The way we design bathrooms is changing. We've moved away from seeing them as purely utilitarian rooms, now embracing them as warm, cozy, appealing spaces, which has meant that different materials are taking the place of tiles.
And if there's one particular wall finish I've been seeing more and more in designs recently, it's bathroom paneling. Textural, timeless, and suited to bathrooms modern and traditional, it's a welcome alternative to the colder materials typical of bathrooms.
It really seems 2025 is the year of paneled bathroom walls – and I for one am so here for it. And this vintage bathroom is further proof of how timeless and versatile this decorative style can be.
I am lucky enough to have some of the world's most beautiful bathrooms come across my desk, but this one is the nicest, most interesting I have seen recently. Located in an East Hamptons home designed by Heidi Caillier, truly stands out. It exudes vintage style, filled with character, personality, and unique features.
The paneled walls add so much to the overall space. Not only do they add a textural feature to the walls, but they instantly draw the eye up to the beautiful pitched ceiling. And painted in a warm white hue, it creates the perfect backdrop for the vintage-inspired furniture.
The bathroom vanity, a traditional wooden design with an organic curvaceous form, is a truly unique piece for the space. The deep wood tones paired with the brass hardware are reminiscent of an antique, perfect for introducing charm and character into a scheme.
The gray and white stone chosen for the bathroom countertop is perhaps unexpected, but it brings in a new texture that provides contrast to the wooden vanity and the paneled walls. It instantly prevents the space from feeling dated.
But the real star of the show is the bath nook. A painted green archway – the outside covered in that same wall paneling – is a gateway to the most stylish bath area. Traditional-style bathroom tiles cover the walls and ceiling inside the nook, creating a busy but utterly charming tile-drenched design.
Paired with a classic freestanding bathtub painted dark brown and traditional brass hardware, you're instantly drawn to the nook, enticing you to sit back and relax in the chicest of rooms.
That contrast between the paneling and the tiles is a crucial element in this space, especially to create that more vintage-inspired feel. A fully paneled bathroom has a more contemporary feel to it, like Amber Lewis's paneled treehouse bathroom in North Carolina, which has a more pared-back, modern rustic feel compared to Heidi's design.
Finally, the decorative details really tie the whole space together and add traditional details. A large floral painting on the wall beside the vanity brings in a cozier, more lived-in feel, while brass faucets and a brass bathroom vanity mirror tie into the bath nook and reinforce that more vintage feel.
A large green vase filled with oversized branches topped with purple blooms brings in a new color and offers a nod to the surrounding gardens. A wooden chair taps into the bathroom lounge trend, creating a place to relax and take a quiet moment.
Every element in this space works together to create a stylish space with vintage appeal at every corner. And the perhaps unexpected but totally chic wall paneling is the base to the whole design. It really makes the bathroom feel like it's always been there.
Shop the look
A colorful vase is the perfectly subtle way to bring in a new tone to an otherwise neutral bathroom. Take inspiration from Heidi's design with a green glass design, perfect for displays of every size.
The organic wooden bath stool in Heidi's design adds a lovely detail, and this stool has a very similar feel. It's also useful to have next to the bath to place a book, towel, or even your phone while you relax.
Floral artwork is truly timeless, and it's the perfect accessory for a vintage-style bathroom like Heidi's design. This Hollyhocks piece has the same feel and is the perfect way to bring your garden indoors.
If you hadn't already been considering it, this is your sign to add wall paneling to your bathroom mood board. It's textural, timeless, and the perfect way to add more interest to your walls. It's the perfect base for schemes of every interior design style – and Heidi's design proves it's a stylish base for decorating with vintage in your bathroom.
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