But even if I did have a problem with it, before I went through all of that- and put the structure through all of that... I would just buy some new towels... and call it a day.

man I love that lavender and black tile.

Have you tried RetroRenovation? they specialize in matching old tile colors.

I know they can do the mid century matches. not sure about the art deco periods. worth a shot

https://retrorenovation.com/2019/01/22/12-places-to-find-4-x-4-ceramic-bathroom-tile-in-vintage-colors/

https://retrorenovation.com/category/bathroom-categories/tile/

maybe this one too?

https://vintagetile.weebly.com/

Hi Fredoomplace--The current shower looks bad--the previous owners re-tiled it and I don't think it works. Also, I will be able to make the shower about 12" deeper by going into an adjacent closet because it is very tiny now. The biggest reason is to expand the size of the shower, but the pattern they selected is just wrong IMHO.

You can change the shower to the white tile and add a liner of lavender, Its okay if it not match 100% it will tie it all together.

Thanks OTM—. I have lots of those little chiclet tiles, so I can run a lavender and black liner. Assuming I can get the lavender tiles, do you still prefer the white to all lavender or half-and-half?

I did not see this picture. Is the greyish part a tile design on it? I agree it’s a bit flamboyant- but I don’t know if it would be a deal breaker for me. I might have tried to visually minimize some of the black tiles- versus demoing it...

So is this an AI rendering? It does not look like an AI rendering to me... Or is this already done? Is this the new shower?

No demo yet. It’s all AI.

By grayish part that is probably the etching in the shower door

Yes, now I see. I did not look closely enough to see the glass shower door. That makes sense. I like the etching on the glass door. Art Deco.

I apologize. I thought this was your current shower.

So you can understand my confusion. If I had read through comments, I would have probably seen your other picture.

So you are interested in enlarging the shower, and you have your plans. I understand. Plus, it’s your house! If you don’t want to go through demo drama, though- you could consider having a (skilled) painter strategically paint over some of the black tiles (or all of them, whichever you prefer)- and see if that might make it more palatable. Yes, there can be some potential issues with painted tile in a shower holding up to the wear and tear- without the paint peeling, etc. But a good pro paint job could possibly help to provide some longevity. You also have the option of touching it up down the road or tearing it all out.

So it’s a personal choice, and you can weigh pros and cons.

https://www.thespruce.com/should-you-paint-over-bathroom-tiles-11704036

Can we all agree that Jo Anne has the. Best. Bathroom. Ever!? Beautiful vintage!

You should get a medal for saving this beautiful room. How about an all black shower? Black tiles are easy to find and it picks up one of the trim colors.

I would redo the shower in all white. That would give a place for the eye to rest and white tiles are easy, of course, to find.

I grew up in a house built in the 50's with blue and black tiles. Reminds me of that.

I think that’s a great idea. Freedom place. And as a matter of fact, I used clear, miracle method painters to re-glaze the lavender tub a number of years ago after the cleaners used an acid etching that they mistook for cleaning supply! But for years, the tiny shower has been a problem, so I’m going to take the plunge and make it larger

I think painting the walls white would provide the contrast to allow the rest to shine on its own….

Thanks so much star craft and other others who have suggested black. I think it’s a great idea but I’m leaning away from it because the shower feels so cramped and small. I’m getting some good leads on finding the lavender tile and I think I may have some luck so now I have to narrow it down between all white or half and half which are my two favorite choices so far.

Here are two more AI generated images with an arched niche. It’s really amazing, I just took a picture of my shower and put it into ChatGPT and ask it to do show it with white tiles, an arch, niche, etc.

My vote is for the all-white shower. Also, don't paint the walls white! The lavender paint elevates the room from ho-hum to fabulous.

Thank you so much Melinda S 1977

If this was my bath I would also consider some change in the fixtures…the toilet is too small in scale with the rest of the bathroom…and the plumbing showing is a distraction and an eyesore

If this was my bath I would also consider some change in the fixtures…as the piping is to visible…and lastly the window frame painted black..will continue the flow on the trim

Jo Anne- I wish you all the best with your plans!

I understand the idea of your desire for a larger shower. I just wanted to mention: if you (or anyone else) has been using the current shower for years, as you say - there may be a distinct possibility that the current black and white tile on the shower walls could have possibly made the shower feel smaller than it might otherwise feel with different (appearing) tile on the walls.

Wow Jor! Thank you SO much for your thoughtful response! You've given me so much to think about!

Thanks Kendrah--they will have to be careful with the demo--the existing walls should be OK ---only one wall (the faucet wall) is adjacent to other tile--but I worry when they remove tiles close to the entry arch. Glad you raised this point because I will discuss with my contractor.

There are so many good ideas here that the only problem you may have is choosing among them. Whatever you decide, when the redo is done, please come back and post the pictures.

I definitely will! Thanks so much!!

I used to be a staunch advocate of staying 100% true to a period aesthetic. But then I purchased a home built in 1852. And now live in a home built in 1938. Unless your budget allow all custom made or salvaged products, you cannot stay 100% true to period. And the goal instead should be to create a harmonious space that best meshes old and new. Faking old most often ends up looking like cheap patchwork.

