A Timeless Transformation: Bathroom design for the Waverly House

Tucked away in the vibrant Mile End neighborhood of Montreal, Waverly House is a century-old home that underwent a stunning transformation, perfectly blending historical charm with contemporary elegance. The bathroom, once an uninspired 1980s renovation, has been reimagined into a space that pays homage to the home's origins while embracing modern comforts.

Sketches from the design process

Sketches in 3D as part of the design process

Plan and elevations for the bathroom renovation

A Vision Rooted in Heritage

The inspiration for the bathroom design started with an exquisite wallpaper choice: Josef Frank’s "Sagoträdet" from Svenskt Tenn. The whimsical floral motif—handmade in Sweden—set the tone for a space that feels both historic and full of life. Every design decision, from tile selection to fixtures, followed the organic, eclectic spirit of this pattern.

Structural Changes & Layout Enhancements

To better serve the homeowners' needs, we expanded the bathroom footprint and introduced a new linear skylight, positioned directly above the bathtub. This strategic placement not only floods the space with natural light but also creates a moment of serenity—imagine sinking into a warm bath with a perfect view of the sky.

An adjacent walk-in closet was seamlessly integrated, accessible via a pocket door, ensuring a fluid and practical flow between spaces.

View of the new framing for skylight

View of opening for new skylight before framing

New partitions for a larger main bathroom

Material Selections: A Nod to Tradition

Bringing back the era of the home’s original construction, we focused on materials that felt timeless yet fresh:

• Shower Tiles: Deep, watery blue handmade ceramic tiles from Ramacieri Soligo (link) create a rich, textured surface. Their irregular finish enhances the old-world charm while adding depth to the space.

• Flooring: A classic hexagonal black-and-white tile was chosen for the floor, a nod to traditional bathrooms from the early 20th century. This pattern also provides a striking contrast against the warmth of the wooden herringbone floors found throughout the home.

• Vanity & Fixtures: The sage-green vanity features a white marble countertop, balancing softness and sophistication. The fixtures, in a warm unlacquered brass finish, will develop a natural patina over time—enhancing the bathroom’s vintage appeal.

The blend of wood floors, marble transition and classic hexagonal black and white tiles

Vertical view of the skylight over the bathtub shower

View of the skylight over the bathtub shower and brass towel warmer

Junctions of the wall tile, floor tile, restored baseboards and door frames

Waterworks plumbing in the shower bath

Blending of textures and finishes, brass, wallpaper and watery tile

Picture perfect, vanity with marble top, round cut glass mirror above

Details That Make a Difference

Beyond the major structural and material upgrades, it’s the details that bring this bathroom to life:

• Brass plumbing fixtures: The fixtures, including the Waterworks (link) brass shower set, elevate the overall aesthetic while reinforcing the historical narrative.

• Trim & paneling: To add even more character, traditional painted wainscoting lines the lower half of the walls, creating a sense of structure and refinement.

• Seamless Transition Between Spaces: A carefully designed floor transition blends the black-and-white hex tiles into the adjoining herringbone oak flooring, using a marble threshold for a polished finish.
  

A Space to Cherish

This bathroom is a testament to the power of thoughtful design—where every texture, color, and fixture tells a story. By marrying timeless elements with a fresh, modern perspective, the space now feels authentically vintage yet perfectly suited for contemporary living.

Want More Inspiration?

• Explore modern luxury bathrooms here: Elle Decor

• Browse stunning bathroom renovations at Dwell

• Discover timeless finishes at Ramacieri Soligo
  

Would you love a bathroom transformation that respects your home’s history while embracing modern functionality? Contact Signe Design for a consultation.