The Bathroom industry has come a long way, and modern-day bathrooms have transformed into masterpieces that tell the story of this growth. What about tomorrow? Is your bathroom future ready? From design and styling to durability and resilience, what do the experts predict for the future? Bathrooms are a direct reflection of current lifestyles and as this aspect of human living evolves so will the bathroom spaces and sensibilities. There are many resources and articles that outline the future of bathrooms while also offering tips, ideas, and methodologies for remodelling. Unfortunately, you don’t hear directly from expert interior designers. To set the record straight, we got it from the “horse’s mouth” so to speak. We reached out to top Interior Designers and asked them one question: The Future of Bathrooms?

The round up proved immensely successful as these designers shared their deepest thoughts and views as well as practical knowledge that comes from their unmatched experience in their chosen fields.

Lori Dennis www.loridennis.com

“Technology throughout the home is definitely a hot topic today and will only increase in demand in the future as people will expect certain aspects to be standard. People are comfortable using and depending on their smartphones and they want their homes to interact with them in the same way. The smart system within the bathroom would include wall mounted touch pads and personal phones to control radiant heat, steam showers, shower head pressure per user, window coverings, sound and lighting, along with various features of luxury commodes. It's all about efficiency and making our lives easier. Who wouldn't want their floors to warm up 30 minutes before they get out of bed on a cold morning? The finish styles may change through the years, but the use and function will continue to evolve. There will always be a demand for traditional bathrooms, which is why they're classic. The application of finishes would be a way to make a room feel more contemporary while still having that timeless feel, and we are definitely seeing water saving strategies implemented in plumbing throughout the bathroom. Here in California, there are high water saving standards, and typically this sets the bar for other states in the future. In the last few years, regulations only allow the sale of dual flush toilets, low-flow faucets and other shower diverters which prevent too many water features within a shower to run at the same time. In the future, more people might start taking advantage of grey water reuse for their landscaping and other outdoor water needs. Current trends that will stand the test of time are large showers (steam showers are a bonus), free-standing bathtubs and separate vanities”. Keyfeatures:

Technology Through Smartphones

Technology Through Smartphones Finish Styles

Finish Styles Water Saving Standards

Barry Du Bois www.barrydubois.com.au

“Whenever I am drawing a brief from a client for any design project, it is the wet areas that we see a huge variance in the relationships between humans and the built space. We are often at our most venerable while using this space—men, women, and children, as well as guest, have very different habits in this space and with age, again this space has a different dynamic for everyone, even as these spaces become larger and more incorporated with bedrooms, etc. They generally remain a “one size fits all” kind of space. No doubt, technology is ever changing, and I do expect to see things that we have only dreamed of when it comes to automation in all areas of the home including the wet areas and bathrooms. If I was to take a closer look at the function of the bathroom, I feel the big steps into the future might be more from the past than the electronic and digital wizardry of automation. 2000 years ago the great Roman and Turkish bathhouses were open and spacious designed for greater air circulation and generally bathed in natural sunlight at communal spaces were hours could be spent. I feel again the trend will be that these areas become spacious, with innate characteristics of freedom and demission. While automation will play a big part in that, I believe it will be more about the control of the environment and energy. Sensors will be aware of Temperature, Bacteria, Oxygen and UV as well as human height, weight and vital statistics, just to name a few. One opportunity I see for future bathrooms is to pick up on something that our very busy lives are lacking—Vitamin D. I see most of the western world lacking Vitamin D, which we gain by exposure to sunlight. The wet areas and intimate zones in our homes are great opportunity to make great use of the environment, specially the sun. Great advancements in glass and translucent PVC panels now give us the opportunity not only to light a space naturally but also use the great source of vitamin D to advantage. To summarise, I feel automation will be more about allowing us to do more with the natural environment than control of the mechanical. The bathrooms and wetrooms will once again become a source of health as well as freedom”. Keyfeatures:

Technology

Technology Automation

Automation Health & Enviroment

Rebecca James www.rebeccajamesstudio.com

“Bathrooms have evolved a lot in the past decade on the technological front, and I think this trend will continue. I believe bathroom fixtures such as taps and showers will seamlessly integrate with home automation systems— touch screens will replace levers and handles. Bathrooms are becoming more an extension of dressing rooms so we will see a bit more furniture for lounging about. Clients will want their bathrooms to be like their personal spas, so I foresee more wellness products integrated into residential bathrooms. I think we’ll see a wider variety of finishes for sanitary ware and brassware. I think we could do more innovative and sexier bath shapes in the future, and I look forward to more radical designs”. Keyfeatures:

