Architects and interior designers are re-interpreted the idea of bathrooms to create areas that offer stylish spaces for relaxation and revitalisation
The industry is seeing growing acceptance for modern and contemporary design in the guestroom bathroom, and many properties are focusing on how to make the space feel more expansive and edgier. In the past, there was a pretty standard formula of toilet, vanity, and bathtub; but now designers are starting to break that paradigm apart.
“With the consumers becoming increasingly well-traveled and style-conscious, bathrooms have evolved from being functional to more sensorial. Designers are looking at super-premium solutions, which can help them to personalise the bathroom space,” commented Sandip Somany, VCMD, HSIL Limited.
The pioneers in bathroom merchandise, Hindware, recently launched wall mounted, Avior EWC –a modern and futuristic water closet with a sleek and clean design inspired by modern architecture, seamless natural beauty and edgy curves. This product comes with a concealed cistern that makes the bathroom look less cluttered. Its sturdy and slim duroplast soft-falling seat makes no sound at all, regardless of how much pressure is applied while closing it. It os made of high-quality material that is scratch-proof and aesthetically matches the ceramic toilet bowl.
Smart has been the way to go for every element that adorns a hotel building. And bathroom spaces are not an exception to this either. Grohe recently launched a smart shower toilet for a personalised comfort. Sensia Arena is designed to maximise ease of use and hygiene with its rimless flushing technology that has no corners and crevices for germs to settle in. Further describing its features, Renu Mishra, MD, Grohe India, stated, “Its HyperClean surface uses silver ions to prevent almost 99% of bacterial growth. The problem of toilet odours is tackled with the odour absorption device, which works in combination with an airshield to keep all smells in the bowl.”
“Today, consumers are increasingly focusing on bathrooms as a wellness space. In commercial spaces like hotels, consumers come from across the globe and expect the same luxury, hygiene and comfort standards in India as well.
Providers such as hotels are looking for ways to keep their spaces in-trend for their consumers by combining luxury with technology. Amongst other international trends, multi-spa bathtubs, electronic faucets and smart toilets are one of the first ones to be adopted in India,” explained KE Ranganathan, MD, Roca Bathroom Products.
Alba, Roca’s smart toilet, integrates soft-air vortex technology, in-tank and rimless technology, ensuring maximum flushing performance. This range of smart toilets are rich on features, some of which include automated functionalities for cleansing, drying, perfuming, adjustable water pressure, temperature control, massage functionalities, dryer function along with power saving technology. With features like intuitive and functional hydro-massage system, Roca bathtubs also provide a great deal of room inside, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and wellness in the bathroom particular to the hospitality segment, something well appreciated by guests and hotels.
Bathroom furniture, too, has become classier. The Frame Collection series from the house of Vitra showcases uniquely designed products that create an unusual bathroom experience for its users. Its built-in mirror cabinet provides functional usage thanks to its plug socket, mini-magnifying mirror, inner glass shelves and soft-closing doors. The collection’s vanity basins are designed with expansive areas for toiletries and deep bowls best suited for hotels. WC Pan with photocell-controlled bidet function provides a touch-free and comfortable hygiene experience.
This series also showcases a bathrobe unit providing spacious storage on multiple shelves is versatile, elegant and particularly suitable for bathrooms, whereas the other side of the unit has hanging pins for bathrobes and towels. Adding on to this Serhan Ates Yagiz, country manager, Vitra India, also spoke about another collection – Sentop. “It is a series that comes with Nordic clarity and offers modules needed in a bathroom with functional and warm details. Combining aesthetic and functional features, it has a multipurpose unit to house utilities like laundry basket, etc. Fine and rounded corners ensure safety and enable easy cleaning in small bathroom spaces,” he said.
Large vanity units, which double as dressing areas, are also a key ingredient as they are decorative in style and work as an extension of the guest bedroom. Decorative bowls and brassware are becoming increasingly popular in the bathroom. Graceful statement pieces that show an instinctive appreciation of the beauty of materials are widely available to fabricate distinctive bathrooms.
Shower cubicles today are made to pamper their guests in every possible way. A perfect fusion between latest spa technologies and digital innovations, Grohe’s AquaSymphony shower system integrates chromotherapy with a variety of different sprays. There are outlets that create the sensation of a waterfall, nozzles that stimulate fingertip massage and also a system to create fine mist and steam. The shower system also come equipped with a highly-advanced sound system that can be connected with an Apple or Android mobile device.
Cleanliness and modernisation being key agendas to the development of these products, a wide-range of automated functionalities for cleaning, drying, perfuming along with power and water saving technology are available for commercial spaces – hotels in particular. The positive experience of the guest is one of the important factors for running a successful hotel. With growing demand for an overall rejuvenating mental and physical outcome in hospitality stays, bathrooms are given utmost importance in terms of both utility and aesthetics.
