The Young Washroom
Modern architecture and design is always developing a common language for the new millennial urban set in washrooms that reflect their idiom
Preferences, economies, technologies and situations consistently evolve over the years. Along with them, the overall trends in inner space design also undergo constant alterations in approach and style. While new technology makes for more efficient and advanced construction processes, old-world charm regularly makes appearances as retro trends. The washroom interior, for once has started looking at embellishments beyond gadgetry and appliance wizardry.
Today, the trend of exposed bricks seems to be fascinating for a new generation of designers as the charm of rustic, unadorned brick wall marks an uber-cool avatar. An exposed brick texture, seen everywhere – in cafes, houses, even offices, is catching the fancy once again of washroom interiors.
While most new changes in the regular flat wall are seen in mid-size washrooms, the smaller washrooms are just not left with blank walls in any attempt to create illusions of space. The small washroom is celebrated and needless fears of ‘being small’ don’t disturb the creative mind anymore.
For the new consumer, nostalgia is a link to the past, not in a longing sort of way but as an added element of the slickness of the present day. The washroom is in for an old-school makeover too with rustic, faded brick walls as the perfect architectural flourish.
The current trend of homes being minimalistic and technology-fuelled has seeped into the washroom. It serves two purposes – it expels loud and ostentatious décor and also ensures openness to regular changes in coming years.
Space crunch as a style statement
The minimalism trend is fast catching up. Astronomical land pricing and the environmental cost of large homes is not the sole factor encouraging it. The new generation of consumers now seeks to live a simpler without compromising on ‘quality of life’. High energy prices are also encouraging many people to live a more sustainable life. The brick wall does fill that need.
Popular interest in concepts such as tiny homes, micro-apartments and co-housing is also growing steadily. Designers are therefore getting more creative and resourceful when designing for this demography.
The small home trend is expected to address the housing affordability problem as well as make available sufficient housing units to accommodate people in urban areas. With the current world condition and turbulent political climate, the sensitivity to being careful is firming up. It is an opportunity to build more responsibly and design economical, compact and environmentally-sensitive interior spaces.
“The minimalism trend is fast catching up. Astronomical land pricing and the environmental cost of large homes is not the sole factor encouraging it. The new generation of consumers now seeks to live a simpler without compromising on ‘quality of life’.”
In modern apartments, the dining room has begun to fade as seating space is now being included as part of the kitchen. Similarly, the almirahs crowding bedrooms are moving into washroom areas in the form of closet annexures that provide a sense of space to washroom areas.
The dressing room, so to say, expands the washroom area in a subtle and subliminal way. It also acts as a buffer zone between the bedroom and the washroom. This differentiation between the outside and interior wet washroom space is sought to be blended into a seamless fusion.
What used to be a much-defined line or wall, is now blurred. Washrooms in larger houses now often blend into the outdoors without worrying about a solid distinction. This style is almost always observed in large homes in farmhouses with abundant outer areas. The brick wall seems an essential feature of such spaces.
Farmhouse living is the exception where minimalism can be set aside. Gone are the days when every washroom had to have a door and four walls. Instead of traditional interiors, there are now implied spaces that connect to each other without obstructions. This is the recipe for en suite washrooms in high-end hotels and washrooms opening into bedrooms in sprawling residences.
Open-plan spaces are all about connectivity and interaction. There are always hiccups regarding open spaces in the washroom-bedroom design but it is a challenge to blend aesthetics and needs for privacy.
Spa-like living
The pandemic, god willing, is behind us. Yet the world is not taking any chances and health and sustainability are not falling down in consumers’ concerns any time. Spa-like washrooms are becoming a destination for homeowners as they turn away from health clubs and implement their own fitness and relaxation areas in the comfort of their own private spaces. Hot tubs, whirlpools and steam rooms – wherever space permits, are leading to heavily spa-influenced washrooms.
Tying in with open concept design, homes are including more and more spaces that have less defined purposes. It is not easy to fit washrooms in within this understanding. As the closest to being varied in functions, the washroom may serve to declutter areas of some wardrobes by including full wall wardrobe spaces as annexures.
“What used to be a much-defined line or wall, is now blurred. Washrooms in larger houses now often blend into the outdoors without worrying about a solid distinction. This style is almost always observed in large homes in farmhouses with abundant outer areas.”
Larger windows add beauty by bringing the view of the outdoors in. However, large windows are not just for looks. By letting in more light, the washroom can contribute to making homes energy efficient.
The young and young-at-heart consumer clearly is also mindful of the exterior as much as the interior. The greenery outside and interiors are not strict compartments as in the past. The greenery in the washroom fits in perfectly well with the brick wall idea. Talking of ideas, trust the young consumer to never be wanting on that front.
Indeed, designers have to keep pace on the slightly older-than-millennial track.