THE KEY INVESTMENTS 2016
Arguably, there is no other place we can really be by ourselves other than our bathrooms. These intimate spaces have seen a major shift from being purely functional to lavish havens as we are faced with a plethora of choices in products, design schemes and technology to create the most unforgettable water experiences.
At over 110 years old, Hansgrohe is one of the global leaders in the sanitation industry. Over the years, the brand has carved a niche thanks to its knack for innovation in technology, design and sustainability. Alexandra Wormser of Hansgrohe Middle East lets us in on what makes bathrooms tick in 2016.
Timeless, yet when applied correct, Black and White lend a modernist slant.
Transparency
There is a definite trend for transparency in the bathroom – unmasking what is usually concealed. This ranges from see-through bathtubs, to a greater use of glass in the overall décor. There is also a hot demand for floor-to-ceiling windows which open up the view to the outside, using as few frames as possible. In addition, technology which was previously concealed is now allowed to protrude so you can marvel at the structural design of modern architecture, or even examine the elegance of a ventilation hood.
Let water be the superstar of the new bathroom experience with transparent faucets such as the Axor Starck V.
No threshold
Bathrooms and shower areas are becoming living spaces, not just somewhere to get clean. This has resulted in a desire for open design with few or no thresholds. The trend is for solutions which blend in smoothly with the architecture: floor-level showers big enough to move around in, no frames or door mechanism, with an almost invisible pane of glass acting as a splash-guard. In fact, style setters are turning their bathrooms into places to lounge about and unwind, even including integrated social areas such as reading lounges and relaxation zones. This is an ancient idea revisited of course, as Middle Eastern hammams have long been places to cleanse, rejuvenate and connect with others – the original ‘social spa’.
Angular fixtures and showerheads
Squares, almost-squares and angular shaped designs are everywhere right now. You will see blocky looks and square shapes popping up and they are particularly well-suited for use in bathroom décor as they are versatile shapes that work well in modern, contemporary and transitional bathrooms. Angular designs are making appearances in a variety of bath elements, including bathtubs, showerheads and soap dishes.
Natural materials
The use of natural materials is an increasing trend in bathroom design. Stone tile, which includes “pebble tile” is on the rise, as well as slate, marble, and of course, wood – especially in chic tops and flooring. You can, of course, fake it too; many nature-inspired colours and textures are available, including realistic stone-like finishes, engineered quartz, versatile concrete and warm woods. Many people now prefer eco-friendly materials such as recycled glass, paper or concrete for a look that is both natural and green.
From materials and finishes to shapes, let nature be your inspiration.
Advanced technology
Just because the aesthetic in bathrooms is leaning towards nature doesn’t mean technology is out of the window! Indeed, high-tech features are now in high demand for this space. Multi-hand showers are providing an individualised experience with different kinds of spray such as a soft rain shower, intense rain mode, and a pulsating water jet massage. Heated flooring and towel racks can also be a nice touch, but demand for sound systems, television and even computer access is higher than ever. For minimalists, there are also iPhone-inspired thermostat modules with all functions concentrated in one central control unit.
Axor One designed by Barber & Osgerby is an interactive control that allows its user to easily control multiple water outlets simultaneously.
Designer flourishes
For those with a love of highly individualised interiors, washbasin spouts crafted from alternative materials with total freedom of form really create a personal statement. And right now there are some truly beautiful and unique options coming onto the market, created by the world’s most influential designers. Interestingly, many are also introducing living plants and even green walls into the bathroom interior decor arrangement. Having living, breathing, beautiful additions to your interior is not only a challenge but a huge benefit also. Don’t forget the more practical and valuable work that plants do: they clean the air, add fresh oxygen and filter out everyday pollutants.
The Sea and the Shore by Werner Aisslinger.
Sustainable showering
Water conservation continues to be on the minds of the UAE’s eco-conscious residents and a new range of showerheads is meeting the challenge. They feature special spray nozzles and a flow limitation system to reduce water flow to nine or even six litres per minute – this means that less energy is needed to heat water. There is also a growing demand for reclaimed materials in bathroom design – those taken from another project and reused as they are. Also recycled materials – those reconfigured to create new products, such as reclaimed marble.
DESIGN SCHEMES 2016
For 140 years, Kohler has been at the forefront, leading the design movement for our bathrooms. From luxury villas and five star hotel to the most iconic building, their products have informed most lust worthy bathrooms and kitchen on the planet. Here the American brand shares the most exciting bathroom design schemes for the year.
The Smoky Bathroom
From topaz-hued cut glass to tinted mirrors to the now-iconic gold iPhone finish, the smoky look is smoking hot. In evidence from Lamborghinis to lingerie, this trend is also perfectly at home in home design, where it literally shines. Architects and designers worldwide have adopted smoky mirrors with golden hues and gold-tinted glass borrowed from stylish sunglasses. Brass and copper are wildly popular in cabinet hardware, faucets and lighting. And warm mochas and chocolate browns create a moody backdrops for candle-lit cellars and master bathrooms alike.
Moody tones like charcoal, black and patina brushed metals lend a seductive feel.
The Pale Neutral
Soft, quiet and calming, it seems the pale neutral trend is everywhere right now. Soft pinks and blush hues dominate the colour spectrum, and show up alone, in diaphanous layers or contrasted with bright white. Silver grey stained woods, sun bleached linens and aged patinas are the ingredients for conjuring images of seaside beach huts, cotton candy and romantic flower gardens. Delicate patterns, subtle sprays or washes of colour blur edges and add interest to simple objects and spaces.
Pastel shades lent serenity and calm.
The Playful Bathroom
Strong, vibrant patterns are making a big splash these days in fashion, advertising and interiors. Geometry is everywhere: in automotive design, fabrics, floors, walls and ceilings. The chevron is particularly popular, yet basket weaves, grids and ethnic influences are also bringing a new interpretation of the past to life. Fresh and brimming with optimism, dynamic floral and leaf motifs dominate, whether banana, palm or vine. Geometric, floral or abstract, the pattern trend follows no rule but one: the bigger and bolder, the better.
Mix prints and patterns, contrast the colour palette for a bold yet fun statement.
About Black and White
Black is back and the white on white trend still rules. Put them both together and you have a classic, time tested yet funky fresh bathroom scheme. An iconic goes-with-everything neutral that’s long signalled elegance and sophistication in fashion and home design, black and white are as popular for performance sports cars, nail polish, sneakers and now, even faucet finishes. There are so many ways to get the look: matte, glossy, slate, you name it. Interiors are showing a return to art deco influences, with crisp geometries and strong contrasts. And there’s nothing more chic than deep, glossy tile in a sleek, modernist bath.
