With everyone leading hectic lives today, the need for a space that is both, relaxing and functional has increased. Bath spaces today are far more relaxing. Today, people need those 15 minutes to relax and unwind before they head out to work or after work. Compared to a decade ago, bath spaces today have turned into the centerpiece of a home and I see a lot more people investing in these zones. Clients put a lot of emphasis on the type of bath space they are looking for and it is as important as the bedroom or living room.

Bath spaces are like a cocoon for people to enjoy some quiet and private time, and to enhance the experience further, we see many clients installing Alexa-enabled mirrors, showers with varied flow rates, thermostats, intelligent toilets with varied features, Bluetooth speakers, etc. These features are not just stylish, but functionally great too. Earlier, there was a lot less variety in terms of brands and features - everything was basic and functional and gadgets were limited.

There were probably just one or two brands that everyone worked with. Today we have so much more variety - showers, basin mixers, boilers, toilets and seats - that people are paying attention to.

For bathrooms, the design is as important as the technological aspects of the fittings and they have to work hand-in-hand. For example, when we ask clients to opt for a very good shower system, we need to plan that well. The shower and dry space is designed accordingly. Personally, what I would like to see going forward is technology that gives you the experience and at the same time, saves water. Conserving water is the way forward and appliances such as rain showers that don’t waste water must become the norm. Another technology that excites me is the thermostatic technology for precise temperature control we use in diverters - I recommend it all clients. Power-saving aerator technology in basins and online geysers are other popular choices among my clients today.

A lot of clients are now aware of not wasting power and water. They reach out to us to guide them on the how and what of technology and appliances to incorporate in their bathspace.

People are willing to invest in sustainable features. Take the solar heating system for instance. I have incorporated solar powered boilers in almost every home I have designed. As far as solar panel systems are concerned, there is capital cost involved initially, but you save money and power in the long run. In my opinion, solar heating and appliances that conserve water should become a norm.

Going forward, technology will continue to play a big role in creating bathspaces with a personalised feel. Appliances such as showers with ‘rain rating’ and self-cleaning WCs are going to appeal to people. In terms of design, the contemporary look will continue to rule - we are not going back to the old-world look. Personalised eco-elements such as brick, natural stone and cement will also help create a niche bathroom experience.

Guest Blogger: Minnie Bhatt

With 22 glorious years in the world of design experience, even today, each day is just as exciting for Minnie, who challenges herself to create and evolve with every new project.

Minnie Bhatt has trained under some very renowned interior designers and with her experience, she set up - Minnie Bhatt designs, 8 years ago.

Having grown up in South Bombay, the exposure to heritage structures and the charm of vintage buildings and the old world neighbourhoods has been deeply embedded in her design sensibilities. In a subconscious way, these often, find their way subtly into the spaces she creates.

Minnie’s style of design is mainly eclectic and contemporary. The mantra of Minnie Bhatt Designs is not only to create exquisite spaces that are timeless and authentic but also never to repeat these creations.

She has worked on residences of some renowned names from the entertainment industry and a whole lot of popular restaurants and bars, namely, House of Daaruwala, Radio Bar, Chin Chin Chu, Effingut Bandra, Burma Burma- Noida, Delhi & Bengaluru, Via Bombay, Bindass Begum Rocking Raja, Nau Se Barah, Mirchi & Mime, Ghaas Phoos, Firki, Nom Nom, Silver Beach Cafe, Aureole, myxx, Fable, Oh! Dough, Family Tree, True Tramm Trunk, Basanti & Co etc