Technology Through Touchpads

Technology Through Touchpads Finish Styles

Finish Styles Bathroom Furnishing

Felix Freddy www.studiofelix-design.com

Bathrooms Now & Beyond: “People want to feel comfortable in their bathroom(s). Clients (if they have the space) want a master bedroom with master ensuite (large shower, 2 basins, and a toilet), a family bathroom (bath, basin and toilet) and another bedroom with ensuite (shower, basin and toilet). Downstairs shower rooms are very popular too. Specs for bathrooms do change, but depending very much on budget. People do like large showers, wet rooms, underfloor heating and towel radiators. Sometimes people go for special LED lighting in their bathrooms (floor, wall or ceiling features). Mirrors with LED lights and recessed mirror cabinets at quite popular too. The main colour of bathrooms suits is still white. People do select very nice tiles & mosaic. Accessories are important too and personalise the space. Natural light via window(s), lots of Velux roof lights or glass roofs are a must”. Keyfeatures:

Finish Styles

Finish Styles Bathroom Furnishing

Kiran Singh

"Today's home automation goes beyond simple programmable thermostats to systems that tell you when your carpets need cleaning or when the wine is a bit too cool. Computers can program the bedside alarm, turn on the stereo, warm the bathroom floors and remind you to take out the trash. Today’s latest home automation systems enable your house to do everything it can to please you, from announcing that your carpets need cleaning to letting you know if your wine cellar temperature is a tad too high for your Boudreaux. When it rains, the windows close by themselves; when it is dark, the outdoor lighting switches on automatically; and an app sets the desired living room temperature. Driven by the key words of comfort, security and energy efficiency, in the ‘smart home’ the digital future has already begun. By connecting your home automation system to your bathroom systems you can have complete control over your bathroom from anywhere in your home, or even when you are away from home. Imagine a scenario where your bathroom can be warmed up before you wake-up. Your favourite morning radio station can start playing at a low volume gradually increasing with you lighting’s brightness - providing you with complete control over these systems so you can override any scheduled or automated task." Keyfeatures:

Automation

Janet Carter www.kkinteriors.co.uk

The Future Of Bathroom Design There is a rise in Smart technology being integrated into our homes. In the future everything will be smart, connected and invisible making our lives easier in one way or another. Bathrooms are no exception. Toilets that wash and dry with odour extraction are becoming more common place. Self-cleaning surfaces are being used in product design. Toto a Japanese manufacturer has designed a self-cleaning toilet that uses UV light a self-cleaning surface and antibacterial electrolysed water to clean and remove germs from the toilet bowl. Smart showers with water that changes colour when you have used too much; e showers that recycle your shower water cleaning and reheating it, are now available for the environmentally conscious consumer. As well as wireless digitally controlled showers that let you set the individual preferred temperatures for the whole household. The future will see health checking mirrors that utilise the latest technology to analyse your well-being and mirrors that help with your make-up and also show you the latest weather and traffic information while you are brushing your teeth. Robots that clean your bathroom; give you a massage and varnish your nails will be fully developed. The trend today is towards clutter free spaces with large open plan shower areas and wet room style bathrooms with wall hung sanitaryware and furniture. The future will provide us with multiple devices using invisible technology. Providing; luxury, convenience and style seamlessly integrated into our surroundings. Keyfeatures:

Technology

Technology Automation

Automation Finish Styles

Charlene Schumacher www.frescointeriors.ca

Personalized Luxury Meets Automation “When our customers think of their “Dream Ensuite,” they think personal luxury! Hi-tech automation needs to be present, yet invisible. The average homeowner today finds automation interesting, yet complicated, they want simplicity! They love the LCD televisions in the mirror, and the chromo therapy lighting, and the Hi-tech toilets with self-closing lids and bidets with adjustable temperature controls. However, if you asked them what they truly love the most? They would say “Sinking into a gorgeous soaker tub with preset music playlists and viewing a spa-like space that makes them `feel` relaxed and beautiful”! No stress, no complicated automation...just luxury. They want a streamlined setting—fresh and alive with every detail pulled together so exquisitely that it feels like they are soaking in a luxury hotel suite. Rich walnut cabinetry surrounded with polished marble and twinkling hand blown crystal droplet lighting. Amidst this regal setting is automation, quietly hidden, doing its job in a discreet, unobtrusive way. We find our clients want the ensuite to feel `personal.' They want it to relate to their every need and make them feel relaxed and rejuvenated. New ways to meet this relaxation need could be personalized aromatherapy, hologram vistas to transport a person to another dimension for complete relaxation, preprogrammed music playlists that understand moods. Hi-tech vacations to escape the stresses of daily life and arrive renewed. Personalized Luxury meets Automation the wave of the future!” Keyfeatures:

