One of the most important
trends in bath space design today is about going green, besides the
contemporary romance with minimalist ideas.
A good bathroom helps in starting the day better. No wonder the number of
distress calls from people who do not like hotel bathrooms or guest bathrooms
must be in millions, though there is no study to prove it. This 'back room' of
our lives can give us great joy and cause great sorrow. And that is why
designers and architects think of a bathroom seriously, spawning a whole list
of trends and what a bathroom would like (or should be like) in the coming
years, much like fashion.
For instance, despite the great power of whatever is considered 'retro' in
interior design, most modern bathrooms across the wall retain a minimal
contemporary feel. This design element is almost undeniable and in the most
classic-looking places, the subtext always seems to be modern, easy and
minimal. That seems to be most enduring aesthetic presently, across modern
homes and hotels in urban settings.
With dual-income families, bathrooms are seeing
some top-of-the-line additions. Bath spaces are increasingly being fitted with
the latest technologies - from touch controlled shower systems, mist-flow
technologies to color therapy showers. According to designer Suzanne
Maviano people are really enjoying their homes these days even though they
spend a lot of time at work. "It is all about walking home into an amazing
place," she said.
Today the spa experience is what many are seeking
to bring back home with them, as the concept of 'alone time' is becoming even
more crucial. The bathroom is becoming the perfect sanctuary for many
professionals who are looking for that quick getaway from the pressures of life
for a little while daily. Designers now have to think outside the box to give
spalike touches, right from that exquisite tub to the highly ergonomic
telephone showers. Comforts like warming drawers for towels, which
were not popular just a decade back, are catching on around the globe, as
Janet Blutter Shiff of Blutter/Shiff Design has observed.
Many connoisseurs are opting for shower jet panels
and even air baths, which give out tiny, effervescent bubbles, as new additions
to the bathroom to complete the spa experience. It is about having custom
showers that combine different shower-heads and body sprays mounted
on the walls and ceiling of the bath space for a rain-forest like
water experience. Those that are looking to really up the ante are even fixing
mini-refrigerators into walls or cabinets of bathrooms! Chromotherapy shower
systems like the Domotech from the house of Isenberg is another luxury addition
that many gadget lovers are going in for. You can actually program the perfect
bath with this technology even as you get bathed in light to suit a particular
mood.
The surface now goes deep as well. Homeowners are
also choosing surfaces that enhance the overall look of the space. Natural
stone and handcrafted tiles are being combined to create statement-making
visuals. Glass is being used extensively in bath spaces to enhance the play of
ambient light for counters and toilet enclosures, with the emphasis also being
on designing a space that allows enough natural light in.
Designers are using unusual combinations of stone
and tile to get that unique textural quality in a bath space, so that it is as
rich as other parts of a home and reflects the need of the individual. Designer
Maviano even installed a flat screen TV on a bathroom wall, which looks like a
regular mirror when off.
As far as sanitary ware is concerned, sleek is the
new black. The cleanest lines and exquisite craftsmanship are now replacing
chunky moldings and sanitary ware. Faucets that echo the modern design
sensibility of subtle, precise silhouettes are almost the norm now. The
challenge is to find that one brilliant design that speaks to the world about
an individual's taste quietly. Across the globe, faucets with nothing less than
a flawless mirror finish will do. Besides that, a variety of other finishes
(like bronze) along with simple engravings are also finding favor
especially in cases where the idea is to balance the quiet authority of the
minimal and contemporary with a touch of opulence associated with the
past.
The trend is also veering towards our
digitally-inspired era of science meeting design and luxury meeting
convenience. For instance, joystick controlled faucets are a rage with those
looking for that seamless experience of using a faucet. One look at a bathroom
designed by professionals will tell you how heavily aesthetics of the
virtual world are affecting real bath spaces, with what is not seen becoming as
important as what is. The trend is all about doing a lot by appearing to do
less, giving a very space-age look to bath spaces.
Metallic colors are making a comeback with chrome turning out to be one of the most popular choices. Monochrome schemes like black and white for instance, that has penetrated the fashion scene, is also quite the trend in bathrooms today.
The most important thing, however, even in the most
luxurious bath space today is about being green considering that only three per
cent of the Earth's water is fit for consumption. It is one trend that is
unlikely to go out of favor simply because it is life positive. High
flow faucets are seen as irresponsible and bad for the planet.
Huzy Hundekari, Executive VP of Isenberg South
Asia, believes that it is crucial to have faucet systems that actually save
water without compromising on performance and feel. "A good faucet is one
that gives you the feel of a natural stream even as it saves water by fixing
air bubbles in every drop. Our faucets rely on cutting-edge technology to bring
that special experience one seeks from a bath system, even as 35 to 40 per cent
water is saved in every drop. That to me is true responsible luxury”.
Bathroom trends in India are now mirroring the world, though the bulk buyer is still the king. Hundekari concludes, "I am of the opinion that it is better to go in for better technology and design because at the end of the day it is about you and your relationship with the world. After all, water is as precious and as your experience of it.”
QUICK BYTES
Bath spaces are increasingly being fitted with the latest technologies - from touch controlled shower systems, mist flow technologies to Chromotherapy showers many connoisseurs are opting for shower jet panels and even air baths, which give out tiny, effervescent bubbles, as new additions to the bathroom to complete the spa experience
0 comments:
Post a Comment