Buzzing Trends
There is a steady stream of change in design sensibility and the trends reflect the times, writes Anurag Yadav
The usual idea for designing a washroom normally assumes creating an entirely new space in a new building. Spurred by lifestyle preferences, there is a whole new market of washroom makeovers, redesigning and upgrading.
Every now and then there is a trend for washroom makeovers and this urges a look for the latest design trends for inspiration. What was once left to the owners’ whims is, fortunately, changing to consultation and advice from experts in the field. Consumers tend to hire designers for the best results since the optimum utilisation of space is not everyone’s cup of tea. Leading designers focus on the ambience majorly and the selection of high-end sanitaryware and products is part of the process of design and up-gradation of existing washrooms. Some of the latest trends, according to experts, which are witnessing a progressive spread on popularity charts are universal and reflect a tendency of global appeal, cutting across cultural and geographical limitations.
There are some sure-fire features that are fast becoming the essentials of effecting a dramatic change in the interior ambience in the washroom. The first one of those is the floor. Bold and direct are the two words which describe the statement-making floor tiles which are now the primary tool of drama that inspires change. The correct use of tiles is just the beginning of a revolution towards washroom designs. Apart from being smart and stunning they also provide great design opportunities when working with challenging washrooms that have no clear walls for a feature wall.
The need for change is acutely felt in older constructions, especially those that came up a decade or so earlier. The fast changes and conceptions in the washroom sphere have actually galvanised tastes and trends so enormously that clients are demanding new changes in the old set-up, even if it is in perfect ‘working order’.
This becomes yet more pressing in smaller bathrooms where a feature floor tile adds style without reducing the space. In bigger washrooms, tiles alone can add sufficient elegance to alter appearances to a great extent. Another blooming trend is the use of geometric tiles. These tiles are a solution to add depth and visual interest to plain, neutral spaces. Larger prints of geometric designs in larger areas and the use of bright and arresting tones in smaller baths accentuate the area perfectly.
Outdoorsy ambience
Drawing design inspiration from nature is an impeccable way of infusing warmth and calm vibes. The use of elements from the outdoor environment is a trend that cannot be glossed over. Merely adding plants became a prosaic affair quite some time back. Now it is wood, even in its natural form that is making an entry with a vengeance. However, given the difficulty in maintaining natural wood, the trend of introducing natural materials like stone wood look tiles helps immensely.
While living plants never fail to add the outdoorsy touch, the receptacles and placements have undergone a spectacular shift. It is a known fact that including indoor plants, especially creepers is an acclaimed idea that can dress up any washroom. However, the concept of a vertical garden is an easy design-savvy and sophisticated alternative to potted plants. Gardening on vertical walls requires the right kind of container. Flexible, waterproof pockets hold soil and moisture for plant growth but keep the wall protected, siding from stains and water damage. The addition of greenery does wonders to the idea of bringing nature indoors as it goes leagues beyond the mere addition of wood texture tiles.
Open Baths
Washrooms that are connected to bedrooms are common and in the last decade or so, there are interiors with prize-winning ambience that actually bring the tub or shower within easy and unimpeded reach of the bedroom. This element of ease of access, accompanied by privacy is a trend that has caught on fast. This is created not just by breaking down walls but by ensuring a seamless merging of the two spaces with the exterior space as well. While it may not be possible in closely built high-rise apartments, farmhouses and sprawling homes can easily accommodate the open bath style. The idea behind the luxe, open-plan bedroom and en-suites is facilitated by bigger sliding doors so people can open up or close off a space as per their requirements. The siding door thus finds relevance in not only cupboards and wardrobes but also forms an important part of washrooms that connect seamlessly with bedrooms in apartments that might not be as expansive by way of space.
Beyond faucets and taps
Basic shower and basin faucets are elegant and functional but going beyond the usual, smart and user-friendly fixtures such as thermostatic mixers that control multiple water sources can greatly upgrade the bathing experience in existing bath areas. The options in touch-screen operated showers that give users more control over the flow, mix and temperature of the water can also enhance the bathing experience to a great extent.
In the late nineties, bathtubs made a comeback of sorts, especially in residences with more than two washrooms. The master bedroom was supposed to be the repository of all trappings of luxury and an en-suite washroom with spa-like features and a bathtub was the ultimate designer tag. The enthusiasm for freestanding baths isn’t over yet and not just because they make striking, sculptural design features, but because they help set the mood for rest and relaxation.
While freestanding bathtubs only make appearances in lavish and spacious washrooms, the bathtub will always remain the symbol of pure luxury. These days the trend of walk-in showers with oversized glass and walls which enclose the space is fast turning into a trend. In place of small cubicles, walk-in showers are at a boom. This is in keeping with the trend of giving a more spacious line vision and frees the bath area from the clutter of needles edges, walls and impediments.
“The use of elements from the outdoor environment is a trend that cannot be glossed over. Merely adding plants became a prosaic affair quite some time back. Now it is wood, even in its natural form that is making an entry with a vengeance.”
Recycled materials
The idea of using recycled and reclaimed materials and products in the washroom is a trend which will stay and gain more popularity in coming years. It is a global trend and looks spectacular when done perfectly. Accessories and other decorative elements offer a more pleasing and refined atmosphere if the recycled phenomenon is attached to them one way or the other.
The buzz in international design circles is that the washroom ambience has even started breaching its traditional borders. Far from being just an appendage or extension of the bedroom, it is now reflecting the glitz and glamour of the living room.
This is quite a recent development that, unlike the older styles, now the bathing space is also designed as a part of the house that is most visible to visitors and guests. The inclusion of integrating freestanding baths, unconventional fixtures and vanities that resemble furniture are just a few ways to work this trend into the design.
Future-proofing washrooms
Another trend is to plan ahead while building and designing washrooms, especially for residential use. The master bedroom and the master bath were rarely constructed on the ground floor of large dwellings but the trend is changing as designing a living space where the residents can ‘age in peace’ is turning into an interesting concept. A young couple might not like grab rails close to the WC or other similar features right away but the location of the washroom and its spaciousness is now being associated with the idea of incorporating additions at a later date.
Today design sensibility is all about design sensitivity to future needs as much as it is to the topical and current styling.