Technology

Technology Automation

Automation Luxury & Space

David Geuens www.studiod-interiors.com

“I do believe that bathrooms and kitchens will change to digital as this will make it more practical and also safer. I see bathroom units changing to moveable units with basins, by the touch of a button on your smartphone or voice activated so that it can be continuously varied in height, thus being adjusted exactly to the body size of any person. Taps will also be connected to your smartphone to fill a bath up. The water will stop automatically when it reaches a certain level by installing a sensor. The temperature of the water can be pre-set to different settings, according to the number of members in the family. Lights can be set according to the mood you’re in, creating that perfect ambience”. Keyfeatures:

Technology Through Smartphones

Anna Shiwlall www.27diamonds.com

“I'm excited to see bathroom remodels ten years from now especially with all the possibilities technology has to offer. It's much more accessible since everyone has a smart phone and can program things with just a touch of a button. I foresee the design being very clean and modern with storage and toiletries being able to be hidden away into something very sleek and subtle. Maybe instead of shower niches holding all of our ugly shampoo bottles, it's hidden behind a tile that can be automatically opened and closed after each use? Perhaps in your kids’ bathrooms, there will be a space for all the toys storage to be hidden or at least incorporated that will allow everything to be neatly tucked away without too much effort. I think being able to draw a bath and set the right temperature on your phone and connecting it to your bathroom so when you get home, you have a bath drawn at the right temperature is definitely something we will see more of. The overall bathroom renovation will be geared more towards having a spa experience right in your home. With automation in, right mood lighting, water temperature, music, etc. are accessible right from your phone and will create a luxury experience and be very affordable for everyone”. “Aside from the cool technical stuff, I think I would like to see more self-cleaning bathrooms. As a busy mom and business owner, anything self-cleaning would be amazing. I know we will see materials that are more and more durable and easy to clean and maintain. Quartz is already so popular with the modern look and durability factor. I think that we will see companies create really unique and beautiful materials that will be more sensible for families. In conclusion, having technology so available to us opens us to a world of possibilities that is only limited by our imagination. And I look forward to see how far all of the designers dare to dream!” Keyfeatures:

Technology Through Smartphones

Technology Through Smartphones Automation

Gleb Belyaev www.moow-design.com

“While today’s kitchens and home theaters are often integrated systems, bathrooms lag behind and are mostly comprised of individual items obtained from an array of suppliers. But the bathroom of the future, I believe, is an integrated, complex expression of one unique idea. It is constructed and installed in one piece in a bare space. Surfacing materials, fixtures and fittings will all be designed as a uniform collection and digitally responsive. This futuristic bathroom is going to automatically recognize its users and set up equipment, water and shower modes for each family member. Placement and height will automatically adjust to the individual for optimal convenience and safety. The latest medical information for each person will be available as needed. The future of bathroom design is very exciting and closer than we think”. Keyfeatures:

Technology

Technology Automation

Jennifer Woch www.houseofjinteriors.com

“The bathrooms of the future will continue on the trend of super clean lines. Why? Because people are tired of cleaning fussy faucets, beveled edges and hard to get to places! Less spots for dust and grime to hide out, this is the direction for bathrooms. Clean lines don’t have to equal modern. This simplicity and function of fixtures and plumbing can be intermingled in all types of design styles! Technology will also impact our bathrooms in an awesome way! Self sanitizing sound good?! Imagine toilets that are cleaned with each flush! Water splashes that evaporated and left a clean polished surface! Futuristic bathrooms will be pared down, simplicity married with function, technology and of course, style!” Keyfeatures:

