I suffer from a serious case of bathtub-love.
But it’s definitely and eccentrically ultra-modern. Conventional tubs are great, but my wish list has a distinct point of view: special features that, along with great design, really make tubs chic. Every tub on the list is Italian-designed.
It started with this image clipped from a German magazine. I [...]

The delicate profile of the modern egg-shaped tub creates a sanctuary perfect for a long soak.
Washed horizontal wooden planks wrap the tub alcove and continue beyond in this luxurious master bath.  The sensuous curves of the freestanding Waterworks .25 tub is said by the homeowner to be remarkably comfortable; a tub everyone should experience [...]

I’m partial to ultra-modern bathrooms where transparency rules.
The ultimate expression of the spa bathroom is to eliminate solid walls so that the space feels unobstructed, airy and luxurious – even with the essential partitions. Perhaps that’s why I’m partial to ultra-modern bathrooms where transparency rules.
Here alterstudio, the Texas architect who designed the stunning Eucalyptus kitchen, [...]

The other night on one of those TV makeover shows, I watched the guest genius install floor-to-ceiling tile in a bathroom so minimalist I could almost hear the potential buyers whine “there’s no place for the hai-i-ir dryer.”
It was a look clearly taken from the contemporary Italian bathroom tile companies, like Bottega d’Arte, in Modena, [...]

In a beach house, it makes sense to rely on tropical wood planking that stands up well to water. In this Mr.-and-Mrs. master bath, the planks take on the added role of motif worked in three ways – like fencing to create a semi-open shower, like horizontal paneling on walls and then as slats on [...]

The open quality of an outdoor shower moved indoors some time ago. Rather than being defined by an architectural enclosure, this bathing center often commands its own area – sometimes adjacent to a tub. Bathrooms built this way are designated as “no barrier” and thought to be more advanced in their design.
Here, on the top [...]

The desire to create the effect of a luxury spa at home has pushed shower design far past the old tile and curtain stage, especially in the last five years. Contemporary showers – whatever the style – have become elaborate wet rooms complete with floor designs, seating, shelving, windows, steam and ventilation in addition to [...]

Simplicity imparts a modern elegance to this master bath, which first poses a frequently asked question: must the sink and shower fixtures match? The sink faucet has modern lines whereas the shower system fixtures definitely land on the traditional (they were there so we used them) side style wise. For those it bothers (all you [...]

Photos of what appears to be the same beautiful and very distinctive bathroom – but is not! – poses a question: Inspiration or rip-off? The doppelgangers have the same two colors of mosaic glass tile from Waterworks — Sundance and Cloud White on walls — in double floor-to-ceiling tent-stripe, with Butternut on the floor. [...]

Take a peek at a fashion-forward bath from the Alternative Plans, the English arm of the Italian manufacturer Boffi. Essentially, it’s a bathroom deconstructed: fixtures float. Water connections come through the floor and a mirror (look carefully) is suspended above each solid pedestal sink. Storage is low, along the left wall with cubbies for towels [...]

Making a sculptural stone or ceramic tub the focal point of a bathroom is one thing. Having it refer to an iconic piece of furniture takes it to another level of chic. Once again, the Italian firm, Rapsel breaks ground with the “Arne” titanic resin bathtub, in homage to the “Egg” chair (below) Arne Jacobsen [...]

Grab a glass of wine, ease yourself (carefully!) into the freestanding tub, and enjoy the view. Then swaddle yourself in toasty terrycloth (that big towel warmer can handle quite a few). Large-scale ceramic tiles zero clutter and neutral colors increase the spacious feeling of this large master bath which boats a spectacular rustic ceiling and [...]