Digital shower with Automatic Controls
This room takes advantage of ample natural light to highlight its eclectic features, so very little additional lighting is needed. Beautiful restored pinewood floors add craftsman charm to the otherwise modern styling, and a classic crystal-like chandelier, once only reserved for dining rooms, sets a dramatic tone.
The ioDIGITAL Roman Tub from Moen allows users to set their perfect bath temperature and water height, while the ioDIGITAL shower is programmed for ideal flow and temperature control. To add to the luxury, a remote control enables you to turn on the shower or Roman tub while still in bed — it’s like having a personal digital ‘butler’.
Approximate cost: Moen ioDIGITAL Roman Tub: $1,390; Moen ioDIGITAL shower: $1,230
For more info: www.moen.com/iodigital.
Photo courtesy of Moen Incorporated
Bathroom with Rustic Elegance
The design of this bath is based on straight lines and geometric shapes that echo in everything from the bricks — to the square tub and vanity — to the lighting.
The Felicity lighting from the ShowHouse lighting collection boasts hexagonal-shaped globes and is offered in Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Oil Rubbed Bronze finishes in one-, two, three-and four-globe configurations.
“The room’s natural materials and warm earth tones, along with the Oil-Rubbed Bronze finish on the faucet and light fixtures, give it a more rustic feel –- mixing modern elements with old world styling,” explains Aubri Mandelbaum for Moen, manufacturer of the Felicity bath collection and ShowHouse lighting shown in this picture.
Approximate cost: Lighting: $313; widespread lavatory faucet: $385; robe hooks: $58.
For more info: www.shfaucets.com.
Photo courtesy of ShowHouse
Golden Hued Bathroom
This space was originally part of the servants’ quarters for a large Tudor style home in Pasadena, Calif. that was being converted into a guest room and bath. Interior designer Leslie Harris created the plan, and also designed the vanity mirror and the back-lit tile unit. Her biggest issue was working with the edge of the roof that this bathroom was built around. Deciding to ignore it, she covered the wall with crackle glazed tiles and was delighted with the geometrical outcome, creating a lovely bathing area. The indoor flower box provides a soothing, spa-like natural feel.
The tiles, bath, sink and fixtures are from Water Works. The grass cloth wall covering is from Kneedler Fauchere.
Approximate cost: $75,000
For more info: www.leslieharrisinteriors.com.
Photo courtesy of Eric Staudenmaier
Roman Bath with a Modern Twist
This bathroom was designed as part of a busy home, where the parents really wanted a master bath that could serve as a place to connect at the beginning and end of the day, and retreat from their three children. Designer Susan Marinello helped them to create something really luxurious.
The classic design style keeps things clean and pared down, which has a calming effect. The “Calcutta Classico” white marble and inset Greek key border from Ann Sacks, as well as the deep soaking tub from Kohler, are a callback to the old Roman baths that were so restorative. At the same time, modern features such as the walk-in Americ steam shower that seats two provides that ultimate spa feel.
Approximate cost: $80,000
For more info: www.susanmarinello.com.
Photo courtesy of John Granen
French Contemporary Bath Setting
This bath’s luxurious yet relaxed New Orleans style starts with hand-poured Harlequin tiles from Daltile (Ahnzu Sonora Stone Collection). Designer Elaine Williamson chose warm but light earth tones for the wall tiles, as well as the travertine floor tiles, to set a nice tone for the rest of the color palate.
Williamson counteracted the long and narrow room shape by balancing what was built in and what they built out. The tub area, featuring Botticino marble surrounding the bath, was built out with big picture windows, and the ceiling was brought down so the area is tucked into the room. The shower, featuring green onyx floor tiles, was placed on an angle with a convex curved glass door to soften the angular room.
There are three brass chandeliers by Metropolitan Lighting with customized cut velvet shades, like the one shown, for soft and elegant lighting. Textured wallpaper by York Wall Coverings (Ronald Redding Collection) adds a gold glimmer and a touch of glamour. The end result: a luxurious mix of old world charm with contemporary sophistication.
Approximate cost: $55,000 – $60,000
For more info: www.ElaineWilliamsonDesigns.com.
Photo courtesy of Elaine Williamson Designs
Urban Shower
The clean, precise GRAFF Stealth Collection fits in perfectly with the bold, upscale design of this urban bath retreat. Less is definitely more — especially when you’re talking about creating a special place to relax and refresh in a city dwelling where space is at a premium. Sometimes, all you really need for luxury is a really great shower — and the Ski Shower fits the bill. The square showerhead provides a powerful yet soothing rainshower experience. Plus, four adjustable body sprays provide extra massage attention for overworked or overstressed muscles.
The elegant glossy black rectified tile floor and matching fine-wool rug have a rugged, masculine feel and also work to make this small room look larger. And, of course, the entire city is laid out right outside the full-length window.
Approximate cost: Sink faucet: $1,037, Thermostatic Ski Shower: $6,917
For more info: www.graff-faucets.com.
Photo courtesy of GRAFF
Modern, Simple Bath
Travertine tile walls are the perfect backdrop for this modern bathroom showcasing the LAUFEN Lb3 bathroom suite designed by Italian designer Ludovica & Roberto Palomba. (Also available in “classic” and high-concept “design” styles.) The sinks, toilet, bidet and tub all have clean contours and sleek stainless steel features.
