Midcentury bathroom revival: preserving soul, expanding space
Renovating a midcentury bathroom presents a unique challenge: how to honor its original character while adapting it for modern living. A recent restoration in Los Angeles offers a masterclass in achieving that delicate balance.
Blending vintage charm with contemporary comfort
The project, featured in Architectural Digest's March 2026 issue, meticulously preserved the essence of a 1952 Paul R. Williams-designed home for himself and his wife. Architects Frank Escher and Ravi GuneWardena of Escher GuneWardena Architecture tackled the primary bathroom, which was initially undersized. The solution? Repurposing a former hair salon, a detail added to the house in 1980.
Rather than opting for the standard white and chrome often associated with midcentury design, the architects drew inspiration from the existing color palette throughout the home. Rose and gray-veined marble, aquamarine Bisazza glass mosaic tile, and deep blue fixtures create a space that feels authentically of its era without resorting to imitation.
“The color scheme makes a reference to Paul Williams’ deft use of color, as found in other places in the house and, in fact, throughout his career,” Escher explains.
The choice of fixtures further underscores this approach. The lapis blue bathtub, designed by India Mahdavi for Bisazza, embodies vintage glamour without appearing salvaged. “The tub, sinks, and plumbing fixtures have a classic, timeless elegance,” GuneWardena emphasizes. This cautious selection – favoring saturated colors and confident forms over reproductions – yields a more convincing midcentury aesthetic.
Attention to detail proved paramount. The architects meticulously aligned the tile patterns with the existing geometry of the space. “Every aspect of the addition, including the tile pattern, was thoroughly worked out, both on paper and in the field. Walls were carefully aligned with the geometry of the tile grids,” Escher reveals. This precision, often overlooked, is what elevates a renovation from merely functional to genuinely thoughtful.
The result is a bathroom that respects its historical roots while providing a comfortable and stylish space for contemporary use. It’s a testament to the power of understanding a building’s history and working with its existing structure.
The renovation serves as a reminder: sometimes, the best way to honor the past is to creatively integrate it into the present.