Trend report for bathroom design 2007

The bathroom as personal place of sanctuary

Today’s bathroom is a lot more than just a simple washroom. In a time where the world seems to spin around faster and faster, the bathroom remains one of the few real places of grounding and sanctuary. The bathroom should therefore fulfil the function of a personal spa: a place we would go to take care of our bodies and relax- in a harmonious and homely atmosphere.

Homelike materials: wood, stone and concrete

This ideal of atmosphere is reflected further in the selection of materials used: Soft, wooden surfaces give out a warm, homelike atmosphere. Chrome surfaces them form a contrast, which at the same time emphasises the homelike character of the wood. The new version of the classical bath combines hand-sewn white bath cushions to provide comfort, and bolsters and steps from white acrylic for the bath. The wooden casing on a closed bath creates the impression of a maritime sun deck.

Designs for wash basins are made out of wood, marble, stone and glass- a far cry from the traditional ceramic style- and evoke a sense of traditional washing rituals.

What is unusual- but nevertheless interesting for the bathroom area- is the use of concrete. In order to be able to use this material in a wet area, the surfaces are treated with a UV-certified waterproofing which achieves a lotus effect and products a sealed dirt-free surface.

The new ornamentation

The emotional attachment that the bathroom evokes is also reflected in the ornamentation. Just as with the living area, ornaments and floral patterns are also used in the bathroom to decorate individual objects. In the same way as chinaware is used, ornamental patterns also serve as a means to break up graphic surfaces. 

Clear colours: white, black and green

White is, and will remain, the number one colour in the bathroom and sanitation area. However, the use of the colour white in the faucet area is something new. Where black faucets are used, this sets a contrast to white sinks and baths, which are emphasised through an interplay of gleaming and matt surfaces. A clear, bright green is also new as a colour in the bathroom area, and comes into play as the main point of focus.

Pure, sculpted shapes

Clearly defined shapes and lines dominate the whole bathroom area. With many sinks and baths, it is a combination of straight and organic shapes that provide the real charm. Cuneiform sinks show off a striking, straight line management. In the faucet area sculpted shapes are depicted particularly strongly.

Modular bathroom furniture

The composition of surfaces, the need for puristic aesthetics, a good balance in the room- all these issues are also becoming more and more important in the bathroom area. Complete systems, which initially work like puristic surfaces, provide solutions for this. Such systems integrate the product functions in the modules for washstand, toilet and shower that were previously attached on the outside. The respective function only becomes visible after it has folded open, and if it is needed immediately.  

Intelligent technology

A saturated market leads to interesting approaches towards integrating intelligent technology into the products. For example, horizontal, multifunctional shower panels with a stream jet are being presented in a completely new form- without the typical sprinkler arm for conventional sprinkler heads. These are attached to the wall without the typical sprinkler arm for conventional sprinkler heads. Using sprinkler heads with a 360 degree turnable jet stream instead of the conventional swivel head make it possible for the jet of water to go in any direction at all. And unlike the previous designs sticking out of the wall, the new sprinkler heads are attached very closely to tiles or bricking.

We have put together some actual examples for you in our picture gallery.

>>Picture gallery bathroom design trends 2007