Tradition with a streamlined look, a dark wood washstand that could have been at Grandmother's house has been updated with nickel pulls and faucet. In design terms, cleaning up the bath is about minimizing. This look relies on architecture and geometry of form right down to the fixtures. Even when there's a lot of space, it's economized. Tulips, calla lilies and orchids are the shapely favorites of those who like tailored looks.
Candles are fine as long as they're simple.
Some design influences are coming out of Europe. Others are inspired by contemporary hotel baths, which combine spa-like settings that are both minimal and luxe. That's not to say that the newest bath designs are strictly contemporary. Many of the modern elements have roots in classical design. The band of wood supports straight legs that are capped in chrome.