QUEO
AND
ARCHITECTURAL
DIGEST
|
THE
ART
OF
BATHING
A
CONDÉ
NAST
INDIA
PUBLICATION
ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST
2 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 3
FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
THROUGHTHE
ARCHITECT’SLENS
Someofthemost
influentialnamesin
interiordesignand
architectureshare
theirinsightsonwhat
ittakestocreatethe
perfectbathingspace.
Usingtheiraesthetics
ascues,ADroundsup
sanitarywareand
faucetsfromQueo’s
FashionCollection.
4
6
8 62
84
106
128
148
158
168
CON teNtS
THERETREAT
ADcreatesfive
indulgentbathroom
settingstoserveas
backdropsforthe
masterpiecesfromthe
FashionCollection.
DESIGNERAPPEAL
TheFashion
Collectionlendsitself
toallstyles,fromrustic
andmonochrometo
smartandmodern.
HALLOFFAME
Meetthe11talented
designersQueo
collaborateswithto
createahostof
productsinthe
FashionCollection.
FASHIONFORWARD
Acomprehensive
showcaseoftheentire
FashionCollection—
bathingsolutionsthat
fusehigh-quality
materialsandintricate
craftsmanship.
ISLEOFCALM
Aline-upofsomeof
thebestdesigned
bathroomsfromthe
worldover,bythe
biggestnamesin
thebusiness.
APASSAGE
THROUGHTIME
Wetravelbackintime
totakealookatsome
ofthemostbeautiful
Europeanbathrooms
throughhistory.
STOCKISTS
AlistingofQueo
ExperienceCentres
andSales
Representatives—
aswellasother
productsfeatured.
THE ART OF BATHING | 5
F-Misura over-the-counter basin 600mm and
F-Misura wall mounted single lever basin mixer for
concealed installation (Chrome), Queo.
Soap, Kama Ayurveda. ‘Sea Shell’ marble soap dish,
Good Earth. Wooden vase, Red, Blue & Yellow.
‘Rivet’ rectangular mirror, Thelohasmith.com.
An oasis. A sanctuary. An ode to one’s personal style sensibility.
The bathroom is the one space in a home that demands perfection. Elements of decor that
regularly go unnoticed in a living room are conspicuous in the solitary confines of the bathroom.
Ergo, your aesthetic, your design decisions are more pronounced here than anywhere else.
The contemporary bathroom is driven by design and technology—where comfort and delight
are as essential as form. Ease of use, efficiency, ergonomics and durability remain of paramount
importance—with finishes, trends, aesthetics, palettes, technology and environmental
considerations also gaining prominence.
Today, homeowners everywhere consider seamless functionality and a high emotional
expression as the epitome of good bathroom design. This is why we have consciously selected
products in the Queo portfolio to suit a spectrum of aesthetics while reflecting the minimalistic
indulgence that represents our design philosophy—‘Less is more. Simple is opulent.’
It isn’t just the physical dimensions and tangible objects that gain prominence in a Queo-
accoutred bathroom; the focus is as much on the intangible, ethereal nature of the space.
This book is an overview of how our products exemplify these principles in the modern
bathroom. Designed by acclaimed European designers and manufactured in Italy, Queo
products pair the best European concepts with modernity and employ the finest-quality
materials to create what we call ‘bath lounges’.
Our luxury offerings include colour therapy, walk-in showers, body jets and a host of technology-
driven products. Vibrant shades, finishes, motifs—the Queo palette plays not just with colours,
but also textures and materials to appeal to different sensibilities. For some, the bold designs
of the F-Courbe or F-Morwen collections might catch their eye—while others’ interests might
be piqued by the therapeutic pottery of the Le Forme collection. From nature, to art and even
technology—whatever your focus, the Queo portfolio has been designed to provide an answer.
This book, then, is not just an expression of the diversity of our offerings, but our endeavour to
show you, our discerning customer, the perfection we strive to attain at Queo. Because, like we
said, bathrooms are spaces that demand it.
Sandip Somany is the vice chairman and managing director of HSIL Ltd
Foreword by Sandip Somany
THE ART OF BATHING | 7
So, what does your bathroom look like?
Not words you’d imagine as a scintillating conversation starter in polite company,
but they are most certainly fitting. Because the infusion of technology and high
design into said space has caused a dramatic, radical change in that kind of
thinking, leading us all to this point—to create a book on ‘The Art of Bathing’.
Two concepts that are seemingly disconnected find common ground in this
collaboration between Queo and AD. Bathrooms have led a colourful, chequered
life—from being lavishly extravagant to ‘for sanitation purpose only’ zones, to now
being cool (and really smart).
This book provided us with the opportunity to wade into deep waters to
decode the art of bathing. Because let’s face it, a brand with as iconic a range
of faucets, fixtures and assorted sanitaryware as Queo would certainly be in an
enviable position to hold forth on the subject. If you are the kind to fixate on
details (Should my water closet be tech-savvy? Is my gold-finished bathtub glam
enough? Are bidets trending?), then Queo weighs in with its Fashion Collection,
running the gamut of designer chic, from artistic, conceptual sanitaryware to
nature-inspired products—but all luxurious. And you even get a look at the
select designers in the Hall of Fame who found a way to combine function with
innovation and imagination in their creations. If that weren’t enough, also we’ve
got India’s leading architects and interior designers—from Vinita Chaitanya and
Ravi Vazirani to Madhav Raman and Shabnam Gupta—to offer their perspective
on the topic. And some must-see recommendations for design inspiration: fixtures
and faucets that reflect a design aesthetic you might like to emulate. Just to begin
with. We have also scoured beautifully designed homes from across the world
for some inventively crafted bathrooms, and discovered some truly architectural
masterpieces from days gone by.
This book is an anthology of interesting solutions and rife with inspiration. Read it
at leisure, while you luxuriate in your bubble bath.
And seriously, do tell—what does your bathroom look like?
Introduction
F-Morwen wall mounted bidet; F-Morwen water closet;
Orca single lever bidet mixer; I-Plate flush plate; F-Courbe
towel holder 60mm; F-50 free-standing bathtub; Orca
tall single lever floor standing bath and Orca shower
mixer; Queo.
‘Bamboo Trellis’ (W065D3NTY75) wallpaper, Nilaya.
Painting by Yashwant Deshmukh, Blue Loft. ‘D1790/2A’
curtains from the Samsara collection, Dreams Furnishings.
Cotton towel from the Roman Bath collection, Surprise
Home Linen. ‘Flame of the Forest’ light, Viya Home. ‘Winter
Asha’ rug, Shyam Ahuja. ‘Lucite’ side table, Blue Loft.
All-in-one body gel, MUJI. ‘Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star
Anise’ and ‘Orange & Bergamont’ bodywash, Molton Brown.
8 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 9
ZubinZainuddin&KrupaZubin
ZZARCHITECTS
RaviVazirani
VinitaChaitanya
PRISM
RajivSaini
SachinBandukwala
&MelissaSmith
BANDUKSMITHSTUDIO
IqrupDhamija
MadhavRaman
ANAGRAMARCHITECTS
PhirosaNeterwala
NETERWALA&AIBARAINTERIOR
ARCHITECTS
ShabnamGupta
THEORANGELANE
GeorgeSeemon
STAPATI
KohelikaKohli
K2INDIA
SunuAibara
NETERWALA&AIBARAINTERIOR
ARCHITECTS
AnkurChoksi
STUDIOLOTUS
THE ART OF BATHING | 000
10 | THE ART OF BATHING
Sensorial, pure and sublime—that is what the ideal
bathroom aspires to be. It’s a space of comfort and,
these days, can be considered to be an extension
of one’s lifestyle. And in many ways, these are also
spaces that are reflective of us as designers.
Bathrooms are probably the first rooms that we
tackle when we start working on the design direction
of a project; given the services that are packed into
these spaces, we find it best to resolve them at the
early stages of designing a home. Be it ‘timeless
simplicity’ or ‘indulgent opulence’, a theme helps
us to create a bespoke space that is defined down
to the minutest detail. A bathroom is, effectively, a
congregation of utilities and aspiration, but beyond
anything else, it needs to feel personal to the user.
We love playing with form and layout, but finally, this
space needs to be timeless.
The bathrooms are among the first few designs that we reveal to our clients. As we have created
some truly unique bathrooms, they clearly have come to expect certain standards from us. We
therefore believe it’s important to take it up a notch with every new project—either in terms of
planning, material schemes, selecting interesting sanitaryware or storage allocation. One has to
start by defining clear functions. In larger bathrooms, one can incorporate some interesting features
such as steam cubicles and whirlpool tubs. Ideally, one should allocate a large footprint for the
shower (be sure to use a well-defined shower and good fittings). If space permits, a bench within
this space is also a practical addition. The sensory element of finishes and fixtures—how they feel
and look with their colour tones, outlines and grooves—can make a big difference to a space; as does
incorporating appropriate technology, such as music and lighting.
Stones like limestone, granite and marble are among our favourite
materials to work with. They are timeless and add character to
spaces. Metal finishes, like brass, in combination with stone and
wood, for instance, give us a variety to choose from. Apart from the
visual aspects, a good ventilation and exhaust system is a must. And
adding candles and fragrances will create that spa-like atmosphere.
Bathrooms today are a visual and experiential extension of the
home, and they will only evolve into more exciting spaces, with
fittings becoming more artistic, easy-to-use and fun to experience.
Bathrooms need not stay hidden behind closed doors anymore.
ZUBIN ZAINUDDIN
& KRUPA ZUBIN OF
ZZ ARCHITECTS
“Thesensory
elementoffinishes
andfixtures—how
theyfeelandlook—
canmakeabig
differenceto
aspace.”
12 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 13
SOPHISTICATED APPEAL
To infuse your bathroom with a sensory touch, use sanitaryware from the Le Forme
collection designed by Italian architect-cum-designer Fabrizio Batoni. Available in
Matte White, Matte Black, Grey Bromine and Beaver shades, the water closets,
bidets and over-the-counter basins steer away from clean linear lines that define
sanitary ceramics by introducing the geometry of concentric circles that appear
as ceramic grooves inspired by sand dunes. Every creation is designed as a
centrepiece for your bath space and accentuated with a matte finish to add
a dramatic flair.
GET THE LOOK
14 | THE ART OF BATHING
I find bathrooms to be the most exciting spaces to
design, probably because of the time I spend in mine,
standing under the shower. I think a bathroom is
typically where you spend some of your most private,
intimate moments—a sanctuary for some personal
mind space. It’s also the place where I do some of my
best thinking.
Lotsoffactorsneedtobeconsideredwhendesigning
a bathroom, from the layout to the number of people
using it. But first and foremost, basic design principles
need to applied to make sure the layout is effective
and ergonomic. And in its design, cohesiveness, too,
becomes subjective—just because a certain area of
the house has a theme doesn’t necessarily mean the
bathroom has to be an extension of it. More than the
idea of achieving cohesive design, thoughtful design,
according to me, is more important.
I personally enjoy creating bathroom spaces that have a certain sense of calm. Considering most of
my projects are within India, a land where natural resources like marble and other stones are easily
accessible, I prefer using natural materials over synthetic tiles, but then again, that’s not written
in stone. Sometimes, I let the space define the material. I like to incorporate drama through small
elements and as finishing touches—the contrast of an industrial faucet to a clean sink; the play of vivid
colours; simple yet striking finishes; brass fixtures over white or grey stone; interesting mirrors. While
it may be great to have an over-patterned floor the first few months, that can get rather repetitive. It’s
a bathroom, and it’s going to be exposed to tremendous moisture.
So always choose materials that age well. I wouldn’t recommend a
micro concrete or an epoxy floor, because they won’t withstand the
abrasion and will wear out. However, if it’s a powder room, you can
let go and have some fun. Clients, too, are now responding to the
aesthetic aspect. They are consuming it in various ways and, thus,
justifiably demand it when it comes to their personal spaces. For
instance, many more homeowners now request steam options in the
shower cubicle, or ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ washbasins.
Life today has become hectic and stressful. And if you have the
ability to indulge, you should enjoy the luxury and comfort that a
well-designed bathroom affords; you’ve certainly earned it.
RAVI VAZIRANI
“Iliketo
incorporate
dramathrough
smallelements—
thecontrastofan
industrialfaucet
toacleansink.”
16 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 17
RAW DEAL
Understated yet distinctive, the ergonomic faucets from the
F-Misura collection are ideal for a touch of industrial style
and create a stark but striking focal point in the modern bath
space. Conceived by Italian industrial designer Antonio Bullo,
this range includes basin mixers, bath and shower mixers and
four-way diverters for concealed and exposed installations.
Excitingly, the creations are available in vibrant colours and
various finishes across a choice of shades including Chrome,
Brushed Dark Nickel, Matte White, Chrome Black, Matte
Black, and gold variants. The process of Automised Disposition
ensures that their colours stay intact.
GET THE LOOK
18 | THE ART OF BATHING
From homes with a modern Indian aesthetic and
contemporary apartments in high-rise buildings to a
Spanish hacienda and an Islamic-style villa—50 per
cent of the homes that I am currently designing are
over 15,000 square feet. This easily amounts to four
or five bedrooms with powder rooms, making it six to
seven bathrooms in each home. Each bathroom has
to be unique, while ensuring continuity of the design
aesthetic within the home. Now imagine the range
of ideas and designs that bathrooms in each house
would require.
This perhaps offers an understanding of the
significance of luxurious bathrooms in homes today.
And that is, in no small measure, due to our clients.
They have a precise idea about what they have come
to expect from these spaces. In fact, some of my
clients today also have a spa within the bathroom or
attached to their toilets. Balancing form and function remains the mainstay, before we move into
the aesthetics. Our emphasis remains on customization according to client requirements, which are
unique to every project, and meticulous detailing. Drama and glamour are integral to our approach
to design, and are achieved through accents such as an inlaid wall panel or through mirrors and
washbasins. Our contemporary homes, while modern and clean-lined, are balanced with glamorous
artist collections in the choice of washbasins, or with metallic fixtures. I may even opt to do a space
with a Moroccan vibe or rustic Spanish tiles. We recently created a beautiful basin with a solid five-
foot square block of yellow travertine.
Another thing I like to incorporate in bathrooms are ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ zones, showcased either
in washbasin counters or water-closet areas. One of my current designs includes dual ‘His’ and
‘Hers’ shower zones, as well as ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ bath linen, laundry
and toiletry spaces. I’ve even added small touches like foot stones
so homeowners can massage their feet.
When it comes to materials, I like mixing tile and stone. Semi-
precious inlays on areas like countertops or accent panels, natural
stones with their grains and unique colours are perfect for that
dramatic touch. I prefer non-skid materials for my older clients.
Lighting is extremely important too; there’s chromotherapy in
showers, skylights for natural lights, sensors in water-closet areas
and under basin counters.
We spend a lot of time detailing these spaces now, but when we
design, form and function take precedence—always.
VINITA CHAITANYA
OF PRISM
“Dramaand
glamourare
integraltoour
approachto
designandare
achievedthrough
[small]accents...” PHOTO:
LUCKY
MALHOTRA
THE ART OF BATHING | 21
GLAM QUOTIENT
Opt for Queo’s Chryseum collection if you’re looking to inject
your bathroom with decorative luxury and a touch of glamour.
The Chryseum F-Lavabo range of over-the-counter basins
are designed by Sandro Meneghello and Marco Paolelli and
illustrate diamond and rectangle patterns over the outer surface
in ridges and troughs that are inspired by fabric warping and
quilting techniques. Masterpieces in geometric elegance and
made with a 24-carat gold finish, the showering solutions from
the Chryseum collection come equipped with mist, curtain-, full-,
centre-rain functions and a temperature control mechanism.
GET THE LOOK
22 | THE ART OF BATHING
An element of introspection, serenity and silence is
inextricably linked with the idea of the bathroom.
It is your most intimate space, where you connect
with yourself and find an opportunity to disconnect
from the outside world. The bathroom is an intensely
private space meant to be experienced on a sensory
level, but the idea for it springs from a completely
rational perspective: understanding the lifestyle and
requirements of the person using it. For me, these
spaces should be reflective and serene—evoking a
sense of calmness. This is something I endeavour to
achieve in all my projects.
Natural light and ventilation are always welcome in
any bathroom, and I also pay special attention to the
manner in which artificial lighting is planned in these
spaces. I try to introduce lighting that is not harsh—so
I use a lot of coves, uplighters and lamps (if space
permits). I prefer using downlighters or spotlights only in areas where required, always keeping them
on a separate circuit.
Personally, I prefer en-suite bathrooms to have a light and fresh feel (dark, dramatic materials
and spaces are great for powder rooms), and start designing by identifying the material palette. This
normally ends up being a natural stone or marble (no tiles for me), combined with the use of wood.
The wide variety of choices available these days—for stoneware and chinaware, and faucet and
shower fittings—allows for a high degree of refinement in the design of these spaces. Technology that
leads to an enhanced experience is always welcome, as long as it is kept discreet.
While designing a home, it’s important
for me that the aesthetic of the bathroom
resonates with the rest of the house. Moving
from one room to another, irrespective of
its function, should be seamless, and every
space in the house should express a unifying
design language.
Whilst choosing materials, colours and
textures, go for those that bring an element of
timelessness. In bathroom design particularly,
this gains significance, not just because the
space doesn’t lend itself to constant change,
but also because it’s a personal sanctuary—
where your focus turns inward and the world
outside is seemingly put on hold.
RAJIV SAINI
Forme,thesespacesshouldbe
reflectiveandserene—evokinga
senseofcalmness.Personally,Iprefer
en-suitebathroomstohavealightand
freshfeel...andstartdesigningby
identifyingthematerialpalette.
PHOTO:
ASHISH
SAHI
THE ART OF BATHING | 25
GROUNDBREAKING
To create an unconditional minimalistic
ambience, incorporate unorthodox textures with
unusual fixtures and fittings. And the F-Concept
collection of ceramic sanitaryware makes
the ideal accompaniment. Created by Italian
sculptor and designer Franco Valeri and his
daughter Chiara, the collection of basins, bidets
and a water closet is defined by soft shapes and
thin lines that resemble the curves seen
in sculptures. The smooth design is created
using high quality materials and superior
craftsmanship, making for an eclectic array
of bathware.
GET THE LOOK
26 | THE ART OF BATHING
In a natural environment, materials ‘breathe’ fresh air
and look beautifully weathered in the light. Bringing
that sense of freshness into the bathrooms in our
homes should be the foremost consideration when
it comes to designing these spaces. Conceived
primarily with hygiene at the centre, bathrooms
generally use glazed tiles and non-porous materials
for surfaces, and maintain functional water supply
and drainage systems. However, while this artificial
environment serves its purpose, a more organic
experience could be embedded in the act of bathing.
Standing under a waterfall, or being near water, could
augment it, bringing us back to nature, or as close as is
possible, through natural finishes and elegant water-
discharging devices. Still, the starting point remains
centred on hygiene and cleanliness—no corner of
a bathroom should be unreachable and no surface
should be less clean than a stone just washed by a river.
Volume, temperature, texture and touch of water can calm a stressed body, and renew it at
the start of the day. And it is the quality of light, whether natural or artificial, that enhances or
contradicts these effects, by way of creating a particularly unique condition of bathing among
exquisite materials. And the studio works with many—natural stones, handmade and machine-made
ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles, glass, wood, laminated marine ply, terrazzo, waxed IPS, and also brass
and copper surfaces with steel components.
Good design is unrestricted by scale or budget. In every bathroom we design, irrespective of
scale, the key elements are always functional organization, and the experience of light and water.
Our range of bathroom spaces spans the gamut; the smallest is a mere 3 by 5 feet, while the biggest
private bathroom is 11 by 28 feet. Though the tiny space was
best served by focusing on functions with perfect devices
and good lighting, it was easy to go beyond and create an
experience centred on light, textures and top-of-the-line
equipment.
In this context, today’s advanced technology can enhance
the possibilities present in bathroom design. It creates
new options and allows for a wide variety of experiences,
evolving so that state- of-the-art innovations simply feel
natural, while the nuts, bolts, sensors, and lasers support a
more-than-natural condition as they hide in plain sight.
SACHIN BANDUKWALA
& MELISSA SMITH OF
BANDUKSMITHSTUDIO
“...today’sadvanced
technologycanenhance
thepossibilitiesin
bathroomdesign,[and
allow]foravariety
ofexperiences...”
PHOTO:
NEVILLE
SUKHIA
THE ART OF BATHING | 29
TECH READY
Queo’s F-Automode, F-iTouch and Smartap with
Alexa collections are in equal parts technologically
advanced and glam-forward. The automated
electronic water closet, from the F-Automode,
offers one-touch cleansing, and other functions to
adjust water direction, pressure and temperature.
The F-iTouch ‘Digital Thermostat’ is an intuitive
thermostatic remote that gives you complete
control on the shower. Smartap gives you full
control of your showering experience with a
smartphone app, voice commands via an Amazon
Echo or manual digital controllers.
GET THE LOOK
30 | THE ART OF BATHING
It may be small in size, but this does not mean that
a bathroom cannot be big on style. Bathrooms have
moved on from their functional origins and become
definitive luxurious retreats. As the role of the
bathroom has changed, so has the time and priority
given to creating the perfect space. Continuously
evolving trends have inspired great diversity towards
minimalist bathroom design featuring slim lines
and neutral palettes. There are now numerous fun
materials, geometric shapes, colours and products
to experiment with, and new technologies and
state-of-the-art fittings to create spa-like spaces to
relax, rejuvenate and indulge in. We always start
with understanding the homeowners’ personalities
and requirements. There are a number of details
to consider when it comes to selecting materials,
fixtures and cabinetry—so it’s important to plan well
and consider how a space will be used to achieve better depth and balance.
Before any style decisions can be made, though, you need to plan the layout of the bathroom.
Figure out the placement and the flow, then think about storage. Ideally use a mix of concealed and
open storage; store away things that need to be hidden and display beautiful objects or toiletries.
Then focus on lighting, from decorative sconces and backlighting for mirrors to mood lighting, for a
soothing atmosphere.
