Sparse is the name of the game in modern design. Clean, streamlined and simple, this soothingly neutral bathroom is a welcome retreat. The floor tile delivers the look of wood without the worry of water damage and establishes warmth in the mostly gray palette.

Just because modern style likes simplicity doesn't mean it can't embrace drama. Black and white tiles in crisp geometrics ground this contrasting bathroom. A sleek black freestanding tub gets the benefit of natural light pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling window, while a starburst chandelier adds a note of midcentury modern charm to the space.

Fully luxurious but completely of the moment, wet rooms make for visually stunning designs. Built entirely with water-friendly materials, this expansive tiled space not only houses the shower but also the freestanding bathtub. Flaxen-colored glass tiles give the room a serene and incandescent quality.

The centerpiece of this avant-garde bathroom is the squared-off soaker bathtub. While modern design sticks to a mostly neutral palette, color is not off-limits. Aim for earthy shades, but these muted blue-gray vanities add a similar aesthetic.