The hotel bathroom can be a place for mundane, sterile design, especially now in a time when extreme sanitation is essential. However, sanitation doesn’t have to sacrifice design. Here are some products that are using the bathroom space as a place for creativity and innovation:
Labrazel with Clodagh
Zora (pictured above), an organic, abstract pattern, is inspired by Clodagh’s love of Japanese design. The design is interpreted with hand-painted glass panels mounted on wood. The products are made in Peru, where the art of “verre églomisé” glass painting has been perfected over generations. Zora is available for pre-order now, with delivery expected in June.
Tatami, a study in simplicity, features minimalist cubes of fine white alabaster. The products are handcrafted in Volterra, Italy—for centuries the center of Italian alabaster production and artistry. Tatami is available now. Two other Clodagh-designed collections will follow by mid-year.
“Bathrooms can be very transactional…It’s hard to make bathrooms glamorous…There’s not that much room for art…it’s an opportunity to use a luxury bath accessory as art,” Clodagh said. “I love Japan…Japan especially provokes an inner quietness. It’s very carefully edited Japanese design. You want to be steady in the bathroom.”
Gessi
Defined by simplicity, the Inciso faucet collection (pictured above) weds modern style with heritage details and finishes that invite tactile discovery. The innovative Inciso Sensor Taps use a highly sensitive infrared sensor and is designed to promote good hygiene, improve efficiency and reduce water consumption. Water flow is activated as hands approach the tap or sensor plate within an adjustable detection distance, completely eliminating the need to touch a faucet lever. The flow automatically shuts off within two seconds of the hands’ retreat. The motion sensor can be connected to an electrical network or powered by battery. The sensors are located in the tap plate or a separate control in coordinating style and finish depending on the model—wall mount or basin mixer. The Inciso Sensor Taps are a smart choice for commercial and hospitality settings bringing a refreshing upscale elegance to public settings. The Inciso Sensor Taps are constructed of solid brass, offer a flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute at 43 PSI and 0.2 gallons per cycle and are available in an array of finishes from gleaming metallics to sophisticated mattes.
“The Inciso concept embodies the warm modern sensibility of American Design,” said David Rockwell, founder/president, Rockwell Group, who designed the product.
California Faucets
Descanso Bath Faucet with Wheel Handle from California Faucets adds a pop of color at the bathroom sink. The spoked wheel handles emanate a vintage vibe while reminiscent of mid-century valve handles. The wheel handle comes in a dramatic new Red powder coat finish, matte black and other finishes. An ergonomic and aesthetic choice, the spoked wheel design and comfortable scalloped edge makes the wheel easy to grip and turn, plus, the Wheel Handle is available in a dramatic new red powder coat finish, adding yet another striking finish option. Made of solid brass construction. Wall or Deck Handle Trim handles are also available, giving designers and architects everything they need to continue a cohesive look throughout.
“We treasure-hunted for old valves and had countless samples shipped to us as inspirations as we homed in on the final design. The result is a perfect blend of practical function and industrial edge,” said Jeff Silverstein, CEO, California Faucets.
Island Stone
Island Stone puts a playful spin on an iconic material with its Spindrift Marble interlocking tiles. Made with Carrara stone, Spindrift Marble tiles capture the chic aesthetic of marble slabs in a playful, organic shape reminiscent of pebbles. With versatile features like a clean grout line, uniform edges and a smooth flat surface, Spindrift Marble is both elegant and practical. The sculptural white and gray marble is stunning in both classic and modern environments. Each Carrrara stone is meticulously shaped and crafted into mosaic tiles measuring 11-3/4” square by 1/4” thick. Spindrift Marble tiles are suitable for walls, residential and high-traffic floors, showers and freeze/thaw areas.
Dornbracht
Designed by Sieger Design, CYO (pronounced sigh-oh) is a sculptural C-shaped spout inspired by a design from the company’s 1969 design archive. Representing the spirit of this era, CYO consists of faucets for the sink, bathtub and shower and is complemented by matching accessories. CYO is offered with custom handle inserts in various finishes, designs and materials as well as bi-structural finishes that combine glossy and matte surfaces.
