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If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our judges’ picks this year, it’s that light is in! Whether it’s in the form of a pale, monochromatic palette, a cornucopia of windows or a light hand in decorating—and in most cases, it’s all three—these winning baths exude open, airy sophistication. From white marble countertops and Venetian plaster walls to milky white fixtures and glass-enclosed showers that leave light free to dance around the room, these baths are a breath of fresh air.

Expertly designed mirrors reflect light where it’s needed most, or make room for it to shine through unobstructed. Windows are everywhere, welcoming all the morning rays needed to make grooming a breeze. Some are given prime positions over showers and tubs, while clever design tricks allow them to still offer the privacy that every bathroom needs. Two, in particular, are even engineered to let fresh air in while keeping rain at bay.

We were delighted to see firsthand these emerging trends in bath design and the marvelous materials used to create them—which, as our 19th annual winners have shown, can be executed on almost any budget. Perhaps by no coincidence, baths in a range of price points are represented. From marvelous renovations to a spec bath born of imagination, we think you, too, will find these private sanctuaries both beautiful and inspiring.