Issue #04
May 2009

Hansgrohe at ISH

Trends

tap

Future bathroom

ISH is the world’s biggest bathroom and plumbing industry fair held every two years in Frankfurt. Traditionally, it’s one of the key events for forecasting trends in bathroom products and design with manufacturers from around the world showcasing their new and best products.

All the big names were there including Ideal Standard, Alape, Nikles, Teknobili, Whitestone and Hansgrohe. And we were there too, gaining first hand insight into the trends likely to influence the direction of bathroom design in Australia in coming years. And, we can report that some of those trends are happening here already!

We saw a great deal of design variety at ISH 09. Sometimes, a single, dominant trend across products and bathroom design emerges out of ISH that is subsequently picked up by designers and consumers. But this year we saw lots of different styles and approaches.

More colour, shapes and materials

There was a greater use of colours across a range of applications including walling, flooring, furniture and products - most noticeably, tapware with matte white and black featured prominently. We also saw more use of mixed and softer materials including wood, stone and resins that injected warmth and tactility into the bathroom. And there was an eclectic array of shapes with slimmer profiles and curved edges at one end and more natural, organic shapes at the other.

Integration within products was also dominant, particularly in clever and stylish options that combined basin, vanity and storage. Our Mizu Bloc Vanity Unit is a great example of this trend.

Space and “zoning”

We saw plenty of evidence of our continuing love affair with the wet room – the open plan bathroom space where we can enjoy all the elements of the bathroom uninhibited by walls or barriers.

We’ve covered the wet room phenomenon previously in bathtime™ but at ISH we saw an interesting play on it – the emergence of “zoning” – distinctive zones for specific uses whether it be rejuvenation, styling, hygiene, stimulation and even rest. And, yes, bathrooms do appear to be getting bigger to accommodate these multi-functional, zoned bathroom spaces.

Home hotel

In the last issue of bathtime™ we talked about the influence of hotel style luxury on bathroom design. And again, this was very visible at ISH. Whether it be a bathroom complete with soaking tub and one person sauna, or a simple integrated dock for your iPod, people clearly want to escape and indulge in the bathroom.

What was very clear from our experience at ISH is that people are spending more and more time in the bathroom and that we all want a bathroom that reflects our unique lifestyle and personality.

We look forward to seeing how these European trends will be interpreted in Australian bathrooms. Until then, for a quick glimpse into the future, visit one of our bathroom life™ stores for plenty of bathroom innovation and inspiration.


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