Rainstorms and hot baths

Its the middle of autumn, been raining since yesterday and the skies show no sign of closing for at least another day. I love the rain, but I have to admit skipping puddles is not as enticing in 50 degree weather and 18mph winds. When I got back home today my feet had soaked through my boots and all my clothes were wet.On top of that I had just made a quick run to the ATM, which had malfunctioned and stolen $80 of my deposit. Hot baths have always been soothing to me, whether I'm stressed out or just cold, so I began to dream about taking a long, hot shower...rubber duckie optional of course

A cast-concrete tub on a concrete slab inside this glassed-in shower enclosure transforms an average home appliance into a sculptural focal point. I also like the simplicty of the decor, with clean, muted greens and creams.Tub from the Clodagh Collection Faucets and shower fixtures by Waterworks.

Nothing makes a girl feel prettier than pink! The over scale pattern on this wallpaper by Manual Canovas paper from Cowtan & Tout is pretty, modern and perfect for a bathroom. Originally shown in the March 2008 of House Beautiful issue.

I love when designers use paint to make bold statements, because its something the rest of us thousandaires can afford. Paint by Benjamin Moore. Featured in the July 2008 of House Beautiful.

The floating tub and walls in brown vinyl grasscloth — Elitis through Donghia — evoke an aura of absolute calm. Simple, classic and clean. Featured in the March 2009 issue of House Beautiful.

Glass tiles (Waterworks) and art deco-style accessories( mirrors from Potter Barn) make this bathroom uniquely stylish. Plus, I just love yellow in bathrooms.

Creativity always places higher than luxury in my book. Its easy to spend money on a piece of furniture but harder to see the possibilities in a simple piece. Case in point- this gorgeous secretary seems perfectly at home in this bathroom, but is often placed in a study/library or even dining room. The tub's feet are large and bold, but the design has few embellishments, making it perfectly classy. I love the use of the bronze plant stand as a towel stand..creativity is so cool.

We all start our days in the bathroom (hopefully) so I think it is worth it to make this room calming and welcoming or energizing and fun-depending on whether you're headed to a desk job or another adventurous life's calling..

House Beautiful