Early in October, experts Grammatiki Zamani, Founder at kiklos architects, Gisela Löhlein, Consultant at AKDESIGNO, and Sharon Gomez, Senior Interior Designer at XBD Collective gathered with Mohamed Barakat, Regional Sales Manager, MENAT, Caspian & India from House of Rohl to delve into the intricacies of luxury bathroom design. The dialogue explored how personal style, functionality, and material selection interplay to create enduring elegance in high-end spaces. Expectedly, a plethora of avenues were explored….
Exploring Luxury Bathroom Design in the Middle East
Mohamed opened the discussion by emphasizing the nuanced nature of luxury bathroom design. Identifying the right designer and understanding client preferences are essential. Gisela, who has extensive experience in the Middle Eastern market, articulated that regional luxury is rooted in “uniqueness grounded in tradition.” She noted that high-quality materials contribute to a culturally resonant and luxurious ambiance. In contrast, Grammatiki remarked, “The biggest luxury here is space,” highlighting how generous dimensions can evoke emotional connections and memories of cherished places. Sharon added that luxury bathrooms provide a canvas for clients to express their personal style, utilizing materials and lighting to create unique spaces.
Craftsmanship and Material Integrity as Cornerstones
Central to the creation of luxury bathrooms are craftsmanship and the integrity of materials. Both visible and hidden elements contribute to a design that withstands the test of time. Gisela underscored that “craftsmanship, the material source, and classic specifications” form the bedrock of luxury, whether the design leans toward high-tech innovations or hand-crafted details. The choice of materials creates a sense of irreplaceability. Grammatiki pointed out the importance of unseen components, such as waterproofing and concealed fixtures, which are crucial for maintaining the durability of luxurious materials. “Designers see what others do not,” she emphasized.
The evolution of material selection now harmonizes durability with aesthetic appeal, focusing on user experience and environmental responsibility. Particularly in smaller or high-traffic areas, durable materials strike a balance between warmth and quality, embodying the idea that “the essence of luxury lies in endurance.” This shift reflects a broader industry movement toward sustainability, asserting that true luxury is designed to endure.
“Designers see what others do not.”
– Grammatiki Zamani, Founder and Design Director at kiklos architects
Design as a Continuous Journey
Gisela views design as a process of ongoing refinement, where a central focal point—a unique piece, theme, or function—guides the entire space. “You go through iterations of the design to get it right,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of layering elements to maintain cohesion and purpose. Elements that do not support the overall vision may be scaled back or removed, keeping the design both robust and adaptable. Gisela also stresses the significance of choosing a designer whose aesthetic aligns with the client’s preferences, stating, “Some people are minimalists, while others are maximalists.” This alignment ensures that the design genuinely reflects the client’s identity while enhancing what she describes as a “haptic experience,” engaging the senses of sight, sound, and touch.
A successful design also anticipates practical needs, accounting for potential lifestyle changes such as aging or injury, ensuring that spaces remain comfortable and functional over time.
Sustainability: A Multifaceted Approach
Sustainability in bathroom design extends beyond merely incorporating eco-friendly materials. It encompasses durability, maintenance, and the lifecycle of products. As highlighted by Mohamed, “a sustainable bathroom design is one that requires minimal maintenance over the years.” This perspective underscores the importance of selecting materials and fixtures that not only minimize environmental impact but also ensure longevity and ease of use.
High-quality craftsmanship plays a crucial role in achieving sustainability. Gisela noted, “You can use very expensive materials to create a luxurious bathroom, just as you can utilize cost-effective options like concrete.” This versatility allows designers to tailor solutions to meet client needs while prioritizing sustainability. Furthermore, maintaining high design and functional standards aligns with a broader definition of sustainability, considering the environmental, social, and economic implications of design choices. Mohamed emphasized that “whatever technology emerges, we must direct how it is utilized,” stressing the importance of informed decision-making in the design process.
Adapting to Evolving User Needs
While luxury often evokes images of expansive spaces, the designers acknowledged the challenges posed by smaller bathrooms. Grammatiki stated, “Designing a small bathroom can be more challenging than a larger one because prioritization is key.” Meaningful luxury can be realized by focusing on what clients value most, whether it’s a spacious shower or a bathtub tailored to their routines. This emphasis on practical elegance underscores that thoughtful choices elevate quality, even in compact areas.
Customization emerges as a crucial aspect of modern luxury, with designs tailored to individual user needs. Gisela emphasizes the necessity of balancing universal and personal design principles. For large-scale projects, she prioritizes layouts that cater to a broad audience while allowing for some customization, particularly in bathrooms where humidity and storage requirements are complex.
