Ornate Brass Vintage Bathroom Vanity
This bathroom features a stunning marriage of vintage charm and luxurious materiality, creating a rich and sophisticated powder room or primary bath space. The design leans heavily into an eclectic aesthetic, drawing inspiration from historical design periods while utilizing contemporary fixtures.
Key materials are a focal point in this design. The vanity area is grounded by a striking, custom-looking console sink, featuring an elegant white marble countertop with an undermount basin. This marble top is supported by a gleaming, custom-fabricated brass framework, which includes a practical lower shelf and a towel bar, adding warmth and a touch of polished elegance. The walls feature a distinctive tile application: large rectangular tiles in a warm, earthy tan or beige color create the main body, capped by a border of deep, glossy burgundy or oxblood rectangular tiles. A delicate decorative mosaic border separates these two fields, adding textural interest.
The floor is arguably the boldest element, showcasing complex three-dimensional tessellation using richly colored mosaic tiles in browns, deep reds, grays, and blacks, forming a compelling optical illusion. Above the vanity, a large, three-panel mirrored medicine cabinet reflects the light and space, framed in matching brass. Flanking the center mirror are striking, elongated sconces with cylindrical diffusers, reinforcing the Art Deco or refined vintage sensibility.
The color palette is warm and layered: deep burgundy, earthy tan, rich brass/gold tones, set against crisp white marble and cream-colored upper walls. This density of color is balanced by the reflective surfaces of the mirrors and the openness of the console vanity setup.
Functionally, the open console vanity maintains an airy feel compared to a solid cabinet, though it requires organized styling. The layout maximizes wall space for storage, visible through the recessed shelving unit on the right. Design tips for replicating this look include prioritizing high-quality metal finishes (like unlacquered brass that will patina beautifully), mixing tile textures dramatically on the floor and walls, and introducing dark, vintage wooden elements, such as the carved accent stool, to anchor the glamour with a sense of history. The glass-paned shower enclosure on the left ensures the brass framework and patterned floor can be viewed uninterruptedly.
Overall, this bathroom is a masterclass in incorporating warmth, texture, and historical detailing into a functional wash space.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I achieve the vintage look of the brass fixtures?
To achieve this authentic vintage look, consider using unlacquered brass for your faucetry and vanity supports. Unlacquered brass will naturally develop a warm patina over time, deepening in color and character, which contributes greatly to the aged aesthetic seen here.
What design style best describes the floor tile?
The floor tile features a three-dimensional geometric pattern, often referred to as a trompe-l'oeil cube or tumbling block pattern, popular in many historical tile designs, fitting well within eclectic or high-end transitional vintage spaces.
Is a console sink practical for everyday storage?
While visually stunning, a console sink offers less concealed storage than a traditional vanity. For practicality, utilize the open lower shelf for attractive storage baskets or stack towels, and rely on large mirrored cabinets (like the one shown) and recessed wall shelving for necessary daily organization.
