I inherited my grandmother Elsie’s house, and her bathroom is a 70s dream! The walls are covered in avocado green tiles, punctuated by burnt orange accents. The floor is a swirling pattern of brown and beige. It’s incredibly dated, but I find it charming. The fixtures are original, too, adding to the retro aesthetic. It’s a time capsule, really!
The Initial Shock
Opening the bathroom door for the first time was… a revelation. I’d seen pictures, of course, but nothing prepared me for the full, overwhelming seventies glory of Elsie’s bathroom. The avocado green wasn’t just a subtle shade; it was a vibrant, almost radioactive green. It clung to every inch of the tiled walls, a testament to the era’s bold color choices. The grout, oh, the grout! Years of accumulated grime and moisture had turned it a sickly yellow-brown, a stark contrast to the already intense green. I stared, mouth agape, at the swirling brown and beige floor tiles, a pattern so busy it felt like it was moving. The bathtub, a chipped porcelain monstrosity, sat proudly in the corner, its once-gleaming white now dulled and stained. The sink, a matching avocado green, looked as though it had seen better decades. I ran a hand along the cool, smooth surface of the tiles, feeling the texture, the age, the history embedded within. It wasn’t just a bathroom; it was a time capsule, perfectly preserved from a bygone era. I’d expected some quirks, some outdated features, but the sheer intensity of the retro design hit me like a wave. My initial reaction was a mixture of shock and, I have to admit, a touch of horrified fascination. It was so… much. The sheer volume of avocado green was almost overwhelming. I had a brief moment of panic, wondering how on earth I could possibly tackle such a project. The sheer scale of the renovation task ahead seemed insurmountable. But then, a different feeling began to creep in⁚ a sense of adventure, a thrill of the challenge, and a growing appreciation for the unique charm of Elsie’s old-fashioned bathroom.
Assessing the Damage (and the Budget)
After the initial shock subsided, I donned my rubber gloves and began a thorough assessment. The avocado green tiles themselves were surprisingly sturdy, showing minimal cracking or chipping. However, the grout was a different story. It wasn’t just discolored; in places, it was crumbling, creating gaps and crevices that harbored grime and potentially, mold. The caulking around the bathtub and sink was similarly aged and cracked, promising a potential leak if left unattended. The fixtures, while charmingly retro, were showing their age. The faucet dripped incessantly, and the showerhead sputtered and coughed. I carefully examined each tile, noting any significant damage. Thankfully, the damage was mostly superficial; a good cleaning and regrouting seemed achievable. Then came the daunting task of budgeting. I considered replacing everything—the tiles, the fixtures, the lot—but the cost was prohibitive. This was Elsie’s house, and I wanted to respect its history, at least partly. A complete overhaul felt disrespectful to her memory. Instead, I opted for a more conservative approach⁚ a deep clean, grout renewal, and some strategic updates. I scoured online retailers and local hardware stores, comparing prices for grout, caulk, and cleaning supplies. I researched the cost of replacing the faucet and showerhead, finding surprisingly affordable options that still maintained a retro aesthetic. My budget was tight, but I managed to create a realistic plan that would preserve the unique character of the bathroom while addressing the necessary repairs. The overall cost was manageable, and I felt confident in my ability to execute the project within my means. This careful planning and cost-conscious approach would be crucial to the success of my bathroom transformation.
My DIY Tile Transformation
Armed with my budget and supplies, I dove in! I started by thoroughly cleaning the tiles, using a specialized cleaner to remove years of grime. Then came the painstaking process of regrouting. It was tedious, but the results were rewarding. The transformation was already underway!
The Grout Renewal
Let me tell you, tackling the grout in Elsie’s bathroom was a marathon, not a sprint! The original grout was a disgusting, cracked mess—a dark, almost black substance that had clearly seen better days. I started by carefully scraping away as much of the old, crumbling grout as I could using a grout saw and a small, pointed trowel. My hands ached after a few hours, but I persevered. The avocado green tiles, however, were surprisingly resilient; they survived my enthusiastic scraping without a scratch. I even found a few small, almost hidden, floral tiles tucked away in the corners. What a happy surprise!
Once I’d removed as much of the old grout as possible, I cleaned the tile surfaces meticulously, using a stiff brush and a mixture of water and white vinegar. This was crucial to ensure that the new grout would adhere properly. Then came the fun part – or at least, the part I’d been looking forward to the most. I chose a warm, off-white grout, a stark contrast to the dark, dingy original. It felt modern yet somehow complemented the retro aesthetic of the tiles. I used a grout float to apply the new grout, working in small sections at a time, carefully pressing it into the gaps between the tiles. This process was surprisingly satisfying; I found a strange sense of calm in the repetitive motion.
After letting the grout set for the recommended time, I used a damp sponge to remove any excess, working carefully to avoid smearing the grout onto the tile surfaces. This took a while and required a few sponge changes, but the result was worth the effort. The difference was night and day. The fresh, clean grout made the entire bathroom feel brighter, more modern, and yet somehow still retained the original 70s charm. It was a true testament to the resilience of the original tile work, which, despite the years, still looked fantastic with a little TLC.
Adding Some Flair (and Plants!)
With the grout renewed, I felt the bathroom was ready for a personality transplant. Elsie’s original bathroom was undeniably charming in its dated way, but it lacked a certain…je ne sais quoi. I decided to inject some life, literally, with plants. I’d always loved the idea of a lush, verdant bathroom, a space that felt both relaxing and invigorating. My first purchase was a macrame plant hanger, a perfect nod to the 70s aesthetic without being overly kitschy. I paired it with a trailing pothos, its vibrant green leaves cascading down, softening the sharp lines of the avocado green tiles.
Next, I added a small, self-watering planter to the windowsill. I chose a peace lily, known for its air-purifying qualities and elegant white blooms. The contrast between its delicate white flowers and the bold green tiles was unexpectedly striking. To further enhance the space, I replaced the old, cracked mirror with a vintage-style, round mirror with a brass frame. The brass added a touch of warmth and sophistication, complementing the existing gold accents in the faucet and light fixtures. I also hung a woven basket on the back of the door, perfect for storing extra towels and toiletries. The basket added a textural element, breaking up the monotony of the smooth tiles.
Finally, I incorporated some small, decorative touches. I found a set of vintage glass apothecary jars at a local antique store and filled them with colorful bath salts and soaps. These jars added a touch of whimsy and elegance, perfectly complementing the retro aesthetic of the space. I also added a few small, colorful towels, choosing shades that subtly echoed the colors of the tiles. The overall effect was transformative. The bathroom was still undeniably retro, but it now felt fresh, inviting, and brimming with personality. It was a space that felt both nostalgic and modern, a perfect blend of old and new, just like Elsie herself.
The Final Result⁚ A Retro Revival
My grandmother Elsie would be proud! I transformed her dated avocado green bathroom into a stylish retro haven. The original tiles, once a source of frustration, are now a charming feature. The plants add life and vibrancy. It’s a space I truly love now, a happy blend of the past and present.
