Bathroom Design Idea: The Clean-Cut Look

In a cluttered, busy world, the appeal of minimalism is obvious. Living up to the classic design dictum that everything in the home should be both beautiful and useful, minimalism cuts out the 90 percent of items that aren't.

A splendid array of textured, subtly colored tiles with a slightly metallic sheen has a mesmerizing effect.

In these two baths, the owners have obviously conquered the impulse to let meaningless "stuff" accumulate. Their challenge was to create decorating schemes that celebrate freedom from clutter without looking cold or uninviting.

Both baths utilized tile as a solution: Sleek to look at and easy to care for, tiles epitomize the best of modern design. But because tiles are made from earthen materials and they're as old as civilization itself, tiles also impart a timeless, natural quality that makes a modern aesthetic livable.

Austere and simple, this bath evokes a serenity and dignity usually associated with Asian design.

Interesting textures, varying color tones, and a few non-rectangular shapes really stand out in minimalist schemes like these. In this context, a small row of round tiles makes a friendly statement and a sink bowl appears as a dramatic decorative accessory. Using tile isn't the only way to incorporate natural materials into your bathroom design.