Modern Vintage Bathrooms 

Step into the world of Modern Vintage bathroom design with Sarah Twigg Doyle, a talented interior stylist and visual content creator known for her ability to blend the old with the new. In today’s design world, where we seek to personalise and add character to our homes, Sarah’s take on 'Modern Vintage' is resonating deeply with homeowners. SONAS Bathrooms had the pleasure of sitting down with Sarah to explore this timeless yet contemporary style.

Sarah shares her expert insights on how to bring warmth, character, and a touch of nostalgia into your bathroom, all while keeping it functional and fresh for everyday living.

What’s your interpretation of the ‘Modern Vintage’ look?

I see Modern Vintage as the perfect balance between old and new. It’s about using vintage pieces to bring character and warmth into a modern space, creating a home that feels soulful and lived-in rather than just a collection of new, mass-produced items.

The Modern Vintage style is all about crafting a narrative within a space. By combining the charm and history of vintage pieces with the clean lines and simplicity of modern design, you evoke a sense of timelessness. Vintage items bring authenticity and personality, where each object tells its own story.

For example, an antique mirror or painting can serve as a striking focal point, while modern tiles or sleek vanities keep the bathroom functional and contemporary. This balance allows homeowners to enjoy the conveniences of modern living while layering in texture, warmth, and soul—the qualities that only vintage elements can provide. It’s a way to curate a space that feels as if it’s been lovingly collected over time, rather than assembled all at once.

How can you incorporate vintage elements into a modern bathroom?

Bathrooms can so easily become a sterile and soulless space, which doesn't reflect our personality. When incorporating vintage elements, it’s best to begin with subtle additions that won’t overwhelm the modern aspects of the bathroom.

Consider a beautifully ornate, vintage mirror as a starting point, which can be both decorative and practical. Similarly, antique lighting fixtures, like brass sconces or industrial-style pendants, can provide that old-world charm while still offering efficient, modern lighting. Materials like aged wood, stone, or brass can also introduce a vintage feel in a subtle yet meaningful way. If you have wall space, why not add a vintage print or painting. Look to create layers of history within the space, blending new and old to achieve a cohesive and timeless design.

What’s the key to blending modern and vintage styles effectively?

The key is in thoughtful curation and balance. Start with your essential modern elements—whether it’s a sleek sofa and built-in shelving in a living space, or your modern bathroom suite—and then layer in vintage pieces to add warmth and personality. You want to make sure one style doesn’t overpower the other, so if you’ve got a lot of vintage elements, use modern materials like concrete or marble to keep the space feeling fresh. Conversely, if your space is predominantly modern, a few well-chosen vintage accessories can add character without feeling out of place.

For example, in a living room, you might pair a new sofa with an old vintage armchair, or in a dining space, a beautiful vintage table could be complemented by modern, comfortable chairs. In the bathroom, once you’ve selected your suite, build character by adding vintage accessories like an antique mirror or old apothecary jars.

Colour is another key consideration—keep your palette to three or four colours to avoid overwhelming the space. This restraint ensures the design feels polished and allows your vintage pieces to stand out without clutter. Ultimately, the balance between modern functionality and vintage charm creates a space that feels curated over time, not too cluttered or too cold, but effortlessly harmonious.

Credit: Thelistedhome.co.uk

5 Top Tips for creating a Modern Vintage Bathroom

• Wonder-wall: Opt for vintage-style wallpaper, panels or tiles to add a touch of old-world charm to your bathroom. Complement it with sleek fixtures such as contemporary taps or showerheads to blend classic appeal with modern functionality. This combination creates a unique and stylish look that stands out.
• Brass Tactics: Incorporate brass lighting fixtures to infuse a vintage feel into your space. Pair these with modern vanity units for a sophisticated contrast. The timeless elegance of brass combined with sleek, contemporary vanities enhances both the aesthetic and practicality of your bathroom.
• Reflection Perfection: Add character to your bathroom with a Brushed Gold Mirror, placing it above a modern bathroom suite. This pairing combines the charm of vintage decor with the clean lines of modern fixtures, making your bathroom both stylish and functional.
• Modern Classic: Enhance your bathroom by adding vintage-inspired accessories, such as Brushed Gold towel rings and toothbrush holders, alongside your modern storage solutions. This approach adds character and nostalgia wile maintaining the efficiency and organisation of modern storage solutions.
• Magic Carpet: Introduce a vintage-style washable rug to soften the look of your bathroom and add warmth and texture. Pair it with modern elements, such as a freestanding bath or contemporary basin, creating an inviting contrast between old and new.
• Bonus Tip: Explore vintage-style decorative elements, such as antique frames or Brushed Gold Brassware and accessories, to add personality to your modern bathroom. These touches can bring a unique charm to your space, complementing contemporary fixtures and creating a cohesive, inviting atmosphere.

Where should homeowners begin when exploring the vintage-modern style?

To start blending vintage and modern elements, first gather inspiration by searching for 'Modern Vintage' looks on Pinterest or browsing interior magazines. Create a mood board of pieces and styles that resonate with you. For the bathroom, consider introducing a single vintage item, like a statement mirror or unique accessory, to complement modern fittings. Explore antique shops, flea markets, or online marketplaces for affordable, one-of-a-kind finds that add character and charm without overwhelming the space.

Want to learn more about Sarah Twigg Doyle?

Sarah Twigg Doyle - Retwiggd Stylist is an experienced interior stylist and designer. She is passionate about creating beautiful and characterful spaces, with nature as her greatest muse!

Working with design clients, her aim is to encourage them to embrace colour, creating a harmonious palette to suit their taste and lifestyle. She sources the unusual and beautiful, creating a home with soul, one they feel truly nurtured and relaxed in.

As an interior stylist, she sources and styles for photography shoots, events, TV productions and print editorial. Her visual storytelling sees her develop content for company and brand websites and social media campaigns. As well as sharing her love of climate-focused, nature-inspired interiors with her followers on social media and at events and workshops.

Simply put, Sarah lives, breaths and dreams all things interiors, colour and style! Her home has featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, and she regularly contributes to interiors editorial and online blogs.

Ready to find out more about the Modern Vintage style? Check out everything you need to know on www.retwiggd.ie or on instagram @retwiggdstylist