A Google installation in Milan lets you measure which interiors are good for your health

The article explores five key technology trends that are set to enhance wellness-related bathroom design in 2024, drawing insights from the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2024 Bathroom Trends Research Report and expert opinions from five prominent design professionals: Christopher Grubb, Julee Ireland, Anne-Marie Brunet, Sandra Diaz-Velasco, and Jaque Bethke. The overarching theme is the integration of smart home features to create more spa-like, comfortable, and safe bathroom environments. The first trend highlighted is Personalization Enhancement, where technology allows for tailored bathroom experiences. Designers like Anne-Marie Brunet observe increasing client requests for features such as digital shower controls and smart toilets. Sandra Diaz-Velasco notes the personalization extends to heated floors, lighting, and sound systems seamlessly integrated into home automation. Julee Ireland's clients are seeking motion-activated faucets, smart mirrors with fog-free technology, built-in lighting, electrical features, and voice-activated sound and light systems. Christopher Grubb’s clients are adopting smart glass for privacy, which can switch between a clear view and an opaque setting, and floor heating to ensure comfort, even in warmer climates. Smart Lighting is identified as the second significant trend. The NKBA report indicates that LED technology now accounts for 100% of lighting products specified for bathroom remodels, driven by both energy efficiency and wellness benefits. Sandra Diaz-Velasco's clients are particularly interested in circadian lighting for health and pathway illumination for safety, as well as chromotherapy for mood enhancement. These lighting systems can be integrated into smart home systems, allowing for programmed scenes like ‘Nighttime Relaxation’ or ‘Morning Start’ via a single click or voice command. Anne-Marie Brunet incorporates circadian lighting and programmable moods in high-end projects, emphasizing customizable task lighting for activities like shaving or makeup application, and safety lighting for nighttime use. Julee Ireland's clients request floor and cabinet illumination, sensor and dimmer controls, and multiple layers of lighting. Christopher Grubb details innovative applications such as lights in shower niches, under floating benches, strip lighting in toe kicks, and motion-activated night lights under wall-mounted vanities, along with internal cabinet and drawer lighting. The third trend focuses on Smart Showers, which integrate advanced technology for a more luxurious and therapeutic experience. Sandra Diaz-Velasco explains that integrated technology allows users to program and automate various water effects, such as rainfall, cascade, or mist, with synchronized lighting to enhance the spa ambiance. Anne-Marie Brunet notes a strong interest among her Canadian clients in remote shower starts. Julee Ireland states that smart showers, particularly with smart controls, are now considered a necessity by her clients. Christopher Grubb adds an extra exhaust fan in shower areas to improve ventilation, contributing to a healthier environment. Smart Tubs constitute the fourth trend, with the NKBA report showing a significant adoption of touch pad (47%), voice-activated (25%), and mobile app (24%) controls. Sandra Diaz-Velasco highlights the benefit of mobile app controls for second home owners, enabling remote monitoring, pre-arrival preparations, and maintenance scheduling. This capability likely includes leak and overflow protection with automatic shut-off features, preventing water damage, especially crucial for properties prone to freezing. Jaque Bethke observes a high demand for remote control features that allow tubs to be filled and brought to temperature from a distance, addressing the previous inconvenience of waiting for tubs to prepare. Finally, Smart Toilets represent the fifth trend, with a substantial 60% penetration in residential bathroom projects, according to the NKBA report. Jaque Bethke notes that heated seats and dryers (often referred to generically by the Toto bidet seat brand name, Washlet) are highly sought after, indicating that smart toilets are now a mainstream feature. Sandra Diaz-Velasco’s clients value self-cleaning and bidet options for comfort, and dual flush systems for water conservation. Anne-Marie Brunet's Canadian clients are enthusiastic about features like personalized spray wands, stainless steel cleaning wands, heated seats, lighted bases for nighttime use, hands-free seat covers, digital flush controls, hands-free flush controls, and individual preference recall. Christopher Grubb's Southern Californian clients request similar features. Julee Ireland emphasizes heated seats, motion-detection self-flush, auto-wash, and built-in bidet features, particularly for elderly clients, recognizing the luxury and enhanced ease of use despite the higher cost.

