Baldwin residence Contemporary Bathroom, DC Metro

Wood works in bathrooms, too, as this mahogany beauty shows eloquently. This is a beautiful bathroom for any number of reasons, but I love that the designer used wood for the counter and sheathed the wall in Blue Macauba quartzite. That quartzite makes an attractive counter as well but on a wall it takes on the air of a landscape painting.

Vessel sinks (sinks that sit on top of a counter) are a design element unto themselves — even the most basic designs stand out. Sinks that are so strong in design tend to work well in powder rooms that are a bit more muted in style. They can restrict counter space though, so a shelving element hidden behind a mirror, or even a small rolling caddy might be necessary.

Marble. Marble floors always seem to steal the show. Why not a marble wall? The natural veining and color variation of the marble turns the wall into a statement mural.

Modern. This bathroom is highly successful in many respects, but while most people have focused on the Blue Macauba quartzite wall, I can't get enough of that sleek, modern p-trap! WS Bath Collection has a great looking option in their Linea line.

Afraid a wallpaper will just peel off in a bathroom? A "scenic" stone is a wonderful alternative. Quartzite Aurora is a subcategory of Blue Macaubas, a quartzite from Brazil. It is practically indestructible.More: Browse wallpaper patterns in the Houzz Products section

7. Add color with materials, not paint. If you want to add a dramatic flair to your sleek bathroom, choose colored stones for your walls or floor. Here, a marble material called Blue Lighting creates a striking background.

Just say no to grout. Scrubbing grout lines has to be one of the least favorite chores when cleaning a bathroom. Using solid-surface choices for your walls will save a lot of elbow grease. Stone slabs have few seam lines, and they are very thin.

Style Secret: Bare WindowsWe hardly even need to say this, but fussy draperies and flouncy shades make a minimalist room feel way overdressed. Keep windows unadorned and let their simple architecture shine. If privacy is a concern, consider textured glass or apply a translucent film to screen out curious gazes. Softer side: Can't bear to leave your windows totally naked? If you must add a window treatment of some sort, make it as elemental as possible, such as matchstick blinds or a sleek roller shade. If the rest of your space is very streamlined, you might be able to pull off plain curtain panels, but be sure they're made of a solid fabric in a color that won't stop the eye.

Love the blue Maccabaeus quartzite