Bathroom space design in the hospitality segment has evolved from basic utility areas to an extension of their guest’s personality By Rashmi Naicker
Today’s hotel bathrooms are more than the sum of their sinks and shower heads. They serve as ultimate sanctuaries, providing the comforts of home and luxury that transports guests to another realm. With big international brands becoming easily available and providing great value for money, there is a lot happening in this space. Companies, in this segment, have been constantly innovating to deliver state-of-the-art products that address various requirements and demands that help hotels pamper their guests.
As Gautam Ghosal, head of operations, India, Schell, observes, “Though factors most important for the hospitality sector are essentially product design and aesthetics, a lot of importance is also given to performance, robustness of technology, usage and maintenance.”
One of the most crucial elements in hotel bathrooms is the shower enclosure. With the growing demand for luxury products, American Standards’ offer packages on projects for hotel bathrooms; while Grohe’s patented technology called DreamSpray, ensures balanced water distribution to every single shower nozzle. For safety and comfort, thermostatic shower systems are equipped with the TurboStat technology, while the EcoButton reduces the flow rate by up to 50%, thereby saving water consumption; on the other hand, contemporary styling with multiple spray options, light functions and, embedded music feature function in Kohler’s showerheads blend form and function like never before. Effegibi’s Touch and steam is a luxurious minimal sheet of glass with a clean and fascinating design; steam generating technology is housed behind this simple object. Touchscreen controls magically light the glass and let one choose a variety of functions for steam, colour therapy, and hot air circulation.
Commenting on the trending market concepts, Salil Sadanandan, MD, Kohler India, says, “Showers are not just showers anymore, they are rejuvenation systems. Be it hot steam showers, curbless and frameless showers or those employing chroma therapy, clients are now open to investing more and more in a great shower systems.”
Rahul Kher, country manager, Keuco, believes that shower areas mainly cater to two distinct set of consumer needs – one set that seeks a more relaxed and opulent experience while the other that looks for a power shower that serves its precise purpose. Both of these can be delivered by a unique combination of technology and design.
Faucets and sinks also play a defining element in the bathroom space. Devised with LED lighting that posses a healing property when in use, faucets in designer cuts and shapes, different types of water flows (waterfall, foam) and even electronic products (sensor operated) are receiving positive response from the market. Where on one hand, there is appreciation of beauty and taste for designer faucets, hi-end technology leading to sustainable use of water is the primary driving force for the faucet industry.
TRENDS AND INNOVATIONS
The most emerging style for bathroom design is the contemporary look. This is achieved with the use of specific colour palettes such as stark black or white with a hint of colours. The use of contemporary fittings with straight lines adds to the look; there are taps in the form of sleek pipes from the ceiling and cuboid-like standalone basins making style statements. In a small bathroom, mirrors are used to create an illusion of space. No clutter, white basin and grey stone pebbles all add to the complete effect. Integrating all elements together, brands don't just offer product but complete design concepts that connect with the sensual and emotional side of the consumers.
One other trend that is gaining momentum in hotel bathrooms is the use of wood. High-quality wooden surfaces, such as ebony, bleached oak, cherry tree or rosewood, give the bathroom a lively warmth and personality. The natural warmth of wood stands in contrast to the white ceramic and acrylic surfaces of washbasins, WCs, bidets and bathtubs, and introduce a sense of the living room in the bathroom. Kher also echoes this thought, “On one side the customers is moving towards ‘modern minimalism’ – straight and clean lines across products; and on the other, they are looking at unique contemporary furnishing concept, which can convey their personality and provide a warm natural space.”
In contemporary bathrooms, lot of attention is given to details and all aspects of work behind the walls and under the floors. Creative use of ceramics to vary gloss levels, surface structures, grain size, looks and formats give bathroom floors a stylistic look. All aspects of this zone need to come together for that extraordinary experience for the guests.