Stress-free sanctuaries Bathrooms that provide a space in which to unwind.
BATHROOM TRENDS
As daily life becomes increasingly fast-paced and some days can seem too much to handle, the bathroom offers a private place where we can wash away our stresses. There are some notable trends and the projects in this issue show how it’s done – a continued movement toward spaces that are part spa, a little bit retreat and total sanctuary, all the while prioritizing the clients’ wellbeing. Today’s bathrooms are designed with comfort in mind and so their spatial awareness and sense of efficiency are strong.
Functionality is certainly emphasized, but so too is aesthetics, and nothing is compromised. ZGA Studio’s Courtyard Deck House (page 140) makes the most of a tight space, 1906 by Amber Road (page 76) is exemplary in turning the lack of natural light into a positive and Kieron Gait Architects’ St Johns Wood Residence (page 84) perfectly reconciles old and new. They all make the end user want to linger, achieved with an exquisite attention to detail, finish and materiality that’s luxurious and pampering without being ostentatious.
01 Biophilia in the bathroom
Biophilic design is on the rise in residential interiors as architects and designers place increasing emphasis on wellness. In Australian bathrooms, the preference is for subtle interventions that either interact with nature, incorporate nature’s patterns into the design or include natural elements. Downie North’s minimalist Skylit House (pictured and page 26) brings the outside in via a generous skylight above the walk-in shower, which not only floods the space with natural light but also makes anyone using it feel like they’re showering outdoors. In Il Duomo by Wowowa Architecture (page 54), the predominantly green colour palette is a direct nod to nature. This provides a calming environment that can impact the end user in a positive way, both physically and psychologically.
03 Circles, curves and rounded edges
The circle as motif is not only popular for aesthetic purposes, but also for practical reasons. It’s particularly effective when used in the bathroom, where it can add visual flair and assist in creating an increased sense of spatiality. In ZGA Studio’s Courtyard Deck House (pictured and page 140), the curve of the bathtub makes the space easier to move around in. The half-moon cut-outs in Kin Architects’ Torbreck Apartment Renovation (page 134) allow for a neat scheme that expertly accommodates the fixtures. Both projects show the trend off in its best light, proving that judicious application and great restraint can also make a strong statement.
02 Light and bright
Who doesn’t love a clean, white bathroom that receives plenty of natural light? While this year’s trends include pattern and muted colour, classic all-white stylings are still as popular as ever. It’s a crisp aesthetic that often contrasts with the rest of the home and in doing so, provides a distinct retreat that is completely immersive. Those Architects have not only perfectly delivered the trend in House Burch (pictured and page 62), they’ve also modernized it with the inclusion of brass fittings and tapware. A white bathroom offers the perfect backdrop for the most intimate of everyday rituals and in personalizing it with subtle interventions and punctuations, a sense of sterility is avoided.
W hile this year’s trends include pattern and muted colour, classic all- white stylings are still as popular as ever.
Mint green, dove grey and honeyed caramel are just some of the more popular tones, all working hard to cocoon the end user from the stresses and pressures of everyday life.
04 Pattern perfection
This trend subscribes to the age-old adage that everything old is new again – but with a twist. Think 1970s bathrooms with clashing highly-decorative patterned tiles, and then reimagine them for 2019 with a much more restrained application. Today’s pattern trend uses detailed tiles as an accent and instead of them being applied to every available surface, they’re used judiciously; on one wall or for the floor, as Kin Architects has done in its Torbreck Apartment Renovation (page 134). Architects and designers are also leaning toward richly patterned marbles, which is exemplified in the exquisite 1906 by Amber Road (page 76). Terrazzo’s enduring comeback, stylishly embraced by Kennon Studio in Spanish Mission House (pictured and page 90), means patterned bathrooms won’t be losing favour anytime soon.
05 Muted colours
In keeping with the theme of bathroom as retreat, the trend for muted colours supports a quiet space that offers a sense of sanctuary and respite. Wowowa Architecture’s Il Duomo (pictured and page 54) has a statement terrazzo floor, but the subtle tones in its shower recess and vanity unit are what draw the eye in and provide a calming backdrop. This trend takes its lead from the Japanese onsen or upmarket spa, where subdued colour palettes appear more sophisticated than bright ones and are decidedly more immersive. Mint green, dove grey and honeyed caramel are just some of the more popular tones, all working hard to cocoon the end user from the stresses and pressures of everyday life.
06 Minimalist expressions
Just as in the kitchen, minimalism in the bathroom will never go out of style. Many of the homes in this issue champion a pared-back aesthetic, even when dealing with materials and finishes that aren’t necessarily minimalist in appearance. There’s something to be said for a classic scheme that can stand the test of time, not least because it won’t need to be renovated any time soon. Studio Esteta’s Merricks Guest House (pictured and page 110) reveals the beauty in using restrained colour and material palettes, while Connect Six by Whiting Architects (page 128) presents a strong case for floor-to-ceiling glass shower screens. This is a trend especially well-suited to the smallest of bathrooms, where space is at a premium.