You should never be afraid to use a bold, statement pattern, even in a small space, but your choices
depend on the aesthetic you want to achieve. The classic, simple and timeless add to a period-style
setting; everything from the panelling to the flooring should be cohesive with a classically designed
house. An ornate bathroom mirror or artwork, as well as some classic cabinetry will ensure a classic
look; we favour interesting marbles and period-style fittings. A classic bathroom absolutely calls for
a free-standing tub. If space permits, make it more intimate: furnish it with an armchair, a rug, maybe
even a wooden towel stand. On the other hand, for a modern home,
we might choose terrazzo tiles, use natural timber and stone, ensure
ample natural light and accent the space with plants. In fact, in a
Greek-style beach villa in Goa we are working on, we’ve opted for
materials like stone and white cement to echo traditional Cycladic
architecture. Another useful thing to consider is colour-matching
bathroom tiles or marble with bathroom furniture; it completes the
look and creates the illusion of space.
Regardless of the style you opt for, don’t ever underestimate the
design potential of your bathroom; and most importantly, have fun
planning and designing the space.
IQRUP DHAMIJA
“Continuously
evolvingtrends
haveinspiredgreat
diversitytowards
minimalist
bathroomdesign...”
PHOTO:
UMA
DAMLE
THE ART OF BATHING | 33
SHADESOFMINIMALISM
Add depth and symmetry to the bathroom
by opting for the F-Novella series of versatile
bathware from Queo. The collection is an
exercise in the minimalist tradition of seeing
less but getting more, owing to its all-white
palette and clean lines, making it ideal to play
with a one-colour scheme for varied layers
and textures in a bath area. Created by Italian
designer Romano Adolini, the collection of
sanitaryware consists of over- and under-the-
counter basins as well as a water closet.
GET THE LOOK
34 | THE ART OF BATHING
The act of bathing, in fact, ablutions of any kind,
is about more than just daily hygiene. While it is
highly private and individually habitual, bathing has
been variously therapeutized, communalized—even
ritualized. From serving as moments of repose and
seclusion to sustaining social interactions, such as at
a spa or a gym, the recuperative benefits of bathing
serve the entire gamut of experience. As a canvas
of design, I think bathrooms offer an opportunity
to elementally and sensuously connect cleansing,
rejuvenation and comfort with water, light, nature,
texture and colour.
Bathing has historically attested to the evolution
of a civilization, with elaborate public or communal
baths having been built in societies at their zenith. In
India, bathrooms went from outside homes, to being
assimilated within a residence, and finally transforming
into spaces of luxury and great design. Now, they allow for experiments with layouts and materiality
in a bid to offer experiences of comfort, convenience, and the exotic and eclectic.
While planning a bathroom, the homeowners’ lifestyles and behaviours are important to gauge the
fluidity with which the ensuite merges with the bedroom. This includes looking into hygiene routines,
grooming and dressing habits, privacy requirements and time spent within the space. Exploring these
should evolve innovative and effective layouts with segregated wet, semi-dry and dry areas. While a lot
can be achieved with top-quality lights and HVAC, the effect of abundant natural light and ventilation
is hard to replace. It’s also a good idea to experiment with surfaces—look to render wall and floor
surfaces in monolithic finishes and contrast it with metallic bathroom fittings. Surfaces can now be
rendered with polymer-based materials that allow waterproof finishes to extend seamlessly from floor
tocountertowalltoceiling.Softertexturesandfluidcurvesshouldbeconsideredoverhardceramicor
stone finishes. Planning and lighting mirrors in bathrooms is quite critical; at least one full-length mirror
is absolutely necessary.
Technology, too, is becoming ubiquitous in bathrooms, going
beyond waterworks into digital, audio-visual, immersive and
interactive experiences. Even as you populate the bathroom with
mod cons (modern conveniences), don’t lose sight of the forest for
the trees. Habitual behaviour and optimum water consumption must
dictate design decisions; neglecting them is the reason that many a
redundant Jacuzzi and multi-nozzle shower cubicle have met with
unceremonious roadside abandonment. The true potential of a
bathroom, however, is in being a space that fuses form and function
and is transportive in terms of experience.
MADHAV RAMAN OF
ANAGRAM ARCHITECTS
“Softertexturesand
fluidcurvesshould
beconsideredover
hardceramicor
stonefinishes.”
PHOTO:
URVASHI
KAUL
KHURANA
36 | THE ART OF BATHING
SOFT CURVES
The F-Courbe collection of basins and water
closets was conceived by Japanese designer
Oki Sato. Beautifully resembling coiled ribbons
that act more as a boundary confining water than
as an actual basin, the eclectic and ingenious
creations don’t overlook functionality and are
accentuated with sleek metallic finishes, including
gold and platinum. Soft shapes and fluid curves
underpin the design ethos of this collection, ideal
for recreating a soft, striking focal point in the
modern bathroom.
GET THE LOOK
38 | THE ART OF BATHING
A bathroom is a place for ‘me’ time, a space where
one goes to unwind and reflect. Bathrooms should
be simple and soothing, tending towards a monotone
palette, with clean lines, easy maintenance, less
materials and light colours. That is the approach
we take when it comes to designing bathrooms. At
present, all the bathrooms that we have worked
on follow a more straight-lined aesthetic. Minimal,
clean lines, the use of a limited colour palette
(white bathroom sanitary fixtures), limited material
usage (more marble than any other), multi-function
showers and automated lighting, large mirrors and
glass wardrobes—if you are looking for a bathroom
space with clean contemporary profiles, these are
the elements that you need to achieve through
your design.
Bathroom design has evolved from being
predominantly about function over form to an equal relationship between the two aspects,
balancing the aesthetic and the utilitarian nature of these spaces. Taken in the context of the
design of a home, it should match the rest of the spaces and flow as part of the home, just as
the design flows effortlessly from room to room. For instance, we like to combine dressing areas
to the master bathroom with enclosed and open wardrobes. Having said that, I do believe that
powder rooms can achieve a completely different look and display a
definitive wow factor.
When it comes to functionality, the minutest of details must be taken
into account—from the storage locations to the planning of the water
closet and shower, from the height of the plumbing to its location as
you enter each space, and the best wall for the shower fittings so that
you do not get wet right up to the point that you step under the water.
But beyond everything else, the focus, while designing a bathroom,
must be on relaxation and ease of use. It is, after all, a space meant
for contemplation, for getting to know yourself better—a space that
invites you in and makes you want to unwind.
PHIROSA NETERWALA
OF NETERWALA
& AIBARA INTERIOR
ARCHITECTS
PHOTO:
MAXIE
COOPER
“Thefocus,while
designinga
bathroom,mustbe
onrelaxationand
easeofgetting
ready.”
40 | THE ART OF BATHING
SPA-CATION
Create a fuss-free ambience that allows total
relaxation by extending your green thumb and
adding F-Acqua shower solutions, which are
perfect to soothe all your senses. The ‘Cascade
Overhead Shower’ seen here comes equipped
with three functions (cascade spread, rain and
massage). The wide selection of adjustable jets
that come with the F-Acqua Body Jets range
offer a spa-style massage at home.
GET THE LOOK
42 | THE ART OF BATHING
As the world of design turns, evolves and undergoes
transformations, bathroom interiors, too, have left
behindtheirlaid-backtraditions,changingdramatically
in recent decades. They have evolved from simple,
white-tiled, sanitized spaces into personal retreats
and at-home spas. There is a certain boldness now in
experimenting with diverse concepts.
I strongly believe that there needs to be a conscious
effort for the overall design of a home to flow into the
washroom space as well. A bathroom is no longer an
isolated chamber meant for private sanitation. Today,
it is a wellness zone that encompasses entertainment
and serves as a space where people can loosen
up and unwind. I try to understand what the space
demands and what it is telling us to do. I believe
that providing comfort is a vital part in designing a
bathroom. It’s not just about the aesthetics; we aim to
achieve absolute functionality as well. The freedom of movement in a bathroom space is important
and adds a new kind of user quality to it. A lot of elements go into creating great bathrooms;
for instance, getting natural light into a space while maintaining
privacy is extremely important. I like to incorporate landscape into
these spaces, as a natural extension of bringing in an element of
the outdoors into the home. I am heavily inspired by nature and its
forms, shapes and colours, which, in synergy with traditional arts
and crafts, play a significant role in shaping my designs. Since the
inclusion of patterns and shapes requires a neutral backdrop, the
choice of stone should be monotone, and the mix-and-match of
materials should be controlled so as to accentuate the pattern.
I personally enjoy going all out when it comes to designing
bathroom spaces—and to ensure they reflect my love for nature.
This could be showcased in a number of ways: a hand-painted
floral artwork on the ceiling in the dry areas, the use of concrete with stamping using actual
leaves and stone engravings with dragonfly and leaf motifs are some ways we incorporate nature
in multiple materials.
There is a lot more to a washroom than being a space that houses a water closet and a washbasin.
The challenge lies in transforming a predominantly functional space into a zone that exudes leisure
and ease—and being able to achieve this through design excites me as a designer.
SHABNAM GUPTA
OF THE
ORANGE LANE
“Iliketo
incorporate
landscapeinto
thesespaces,by
bringinginan
elementofthe
outdoors.”
PHOTO
COURTESY
THE
ORANGE
LANE
44 | THE ART OF BATHING
NATURE INSPIRED
Simulate the natural landscape indoors, with
the F-Florette basin that illustrates gorgeous
blooms on the inside. The creations are
available in rectangular or round shapes in
red or blue variants. The floral patterns on the
basins are created using a mesh and stencil,
where ink is transferred manually.
GET THE LOOK
46 | THE ART OF BATHING
Clients today are extremely aware about what
they want. And what everyone wants is a well
-designed, aesthetically appealing space. Bathrooms
are no exception.
Bathrooms have charted a dramatic trajectory from
their early days as sanitized, standardized bright
white spaces made when wall-mounted fixtures
were unheard of and people hadn’t woken up to the
merit of cubicles. Now, the concern is well beyond
just utilitarian. It’s also about space segregation,
personalizing the area and making a modern
design statement.
Bathroom design should have some common
element with the rest of the house—be it in terms of
colour, design language or architectural style, within
which you can change the materials. Personally, I like
bathrooms to be minimalist—not stark, but warmer.
Opt for clutter-free spaces, straight lines, geometric shapes, clever segregation and minimal materials
with a few accents, like a shower wall in a different pattern. I tend to use natural materials in larger
format spaces, like farmhouses where there are people to take care of them. But in city homes, often
the demand of durability require using artificial materials. For added elegance in the space, add an
interesting chandelier, brass or metal inlays or get a little creative with your vanity.
But everything must start with function and storage. Everything that you need within the bathroom
serves a purpose—the vanity, water closet, shower, and so on. The measure of a successful bathroom
becomes apparent not when you hand it over to a client, but when, after some time has passed, you
walk through the space and see an efficient layout without clutter. So it’s important to take these
smaller details into consideration, which, if neglected, could ruin the entire look of a bathroom, no
matter how stunning the design. Then there is the layout. The vanity
should be the first thing you see when you enter, as opposed to the
water closet, which should be avoided, so it’s not in the immediate
line of sight.
Good ventilation is imperative, abundant natural light, great
(preferably ambient) night-time lighting and a well-lit vanity (avoid
overhead lighting here to prevent shadows being cast on your face)
round up the requirements of a well-designed bathroom.
The bathroom is a space one wakes up to and the last space
one sees before going to bed. So, creating the right mood, where
function balances the aesthetic, is not just a luxury, but a necessity—
to start and end your day on a great note.
GEORGE SEEMON
OF STAPATI
“Creatingthe
rightmood,
wherefunction
balancesthe
aesthetic,isnot
justaluxury,but
anecessity.”
48 | THE ART OF BATHING
A BALANCING ACT
Conceived by Italian designer Giancarlo, the
F-Marquis basin collection is a beautiful ode
to geometry, modern minimalism and nature’s
lushness. The basins combine two distinct
shapes, a circle and square, to showcase
design that’s unique as well as functional.
The best part is every ceramic basin can be
embedded in the counter itself.
GET THE LOOK
50 | THE ART OF BATHING
I recall my mother, [interior designer Sunita Kohli],
mentioning how, as a child, she did not have the
advantage of a water closet, having to make do with
teak thunderboxes. She said, “In bathrooms like ours,
we had Czechoslovakia-made white-enamelled pots
rather than tin ones. For bathing, we used brass
buckets and lotas. Showers and plastic buckets and
mugs came later.” We have come a long way since
then. People have evolved, as have their design
sensibilities. With homeowners becoming more clued
into the design of their homes, the emphasis on well-
designed bathrooms has also increased.
Bathrooms are altogether separate entities and
can actually take on their own design language. A
bathroom can be just functional, or super-sexy. Other
than the framework of the selected fixtures and
fittings, the canvas is wide open to interpretation.
Much depends on what the end user wants and his or her daily routine. Apart from context being
critical—is it for an apartment, a bungalow, a restaurant or a public space?—client requirements, their
needs and desires, must be considered right from the outset, particularly when it is a home, and
especially for an en-suite bathroom. It must be first determined whether it will be used by one or
two persons and their preferences. It is a personal and private space, so it should be comfortable
and chic, yet fully utilitarian. The spatial planning, in terms of the square footage to be dedicated
to bathrooms, will evolve once those aspects are understood. Many people also follow vastu
principles when planning the space. The locations of fittings and fixtures are critical to the final
layout. Then comes selecting the right ones. Post this, one starts to add on the tonality and textures.
But in all this planning, client needs and the usability of the space
take precedence.
Lighting has always been key for me; it is the last element that
makes the change. Fortunately, today, with dimmer systems, most
lighting can be controlled and made to adapt to the colours and
textures used. So a carefully considered architectural lighting layer
is imperative. One should also ensure that it allows for some future
planning; this enables a few different circuits at a later date.
People look for comfort in their bathroom spaces, but also like
them to look beautiful, appealing and evocative, which is what every
designer should work towards. Good design, after all, increases
one’s sense of well-being and mental equilibrium.
KOHELIKA KOHLI
OF K2INDIA
“Lightinghas
alwaysbeenkey
forme;itisthe
lastelementthat
makesthe
change.”
THE ART OF BATHING | 53
LIGHTUP
Don’t shy away from incorporating lighting in
unconventional spaces in the bathroom for a
unique look. The F-Clair collection of bath/
shower and basin mixers makes a compelling
case. The mixers combine a minimalistic design
with an LED cartridge to generate coloured light.
The light changes colour according to the water
temperature, from cold blue to hot red.
GET THE LOOK
54 | THE ART OF BATHING
It’s the one really personal space in a home. A private
zone symbolic of your time off from everything and
everyone, a space that lets others know that you are
simply not available to anyone else. That idea of a
bathroom leads to a thought process that elevates
it to the role of a special, albeit extremely private
space. It therefore follows that a space as intimate
as a bathroom needs to appeal to all senses. From
the light to the smell to the feeling—it calls for an
immersive, sensory experience. Your eyes take in the
light, layout and materiality, your nose breathes in the
aroma of freedom and your feet luxuriate in the cool or
warmed floors; your bathroom transforms into a spa.
They are spaces of high design as much as
functionality, and it is important to tie bathrooms into
the overall aesthetic of a house as any of the other
rooms. You need to have a sense of calm as you move
from one space to another; it should not strike a discordant note, but should certainly be distinctive.
The key elements that drive our innovative design choices revolve around client requirements and
detailing the layout so that it allows for a smooth transition from one activity to the next. You have to
think about how you want to use the space: the area you’d like to dry yourself, the towel being within
easy reach, and the things you’d like to see there—a hook for the bathrobe, a spot for a weighing
scale, space for a laundry basket so you don’t have discarded
clothing strewn across the floor. Functionality, layout—shapes
and angles—and minute detailing take precedence. Then,
depending on the space you have to work with and the clients’
requirements, you can keep layering to make it beautiful—add
a massage table if space allows, incorporate great lighting,
or add a bookshelf next to the Jacuzzi. We tend to use nice
marble and tiles, the latter in a more restrictive way. This
is because we don’t like cutting a tile, which can happen in
the corners; it should be used in its entirety, so it retains its
aesthetic appeal. We also enjoy using metal to dress up the
space—dependent, of course, on the style of the house. We
use materials not associated with bathrooms, like wood and
metal. We create special spaces.
SUNU AIBARA OF
NETERWALA &
AIBARA INTERIOR
ARCHITECTS
“Functionality,
layout—shapesand
angles—andminute
detailingtake
precedence.”
PHOTO:
MAXIE
COOPER
THE ART OF BATHING | 57
GEOMETRIC SENSATIONS
Pepper the bathroom with the avant-garde F-Morwen
collection of ceramic sanitaryware. Created by Italian
designer and architect Romano Adolini, the distinctive
feature of this range is its inclination, where the
products protrude directly from the wall at an angle
of 138 degrees to maintain reduced dimensions and
ease of use. Each creation in the series—including
the wall-mounted bidets, over-the-counter basins
and washbasins, and wall-mounted water closets—
presents a monochromatic palette, combined with
square shapes, rounded corners and thin profiles at
aesthetically-pleasing angles for a sharp, uncluttered
aesthetic, perfect to create a vibe that will help you
relax and rejuvenate.
GET THE LOOK
58 | THE ART OF BATHING
Bathrooms by their very nature tend to be of a
relatively intimate scale, attending to the most private
experiences. These spaces usually offer a sense
of disconnect, and serve as a private space to be,
relax and slow down. In that sense, they can offer an
indulgent and highly comfortable experience. On the
other end, the scale of the space and the relatively
shorter time spent within create an opportunity to
make the experience highly sensory, tactile, dramatic
and memorable very effectively. The choice of
spaces, materials and elements all woven together
can generate an engaging narrative that can be very
personal or exude a wow factor for a home or a
hospitality space.
Overtheyears,theideaofawell-designedbathroom
has changed from a space with a utilitarian focus on
hygiene management to a space that can deliver a small sense of luxury and create a pampering,
private experience. This dialogue with ‘What are the evolving notions of authentic luxury?’ informs
the design approach for the nature of the bathroom.
When creating a cohesive design language for a house,
bathrooms carry equal weightage vis-à-vis all the other
spaces. They are rendered to speak the overall language
while retaining a distinctive presence either as a transitory
dramatic gesture such as a powder room or an elegant, subtly
crafted space to soak in for, say, a master bedroom.
The quality of experience and the relationship between
the subspaces within the bathroom are key elements that
drive the design approach. A hierarchy of spaces can be
created where the highlight is on the anchor areas in a small
footprint and relative impact of the subspaces in a larger
footprint. For instance, the focus could be on the vanity
area for a small powder room and the outdoor shower with
views into a private court in a larger bathroom. The idea is
also about delivering a relatively transportive experience, which the nature of bathroom spaces
allows for, where tactile textures and patterns are integrated to build on the narrative. These spatial
expressions are brought alive by the choice of materials and patterns, along with the details of
elements such as the vanity, mirrors, furniture and lamps in the space.
The best expression, to our mind, emerges from a comprehensive understanding of the materials,
techniques and their strengths. We work extensively with stone, stone inlay work, stone mosaic,
hand cast in-situ terrazzo, handglazed and industrially glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles with intense
explorations of laying patterns and other artisanal techniques to generate the desired sensory
quality. It is this experiential aspect that drives and distinguishes the narrative in our approach to
bathroom design.
ANKUR CHOKSI OF
STUDIO LOTUS
“Weworkextensively
withstone,stoneinlay
work,stonemosaic,
handcastin-situ
terrazzo,hand-glazed
andindustriallyglazed
ceramicandporcelain
tileswithintense
layingpatterns.”
PHOTO:
ANDRE
FANTHOME
THE ART OF BATHING | 61
SET IN STONE
Bring the unique art of mosaic to your bathroom
with Queo’s F-Mosaicó and F-Mosaicó Oro line
of faucets. The exquisite faucets, created with
handcrafted stones sourced from all over the
world, reference mosaic techniques from the
Bronze Age. The stones, in muted shades like blue
and grey, are cut to perfection and are delicately
placed to give the creations their opulent look.
GET THE LOOK
tHe
rE TrEAt
Fromspacesawashinvibranttonesandpatterns,toconcreteandwoodenwalls,ADlendsits
eyefordistinctivedesigntocreatefiveindulgentbathroomsettings,eachpunctuatedwith
sanitarywareandfaucetsfromQueo’sFashionCollection.Thecarefullycuratedbathing
spacesareamanifestationofQueo’sdesignphilosophyof‘contemporaryminimalism’.The
masterpiecesfromtheFashionCollectionrepresentthepowerofdesignaccentuatedwith
high-qualitymaterialstotranscendfunctionalityandredefinestyle
F-Morwen wall mounted bidet, Orca single lever bidet mixer,
F-Morwen water closet, I-Plate flush plate, F-Courbe 60 mm towel
holder, F-50 free standing bathtub, Orca tall single lever floor standing
bath and shower mixer, F-Morwen 600 mm over-the-counter basin
(with tap platform), F-Linear single lever basin mixer, Queo.
‘Bamboo Trellis’ (W065D3NTY75) wallpaper, Nilaya. Painting by
Yashwant Deshmukh, Blue Loft. ‘D1790/2A’ curtains from the Samsara
collection, Dreams Furnishings. Cotton towel from the Roman Bath
collection, Surprise Home Linen. ‘Flame of the Forest’ light, Viya Home.
‘Winter Asha’ rug, Shyam Ahuja. ‘Lucite’ side table, Blue Loft. All-in-one
body gel, MUJI. ‘Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise’ and ‘Orange &
Bergamont’ bodywash, Molton Brown. ‘MI-RM-03’ mirror with leather
strap, Kerf. ‘Kulu’ chest of drawers, Blue Loft. ‘Dewy Lily of the Valley
& Star Anise’ liquid handwash, Molton Brown. Porcelain tray, MUJI.
‘Phalaenor’ white flower pot, Address Home. ‘Pondicherry Yellow’
(turmeric, coconut, sandalwood) candle, Bombay Perfumery. ‘Java’
rattan waste bin, Good Earth.
THE ART OF BATHING | 65
PUREINDULGENCE
Withitscleanlinesandneutralpalette,thepieces
fromtheF-Morwen,F-50andF-Linearrangesare
theperfectcompanionsforbathroomsthat
experimentwithboldpatterns.
