Go with the Flow
High on comfort and convenience, design- driven fittings call the shots in new- age bathing rooms
It is no secret that the bathroom holds an important place in most homes. It is no longer just a space dictated by necessity, but a zone fully dedicated to well- being, where individuals often like to spend extended periods of time. Our relationship with water is extremely old but bath rituals are proof of development, education and social position. By giving more attention to this space today, there is a heightened perception of being in tune with changing times. Given its prime importance in the scheme of things, it is only fitting that the zone can be done up with as much care as the rest of your home.
It is much more enjoyable to spend a couple of intimate moments in an aesthetically pleasing and thoughtfully designed section rather than in a basic and common white sanitary design, which recalls the sterility of a hospital. Waking up in the morning and having to move directly to a cold place devoid of a personal touch makes all the difference between starting the day in a happy mood and merely starting another monotonous 24 hours. Taking care of yourself, surrounded by objects and décor of your personal taste is essential; after all it is your bathroom, dedicated exclusively to you and your needs.
It is not a surprise thus that there is a growing trend of homeowners across the world spending hours poring over design books and choosing fittings that go beyond the functional. For example, a basin mixer that constantly gives you updates on the flow of water and temperature and comes with sensor- controlled dials. Similarly, there are showerheads with programmable settings that help create the perfect bath that’s tailor- made for your. And the most staid looking WCs have made way for new- age technology and some come with pre- heated cover seats, an in built deodoriser and other personal touches like
number of menus to choose from for an optimum water pressure and an I- pod dock to listen to your favourite notes. People are tired of uniformity and having exactly the same life as those surrounding them; they want it to be different and this is just one part of the house that expresses their distinct personality.
Everything has to be thought of and designed in a way that gives pleasure instead of creating hassles for you such as— in which direction should I turn this button, or why is the water filling so slowly? Take for instance, the freestanding four- hole bath shower mixer ( see left) which works on a simple mechanism— it opens up by simply twisting it. This is the reason why efficiency and simplicity are other major concerns even though design remains top priority; as along with appropriate design comes the question of easy access and a sound understanding of the fittings being used.
Who says bathrooms are not meant to be talked about? If fitted with designer accents, colour- coordinated accessories and gold fittings, they are worth showing off.