I would caution against another purple tile with a "similar saturation and warm undertone." Try making AI images of this and see what you think. Imitation often looks worse.

I'd also caution against "Choose a bright, glossy white subway tile to match the period." Subway tiles of the period came in all shades of white - just as many as there are now. Your goal is not to match the PERIOD but to match your CURRENT bathroom. If you are keeping the floor you have in your current bathroom, you need to find a white tile that matches your bathroom floor. Again, it is better to diverge somewhat from the period to make your space more harmonious.

For example, the wall niche you are planning feels like a relatively new creation. (Perhaps they existed in 1938 and I've just not seen them?) You are adapting new to old and that is fine. I would not sacrifice your precious extra tiles for a nice. Hold on to them for replacements if you have cracking of original wall tiles in the future. You will not regret this.

Still want a pop of the prefect purple in the shower? Install a short towel bar along the back wall and hang the perfect purple shade bathmat/towel on it.

I would not mess with retiling the underneath side of the archway. I think you are asking for trouble as the black adjoining tile could be damaged in the process.

Either do an all black shower, or do white with the same thick black band and lower black band beneath is as is in the rest of the room.

I'd also find a paintable shelving unit for above the toilet and paint it the same color as the wall.

Jo Anne: As many other comments have stated, congratulations on your decision to preserve your beautiful 1930's bathroom with the classic lavender and black tiles.. I have a 1936 house in an historic neighborhood in Los Angeles; the tiles in the showers match the wall tiles (aqua and coral) and go to the ceiling. I agree with Perfect Jor's thorough analysis that continuing the lavender color in the shower (with a pencil line) would look best, although white or black also would look fine. While it might look good in a ChatGPT image, I would not recommend putting both lavender and white tile in the shower.

I restored my primary bathroom three years ago. While preserving the 1930's features, I have enjoyed the 21st Century luxuries of a wall niche, overhead light in the shower, and ceiling fan. Designer Julia Chasman (contact information here on Houzz) was able to get new aqua tiles for my shower and floor from Jose Nonato (www.nonatoceramics.com) that matched the original tiles. Mission Tile West (www.missiontilewest.com) also might be able to make an exact match. B&W Tile (www.bwtile.com) has a lilac tile that might work with your wall tiles.

If you want some inspiration for fabulous 1930's looks, watch Sue Me's YouTube video on the evolution of 1930's bathrooms. You will not want to have walls painted white after hearing her comments!

@Elros PRF - Great resources you listed. Do you mind sharing the $/sq ft on your tile from these vendors and the minimums? I often find these factors to make or break tile choices when revamping a historic space.

I am in total agreement - Jo Anne has a marvelous bathroom and her decision to keep it much as it is, is an awesome one! Since you have a mostly white tile floor IMO the white tile of the shower coordinates nicely BUT would you consider replicating the floor tile pattern with it's black diamond tile in the shower as well? That might coordinate the different tiles even better and would eliminate the introduction of yet another tile. Good luck and it is such a beautiful bathroom! I am envious!

Elros, thanks so much for the feedback and for the sue me video suggestion. I loved watching it! And good news folks, I found the tile! It’s a perfect match with BW Tile 90W. Unless anyone here tells me I’m crazy, I think I’m going to carry the wainscoting from the bathroom through the lower half of the shower, including the proper and lavender chiclet tiles and black border above that, then the top half of the shower will be all white with a white arched niche and maybe the Chiclet tiles around the niche. My thought is, it will look very complementary, but having the white tiles will make the shower feel bigger to the eye when you’re inside showering. Again, please let me know if anyone strongly disagrees. Otherwise I will post photos when it’s done!

Kendrah daltile has a minimum of 500 ft.² but BW did not have a minimum

I’m so happy that Jo Anne found the tile and affordably! The bath is already beautiful and now it will be thrilling. I love the idea of outlining the arched niche.

Such wonderful news, Jo Anne! I'm drooling with anticipation. Your bathroom is so, so beautiful.

Can't wait to see the finished bath in all its glory!

What about the floor of the shower? Will you do it to match the bathroom floor?

Jo Anne: It sounds like it will be spectacular. I am glad you found appropriate tiles.

Kendrah: I unfortunately do not have the price of the tiles from Jose Nonato readily at hand, but recall that they were expensive.

If it helps, Kendrah, BW charged $34 per square foot and mercury mosaic charges $47 per square foot

I think you have made a great decision. Looking forward to the after photos.

We have remod'ed a lot of period baths in 4o years, but only one or two as nice as this. You are very lucky and very prescient to have purchased a house with this bath.

Now, just make sure the tile setter you use is up to the task. Ask to see his/her prior work.

Good for you for figuring out how to expand your current tiny shower into something larger that you will enjoy, without changing the 1930's look.

I think matching those tiles in texture, size and color, will be problematic. It might be easier to go with a white shower and a niche of the lavender tiles you still have, trimmed out in a bit of black, if you want lavender in there.

OP has told us she found matching tiles.

I've been following along. What a spectacular bathroom! Looking forward to seeing it finished.

I think some relief from the lavender will help appreciate it more . I wuld do the white shower stack of fluffy white towels black mat for the shower and black accessories.