2026 Bathroom Design Tip #3: Bring a Little Patina into a Traditional Design

It’s the details in this Vancouver primary bathroom that make it a true showstopper: the gorgeous marble surround around the custom doors to the shower and toilet rooms; the marble mosaic flooring that defines the bathing area; the elegant details on the legs of the vanity itself. And there’s one more defining detail that will bring even more depth to the space over time: the brass fixtures are all unlacquered. “The brass is meant to patina over time,” says designer Kelly Deck. That imperfection of patina becomes beautiful in its own right. “You can always polish it back if you desire, but the idea with this home was that it would look like it’s been here for 100 years or more.”

Sweet and Discreet

The waterglass on the doors that lead to the shower (on the left) and toilet room (on the right) each contribute to the historic feel of the space. They also have the practical function of creating privacy while letting in light from the two windows beyond.

Meet in the Middle

The shiplap on the angled ceiling was a tricky venture—it required the two ridgelines to meet each other—but the effect was worth it.