64 | THE ART OF BATHING
Left:
F-Courbe 60 mm towel holder, F-50 free standing
bathtub, Queo.
‘Bamboo Trellis’ (W065D3NTY75) wallpaper, Nilaya.
‘D1790/2A’ curtains from the Samsara collection,
Dreams Furnishings. Cotton towel from the Roman
Bath collection, Surprise Home Linen. ‘Flame of the
Forest’ light, Viya Home.
Above:
F-Morwen 600 mm over-the-counter basin (with
tap platform), F-Linear single lever basin
mixer, Queo.
‘MI-RM-03’ mirror with leather strap, Kerf.
Porcelain tray, MUJI. ‘Rose’ natural soap, Kama
Ayurveda. ‘Pondicherry Yellow’ (turmeric, coconut,
sandalwood) candle, Bombay Perfumery.
Facing page:
F-Morwen wall mounted bidet, Orca single lever
bidet mixer, F-Morwen water closet, I-Plate flush
plate, Queo.
‘Bamboo Trellis’ (W065D3NTY75) wallpaper, Nilaya.
Painting by Yashwant Deshmukh, Blue Loft. ‘Winter
Asha’ rug, Shyam Ahuja.
66 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 67
68 | THE ART OF BATHING
CALM ELEGANCE
Thesoftcurvesandluminousmetallic
accentsoftheF-Courbe,Chryseumand
F-Misurarangesuplifttheserenepastel
paletteofthisbathroom.
THE ART OF BATHING | 69
Chryseum health faucet with hose pipe, F-Courbe wall mounted
water closet, Sisma Rectangolo (Oro) flush plate, F-Misura (Gold)
single lever tall basin mixer, F-Courbe (Oro) 440 mm over-the-
counter basin, F-Acqua Wave wall mounted body jet, F-Acqua
Pura Chromo Therapy remote operated ceiling mount shower
system with 3 functions: Rain, Cascade & Mist, F-iTouch digital
touch thermostatic 4 function diverter, Queo.
Framed vintage advertising poster, Phillips Antiques. ‘The Dots
Metal’ brass hooks by Lars Tornøe for Muuto, Angel Ventures.
Candle stand, Blue Ostrich Design. Candles, Cottons & Satins.
‘Contessa’ (white) face mirror, Address Home. Stone-finish soap
dispenser, Surprise Home Linen. Cleansing gel, MUJI.
‘Shining’ basket, BoConcept. Rug, Cottons & Satins. ‘Framed’
(Taupe) mirror by Anderssen & Voll for Muuto, Angel Ventures.
Wooden Naga bowl, Phillips Antiques. Cotton face-towels from
the Roman Bath collection, Surprise Home Linen. Shell and bone
necklace, Kavita Singh Interiors. ‘Abstract’ vase, Trésorie.
70 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 71
Left:
F-Misura (Gold) single lever tall
basin mixer, F-Courbe (Oro)
440 mm over-the-counter
basin, Queo.
Below left:
F-Acqua Pura Chromo Therapy
remote-operated ceiling mount
shower system with 3 functions:
Rain, Cascade & Mist, Queo.
Below right:
F-Acqua Wave wall mounted
body jet, F-iTouch digital
touch thermostatic 4 function
diverter, Queo.
Facing page:
Chryseum health faucet with hose
pipe, F-Courbe wall mounted water
closet, Sisma Rectangolo (Oro) flush
plate, Queo.
Framed vintage advertising poster,
Phillips Antiques. ‘Abstract’ vase,
Trésorie. ‘The Dots Metal’ brass
hooks by Lars Tornøe for Muuto,
Angel Ventures.
72 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 73
Health faucet with bracket angle valve and hose, Le Forme (Matte Black)
wall mounted water closet, Aquaplay hand shower, I-Plate black soft touch
flush plate, F-Acqua Grand Chromo Therapy remote operated 700 x 380
mm ceiling mount shower with rain function and cascade spread, F-Acqua
Spin square body jet, F-Misura (Matte Black) single lever tall basin mixer, Le
Forme (Matte Black) 700 mm over-the-counter basin, Queo.
Curtain fabric from the Samsara collection, Dreams Furnishings. ‘Shogun’
stool, BoConcept. Organic cotton blend thick towel and slippers, MUJI.
Mounted art print from the Anamnesis series by Prasad Naik, dayDREAM.
‘Mihali’ rug, Shyam Ahuja. Mid-century chest of drawers, Phillips Antiques.
‘Henge’ mirror, Thelohasmith.com. Grey vase, Abaca. Stone-finish soapdish,
Surprise Home Linen. ‘White Textured’ soap dispenser, Trésorie. Porcelain
sculpture from the Mess is More series, Claymen. Bin, BoConcept.
‘Bell 165’ floor lamp by Hatsu, Blue Loft.
BACKTOBLACK
StarkblackLeFormeandF-Misurafittingsadd
amasculinetouchandsubtledramatothis
otherwisemaximalistspace.
74 | THE ART OF BATHING
Right:
Aquaplay hand shower, F-Acqua Grand Chromo
Therapy remote operated 700 x 380 mm ceiling
mount shower with rain function and cascade
spread, F-Acqua Spin square body jet, Smartap
Nero (Black), Queo.
Below:
F-Misura (Matte Black) single lever tall basin mixer,
Le Forme (Matte Black) 700 mm over-the-counter
basin, Queo.
Mid-century chest of drawers, Phillips Antiques.
‘Henge’ mirror, Thelohasmith.com.
Facing page:
Health faucet with bracket angle valve and hose,
Le Forme (Matte Black) wall mounted water closet,
I-Plate black soft touch flush plate, Queo.
Curtain fabric from the Samsara collection, Dreams
Furnishings. ‘Shogun’ stool, BoConcept. Organic
cotton blend thick towel and slippers, MUJI.
Mounted art print from the Anamnesis series by
Prasad Naik, dayDREAM. ‘Mihali’ rug, Shyam Ahuja.
THE ART OF BATHING | 75
76 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 77
Orca tall single lever floor standing bath and shower mixer, Zinnia
free standing bath tub, F-Acqua Cascade overhead shower with
spin three functions: Cascade, Rain & Spin, F-Acqua 4-way built-in
thermostatic divertor, F-Acqua Spin creamy body jet, F-Misura
600 mm over-the-counter basin, F-Misura (Chrome) wall mounted
single lever basin mixer for concealed installation, Queo.
Slippers, MUJI. ‘Buri’ basket, Aesthetics. Wooden stool, Essajees.
‘Heavenly Gingerly’ caressing body polisher and bath and shower
gel, Molton Brown. ‘Rondo’ rug, BoConcept. ‘Sea Shell’ marble
soap dish, Good Earth. Wooden vase, Red, Blue & Yellow. ‘Rivet’
rectangular mirror, Thelohasmith.com. Soap dispenser, Surprise
Home Linen. ‘Living’ wooden dishes, BoConcept. Porcelain tray,
cleansing gel and sensitive-skin body milk, MUJI. Cotton hand-
towels from the Roman Bath collection, Surprise Home Linen.
ZENAND
SOPHISTICATION
ThecurvesoftheF-Misurafixturesand
thecleanlinesoftheF-Acquashower
perfectlycomplementtheminimaland
ruggedvibeofthisspace.
78 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 79
Left:
F-Misura 600 mm over-the-counter
basin, F-Misura (Chrome) wall mounted
single lever basin mixer for concealed
installation, Queo.
‘Sea Shell’ marble soap dish, Good Earth.
Soap, Kama Ayurveda. Wooden vase, Red,
Blue & Yellow. ‘Rivet’ rectangular mirror,
Thelohasmith.com.
Above:
F-Acqua Cascade overhead shower with
spin three functions: Cascade, Rain
& Spin, F-Acqua 4-way built-in thermostatic
divertor, F-Acqua Spin creamy body jet,
Queo.
Facing page:
Orca tall single lever floor standing bath
and shower mixer, Zinnia free standing bath
tub, Queo.
Slippers, MUJI. ‘Buri’ basket, Aesthetics.
Wooden stool, Essajees. ‘Heavenly
Gingerly’ caressing body polisher and bath
and shower gel, Molton Brown. ‘Rondo’
rug, BoConcept.
80 | THE ART OF BATHING
SHARPCONTRAST
Luxuriousformsmeetabrutalist
backdrop.Stylishlines,circularshapes
andnature-inspiredformscometogether
intheF-Fiordoproductsthatdotthis
all-concretepowderroom.
THE ART OF BATHING | 81
F-Fiordo single lever tall basin mixer, F-Fiordo over the
counter basin, health faucet ABS, F-Fiordo wall mounted
water closet, Sisma Rectangolo flush plate, Queo.
Painting by Disha Gandhi, Blue Loft. Upholstered easy
armchair, Phantom Hands. ‘River’ rectangular rug from the
Karesansui collection by Matteo Cibic, Scarlet Splendour.
Soap dispenser, soap dish and tray from the Curated
collection; Spacio. Candle, No-Mad. Red sandalwood
ayurvedic soap, Kama Ayurveda. White-and-blue ceramic
stool, Kavita Singh Interiors.
82 | THE ART OF BATHING
Left:
F-Fiordo single lever tall basin mixer, F-Fiordo
over the counter basin, Queo.
Facing page:
Health faucet ABS, F-Fiordo wall mounted water
closet, Sisma Rectangolo flush plate, Queo.
White-and-blue ceramic stool,
Kavita Singh Interiors.
Stylist Samir Wadekar
Photographer Ashish Sahi
Production Raka Entertainment
See page 169 for retailers.
THE ART OF BATHING | 83
dEsi gNeR
Fromunderstatedandlavishtosmartandsophisticated,thisselectionofbathspacesisdotted
withmasterpiecesfromQueo’sFashionCollection.Itisatestamenttothebrand’sprowessin
creatingrefined,minimalistbathroomsolutions
AppEAL
86 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 87
The F-Misura collection consists
of a range of faucets and a
sanitaryware series, conceived by
Italian designers Antonio Bullo and
Alessandro Paolelli. The collection
brings to life contemporary
aesthetics and a focus on
minimalism through soft geometric
lines and curves. The water closet,
bidet and basins in this space
complement its rustic ambience.
88 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 89
Small gold accents can instantly
inject a new lease of life in sterile
spaces (bathrooms included). This
bath area—dotted with Queo’s
Chryseum F-Lavabo over-the-
counter basins, F-Automode
automated electronic water closet
and a shower and body jets from
the Chryseum collection—makes
a compelling case. The Chryseum
F-Lavabo collection is characterized
by diamond and quilting techniques,
while Chryseum showers and body
jets are made with 24-carat gold.
90 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 91
Sleek, clean designs and neutral colour palettes in the
bathroom make for a serene sanctuary. Bring a modern
edge to your bath space with Queo’s F-Courbe
collection of sanitaryware and faucets, underpinned
by radical curves that define the various elements of
the collection. Renowned Japanese architect, and
founder of design house Nendo, Oki Sato created
the F-Courbe line of sanitaryware, while Milanese
architect Lorenzo Damiani has imagined the faucet
collection. The state-of-the-art features and fittings not
only look amazing, but also promise ease of use.
92 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 93
A tranquil vibe meets modern,
minimalistic luxe in this gorgeous
bathroom punctuated with Queo’s
Le Forme collection of sanitaryware.
Created by Italian architect and
designer Fabrizio Batoni, the
collection is an ode to sand dunes,
and defined by the geometry of
concentric circles that appear as
ceramic grooves on the water closet
and over-the-counter basins. The
bathroom, shaded in grey hues
and earthy textures for depth and
harmony, also features a shower
with equipped with chromo
therapy and body jets from the
F-Acqua collection.
94 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 95
Combining comfortable modern
living with smart technology, Queo’s
Smartap pushes the envelope of
indulgence by giving you full control
of your bathing experience with a
smartphone app, voice commands
via Amazon Echo and manual digital
controllers. Enjoy your preferred
flow of water, at the exact right
temperature, sustained throughout
your shower with Smartap. The
app also helps create a relaxing
ambience with your favourite music
or even auto-fill the bath.
96 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 97
This beautiful bathroom is
embellished with Queo’s F-Courbe
collection of sanitaryware and
faucets designed by Oki Sato and
Lorenzo Damiani respectively.
Featuring a winding design never
seen before in ceramics along with
chrome fittings that illustrate
an artistic distortion of form,
this collection elevates
contemporary minimalism. It also
features a shower and body jets
from the F-Acqua collection.
98 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 99
Taking the classic interior style of this bathroom a
notch higher is Queo’s F-Fiordo collection of faucets
and sanitaryware, designed by Paolo Zani. Drawing
from meandering fiords, Zani has created the illusion
of natural landscapes in geometric forms through
basins, water closets and faucets. The faucets
feature diagonal lines that travel from one end to
the other, while the basins are engineered to avoid
water splashes. A magnificent monochrome colour
scheme paired with contemporary products from
the collection make for a winning combination, as
this bathroom demonstrates.
100 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 101
Stunningly simple and functional,
there’s something striking yet
comforting about neo-modernist
design. And this bathroom,
enhanced with Queo’s F-Morwen
sanitaryware, is an apt example.
Created by Italian designer and
architect Romano Adolini, the
F-Morwen collection brings to life
geometric planes at aesthetically
pleasing angles. Every masterpiece
is engineered to protrude directly
from a surface at an angle of
138 degrees to alter the perception
of space and maintain
reduced dimensions.
102 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 103
If you’re drawn to pared-down, fuss-free but
impeccably put together spaces, then this
bathroom, outfitted with Queo’s F-Novella
series of luxury sanitaryware, will suit
your aesthetic. The collection, comprising
over-the-counter basins and a water closet,
conceived by Italian architect Romano
Adolini, promises to do more with less. The
progressive designs in this series are defined
by their geometric shapes and soft curves.
104 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 105
Deceptively detailed minimalism serves as a
backdrop for this bathroom invigorated with
Queo’s F-Concept series of sanitaryware. Designed
by veteran sculptor Franco Valeri along with his
daughter Chiara, the collection—consisting of basins,
bidets and water closets—fuses classic square
forms, carefully balanced proportions, high-quality
materials and superior craftsmanship.
OF
FAME
HALL
Acurationofthesharpestofferingsbydesignersfrom
Queo’sHallofFame—someartistic,somesophisticated,
but allinfusedwithminimalismandluxury
F-MisuraFaucets
ANTONIOBULLO
F-MisuraSanitaryware
ALESSANDROPAOLELLI
F-CourbeSanitaryware
OKISATO
F-CourbeFaucets
LORENZODAMIANI
ChryseumF-Lavabo
SANDROMENEGHELLO&
MARCOPAOLELLI
F-Fiordo
PAOLOZANI
F-Marquis
GIANCARLO
F-Morwen
ROMANOADOLINI
F-Concept
CHIARAVALERI
LeForme
FABRIZIOBATONI
108 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 109
Born in Chioggia, Venice, renowned industrial designer
AntonioBullohastohiscreditfourgoldmedalsatthePremio
Faenza, the International Competition of Contemporary
Ceramic Art in Faenza, Italy, and two Design Plus awards at
ISH Frankfurt. A Queo veteran, Bullo has designed a set of
elegant, ergonomic faucets for Queo’s F-Misura collection. A
two-part series, F-Misura consists of a range of faucets and a
lineofsanitaryware.Softlinesandcurvesshapeeverycreation
in the F-Misura Faucet collection—a tipping of Bullo’s hat to
Queo’s commitment to sophisticated aesthetics and focus on
minimalism through his use of craftsmanship and chrome-
plating. The exquisite range comprises single-levered fittings
for concealed or exposed installations, which include basin
mixers, bath and shower mixers and four-way diverters. To
further elevate its design, Queo has earmarked multiple new
finishes for the creations and the process of Automised
Disposition which keeps the colors intact. They are now
available in a choice of chrome, chrome black, dark brushed
nickel, matte black, matte white and gold variants and look
rightathomeinthemoststylishbathrooms.
ANTONIO BULLO
F-Misura Single-Lever Basin
Mixer in Chrome Black
110 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 111
The second set of the two part series, F-Misura
SanitarywareisguidedbythecreativegeniusofAlessandro
Paolelli. The renowned Rome-based industrial designer
appliedhistechnicalexpertisetoconceivethehigh-quality,
ceramic, wall-mounted bidets and water closets as well as
over-the-counter basins in the collection. Smooth, stark,
modern—eachproductfromQueo’sF-Misuracollectionis
a lesson in contemporary minimalism. The collection
reveals the very best of Italian design and modern ideas of
indulgence. Softer shapes and fluid curves are the defining
traits of the ceramic sanitaryware in this line, ideal for
creating a striking focal point in the modern bathroom.
The creations are further leveraged using Queo’s thin-rim
philosophy that considerably helps reduce water wastage
and offers easier, more efficient cleaning. Each product in
the F-Misura line brings Queo’s ‘simple but opulent’
designethostolife.
ALESSANDRO PAOLELLI
F-Misura Wall-Mounted
Water Closet
112 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 113
Renowned Japanese designer-cum-architect, and founder
ofdesignhouseNendo,OkiSatocreatedtheF-Courbeline
of Sanitaryware. Having worked across varied disciplines
and with every medium imaginable, Sato’s uncluttered
aesthetic has been a welcome departure from the norm,
resulting in innumerable collaborations over the years. For
the F-Courbe collection of sanitaryware, Sato has
engineered a winding design never seen before in ceramics.
Courbe is French for ‘curve’, and it is the radical curve that
envelopes the various elements of the collection. The
creations in this range celebrate innovation and ingenuity
withanartisticdistortionofform.Hehasfurtherflourished
the masterpieces with sleek metallic finishes. Eclectic yet
functional, the over-the-counter ceramic washbasins
playfully resemble a coiled paper ribbon that act more as a
boundary confining water than as an actual basin. On the
other hand, the free-standing wash basin in the series is an
elegant object with an intriguing shape and strong
personality defining the vibe of the surrounding space. In
tandemwiththeaestheticofthebasinsarethewaterclosets
intheline,whicharealsoaccentuatedwithasimilardesign,
making them ideal for both classically styled and
contemporaryinteriors.
OKI SATO
F-Courbe Over-The-Counter
Basin 560 MM In Oro
114 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 115
Milanese architect Lorenzo Damiani has imagined Queo’s
F-Courbe Faucet collection. Born in 1972, Damiani has
participated in numerous group exhibitions in Italy and
around the world. Highlights in his repertoire include
winning various competitions such as the Compasso
d’Oro, Milan and the Good Design award at the Chicago
Athenaeum museum. He brings to Queo a unique appeal
with creations that are bold and ingenious. Christened for
its curved design, every chrome fitting gives a nod to
blending and bending forms. Mechanically bent chrome
pipes form the note that underlines the whole collection,
emphasizing and visualizing the poetic gesture and the
effort made to bend the pipe. Every faucet in the series is
accentuated by a defiant departure from straight lines,
indicating a cohesiveness across the family of basin and
bidetmixers,free-standingandconcealedbathandshower
mixers, wall spouts and hand showers as well as
accessories like towel and paper holders, robe hooks and a
toilet-brushholder.
LORENZO DAMIANI
F-Courbe Single-Lever Tall
Basin Mixer
116 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 117
SandroMeneghelloandMarcoPaolelli,bothbornin1979
in Milan, graduated in industrial design from the
Politecnico di Milano in 2004. Since the founding of their
design studio, Meneghello Paolelli Associati, in 2006, the
duo has collaborated with several Italian and international
companies. They are the recipients of numerous
internationalproductdesignawards,including10RedDot
Design awards for a ‘Best of the Best’, five Design Plus
awards, two Good Design awards among others.
Partnering with Queo, the pair presents the Chryseum
F-Lavabo collection of over-the-counter basins. Every
creationintheserieswasconceivedwithintricatelyplotted
geometricpatterns.Inspiredbyfabricwarpingandquilting
techniques, the basins are characterized by the diamond
and rectangle patterns decorating their exteriors in ridges
and troughs. With the final touch of glossy metallic
finishes, the Chryseum F-Lavabo promises to please the
mind and eyes, while adding decorative luxury and
grandeurtomodernbathspaces.
SANDRO MENEGHELLO &
MARCO PAOLELLI
Chryseum F-Lavabo Over-The-Counter
Basin In Diamante Oro
118 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 119
Designer and founder of the multidisciplinary Paolo Zani
Design Studio, Paolo Zani is known to draw inspiration
from nature for his ingenious creations. In keeping with
this commitment is Zani’s F-Fiordo collection of faucets
and sanitaryware that is a beautiful testament to both
geology and geometry. Just as its name suggests, the
F-Fiordo line was inspired by Norwegian fiords. Zani has
endeavoured to recreate the untouched luxury of water
flow through fiords, by creating an illusion of natural
landscapesingeometricformsthroughbasins,waterclosets
andfaucets.Mimickingthemeanderingfiords,waterflows
continuously and asymmetrically in each of the products.
Every faucet in the collection boasts stylish lines that
diagonally travel from one end to the other. The
washbasin, on the other hand, has been designed with the
intent to divert the water away from the user, eliminating
any splashes on the outer surface. The slim and sculpted
water closet in the range employs Queo’s thin-rim
ergonomics to keep the water closet dry and clean.
Keeping in mind the Italian and Indian washing culture,
thedesignsareablendofbeautyandfunctionality.
PAOLO ZANI
F-Fiordo Single-Lever
Basin Mixer
120 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 121
BorninCivitaCastellana,Rome,Giancarlograduatedwith
honoursfromLaSapienzaUniversitybeforebeginninghis
professionalcareerin2002andexploringvariousdisciplines
of design. The designer combined his understanding of
geometrywithQueo’sminimalisticdesignphilosophyand
nature’slushnesstorealizetheF-Marquisbasincollection.
For the F-Marquis series, Giancarlo has combined the
treatment of two distinct shapes into one form.
Contrastingly shifting between squares and circles, the
basins in the collection highlight Italian craftsmanship,
through its use of high-quality materials and attention to
detail. Every ceramic basin from the F-Marquis range can
be embedded in the counter itself, in order to enhance its
understatedappeal.Theseproductsaredesignedtoaddan
element of urbanity into homes. Functional in a succinct
way and beautiful in a holistic manner, the F-Marquis
rangeisaimedatpatronsforwhomluxuryisawayoflife.
