Bathtime - News, resources and inspiration for bathroom lovers

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Issue #14
December 2011

• Hot Products
  Teknobili Plus Overhead Shower
• In Focus
  Renovators' Peter Mosticone reveals the latest bathroom directions
• Designer Insight
  Daniel Dalla Riva talks bathroom life in brighton
• Refresh to impress
  Tips to create an amazing bathroom on a small budget

Daniel Dalla Riva talks bathroom life in Brighton

Q&A with designer Daniel Dalla Riva

Our newest bathroom life™ showroom recently opened in bayside Brighton in Melbourne so we caught up with designer Daniel Dalla Riva to hear all about the project.

1. You have been involved with the bathroom life™ showrooms since their inception, how have you seen them evolve?
While we felt the original concept was right, we set about ways to enhance the customer experience by creating a more dynamic retail environment, both in terms of aesthetic and function.



The bathroom life™ showrooms have evolved in two key areas. Firstly, with increased customer engagement - inspirational displays, inclusion of vibrancy, texture and warmth into the colour palette, refreshed environmental graphics concept, the inclusion of more ‘memorable moments’ in the customer journey, specifically the ‘inspiration hub'; an intimate central corridor with concept bathrooms, a communal workspace, cafe bar, customer service counter and the working shower display. Secondly, with improved retail functionality - improved customer flow/journey, improved accessibility to information and staff and through incorporating an area dedicated to customer hospitality.

2. In your experience, what are the key considerations when designing retail showrooms?
We believe successful retail design is a science, not art. At 6 Hats our retail design methodologies are underpinned by four pillars; inspiration, innovation, information and navigation. The four pillars allow us to lock into the essence of a brand and its target market to create retail environments that deliver.

3. Any other interesting facts regarding the showroom?
The jewel of the store is the working shower display, an element designed to engage the senses; touch, sight and sound. Strategically located at the rear of the store, the display draws customers into the heart of the showroom like a magnet. Its physical stature and appearance are visually arresting and inspirational, yet entirely functional. There has never been a better way for customers to test and select their new tap and shower wares.

4. Your predictions for the retail store of the future?
In turbulent economic times, the retail world finds itself in a state of flux and adjustment, particularly with the emergence of on-line retailing and social media as a marketing tool. In a physical sense, the retail space has become transient and more fashion driven than ever before. Progressive retail seeks to entertain and engage customers. It challenges them while offering new ideas and product placement in unconventional and unexpected environments. Bathroom consumers are no different to any other. As such, the retail store of the future will need to be smarter, more efficient and packed full of positive experiences.