In contrast, personalized designs for individual clients incorporate unique details. She recalls working with a musician who valued antiques and required an acoustically sensitive bathroom, stating, “Even the bathroom had to become an acoustic space.” Ultimately, Gisela stresses that “it doesn’t matter where the components originate; it’s about fusing elements together,” allowing each client’s story to shine through thoughtfully integrated design elements.
Sharon reinforced this sentiment, asserting, “Luxury is not solely about gold fixtures; it’s about intertwining elements to create a sensory experience.” True luxury bathrooms adapt to the evolving needs of their users, seamlessly incorporating spaces for relaxation and productivity.
Enduring Quality and Technology Integration
Today’s luxury bathrooms increasingly prioritize quality, wellness, and sustainability, focusing on designs built to last. Mohamed explained, “Clients today seek high-quality bathrooms that they can enjoy for decades.” Gisela and Grammatiki concurred that while finishes may change over time, the “core materials, structural choices, and essential fixtures” should remain, allowing bathrooms to adapt alongside user needs. The inclusion of wellness-focused features is also becoming more prevalent, with Sharon underscoring the importance of creating soothing environments that do not overwhelm users.
Moreover, advancements in technology, such as smart mirrors that track health insights, enhance both functionality and wellness within luxury spaces. Thoughtful lighting systems tailored to user routines—like bright lighting for morning rituals and dimmer, more calming setups for the evening—play a critical role. Acoustics are also essential, with bathrooms designed as personal sanctuaries where users can unwind with preferred soundscapes. Gisela succinctly summarized, “Bathrooms should reflect the life and aspirations of their users.”
Programmable systems enable seasonal adaptability, allowing for tailored experiences. Gisela highlights the importance of designing bathrooms that function effectively both day and night, noting a missed opportunity for such designs in the Middle East. She cites examples from Asia, where bathroom lighting guides users without disrupting sleep cycles: “LED lighting can lead you without interfering with your REM cycles.” This thoughtful nighttime design extends to automatic lighting and touchless features, enabling a peaceful return to bed without disturbing others. “Everything operates automatically…lights dim…and everything closes off again,” she explains, illustrating how mindful nighttime design can enhance comfort and reduce disruptions.
Mohamed discussed the growing convenience of smart technology, stating, “Smart homes are becoming more complex,” allowing homeowners to control their showers from their smartphones. He added, “Imagine turning on your shower while in the car,” showcasing how technology enhances daily living.
Grammatiki offered a critical perspective, cautioning against excessive automation: “I’m not going to program the coffee maker from my bed; I value that little moment of choice.” She expressed concern over “decision paralysis,” emphasizing that personal motivation is essential in embracing new technologies. Simultaneously, she acknowledges that initial reactions to technology often swing to extremes, as seen with touchless taps, which were initially met with skepticism regarding their necessity.
Sharon echoed this perspective, stating, “Technology should assist you and feel genuinely useful; that’s when it becomes embedded.” The conversation concluded with Gisela emphasizing the importance of user choice, stating, “When considering technology, you have the option to embrace or forgo it,” underscoring how personal preferences influence the integration of technology in these spaces.
Rethinking the Role of Bathtubs
The question of whether bathtubs should remain a staple in luxury design—especially within hospitality—sparked lively debate. In resort environments where guests seek relaxation, the bathtub may still hold its charm. Mohamed observed, “Guests at resorts appreciate the option of a bathtub to unwind,” emphasizing that, in such settings, bathtubs enhance the overall experience. However, the consensus in urban and business hotels leans toward prioritizing functionality, with showers emerging as the more practical and environmentally conscious option.
Timelessness Over Trends
In the realm of luxury bathroom design, enduring value prevails over fleeting trends. Grammatiki remarked that these designs focus on long-term needs rather than transient styles. “The design needs to last,” she asserted, noting the importance of accommodating both present and future requirements. This philosophy of timeless design renders luxury bathrooms investments in quality and longevity. Summarizing, Mohamed stated, “A high-quality bathroom is a lifelong investment.”
Guided by skilled designers, today’s luxury bathrooms epitomize style, quality, and engineering, merging aesthetics with craftsmanship and durability that withstands the test of time. Ultimately, as Gisela put it, “Luxury is not merely a glossy Instagram look; it’s functionality that seamlessly supports the user’s lifestyle.”
“I’m not going to program the coffee maker from my bed; I value that little moment of choice.”
– Grammatiki Zamani, Founder and Design Director at kiklos architects
*The full article by Love That Design is available here: https://www.lovethatdesign.com/article/rethinking-luxury-bathroom-design/?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=Inspirations%20Delivered%20November%2013th&utm_medium=email&utm_id=321