GIANCARLO
F-Marquis Insert Basin
Round In Rectangle
F-Morwen Over-
The-Counter Basin
122 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 123
Italiandesignerandarchitect,RomanoAdolinihascreated
theF-MorwenrangeforQueo.Hehasbeenarecipientof
several prizes and accolades including the Design Plus,
FrankfurtandtheCompassod’Oro,Milan.Since2000,he
has been actively involved in designing sanitaryware. His
superior knowledge of materials, physics, form and design
shine through the F-Morwen series of ceramic
sanitaryware for Queo. Geometric planes intersect at
aesthetically pleasing angles to bring alive every sharp and
uncluttereddesignintheline.Protrudingdirectlyfromthe
wall at an angle of 138 degrees, each creation in the
collection is defined by its square shape, rounded corners
and thin lines that alter the perception of space, while
maintaining reduced dimensions. The perfect choice for
neo-modernist design enthusiasts, the collection includes
uniquewall-mountedbidets,over-the-counterbasinsand
washbasins,aswellaswall-mountedwaterclosets.
ROMANO ADOLINI
F-Concept Back-To-Wall
Water Closet
124 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 125
Veteran sculptor Franco Valeri’s illustrious career is
highlighted by numerous accolades, including the
prestigious Federico Motta award for sculpture. The
Roman artist’s works are exhibited in the National
Gallery of Modern Art, Rome as well as across
monuments, churches, galleries and private collections
theworldover.Pavingapathindesignwasanaturalstep
forhisdaughterChiara,whostartedassistingherfatherin
the 1970s. Since then, the dynamic duo has been
working together on various scenographic and industrial
design projects. Together, they have created the
F-ConceptcollectionofceramicsanitarywareforQueo.
Sitting comfortably between minimalism and luxury are
the basins, bidets and water closets from the collection.
Theonlyrangedesignedbysculptors,asculptor’sunique
treatment of shapes is evident in these designs, which
combine classic square forms, carefully balanced sense of
proportions, high-quality materials and superior
craftsmanship. The simple yet elegant designs give life to
innovative forms that take you back to an elegant past,
whilegivingyouaglimpseofthefuture.
CHIARA VALERI
Le Forme Over-The-
Counter Basins In
Beaver And Matte Black
126 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 127
Founder of multidisciplinary firm Studio Batoni,
Fabrizio Batoni has created a distinct identity in the
designlandscape,owingtoavariedrepertoirethatspans
product design, interior decoration and architecture.
The Italian architect-cum-designer’s Le Forme
collectionforQueoisabeautifulhomagetosanddunes.
Motivated by the ridges sculpted by winds in a desert,
Batoni designed every creation in the collection with
meticulous contouring to mimic that image and adapt
ceramic to the organically inspired idea. Through Le
Forme, Batoni strays away from clean liner lines by
introducing the geometry of concentric circles that
appear as ceramic grooves on water closets, bidets and
over-the-counter basins. The craftsmanship is elegant
andtimeless,givingthebathspaceastunning,luxurious
centrepiece. Queo has additionally experimented with
new shades in the creations by introducing understated
matte colours. And Le Forme is a perfect testimony to
unorthodox colours—the softness of Matte White,
elegance of Grey Bromine, warmth of Beaver
andmajestyofMatteBlack.
FABRIZIO BATONI
Overtheyears,EuropeanluxurybrandQueohasbeenmakingbathroomsbeautiful—one
fittingatatime.HeraldinganewfrontierisQueo’sFashionCollection,comprisingexquisite
ceramicsanitarywareandfaucets.InfusedwiththebestthatEuropeanculturehastooffer,
eachofthe22rangesfromthecollectionisanodetoindulgence.Fromdramaticand
understatedtomodestandhigh-tech,thecreationscraftedbymasterdesignersreflect
diligence,attentiontodetailandintricacy
Fashion
Fo rWArd
F-ACQUA
F-CONCEPT
F-AUTOMODE
F-50
F-CADENZA
F-COURBE
F-ÉLÉGANT
F-iTOUCH
F-CLAIR
F-MOSAICÓ ORO
F-MOSAICÓ
F-FIORDO
F-LAVABO
CHRYSEUMF-LAVABO
LEFORME
F-LINEAR
F-MARQUIS
F-MORWEN
F-FLORETTE
F-MISURA
F-NOVELLA
SMARTAP
130 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 131
F-ACQUA
SHOWERS
CASCADE OVERHEAD
SHOWER SPIN
CASCADE OVERHEAD
SHOWER WITH 3 FUNCTIONS
GRAND CHROMO THERAPY
(REMOTE OPERATED)
BODYSPRAYS
GRAND WITH
CHROMO THERAPY
GRAND
PURA WITH CHROMO
THERAPY
PURA CHROMO THERAPY
(REMOTE OPERATED)
CHROMO SHOWER WITH
4 FUNCTIONS
WAVEBODY
CASCADE OVERHEAD
SPIN SQUARE
SPIN CREAMY
BUILT-IN
ROUND
SQUARE
THERMOSTATIC
CONTROLS
WATERFALLS
3 WAY BUILT-IN
THERMOSTATIC DIVERTER
4 WAY BUILT-IN
THERMOSTATIC DIVERTER
5 WAY BUILT-IN
THERMOSTATIC DIVERTER
MIXER WITH INTEGRATED
3 WAY DIVERTER
MIXER WITH INTEGRATED
3 WAY DIVERTER
BUILT-IN WATERFALL
WALL WATERFALL
WAVE SHOWER HEAD
MIXER WITH INTEGRATED
2 WAY DIVERTER
MIXER WITH INTEGRATED
2 WAY DIVERTER
132 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 133
F-CONCEPT
F-AUTOMODE
BACK-TO-WALL
WATER CLOSET
WALL MOUNTED
WATER CLOSET
WASHBASIN (WITHOUT TAP
PLATFORM) 600 MM
WASHBASIN 600 MM
WALL MOUNTED BIDET
(WITH TAP PLATFORM)
FLOOR MOUNTED WATER
CLOSET (GOLD) REMOTE CONTROL
SANITARYWARE
SANITARYWARE
F-50
F-CADENZA
ACCESSORIES
SANITARYWARE
FREE STANDING BATH TUB
ROBE HOOK DOUBLE
TOWEL BAR 600 MM
TOWEL RING
DOUBLE TOWEL SHELF
TOILET PAPER HOLDER
134 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 135
F-COURBE
FAUCETS
FREE STANDING SINGLE
LEVER BASIN MIXER
CONCEALED MIXER WITH WALL
SPOUT AND HANDSHOWER
WALL MOUNTED SPOUT
SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER
FREE STANDING BATH AND SHOWER
MIXER WITH HANDSHOWER
BATH AND SHOWER
SINGLE LEVER MIXER
SINGLE LEVER BIDET MIXER
BASIN SINGLE LEVER MIXER FOR
CONCEALED INSTALLATION
SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN MIXER
SANITARYWARE
ACCESSORIES
FREE STANDING
BASIN 440 MM
OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN 440 MM
(WITHOUT TAP HOLE) ARGENTO
OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN 440 MM
(WITHOUT TAP HOLE) ORO
OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN 560 MM
(WITHOUT TAP HOLE) ARGENTO
OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN 440 MM
(WITHOUT TAP HOLE)
OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN 540 MM
(WITHOUT TAP HOLE) ORO
WALL MOUNTED WATER CLOSET
TOILET BRUSH HOLDER
TOWEL HOLDER 60 MM
PAPER HOLDER
ROBE HOOK
136 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 137
F-ÉLÉGANT
F-iTOUCH
SINGLE LEVER
BASIN MIXER
KITCHEN SINK MIXER
SINGLE LEVER
TALL BASIN MIXER
WALL MOUNTED SINGLE LEVER BASIN
MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION
WALL MOUNTED BATH SPOUT
DIGITAL TOUCH
SINGLE LEVER BASIN
MIXER (TEMPERATURE
SENSITIVE WITH LED)
SINGLE LEVER BATH AND
SHOWER MIXER FOR
CONCEALED INSTALLATION
SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN
MIXER (TEMPERATURE
SENSITIVE WITH LED)
WALL MOUNTED BATH
SPOUT (TEMPERATURE
SENSITIVE WITH LED)
SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER
MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION
SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER
MIXER FOR EXPOSED FITTING
FAUCETS
CEILING SPOUT
F-CLAIR
FAUCETS
F-MOSAICÓORO
F-MOSAICÓ
SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER
MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION
SINGLE LEVER
BASIN MIXER
WALL MOUNTED
BATH SPOUT
WALL MOUNTED
BATH SPOUT
SINGLE LEVER BATH
AND SHOWER MIXER FOR
CONCEALED INSTALLATION
SINGLE LEVER
BASIN MIXER
SINGLE LEVER BASIN
MIXER (GOLD FINISH)
FAUCETS
138 | THE ART OF BATHING
F-FIORDO
SANITARYWARE
SINGLE LEVER BATH AND
SHOWER MIXER FOR
CONCEALED INSTALLATION
OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN
INSERT COUNTER BASIN
WALL MOUNTED
WATER CLOSET
TUB SPOUT
WALL MOUNTED SINGLE LEVER
BASIN MIXER FOR CONCEALED
INSTALLATION
SINGLE LEVER TALL
BASIN MIXER
SINGLE LEVER
BASIN MIXER
FAUCETS
F-LAVABO
CHRYSEUMF-LAVABO
F-ORBIS OVER-THE-COUNTER
BASIN (WITHOUT TAP
PLATFORM) 500 MM
F-ORIO OUT OVER-THE-
COUNTER BASIN (WITHOUT
TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM
F-ORBIS OVER-THE-COUNTER
BASIN (WITHOUT TAP
LATFORM) 400 MM
F-ORIO IN UNDER-THE-
COUNTER BASIN
(WITHOUT TAP PLATFORM)
680 MM
F-ORBIS OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN
(WITH TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM
F-NICOLE OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN
(WITH TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM
F-ASTERIA WALL HUNG BASIN (WITH
BUILT-IN FAUCET AND CABINET)
DIAMANTE (ARGENTO)
DIAMANTE (ORO)
LINEAR (ORO)
LINEAR (ARGENTO)
SANITARYWARE
OVER-THE-COUNTER BASINS
140 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 141
LEFORME
WALL MOUNTED WATER
CLOSETS AND BIDETS
BIDET (MATTE BLACK)
BIDET (BEAVER)
BIDET (MATTE WHITE)
BIDET (GREY BROMINE)
WATER CLOSET
(GREY BROMINE)
WATER CLOSET (MATTE BLACK)
WATER CLOSET (BEAVER)
WATER CLOSET
(MATTE WHITE)
BEAVER 500 MM
MATTE WHITE 500 MM
MATTE WHITE 700 MM
MATTE BLACK 700 MM
GREY BROMINE 700 MM
BEAVER 700 MM
MATTE BLACK 500 MM
GREY BROMINE 500 MM
OVER-THE-COUNTER
BASINS
142 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 143
F-LINEAR
F-MARQUIS
FAUCETS
WALL MOUNTED SINGLE LEVER BASIN
MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION
SINGLE LEVER BATH AND
SHOWER MIXER
SINGLE LEVER WITH
5 / 4 / 3 WAY DIVERTER
WALL MOUNTED
BATH SPOUT
INSERT BASIN ROUND
IN RECTANGLE 1,200 MM
INSERT BASIN ROUND
IN SQUARE 480/550 MM
INSERT BASIN SQUARE
IN ROUND 550 MM
INSERT BASIN ROUND
IN ROUND 550 MM
SINGLE LEVER BATH AND
SHOWER MIXER FOR
EXPOSED FITTING
SINGLE LEVER
BASIN MIXER
SINGLE LEVER TALL
BASIN MIXER
SANITARYWARE
F-FLORETTE
F-MORWEN
FLOREAL ROSSO (ROUND)
FLOREAL BLU (RECTANGOLO)
OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN
(WITH TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM
OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN
(WITH TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM
OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN
(WITHOUT TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM
WASHBASIN (WITH TAP
PLATFORM) 600 MM
BIDET WALL MOUNTED
(WITH TAP PLATFORM)
WALL MOUNTED
WATER CLOSET
FLOREAL ROSSO (RECTANGOLO)
FLOREAL BLU (ROUND)
SANITARYWARE
OVER-THE-COUNTER
BASINS
144 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 145
F-MISURA
FAUCETS
SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN
MIXER (MATTE BLACK)
WALL MOUNTED SPOUT
(MATTE WHITE)
SINGLE LEVER TALL
BASIN MIXER
(MATTE WHITE)
SINGLE LEVER BATH
AND SHOWER MIXER
(CHROME BLACK)
WALL MOUNTED
SPOUT (BRUSHED
DARK NICKEL)
FREE STANDING SINGLE
LEVER BASIN MIXER (GOLD)
SINGLE LEVER
TALL BASIN MIXER
(CHROME BLACK)
SINGLE LEVER
TALL BASIN MIXER
(CHROME)
SINGLE LEVER TALL
BASIN MIXER (BRUSHED
DARK NICKEL)
WALL MOUNTED
SPOUT (GOLD)
WALL MOUNTED SPOUT
(CHROME)
SINGLE LEVER
BATH AND
SHOWER MIXER
(MATTE BLACK)
SINGLE LEVER
BATH AND
SHOWER MIXER
(BRUSHED
DARK NICKEL)
SINGLE LEVER
BATH AND
SHOWER MIXER
(MATTE WHITE)
SINGLE LEVER
BATH AND SHOWER
MIXER (CHROME)
SINGLE LEVER
BATH AND
SHOWER MIXER
(GOLD)
WALL MOUNTED SPOUT
(CHROME BLACK)
WALL MOUNTED SPOUT
(MATTE BLACK)
SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER
MIXER FOR EXPOSED FITTING
WALL MOUNTED SINGLE
LEVER BASIN MIXER
(GOLD)
SINGLE LEVER BASIN
MIXER (CHROME)
WALL MOUNTED SINGLE
LEVER BASIN MIXER
(MATTE WHITE)
SINGLE LEVER BASIN
MIXER (GOLD)
SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER
(CHROME BLACK)
SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER
(BRUSHED DARK NICKEL)
SINGLE LEVER BASIN
MIXER (MATTE BLACK)
SINGLE LEVER BASIN
MIXER (MATTE WHITE)
WALL MOUNTED SINGLE
LEVER BASIN MIXER
(BRUSHED DARK NICKEL)
WALL MOUNTED
SINGLE LEVER BASIN
MIXER (CHROME)
WALL MOUNTED
SINGLE LEVER BASIN
MIXER (CHROME BLACK)
WALL MOUNTED
SINGLE LEVER BASIN
MIXER (MATTE BLACK)
SINGLE LEVER WITH
4 WAY DIVERTER
SINGLE LEVER WITH
5 WAY DIVERTER
146 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 147
F-MISURA
WALL MOUNTED BIDET
WALL MOUNTED
WATER CLOSET
OVER-THE-COUNTER
BASIN 600 MM
OVER-THE-COUNTER
BASIN 450 MM
SANITARYWARE
F-NOVELLA
SMARTAP
FREE STANDING
BATH TUB
WALL MOUNTED
WATER CLOSET
BIANCA (WHITE)
NERO (BLACK)
SANITARYWARE
REMOTECONTROL
DIVERTERS
SINGLE SMARTAP
SINGLE SMARTAP
WALL HUNG BASIN
WITH TOWEL RAIL 600 MM
OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN
(WITH TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM
OVER-THE-COUNTER
(SEMI-CIRCULAR) 600 MM
OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN
(WITH TAP PLATFORM) 1000 MM
148 | THE ART OF BATHING
IslE of
CAlM
Acontemplativevibe,atranquilcorner,andasanctuaryfromtherest
oftheworld—thebathroomisaplacethatallowsyoutounwind,
indulgeandluxuriateinpeace.Here,then,isaselectionofbeautiful
bathroomscreatedbyarchitectswhoimaginedthisveryprivate
spaceintheirsignatureaesthetic.
KENGO KUMA
FOR FUJIYA RYOKAN, GINZAN ONSEN
A town known for its hot springs, an architect with an almost
meditative, fuss-free approach to design and a vision for an
archetypal ryokan that offers solitude—the Fujiya Ryokan is
made-to-order if you’re looking for a place to unwind. Kengo
Kuma’s design for the three-storeyed wooden inn—meant
specifically to relax in an onsen, gives you that inescapable ‘zen’
feeling. That is, in no small measure, thanks to the effect of the
slatted bamboo filters, called sumushiko, that flood the interiors
in warm light.
PHOTO:
DAICI
ANO
THE ART OF BATHING | 151
ZAHA HADID
FOR CRAIG ROBBINS’S HOME, MIAMI
A real estate scion and the founder of Design Miami, Craig Robbins
considered the late Zaha Hadid to be a close friend, one who insisted on
designing the master bath in his Miami home that he shares with his wife,
Jackie Soffer. And as was commonplace for a space designed by Hadid,
got so much more than he hoped for. Blinding white, typically futuristic and
singularly otherworldly, Hadid used unbroken Corian to create a space
that swirls and sweeps around the bathtub, cabinets, washbasins and other
fixtures. It was enough to have inspired Martha Stewart and photographer
Todd Eberle, there to attend a party, to do a spontaneous photo shoot right
there, in the bathroom.
PHOTO:
KRIS
TAMBUREL
152 | THE ART OF BATHING
AMANDA LEVETE
FOR HER RESIDENCE, LONDON
It’s deceptively classic—owing to its brick facade and equally
traditional interiors. That is until you step deeper into the house
architect Amanda Levete shares with her husband and notice her
radical aesthetic at play—in the curves scooped out of the ceiling,
the sinuous forms of the furniture, and the sweeping flourish of
the fixtures in the bathroom. Juxtaposed with pale-blue Corian
walls that exude an unmistakable tranquillity, the washbasin and
bath in white take the shape of seashells. Double-height, skylit,
free of embellishments and intimate; it’s the perfect sea of calm
to be cast away in.
PHOTOS:
PAUL
MASSEY
154 | THE ART OF BATHING
JOHN PAWSON
FOR LIFE HOUSE, LLANBISTER, WALES
This home by John Pawson was commissioned by Living
Architecture, a non-profit organization that collaborates with
architects to redefine contemporary homes. Modern, minimal
and cast in the aesthetic of the architect, the house endows its
three private areas with important roles: one is for listening to
music, another is for reading, while a third is for bathing. The
pale-brick walls mimic the colour of the moor grass that the
bathing platform, with its inset bathtub, looks out to—just the
thing to lull you into a sense of tranquillity.
PHOTO:
GILBERT
MC
CARRAGHER
156 | THE ART OF BATHING
VINCENT VAN DUYSEN
FOR C PENTHOUSE, ANTWERP
This Antwerp loft, realized by Belgian architect Vincent Van
Duysen for a friend, is a beautiful testimony to the neoplasticism
movement that advocates pure abstraction and universality by
reducing the essentials of form and colour. Reflecting extreme
minimalism, every room of the abode is dominated by matt tones,
sprinkled with burnt cement and dark wood. Van Duysen has
textured this sterile sensibility in the bathroom as well, using
timber planks and concrete strips on the ceilings. The space
features a natural stone bathtub that was carved from a single
piece of Italian stone (pietra piacentina) by a Belgian craftsman,
creating an intense yet intimate visual.
PHOTO:
MARK
SELEEN
PHOTO:
KEON
VON
DAMME
A PASSAGE
THROUGH TIME
A retrospectiveviewofEuropeanbathroomsthroughhistorydisplaysa
meticulousexplorationofarchitecture,formandattentiontodetail.This
selectionspansthespectrumofdesign—someofthemaresumptuous,others
evokeasubtleopulence,butallofthemaregorgeoussanctuaries
The 19th-century bathroom of King
Ferdinand II of Bourbon, from the Royal
Palace of Caserta in Campania, Italy.
158 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 159
A
s you lay back in that Jacuzzi in your smart bathroom, contemplating
a life of comfort that indoor plumbing (and high technology and great
products) has afforded, you probably shudder at what your ancestors
must have powered through. Well, you couldn’t be more off the mark.
They certainly knew a lot about personal hygiene and how to live it up. Way
back in history, right here in Asia in fact, stretching back to 2500 BC, in the glory
days of the Indus Valley Civilization, was man’s first brush with highly evolved
sanitation habits. There were, after all, 700 wells, and the Great Bath (referred
to as the “earliest public water tank of the ancient world”) in the city of Mohenjo-
daro, and almost every home had a private bath. Further afield and just a bit later
than that (2000 BC), on the island of Crete, in the ruins of palaces at Knossos
and Phaistos, is evidence of sophisticated bathing facilities. Then, there were
the Hittite houses in Anatolia, circa 1400 BC, now Turkey with their clay baths in
paved washrooms.
But no one did it like the Romans, really. With the passage of time and some
preoccupation with conquering the world, Roman emperors (probably) travelled
through their territories, observed other civilizations and created a syncretic
culture all its own. This includes, of course, picking up some tips on bathing in
style. Back in the 3rd century BC, aristocrats had already introduced luxurious,
lavish baths in their homes. The public baths followed; and it was nothing short
of a celebration of the bathing ritual. Elaborate and extravagant, verging almost
on being entertainment zones, Roman public baths have been the stuff of legend
and popular culture. The sheer magnitude of what was on offer at these baths
would be the envy of spas today: dressing rooms, warm rooms, steam rooms, hot
baths, cold baths, and even recreation rooms. In fact, the hot-spring spas in areas
that were then under the Roman Empire—such as Bath, England and Aix-les-
Bains, France—continue to be popular haunts. The opulence of public bathing, as
imagined by the Romans, spread far and wide, till about the Middle Ages, when
the unbridled indulgence associated with extravagant baths was toned down to
become almost hermetic.
By the turn of the 20th century, most homes had bathrooms and those
prescient few who knew a thing or two about luxury in bathing areas began
transforming them into well-designed retreats. Imagine then, what they would
have done today, with access to new technology, higher quality materials and a
posse of masterful architects. But having to go without these options certainly
didn’t stop luxury seekers from indulging their fancies—attested to by the
following pages of stunningly styled bathrooms from days gone by.
