One Bathroom, Two Ways

For the last year, I’ve been working on a home renovation project for a beautiful 1920’s Spanish Revival in San Pedro, CA.

Much of the design planning had started late at the end of last year and into the beginning of this year. While construction has still been going on, my client emailed me in June, wanting to completely redesign one of the bathrooms we had long finalized.

It’s a small bathroom in a downstairs basement area. The original idea is that it would retain the Spanish style look that is consistent with the rest of the house and architecture, but also be a bathroom for her husband with some slightly more masculine touches (matte black hardware).

Per her input and inspiration photos, we re-designed the bathroom from the original take on a contemporary Spanish style to a more on-trend natural style.

Here’s a look at one bathroom, two ways:

Overall Style:

• Modern Spanish influence with a mix of traditional and contemporary elements
• Warm, earthy tones with rustic textures

Key Fixtures & Finishes:

• Vanity:
  • Warm wood finish with classic legs and cabinet storage
  • Marble countertop
• Faucet & Shower Fittings:
  • Brushed brass/gold finish
  • Clean-lined, modern profiles
• Mirror & Lighting:
  • Rounded-edge mirror for a soft modern look
  • Brass wall sconces flanking the mirror
• Towel Bar & Robe Hook:
  • Matte black finish for contrast
  • Simplistic, functional hardware

Tile Selections:

• Flooring:
  • Spanish-style terracotta tiles
  • Mix of solid and patterned shapes (cross/star shapes)
• Wall Tile:
  • Delicate cream and tan patterned tile
  • Soft and subtle design to enhance the Spanish feel

Layout:

• Efficient, rectangular layout
• Shower, vanity, and toilet arranged along the long wall
• Entry door swings inward with clear circulation path
• Built-in niche or shelving in shower area

Accessories:

• Neutral-toned ceramic vase with dried florals
• Accent decor to add warmth and texture

Inspirational Images:

• Arched doorway with statement tile inlay
• Wood vanity with bold black countertop and soft neutral backdrop
• Vintage-inspired but clean and modern execution​

Overall Style:

• Earthy, organic modern aesthetic
• Inspired by natural textures and neutral tones
• Features limewashed walls for a soft, matte, old-world feel
• Minimalist yet warm and grounded

Key Fixtures & Finishes:

• Vanity:
  • Rustic wood with open shelf base
  • Simple white sink integrated into top
• Mirror:
  • Irregular organic shape in a matte black frame
• Faucet & Shower Plumbing:
  • Matte black fixtures for modern contrast
  • Clean-lined, contemporary silhouettes
• Lighting:
  • Woven pendant light—adds texture and natural fiber
• Hardware:
  • Matte black towel bar and robe hook for cohesion

Tile & Surfaces:

• Walls:
  • Soft limewash finish in warm beige tone
• Flooring
  • Warm mix of earthy browns and dusty tones
  • Organic shapes with a rustic layout

Accessories:

• Woven seagrass baskets
• Round natural fiber mat
• Decor that adds texture and emphasizes the neutral palette

Layout Highlights:

• Rectangular bathroom layout
• Separate shower with glass door
• Toilet centered between shower and vanity
• Additional cubbies or shelving for storage near the vanity

Inspiration Image:

• Spa-like minimalism
• Built-in ledge for seating and display
• Streamlined and cohesive neutral palette

We were also able to widen the existing bathroom into the adjacent laundry room (not reflected on the first plan).

Which bathroom do you like better?

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