Aging in place remodeling is defined as adapting a home to be safe and manageable for individuals regardless of their physical limitations, enabling them to live independently for longer. This concept is increasingly popular, with a 2021 AARP poll indicating that 75% of people aged 50 and older desire to remain in their homes. While the aspiration to age in place is strong, many existing homes do not meet the evolving needs of older adults, necessitating thoughtful renovation. Key renovations for aging in place include installing grab bars, which are highly effective in preventing falls, especially in bathrooms. Walk-in showers offer barrier-free entry, and walk-in tubs provide low-threshold access with integrated safety features. Raised toilet seats assist those with leg weakness, and shower chairs offer additional support during bathing. For homes with stairs, stair lifts provide a motorized solution for vertical mobility, while lift chairs help individuals transition from sitting to standing. For more extensive needs, home elevators can facilitate movement between floors. Bed rails enhance safety by preventing falls from bed and aiding in repositioning, and wheelchair ramps allow access over steps and thresholds. Beyond structural modifications, various products and smart home technologies can significantly support independent living. Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs offer enhanced autonomy for transportation inside and outside the home. Medical alert systems provide immediate access to emergency help, crucial for individuals with health or balance issues. Home oxygen concentrators ensure respiratory support, and hearing aids improve auditory awareness, contributing to overall safety. Pulse oximeters allow for self-monitoring of vital signs, and pill organizers help manage medication schedules effectively. Walkers provide essential stability for those with mobility challenges, and heart rate monitors offer real-time cardiac monitoring. Smart home upgrades, controlled via central hubs like Amazon Echo or Google Nest, and smartphone apps, can simplify daily tasks. These include smart doorbells and locks for remote access, security cameras for monitoring, smart thermostats for climate control, and smart light switches for voice-activated illumination. Smart stoves and ovens, capable of automatic shut-off and remote control, enhance kitchen safety. The optimal time to consider and initiate aging in place remodeling is proactively, before urgent needs arise. This approach allows for thorough planning and cost-effective implementation, avoiding rushed decisions during a crisis. Discussing aging in place with loved ones requires empathy and a focus on maintaining independence. Professional guidance from certified aging in place specialists, healthcare professionals, or organizations like the Area Agency on Aging can help assess needs and identify appropriate modifications. Financial assistance for renovations may be available through state Medicaid benefits or veterans' Aid and Attendance benefits. The cost of these remodeling projects varies widely depending on scope, materials, and labor. Examples include grab bars ranging from $15 to $300, walk-in showers from $1,500 to $3,500, and walk-in tubs averaging around $10,000 including installation. Raised toilet seats typically cost $27 to $85, and shower chairs $50 to $300. Stair lifts can range from $2,000 to $10,000, while home elevators are a significant investment, costing $20,000 to $50,000. Bed rails are $30 to $150, and wheelchair ramps typically cost $100 to $250 per square foot. The most common renovation remains the installation of grab bars, which significantly reduce fall risks. For a home design ideal for aging in place, a one-story ranch-style home with an open, spacious floor plan is recommended to accommodate mobility devices. #AgingInPlace #HomeRemodeling #SeniorLiving #Accessibility #SmartHomeTechnology #FallPrevention #UniversalDesign #Healthcare

This article explores nine meticulously designed yoga studios globally, showcasing how leading architects and interior designers have crafted spaces that foster tranquility and enhance the yoga experience. Each studio is presented as an example of how aesthetic and functional design can converge to create an environment conducive to mindfulness and physical well-being. The first featured studio is Good Vibes in Northcote, Melbourne, founded by artist Kirra Jamison. Jamison collaborated with architect Leo Dewitte to create a serene and minimalist space, featuring a solid timber reception desk made by local cabinetmaker Vince Conboy of Cenzo. This design emphasizes natural materials and clean lines to promote a calm atmosphere. Next, the CRS Studio in New York, designed by Clouds Architecture Office, is highlighted for its multi-purpose yoga and meditation space. The architects utilized curved walls