The 16th-century Pallotta castle, located
in the Italian village of Caldarola, features
a neoclassical bathtub carved from a
single block of marble.
160 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 161
The bathroom in the Palazzo Biscari,
Catania, Sicily dates back to the 18th
century. The palace belonged to the
aristocratic Paternó Castello family.
The bathroom in Villa del Poggio
Imperiale, located in Tuscany to the
south of Florence, which was once the
property of the grand duke of Tuscany.
162 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 163
The bathroom of a royal apartment
(the king’s residence) at the Royal Villa
of Monza in Lombardy. The interiors
were by Imperial architect Giuseppe
Piermarini in the 18th century.
164 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 165
The 20th-century bathroom that belonged to Virginia Courtauld,
wife of textile baron Stephen Courtauld, at their residence,
Eltham Palace in Greenwich, London. Designed in the art-deco
style, the space is lined with gold mosaic and onyx, and features
gold-plated faucets and a statue of the goddess Psyche.
The bathroom that belonged to Maria
Carolina, wife of Ferdinand IV, at the
Royal Palace of Caserta, Campania,
from the 18th-19th century.
166 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 167
Matte Black single lever tall basin mixer from the F-Misura collection;
Matte Black 700mm over-the-counter basin from the Le Forme
collection; Queo.
‘Mihali’ rug, Shyam Ahuja. Mid-century chest of drawers, Phillips
Antiques. ‘Henge’ mirror, Thelohasmith.com. Grey vase, Abaca. Stone-
finish soap dish, Surprise Home Linen. ‘White Textured’ soap dispenser,
Trésorie. Porcelain sculpture from the Mess is More series, Claymen.
Bin, BoConcept. ‘Bell 165’ floor lamp by Hatsu, Blue Loft.
THE ART OF BATHING | 169
168 | THE ART OF BATHING
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Art-of-Bathing-Book.pdf

  • 1.
  • 2.
  • 3.
    2 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 3 FOREWORD INTRODUCTION THROUGHTHE ARCHITECT’SLENS Someofthemost influentialnamesin interiordesignand architectureshare theirinsightsonwhat ittakestocreatethe perfectbathingspace. Usingtheiraesthetics ascues,ADroundsup sanitarywareand faucetsfromQueo’s FashionCollection. 4 6 8 62 84 106 128 148 158 168 CON teNtS THERETREAT ADcreatesfive indulgentbathroom settingstoserveas backdropsforthe masterpiecesfromthe FashionCollection. DESIGNERAPPEAL TheFashion Collectionlendsitself toallstyles,fromrustic andmonochrometo smartandmodern. HALLOFFAME Meetthe11talented designersQueo collaborateswithto createahostof productsinthe FashionCollection. FASHIONFORWARD Acomprehensive showcaseoftheentire FashionCollection— bathingsolutionsthat fusehigh-quality materialsandintricate craftsmanship. ISLEOFCALM Aline-upofsomeof thebestdesigned bathroomsfromthe worldover,bythe biggestnamesin thebusiness. APASSAGE THROUGHTIME Wetravelbackintime totakealookatsome ofthemostbeautiful Europeanbathrooms throughhistory. STOCKISTS AlistingofQueo ExperienceCentres andSales Representatives— aswellasother productsfeatured.
  • 4.
    THE ART OFBATHING | 5 F-Misura over-the-counter basin 600mm and F-Misura wall mounted single lever basin mixer for concealed installation (Chrome), Queo. Soap, Kama Ayurveda. ‘Sea Shell’ marble soap dish, Good Earth. Wooden vase, Red, Blue & Yellow. ‘Rivet’ rectangular mirror, Thelohasmith.com. An oasis. A sanctuary. An ode to one’s personal style sensibility. The bathroom is the one space in a home that demands perfection. Elements of decor that regularly go unnoticed in a living room are conspicuous in the solitary confines of the bathroom. Ergo, your aesthetic, your design decisions are more pronounced here than anywhere else. The contemporary bathroom is driven by design and technology—where comfort and delight are as essential as form. Ease of use, efficiency, ergonomics and durability remain of paramount importance—with finishes, trends, aesthetics, palettes, technology and environmental considerations also gaining prominence. Today, homeowners everywhere consider seamless functionality and a high emotional expression as the epitome of good bathroom design. This is why we have consciously selected products in the Queo portfolio to suit a spectrum of aesthetics while reflecting the minimalistic indulgence that represents our design philosophy—‘Less is more. Simple is opulent.’ It isn’t just the physical dimensions and tangible objects that gain prominence in a Queo- accoutred bathroom; the focus is as much on the intangible, ethereal nature of the space. This book is an overview of how our products exemplify these principles in the modern bathroom. Designed by acclaimed European designers and manufactured in Italy, Queo products pair the best European concepts with modernity and employ the finest-quality materials to create what we call ‘bath lounges’. Our luxury offerings include colour therapy, walk-in showers, body jets and a host of technology- driven products. Vibrant shades, finishes, motifs—the Queo palette plays not just with colours, but also textures and materials to appeal to different sensibilities. For some, the bold designs of the F-Courbe or F-Morwen collections might catch their eye—while others’ interests might be piqued by the therapeutic pottery of the Le Forme collection. From nature, to art and even technology—whatever your focus, the Queo portfolio has been designed to provide an answer. This book, then, is not just an expression of the diversity of our offerings, but our endeavour to show you, our discerning customer, the perfection we strive to attain at Queo. Because, like we said, bathrooms are spaces that demand it. Sandip Somany is the vice chairman and managing director of HSIL Ltd Foreword by Sandip Somany
  • 5.
    THE ART OFBATHING | 7 So, what does your bathroom look like? Not words you’d imagine as a scintillating conversation starter in polite company, but they are most certainly fitting. Because the infusion of technology and high design into said space has caused a dramatic, radical change in that kind of thinking, leading us all to this point—to create a book on ‘The Art of Bathing’. Two concepts that are seemingly disconnected find common ground in this collaboration between Queo and AD. Bathrooms have led a colourful, chequered life—from being lavishly extravagant to ‘for sanitation purpose only’ zones, to now being cool (and really smart). This book provided us with the opportunity to wade into deep waters to decode the art of bathing. Because let’s face it, a brand with as iconic a range of faucets, fixtures and assorted sanitaryware as Queo would certainly be in an enviable position to hold forth on the subject. If you are the kind to fixate on details (Should my water closet be tech-savvy? Is my gold-finished bathtub glam enough? Are bidets trending?), then Queo weighs in with its Fashion Collection, running the gamut of designer chic, from artistic, conceptual sanitaryware to nature-inspired products—but all luxurious. And you even get a look at the select designers in the Hall of Fame who found a way to combine function with innovation and imagination in their creations. If that weren’t enough, also we’ve got India’s leading architects and interior designers—from Vinita Chaitanya and Ravi Vazirani to Madhav Raman and Shabnam Gupta—to offer their perspective on the topic. And some must-see recommendations for design inspiration: fixtures and faucets that reflect a design aesthetic you might like to emulate. Just to begin with. We have also scoured beautifully designed homes from across the world for some inventively crafted bathrooms, and discovered some truly architectural masterpieces from days gone by. This book is an anthology of interesting solutions and rife with inspiration. Read it at leisure, while you luxuriate in your bubble bath. And seriously, do tell—what does your bathroom look like? Introduction F-Morwen wall mounted bidet; F-Morwen water closet; Orca single lever bidet mixer; I-Plate flush plate; F-Courbe towel holder 60mm; F-50 free-standing bathtub; Orca tall single lever floor standing bath and Orca shower mixer; Queo. ‘Bamboo Trellis’ (W065D3NTY75) wallpaper, Nilaya. Painting by Yashwant Deshmukh, Blue Loft. ‘D1790/2A’ curtains from the Samsara collection, Dreams Furnishings. Cotton towel from the Roman Bath collection, Surprise Home Linen. ‘Flame of the Forest’ light, Viya Home. ‘Winter Asha’ rug, Shyam Ahuja. ‘Lucite’ side table, Blue Loft. All-in-one body gel, MUJI. ‘Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise’ and ‘Orange & Bergamont’ bodywash, Molton Brown.
  • 6.
    8 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 9 ZubinZainuddin&KrupaZubin ZZARCHITECTS RaviVazirani VinitaChaitanya PRISM RajivSaini SachinBandukwala &MelissaSmith BANDUKSMITHSTUDIO IqrupDhamija MadhavRaman ANAGRAMARCHITECTS PhirosaNeterwala NETERWALA&AIBARAINTERIOR ARCHITECTS ShabnamGupta THEORANGELANE GeorgeSeemon STAPATI KohelikaKohli K2INDIA SunuAibara NETERWALA&AIBARAINTERIOR ARCHITECTS AnkurChoksi STUDIOLOTUS
  • 7.
    THE ART OFBATHING | 000 10 | THE ART OF BATHING Sensorial, pure and sublime—that is what the ideal bathroom aspires to be. It’s a space of comfort and, these days, can be considered to be an extension of one’s lifestyle. And in many ways, these are also spaces that are reflective of us as designers. Bathrooms are probably the first rooms that we tackle when we start working on the design direction of a project; given the services that are packed into these spaces, we find it best to resolve them at the early stages of designing a home. Be it ‘timeless simplicity’ or ‘indulgent opulence’, a theme helps us to create a bespoke space that is defined down to the minutest detail. A bathroom is, effectively, a congregation of utilities and aspiration, but beyond anything else, it needs to feel personal to the user. We love playing with form and layout, but finally, this space needs to be timeless. The bathrooms are among the first few designs that we reveal to our clients. As we have created some truly unique bathrooms, they clearly have come to expect certain standards from us. We therefore believe it’s important to take it up a notch with every new project—either in terms of planning, material schemes, selecting interesting sanitaryware or storage allocation. One has to start by defining clear functions. In larger bathrooms, one can incorporate some interesting features such as steam cubicles and whirlpool tubs. Ideally, one should allocate a large footprint for the shower (be sure to use a well-defined shower and good fittings). If space permits, a bench within this space is also a practical addition. The sensory element of finishes and fixtures—how they feel and look with their colour tones, outlines and grooves—can make a big difference to a space; as does incorporating appropriate technology, such as music and lighting. Stones like limestone, granite and marble are among our favourite materials to work with. They are timeless and add character to spaces. Metal finishes, like brass, in combination with stone and wood, for instance, give us a variety to choose from. Apart from the visual aspects, a good ventilation and exhaust system is a must. And adding candles and fragrances will create that spa-like atmosphere. Bathrooms today are a visual and experiential extension of the home, and they will only evolve into more exciting spaces, with fittings becoming more artistic, easy-to-use and fun to experience. Bathrooms need not stay hidden behind closed doors anymore. ZUBIN ZAINUDDIN & KRUPA ZUBIN OF ZZ ARCHITECTS “Thesensory elementoffinishes andfixtures—how theyfeelandlook— canmakeabig differenceto aspace.”
  • 8.
    12 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 13 SOPHISTICATED APPEAL To infuse your bathroom with a sensory touch, use sanitaryware from the Le Forme collection designed by Italian architect-cum-designer Fabrizio Batoni. Available in Matte White, Matte Black, Grey Bromine and Beaver shades, the water closets, bidets and over-the-counter basins steer away from clean linear lines that define sanitary ceramics by introducing the geometry of concentric circles that appear as ceramic grooves inspired by sand dunes. Every creation is designed as a centrepiece for your bath space and accentuated with a matte finish to add a dramatic flair. GET THE LOOK
  • 9.
    14 | THEART OF BATHING I find bathrooms to be the most exciting spaces to design, probably because of the time I spend in mine, standing under the shower. I think a bathroom is typically where you spend some of your most private, intimate moments—a sanctuary for some personal mind space. It’s also the place where I do some of my best thinking. Lotsoffactorsneedtobeconsideredwhendesigning a bathroom, from the layout to the number of people using it. But first and foremost, basic design principles need to applied to make sure the layout is effective and ergonomic. And in its design, cohesiveness, too, becomes subjective—just because a certain area of the house has a theme doesn’t necessarily mean the bathroom has to be an extension of it. More than the idea of achieving cohesive design, thoughtful design, according to me, is more important. I personally enjoy creating bathroom spaces that have a certain sense of calm. Considering most of my projects are within India, a land where natural resources like marble and other stones are easily accessible, I prefer using natural materials over synthetic tiles, but then again, that’s not written in stone. Sometimes, I let the space define the material. I like to incorporate drama through small elements and as finishing touches—the contrast of an industrial faucet to a clean sink; the play of vivid colours; simple yet striking finishes; brass fixtures over white or grey stone; interesting mirrors. While it may be great to have an over-patterned floor the first few months, that can get rather repetitive. It’s a bathroom, and it’s going to be exposed to tremendous moisture. So always choose materials that age well. I wouldn’t recommend a micro concrete or an epoxy floor, because they won’t withstand the abrasion and will wear out. However, if it’s a powder room, you can let go and have some fun. Clients, too, are now responding to the aesthetic aspect. They are consuming it in various ways and, thus, justifiably demand it when it comes to their personal spaces. For instance, many more homeowners now request steam options in the shower cubicle, or ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ washbasins. Life today has become hectic and stressful. And if you have the ability to indulge, you should enjoy the luxury and comfort that a well-designed bathroom affords; you’ve certainly earned it. RAVI VAZIRANI “Iliketo incorporate dramathrough smallelements— thecontrastofan industrialfaucet toacleansink.”
  • 10.
    16 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 17 RAW DEAL Understated yet distinctive, the ergonomic faucets from the F-Misura collection are ideal for a touch of industrial style and create a stark but striking focal point in the modern bath space. Conceived by Italian industrial designer Antonio Bullo, this range includes basin mixers, bath and shower mixers and four-way diverters for concealed and exposed installations. Excitingly, the creations are available in vibrant colours and various finishes across a choice of shades including Chrome, Brushed Dark Nickel, Matte White, Chrome Black, Matte Black, and gold variants. The process of Automised Disposition ensures that their colours stay intact. GET THE LOOK
  • 11.
    18 | THEART OF BATHING From homes with a modern Indian aesthetic and contemporary apartments in high-rise buildings to a Spanish hacienda and an Islamic-style villa—50 per cent of the homes that I am currently designing are over 15,000 square feet. This easily amounts to four or five bedrooms with powder rooms, making it six to seven bathrooms in each home. Each bathroom has to be unique, while ensuring continuity of the design aesthetic within the home. Now imagine the range of ideas and designs that bathrooms in each house would require. This perhaps offers an understanding of the significance of luxurious bathrooms in homes today. And that is, in no small measure, due to our clients. They have a precise idea about what they have come to expect from these spaces. In fact, some of my clients today also have a spa within the bathroom or attached to their toilets. Balancing form and function remains the mainstay, before we move into the aesthetics. Our emphasis remains on customization according to client requirements, which are unique to every project, and meticulous detailing. Drama and glamour are integral to our approach to design, and are achieved through accents such as an inlaid wall panel or through mirrors and washbasins. Our contemporary homes, while modern and clean-lined, are balanced with glamorous artist collections in the choice of washbasins, or with metallic fixtures. I may even opt to do a space with a Moroccan vibe or rustic Spanish tiles. We recently created a beautiful basin with a solid five- foot square block of yellow travertine. Another thing I like to incorporate in bathrooms are ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ zones, showcased either in washbasin counters or water-closet areas. One of my current designs includes dual ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ shower zones, as well as ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ bath linen, laundry and toiletry spaces. I’ve even added small touches like foot stones so homeowners can massage their feet. When it comes to materials, I like mixing tile and stone. Semi- precious inlays on areas like countertops or accent panels, natural stones with their grains and unique colours are perfect for that dramatic touch. I prefer non-skid materials for my older clients. Lighting is extremely important too; there’s chromotherapy in showers, skylights for natural lights, sensors in water-closet areas and under basin counters. We spend a lot of time detailing these spaces now, but when we design, form and function take precedence—always. VINITA CHAITANYA OF PRISM “Dramaand glamourare integraltoour approachto designandare achievedthrough [small]accents...” PHOTO: LUCKY MALHOTRA
  • 12.
    THE ART OFBATHING | 21 GLAM QUOTIENT Opt for Queo’s Chryseum collection if you’re looking to inject your bathroom with decorative luxury and a touch of glamour. The Chryseum F-Lavabo range of over-the-counter basins are designed by Sandro Meneghello and Marco Paolelli and illustrate diamond and rectangle patterns over the outer surface in ridges and troughs that are inspired by fabric warping and quilting techniques. Masterpieces in geometric elegance and made with a 24-carat gold finish, the showering solutions from the Chryseum collection come equipped with mist, curtain-, full-, centre-rain functions and a temperature control mechanism. GET THE LOOK
  • 13.
    22 | THEART OF BATHING An element of introspection, serenity and silence is inextricably linked with the idea of the bathroom. It is your most intimate space, where you connect with yourself and find an opportunity to disconnect from the outside world. The bathroom is an intensely private space meant to be experienced on a sensory level, but the idea for it springs from a completely rational perspective: understanding the lifestyle and requirements of the person using it. For me, these spaces should be reflective and serene—evoking a sense of calmness. This is something I endeavour to achieve in all my projects. Natural light and ventilation are always welcome in any bathroom, and I also pay special attention to the manner in which artificial lighting is planned in these spaces. I try to introduce lighting that is not harsh—so I use a lot of coves, uplighters and lamps (if space permits). I prefer using downlighters or spotlights only in areas where required, always keeping them on a separate circuit. Personally, I prefer en-suite bathrooms to have a light and fresh feel (dark, dramatic materials and spaces are great for powder rooms), and start designing by identifying the material palette. This normally ends up being a natural stone or marble (no tiles for me), combined with the use of wood. The wide variety of choices available these days—for stoneware and chinaware, and faucet and shower fittings—allows for a high degree of refinement in the design of these spaces. Technology that leads to an enhanced experience is always welcome, as long as it is kept discreet. While designing a home, it’s important for me that the aesthetic of the bathroom resonates with the rest of the house. Moving from one room to another, irrespective of its function, should be seamless, and every space in the house should express a unifying design language. Whilst choosing materials, colours and textures, go for those that bring an element of timelessness. In bathroom design particularly, this gains significance, not just because the space doesn’t lend itself to constant change, but also because it’s a personal sanctuary— where your focus turns inward and the world outside is seemingly put on hold. RAJIV SAINI Forme,thesespacesshouldbe reflectiveandserene—evokinga senseofcalmness.Personally,Iprefer en-suitebathroomstohavealightand freshfeel...andstartdesigningby identifyingthematerialpalette. PHOTO: ASHISH SAHI
  • 14.
    THE ART OFBATHING | 25 GROUNDBREAKING To create an unconditional minimalistic ambience, incorporate unorthodox textures with unusual fixtures and fittings. And the F-Concept collection of ceramic sanitaryware makes the ideal accompaniment. Created by Italian sculptor and designer Franco Valeri and his daughter Chiara, the collection of basins, bidets and a water closet is defined by soft shapes and thin lines that resemble the curves seen in sculptures. The smooth design is created using high quality materials and superior craftsmanship, making for an eclectic array of bathware. GET THE LOOK
  • 15.
    26 | THEART OF BATHING In a natural environment, materials ‘breathe’ fresh air and look beautifully weathered in the light. Bringing that sense of freshness into the bathrooms in our homes should be the foremost consideration when it comes to designing these spaces. Conceived primarily with hygiene at the centre, bathrooms generally use glazed tiles and non-porous materials for surfaces, and maintain functional water supply and drainage systems. However, while this artificial environment serves its purpose, a more organic experience could be embedded in the act of bathing. Standing under a waterfall, or being near water, could augment it, bringing us back to nature, or as close as is possible, through natural finishes and elegant water- discharging devices. Still, the starting point remains centred on hygiene and cleanliness—no corner of a bathroom should be unreachable and no surface should be less clean than a stone just washed by a river. Volume, temperature, texture and touch of water can calm a stressed body, and renew it at the start of the day. And it is the quality of light, whether natural or artificial, that enhances or contradicts these effects, by way of creating a particularly unique condition of bathing among exquisite materials. And the studio works with many—natural stones, handmade and machine-made ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles, glass, wood, laminated marine ply, terrazzo, waxed IPS, and also brass and copper surfaces with steel components. Good design is unrestricted by scale or budget. In every bathroom we design, irrespective of scale, the key elements are always functional organization, and the experience of light and water. Our range of bathroom spaces spans the gamut; the smallest is a mere 3 by 5 feet, while the biggest private bathroom is 11 by 28 feet. Though the tiny space was best served by focusing on functions with perfect devices and good lighting, it was easy to go beyond and create an experience centred on light, textures and top-of-the-line equipment. In this context, today’s advanced technology can enhance the possibilities present in bathroom design. It creates new options and allows for a wide variety of experiences, evolving so that state- of-the-art innovations simply feel natural, while the nuts, bolts, sensors, and lasers support a more-than-natural condition as they hide in plain sight. SACHIN BANDUKWALA & MELISSA SMITH OF BANDUKSMITHSTUDIO “...today’sadvanced technologycanenhance thepossibilitiesin bathroomdesign,[and allow]foravariety ofexperiences...” PHOTO: NEVILLE SUKHIA
  • 16.
    THE ART OFBATHING | 29 TECH READY Queo’s F-Automode, F-iTouch and Smartap with Alexa collections are in equal parts technologically advanced and glam-forward. The automated electronic water closet, from the F-Automode, offers one-touch cleansing, and other functions to adjust water direction, pressure and temperature. The F-iTouch ‘Digital Thermostat’ is an intuitive thermostatic remote that gives you complete control on the shower. Smartap gives you full control of your showering experience with a smartphone app, voice commands via an Amazon Echo or manual digital controllers. GET THE LOOK
  • 17.
