Classic Master Bathroom Design Plans

Looking for classic black and white bathroom ideas? Don’t miss this bathroom mood board and sources for a classic master bathroom!

classic master bathroom design plans | Maison de Pax

I shared my very first blog post about #clientmomanddad’s house last week… and the response was overwhelming. Clearly you are all in the mood for some classic meets rustic design ideas! So it seemed appropriate to follow up the kitchen design post with the master bathroom design plan.

Bathroom Inspiration

My mom was adamant that she wanted a classic look to the bathrooms (and she didn’t have to tell me twice! 😉 ). The master doesn’t have much natural light, so lots of white was important.

A huge benefit to a classic bathroom design is that some of the most common elements, like subway tile and ceramic floors, are also very budget friendly. Get more budget-friendly bathroom tips here if you’d like.

Bathroom Layout

The master bath, which was ~11′ deep x 15′ wide, started with LOTS of wasted floorspace in the middle of the room, a tiny combo shower/tub, two corner closets, and a very very long vanity with just one sink. The toilet was kind of walled off, but there was no separate water closet.

80s bathroom before with orange oak cabinets

I cannot tell you the number of bathroom floor plans I drew up for this space… Sometimes in interior design (and life), it takes a lot of “wrongs” before you find the “right.” In this case, we actually decided to stick with the same corner closets and tub location.

drawing of large rectangular master bath with closets | Maison de Pax

By moving the door over, though, we were able to create a separate shower and still have room for a 72″ double vanity, allowing for plenty of counter space for two people. We also were able to wall off the water closet. PS Did I ever mention I love graph paper? Nerd alert.

Classic Bathroom Design Plans

Now on to the fun stuff…

classic master bathroom design plans | Maison de Pax

This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure.

Master Bathroom Design Plan Sources: gray vanity | mirrors | vanity lights | sink faucets | basket weave tile floor | white subway tile | 55″ slipper tub | tub faucet | pendant light | polished nickel accessories | shower faucet

Bathroom Tile

Ceramic or porcelain floor tile is such a classic material, especially in black and white. We chose a basket weave mosaic tile for a timeless look and plenty of traction.

On the walls, a classic white subway will not only brighten the space (which has only one small window) but also create a crisp, clean feel. The tile walls will go from floor to ceiling around the tub, in the shower, and behind the vanity. We chose a light-to-medium gray grout (called Platinum) for both floor and walls.

Double Vanity

One of the best budget friendly options for bathroom remodels is to purchase a furniture-like vanity that comes with a top and sinks already installed, saving on the materials and the labor. We found this beautiful gray vanity with a Carrara marble top; it is the perfect slightly traditional transitional design. And at 72″, there is plenty of counter space in addition to the two sinks.

Bathroom Mirrors

With all the cool tones of the tile, grout, and vanity, I knew we wanted to bring some warmth into the space. Super simple, modern frames didn’t feel grand enough above the vanity, while more elaborate, traditional ones would lean too formal with the vanity… Then I found these gorgeous mirrors.

The gold tone is perfect. The geometric interest is welcome against the simple white subway tile walls. And the touch of elegance without old-fashioned formality is just what we wanted.

Light Fixtures

With such classic materials and more traditional vanity, we decided to continue the more modern flavor with some affordable light fixtures. We found both on Amazon at great prices (seriously, you won’t believe how affordable these are!), which made for easy shopping.

The vanity lights tie together the black floors and the gold accents, while the gold star pendant over the tub provides a little whimsy and elegance simultaneously (plus the lines echo the gold on the mirrors). I’m so excited to see these all come together!

Freestanding Slipper Tub

Although a claw-foot tub would have been a charming option with the classic color scheme, we decided to offset more of the traditional items with a more modern tub. A sleek white slipper tub with an extra deep soaking depth will be beautiful in the floor-to-ceiling tiled nook.

A note on tubs: I learned my lesson regarding symmetrical tubs when we did our own master bathroom. Though beautiful, symmetrical tubs require more space than a slipper tub to truly be soak-worthy… But with a slipper tub (where it is sloped and higher on one side for your back), you are able to stretch your legs in less space, which is perfect for this nook which is just shy of 5 feet long.

Plumbing Fixtures

The key to transitional bath design is the balancing of traditional and modern elements, while maintaining simple, clean lines as much as possible. So we coupled the more modern accents with more traditional polished nickel fixtures.

The sink faucets and wall mounted tub faucet are matching polished nickel faucets with a vintage feel. Cross handles and classic detailing go beautifully with the classic black and white tile. The shower faucet we chose is also in polished nickel and has a similar, classic feel.

Bath Accessories

We are continuing the classic polished nickel in our towel bars, ring, and toilet paper holder. I especially love the robe hooks in this line (which we also used in our own master bath). They’re charmingly classic!

Shop our classic black and white bathroom look

Master Bath Renovation

And now… it’s taken me so long to write this planning post that I have progress pics I can share! The new location for the door, shower, and water closet turned out perfect… and the tile and vanity are stunning. Here’s a sneak peek of the progress:

subway tile walls and gray double vanity with marble top | Maison de Pax
freestanding transitional slipper tub | Maison de Pax

I can’t wait to have a fully finished product to show you all! Any questions? Leave a comment below, and be sure to pin this for later!

classic master bathroom design plans | Maison de Pax

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10 Comments

  1. Wow!! You have inspired me!! I have the same type of old and sad bathroom! I got overwhelmed during Covid and didn’t want to run around to look at materials and price out the vanity!! You have literally done all the leg work for me!!

    1. That’s wonderful, Anne! I am so glad you like the design and find it helpful. Best of luck to you on your project!!

  2. Please send me the link to your post about a bathroom that had a tub with half shower door and a large window. I had it just now from following linking from this post but now can’t find it.

    I have a curved ceiling due to a hip roof. I have an alcove tub with no shower in it. Separate stall shower. Would you put tile all the way up as far as I can with that slope or just do partially as it is now in original bathroom from 1947 (yikes). It is a small bathroom and our only full one.

    Your posts are great for seeing some ideas in pictures. I am considering the chandelier over the tub now. Thanks for any advice on the tile issue. It will be subway.

    1. You can find the bathroom in question here. It was in our 1940 home, so I understand the challenges of small, older spaces! It’s tough to say for sure about the tile. We have angled ceilings in our attic bath at the ranch, and we still took the tile all the way up. However, if the angles are too complicated (or your tilers don’t feel comfortable that they can match that line), then a mid-way line would probably be lovely. I hope this helps!

  3. Thanks Rachel. I appreciate your opinion and you understand small bathrooms! I am an indecisive renovator. Not a good thing!! Blogs help.

  4. This is gorgeous! I love the slipper bath, it fits perfectly in thatspace – can’t wait to see the finished room!

  5. Would it be hard to clean the tub area? I’m not criticizing it in anyway. It is beautiful. I’m only asking for my own bath redesign in the future. Thank you!

    1. Great question! I haven’t had any problems, but I haven’t spilled anything either. A quick wipe with a towel (for water) and a little swipe with the mop have been easy… but if I ever spill a soda back there, I might feel differently. 😉 Fortunately, I don’t often have things like that by the tub. Hope this helps!

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