How the demands of the modern traveller impact on hotel bathroom design
Our co-founder, Craig McKie, recently joined industry colleagues to chat all things bathroom design in a virtual round table: Concept v Reality in Bathroom Specification, courtesy of Hotel Designs. And, with Craig having been shortlisted as Interior Designer of the Year 2021 in their Brit List Awards, we were delighted to take part. So, just why are bathrooms so important in terms of hotel design?
From the millennial adventurer to the business traveller, from wellbeing seeker to bleisure tripper, the hotel bathroom is under increasing pressure to do it all, meet and exceed expectations. So, what are the impacts of traveller demand on hotel and boutique-stay bathrooms in terms of design, functionality and budget?
Bathrooms and washrooms can still be the most difficult room, with the highest expectations
Typically, with a bathroom, it can never just be about the design, however much we want it to be. Travellers increasingly look for design impact from a bathroom, demanding more and more luxurious, spa-style settings, that exceed the standards of their home. With the interior décor standards of the home increasing in high-end luxury all the time, this is a challenge for hotel bathroom designers in staying ahead of trends.
First and foremost, technically things have to be right. The pipework, the water pressure, as dictated by the size and layout of the physical building, will all direct certain elements of the design. Unfortunately, it’s never a case of simply picking the right tile. If only! It’s important to be aware of the technicalities and balance the functions needed from those technical constraints, within the design. For example, brassware choices may be constrained due to the water pressure in the hotel build.
Light, transparency and openness
Particularly with the onset of covid, and the preoccupation with cleanliness, it’s essential that the hotel bathroom and washroom spaces exude transparency in terms of safe cleanliness, while still being a space of comfort, luxury and softness. There’s nothing more impactful on a feeling of wellbeing and lightness than entering a bathroom beset by dark corners and shadowy nooks and crannies.
Ease of cleaning, and for the guest to see immediately, and feel, as if every surface is bright, sparkling and safe, inspires a feeling of security, welcome and the sense of being cared for. The thoughtfully designed hotel bathroom will make this aspect a key priority.
Wellbeing as an aesthetic
Increasingly watchful on their sense of wellness, guests seek designs that strive to make innovative use of space and offer them a holistic experience. The traditional hotel room with the bathroom off to one side and the wardrobe to the other, are making way for more open, multi-use spaces, where, for instance, the bath or shower cubicle is part of the bedroom or living space, with the vanity as a multifunctional ‘in the room’ area. Again, transparency of view and wholeness is a trend not going anywhere anytime soon and it will be the constraints of size and layout of utilities that will remain the challenge for designers in meeting trends while maintaining high efficiency and functionality.
Natural materials and spa ambience
Continuing the theme of wellbeing, consumers register natural materials as desirable quality and essential to a high-end experience. Designers should take note that marble, stone and porcelain can be used at every touchpoint to enhance brand experience and create the feeling of luxury that guests want. The stripped-back-spa look where everything is tactile, accessible and open, paying attention to all of the senses, is of enduring appeal.
Specifying materials for large-scale and bespoke projects
Bespoke bathrooms in a small hotel are likely to be less constrained by a specific budget than if scaling up the same product 300 times for a much larger hotel. Budgets for individual designs can be more flexible, however, the discounts at large volumes will not be available. It’s important to establish the tier of specification when it comes to suppliers and keep in mind, at the same time, the quality required by the hotel brand, and essential elements of health and safety.
It’s no good choosing a tile that doesn’t have the necessary safety rating in slip resistance, however bespoke the design is. Guests and hotel liability can never be put at risk as every reputable designer is aware.
As a designer, everything is specified, and while the bespoke bathroom gives more freedom in terms of design, the standards of material and budget are a consideration, as opposed to the specifying of materials en masse, and in everything, design needs to be governed by the relevant standards of safety.
Ensure your suppliers can ensure consistent quality throughout too, as well as meet the demand where you have high volumes, and be able to source and supply any necessary spare parts. Where large-scale fits need to be consistent, working with reputable, reliable suppliers is crucial.
Safety as brand-DNA
Cascading the safety standards designers gain knowledge of throughout their hotel refits is good practice. Smaller, independent hotels with less resource, look to experts to guide them. As a designer, and bathroom and materials expert. you are equipped with this knowledge and can take care of many areas of compliance for them.
Start with the shower…
The bed and the shower need to be the best they can be. It’s that simple. As far as we know, bathroom designers aren’t responsible for the bed just yet, so focus on the shower experience being as impactful and delightful as possible. Every weary traveller is counting on you. Rainshower, rise and fall bars, consider the options and what works best for the space and utilities layout.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most illuminated of all?
Our insider design tip for impact is always to think about and go for the largest, most aesthetically lit mirror, in keeping with the overall design. Mirrors bestow light and feelings of space, and should never be underestimated for how they can transform space.
A common bug-bear of hotel tooms is a lack of natural light. With LEDs, daylight-style lighting and mirror-face lighting as opposed to directional, make-up application can be made more effortless and those all-important selfies enhanced.
Design choices to reflect the right level of sustainability
We’re back to wellness again and this is where choices by designers and builders alike need to consider the impact on the environment of their choices. Customers look for evidence of due diligence in this area and over the last ten years there’s been a push particularly to reduce water consumption. Hotels may have brand standards on litres per minute for showers and flush capacity of W.C.s all of which need to be taken into account.
Due diligence on supply chains is also essential. Designers should ensure they are comfortable with the sustainability credentials, supply chains, packaging standards, manufacturing processes, transport and labour policies of their suppliers to ensure their working practices are ethical, and if at all possible, progressive. Designers are in a great position, and can do so much, to ensure the end-to-end credibility and integrity of the materials and organisations worked with when it comes to hotel bathroom design.