Bathrooms: California Design Library (California Designs) - Softcover

Featuring lush photography, designer suggestions, step-by-step instructions, and an 11-page source list, California's Design Library's Bathrooms provides plenty of inspiration for creating the bathroom of your dreams. From old-fashioned romance to sleek modernity, many styles are represented, each one with a gorgeous light-filled photo. You may find yourself falling for something quite different than your usual style preference. Tips on customizing whirlpool tubs and lighting help insure that no matter what your ultimate choice, your final room will be unique.

Remodeling chapters include budgets ranging from $3,000 up to $30,000, and equal care is taken in all budgets to help you maximize every dollar you spend. The pros and cons of various floorings and countertop materials are covered in depth. (Who knew that a teak wood floor would be a practical choice in a wet area?) Many different sizes are also covered, but with so many luxurious shots of raised tubs with private gardens, those with smaller, more standard baths are sure to feel a bit disappointed. Every designer strongly encourages you to find your own style, and there's plenty of suggestions on salvaging moisture-proof antiques, adding bookshelves and stereo systems, and ensuring comfort and safety for children in the family. The source list focuses mainly on California suppliers, but there's lots of mail-order choices as well. With its lightweight and thick paper cover, it's perfect for taking into the tub--and what better place to read it? --Jill Lightner

Diane Dorrans Saeks is the California editor for Metropolitan Home, the interior design editor for PaperCity, the San Francisco correspondent for W and Women's Wear Daily, and a frequent contributor to national and international design publications. She