As cities densify and the global population continues its steady migration toward urban centers-projected to reach around 70% by 2050-domestic space is becoming increasingly compressed. Rising land prices, high construction costs, and a surge in single-person households push developers toward smaller units and tighter floor plans. At the same time, cultural shifts toward resource efficiency and minimal living support this move.
Choosing the right tiles is essential in transforming a bathroom. They can enhance a space with style and substance, foster a calming atmosphere, and make a bold design statement. However, it's all about personal taste. What works for one person won't be the perfect choice for someone else. That's why we've selected seven different retailers to broaden your options. Choosing tiles to match your bathroom design ideas will be easier, and you can browse from the comfort of your own home.
We're longtime fans of the ofuro, or Japanese soaking tub, both for its good looks and promotion of rest and relaxation at the end of the day. Here are 10 in-situ favorites, ranging from traditional hinoki cypress wood or darker teakwood baths to Western-style ceramic baths in Japanese-style wood wrapping. Above: A hinoki wood bathtub in the Rudolph Schindler-designed Hollywood Hills home of designer Pamela Shamshiri.
And in the case of this beautiful 1900s Victorian-style home in Boston, the redone bathroom was giving turn-of-the century time capsule - just not the right century. "The bathroom had last been renovated in the early 2000s (think: lots of beige, white, and travertine tile)," says Elana Gaines, founder and designer at Afternoon Creative. "Overall, the space felt dingy and uninspired, out of step with the charm and craftsmanship of the rest of this early 1900s Victorian home."
If you love scouring flea markets and thrift shops for vintage finds, it's a safe assumption that you probably love vintage bathrooms, too - whether it's as small as a half bath or as large as a primary or en suite one. You're in good company, with myriad TikToks proclaiming adoration for these bygone baths - in fact, vintage enthusiasts can get downright angry when these vintage bathrooms are removed and replaced with modern white and black bathrooms.
LAUFEN, a Swiss bathroom manufacturer since 1892, has ceramics at its core. Product development is the result of cutting-edge technological research, notably with the introduction of Saphirkeramik. This new high-performance ceramic material is characterized by exceptional resistance and incredibly thin profiles. The use of this material has enabled the creation of collections with lighter shapes and curved profiles, revolutionizing bathroom design with a balance of lightness and strength. Color adds the final touch to ensure these products lift our sanctuary experiences.
A piece of art was the design starting point for the bathroom. Marlene is a designer, and she and her boyfriend lived in their place for a few months before deciding how to make the apartment feel personal to them. "I found an old New Yorker illustration a friend gifted me years ago and hadn't had the chance to use, so I took it as the main inspo for the look and feel of the space," she says.
The BetteUltra Space shower tray is designed to optimize bathroom space usage with a low profile, allowing for both flush and elevated installations depending on structural needs.
