A dark retreat that reads as sophisticated, not gloomy.

Matte black paint on panelled walls, paired with a black clawfoot tub, is an unexpectedly elegant change from predictable, white marble bathrooms. French door-style windows add even more high-end appeal.

Sparkling fixtures brighten up dramatic walls.

There’s no traditional vanity in this spectacular bathroom, but a wall-mounted sink with exposed plumbing makes a great counterpoint to a footed wood cabinet. Black-and-white basket-weave floor tiles and extra-high baseboards look crisp against walls painted in a metallic bronze tone.

Learn more traditional-style tips in our Traditional & Formal Interiors photo gallery.

See more statement bathrooms in our Dramatic Bathrooms photo gallery.

You’d never know this charming bathroom was once filled with avocado-green fixtures.

Emma Doucet and Sébastien Labelle of Ottawa won ‘Best Budget’ in the 2009 Design Contest for their dramatic bathroom renovation. The homeowners stripped the original bathroom down to the studs and refloored, retiled, restored and redecorated. Vintage style is imbued through unfitted fixtures, polished chrome hardware and a classic black and white tiled floor. An old brick chimney was exposed in the corner and echoes the texture of the new subway tile installed behind the bathtub.

A clawfoot tub and wainscotted tile add charm, while the all-white palette keeps the look fresh.

This bathroom offered little storage, so H&H style editor Michael Penney spray-painted a vintage wall-mounted unit black to visually anchor the space. The open weave pattern keeps it airy. He also chose a simple polka-dot shower curtain for its quirky, Kate Spade vibe.

See more photos of Michael’s former apartment and a tour in our gallery and video. Plus, see tours of his new house, too!

A symphony of white marble creates a rich, polished look.

A black shower curtain grounds the space and provides visual contrast for the white tiles in this 2010 Princess Margaret Showhome guest bathroom. A black doorknob heralds the dramatic black curtain within.

Playing up classic elements in a small bathroom adds impact.

Matt Carr and Joyce Lo boosted the old world appeal of their Victorian home’s bathroom by adding antique gold accessories to work with the textured wall and chair rail, hex-tiled floor and black pedestal bathtub. The result is a one-of-a-kind, vintage look.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Rooms With Warm Metal Accents and Dramatic Bathrooms.

Splurge on tile that adds texture and pattern to a room.

The space was small enough that Mandy could splurge on high-end tile. Hexagonal Bluestone marble floor tiles are paired with classic honed Statuario Perla marble subway tiles for walls. The combination provides a neutral but striking backdrop for the room. In the “wet room,” a honed granite slab covers the threshold for a seamless transition into the shower.

See more of this bathroom makeover in our photo gallery.

Create a pretty and practical display.

A black window frame makes white accessories pop and the tiled windowsill becomes a clever, water-resistant shelf for everyday items and display.

Make a splash with a bold copper tub.

With its warm, burnished finish, this copper tub is the star of this bathroom. It brings visual interest to the black and white decor and will develop a beautiful patina over time that adds to its rustic look.

Add original artwork and a pretty vignette.

A new double-hung window in this renovated bathroom was painted black to lend it character. Original black and white drawings pick up on dark accents like a hex-tile floor, battered stool and slate towel to lend this space a personal touch.

Clean lines and minimal decor create an airy, uncluttered space.

Food stylist Claire Stubbs wanted a modern look in her Victorian home. Her bathroom’s dramatic yet peaceful style is spacious and welcoming. The glass and tile shower runs the full width of the room and is fully exposed (only the window is frosted for privacy). The dark wall grounds the space, making it feel cosier while the fur rug adds a touch of luxury.

For more beautiful ensuite bathrooms, see our photo gallery. Also, take an Online TV tour of Claire’s home.

Dress up a new tub to create an antique look.

Mandy knew the cost to reseal and refinish a vintage clawfoot tub would eat up their budget, so she sourced a present-day model, hand-painted it a rich, matte black, and plated the feet in patinated brass. A linen shower curtain and dramatic brass rod give the tub presence. A weathered stool is a homey touch.

See more of this bathroom makeover in our photo gallery