For many people, having a tub in the bathroom is a non-negotiable; it’s a spot dedicated to quiet contemplation, warmth and, in the case of these stylish bathrooms, also an opportunity to make a design statement. From mega marble to high shine surfaces, soak up some interiors inspiration from these projects from the ELLE Decoration archive.
Modern stripes define this old-world palazzo
Monochromatic stripes are a recurring motif throughout the 15th-century Palazzo Petrvs. Initially built in 1475 for the wealthy notary Petrvs Facienus, it’s now a boutique hotel reimagined by architect Giuliano Andrea dell’Uva. He installed contemporary furniture pieces like this striped bathtub (created by layering basalt and travertine) to contrast with the building’s restored Renaissance ceilings and grand proportions.
A bold blue bath in LA
Marble is a natural choice for the bathroom, but it’s not often used to line a bath. Designer Pamela Shamshiri installed this showstopping tub in the bathroom of a Los Angeles home, and cleverly concealed the shower and toilet behind frosted doors to allow for a private spot for soaking.
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A classic bathroom scheme in London
Tiffany Duggan gave this classic claw-foot tub an update with a coat of rich coral-coloured paint. The curtains, made from Soane’s ‘Kalamkari Chevron’ fabric, pick up the red tones of the bath as well as the moss green tiles from Fired Earth. The old world charm of the tub is echoed in the turned oak stool, dating back to 1870, which was found on eBay.
The marble-clad bathroom in Paris
A largely monochromatic palette defines this stylish Parisian triplex by Felix Millory. The rich, dark tone of this ensuite comes from stained-oak walls and Armani Bronze marble which also wraps around the bathtub, while the travertine stone flooring adds a touch of lightness to the scheme. Taps from Neve add metallic glimmer while the photographs of African masks on the wall above the tub are by Thierry Fontaine.
The bathtub with a view in Rome
A freestanding copper tub is a classic choice. For his artfully designed apartment in Rome’s Palazzo Sacchetti, architect Massimo Adario sourced this 19th-century piece from the UK. Coyly placed behind a beautiful 1950s Piero Fornasetti screen, it’s the ideal spot to linger and soak up views of the original wooden coffered ceiling above.
A smile-inducing surrealist home in London
The London home of artists and modern surrealists Philip and Charlotte Colbert has a surprise around every corner, and the bathroom is no exception. The theatrical centrepiece is the bespoke bathtub, lovingly named the ‘Boob Bath’, designed by Buchanan Studio, which is adorned with 108 hand-cast silicon breasts. There are other delights to be found, though, from the custom-designed tile floor by London Mosaic to the specially made Maison Colbert bathmat.
The bath house of dreams in Los Angeles
‘I take a bath religiously: it’s the place I think, and I spend at least an hour in there a day, so we decided to create the most glamorous outhouse ever,’ says Richard Christiansen, owner of Flamingo Estate. That outhouse is installed on the grounds of his seven-acre plot and crafted entirely from raw concrete. The only adornment needed is the filtered light that glints through the stained glass windows. ‘I obsess over taking a bath,’ he adds. ‘This is my hobby, and I’m going to own it because it’s my favourite thing in the world.’
A deep green bathroom in Berlin
Rich verdant shades appear throughout this Berlin home designed by Kasia Kronberger of Studio Bosko. ‘No14 Emerald Green’ zellige tiles from Habibi Interiors make for a moody place to take a long soak in the freestanding ‘Millbrook’ double-ended bath, sourced from The Cast Iron Bath Company.
A spa-like sanctuary in the south of France
This monolithic Calacatta Viola marble bathroom is the work of interior architect Jean-Charles Tomas. He used the luxurious material extensively throughout the home, but it’s in the bathroom where it makes a truly showstopping moment. The ‘LC7’ chair by Le Corbusier for Knoll is tucked into a corner.
A high-shine bath in Antwerp
Glossy mirrored steel and plush carpet converge in this boundary-pushing bathroom by Belgian studio Atelier Dialect. A high-shine ceiling adds a further reflective element while a hint of mint green lifts the otherwise monochrome palette.
