Vintage Bathrooms with a Modern Twist

Always admired the look of a vintage bathroom, but still want it to have modern features? If this has been on your mind, there are so many ways to do this.  

The good news is that you do not need to choose one or the other. With a thoughtful approach, you can enjoy the warmth of nostalgic design and the comfort of contemporary living.  

This guide will walk you through how to combine the best of both worlds to create a bathroom that feels timeless, personal, and beautifully balanced. After all, there is something special about combining old and new. 

Here’s Some Retro Renovations to Inspire You!

Start with a neutral base

When you are mixing two quite distinctive styles, you want them to balance each other out. Neutral backgrounds (such as warm taupes, soft greys, and whites) ground vintage elements.

The shades make things really stand out without overwhelming the space. It is a fantastic way to highlight retro lighting or a vintage sink.

Choose a dominant style

Do you want it more retro or modern? What you like more will determine the theme.

• Use contemporary marble tiles for the walls, an antique wooden vanity, and add vintage mirrors
• You might want vintage accents to take centre stage and have sleek modern finishes as a backdrop; it is up to you!
• Vintage elements do not need to overpower the bathroom, but can still bring character and warmth

Work with proportion and scale

Blending vintage and modern together means getting the scale right. Too much on either end can make the bathroom feel cluttered or disjointed. The vintage sink or ornate detailing may get lost in a vast, empty bathroom, or a contemporary vanity might overwhelm a small bathtub.

• Help overcrowding by implementing a pedestal sink with a streamlined modern shower
• Choose a large clawfoot bathtub in the centre of the room as a statement piece
• Balance the bathtub centrepiece with light, contemporary fixtures

Add in fixtures such as bathtubs and faucets

• Pair clawfoot bathtubs with wall-mounted faucets, which contrast beautifully
• Modern clawfoot tubs can have stunning finishes like matte gold or black
• Pair the tub with minimalist features and soft, neutral colour palettes and contemporary flooring

Learn more: Mediterranean-Inspired Bathrooms: Colours, Textures and Finishes.

Flooring and tiles

• Use subway tiles, penny tiles or hexagonal tiles that are historical yet fresh
• Vintage floor tiles with a unique pattern will pair well with the minimalist design of your bathroom
• Use checkerboard tiles for vintage charm; they add a fun, playful element to the design

Walls and panelling for texture and depth

• Vintage features like wainscoting or beadboard panelling add instant warmth and character.
• Soft white beadboard creates a charming, country feel
• Vintage-inspired wallpaper (Art Deco, floral, muted prints) works best as a feature wall to avoid overwhelming the space
• Subtle wallpaper designs can enhance a modern bathroom with vintage depth and personality.

Lighting and mirrors for vintage glamour

• Antique sconces, chandeliers, and vintage bulbs provide warm, old-world ambience.
• Edison bulbs and geometric brass lighting add retro glam while staying modern.
• Ornate mirrors (sunburst, carved antique frames, brass detailing) can be striking focal points above modern vanities
• Combining warm lighting with a statement mirror creates a dramatic, spacious, inviting look

Read about our renovation process, our showroom, and our team.

Accessories

• Intricate details like antique soap dishes, towel racks, and vintage clocks
• Vintage rugs create warmth, texture, and comfort; perfect for rustic or industrial bathrooms
• Upcycled furniture vanities (e.g., repurposed dressers/sideboards) add unique vintage charm and function; a standout focal point when refinished well

AAA Build Helps with Small Bathroom Renovations in Melbourne

Since 1988, AAA Build has been completing bathroom renovations across Melbourne with an approach that puts homeowners first. From design support to after-care, every stage is handled with precision, clarity, and genuine craftsmanship. Here is how we make the renovation process easy:

• Personal design consultation at your home, at no cost
• Exclusive showroom access, where you can compare tiles, fittings, colours, tapware and finishes in one appointment
• Quoting you can trust, delivered within 24 to 48 hours
• A dedicated Site Manager, guiding the build from day one
• Workmanship that meets Australian Standards on every project
• Warranty protection, including a 7-year builder’s warranty + certified waterproofing documentation
• Award-winning builders, recognised by Best of Houzz (2023–2025)

We believe a beautiful bathroom should not be out of reach. Whether you are upgrading finishes or planning a complete transformation, we design for impact without stretching your budget.

Explore our project gallery (including our Bentleigh timeless charm renovation) and discover styles you might love.

Modern and Vintage Bathroom Renovations in Melbourne: Get a Quote

From design concepts and material selection to product sourcing and maintenance advice, once your bathroom is complete. Our licensed contractors and technicians bring years of experience, so you will be happy with the result for sure.

Contact us by calling 1300 400 388, emailing [email protected], or visiting our showroom at Unit 1/292 Boundary Rd, Dingley Village VIC 3172 to view our vintage bathrooms in person.

Start your project with a FREE in-home consultation, where we explore your ideas, assess your space, and offer expert advice tailored to your goals. And if you are concerned about cost, our renovate now, pay later finance option provides up to 18 months interest-free, making luxury more accessible.

We are proud to be recognised with Best of Houzz 2025 for Design & Service, the industry’s leading platform for renovation excellence. This award reflects our dedication to quality craftsmanship, honest communication, and a result you will love living with.