What's trending in luxury bathrooms?

Rama Sreekant

Today, the bathroom is an extension of one’s living space and not just a traditional utilitarian room. Bathing experiences run the gamut from deep-soaking tubs to air baths, which allow you to fully immerse yourself in gently massaging bubbles. In fact, many of the bathing technologies, from whirlpool jets to chromatherapy (lighting), have made their way from destination spas into the home bath. New Delhi-based Rachna Jindal, Co-founder & CTO, My Home Design says, “Customisation, indulgence and opulence are the central themes when it comes to uber luxury. Surround sound systems complete with recording and karaoke functions, televisions embedded in mirrors and sensor controls bring technology right into the forefront of the once boring bathroom”.

Trend Talk

According to Purvi Parikh, founder of Mumbai-based store, Tranceforme, “People are opting for jacuzzis, showers with pressure jets and more. Depending on the space, couples are even opting for separate washbasins and toilet seats in the same bathroom”.

Bathrooms are redefining the concept of luxury. As Gitesh Agarwal, Executive Director, D&M rightly puts it, “Some of the bathrooms now cost almost as much as a small home”. Providing an insight into the current trends, Rachna adds, “The corner bathtub is outdated; it is now being replaced with walk-in-showers fitted with chromatherapy (lighting). The bathtub has taken a new form—adorned with designer legs, delicate curves and gold-plated faucets”.

Bathrooms are redefining the concept of luxury. As Gitesh Agarwal, Executive Director, D&M rightly puts it, “Some of the bathrooms now cost almost as much as a small home”. Providing an insight into the current trends, Rachna adds, “The corner bathtub is outdated; it is now being replaced with walk-in-showers fitted with chromatherapy (lighting). The bathtub has taken a new form—adorned with designer legs, delicate curves and gold-plated faucets”.

Bling in the bathroom is a thing of beauty. Gilt-edged fittings are the ultimate expression of royalty and extravagance. “Alternately, you can add a few gold-coloured details on the mirror and other decorative pieces,” according to Parushni Aggarwal, Owner and Creative Director, Studio Creo, based in New Delhi.

The lifestyle of Indian consumers is changing and they are now spending more time in their bathrooms vis-à-vis 10 years ago.

An Ode to Opulence

Bathrooms are now designed as an ode to intimate opulence. It’s the one place where people want to pamper themselves, by creating a personalised space. “We have seen a rise in demand for integrated toilets like Karing, which is priced at `3.65 lakhs. These toilets include state-of-the-art functions like heated seat, warm air dryer and deodorizer, automated opening and closing of the lid and seat,” says Salil Sadanandan, MD, Kohler India.

Rachna seconds Salil’s views, “The humble WC’s have evolved in their luxury version to have features that resemble a spacecraft. These uber-cool WC’s have no visible levers or buttons; all the controls are handled through a touchscreen remote control, which has features like flushing, cleaning, drying, music and heating. These combinations can be stored in user profiles for different family members as per their personal choices and preferences.”

Tile Tales

Tiles add a timeless elegance to any bathroom. Handmade and hand-painted tiles, custom-crafted mosaics, glass and metal tiles are in vogue. Imported bath tiles and fittings add to the notion of being exclusive along with an uber-luxe feel. Italian designer products, Japanese and German high-tech fittings are popular among Indian buyers. “While it is an individual choice—geometric shapes, designer tiles, natural wood finishes, plain ceramics, grey stone or burst of colour, heated floors—the ba throom flooring is very important” adds Gitesh. Statement floor tiles are making a big comeback. “Play with sizes and shapes; opt for different shapes like hexagon or triangle to keep up with the style quotient,” advises Parushni.

After all, adding little luxuries to the bathroom, whether high-tech or purely aesthetic, can offer an experience unlike any other.