Inspired ideas abound in these photos of real-life bathrooms that we love.

Bright Nicaraguan-tile floors have become a staple for designer Barbara Bestor, whether she's working on a private residence or on a coffeehouse. "The tiles have the same traditional craftsmanship as Moroccan ones but are more affordable and have customizable patterns," says Bestor.

In the kids' bathroom, Alexis Stewart used terrazzo for the tub and chose cornflower-blue tile for the walls with longevity in mind. "It's a cute color for kids, but they can grow up with it," she says. "You don't want to have to retile later because your kids' bathroom is bubblegum pink with little flowers all over."

Designer Barbara Bestor had a vanity custom-made to incorporate details from the rest of the home's cabinetry, and then she modernized it with cornflower-blue paint.

This spectacular shower curtain is made by stitching together three fabrics in rich tones; ours is an extra-long 106-inch curtain, but the same look could be achieved with the average 72-inch curtain. Give towels supporting color-blocking roles.

Kevin Sharkey, executive editorial director, decorating, at Martha Stewart, gave his bathroom a complete renovation. He used tile on the walls to bring in texture and warmth, and also to create a visual transition between the dark stone floor and the white Corian shower and sink. He added an undersink shelf for storage and mirrors for light, to make the space more practical and personal.

Mahogany doors originally from the kitchen were repurposed to create a grand entrance to the en suite master bathroom, which has an egg-shaped Agape tub and Ann Sacks tiles.
Hammam towels, 78 inches by 38 inches, in White with Black Irregular Stripe, brookfarmgeneralstore.com.

This summer cottage downstairs bathroom features a double-wide shower with the same stone floors used throughout the property's barn. Its open layout is perfect for rinsing off after a swim.

A simple cast-iron tub -- complete with views of the property -- takes center stage in this master bathroom.

Crystal-and-wire sculptures by Bob Russell are displayed in a guest bath; the apothecary cabinet displays shells collected by the cottage's owner in the West Indies.

Mosaic tiles line this minimalist bathroom inside a midcentury modern home in LA. The narrow space is made wider by a glass wall that looks into an outdoor space.

The master bath evokes a black-and-white color scheme. The center of the room is dominated by an ornate marble-topped table whose mate is in the living room.

A window over the sink stands in for the typical mirror and offers views of the citrus grove and distant mountains in this Santa Barbara, California, home.

In this bathroom, an ornate French chandelier that homeowner Suzanna won on eBay (for a mere $200) both matches and mocks the space's serious design. "I went with a black-and-white color scheme because it's true to the period of the house," she says, "but it's all done with a wink." Hot-pink accents further jazz up the bathroom's look, but they could easily be changed out for yellow or green, she notes. "When I'm decorating, I do whatever makes me smile."

In a bathroom of Martha's Maine summer home, Skylands, thick, creamy terry-cloth towels are the perfect complement to soft-pink tiles.