Keeping colors to a minimum can also add to the elegance of a room. The oak wood-encased tub and matching open vanities under the sinks, are a perfect match with the sienna brown in the tile wall. Just a splash of rust on the rug and leather sunning bench in the alcove keep things interesting but not too busy.
Approximate cost: Lb3 vanities start at $2,500, Lb3 bathtub: $5,265
For more info: www.laufen.com.
Photo courtesy of LAUFEN
Small Bath Style
Who says small can’t be luxurious? The mimo collection by LAUFEN is refreshingly unconventional and lively designed with both fun and style in mind. Called the “Mini Cooper of the bathroom fleet,” this technically-sophisticated collection features modestly-sized sinks, toilets, vanities and a small bathtub (4 1⁄2 ft. by 2 1⁄2 ft., but is luxuriously deep at 2 ft), illustrating that big things come in small packages.
Mimo plays with curvaceous shapes and shimmering surfaces in pink, white and black and can add their bold decorative pattern on the shower curtain and vanity. In this bathroom, colorful ceramic dishes on a shelf against a dusty rose wall add another playful, modern element.
Approximate cost: Mimo vanities start at $2,200, bathtub: $3,055, toilet: $1,085
For more info: www.laufen.com.
Photo courtesy of LAUFEN
Eco-Friendly Asian Bath
Bring in the serenity of nature with green plants, a bonsai or a seasonal flowering tree such as the one pictured here. Even the bare branches, rooted in stones that complement the natural slate tiles in the shower, provide a sculpture-like presence.
Brazilian cherry wood floors and the dark oak veneer on the vanity mirror and window frames add to the natural palate of this peaceful room. Keeping with the Asian style, everything is geometric yet appears as soft lines with shapes that melt into each other.
If you can only afford one spa-like feature in your bathroom, consider a great shower. This one is JACLO’s Cylindrico 5 Thermostatic Shower Set. The fixtures are modern and simple, and the features are varied and rich with multi-functional showerheads and handshowers. Choose from a variety of settings from a powerful rainshower to a soothing light mist. This shower also has the option of an innovative low-flow regulator that’s been engineered to keep the pressure and flow strong while using less water.
Approximate cost: Cylindrico 5 Thermostatic Shower Set (as shown) starts at $1,301
For more info: www.jaclo.com.
Photo courtesy of JACLO
Simple Glamorous Bath
Shimmering, natural golden green quartzite tiles play with cool khaki recycled glass tile on the walls and floor of this traditional-style bath. Designer Sue Sanders added some sparkle to the traditional Schoenbek sconces on either side of the mirror to complement the Sarovski crystal finial on the Brizo sink faucet. But adding the glittery crystal isn’t just for glamour, it also serves to expand the space by bouncing light around the room. The vanity, by Bontempi Case, features a granite Vitoria Regia satin tile. (All tiles in this photo from Arizona Tile.)
The RSVP shower, by Brizo, is also a study in refined glamour, combining stately curves and luxurious flourishes. STRASS™ Swarovski Crystal finials are available for this shower.
Approximate cost: Pricing starts at around $550 for the lavatory faucet, plus $90-$130 for the Swarovski crystal finial. Brizo mirror, $550, Brizo RSVP shower system pictured, $1,020.
For more info: www.brizo.com.
Photo courtesy of Brizo
Mediterranean Bath
Designer Amy Lau was inspired by the relaxed natural beauty of the Grecian island of Santorini for this bathroom. Lau used different shades of blue and white tiles from Ann Sacks to create the feel of waves glistening in the Mediterranean light. At the same time, there’s a cave-like quality of warmth and comfort, including a fireplace (not shown), inspired by the Santorini cliffs.
The luxurious Kohler Fountainhead Vibracoustic Tub is designed to be the perfect place to meditate and rejuvenate, with “sound therapy” that incorporates both hearing and feeling vibrations through the body. This is proven to ease tension and stress for the ultimate in relaxation. The shower system includes the Kohler Stillness showerhead for continual flow, as well as the Kohler Watertile Ambient Rain for a stimulating pulsing sensation. The bath, shower system, toilet, vanity and cabinet, and lavatory are all from the Kohler Fountainhead collection.
Approximate cost: Fountainhead Vibracoustic tub, $7,548, Fountainhead vanity, $4,260; Watertile Ambient Rain, $4,322; Stillness showerhead, $338.
For more info: www.Kohler.com.
Photo courtesy of Kohler
Sustainable Home Spa
Hardwood floors and earth-toned slate tiles provide a rich backdrop for this elegant eco-friendly bathroom. TOTO USA’s Guinevere bath collection, inspired by a union of art deco and Victorian designs, fits perfectly with the room’s timeless style. Unlike traditional water-jetted tubs that can be noisy and overpowering, the quiet TOTO Air Bath gently distributes warm air through 16 jets to provide a stimulating and relaxing bathing experience.
Sustainability meets luxury in this refurbished dresser that is the framework for the white ceramic sink and high-efficiency faucet. The tub and shower are also water efficient, as is the toilet. There’s lots of natural light streaming in, so the light provided by the art deco chandelier and matching wall fixture both on a dimmer for mood lighting are mostly for evening.
Approximate cost: Guinevere products shown: self-rimming lavatory: $492, wide-spread faucet with lever handles: $754.00, high-efficiency toilet with double-cyclone flush engine: $972, bath faucet with lever handles and hand shower: $1,813, airbath: $3,795
For more info: www.totousa.com.
Photo courtesy of TOTO USA