Beautiful Bathrooms - Sunset.com

Tranquil soak

This barn bathroom is spare and airy, with blue-green tile on the walls and heated tile underfoot.

The freestanding tub (Pier tub; Waterworks) is a streamlined take on the classic claw-foot.

More: Contemporary barn details

Thomas J. Story

Go green

A small bathroom with a shower enclosed in green glass tiles is tucked behind a barn door made of FSC-certified Santa Maria wood.

More: Eco design goes glam in San Francisco

Photos by Thomas J. Story; styling by Miranda Jones;

Creative preservation

All the surfaces and fixtures are original in this Oakland bathroom. The couple had the metal rechromed and the plumbing restored piece by piece.

“Some things were really hard to get parts for,” says Jeremy. “The first few plumbers who showed up just shook their heads.”

More: Before and After: Creative preservation

A woodsy retreat

The ultimate Western bath plays up the use of natural materials, as in this Woodway, Washington, house.

Placed in a sunlit corner of the master bathroom, the European-inspired soaking tub has a flexible showering arm. A green glass tile wainscot and an earth-toned tile floor reinforce the rustic, romantic atmosphere.

DESIGN: Patricia Brennan Architects, Seattle (206/328-2886).

More: Serene soaks

J.D. Peterson

Borrow light from other places

Kurt Silver installed a sky light to bring natural light into his cramped San Francisco bathroom. He also painted the ceiling a simple off-white to prevent the low-slant end of the room from feeling oppressive

A limestone-fronted soaking tub on the low-ceiling side of the room is a cozy spot for relaxation.

More: Benefits of light

Thomas J. Story

Barn-style guest bath

Slate tile (whose golden veining is echoed in Benjamin Moore's butter yellow walls) frames the windows in the guest bathroom of our barn-style Idea House in Monterey.

The pale gray concrete floor tiles feature pewter floral insets.

More: Monterey Idea House

E. Spencer Toy

Beachy bathroom

A boatwood framed mirror (Beach House Style) serves as the centerpiece of this narrow bathroom. Pebblestone tile (Fireclay Tile) and plaster shower surround (Fitzgerald Studio) add a sandy beach-inspired texture to the space. Pedestal sink by Kohler.

More: Step inside Sunset's Summer Retreat Home

Thomas J. Story

Brighten up

The kid's bath in this California cottage uses frosted glass blocks to let in light while obscuring visibility. It also makes for a bright and humid home for a collection of happy houseplants.

More: Amazing cottage makeover

Thomas J. Story

Think pink

When you're working with a bold hues, pick one to take center stage. Hot pink is a dominant color, so save it for a few key pieces.

Another tip: Mix solids, patterns, and textures. The painted patterned canister stands out from the solid colors, adding visual interest.

More: Pink bathroom

Photo by Thomas J. Story

Use antiques

When renovating this bathroom, the homeowners found a cabinet at a salvaged-building-materials outlet. It now houses the sink and provides additional storage.

More: Decorating with family finds

Photo by John Clark

Best urban bath

A light well illuminates the master bathroom in this urban apartment unit.

More: The West's most innovative homes

Thomas J. Story

Bring the outdoors in

Bathroom wall tiles are the colors of beach glass. The tub is period perfect for this Victorian-style home, but updated with a contemporary frame.

More: Victorian remodel

Ken Chen

Compact elegance

Glass shower walls, along with new French doors in place of a high window, make Phil Lobel's bathroom feel open and expansive.

More: Compact elegance

Lisa Romerein

Provide privacy, keep space

The light and airy solution for space in this master bath was to contrast icy blue glass mosaic tiles with warm wood.

See-through shelving made from high-grade plywood defines a shower area without walling it off. Unobstructed light fills the space.

More: Bathroom solutions

Thomas J. Story

A teen haven

Zach Rosen, 14, opted for a sleek, contemporary European look in his bathroom. A stainless steel vessel sink is the sculptural focal point.

More: Teen design

Thomas J. Story

Open doors to nature

Tranquility beckons in this Seattle retreat thanks to low lighting, an earthy palette, and sliding doors that open to a courtyard.

More: Restful bath opens door to nature

16 beautiful bathrooms

Tranquil soak

Go green

Creative preservation

A woodsy retreat

Borrow light from other places

Barn-style guest bath

Beachy bathroom

Brighten up

Think pink

Use antiques

Best urban bath

Bring the outdoors in

Compact elegance

Provide privacy, keep space

A teen haven

Open doors to nature