The Tub Set

To the Romans, taking a bath was the most prominent leisure activity for both men and women. It embodied the Roman way of life. Business deals were secured and local gossip was exchanged all while taking a dip in the public bath houses.
Bathing was truly an art form.

Roman Bath Ruins in Ostia, Italy (outside of Rome).

Beautiful Mosaic Tile Floor (also in Ostia)

Roman Soaker Tub! Just kidding, I have no clue what this is, I thought it looked like a bath tub.

Today the bathtub has become the art. Sculptural freestanding soaker tubs or traditional claw feet tubs often take center stage in a bathroom (whether they are actually used or not).

(photo credit: Miro Dvorscak)

The showcase of this clean, contemporary, bathroom I worked on is the beautiful tub.

(photo credit: Miro Dvorscak)

Simple wall mounted tub filler and backlit frosted glass are simple touches that envoke just the right atmosphere minus the green towels :)

This bathroom in the personal residence of Houston Designer, Bill Stubbs, uses traditional fittings for modern convenience. The handshower is great for both bathing and cleaning!

More shots of Mr. Stubbs' bathroom.

(photo credits: Miro Dvorscak)

This award winning bathroom designed by my boss contains a Japanese soaking tub. These tubs are extra deep (about 41") and are made for bathing in the upright sitting position.

Freestanding tubs can be traditional or contemporary. These more traditional images are clean and timeless (two of my favorite words used to describe a bathroom design).

A deck-mount tub can allow for the shower and bathtub to be more seamless. Sometimes the logistics calls for a deck-mount, but many people prefer them because they are easier to get in and out of (or they fall in love with a tub that has to be under-mounted).

(above four images via Point Click Home).