    30 | THEART OF BATHING It may be small in size, but this does not mean that a bathroom cannot be big on style. Bathrooms have moved on from their functional origins and become definitive luxurious retreats. As the role of the bathroom has changed, so has the time and priority given to creating the perfect space. Continuously evolving trends have inspired great diversity towards minimalist bathroom design featuring slim lines and neutral palettes. There are now numerous fun materials, geometric shapes, colours and products to experiment with, and new technologies and state-of-the-art fittings to create spa-like spaces to relax, rejuvenate and indulge in. We always start with understanding the homeowners’ personalities and requirements. There are a number of details to consider when it comes to selecting materials, fixtures and cabinetry—so it’s important to plan well and consider how a space will be used to achieve better depth and balance. Before any style decisions can be made, though, you need to plan the layout of the bathroom. Figure out the placement and the flow, then think about storage. Ideally use a mix of concealed and open storage; store away things that need to be hidden and display beautiful objects or toiletries. Then focus on lighting, from decorative sconces and backlighting for mirrors to mood lighting, for a soothing atmosphere. You should never be afraid to use a bold, statement pattern, even in a small space, but your choices depend on the aesthetic you want to achieve. The classic, simple and timeless add to a period-style setting; everything from the panelling to the flooring should be cohesive with a classically designed house. An ornate bathroom mirror or artwork, as well as some classic cabinetry will ensure a classic look; we favour interesting marbles and period-style fittings. A classic bathroom absolutely calls for a free-standing tub. If space permits, make it more intimate: furnish it with an armchair, a rug, maybe even a wooden towel stand. On the other hand, for a modern home, we might choose terrazzo tiles, use natural timber and stone, ensure ample natural light and accent the space with plants. In fact, in a Greek-style beach villa in Goa we are working on, we’ve opted for materials like stone and white cement to echo traditional Cycladic architecture. Another useful thing to consider is colour-matching bathroom tiles or marble with bathroom furniture; it completes the look and creates the illusion of space. Regardless of the style you opt for, don’t ever underestimate the design potential of your bathroom; and most importantly, have fun planning and designing the space. IQRUP DHAMIJA “Continuously evolvingtrends haveinspiredgreat diversitytowards minimalist bathroomdesign...” PHOTO: UMA DAMLE
  • 18.
    THE ART OFBATHING | 33 SHADESOFMINIMALISM Add depth and symmetry to the bathroom by opting for the F-Novella series of versatile bathware from Queo. The collection is an exercise in the minimalist tradition of seeing less but getting more, owing to its all-white palette and clean lines, making it ideal to play with a one-colour scheme for varied layers and textures in a bath area. Created by Italian designer Romano Adolini, the collection of sanitaryware consists of over- and under-the- counter basins as well as a water closet. GET THE LOOK
  • 19.
    34 | THEART OF BATHING The act of bathing, in fact, ablutions of any kind, is about more than just daily hygiene. While it is highly private and individually habitual, bathing has been variously therapeutized, communalized—even ritualized. From serving as moments of repose and seclusion to sustaining social interactions, such as at a spa or a gym, the recuperative benefits of bathing serve the entire gamut of experience. As a canvas of design, I think bathrooms offer an opportunity to elementally and sensuously connect cleansing, rejuvenation and comfort with water, light, nature, texture and colour. Bathing has historically attested to the evolution of a civilization, with elaborate public or communal baths having been built in societies at their zenith. In India, bathrooms went from outside homes, to being assimilated within a residence, and finally transforming into spaces of luxury and great design. Now, they allow for experiments with layouts and materiality in a bid to offer experiences of comfort, convenience, and the exotic and eclectic. While planning a bathroom, the homeowners’ lifestyles and behaviours are important to gauge the fluidity with which the ensuite merges with the bedroom. This includes looking into hygiene routines, grooming and dressing habits, privacy requirements and time spent within the space. Exploring these should evolve innovative and effective layouts with segregated wet, semi-dry and dry areas. While a lot can be achieved with top-quality lights and HVAC, the effect of abundant natural light and ventilation is hard to replace. It’s also a good idea to experiment with surfaces—look to render wall and floor surfaces in monolithic finishes and contrast it with metallic bathroom fittings. Surfaces can now be rendered with polymer-based materials that allow waterproof finishes to extend seamlessly from floor tocountertowalltoceiling.Softertexturesandfluidcurvesshouldbeconsideredoverhardceramicor stone finishes. Planning and lighting mirrors in bathrooms is quite critical; at least one full-length mirror is absolutely necessary. Technology, too, is becoming ubiquitous in bathrooms, going beyond waterworks into digital, audio-visual, immersive and interactive experiences. Even as you populate the bathroom with mod cons (modern conveniences), don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees. Habitual behaviour and optimum water consumption must dictate design decisions; neglecting them is the reason that many a redundant Jacuzzi and multi-nozzle shower cubicle have met with unceremonious roadside abandonment. The true potential of a bathroom, however, is in being a space that fuses form and function and is transportive in terms of experience. MADHAV RAMAN OF ANAGRAM ARCHITECTS “Softertexturesand fluidcurvesshould beconsideredover hardceramicor stonefinishes.” PHOTO: URVASHI KAUL KHURANA
  • 20.
    36 | THEART OF BATHING SOFT CURVES The F-Courbe collection of basins and water closets was conceived by Japanese designer Oki Sato. Beautifully resembling coiled ribbons that act more as a boundary confining water than as an actual basin, the eclectic and ingenious creations don’t overlook functionality and are accentuated with sleek metallic finishes, including gold and platinum. Soft shapes and fluid curves underpin the design ethos of this collection, ideal for recreating a soft, striking focal point in the modern bathroom. GET THE LOOK
  • 21.
    38 | THEART OF BATHING A bathroom is a place for ‘me’ time, a space where one goes to unwind and reflect. Bathrooms should be simple and soothing, tending towards a monotone palette, with clean lines, easy maintenance, less materials and light colours. That is the approach we take when it comes to designing bathrooms. At present, all the bathrooms that we have worked on follow a more straight-lined aesthetic. Minimal, clean lines, the use of a limited colour palette (white bathroom sanitary fixtures), limited material usage (more marble than any other), multi-function showers and automated lighting, large mirrors and glass wardrobes—if you are looking for a bathroom space with clean contemporary profiles, these are the elements that you need to achieve through your design. Bathroom design has evolved from being predominantly about function over form to an equal relationship between the two aspects, balancing the aesthetic and the utilitarian nature of these spaces. Taken in the context of the design of a home, it should match the rest of the spaces and flow as part of the home, just as the design flows effortlessly from room to room. For instance, we like to combine dressing areas to the master bathroom with enclosed and open wardrobes. Having said that, I do believe that powder rooms can achieve a completely different look and display a definitive wow factor. When it comes to functionality, the minutest of details must be taken into account—from the storage locations to the planning of the water closet and shower, from the height of the plumbing to its location as you enter each space, and the best wall for the shower fittings so that you do not get wet right up to the point that you step under the water. But beyond everything else, the focus, while designing a bathroom, must be on relaxation and ease of use. It is, after all, a space meant for contemplation, for getting to know yourself better—a space that invites you in and makes you want to unwind. PHIROSA NETERWALA OF NETERWALA & AIBARA INTERIOR ARCHITECTS PHOTO: MAXIE COOPER “Thefocus,while designinga bathroom,mustbe onrelaxationand easeofgetting ready.”
  • 22.
    40 | THEART OF BATHING SPA-CATION Create a fuss-free ambience that allows total relaxation by extending your green thumb and adding F-Acqua shower solutions, which are perfect to soothe all your senses. The ‘Cascade Overhead Shower’ seen here comes equipped with three functions (cascade spread, rain and massage). The wide selection of adjustable jets that come with the F-Acqua Body Jets range offer a spa-style massage at home. GET THE LOOK
  • 23.
    42 | THEART OF BATHING As the world of design turns, evolves and undergoes transformations, bathroom interiors, too, have left behindtheirlaid-backtraditions,changingdramatically in recent decades. They have evolved from simple, white-tiled, sanitized spaces into personal retreats and at-home spas. There is a certain boldness now in experimenting with diverse concepts. I strongly believe that there needs to be a conscious effort for the overall design of a home to flow into the washroom space as well. A bathroom is no longer an isolated chamber meant for private sanitation. Today, it is a wellness zone that encompasses entertainment and serves as a space where people can loosen up and unwind. I try to understand what the space demands and what it is telling us to do. I believe that providing comfort is a vital part in designing a bathroom. It’s not just about the aesthetics; we aim to achieve absolute functionality as well. The freedom of movement in a bathroom space is important and adds a new kind of user quality to it. A lot of elements go into creating great bathrooms; for instance, getting natural light into a space while maintaining privacy is extremely important. I like to incorporate landscape into these spaces, as a natural extension of bringing in an element of the outdoors into the home. I am heavily inspired by nature and its forms, shapes and colours, which, in synergy with traditional arts and crafts, play a significant role in shaping my designs. Since the inclusion of patterns and shapes requires a neutral backdrop, the choice of stone should be monotone, and the mix-and-match of materials should be controlled so as to accentuate the pattern. I personally enjoy going all out when it comes to designing bathroom spaces—and to ensure they reflect my love for nature. This could be showcased in a number of ways: a hand-painted floral artwork on the ceiling in the dry areas, the use of concrete with stamping using actual leaves and stone engravings with dragonfly and leaf motifs are some ways we incorporate nature in multiple materials. There is a lot more to a washroom than being a space that houses a water closet and a washbasin. The challenge lies in transforming a predominantly functional space into a zone that exudes leisure and ease—and being able to achieve this through design excites me as a designer. SHABNAM GUPTA OF THE ORANGE LANE “Iliketo incorporate landscapeinto thesespaces,by bringinginan elementofthe outdoors.” PHOTO COURTESY THE ORANGE LANE
  • 24.
    44 | THEART OF BATHING NATURE INSPIRED Simulate the natural landscape indoors, with the F-Florette basin that illustrates gorgeous blooms on the inside. The creations are available in rectangular or round shapes in red or blue variants. The floral patterns on the basins are created using a mesh and stencil, where ink is transferred manually. GET THE LOOK
  • 25.
    46 | THEART OF BATHING Clients today are extremely aware about what they want. And what everyone wants is a well -designed, aesthetically appealing space. Bathrooms are no exception. Bathrooms have charted a dramatic trajectory from their early days as sanitized, standardized bright white spaces made when wall-mounted fixtures were unheard of and people hadn’t woken up to the merit of cubicles. Now, the concern is well beyond just utilitarian. It’s also about space segregation, personalizing the area and making a modern design statement. Bathroom design should have some common element with the rest of the house—be it in terms of colour, design language or architectural style, within which you can change the materials. Personally, I like bathrooms to be minimalist—not stark, but warmer. Opt for clutter-free spaces, straight lines, geometric shapes, clever segregation and minimal materials with a few accents, like a shower wall in a different pattern. I tend to use natural materials in larger format spaces, like farmhouses where there are people to take care of them. But in city homes, often the demand of durability require using artificial materials. For added elegance in the space, add an interesting chandelier, brass or metal inlays or get a little creative with your vanity. But everything must start with function and storage. Everything that you need within the bathroom serves a purpose—the vanity, water closet, shower, and so on. The measure of a successful bathroom becomes apparent not when you hand it over to a client, but when, after some time has passed, you walk through the space and see an efficient layout without clutter. So it’s important to take these smaller details into consideration, which, if neglected, could ruin the entire look of a bathroom, no matter how stunning the design. Then there is the layout. The vanity should be the first thing you see when you enter, as opposed to the water closet, which should be avoided, so it’s not in the immediate line of sight. Good ventilation is imperative, abundant natural light, great (preferably ambient) night-time lighting and a well-lit vanity (avoid overhead lighting here to prevent shadows being cast on your face) round up the requirements of a well-designed bathroom. The bathroom is a space one wakes up to and the last space one sees before going to bed. So, creating the right mood, where function balances the aesthetic, is not just a luxury, but a necessity— to start and end your day on a great note. GEORGE SEEMON OF STAPATI “Creatingthe rightmood, wherefunction balancesthe aesthetic,isnot justaluxury,but anecessity.”
  • 26.
    48 | THEART OF BATHING A BALANCING ACT Conceived by Italian designer Giancarlo, the F-Marquis basin collection is a beautiful ode to geometry, modern minimalism and nature’s lushness. The basins combine two distinct shapes, a circle and square, to showcase design that’s unique as well as functional. The best part is every ceramic basin can be embedded in the counter itself. GET THE LOOK
  • 27.
    50 | THEART OF BATHING I recall my mother, [interior designer Sunita Kohli], mentioning how, as a child, she did not have the advantage of a water closet, having to make do with teak thunderboxes. She said, “In bathrooms like ours, we had Czechoslovakia-made white-enamelled pots rather than tin ones. For bathing, we used brass buckets and lotas. Showers and plastic buckets and mugs came later.” We have come a long way since then. People have evolved, as have their design sensibilities. With homeowners becoming more clued into the design of their homes, the emphasis on well- designed bathrooms has also increased. Bathrooms are altogether separate entities and can actually take on their own design language. A bathroom can be just functional, or super-sexy. Other than the framework of the selected fixtures and fittings, the canvas is wide open to interpretation. Much depends on what the end user wants and his or her daily routine. Apart from context being critical—is it for an apartment, a bungalow, a restaurant or a public space?—client requirements, their needs and desires, must be considered right from the outset, particularly when it is a home, and especially for an en-suite bathroom. It must be first determined whether it will be used by one or two persons and their preferences. It is a personal and private space, so it should be comfortable and chic, yet fully utilitarian. The spatial planning, in terms of the square footage to be dedicated to bathrooms, will evolve once those aspects are understood. Many people also follow vastu principles when planning the space. The locations of fittings and fixtures are critical to the final layout. Then comes selecting the right ones. Post this, one starts to add on the tonality and textures. But in all this planning, client needs and the usability of the space take precedence. Lighting has always been key for me; it is the last element that makes the change. Fortunately, today, with dimmer systems, most lighting can be controlled and made to adapt to the colours and textures used. So a carefully considered architectural lighting layer is imperative. One should also ensure that it allows for some future planning; this enables a few different circuits at a later date. People look for comfort in their bathroom spaces, but also like them to look beautiful, appealing and evocative, which is what every designer should work towards. Good design, after all, increases one’s sense of well-being and mental equilibrium. KOHELIKA KOHLI OF K2INDIA “Lightinghas alwaysbeenkey forme;itisthe lastelementthat makesthe change.”
  • 28.
    THE ART OFBATHING | 53 LIGHTUP Don’t shy away from incorporating lighting in unconventional spaces in the bathroom for a unique look. The F-Clair collection of bath/ shower and basin mixers makes a compelling case. The mixers combine a minimalistic design with an LED cartridge to generate coloured light. The light changes colour according to the water temperature, from cold blue to hot red. GET THE LOOK
  • 29.
    54 | THEART OF BATHING It’s the one really personal space in a home. A private zone symbolic of your time off from everything and everyone, a space that lets others know that you are simply not available to anyone else. That idea of a bathroom leads to a thought process that elevates it to the role of a special, albeit extremely private space. It therefore follows that a space as intimate as a bathroom needs to appeal to all senses. From the light to the smell to the feeling—it calls for an immersive, sensory experience. Your eyes take in the light, layout and materiality, your nose breathes in the aroma of freedom and your feet luxuriate in the cool or warmed floors; your bathroom transforms into a spa. They are spaces of high design as much as functionality, and it is important to tie bathrooms into the overall aesthetic of a house as any of the other rooms. You need to have a sense of calm as you move from one space to another; it should not strike a discordant note, but should certainly be distinctive. The key elements that drive our innovative design choices revolve around client requirements and detailing the layout so that it allows for a smooth transition from one activity to the next. You have to think about how you want to use the space: the area you’d like to dry yourself, the towel being within easy reach, and the things you’d like to see there—a hook for the bathrobe, a spot for a weighing scale, space for a laundry basket so you don’t have discarded clothing strewn across the floor. Functionality, layout—shapes and angles—and minute detailing take precedence. Then, depending on the space you have to work with and the clients’ requirements, you can keep layering to make it beautiful—add a massage table if space allows, incorporate great lighting, or add a bookshelf next to the Jacuzzi. We tend to use nice marble and tiles, the latter in a more restrictive way. This is because we don’t like cutting a tile, which can happen in the corners; it should be used in its entirety, so it retains its aesthetic appeal. We also enjoy using metal to dress up the space—dependent, of course, on the style of the house. We use materials not associated with bathrooms, like wood and metal. We create special spaces. SUNU AIBARA OF NETERWALA & AIBARA INTERIOR ARCHITECTS “Functionality, layout—shapesand angles—andminute detailingtake precedence.” PHOTO: MAXIE COOPER
  • 30.
    THE ART OFBATHING | 57 GEOMETRIC SENSATIONS Pepper the bathroom with the avant-garde F-Morwen collection of ceramic sanitaryware. Created by Italian designer and architect Romano Adolini, the distinctive feature of this range is its inclination, where the products protrude directly from the wall at an angle of 138 degrees to maintain reduced dimensions and ease of use. Each creation in the series—including the wall-mounted bidets, over-the-counter basins and washbasins, and wall-mounted water closets— presents a monochromatic palette, combined with square shapes, rounded corners and thin profiles at aesthetically-pleasing angles for a sharp, uncluttered aesthetic, perfect to create a vibe that will help you relax and rejuvenate. GET THE LOOK
  • 31.
    58 | THEART OF BATHING Bathrooms by their very nature tend to be of a relatively intimate scale, attending to the most private experiences. These spaces usually offer a sense of disconnect, and serve as a private space to be, relax and slow down. In that sense, they can offer an indulgent and highly comfortable experience. On the other end, the scale of the space and the relatively shorter time spent within create an opportunity to make the experience highly sensory, tactile, dramatic and memorable very effectively. The choice of spaces, materials and elements all woven together can generate an engaging narrative that can be very personal or exude a wow factor for a home or a hospitality space. Overtheyears,theideaofawell-designedbathroom has changed from a space with a utilitarian focus on hygiene management to a space that can deliver a small sense of luxury and create a pampering, private experience. This dialogue with ‘What are the evolving notions of authentic luxury?’ informs the design approach for the nature of the bathroom. When creating a cohesive design language for a house, bathrooms carry equal weightage vis-à-vis all the other spaces. They are rendered to speak the overall language while retaining a distinctive presence either as a transitory dramatic gesture such as a powder room or an elegant, subtly crafted space to soak in for, say, a master bedroom. The quality of experience and the relationship between the subspaces within the bathroom are key elements that drive the design approach. A hierarchy of spaces can be created where the highlight is on the anchor areas in a small footprint and relative impact of the subspaces in a larger footprint. For instance, the focus could be on the vanity area for a small powder room and the outdoor shower with views into a private court in a larger bathroom. The idea is also about delivering a relatively transportive experience, which the nature of bathroom spaces allows for, where tactile textures and patterns are integrated to build on the narrative. These spatial expressions are brought alive by the choice of materials and patterns, along with the details of elements such as the vanity, mirrors, furniture and lamps in the space. The best expression, to our mind, emerges from a comprehensive understanding of the materials, techniques and their strengths. We work extensively with stone, stone inlay work, stone mosaic, hand cast in-situ terrazzo, handglazed and industrially glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles with intense explorations of laying patterns and other artisanal techniques to generate the desired sensory quality. It is this experiential aspect that drives and distinguishes the narrative in our approach to bathroom design. ANKUR CHOKSI OF STUDIO LOTUS “Weworkextensively withstone,stoneinlay work,stonemosaic, handcastin-situ terrazzo,hand-glazed andindustriallyglazed ceramicandporcelain tileswithintense layingpatterns.” PHOTO: ANDRE FANTHOME
  • 32.
    THE ART OFBATHING | 61 SET IN STONE Bring the unique art of mosaic to your bathroom with Queo’s F-Mosaicó and F-Mosaicó Oro line of faucets. The exquisite faucets, created with handcrafted stones sourced from all over the world, reference mosaic techniques from the Bronze Age. The stones, in muted shades like blue and grey, are cut to perfection and are delicately placed to give the creations their opulent look. GET THE LOOK
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    F-Morwen wall mountedbidet, Orca single lever bidet mixer, F-Morwen water closet, I-Plate flush plate, F-Courbe 60 mm towel holder, F-50 free standing bathtub, Orca tall single lever floor standing bath and shower mixer, F-Morwen 600 mm over-the-counter basin (with tap platform), F-Linear single lever basin mixer, Queo. ‘Bamboo Trellis’ (W065D3NTY75) wallpaper, Nilaya. Painting by Yashwant Deshmukh, Blue Loft. ‘D1790/2A’ curtains from the Samsara collection, Dreams Furnishings. Cotton towel from the Roman Bath collection, Surprise Home Linen. ‘Flame of the Forest’ light, Viya Home. ‘Winter Asha’ rug, Shyam Ahuja. ‘Lucite’ side table, Blue Loft. All-in-one body gel, MUJI. ‘Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise’ and ‘Orange & Bergamont’ bodywash, Molton Brown. ‘MI-RM-03’ mirror with leather strap, Kerf. ‘Kulu’ chest of drawers, Blue Loft. ‘Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise’ liquid handwash, Molton Brown. Porcelain tray, MUJI. ‘Phalaenor’ white flower pot, Address Home. ‘Pondicherry Yellow’ (turmeric, coconut, sandalwood) candle, Bombay Perfumery. ‘Java’ rattan waste bin, Good Earth. THE ART OF BATHING | 65 PUREINDULGENCE Withitscleanlinesandneutralpalette,thepieces fromtheF-Morwen,F-50andF-Linearrangesare theperfectcompanionsforbathroomsthat experimentwithboldpatterns. 64 | THE ART OF BATHING
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    Left: F-Courbe 60 mmtowel holder, F-50 free standing bathtub, Queo. ‘Bamboo Trellis’ (W065D3NTY75) wallpaper, Nilaya. ‘D1790/2A’ curtains from the Samsara collection, Dreams Furnishings. Cotton towel from the Roman Bath collection, Surprise Home Linen. ‘Flame of the Forest’ light, Viya Home. Above: F-Morwen 600 mm over-the-counter basin (with tap platform), F-Linear single lever basin mixer, Queo. ‘MI-RM-03’ mirror with leather strap, Kerf. Porcelain tray, MUJI. ‘Rose’ natural soap, Kama Ayurveda. ‘Pondicherry Yellow’ (turmeric, coconut, sandalwood) candle, Bombay Perfumery. Facing page: F-Morwen wall mounted bidet, Orca single lever bidet mixer, F-Morwen water closet, I-Plate flush plate, Queo. ‘Bamboo Trellis’ (W065D3NTY75) wallpaper, Nilaya. Painting by Yashwant Deshmukh, Blue Loft. ‘Winter Asha’ rug, Shyam Ahuja. 66 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 67
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    68 | THEART OF BATHING CALM ELEGANCE Thesoftcurvesandluminousmetallic accentsoftheF-Courbe,Chryseumand F-Misurarangesuplifttheserenepastel paletteofthisbathroom. THE ART OF BATHING | 69 Chryseum health faucet with hose pipe, F-Courbe wall mounted water closet, Sisma Rectangolo (Oro) flush plate, F-Misura (Gold) single lever tall basin mixer, F-Courbe (Oro) 440 mm over-the- counter basin, F-Acqua Wave wall mounted body jet, F-Acqua Pura Chromo Therapy remote operated ceiling mount shower system with 3 functions: Rain, Cascade & Mist, F-iTouch digital touch thermostatic 4 function diverter, Queo. Framed vintage advertising poster, Phillips Antiques. ‘The Dots Metal’ brass hooks by Lars Tornøe for Muuto, Angel Ventures. Candle stand, Blue Ostrich Design. Candles, Cottons & Satins. ‘Contessa’ (white) face mirror, Address Home. Stone-finish soap dispenser, Surprise Home Linen. Cleansing gel, MUJI. ‘Shining’ basket, BoConcept. Rug, Cottons & Satins. ‘Framed’ (Taupe) mirror by Anderssen & Voll for Muuto, Angel Ventures. Wooden Naga bowl, Phillips Antiques. Cotton face-towels from the Roman Bath collection, Surprise Home Linen. Shell and bone necklace, Kavita Singh Interiors. ‘Abstract’ vase, Trésorie.
