TL;DR
A couple of professional architects renovated their original 1970s bathroom, which was all wood-paneled, into a folk Americana-inspired space. The project included custom-built features and hand-designed tile flooring, completed over a year with a $5,500 budget. The transformation highlights a blend of nostalgia and modern craftsmanship.
A vintage bathroom from the 1970s, characterized by all-wood paneling and period-specific features, has been fully renovated into a folk Americana-inspired space by homeowner architects Lauren Famularo and Richard Abendroth. The project aimed to update the dated design, improve functionality, and incorporate personal, handcrafted elements, making it a notable example of DIY renovation blending historical charm with modern style.
Lauren and Richard, both professional architects, undertook a year-long renovation of their bathroom, which was originally built with wood-paneled walls, chevron ceiling, and dark-stained vanity. The space was connected to their primary bedroom, making it awkward for guests, and lacked modern accessibility features. The couple designed and built many features themselves, including a custom, large sliding medicine cabinet and a unique, hand-designed tile floor. The floor features a quilt pattern with earthy, subdued colors, created from individual ceramic tiles, which was installed meticulously to ensure perfect pattern alignment. The renovation cost approximately $5,500 in materials, with most labor performed by Richard, aided by family. The project aimed to blend the vintage aesthetic with a fresh, folk-inspired style, emphasizing craftsmanship and personal touches.
Reviving Vintage Charm with Personal Craftsmanship
This renovation demonstrates how homeowners can preserve and elevate a period-specific space through personalized design and DIY craftsmanship. It highlights the value of combining historical architectural features with modern accessibility and aesthetic preferences, inspiring others to undertake similar projects. The transformation also showcases sustainable renovation practices by updating an existing space rather than rebuilding, and emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design that respects the home’s original character while making it functional for contemporary living.
Mediterranean Palma Ceramic Tile 4×4
All tiles are handmade & 100% ceramic
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
1970s Bathroom Design and Modern Renovation Trends
The original bathroom, typical of the 1970s, featured extensive wood paneling, patterned ceilings, and dark fixtures, reflecting the era’s interior style. The couple purchased the home recently and found the space impractical for guests and inaccessible for their needs. As professional architects, they envisioned a renovation that balanced vintage charm with modern functionality. Their approach involved detailed planning, custom fabrication, and a focus on handcrafted details, aligning with current trends in personalized, sustainable home upgrades. This project exemplifies a broader movement toward restoring and reimagining mid-century spaces with contemporary sensibilities.“We wanted to keep the vintage feel but make it more accessible and functional for our family and guests.”
— Lauren Famularo
INNOD Bathroom Wall Storage Cabinet, Medicine Cabinet with Adjustable Wood Shelf & Doors, Over the Toilet Storage Cabinet for Laundry Room & Living Room Kitchen Storage Islands (Natural Oak)
Material selection: Wooden medicine cabinets for bathroom is made of PB and MDF. PB has good load-bearing and…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Details Still Unclear About Long-Term Durability
It is not yet confirmed how well the custom-built features, such as the sliding medicine cabinet and tile flooring, will hold up over time. Long-term durability and maintenance of the handcrafted elements remain to be seen, as the project was completed recently.
Distressed Patriotic Star Sitter Blocks Tabletop Decor | 3 Pc Set | USA, America and God Bless | 4 inch Wood
three Primitive Star Sitter Blocks per order , made of wood
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Future Plans for Home and Renovation Expansion
The couple plans to continue updating other parts of their home gradually, leveraging their architectural expertise and DIY skills. They are also considering documenting their renovation process to inspire others interested in vintage home upgrades. Further assessments of the durability and functionality of their custom features are expected over the coming months.
Vintage Bathroom Accessories, 5Piece Bathroom Accessories Set, Bathroom Set Features, Soap Dispenser, Toothbrush Holder, Tumbler & Soap Dish – Bath Gift Set
Contemporary deluxe ceramic 5 piece bathroom accessory set includes 1 round soap dish, 1 lotion/soap pump dispenser, 1…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
What inspired the Americana folk style for the bathroom?
Lauren and Richard aimed to create a space that felt nostalgic and personal, inspired by traditional American folk aesthetics, using earthy colors, handcrafted details, and vintage-inspired patterns.
How much did the renovation cost?
The couple spent approximately $5,500 on materials, with most labor performed by Richard and family members, making it an affordable DIY project.
What are the main features they built themselves?
They designed and built a custom large sliding medicine cabinet and installed a hand-designed, hand-installed tile floor with a quilt pattern.
Are there plans to update other parts of the house?
Yes, the couple intends to continue making gradual updates, applying their architectural skills and DIY approach to other areas of their home.
Will the new features be durable long-term?
It remains to be seen how well the handcrafted features will hold up over time, as the project was completed recently and ongoing assessments are expected.
Source: Apartment Therapy
