Looking at the evolution of the home, Duravit has identified what’s hot in the bath today. Within the home, the bath has been identified as an evolving space and one where wellness, hygiene, technology and relaxation seamlessly blend together.
Wellness. Human’s react to the spaces they inhabit. Today designers are building spaces and products that both indirectly and directly affect human wellness. The bath is no longer only a functional place but has become an at-home destination for respite and rejuvenation. Pools and whirltubs add an appealing wellness feature to the bathroom, with therapeutic underwater sound and light options to enhance the overall experience. Universal bath covers provide a flexible and modular surface to extend the time frame for lounging. Whether fully covering the tub to create a relaxation deck (Duravit’s Sundeck pictured below) or a resting surface for water and reading materials when inside the tub, a cover presents multiple options for recreating the bath as a spa getaway at home.
The Hi-Tech Bath. From in-shower sound systems to water-saving features to personalized toilet and shower settings, there is a clear trend toward designing baths with extra comfort and luxury experience in mind. The bath becomes the new living room, complete with luxurious furnishings and high-tech accessories.
Daring Designers to Use Color. When it comes to color in the bath, designers tend to reach for their comfort zone, but a commitment to color can make for an eye-catching space. “Color is crucial in creating different moods” according to color expert and Pantone consultant Leatrice Eiseman. Duravit’s Darling New collection (pictured below) brings a touch of color to the bath with soothing blues and greens, which provoke relaxation and happiness.
Universal Design. Universal design describes the concept of designing products and the built environment to be both visually appealing and usable to the greatest extent by everyone − regardless of age, size or ability. “Designers must use their creative skills to universally design products and projects that accommodate all users, not just those of average size and ability,” said Cynthia Leibrock, a universal design specialist, whose mission is to improve the lives of older and disabled people through design. Taking accessibility into consideration, the Onto tub by Duravit is a “flat” model, which has an intentionally shallow interior depth of 13 3/8-in. that enables all users, including children and people with restricted mobility, to step comfortably into the tub.
Indoor/Outdoor. Indoor/outdoor furniture has been heralded by designers for its versatility and functionality. Duravit offers pools (Duravit’s Blue Moon pictured below) with spa-like features and round-the-clock bathing by maintaining a constant water temperature. To make refilling truly simple, a garden hose is all that’s required.
Wood in the Bath. The warm and natural charm of wood is becoming increasingly popular in the bath, evoking a sense of the natural world and of wellbeing. As a place for wellness and relaxation, wood has become an alternative to the expected tile in the bath. Additionally, as the bath becomes a hybrid space for cleaning and grooming as well as forgetting the worries of the day, the tendency to use softer and less clinical materials emerges.
Designing for Small Spaces. A small bath doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. The latest trend in home design is creating products that save space. According to the International Furnishings and Design Association, “In the next 10 years people will live in smaller spaces.“ With smaller spaces comes the need for more smartly designed products. “Carefully selected fixtures and accessories take center stage in a small bathroom where every decision not only counts but can be appreciated,” said Susan G Doban of Brooklyn-based Doban Architecture.