“While looking at the history of Dornbracht, I came across the 2000 series from 1969. It was already a certain icon of its time and its individuality inspired me. For CYO, we reinterpreted the distinctive, archetypal C spout in a contemporary way. The balanced proportions and uncompromising precision make up the progressive and unmistakable character of the design, giving CYO a strong personality. Due to its sculptural quality, I can imagine that CYO will be decisive for the design of the entire bathroom—that, different from usual, the architecture will be developed around the faucet,” said Michael Sieger, owner, Sieger Design.
Sonoma Forge
WaterBridge Exposed Shower Systems from Sonoma Forge are now even more functional and ergonomic for outdoor use. While reflecting Sonoma Forge’s signature durability and rustic style, the handcrafted product, including an Adjustable Rain Head, Hand Wand, Foot Wash as well as Euro-Connect handle and accessories, were designed to perfectly coordinate with the system, while offering the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Illustrating that the Sonoma Forge design team has paid attention to every last detail is a Foot Wash extension. This piece lowers the spout to the appropriate height for rinsing sandy toes or muddy shoes. There’s also a Spray Head option for foot rinsing, offering users yet another design alternative. Enhancing function while adding to the “rustic chic” decor theme are accessories such as a Hand Shower Sidebar, Clamp Soap Dish, Clamp Hand Shower Bracket and coordinating Floor Drain.
“Although our Exposed Shower Systems have been in favor among designers and homeowners in our niche for some time, we’re constantly looking for innovative and creative ways to improve upon our systems,” said Erik Ambjor, president, Sonoma Forge. “To this end, the additions have taken an already very popular design and made it even more user-friendly and ergonomic for residential and hospitality applications, both indoors and out.”
Ashley Norton
Industrial Bar bath collection from Ashley Norton was inspired by today’s converted lofts and industrial spaces. The new Industrial Bar bath collection exudes a modern rustic look. Though the pieces lean toward the industrial, they’re versatile enough to work with a wide range of design styles. The perfect way to keep a unified look throughout the space, the paper holder, towel rings and towel rails perfectly coordinate with other Ashley Norton hardware offerings. Plus, they’re available in an array of patinas for added personality.
“Though the look leans toward the industrial, the Industrial Bar bath collection’s sleek and modern lines coordinate with virtually any style of decor,” said Avanti Karnani, head of design and marketing, Ashley Norton.
Strasser
Strasser’s hi-tech look of an aluminum medicine cabinet with LED lights. With demand for medicine cabinets rising in every segment of the industry from residential to hospitality, the LED lighting makes this medicine cabinet hi-tech and more user-friendly, ideal for storing and organizing toiletries and other items. Made in the U.S. like all Strasser products, the solid wood medicine cabinets’ mirrors are featured both on the inside and outside of the cabinet. Inside, the interior shelves are made of glass. Available in all 17 Strasser finishes, the versatile wood cabinets are designed to beautifully coordinate with any Strasser bath vanity collection, from traditional to contemporary.
Dezi Home
The Sereniti Series from Dezi Home uses the Zen Philosophy of minimalism to bring a sense of calm to the bath. With precise, geometric lines and gleaming flat surfaces, Sereniti reflects the clean design aesthetic today’s accomplished homeowner seeks. In a hospitality environment, Sereniti helps to bring order to the mind along with the bathroom. At the heart of Sereniti is a sleek rectangular towel bar with a clearly modern essence. Besides standard flush-mounted options (available in 9-, 18-, and 24-in. sizes), the collection includes an innovative horizontally mounted double towel bar. Making an edgy design statement while offering space-saving practicality, the double towel holder was designed especially for smaller spaces. It offers an ideal solution near pedestal sinks and other areas with limited space where hanging two towels can be a challenge.
“Clutter is the architect of stress. Designers know this, and look for accessories like our Sereniti Series to give the bath a clean, organized look and feel,” said Noah Taft, co-founder, Dezi Home. “Straight lines have a calming effect.”