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    70 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 71 Left: F-Misura (Gold) single lever tall basin mixer, F-Courbe (Oro) 440 mm over-the-counter basin, Queo. Below left: F-Acqua Pura Chromo Therapy remote-operated ceiling mount shower system with 3 functions: Rain, Cascade & Mist, Queo. Below right: F-Acqua Wave wall mounted body jet, F-iTouch digital touch thermostatic 4 function diverter, Queo. Facing page: Chryseum health faucet with hose pipe, F-Courbe wall mounted water closet, Sisma Rectangolo (Oro) flush plate, Queo. Framed vintage advertising poster, Phillips Antiques. ‘Abstract’ vase, Trésorie. ‘The Dots Metal’ brass hooks by Lars Tornøe for Muuto, Angel Ventures.
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    72 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 73 Health faucet with bracket angle valve and hose, Le Forme (Matte Black) wall mounted water closet, Aquaplay hand shower, I-Plate black soft touch flush plate, F-Acqua Grand Chromo Therapy remote operated 700 x 380 mm ceiling mount shower with rain function and cascade spread, F-Acqua Spin square body jet, F-Misura (Matte Black) single lever tall basin mixer, Le Forme (Matte Black) 700 mm over-the-counter basin, Queo. Curtain fabric from the Samsara collection, Dreams Furnishings. ‘Shogun’ stool, BoConcept. Organic cotton blend thick towel and slippers, MUJI. Mounted art print from the Anamnesis series by Prasad Naik, dayDREAM. ‘Mihali’ rug, Shyam Ahuja. Mid-century chest of drawers, Phillips Antiques. ‘Henge’ mirror, Thelohasmith.com. Grey vase, Abaca. Stone-finish soapdish, Surprise Home Linen. ‘White Textured’ soap dispenser, Trésorie. Porcelain sculpture from the Mess is More series, Claymen. Bin, BoConcept. ‘Bell 165’ floor lamp by Hatsu, Blue Loft. BACKTOBLACK StarkblackLeFormeandF-Misurafittingsadd amasculinetouchandsubtledramatothis otherwisemaximalistspace.
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    74 | THEART OF BATHING Right: Aquaplay hand shower, F-Acqua Grand Chromo Therapy remote operated 700 x 380 mm ceiling mount shower with rain function and cascade spread, F-Acqua Spin square body jet, Smartap Nero (Black), Queo. Below: F-Misura (Matte Black) single lever tall basin mixer, Le Forme (Matte Black) 700 mm over-the-counter basin, Queo. Mid-century chest of drawers, Phillips Antiques. ‘Henge’ mirror, Thelohasmith.com. Facing page: Health faucet with bracket angle valve and hose, Le Forme (Matte Black) wall mounted water closet, I-Plate black soft touch flush plate, Queo. Curtain fabric from the Samsara collection, Dreams Furnishings. ‘Shogun’ stool, BoConcept. Organic cotton blend thick towel and slippers, MUJI. Mounted art print from the Anamnesis series by Prasad Naik, dayDREAM. ‘Mihali’ rug, Shyam Ahuja. THE ART OF BATHING | 75
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    76 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 77 Orca tall single lever floor standing bath and shower mixer, Zinnia free standing bath tub, F-Acqua Cascade overhead shower with spin three functions: Cascade, Rain & Spin, F-Acqua 4-way built-in thermostatic divertor, F-Acqua Spin creamy body jet, F-Misura 600 mm over-the-counter basin, F-Misura (Chrome) wall mounted single lever basin mixer for concealed installation, Queo. Slippers, MUJI. ‘Buri’ basket, Aesthetics. Wooden stool, Essajees. ‘Heavenly Gingerly’ caressing body polisher and bath and shower gel, Molton Brown. ‘Rondo’ rug, BoConcept. ‘Sea Shell’ marble soap dish, Good Earth. Wooden vase, Red, Blue & Yellow. ‘Rivet’ rectangular mirror, Thelohasmith.com. Soap dispenser, Surprise Home Linen. ‘Living’ wooden dishes, BoConcept. Porcelain tray, cleansing gel and sensitive-skin body milk, MUJI. Cotton hand- towels from the Roman Bath collection, Surprise Home Linen. ZENAND SOPHISTICATION ThecurvesoftheF-Misurafixturesand thecleanlinesoftheF-Acquashower perfectlycomplementtheminimaland ruggedvibeofthisspace.
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    78 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 79 Left: F-Misura 600 mm over-the-counter basin, F-Misura (Chrome) wall mounted single lever basin mixer for concealed installation, Queo. ‘Sea Shell’ marble soap dish, Good Earth. Soap, Kama Ayurveda. Wooden vase, Red, Blue & Yellow. ‘Rivet’ rectangular mirror, Thelohasmith.com. Above: F-Acqua Cascade overhead shower with spin three functions: Cascade, Rain & Spin, F-Acqua 4-way built-in thermostatic divertor, F-Acqua Spin creamy body jet, Queo. Facing page: Orca tall single lever floor standing bath and shower mixer, Zinnia free standing bath tub, Queo. Slippers, MUJI. ‘Buri’ basket, Aesthetics. Wooden stool, Essajees. ‘Heavenly Gingerly’ caressing body polisher and bath and shower gel, Molton Brown. ‘Rondo’ rug, BoConcept.
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    80 | THEART OF BATHING SHARPCONTRAST Luxuriousformsmeetabrutalist backdrop.Stylishlines,circularshapes andnature-inspiredformscometogether intheF-Fiordoproductsthatdotthis all-concretepowderroom. THE ART OF BATHING | 81 F-Fiordo single lever tall basin mixer, F-Fiordo over the counter basin, health faucet ABS, F-Fiordo wall mounted water closet, Sisma Rectangolo flush plate, Queo. Painting by Disha Gandhi, Blue Loft. Upholstered easy armchair, Phantom Hands. ‘River’ rectangular rug from the Karesansui collection by Matteo Cibic, Scarlet Splendour. Soap dispenser, soap dish and tray from the Curated collection; Spacio. Candle, No-Mad. Red sandalwood ayurvedic soap, Kama Ayurveda. White-and-blue ceramic stool, Kavita Singh Interiors.
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    82 | THEART OF BATHING Left: F-Fiordo single lever tall basin mixer, F-Fiordo over the counter basin, Queo. Facing page: Health faucet ABS, F-Fiordo wall mounted water closet, Sisma Rectangolo flush plate, Queo. White-and-blue ceramic stool, Kavita Singh Interiors. Stylist Samir Wadekar Photographer Ashish Sahi Production Raka Entertainment See page 169 for retailers. THE ART OF BATHING | 83
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    86 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 87 The F-Misura collection consists of a range of faucets and a sanitaryware series, conceived by Italian designers Antonio Bullo and Alessandro Paolelli. The collection brings to life contemporary aesthetics and a focus on minimalism through soft geometric lines and curves. The water closet, bidet and basins in this space complement its rustic ambience.
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    88 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 89 Small gold accents can instantly inject a new lease of life in sterile spaces (bathrooms included). This bath area—dotted with Queo’s Chryseum F-Lavabo over-the- counter basins, F-Automode automated electronic water closet and a shower and body jets from the Chryseum collection—makes a compelling case. The Chryseum F-Lavabo collection is characterized by diamond and quilting techniques, while Chryseum showers and body jets are made with 24-carat gold.
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    90 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 91 Sleek, clean designs and neutral colour palettes in the bathroom make for a serene sanctuary. Bring a modern edge to your bath space with Queo’s F-Courbe collection of sanitaryware and faucets, underpinned by radical curves that define the various elements of the collection. Renowned Japanese architect, and founder of design house Nendo, Oki Sato created the F-Courbe line of sanitaryware, while Milanese architect Lorenzo Damiani has imagined the faucet collection. The state-of-the-art features and fittings not only look amazing, but also promise ease of use.
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    92 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 93 A tranquil vibe meets modern, minimalistic luxe in this gorgeous bathroom punctuated with Queo’s Le Forme collection of sanitaryware. Created by Italian architect and designer Fabrizio Batoni, the collection is an ode to sand dunes, and defined by the geometry of concentric circles that appear as ceramic grooves on the water closet and over-the-counter basins. The bathroom, shaded in grey hues and earthy textures for depth and harmony, also features a shower with equipped with chromo therapy and body jets from the F-Acqua collection.
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    94 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 95 Combining comfortable modern living with smart technology, Queo’s Smartap pushes the envelope of indulgence by giving you full control of your bathing experience with a smartphone app, voice commands via Amazon Echo and manual digital controllers. Enjoy your preferred flow of water, at the exact right temperature, sustained throughout your shower with Smartap. The app also helps create a relaxing ambience with your favourite music or even auto-fill the bath.
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    96 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 97 This beautiful bathroom is embellished with Queo’s F-Courbe collection of sanitaryware and faucets designed by Oki Sato and Lorenzo Damiani respectively. Featuring a winding design never seen before in ceramics along with chrome fittings that illustrate an artistic distortion of form, this collection elevates contemporary minimalism. It also features a shower and body jets from the F-Acqua collection.
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    98 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 99 Taking the classic interior style of this bathroom a notch higher is Queo’s F-Fiordo collection of faucets and sanitaryware, designed by Paolo Zani. Drawing from meandering fiords, Zani has created the illusion of natural landscapes in geometric forms through basins, water closets and faucets. The faucets feature diagonal lines that travel from one end to the other, while the basins are engineered to avoid water splashes. A magnificent monochrome colour scheme paired with contemporary products from the collection make for a winning combination, as this bathroom demonstrates.
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    100 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 101 Stunningly simple and functional, there’s something striking yet comforting about neo-modernist design. And this bathroom, enhanced with Queo’s F-Morwen sanitaryware, is an apt example. Created by Italian designer and architect Romano Adolini, the F-Morwen collection brings to life geometric planes at aesthetically pleasing angles. Every masterpiece is engineered to protrude directly from a surface at an angle of 138 degrees to alter the perception of space and maintain reduced dimensions.
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    102 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 103 If you’re drawn to pared-down, fuss-free but impeccably put together spaces, then this bathroom, outfitted with Queo’s F-Novella series of luxury sanitaryware, will suit your aesthetic. The collection, comprising over-the-counter basins and a water closet, conceived by Italian architect Romano Adolini, promises to do more with less. The progressive designs in this series are defined by their geometric shapes and soft curves.
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    104 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 105 Deceptively detailed minimalism serves as a backdrop for this bathroom invigorated with Queo’s F-Concept series of sanitaryware. Designed by veteran sculptor Franco Valeri along with his daughter Chiara, the collection—consisting of basins, bidets and water closets—fuses classic square forms, carefully balanced proportions, high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship.
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    108 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 109 Born in Chioggia, Venice, renowned industrial designer AntonioBullohastohiscreditfourgoldmedalsatthePremio Faenza, the International Competition of Contemporary Ceramic Art in Faenza, Italy, and two Design Plus awards at ISH Frankfurt. A Queo veteran, Bullo has designed a set of elegant, ergonomic faucets for Queo’s F-Misura collection. A two-part series, F-Misura consists of a range of faucets and a lineofsanitaryware.Softlinesandcurvesshapeeverycreation in the F-Misura Faucet collection—a tipping of Bullo’s hat to Queo’s commitment to sophisticated aesthetics and focus on minimalism through his use of craftsmanship and chrome- plating. The exquisite range comprises single-levered fittings for concealed or exposed installations, which include basin mixers, bath and shower mixers and four-way diverters. To further elevate its design, Queo has earmarked multiple new finishes for the creations and the process of Automised Disposition which keeps the colors intact. They are now available in a choice of chrome, chrome black, dark brushed nickel, matte black, matte white and gold variants and look rightathomeinthemoststylishbathrooms. ANTONIO BULLO F-Misura Single-Lever Basin Mixer in Chrome Black
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    110 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 111 The second set of the two part series, F-Misura SanitarywareisguidedbythecreativegeniusofAlessandro Paolelli. The renowned Rome-based industrial designer appliedhistechnicalexpertisetoconceivethehigh-quality, ceramic, wall-mounted bidets and water closets as well as over-the-counter basins in the collection. Smooth, stark, modern—eachproductfromQueo’sF-Misuracollectionis a lesson in contemporary minimalism. The collection reveals the very best of Italian design and modern ideas of indulgence. Softer shapes and fluid curves are the defining traits of the ceramic sanitaryware in this line, ideal for creating a striking focal point in the modern bathroom. The creations are further leveraged using Queo’s thin-rim philosophy that considerably helps reduce water wastage and offers easier, more efficient cleaning. Each product in the F-Misura line brings Queo’s ‘simple but opulent’ designethostolife. ALESSANDRO PAOLELLI F-Misura Wall-Mounted Water Closet
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    112 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 113 Renowned Japanese designer-cum-architect, and founder ofdesignhouseNendo,OkiSatocreatedtheF-Courbeline of Sanitaryware. Having worked across varied disciplines and with every medium imaginable, Sato’s uncluttered aesthetic has been a welcome departure from the norm, resulting in innumerable collaborations over the years. For the F-Courbe collection of sanitaryware, Sato has engineered a winding design never seen before in ceramics. Courbe is French for ‘curve’, and it is the radical curve that envelopes the various elements of the collection. The creations in this range celebrate innovation and ingenuity withanartisticdistortionofform.Hehasfurtherflourished the masterpieces with sleek metallic finishes. Eclectic yet functional, the over-the-counter ceramic washbasins playfully resemble a coiled paper ribbon that act more as a boundary confining water than as an actual basin. On the other hand, the free-standing wash basin in the series is an elegant object with an intriguing shape and strong personality defining the vibe of the surrounding space. In tandemwiththeaestheticofthebasinsarethewaterclosets intheline,whicharealsoaccentuatedwithasimilardesign, making them ideal for both classically styled and contemporaryinteriors. OKI SATO F-Courbe Over-The-Counter Basin 560 MM In Oro
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    114 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 115 Milanese architect Lorenzo Damiani has imagined Queo’s F-Courbe Faucet collection. Born in 1972, Damiani has participated in numerous group exhibitions in Italy and around the world. Highlights in his repertoire include winning various competitions such as the Compasso d’Oro, Milan and the Good Design award at the Chicago Athenaeum museum. He brings to Queo a unique appeal with creations that are bold and ingenious. Christened for its curved design, every chrome fitting gives a nod to blending and bending forms. Mechanically bent chrome pipes form the note that underlines the whole collection, emphasizing and visualizing the poetic gesture and the effort made to bend the pipe. Every faucet in the series is accentuated by a defiant departure from straight lines, indicating a cohesiveness across the family of basin and bidetmixers,free-standingandconcealedbathandshower mixers, wall spouts and hand showers as well as accessories like towel and paper holders, robe hooks and a toilet-brushholder. LORENZO DAMIANI F-Courbe Single-Lever Tall Basin Mixer
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    116 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 117 SandroMeneghelloandMarcoPaolelli,bothbornin1979 in Milan, graduated in industrial design from the Politecnico di Milano in 2004. Since the founding of their design studio, Meneghello Paolelli Associati, in 2006, the duo has collaborated with several Italian and international companies. They are the recipients of numerous internationalproductdesignawards,including10RedDot Design awards for a ‘Best of the Best’, five Design Plus awards, two Good Design awards among others. Partnering with Queo, the pair presents the Chryseum F-Lavabo collection of over-the-counter basins. Every creationintheserieswasconceivedwithintricatelyplotted geometricpatterns.Inspiredbyfabricwarpingandquilting techniques, the basins are characterized by the diamond and rectangle patterns decorating their exteriors in ridges and troughs. With the final touch of glossy metallic finishes, the Chryseum F-Lavabo promises to please the mind and eyes, while adding decorative luxury and grandeurtomodernbathspaces. SANDRO MENEGHELLO & MARCO PAOLELLI Chryseum F-Lavabo Over-The-Counter Basin In Diamante Oro
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    118 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 119 Designer and founder of the multidisciplinary Paolo Zani Design Studio, Paolo Zani is known to draw inspiration from nature for his ingenious creations. In keeping with this commitment is Zani’s F-Fiordo collection of faucets and sanitaryware that is a beautiful testament to both geology and geometry. Just as its name suggests, the F-Fiordo line was inspired by Norwegian fiords. Zani has endeavoured to recreate the untouched luxury of water flow through fiords, by creating an illusion of natural landscapesingeometricformsthroughbasins,waterclosets andfaucets.Mimickingthemeanderingfiords,waterflows continuously and asymmetrically in each of the products. Every faucet in the collection boasts stylish lines that diagonally travel from one end to the other. The washbasin, on the other hand, has been designed with the intent to divert the water away from the user, eliminating any splashes on the outer surface. The slim and sculpted water closet in the range employs Queo’s thin-rim ergonomics to keep the water closet dry and clean. Keeping in mind the Italian and Indian washing culture, thedesignsareablendofbeautyandfunctionality. PAOLO ZANI F-Fiordo Single-Lever Basin Mixer
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    120 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 121 BorninCivitaCastellana,Rome,Giancarlograduatedwith honoursfromLaSapienzaUniversitybeforebeginninghis professionalcareerin2002andexploringvariousdisciplines of design. The designer combined his understanding of geometrywithQueo’sminimalisticdesignphilosophyand nature’slushnesstorealizetheF-Marquisbasincollection. For the F-Marquis series, Giancarlo has combined the treatment of two distinct shapes into one form. Contrastingly shifting between squares and circles, the basins in the collection highlight Italian craftsmanship, through its use of high-quality materials and attention to detail. Every ceramic basin from the F-Marquis range can be embedded in the counter itself, in order to enhance its understatedappeal.Theseproductsaredesignedtoaddan element of urbanity into homes. Functional in a succinct way and beautiful in a holistic manner, the F-Marquis rangeisaimedatpatronsforwhomluxuryisawayoflife. GIANCARLO F-Marquis Insert Basin Round In Rectangle
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    F-Morwen Over- The-Counter Basin 122| THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 123 Italiandesignerandarchitect,RomanoAdolinihascreated theF-MorwenrangeforQueo.Hehasbeenarecipientof several prizes and accolades including the Design Plus, FrankfurtandtheCompassod’Oro,Milan.Since2000,he has been actively involved in designing sanitaryware. His superior knowledge of materials, physics, form and design shine through the F-Morwen series of ceramic sanitaryware for Queo. Geometric planes intersect at aesthetically pleasing angles to bring alive every sharp and uncluttereddesignintheline.Protrudingdirectlyfromthe wall at an angle of 138 degrees, each creation in the collection is defined by its square shape, rounded corners and thin lines that alter the perception of space, while maintaining reduced dimensions. The perfect choice for neo-modernist design enthusiasts, the collection includes uniquewall-mountedbidets,over-the-counterbasinsand washbasins,aswellaswall-mountedwaterclosets. ROMANO ADOLINI
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    F-Concept Back-To-Wall Water Closet 124| THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 125 Veteran sculptor Franco Valeri’s illustrious career is highlighted by numerous accolades, including the prestigious Federico Motta award for sculpture. The Roman artist’s works are exhibited in the National Gallery of Modern Art, Rome as well as across monuments, churches, galleries and private collections theworldover.Pavingapathindesignwasanaturalstep forhisdaughterChiara,whostartedassistingherfatherin the 1970s. Since then, the dynamic duo has been working together on various scenographic and industrial design projects. Together, they have created the F-ConceptcollectionofceramicsanitarywareforQueo. Sitting comfortably between minimalism and luxury are the basins, bidets and water closets from the collection. Theonlyrangedesignedbysculptors,asculptor’sunique treatment of shapes is evident in these designs, which combine classic square forms, carefully balanced sense of proportions, high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship. The simple yet elegant designs give life to innovative forms that take you back to an elegant past, whilegivingyouaglimpseofthefuture. CHIARA VALERI
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    Le Forme Over-The- CounterBasins In Beaver And Matte Black 126 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 127 Founder of multidisciplinary firm Studio Batoni, Fabrizio Batoni has created a distinct identity in the designlandscape,owingtoavariedrepertoirethatspans product design, interior decoration and architecture. The Italian architect-cum-designer’s Le Forme collectionforQueoisabeautifulhomagetosanddunes. Motivated by the ridges sculpted by winds in a desert, Batoni designed every creation in the collection with meticulous contouring to mimic that image and adapt ceramic to the organically inspired idea. Through Le Forme, Batoni strays away from clean liner lines by introducing the geometry of concentric circles that appear as ceramic grooves on water closets, bidets and over-the-counter basins. The craftsmanship is elegant andtimeless,givingthebathspaceastunning,luxurious centrepiece. Queo has additionally experimented with new shades in the creations by introducing understated matte colours. And Le Forme is a perfect testimony to unorthodox colours—the softness of Matte White, elegance of Grey Bromine, warmth of Beaver andmajestyofMatteBlack. FABRIZIO BATONI
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    130 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 131 F-ACQUA SHOWERS CASCADE OVERHEAD SHOWER SPIN CASCADE OVERHEAD SHOWER WITH 3 FUNCTIONS GRAND CHROMO THERAPY (REMOTE OPERATED) BODYSPRAYS GRAND WITH CHROMO THERAPY GRAND PURA WITH CHROMO THERAPY PURA CHROMO THERAPY (REMOTE OPERATED) CHROMO SHOWER WITH 4 FUNCTIONS WAVEBODY CASCADE OVERHEAD SPIN SQUARE SPIN CREAMY BUILT-IN ROUND SQUARE THERMOSTATIC CONTROLS WATERFALLS 3 WAY BUILT-IN THERMOSTATIC DIVERTER 4 WAY BUILT-IN THERMOSTATIC DIVERTER 5 WAY BUILT-IN THERMOSTATIC DIVERTER MIXER WITH INTEGRATED 3 WAY DIVERTER MIXER WITH INTEGRATED 3 WAY DIVERTER BUILT-IN WATERFALL WALL WATERFALL WAVE SHOWER HEAD MIXER WITH INTEGRATED 2 WAY DIVERTER MIXER WITH INTEGRATED 2 WAY DIVERTER
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    132 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 133 F-CONCEPT F-AUTOMODE BACK-TO-WALL WATER CLOSET WALL MOUNTED WATER CLOSET WASHBASIN (WITHOUT TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM WASHBASIN 600 MM WALL MOUNTED BIDET (WITH TAP PLATFORM) FLOOR MOUNTED WATER CLOSET (GOLD) REMOTE CONTROL SANITARYWARE SANITARYWARE F-50 F-CADENZA ACCESSORIES SANITARYWARE FREE STANDING BATH TUB ROBE HOOK DOUBLE TOWEL BAR 600 MM TOWEL RING DOUBLE TOWEL SHELF TOILET PAPER HOLDER
  • 69.
