Quite frankly, the best excuse I can find for a staycation in Dubai is the sinfully luxurious bathrooms the hotel rooms come appointed with. That someone else cleans them up for you is a huge bonus that should never be underestimated; but why come back to dreary, drab bathrooms stuck in the early 2000s (if you are lucky)?
Investing in bathrooms spells good re-sale value as well; 2014’s bathroom trends are sure to make your most private of spaces even more inviting!
Break down the walls
Bath areas integrated into the bedroom is nothing new. In 2014 expand on the concept by bringing in recreational activities as a bridge between the bath and bed zones of the integrated living space. Think library cabinets, work desk or even a fully equipped vanity counter that serves as a divider and you have nailed the look. This might require structural intervention to extend the bathroom outside or into an existing room.
Invest in wood
There is something about wood that instantly lends warmth and depth. Invest in hardwood wooden flooring in your bathrooms to create a timeless space of calm. It is important to select the best weathered, solid wood you can afford to avoid water damage in the future — a reliable contractor will ensure proper waterproofing as well. While solid wood flooring is not for the faint hearted, lightwood vanity counters and accessories will lend a touch of classic luxury.
Stone is in
Stone finishes in bathrooms is nothing new. The holy trinity of expensive, Italian marbles — Botticino, Carerra and Ceram Marfils — from 2013 give way to an earthy palette of sandstones and lavas tones to create light, modern space; relatively inexpensive compared to other marbles and stones, the beige and grey tones work wonders if it’s a soothing environment that you are after. A good contractor can ensure water-jet stone cutting for the most seamless of laying. For greater impact, use it on walls and floors or invest in a key piece — such as basins for a subtle nod.
Go Retro
As with all good things, they come around; bathrooms are not any different. Think of old style ceramic bathtubs with copper legs, exposed water pipes and the quintessential, 10X30cm white ceramic tiles with expressed grout. For 2014, the erosive copper of yore is replaced by sturdy steel for an updated take. An easier way to follow this trend is to forgo tile works and invest in water-resistant, fabric backed wallpapers with lush landscapes, flowers and birds printed. Not only are these easy to maintain and change if you want a new look, you will not miss the unsightly grout stains seen in mosaic.
Bath with a view
For 2014, as much as the details — the faucets, tiles and lighting — the bathroom’s highlight is the view. Large seamless glass panels that aim to connect to you the outside from the comfort of your bathtub are on every home owner’s wish list. Saint-Gobain’s range of frost-free and automated privacy glass panels can make these glass dreams come true.
I am LOVING
The Bonomi Aqua Jewels range from ace designer Marcel Wanders. True to its name, these come in high-gloss Silver and Gold finishes, their surface fashioned along the lines of a beautifully facetted gemstone.
The Bouroullec range of basins by French designers Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for the German brand Axor can be combined in different ways to create solutions for a large variety of situations, spaces and people.
Nature in is — for bathrooms, that translates into wall and floor tiles inspired by minerals and metals. They add a rough edge without the maintenance. Casa Mia on Shaikh Zayed Room is your go to place.
Pratyush Sarup edits design blog designcarrot.co