Technology

Technology Automation

Automation Finish Styles

“Buckminster Fuller developed a sophisticated and forward-thinking solution in 1936 which in many ways remains inspirational for our future benchmarking. In his Dymaxion Home washroom, Fuller envisioned a nearly seamless interior architectural shell, easily installed by workers, retrofittable to existing structures and containing all appliances, pipes, and wires rethinking the preconceived notion of on-sight building and elevating construction to near 'plug and play’ simplicity. He minimized parts, eliminated points of connection, therefore creating a more hygienic set of architectural conditions. He crafted thoughtful details to be considerate to young and elderly, laying important foundations for what we refer to today as Universal Design. Furthermore, he considered employing steam for personal cleaning instead of showers to minimize water usage and specified a waterless toilet system that would work in conjunction with a composting schedule”. “For me, many of these considerations remain aspirational for the future of bathrooms as we work towards defining a better world. I’ve made a few, modest steps in rethinking tools for washrooms that take such architectural gestures to the scale of products. The Kontextur washroom accessories use functionality and performance as the primary measures which define beauty; inspired by universal languages which have stood the test of time. These products exude clarity by blending utility, usability, materiality and engineering with careful attention to the concerns of space limitations, often accompanying their context in the bath. Based on circular geometry and universal detailing languages, these items relate to one another naturally in many configurations, never looking out of alignment in their setting. The wooden handles are sourced locally to their production location and the full silicone rubber construction and reduced parts avoid the damage which limits the life of similar products made from other materials. All items in the line are washable and made to last”. Keyfeatures:

Finish Styles

Finish Styles Bathroom Furnishing

Tania Bell www.greenroominteriors.com.au

“Curves and natural forms are making a comeback. Curved vanity tops and even dividing walls within the bathroom will create interesting shapes. Larger spaces allocated for bathrooms, placing more importance on the role of a bathroom in a home making it more than just a room to use for only 20 minutes a day. Luxurious chairs, built in seating will allow people to linger longer in their bathrooms. As the bathroom space will get bigger so will the amount and size of the windows, filling the room with plenty of natural light.

LED lighting will play a big role, with functionality of creating different colours to change the mood of your room to suit how you feel and also the time of day. Unusual and unexpected colours and materials in vanity joinery will then focus on the vanity being the centre piece of the room. Creative use of tile grout and using the colour of the grout as a design feature. So instead of white grout with a white tile, how about using a terracotta coloured grout with a grey tile? Decorative ceilings! Using wallpaper or digitally printed images on the ceiling, this will give you something to look at while laying back and relaxing in your tub.”

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Finish Styles

Finish Styles Bathroom Furnishing

Henning Stummel www.henningstummelarchitects.com

“I can see two trends which may influence the future of bathrooms: The desire to save water—I can see more products that will seek to optimise, reduce or eliminate water consumption. The water free urinal is already in widespread use, as are sinks that feed toilet cisterns. A great new invention would be a shower that immediately recycles the already hot water, i.e. keeps using the same water with a little extra heat, so that it maintains temperature. Requirements for hygiene—With the spread of superbugs, particularly in hospitals and nursing homes, but increasingly in the public domain I can see brass and copper taps and ironmongery making a comeback. Alternatively, there are good hands-free solutions as well”. Keyfeatures:

Water Saving Standards

Water Saving Standards Health & Enviroment

Toni Sab www.tonisabatinostyle.com/

“As an interior designer that specializes in kitchen and bath design, I find the future of bath design to be pretty exciting! Innovative offerings such as technologically integrated steam units, vanities with adjustable heights, convenient storage features such as vanities and medicine cabinets with built-in power for personal grooming aids, and a myriad of artful bath fittings and fixtures are continually entering the market. My design process includes an architectural assessment and a lifestyle assessment. I try to make sure that the client feels pampered in the space and that the selections enhance the space and provide some continuity with the adjacent living spaces.

The variety of maintenance-free, large-scale porcelain surface for flooring and walls is also of great interest to me. These large-scale porcelain sheets offer the ability to mimic natural marble without the maintenance factor. Compact fixtures are also very valuable when space is an issue. The array of beautiful compact products allows the designer to create more function in a tight space or renovate to create a powder bath from a large closet. Waterproof televisions are another innovation that is perfect for the client that wants to watch the stocks, catch up on news or relax in the tub with a "guilty pleasure" drama series. I think the key to success in creating a spectacular bathroom that truly fits your life is engaging a professional to guide you through the product choices or to be prepared for lots of research! Bathroom renovation not only adds simplicity to your life but also increases the value of your home. Happy Remodelling!”

