Turn the tap on
Bathroom renovation can be exhausting. I’m not talking just designing it — that’s the easy bit — it’s the work that goes into re-doing the plumbing works that can take the wind out of the best contractor’s sails. The results are worth it if you’re willing to make the effort. Here is my 2015 edit of easy ways to give your most personal space a face-lift.
Mosaic magic
Banish the boring beige tiles and invest in wall finishes that will blow your mind. You could try stunning mosaic-tiled walls. Not only is there a huge variety that will fit any budget, you have complete control over how the mosaic will play you. From solid blocks to a small feature niche to even a bespoke design and mother-of-pearl inlay, you can be as daring with in your love affair with mosaic as you wish. It is always wise to ask the supplier for a sample sheet of your chosen style — which will give you a fair idea for the colour variations; in case you are after a graphic design, don’t be afraid of asking for a 3D render to give you a better idea. The legendary mosaic brand Sicis is your best bet. sisic.com
Gild it
Turning to noble metals is a trend that we are seeing across the design industry — from fashion to interiors and even product design. You don’t have to spend a fortune to nail this trend in your bathroom — all you need is key investments. Your faucets and shower units are the perfect opportunities. Look for fittings in burnished gold, pink gold or even rustic bronze to add a bit of metallic sheen.
Two points of advice. First, this trend works best when the rest of the room is light. Second, choose your metal of choice and stick to it — which means you might want to change the other hardware, such as clothes hooks and cabinet handles, to match your new golden look. Ramp up the look with metal-tinged tiles if you like. From the Philippe Starck AXOR range in muted gold to sleek hand showers, try Hansgrohe to nail the trend. hansgrohe.com
Smart life
The biggest investment you can make this year in your bathroom is invisible to the eye. Imagine being able to control your shower temperature from across the globe or setting your steam room to your liking at the swipe of a smartscreen. From mood-enhancing lights and voice-automated TV screens laid behind mirrors, the possibilities to the level of personalisation you can achieve in your bathroom are limitless with home-automation. Infinite Technologies offers home-automation solutions for your smallest needs. infinitetechnologies.com
The new fittings
Changing bathroom fittings is easier said than done, but if nothing less will do for you, I recommend you get your space inspected by a reputed contractor to start with. This will allow you to understand the extents of your dreams — can you achieve your make-over with just a switch of fittings or is a plumbing work in order. Either way, if you are changing your fittings, may I recommend they be in black finish? Your basin would be the easiest way to start — and it can simply remain a contrasting feature to the other fittings in their traditional white. Or go all out and invest in everything black. These days most people are giving up on bathing tubs, but if you absolutely must have it, make sure it has claw legs.
Live in the future.
Our bathrooms are getting slicker. The finishes are honed to minimal perfection and water technology offers experiences like never before. Follow suit with bathroom fittings that are sleek, streamlined designs and high-gloss finishes, marrying instinctive response with simplified beauty. If you are indeed one for a modern, minimal bath, I recommend you invest in the details. The Ametis faucets with LED that turn red and blue when demarcating temperature to their Celeste shower domes that offer the rain shower experience enhanced with mood lighting Graff are at the forefront of futuristic design. graff-faucets.com
Pratyush Sarup edits the design site designcarrot.net. You can follow the site on twitter @DesignCarrot