made from molded dampened plasterboard to blur edges and create an illusion of endless space, aiming to provide a relaxing environment for mental concentration. Happy Melon in Armadale, Melbourne, integrates meditation with yoga and dynamic fitness. The studio features artworks by Leila Jeffreys and Gemma Smith. Its change rooms combine fresh mint joinery with marble tiles, reflecting a contemporary and refreshing design approach. The philosophy behind Happy Melon's design is to align the mind and body. Humming Puppy in Prahran, Melbourne, offers a warm and cozy reception and lounge area designed to make students feel at home. The practice space, or shala, is designed for an instant sense of calmness, with numbered mats and tiered floors ensuring a clear view of the instructor. The studio provides all necessary amenities, including day-spa standard bathrooms stocked with high-end products. Move Yoga, located in a Melbourne CBD warehouse, was transformed by interior designers Hecker Guthrie into a hot yoga studio. The design draws inspiration from Japanese architecture and Scandinavian style, resulting in a simple and honest interior. Blonde timber dowel detailing adds a quiet rhythm to the pared-back space. The Sonoma Spa Retreat, a private spa designed by Aidlin Darling Design in Sonoma, California, extends the outdoor living spaces of an existing rammed-earth house. This 170-square-meter structure includes a yoga and meditation studio, a steam room, changing rooms, and a refreshment bar, all situated on a wood deck overlooking the landscape, blending indoor and outdoor elements. Yoga 213 in South Yarra, Melbourne, stands out as Australia’s first hip-hop yoga studio. Its interior features sand-blistered brick walls, recycled timber, surfboards, and fairy lights, creating a welcoming and unconventional vibe. One Hot Yoga, also in South Yarra, Melbourne, showcases exposed brick walls, concrete floors, luxurious fabrics, and natural light to evoke tranquility. Designed by Robert Mills Architects and Interior Designers, the studio incorporates handmade Turkish rugs, crafted timber, bespoke furnishings, French hand-woven fabric, polished brass objects, and a black bamboo landscape, offering a rich sensory experience. A new studio was planned for Potts Point, Sydney. Finally, The Yoga Center in Kuwait City, designed by lab100, revitalizes a business tower basement. Influenced by local socio-cultural factors, it provides a discrete and private space for women. The design uses an earthy palette with Turkish marble flooring, tan leather, copper fittings, dark timber joinery, and sepia-toned mirrors to create an inspiring environment. #YogaStudioDesign #InteriorDesign #Architecture #MindfulnessSpaces #WellnessEnvironment #MinimalistDesign #SpaDesign #MelbourneDesign #NewYorkDesign

The shift in post-pandemic home usage has led to a new trend in interior design: wellness rooms. With the decline in remote work, spare rooms previously designated as home offices are being transformed into spaces for relaxation, recovery, and mental well-being. This reflects a growing awareness among homeowners of prioritizing well-being within their living spaces. Design consultants and construction companies are observing an increased demand for these dedicated calm areas, especially in high-end markets, indicating that wellness rooms are evolving from a luxury feature to an expected component of modern homes. Wellness rooms are highly versatile, catering to diverse personal wellness goals. While some are equipped for physical health with amenities like saunas, steam rooms, or massage tables, others focus on mental and spiritual health, offering serene environments for meditation, journaling, or quiet contemplation. It is crucial to distinguish these spaces from traditional home gyms; where gyms emphasize effort and physical output, wellness rooms prioritize restoration, recovery, and mental clarity through elements such as saunas, cold plunges, and dedicated meditation zones. The most frequently requested feature in wellness rooms is the sauna, often serving as a centerpiece. Beyond high-ticket items like cold-plunge pools, cryotherapy, or red-light therapy, many wellness rooms are designed with simpler elements. These might include comfortable armchairs, reading lamps, bookshelves with calming literature, or art easels for mindful creative expression. To enhance the luxurious, spa-like feel, homeowners are incorporating built-in cabinets with beverage fridges, ice makers, and specialized storage for hot and cold towels. Flooring upgrades, such as heated elements or cushioning, further contribute to comfort and aesthetic appeal. Additional popular features include small water features for ambient sound, color-changing LED lighting for mood enhancement, tea stations, aromatherapy diffusers, nap nooks with weighted blankets, and sound-bath corners with