Pair it with gold or brass fixtures—such as faucets ... and plush towels nearby to enhance the spa-like atmosphere. Lighting can make or break a bathroom’s ambiance. Swap out basic fixtures ...

This is particularly true when lighting a bathroom. It’s the one room in a home that’s often overlooked, but improper bathroom lighting can make the bravest among us refuse to look in the mirror.

Waterdream: The Art of Bathroom Design traces the evolution of the lavatory from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day — with particular emphasis on one French designer. In 2005 ...