Design Story: The 1926 Bathroom Remodel

When we first walked into this little guest bathroom in our 1926 project, we knew it had incredible potential. Some of our favorite design challenges come in small packages, especially when you're working with a home that has nearly a century of stories to tell. So, let’s talk design and what led us to make the decisions that we did.

Finding Our Color Story in Family History

The heart of this design began with artwork that the homeowner's father had created—soft, dreamy blues that immediately spoke to us. The most meaningful spaces often start with something personal, and those gentle blue tones became our North Star.

We embraced "color drenching"—enveloping the walls, trim, and ceiling in variations of that same beautiful blue. It's a technique we love in smaller spaces because it creates cohesion that actually makes the room feel larger, not smaller.

Here's where paint finish strategy really matters:

Eggshell on the walls gives you a wipeable surface that's practical for bathrooms with just enough reflection to keep things interesting.
Flat on the ceiling helps it visually recede, making the space feel taller.
Satin on the trim provides durability in high-touch areas while giving that polished, finished look.

This layered approach to finishes is what separates a good remodel from an exceptional one.

Honoring the Past with Penny Tile

The moment you step into this bathroom, your eye goes to the shower. We chose penny tile for the shower surround—a classic material that was actually popular during the 1920s. It adds beautiful texture and visual interest without overwhelming the space, and the subtle variation in each tile gives the wall a handcrafted quality that makes this remodel feel like it truly belongs in this historic home.

The Art of Selecting Period-Appropriate Fixtures

One of the biggest challenges in historical renovations is finding that sweet spot between modern functionality and period authenticity. For this bathroom, we selected fixtures with subtle porcelain details on the handles and faucets. They offer all the reliability you expect from modern plumbing, but the design language speaks to the home's 1920s heritage—creating a dialogue between past and present.

A Designer Secret: The Extra-Tall Shower Curtain

I have to smile when I see "extra-tall shower curtains" trending on social media—it's a trick we’ve been using for years! When you hang a shower curtain higher than standard height, you're drawing the eye upward, making the ceiling feel taller and the space more expansive. In a small bathroom like this, that extra few inches creates a sense of luxury that guests immediately notice.

Why Every Detail Deserves Consideration

Working with a home that has history is never just about updating fixtures or adding fresh paint. It's about becoming a steward of that home's story while making it work beautifully for modern life.

Each choice in this bathroom—from the carefully selected paint sheens to the era-appropriate tile, from the thoughtful fixture details to the height of the shower curtain—was made with intention. These thoughtful, quiet moments are what make all the difference.

At Carlson Projects, we believe great design doesn't need to announce itself loudly. Instead, it whispers through carefully considered details and spaces that simply feel right the moment you walk in. When you honor a home's past while thoughtfully updating it for the present, you create something truly special—a space that feels like it's always been exactly as it should be.

Shout Out To Our Amazing Partners On This Project:

Tile Supplier: Emser
Countertop Fabricator: A1 Cabinet & Granite
Hardware Supplier: Kingston Brass
Cabinets: 1951 Cabinetry
Paint: Sherwin-Williams