Accessibility and innovative technologies in one's own four walls
Designs and trends for private bathrooms are changing as bathrooms evolve from functional wet rooms into oases of well-being. In this context, size is not an issue. Even small bathrooms can be luxuriously equipped. The result is a haven where the focus is on personal well-being and care.
Trends also reflect this change. Awareness of sustainability is growing, and this is reflected in the choice of materials. Alongside wood and natural stone, ceramics and glass are also used for their durability and timelessness. A major contribution to sustainability is being made by smart technologies that, thanks to flow restrictors in taps and the admixture of air, reduce both water consumption and costs, making the bathroom the most sustainable room in the whole house or apartment. For manufacturers, the challenge is to optimise water and electricity consumption without impacting on comfort.
Between function and design
The ISH trade fair presents the latest products, trends and innovations for the private bathroom. Although more and more customers are interested in freestanding bathtubs and washbasins for their private bathrooms, open storage areas, countertop washbasins in geometric shapes and individual colours, barrier-free walk-in showers and intelligent toilets are also becoming increasingly popular.
The same applies to new buildings, modernisations, renovations and conversions: accessibility is a must. 93 percent of the German population aged 60 and above live in ‘normal’ apartments and want to continue doing so as long as possible. 82 percent want to live in their own home or at least in an environment with privacy as long as possible and receive care if necessary. Therefore, private individuals are increasingly opting for multigenerational bathrooms that promise maximum self-determination and independence when it comes to personal care in old age or in the event of physical limitations.
Close collaboration between the customer and the planner/installer is particularly important when planning private bathrooms. This is the key to creating rooms that are perfectly tailored to the customer's wishes, needs and the space available, at the same time giving expression to their individuality. With statement products, such as freestanding bathtubs or countertop washbasins in organic shapes and bold colours, planners can create oases of wellness in people's own homes.
Bathrooms are becoming smart
Innovation is not just about superficial changes. Thus, for example, innovative toilets have a water jet that cleans, as well as heated toilet seats and automatic, water-saving flushes that combine hygiene, comfort and sustainability. Radiators blend seamlessly into the room design to create not only a pleasant interior climate but also a place to dry towels.
In the morning, smart mirrors provide information about the weather and the traffic situation on the way to work, while smart control systems regulate the temperature, ventilation and lighting, as well as provide an overview of electricity and water consumption in the bathroom. Even showers are nowadays equipped with smart technology that allows users to control lighting, sounds, aromas and other functions via an app.
ISH features a broad spectrum of exhibitors with the latest products for the bathroom, for example, washbasins, toilets, shower cubicles and screens, bathtubs and shower trays, as well as bathroom furniture, accessories, mixer taps and showers. At the world's leading trade fair for the sector, installers, planners, architects and designers will find products for everyday bathrooms that are anything but everyday.