The importance of light, colour, form and materials 

  • Distinct shapes and forms, plus the well-balanced use of materials create a calm and structured environment
  • Light and colour can influence the atmosphere in the room
  • Clearly sectioned areas support daily routines

The bathroom is one of the few places that we have all to ourselves. The space where the day begins and where it draws to a close. The way in which we experience this can be determined by the surroundings in which we find ourselves. The shapes, light, materials and colours subtly influence the space creating an atmosphere perceived as being calm, clear or instilling a sense of composure.

Minor rituals can become significant: A moment under warm water or an established routine to start the day can feel different when a bathroom’s design creates an appealing environment in which you enjoy every minute.

Forms & materials

Gentle radii, clear lines and the well-coordinated use of materials and colours contribute to a coherent overall impression. Many current bathroom ranges take up these principles, with organic contours, matt textures and warm tones used to define the character of the design. Designers such as Philippe Starck, Christian Werner or Sebastian Herkner deliberately apply a restrained design idiom which appears well balanced and precise.

Light & colour

Light influences how we perceive a room. For example illumination – bold and bright in the washing area can make you feel alert and awake whilst indirect light conjures up a subdued, calm atmosphere.

Colours reinforce this impression: Warm beige and wood tones can impart a sense of calm; and green shades have a serene effect. Lighter shades make rooms appear more spacious and open. Darker items introduced through furniture or coloured backgrounds provide focal points which can bring stability to a space. 

The bathroom in everyday life

The bathroom is both a calm retreat and the scene of daily use and recurring procedures. The extent to which design influences the way the room is perceived becomes particularly apparent in this context:

When areas are clearly structured and items are arranged in a perfectly orderly fashion, this gives rise to a feeling of calm and dependability for the user. Particularly in the washing area, as a scene of ever recurring procedures, this order provides for a calm environment that supports everyday routines without any fuss.

 

A new approach to bathroom design

Clear forms, well-balanced proportions creating a harmonious effect overall are increasingly coming to the fore in bathroom design. Rooms are being conceived that combine a clear orientation with a pleasant atmosphere. Various bathroom ranges from Duravit show how style of design and patterns of use can be united to create coherent solutions – resulting in bathrooms which are visually compelling whilst exuding calm and harmony. 

Captions:

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Organic form, clear structure: The Zencha washing area by Sebastian Herkner combines the finely curved above-counter washbasin with a large shelf for a neat and tidy look. (Image source: Duravit AG)

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Attractive materiality and structure: Aurena by Antonio Citterio features an above-counter basin, a ceramic console and matt furniture surfaces. Integrated details such as towel rails at the side fit in seamlessly and help to keep the washing area tidy in everyday use. (Image source: Duravit AG)

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Light and transparency: Back-lit glass fronts add well placed light effects on the furniture of the Vitrium range by Christian Werner. They create depth, while the white, round basin and light-coloured surfaces ensure the right balance in the room. (Image source: Duravit AG)

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Bathroom with the look & feel of a living area: White Tulip by Philippe Starck combines light-coloured fronts with striking chrome handles for a gently structured washing area. The warm setting featuring wood and decorative objects lends the room an appealing, homely atmosphere. (Image source: Duravit AG)

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Compact clarity: Tight space with a homely feel. A compact console with above-counter washbasin and a harmoniously positioned mirror from the D‑Neo range by Bertrand Lejoly offers storage and shelf space. The green wall colour instills a sense of composure and creates a relaxed setting. (Image source: Duravit AG)

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Elegance meets restraint. In this c-bonded washing area from the Vitrium range by Christian Werner, the washbasin is seamlessly integrated into the furniture item. Warm colours and back-lit details enhance the elegant overall effect. (Image source: Duravit AG)

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Light and storage space: The mirror cabinet by Duravit combines lighting and storage in a single unit. With a mirrored interior and glass shelves, it keeps everything neat and tidy and provides for pleasant lighting in the washing area. Functional and sedate in appearance. (Image source: Duravit AG)

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Structure and order: Bento Starck Box by Philippe Starck divides the washing area into a wet zone and shelf zones – all in one and the same material. Everyday items are protected and ready to hand, while the clear structure presents a neat and tidy overall appearance. (Image source: Duravit AG)

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Retreat with a view: The L‑Cube washing area by Christian Werner combines clear lines with a dark materiality. The mirror and the outside view open up the room and create depth – a place that exudes a sense of calm and is focused on making you feel at one with the world. (Image source: Duravit AG) 

About Duravit AG

Founded in 1817 in Hornberg in the Black Forest, Duravit AG is today a leading international manufacturer of designer bathrooms and is active in more than 130 countries worldwide. During product development, the complete bathroom supplier’s internal-design team worked hand in hand with a global network of designers such as Cecilie Manz, Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Christian Werner, Sebastian Herkner and Patricia Urquiola. As an energy-intensive company, Duravit AG is aiming to be entirely climate-neutral by 2045 and avoid CO2 offsetting as far as possible.