Wondering what's popular across the world in bath trends? The annual IHS held in Frankfurt Germany is THE show to see for the latest in European bathroom architecture- providing a global preview of up-and-coming bath design and product trends.
The Bath Experience
This year the show seemed to focus on improving the experience when using the bathroom. To do so the show was used as a platform to reveal findings of its recent study into how changing household demographics influence how people use their bathroom space.
The result were similar to trends evident in the US. Aside from the families with young children, the bathtub was really used as part of the daily cleansing ritual, with most adults opting for time-saving showers instead. The survey also revealed that families were the most discontent with their bath space, as it was used for a wide range of conflicting interest. However, it revealed that in the 50+ age, where the children had left home, the homeowners had largely reclaimed the space were enjoying it as a sanctuary.
Interestingly, the users who were most content with their bathroom space were couples, who shared similar values, and had plentiful and systematic storage. Perhaps it's no surprise that the products displayed throughout the exhibition. Products were clearly designed to enhance the consumer experience, with many focusing on sensory appeal. Even those that on the surface didn't obey these rules looked to the comforting use of storage and improved usability with Universal Design tubs and showers.
SENSORY APPEAL
It's clear that manufacturers had embraced the senses, creating items to appeal to sight, sound and smell, right through to the feel of "linen-effect" furniture finishes or textured ceramic for sanitary ware. Underwater lights and invisible sound systems were introduced along with showers inspired by weather, to create water patterns like rain or fog and combine them with light and fragrance.
STYLISH STORAGE
Stylish, personalized storage was a huge trend, with one collection combining fine lines of its new sanitary-ware with the visual lightness of transparent acrylic storage. Free-standing and wall-mounted storage modules formed part of the collection, along with an accessories ledge on the faucet, in a choice of see-through colors.
Again, picking up on the trend toward highly sensory-oriented products, a few manufacturers opted for furniture that appealed to the touch using textural linen effect on their furniture.
While some of these concepts may be too European for many American baths, the growing interest in providing additional storage options without expanding the footprint of the bath may have us looking to our European counterparts for creative space-saving storage ideas in the bath.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN
While personalized storage was a hot trend at the IHS show, it wasn't the only thing getting personal. Indeed, Universal Design was a hot trend, as manufacturers created products that meet the needs of users of all ages and abilities with ease of access showcased across the show.
There were walk-in baths, and enclosures that opened up to create large wet room spaces.
CLASSIC VS. CONTEMPORARY
When it comes to style trends, displays seemed to reflect two very different aesthetics with both classical, timeless looks and contemporary asymmetry as hot tickets.
There were classical styles for sanitary-ware alongside roll-top slipper baths and Art-Deco inspired brassware which feature an upscale look.
Joining the ageless styles were asymmetrical designs that provided a coveted contemporary look. This was illustrated with a preview of an asymmetrical mineral cast bath, with matching washstand and mirror. But asymmetry was also shown in the arguably more accessible forms in the irregular positioning of furniture units and countertop basins place to one side, rather than centrally, on vanity tops
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