Few things can cure the post-summer-vacation blues like a relaxing soak in a bathtub. For the ultimate spa-like experience, you’ll want more than just hot water. Your choice of tub and its location within the bathroom, as well as selections for tile, color, fixtures and other details, can enhance bath time and help relieve stress. These 10 bathtub setups offer deep inspiration.
An inviting freestanding white acrylic tub is part of the now-airy layout in this bright Los Angeles bathroom by Studio Kosma. On the wall, 3-by-6-inch glossy handmade ceramic field tiles in a soft blue create a serene feel. On the floor, white clay brick tiles with a custom dark taupe grout and in a herringbone pattern add visual texture and interest. The upgraded fixed picture window offers an expansive view of the greenery outside.
Bathtub: Chloe, Vintage Tub & Bath; tub filler: Purist, Kohler
A beige-y concrete freestanding tub adds an earthy element to this Durham, California, bathroom by Lori K Design Studio. The tub has a roomy interior and thick walls that provide insulation for long-lasting heat. A wall-mounted tub filler saves space. A petite yet glamorous chandelier above the tub features a cluster of seven LED luminaires, hand-finished in dark bronze and gold leaf.
Chandelier: Marimba, Modern Forms; tub: Avalon in Earth, 62 inches, Native Trails
A white acrylic freestanding tub helps lighten the look and feel of this Redondo Beach, California, bathroom by Tiffany Lauer Interiors. Handmade zellige tiles in various creamy tones add warmth, visual movement and a glossy surface that reflects light. A wall-mounted tub filler in satin bronze coordinates with other warm metal tones used in the room. A natural rattan pendant light brings a touch of texture.
Pendant light: Channel in natural rattan, Shades of Light
An angled corner tub creates an airy and inviting spot to soak in this Austin, Texas, bathroom by Parsons i.d. The tub is made from a durable solid-surface material with finely ground natural volcanic limestone that helps keep water warmer longer. A floor-mounted tub filler with built-in diverter and hand shower has solid brass construction and a brushed bronze finish. Whitewashed wood-look porcelain wall tiles offer a durable alternative to real wood.
Tub: Vetralla in Englishcast White, Victoria + Albert
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Lorain Design Associates included aging-in-place features in this Davis, California, bathroom for a retired couple. The wet-room-style setup includes a white 41-inch-round acrylic Japanese-style soaking tub with an integrated seat. Grab bars nearby help provide safe entry. A matte black floor-mounted tub filler coordinates with the grab bars and other black details. Chestnut-look porcelain tiles wrap the walls. Grooved maple-look porcelain floor tiles create a nonslip surface. Blue accent tiles back an extra-long niche.
Tub: Siglo round Japanese soaking tub with trim, 41 inches, Signature Hardware; tub filler: Trinsic, Delta
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Haus of Rowe Interiors created this stylish retreat in Minnetrista, Minnesota, for a couple with five young kids. The light and airy space features a 59-inch freestanding soaking tub set beneath large windows that frame relaxing views of treetops and a lake. A contemporary floor-mounted tub filler has a handheld sprayer and a matte black finish that coordinates with the window frames and patterned black-and-white porcelain floor tiles.
Tub: Serafina, Jacuzzi; tub filler: Trinsic, Delta; flooring: Enchante in Moderno, Bedrosians Tile & Stone
A 71-inch freestanding tub sits in an elevated area beneath a picture window framing a wall of greenery in this Orangevale, California, bathroom suite by Catalyst Construction. Carbon-colored wall tile makes the scenery pop. A teak bench nearby offers a portable spot for candles and bath supplies. The floor-mounted tub filler with hand shower features all-brass construction in a chrome finish that coordinates with the rest of the bathroom’s fixtures and vanity hardware.
Design firm Treasure in the Detail and The Contractor Guys loosened up the layout in this Queen Creek, Arizona, bathroom to include a stylish 66-inch matte black solid-surface soaking tub. Terra-cotta-colored porcelain hexagonal tiles in a matte finish add warmth and contemporary Southwest style. A floor-mounted tub filler in a brushed brass finish brings another touch of warmth. Painted wall paneling surrounding the tub adds character and dimension, while a classic tripod end table with a black iron base and a round bluestone top offers a place to set bath products or a drink.
End table: Corin, Four Hands; tub: Catino in matte black, 66 inches, Signature Hardware; tub filler: Purist, Kohler
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