1 6 InsIte stORY BATHROOM DESIGN

TexT: Ujwala Menon

Visiting luxury spas to relax and rejuvenate are no longer a necessity with contemporary bathrooms attaining ‘spa’ status within homes.

With the availability of eco-friendly solutions, space-saving ideas and innovative designs, luxury spa-like bathrooms are now available at

our homes at economic prices

Blissful Bathrooms

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1. ergonomically designed bathtubs that support flat reclining or sitting positions for a relaxing bath

2. Accent tiles in “swiss walnut” provide an earthy touch to a pristine white bathroom

Bathrooms are now just as important, if not more important, than any other room in a house. With the growing hectic and stressful lives of people today, bathrooms are being viewed as sanctuaries within a home to escape from the humdrums of daily life. They are often viewed as spaces that can infuse vitality into the start of a day and provide a stress-free environment to relax and rejuvenate at the end of the day. A spa within a home. equipped with all kinds of modern facilities and fixtures, contemporary bathrooms have morphed into statement rooms in a house. Great attention and detail is given to the designing of these spaces and selection of material and fixtures.

Keeping in mind the spa concept, many

bathrooms are taking the “inside-outside” approach with certain elements of the bathroom taken outdoors and placed within a natural setting, closer to the environment. These bathrooms, while providing the necessary privacy, also have an element of luxury to them. The “outside” bathroom is usually a stylistic extension of the bedroom and the “inside” bathroom. Where practical constraints don’t allow for an outside bathroom, large windows can provide the same visual experience and plenty of light that give bathrooms a refreshing feel and atmosphere. Small spaces can be designed using materials and textures that simulate the earthy calming vibes of nature. Using natural stone or wood finishes and incorporating some indoor plants or even a vertical garden,

where space permits, are great ways to incorporate nature into a bathroom in an apartment which may otherwise have little access to nature.

Freestanding bathtubs can provide a feeling of luxury while also acting as a statement piece within a bathroom. They become a sculptural design feature while providing the self-indulgence that is craved for, in the hectic schedules of today. With a variety of bathtubs available in the market, their shape and size can determine and complement

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3. Luxurious “his and her” bathroom where light and material are used innovatively for a dramatic touch

4. Compact bathrooms need not compromise on design with ready to install cabinets with stylish 3D surface finishes and detachable LeDs

the use of the designed space. A curvy bath or a rectilinear one can offset the colours and the geometry of the space, depending on the choice.

Another word in luxury bathrooms is “His and Her” concept designs. The trend initially started in luxury villas and homes but are slowly being seen in a wider range of homes where the space is available. A simple solution like separate “his/her” storage cabinets, separate walk-in closets and dressing areas can also add to the sense of luxury.

even powder rooms are treated with

This bathroom has been designed for a villa, spread over an area of 40000 sq.ft., in the prime location of Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. The

master bathroom is finished in white statuario with sensor based fittings. The layout is designed with His and Her spaces in mind. Separate basin counters and shower cubicles have been provided.

Each has a privatised design for a walk in closet space with a large 30’ wardrobe. Special attention has been given on the quality of light and lighting details. The reflection of light from mirrors and surfaces lend

the bathroom a dramatic appeal. Black cabinets and veneer ceiling break the monotony and add a touch of colour

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5. natural finishes of wood and stone lend a warm earthy atmosphere to a powder room

luxury and design, to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. Generally small spaces are designed innovatively with eye capturing designs, plenty of light and ventilation to create warm

refreshing spaces. Wood finishes and textures give the space a feel of luxury and are often contrasted with a splash of colour to break the monotony of the space. A large or quirky mirror can often be the centre piece of this room, adding an element of interest to the room. Bathroom products are not only viewed as functional necessities but as products that can enhance everyday living and are in tandem with the modern approach to a healthy and holistic lifestyle. As a result, most leading bathroom product companies are tying up with architects and designers to create products that are innovative, ergonomically designed and aesthetically pleasing, while also being eco-friendly and technologically advanced.

