How to Update & Modernize Your Tuscan-Style Bathroom
If your bathroom is clad in floor-to-ceiling travertine and cherry wood cabinets, you’re probably thinking that it’s time for an update. But you also know that a complete renovation or remodel can be disruptive, time-consuming, and require a decent investment. Well, here’s the good news: you don’t always need a renovation to create the transformation you’re looking for.
Since Steve and I moved to Florida a couple years ago, we’ve noticed an abundance of Tuscan-style homes with bathrooms that are past their prime. In addition to our usual full-scale renovations, we’ve become experts at upgrading dated bathrooms without a full gut.
So, what can you do to modernize your Tuscan-style bathroom? With or without a renovation? Here are 7 tips…
Tip 1. Try Some Fresh, New Paint
Updating your walls in the right neutral can help the travertine (if you’re keeping it) recede into the background in your space versus standing out like the elephant in the room. The secret is selecting the right paint color. I personally like to balance the golden beige tones with greens, blues, and even some soft grays, like I’ve done with these flat lays:
What paint colors should you pick? I’ve got you covered:
Tip 2. Refresh All Hardware
Shiny brass dates a bathroom or any room in a ‘90s home. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to disguise it, so just remove it. Replace all hardware with updated finishes, including the faucet, shower head, knobs and pulls, towel rings, etc.
The plumbing fixtures don’t have to match the bathroom hardware but do be mindful that they look like they belong together. This unity could be established through some common shape or design aspect that make them feel cohesive. (Read more here: How to Choose Beautiful and Cohesive Hardware for Your Home.)
My recommendations?
Oil Rubbed Bronze is a good choice because the brown tones blend with the same tones in the stone.
Brushed nickel may be a good choice if you’re using a lot of blues and mid-tone greens.
Oil rubbed bronze hardware stands out in this bathroom, giving it some character while helping the travertine bathtub and accent wall recede into the background.
Tip 3. Opt for Modern Lighting
If you have builder-grade lighting or dark Tuscan fixtures from the ‘90s, it’s probably small and gives off low-quality, yellowish lighting. There are 2 main reasons you should swap out your lighting for something modern:
Old incandescent light bulbs cast a yellow light and add heat to your bathroom. Swap these for LED bulbs, so you can get a clear, bright space. Bonus? You won’t have to change them out often either, because they last a very long time.
Lighting has a loud voice in the overall design of your space. Dated or too-small builder-grade lighting can be easily replaced by a fixture that matches the scale of your room and fits your personality. (Here are two great reads on how to select the perfect pendants or chandeliers.)
The elegant chandelier over the freestanding tub is an excellent example of adding statement lighting to your bathroom with stunning results.
Tip 4. Refinish Your Cabinets
Our first choice would be to change out your dated cabinets for custom cabinets (learn more in Cabinetry 101), but if that’s not an option and your existing cabinets are in good shape, then refinishing them may be the best solution. I suggest using one of my 5 favorite neutrals.
Tip 5. Replace the Full-Plated Mirror
After 20+ years, it's likely time to replace your mirror. Take out that full-plated model (you know, that one taking up the entire wall) and opt for more modern, framed mirrors. Better yet, select a mirror with a frame that adds style to the room. A touch of color, a pop of metal (like nickel), ets. Frames can be minimal or ornate, and they should complement the finishes in the bathroom.
We paired this sleek, minimalistic bathroom with gold-framed mirrors to add warmth and character.
Tip 6. Add a Freestanding Tub (Renovation Required)
One of the most common changes we make in a Tuscan-style bathroom renovation is to take out that big bulky jet tub and replace it with a more tailored soaking tub. This creates more room in the bathroom (the footprint is considerably smaller), and it can create a focal point that contributes to the room's elegance.
Just note that this is a significant renovation item, as you will likely replace the flooring under the new tub and move the plumbing to fit under the tub. In our opinion, it’s usually worth it. There are so many fantastic options for these tubs beyond the shape and style.
We even had a client who installed a soaking tub with a built-in heating element so her water would stay at a constant temperature as long as she desired!
Tip 7. Remove the Travertine
This is the option with the biggest commitment (it does require a renovation) and, naturally, the biggest potential for transformation. If you don’t like your travertine floors, and the previous options aren’t going to transform your bathroom enough, a renovation is the way to go. Here are two great flooring alternatives.
We transformed this dated Tuscan bathroom into one with fresh, modern style and cool grays and blues.
Ready for your own renovation or refresh? We’re a husband-wife, GC-Interior Designer team who has been renovating homes for over 20 years. (Yes, back when Tuscan style WAS the height of taste!) We would be delighted to help you design, renovate, and complete a home you love.
Book a discovery call with us here to get to know each other and see if we’re the right team for you.
Warmly,
Sarah (& Steve)