Design Is Emotion
Contemporary design and Vastu, a traditional Hindu system of architecture, combine in the design of this washroom in Mumbai
A Vastu tenet, coupled with innovative design led to the striking layout of the Zaveri’s washroom in their residence in Kalina.
The brief given by them to Zoya Merchant, Principal Designer, Mazo specified that all water closets (WCs) in the washrooms in the residence should face north. “Further planning revolved around this brief. Coupled with this, we didn’t want to have the standard layout of the basin, the WC and the shower in one line,” says Merchant.
Merchant’s design philosophy is simple and involves creating beautiful spaces, keeping in mind and respecting the emotional value, the clients’ lifestyle, with the space representing them as people and their personalities. “Each washroom represents the respective clients as individuals, our vision as designers and the final product struck the right emotional chord,” says Merchant. This philosophy is very well reflected in the project.
Style quotient
Reflecting the trend of offering luxury in a residence’s washroom, a Jacuzzi tub lends a touch of opulence to the design. “The wall niches with the candles are for those romantic Jacuzzi dates,” says Merchant.
Talking about this, that is, the inclusion of the luxury quotient and other aspects of the changing face washroom design, Merchant says, “In today’s day of constantly being in touch- in person, on the phone, on social media etc, the washroom according to me becomes more of a sanity room than sanitary. Many people I’ve spoken to, tell me that they get their best ideas in the bathroom – in the shower, on the WC….and since I’m talking so openly, let me say that I do too. There is a certain peace to being alone in the bathroom.”
Zoya Merchant
Principal Designer, Mazo
“Special care was taken to make sure that the décor of the washroom blends with that of the bedroom, so the tiles and marble were selected to set a colour palette that complimented the bedrooms’ design.”
Matching Décor
Apart from keeping the WC in a Vastu-compliant location, special care was taken to make sure that the décor of the washroom blends with that of the bedroom, so the tiles and marble were selected to set a colour palette that complimented the bedrooms’ design.
Along with this, strong points in the space were highlighted, lending intensity to the design. “As this residence has beautiful high ceilings, we made sure to enhance it in each washroom,” Merchant adds.
A large counter with a mirror, an heirloom piece belonging to the client’s grandmother, doubled up as a vanity dresser, offering both functionality and style.
A cabinet was added above the wall of the WC to provide extra storage space. Here too, care has been taken to maintain symmetry in design. “The shutters have a wood line work detail to compliment the pattern of the floor tiles,” says Merchant.
A light under the cabinet highlights the ledge created by the WC wall. And it serves two purposes. “Leaving this light on while taking a Jacuzzi bath is ideal, avoiding any overhead light while resting in the tub,” explains Merchant.
“The wooden ceiling is divided into two levels with a structural beam. The upper ceiling has only an indirect source of light
and is clad in railway sleeper wood, which comes with
breaks, joints and holes.”
Choice of Colours
The base colour was chosen to blend with the rustic-looking floor tiles. In combination with these, a complimenting colour of quartz stone on the walls in the wet and dry areas was used. “The clean quartz walls needed to be offset with some texture,” Merchant added.
Elaborating on the rationality of the choice of texture and colours used, Merchant says, “We base the colour and tile selection to compliment the bedroom and its experience.”
The rustic look was extended to the ceiling with the use of wood. “This also added some depth and authenticity to the rustic style of the washroom and warmth to the overall experience,” says Merchant.
Other Aspects
The wooden ceiling is divided into two levels with a structural beam. The upper ceiling has only an indirect source of light and is clad in railway sleeper wood, which comes with breaks, joints and holes. “We decided to use this to our advantage in the lower ceiling. Adding an opaque acrylic sheet with light behind it above the sleeper wood panelling created the illusion of natural light coming through the wood ceiling,” explains Merchant.
A mirror finish was used for the outside of the under-counter storage to offset the wood used in the ceiling, which was very dominant in this washroom. This also helped in providing a reflective surface and prevented it from looking too heavy. “The drawers in this unit are used by the client for all her cosmetic products and the cabinets below with the mirrored sliding shutters are used for laundry storage,” explains Merchant.
The choice of accessories for the washroom was made by both Merchant and the client, keeping aspects of utility, functionality and decor in mind. “These, like any other home accessory, are add-ons which help complete the space in totality, adding the finishing touches and personality to the space,” says Merchant.
“A mirror finish was used for the outside of the under-counter storage to offset the wood used in the ceiling, which was very dominant in this washroom. This also helped in providing a reflective surface and prevented it from looking too heavy.”
Mindset Shift
Talking about how the washroom is turning into a space for an unlimited expression of design sensibilities today, Merchant says, “Bathrooms today are an extension of the home as a space, where you can detail and plan with little to no limitations in design, even if the space is limited. Most people have a sort of generic idea of this space. The emotion you anticipate to receive from the client when they see the complete space and say they didn’t expect that, with a smile on their face, does it for me. Design is emotion.”
This emotion, coupled with creativity, has translated a washroom into a space which offers the user design and style, along with comfort and a place to unwind.