Want a bathroom that’s inviting and serene, with spa-like luxury? Be inspired by these Asian-style spaces, which offer all that and more

Asian-style bathrooms provide the perfect spot in which to rest, unwind and recover at the end of each day, as well as a calming space where you can prepare for the busy day ahead. A sense of tranquility, well-being, balance and visual harmony is at the heart of the design aesthetic, which evokes these qualities with the use of clean lines, minimalist decor, soothing color schemes and natural materials. If you think an Eastern-inspired bathing sanctuary is just what you need in your home, take design cues from these stunning bathrooms that highlight various characteristics of Asian-style baths.

Cool splurges: Get ideas for a bathroom upgrade from these clever bathroom cabinet additions

Seemingly standard cupboards with smart, unique or high-tech elements and accessories behind their doors can make a world of difference when it comes to making a bath zone more organized and user friendly. Cases in point: The 10 bathroom cabinet ideas you’ll find here. While they may look fairly basic upon first glance, take a closer look and you’ll find that the beauty (and benefits) of these bathroom storage units go well beyond the surface.

Straight, diagonal, chevron, parquet and more. See which floor design is best for your space

Installing a wood floor? Whether you’re using hardwood, laminate or even plank tiles, once you’ve picked that beautiful product, you’ll have to make another important decision: which way to install it. While straight and horizontal patterns are the most popular, there are many more options, and one might be better for your project. Here are the pros and cons of some of the most popular installation methods for wood flooring to help you make the best choice for your home, budget and style.

Explore the pros and cons of 7 popular bathroom countertop materials

Choosing the perfect material for one’s bathroom countertops can be a bit of a brain teaser, thanks to the abundant — and quite attractive — options available at nearly every price level. But because bathroom surfaces typically don’t face the same abuse as those in the kitchen (think hot frying pans, sharp carving knives and spilled Bordeaux), the decisions most buyers wrestle with are usually more about style and cost than Herculean strength. Fortunately, the top bathroom countertop materials on the market combine beauty and brawn in equal measure. Here’s a closer look at some of the most sought-after bathroom surfaces among today’s buyers.

In these fantasy baths, open designs let in natural light and views, and intriguing materials create drama

The term “shower stall” often conjures a utilitarian, single-person spot meant for one thing: getting clean. These fantastic showers are a different animal — in many of them, solid walls and opaque barriers have been largely banished to let in light and views, making an everyday wash an exhilarating experience. Take a look at 14 examples that challenge the bathtub’s title as the ultimate place for a relaxing soak.

Go ahead, be a softie. When you use powdery shades right, they go beyond child’s play into the realm of chic

Pastels often get a bad rap for being too sugary sweet, frivolous or girly. But don’t be too quick to fall into this mind-set and immediately pass over pastel shades when choosing which hues to incorporate into your home. The secret to making soft, chalky colors work is to balance them with cool whites, moody black, gray and other neutral tones. Introducing clean, contemporary lines and modern design elements as well as raw, sleek or edgy materials will also cut through the cuteness and ensure that your design looks fresh, grown-up and chic, rather than childish or overly feminine.

Whether you’re a longtime lover of pastels or a newfound fan of the versatile pale palette, the spaces below will provide plenty of design inspiration and show how soft, muted shades can be woven into your home’s decorating scheme with great success.