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Technology

Technology Finish Styles

Diego Correa www.diegocorreainteriordesign.com

“Talking about the future in any area of design is a tricky one. Technology is moving at such pace that for many the future is now. That apparent contradiction relates to the fact that talking about the future today does not have the same implications as in the 19th or even 20th century. The future in those days implied decades, if not centuries. Not so now. Now it is associated with how different things can be in the near future. And thanks to technology those dramatic changes can happen not in decades but in some years. So the future of bathrooms in our wildest dreams could be just a few years away from us. .

Everything in our bathrooms will have an interface, a “chip” that will allow humans to interact with them and in response they will adjust the surroundings, the atmosphere and the look to our requirements or mood. Here are some of the areas where the impact will be strongest:

Lighting is no longer manifested through specific products called lamps or bulbs. Surfaces will be able to generate light, adjusting the level depending on the activity we are going to perform. Voice commands will be the norm.

Nanotechnology is allowing surfaces to change their colour and texture. They can look and feel like metal, ceramic, stone, fabric or wood at will. You can preset different looks depending on the occasion

The main change is in the presence of shower tray and baths. The creation of a material that can reshape itself means that shower trays will be able to transform themselves into baths, folding, once not needed, into flat surfaces to be used as wet rooms.

Your bathroom will have sensors that recognise changes in your body, helping you to identify drops in your immune system, moods, cardiac rhythm, etc giving you suggestions not just about the temperature of the water that helps you to feel better but additionally it is going to suggest what to wear and to take to avoid symptoms that if not taken care of may develop and cause you discomfort during the day.

Finally your bathroom will be connected to the artificial intelligence system of your home so you can have a chat with your “bathroom” about any topic that may interest you: weather, fashion, sports, helping you to get ready for that presentation, etc.

They remain as we know them as they are so connected with our human body but expect new materials, shapes and reactive surfaces. For some this will not be enough, and the possibility of choosing hands free use will be available... not perhaps the popular option!

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Technology

Technology Automation

Automation Health & Enviroment

Loretta J. Willis, Allied ASID www.alightreflection.com

Futurist Bathrooms “Bathroom remodeling projects are topping the list for the fifth time since 2010 according to a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders and universal design features are top trenders when it comes to selecting your amenities. Smart toilets are becoming a popular choice for their easy maintenance and hands-free features. The new multi-functional Veil Intelligent toilet by Kohler is one of my favorite futuristic bathroom products. Its universal design comes equipped with motion sensors that open the lid as you approach, heated seats for your comfort, hands-free flush that follows with a deodorizer, a built-in bidet and a warm air-drying function when needed. The Veil Intelligent is a great example for future bathroom amenities that lend themselves to a cleaner and more modern, eco-friendly lifestyle”. Keyfeatures:

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Technology Automation

What we Learned from these Experts?

A number of interesting indicators and Key Learning Points for future bathrooms have emerged from the opinions shared by the Experts. Technology and Technical Innovations will be the priority in bathrooms of the future. What today are exceptions and accessible to the privileged few, are set to become the rule and a standard across bathrooms in most modern homes. Remote controlled gadgets and showers controlled by Smartphones will no longer be a luxury but a norm and a necessity. Digitized versions of kitchen and bathroom accessories will gain precedence over standard ones as the emphasis is clearly on convenience, automation and simplified approach. Another major factor that will decide a futuristic Bathroom set-up is water-saving. Foreseeing a renewed enthusiasm in environment friendly practices as well as a growing sentiment towards water-saving, a sustainable practice of water-use is on the cards. Basins, WC’s and showers will see built-in water saving mechanisms that only use the required amounts of water and prevent undue wastage. Bathrooms will soon become an extension of the family or user, matching their moods, personality, preferences and perhaps even synchronized with their Health needs. Spelling timeless luxury, they will serve as havens of relaxation and convenience, while also taking care of the usual bathroom routines. Despite changes, some things remain classics and one such element is the spacious, freestanding bathtub. Holding fort despite all the contemporary changes all around, it will retain its charm and continue to de-stress users with warm, soaks and remain the centerpiece in bath areas with its elegant profiles. Also, look at some of our futuristic bathroom concepts, which have been developed by us.