Revealed: The Future of the Bathroom

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Advancements in technology and changes in consumer attitudes towards the bathroom will dramatically influence product design, development and installation

An independent report into the future of the bathroom by the Future Laboratory has revealed the paradox our bathroom is set to become in ten years time. Commissioned by Europe’s leading bathroom provider, Ideal Standard International, the report looks into the features, products, and services the industry can expect to see in the next decade and the diverse ways in which the bathroom will change going forward.The report has been based on research conducted by The Future Laboratory, which surveyed 1,500 homeowners on their current attitudes and future demands for bathroom solutions as well as the type of technology being developed in response. The research found that consumer attitudes towards shared and private space are changing and that the bathroom of the future will adapt to suit people’s moods and lifestyles.

Ten million people in the UK people say that their work/life balance has suffered as a result of the financial crisis[1]. Four in 10 (41%) UK consumers use the bathroom as a place to relax. The bathroom has become a refuge from the pressures of modern life, ‘a sanctuary and a place to escape’, comments Ideal Standard’s Non-Executive Design Director, Robin Levien.

The Future Laboratory research shows that consumers spend 13 days a year in the bathroom – however, it is the last room in the house to respond to social changes. The advancement of digital technologies is set to affect beauty and grooming rituals, and the way in which consumers manage both our health and the environment around them – and product design and installation will have to adapt to these advancements.

Installation methods, which are common place today, will be a thing of the past as we see bathroom solutions becoming more intelligent, combining storage with products. For example, walls with ‘memories’ and membrane-like materials that allow 3D shapes to be summoned from flat surfaces creating storage and space.

Continued on page two…

[1] According to a survey by Cornwall Development Company

Daniel Fountain / 12.12.2011

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

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Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
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Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
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