Space is no longer a constraint with designers creating products that are compact, stylish and functional. Using good lighting, mirrors and a monochrome design concept, combined with innovative products, even the smallest and most constricted of spaces can be optimised beautifully and transformed into luxurious and chic bathrooms. The use of continuing horizontal lines, a large, frameless mirror, and well-placed task lighting helps to create the illusion of a larger space.

Storage in bathrooms is no longer

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6–7. From floating vanities to upcycled antiques – the options for stylish bathroom storage are endless 8.sanitary fixtures with technological advancements like remote controlled operations for customisable washing options

9–10–11. stylish eco friendly bathroom fixtures with water saving functions

12. A mix of direct and indirect lighting highlight design elements and provide task lighting and a soft ambient glow

restricted to a miniscule medicine cabinet stacked

over a sink.

Innovative storage is no longer restricted to other parts of the house. Pullout

shelves, wall cabinets, floating counters, and recessed niches are just some of the innovative space saving solutions that can make a small bathroom more functional and stylish.

Growing environmental concern for water efficiency and management has resulted in innovative products and designs that integrate water-saving technology with stylish design. Simple innovations like the dual-flush and sensor based products have existed for some time now. But these simple installations have helped in saving litres of water everyday everywhere. From waterless urinals to WCs that utilise filtered water from washbasins and water-limiting faucets that reduce water consumptions, thermostatic mixers the options are endless. Some faucets even come with programmable “start/stop” features to prevent wastage of water. Combined with the ability to also control the temperature of water this provides energy savings as well. Sustainable living can also extend to materials and design elements used in bathrooms today such

as recycled and upcycled materials.

even the lighting fixtures are given lot of thought and attention, with several layers of lighting solutions designed, based on the need and utility of the space. Task lighting is usually needed near the mirror where ample light is needed for grooming activities. Ambient lighting in the form of “cove lights” or recessed lights can add a soft glow around the room. A few spotlights can be included to illuminate any special decorative features or elements, or even highlight nice tilework or fixtures. even tiny bathrooms can have a great impact if they are lit correctly.

Decades ago, bathrooms were sectioned off from the house and were given little thought in terms of design and

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13. the creative use of textures, materials and lights to create a spacious feel and experience

ZZ Architects, led by Zubin Zainuddin and Krupa Zubin, is a Mumbai based design firm with wide array of projects across the country with an international reputation for Architecture excellence, confirmed by more than 30 design awards

contact@zzarchitects.com www.zzarchitects.com

Designed for a contemporary duplex penthouse in Mumbai, the aim was to create a washroom that reflects the user’s individuality, meets practical

needs and enhances the experience of everyday living. The bathroom has been designed in subtle white tones to make the space look larger

and clutter free. Italian statuario marble is used on the floors and walls while the detailing of blue sodalite marble in the shower and basin area and dark veneer on the ceiling and doors break the monotony and gives character to the space. Large peripheral windows provide a panoramic view of the city’s skyline and allow natural light to filter into the space thereby enhancing the overall look of the bathroom. Light, shadow and

textures all combine to create a calming balance within the bathroom

aesthetics. The trend has changed considerably with people willing to spend more money to avail of the luxury spa-like atmosphere within their homes. They want the comfort and luxury of a resort within their homes and the spend on bathrooms has reflected this trend. At the same time there is a consciousness towards the environment and selection of products and fixtures are given great thought. This has prompted manufacturers to spend time and research into products that are sustainable, while also being efficient and contemporary in look and design. Great bathroom design can add

incredible value to a home – be it a pretty powder room or a luxuriant spa-like bath space. There are no limits to designing this space and even the smallest space could leave a big impact while a large well designed bathroom could be an ultimate retreat in itself.•

Krupa Zubin

Zubin Zainuddin

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