singing bowls, allowing for personalization from playful to profound. Designing a wellness room involves not only functionality but also aesthetics, aiming to replicate the sophisticated ambiance of high-end spas. Thoughtful lighting is key, moving away from overhead fixtures towards custom options like dimmers, temperature controls, and circadian rhythm-following lights, as well as purposeful spot-lighting for art or architectural features. Furniture choices lean towards earth tones, soft whites, and matte finishes, with an emphasis on inviting textures such as linen, velvet, cork, and bamboo. Large windows with sheer curtains maximize natural light diffusion, while soundproofing elements like thick rugs and acoustic panels help minimize distractions. For smaller spaces, wall-mounted shelves and other space-saving solutions are recommended to maintain an uncluttered environment. In larger rooms, creating distinct zones for activities like yoga, reading, or breath work can maximize functionality and avoid a sense of aimlessness. Wellness rooms can enhance a home's value, but the return on investment (ROI) depends on strategic feature selection. Recovery-focused amenities, including cold plunges, steam rooms, saunas, and hyperbaric chambers, often require specialized plumbing, electrical, and ventilation systems, leading to higher costs. However, these investments can significantly boost property value, particularly in luxury markets where wellness is a key lifestyle priority. While highly specialized features like Himalayan salt caves might appeal to a niche market, broader appeal and better ROI are achieved through versatile and crowd-pleasing additions such as custom millwork, lighting upgrades, integrated sound systems, smart-climate controls, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The trend suggests a long-term shift towards incorporating well-being as a fundamental aspect of home design and living. #WellnessRooms #HomeDesignTrends #ZenDecor #MeditationSpace #HomeImprovement #LuxuryHomes #PostPandemicLiving #InteriorDesign #ResidentialRealEstate

Juno Rooms, a dynamic entertainment venue situated in London's financial district, underwent a significant transformation led by Harrison, a hospitality concept specialist. The project focused on integrating natural influences through patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique interior appealing to a diverse clientele, ranging from discerning city workers to a broader audience. The design aimed to achieve adaptability and visual appeal, incorporating biophilic elements and authentic materials like exposed brickwork and wood. Parkside, a surface specialist, was a key supplier for the project, providing approximately 250m2 of tiles. A notable application was in the bar area and restrooms, where the Kaste01 concrete-effect porcelain tile was used. This award-winning tile features high slip resistance and was installed in a standard large format around the bar and in restrooms. For the seated dining area, the Kaste01 tile was waterjet cut into a multi-tonal geometric design, adding a distinct visual element. The front bar walls showcase bespoke handmade ceramic tiles in a geometric pattern with color-matched green tones, specifically commissioned by Harrison. In the restrooms, botanical pattern ceramic tiles were specially sourced and complemented by gloss-finish, color-matched green ceramic wall tiles. For the entrance of Juno Rooms, Harrison tasked Parkside with finding frost-proof hexagonal tiles, again in a unique green colorway, to align with the overarching biophilic design. Safety was also a critical consideration, particularly for the entrance steps. Parkside supplied another type of frost-proof tile for this area, selected for its high slip resistance, and paired it with a contrasting technical step edge to enhance safety. Ceri Shannon, a designer at Harrison, highlighted the importance of Parkside's role in meeting diverse design and functional requirements. She noted that Parkside's ability to source specific products, manage specialized processes like waterjet cutting, and provide color-matching services from a single supplier was invaluable for such a complex and high-spec project. Juno Rooms is operated by Urban Pubs and Bars, a rapidly growing chain of pubs, bars, and restaurants across London. The successful integration of various tile types, custom designs, and safety features underscores the collaborative effort between Harrison's design vision and Parkside's material expertise. This case study demonstrates how strategic material selection and supplier partnership can fulfill complex design briefs, creating a multi-functional and aesthetically pleasing environment in a high-traffic urban setting. #JunoRooms #HospitalityDesign #SurfaceDesign #PorcelainTiles #CeramicTiles #InteriorDesign #LondonVenues #BiophilicDesign #CommercialInteriors