Classic bathroom designs generally take inspiration from design trends, materials and decor connected to specific historical eras. Victorian and colonial styles come to mind when traditional design is mentioned, but in fact, this design style doesn't necessarily have to be overtly era-specific.
In some respects, it's easier to define classic bathroom design in terms of what it's not: sleek, modern, contemporary or minimalist designs generally would fail to qualify.
Surfaces are an important element of classic bathroom designs. Countertops most often feature natural or faux-natural materials, like stone, slate or granite. Floor and wall tile choices range from historical to vintage, with subway, hexagonal or penny tile all popular types.
It's also possible to mix and match eras in a traditional bathroom design, although you probably wouldn't want the effect to be too jarring — for example, pairing a stoic, unadorned colonial style with vintage 1940s accessories or classic pink and black tilework would likely cause some visual confusion. If possible, try to pair decorative touches from adjacent eras for a subtle but visually interesting effect.
When it comes to furniture for traditional bathrooms, natural materials are definitely featured most commonly. High-quality wood pieces are often used for sink cabinet bases, benches or chairs.
