Luxury In Bathroom --A Play With Personalisation

Personalisation is the megatrend of an increasingly differentiated society. It is the foundation of a promise from manufacturers to allow the expression of personality through ever-newer products and services. It enables consumers to experience true luxury, which comes via choice and customisation -- the ability to choose your style, fulfil your potential the way you want to, and emphasise what makes you unique through exceptional products. 

But how do we express ourselves, and how do we show true personality? We look at addressing these concerns from the purview of bathrooms —a space next to the bedroom, which is likely the most intimate space in our homes. 

Bathrooms are often an overlooked part of the home, seen as not so glamorous as other spaces. But here we say: Why not? After all, bathrooms represent our identity, which is why their design is just as crucial as a cosy living room.  

With increasing globalisation creating a sense of sameness through standardised products and one-size-fits-all solutions, people everywhere are looking for more personal expressions of luxury, style and well-being. A widespread and growing sense of instability, complexity, and ambiguity has fuelled the trend. Primarily for one's home and bathroom, a need for premises and objects that reflect one's personality has risen. Here are some of the ways to achieve and amplify personalisation in the bathroom.  

Layout 

You may favour an open floor plan where the living, dining, and kitchen areas all flow together. Or perhaps you prefer a more traditional colonial-style method, with separate rooms and hallways. The style you choose should be compatible with your family's lifestyle. Would you like a steam and sauna section in your bathroom, or do you envision a minimalistic and monochromatic bath area? These are things you will have to decide before building your bathroom . 

Light 

Having light in abundance and the play of different colour tones in the bathroom is what heightens luxury. If you're lucky enough to have large windows and no close neighbours, consider going bare with lots of plants stacked around the window to give your bathroom a more slick feel. If not, stick to sheers or window coverings that let in the most light possible. Consider mood lighting that mimics natural lighting with controls if going in with air shafts.  

A tech-savvy oasis  

A hot water shower is the most relaxing end to a hard day. And the thought of giving that up leaves a sour taste. One must choose the appliances and fixtures for the bathroom wisely; ultimately, they add to the overall grandeur of our sanctum. AXOR MyEdition is one such prototype for individual luxury. Its sleek design pushes boundaries, and its customisable concept satisfies the desire for uniqueness. The taps consist of two product parts: the body and the plate. Available in two standard finishes – chrome with mirrored glass and chrome with black glass. The taps can be tailor-made to satisfy personal preferences, allowing one to combine 15 AXOR FinishPlus PVD surface finishes with a selection of exclusive AXOR signature materials such as metal, wood, marble and leather. With more than 225 design choices, the AXOR MyEdition collection caters to the mega personalisation trend.  

Texture 

Whether you choose a sleek stone floor or a plush sheepskin rug or even envelop yourself in a warm bath surrounded by velvet curtains, textures create intimacy and a luxe feel. Though easier to implement, it's the hardest for upkeep. Bathrooms are warm, wet and steamy, not the best conditions for sheepskin rugs and velvet curtains. Consider varying texture in other ways: plush towels and bathrobes, a teak or rock mat to contrast with stone floors. 

Detail

Tufted gold bathtubs, bronze statues, art, mirrors- all are details that personalise the space. But it doesn't have to be large and over the top. Something as simple as a tray with a candle, a book and some tea, a chandelier or pretty decorative storage can elevate your bath space. Whatever your definition of luxury, you can recreate it in the details.  

Gaurav Malhotra

Guest Author Managing Director Of Hansgrohe India.