    134 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 135 F-COURBE FAUCETS FREE STANDING SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER CONCEALED MIXER WITH WALL SPOUT AND HANDSHOWER WALL MOUNTED SPOUT SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER FREE STANDING BATH AND SHOWER MIXER WITH HANDSHOWER BATH AND SHOWER SINGLE LEVER MIXER SINGLE LEVER BIDET MIXER BASIN SINGLE LEVER MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN MIXER SANITARYWARE ACCESSORIES FREE STANDING BASIN 440 MM OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN 440 MM (WITHOUT TAP HOLE) ARGENTO OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN 440 MM (WITHOUT TAP HOLE) ORO OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN 560 MM (WITHOUT TAP HOLE) ARGENTO OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN 440 MM (WITHOUT TAP HOLE) OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN 540 MM (WITHOUT TAP HOLE) ORO WALL MOUNTED WATER CLOSET TOILET BRUSH HOLDER TOWEL HOLDER 60 MM PAPER HOLDER ROBE HOOK
  • 70.
    136 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 137 F-ÉLÉGANT F-iTOUCH SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER KITCHEN SINK MIXER SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN MIXER WALL MOUNTED SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION WALL MOUNTED BATH SPOUT DIGITAL TOUCH SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE WITH LED) SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN MIXER (TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE WITH LED) WALL MOUNTED BATH SPOUT (TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE WITH LED) SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER FOR EXPOSED FITTING FAUCETS CEILING SPOUT F-CLAIR FAUCETS F-MOSAICÓORO F-MOSAICÓ SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER WALL MOUNTED BATH SPOUT WALL MOUNTED BATH SPOUT SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (GOLD FINISH) FAUCETS
  • 71.
    138 | THEART OF BATHING F-FIORDO SANITARYWARE SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN INSERT COUNTER BASIN WALL MOUNTED WATER CLOSET TUB SPOUT WALL MOUNTED SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN MIXER SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER FAUCETS F-LAVABO CHRYSEUMF-LAVABO F-ORBIS OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN (WITHOUT TAP PLATFORM) 500 MM F-ORIO OUT OVER-THE- COUNTER BASIN (WITHOUT TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM F-ORBIS OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN (WITHOUT TAP LATFORM) 400 MM F-ORIO IN UNDER-THE- COUNTER BASIN (WITHOUT TAP PLATFORM) 680 MM F-ORBIS OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN (WITH TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM F-NICOLE OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN (WITH TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM F-ASTERIA WALL HUNG BASIN (WITH BUILT-IN FAUCET AND CABINET) DIAMANTE (ARGENTO) DIAMANTE (ORO) LINEAR (ORO) LINEAR (ARGENTO) SANITARYWARE OVER-THE-COUNTER BASINS
  • 72.
    140 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 141 LEFORME WALL MOUNTED WATER CLOSETS AND BIDETS BIDET (MATTE BLACK) BIDET (BEAVER) BIDET (MATTE WHITE) BIDET (GREY BROMINE) WATER CLOSET (GREY BROMINE) WATER CLOSET (MATTE BLACK) WATER CLOSET (BEAVER) WATER CLOSET (MATTE WHITE) BEAVER 500 MM MATTE WHITE 500 MM MATTE WHITE 700 MM MATTE BLACK 700 MM GREY BROMINE 700 MM BEAVER 700 MM MATTE BLACK 500 MM GREY BROMINE 500 MM OVER-THE-COUNTER BASINS
  • 73.
    142 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 143 F-LINEAR F-MARQUIS FAUCETS WALL MOUNTED SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER FOR CONCEALED INSTALLATION SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER SINGLE LEVER WITH 5 / 4 / 3 WAY DIVERTER WALL MOUNTED BATH SPOUT INSERT BASIN ROUND IN RECTANGLE 1,200 MM INSERT BASIN ROUND IN SQUARE 480/550 MM INSERT BASIN SQUARE IN ROUND 550 MM INSERT BASIN ROUND IN ROUND 550 MM SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER FOR EXPOSED FITTING SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN MIXER SANITARYWARE F-FLORETTE F-MORWEN FLOREAL ROSSO (ROUND) FLOREAL BLU (RECTANGOLO) OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN (WITH TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN (WITH TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN (WITHOUT TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM WASHBASIN (WITH TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM BIDET WALL MOUNTED (WITH TAP PLATFORM) WALL MOUNTED WATER CLOSET FLOREAL ROSSO (RECTANGOLO) FLOREAL BLU (ROUND) SANITARYWARE OVER-THE-COUNTER BASINS
  • 74.
    144 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 145 F-MISURA FAUCETS SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN MIXER (MATTE BLACK) WALL MOUNTED SPOUT (MATTE WHITE) SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN MIXER (MATTE WHITE) SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER (CHROME BLACK) WALL MOUNTED SPOUT (BRUSHED DARK NICKEL) FREE STANDING SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (GOLD) SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN MIXER (CHROME BLACK) SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN MIXER (CHROME) SINGLE LEVER TALL BASIN MIXER (BRUSHED DARK NICKEL) WALL MOUNTED SPOUT (GOLD) WALL MOUNTED SPOUT (CHROME) SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER (MATTE BLACK) SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER (BRUSHED DARK NICKEL) SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER (MATTE WHITE) SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER (CHROME) SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER (GOLD) WALL MOUNTED SPOUT (CHROME BLACK) WALL MOUNTED SPOUT (MATTE BLACK) SINGLE LEVER BATH AND SHOWER MIXER FOR EXPOSED FITTING WALL MOUNTED SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (GOLD) SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (CHROME) WALL MOUNTED SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (MATTE WHITE) SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (GOLD) SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (CHROME BLACK) SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (BRUSHED DARK NICKEL) SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (MATTE BLACK) SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (MATTE WHITE) WALL MOUNTED SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (BRUSHED DARK NICKEL) WALL MOUNTED SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (CHROME) WALL MOUNTED SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (CHROME BLACK) WALL MOUNTED SINGLE LEVER BASIN MIXER (MATTE BLACK) SINGLE LEVER WITH 4 WAY DIVERTER SINGLE LEVER WITH 5 WAY DIVERTER
  • 75.
    146 | THEART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 147 F-MISURA WALL MOUNTED BIDET WALL MOUNTED WATER CLOSET OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN 600 MM OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN 450 MM SANITARYWARE F-NOVELLA SMARTAP FREE STANDING BATH TUB WALL MOUNTED WATER CLOSET BIANCA (WHITE) NERO (BLACK) SANITARYWARE REMOTECONTROL DIVERTERS SINGLE SMARTAP SINGLE SMARTAP WALL HUNG BASIN WITH TOWEL RAIL 600 MM OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN (WITH TAP PLATFORM) 600 MM OVER-THE-COUNTER (SEMI-CIRCULAR) 600 MM OVER-THE-COUNTER BASIN (WITH TAP PLATFORM) 1000 MM
  • 76.
    148 | THEART OF BATHING IslE of CAlM Acontemplativevibe,atranquilcorner,andasanctuaryfromtherest oftheworld—thebathroomisaplacethatallowsyoutounwind, indulgeandluxuriateinpeace.Here,then,isaselectionofbeautiful bathroomscreatedbyarchitectswhoimaginedthisveryprivate spaceintheirsignatureaesthetic. KENGO KUMA FOR FUJIYA RYOKAN, GINZAN ONSEN A town known for its hot springs, an architect with an almost meditative, fuss-free approach to design and a vision for an archetypal ryokan that offers solitude—the Fujiya Ryokan is made-to-order if you’re looking for a place to unwind. Kengo Kuma’s design for the three-storeyed wooden inn—meant specifically to relax in an onsen, gives you that inescapable ‘zen’ feeling. That is, in no small measure, thanks to the effect of the slatted bamboo filters, called sumushiko, that flood the interiors in warm light. PHOTO: DAICI ANO
  • 77.
    THE ART OFBATHING | 151 ZAHA HADID FOR CRAIG ROBBINS’S HOME, MIAMI A real estate scion and the founder of Design Miami, Craig Robbins considered the late Zaha Hadid to be a close friend, one who insisted on designing the master bath in his Miami home that he shares with his wife, Jackie Soffer. And as was commonplace for a space designed by Hadid, got so much more than he hoped for. Blinding white, typically futuristic and singularly otherworldly, Hadid used unbroken Corian to create a space that swirls and sweeps around the bathtub, cabinets, washbasins and other fixtures. It was enough to have inspired Martha Stewart and photographer Todd Eberle, there to attend a party, to do a spontaneous photo shoot right there, in the bathroom. PHOTO: KRIS TAMBUREL
  • 78.
    152 | THEART OF BATHING AMANDA LEVETE FOR HER RESIDENCE, LONDON It’s deceptively classic—owing to its brick facade and equally traditional interiors. That is until you step deeper into the house architect Amanda Levete shares with her husband and notice her radical aesthetic at play—in the curves scooped out of the ceiling, the sinuous forms of the furniture, and the sweeping flourish of the fixtures in the bathroom. Juxtaposed with pale-blue Corian walls that exude an unmistakable tranquillity, the washbasin and bath in white take the shape of seashells. Double-height, skylit, free of embellishments and intimate; it’s the perfect sea of calm to be cast away in. PHOTOS: PAUL MASSEY
  • 79.
    154 | THEART OF BATHING JOHN PAWSON FOR LIFE HOUSE, LLANBISTER, WALES This home by John Pawson was commissioned by Living Architecture, a non-profit organization that collaborates with architects to redefine contemporary homes. Modern, minimal and cast in the aesthetic of the architect, the house endows its three private areas with important roles: one is for listening to music, another is for reading, while a third is for bathing. The pale-brick walls mimic the colour of the moor grass that the bathing platform, with its inset bathtub, looks out to—just the thing to lull you into a sense of tranquillity. PHOTO: GILBERT MC CARRAGHER
  • 80.
    156 | THEART OF BATHING VINCENT VAN DUYSEN FOR C PENTHOUSE, ANTWERP This Antwerp loft, realized by Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen for a friend, is a beautiful testimony to the neoplasticism movement that advocates pure abstraction and universality by reducing the essentials of form and colour. Reflecting extreme minimalism, every room of the abode is dominated by matt tones, sprinkled with burnt cement and dark wood. Van Duysen has textured this sterile sensibility in the bathroom as well, using timber planks and concrete strips on the ceilings. The space features a natural stone bathtub that was carved from a single piece of Italian stone (pietra piacentina) by a Belgian craftsman, creating an intense yet intimate visual. PHOTO: MARK SELEEN PHOTO: KEON VON DAMME
  • 81.
    A PASSAGE THROUGH TIME AretrospectiveviewofEuropeanbathroomsthroughhistorydisplaysa meticulousexplorationofarchitecture,formandattentiontodetail.This selectionspansthespectrumofdesign—someofthemaresumptuous,others evokeasubtleopulence,butallofthemaregorgeoussanctuaries The 19th-century bathroom of King Ferdinand II of Bourbon, from the Royal Palace of Caserta in Campania, Italy. 158 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 159
  • 82.
    A s you layback in that Jacuzzi in your smart bathroom, contemplating a life of comfort that indoor plumbing (and high technology and great products) has afforded, you probably shudder at what your ancestors must have powered through. Well, you couldn’t be more off the mark. They certainly knew a lot about personal hygiene and how to live it up. Way back in history, right here in Asia in fact, stretching back to 2500 BC, in the glory days of the Indus Valley Civilization, was man’s first brush with highly evolved sanitation habits. There were, after all, 700 wells, and the Great Bath (referred to as the “earliest public water tank of the ancient world”) in the city of Mohenjo- daro, and almost every home had a private bath. Further afield and just a bit later than that (2000 BC), on the island of Crete, in the ruins of palaces at Knossos and Phaistos, is evidence of sophisticated bathing facilities. Then, there were the Hittite houses in Anatolia, circa 1400 BC, now Turkey with their clay baths in paved washrooms. But no one did it like the Romans, really. With the passage of time and some preoccupation with conquering the world, Roman emperors (probably) travelled through their territories, observed other civilizations and created a syncretic culture all its own. This includes, of course, picking up some tips on bathing in style. Back in the 3rd century BC, aristocrats had already introduced luxurious, lavish baths in their homes. The public baths followed; and it was nothing short of a celebration of the bathing ritual. Elaborate and extravagant, verging almost on being entertainment zones, Roman public baths have been the stuff of legend and popular culture. The sheer magnitude of what was on offer at these baths would be the envy of spas today: dressing rooms, warm rooms, steam rooms, hot baths, cold baths, and even recreation rooms. In fact, the hot-spring spas in areas that were then under the Roman Empire—such as Bath, England and Aix-les- Bains, France—continue to be popular haunts. The opulence of public bathing, as imagined by the Romans, spread far and wide, till about the Middle Ages, when the unbridled indulgence associated with extravagant baths was toned down to become almost hermetic. By the turn of the 20th century, most homes had bathrooms and those prescient few who knew a thing or two about luxury in bathing areas began transforming them into well-designed retreats. Imagine then, what they would have done today, with access to new technology, higher quality materials and a posse of masterful architects. But having to go without these options certainly didn’t stop luxury seekers from indulging their fancies—attested to by the following pages of stunningly styled bathrooms from days gone by. The 16th-century Pallotta castle, located in the Italian village of Caldarola, features a neoclassical bathtub carved from a single block of marble. 160 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 161
  • 83.
    The bathroom inthe Palazzo Biscari, Catania, Sicily dates back to the 18th century. The palace belonged to the aristocratic Paternó Castello family. The bathroom in Villa del Poggio Imperiale, located in Tuscany to the south of Florence, which was once the property of the grand duke of Tuscany. 162 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 163
  • 84.
    The bathroom ofa royal apartment (the king’s residence) at the Royal Villa of Monza in Lombardy. The interiors were by Imperial architect Giuseppe Piermarini in the 18th century. 164 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 165
  • 85.
    The 20th-century bathroomthat belonged to Virginia Courtauld, wife of textile baron Stephen Courtauld, at their residence, Eltham Palace in Greenwich, London. Designed in the art-deco style, the space is lined with gold mosaic and onyx, and features gold-plated faucets and a statue of the goddess Psyche. The bathroom that belonged to Maria Carolina, wife of Ferdinand IV, at the Royal Palace of Caserta, Campania, from the 18th-19th century. 166 | THE ART OF BATHING THE ART OF BATHING | 167
  • 86.
    Matte Black singlelever tall basin mixer from the F-Misura collection; Matte Black 700mm over-the-counter basin from the Le Forme collection; Queo. ‘Mihali’ rug, Shyam Ahuja. Mid-century chest of drawers, Phillips Antiques. ‘Henge’ mirror, Thelohasmith.com. Grey vase, Abaca. Stone- finish soap dish, Surprise Home Linen. ‘White Textured’ soap dispenser, Trésorie. Porcelain sculpture from the Mess is More series, Claymen. Bin, BoConcept. ‘Bell 165’ floor lamp by Hatsu, Blue Loft. THE ART OF BATHING | 169 168 | THE ART OF BATHING PRODUCTS FEATURED IN ‘THE RETREAT’ (PG 62 TO PG 83) QUEO EXPERIENCE CENTRES Condé Nast India Pvt. Ltd. MUMBAI 2nd Floor, Darabshaw House, Shoorji Vallabhdas Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001, India. Tel: +91 22 6611 9000 Fax: +91 22 6611 9001 NEW DELHI Unit No. 503-B, 5th Floor, Salcon Rasvilas, Plot No. D-1, Saket District Centre, New Delhi 110 017, India. Tel: +91 11 4066 9000 Fax: +91 11 4066 9001 Architectural Digest India 3rd Floor, Dubash House, 15 JN Heredia Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001, India. Tel: +91 22 6600 9000 Fax: +91 22 6611 9001 RNI. No.: MAHENG/2012/43454. Printed and published by Arjun Mehra on behalf of Condé Nast India Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Reproscan, Raghuvanshi Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400 013 and published at 2nd Floor, Darabshaw House, Shoorji Vallabhdas Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001. Editor: Greg Foster. Distributed by Living Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. Manuscripts, drawings and other materials must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. However, Architectural Digest India cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. AHMEDABAD LACASA ZODIAC SQUARE, SHOP NO 12, GROUND FLOOR, OPPOSITE GURUDWARA, SG HIGHWAY,AHMEDABAD – 380054 079-40028980 BENGALURU LACASA NO 126, CHABRIA SQUARE, KH ROAD, SRINIVAS COLONY, SUDHAMA NAGAR, BENGALURU – 560027. 080-22218499 KOCHILACASA 34/138 E3, KNOWELL JAIRAJ BUILDING, NH BYPASS, NEAR EDAPALLY JUNCTION, KOCHI – 682024. 09895399811 MUMBAI LACASA 2ND FLOOR, SATYANARAYAN, PRASAD COMMERCIAL CENTRE, PLOT NO 200, NEXT TO SBI, DAYALDAS ROAD, VILE PARLE (E), MUMBAI – 400057. 022-49739478 SURAT LACASA UNIT NO G19–22, UG 18–19, SAMARTH ACQUISTI, NEW CITY, LIGHT ROAD, SURAT – 395017. 08448089725 ABACA: MUMBAI 022-24933522 (ABACA.IN) ADDRESS HOME: INDIA 08287263306 (ADDRESSHOME.COM) AESTHETICS: MUMBAI 022-26608142 (AESTHETICSSTORE.IN) ANGEL VENTURES: MUMBAI 022-22019414, KIMATRAI BUILDING, 77/79, MK MARG, MARINE LINES BLUE LOFT: MUMBAI 08861177182 (BLUELOFT.COM) BLUE OSTRICH DESIGN: MUMBAI 09821875674 BOCONCEPT: MUMBAI 022-49731531; NEW DELHI 011- 41663554 (BOCONCEPT.COM) BOMBAY PERFUMERY: (BOMBAYPERFUMERY.COM) CLAYMEN: NEW DELHI 09870554545 (CLAYMEN.IN) COTTONS & SATINS: (COTTONSANDSATINS.COM) DAYDREAM: MUMBAI 09833234246 (DAYDREAM.CO.IN) DREAMS FURNISHINGS: NEW DELHI 09899055090 (DREAMSFURNISHERS.COM) ESSAJEES: MUMBAI 022-22021071 (ESSAJEESATELIER.COM) GOOD EARTH: INDIA 09582999555 (GOODEARTH.IN) KAMA AYURVEDA: INDIA 1800-3010-0033 (KAMAAYURVEDA.COM) KAVITA SINGH INTERIORS: MUMBAI 022- 23640269 (KAVITASINGHINTERIORS.COM) KERF: MUMBAI 022-23512200 (KERFLIVING.COM) MOLTON BROWN: NEW DELHI 07503123123 (MOLTONBROWN.COM) MUJI: BENGALURU 080-42565926; MUMBAI 022-24981911; NEW DELHI 011-40566955 (MUJI.COM) NILAYA: MUMBAI 022-26431074 (NILAYA.ASIANPAINTS.COM) NO-MAD: INDIA 09820361687 (NO-MAD.IN) PHANTOM HANDS: INDIA 07760329900 (PHANTOMHANDS.IN) PHILLIPS ANTIQUES: MUMBAI 022-22020564 (PHILLIPSANTIQUES.COM) RED, BLUE & YELLOW: MUMBAI 022-66260400 (REDBLUEYELLOW.IN) SCARLET SPLENDOUR: INDIA 09831010243 (SCARLETSPLENDOUR.COM) SHYAM AHUJA: (SHYAMAHUJA.COM) SPACIO: INDIA 07506256256 (SPACIOACCESSORIES.COM) SURPRISE HOME LINEN: MUMBAI 022-26493123 (SURPRISELINEN.COM) TRÉSORIE: MUMBAI 022-26608042, PLOT NO 60 A, LINKING ROAD, SANTACRUZ (WEST) VIYA HOME: INDIA 09987879694 (VIYAHOME.COM) SALES REPRESENTATIVES NORTH 09717017744 | SOUTH 09845981859 | EAST 09830729749 | WEST 09008988431 MARKETING@QUEO.CO.IN
  • 88.