KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021
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Double Trouble: the rise of the 'sexy bathroom'
- His-and-Hers bathrooms on the rise as busy couples say the bathroom is the number one sanctuary where they can spend time together
- Statement bathtubs and double basins to enable shared 'sexy' user experience
- Inspired by likes of the Kardashians, Instagrammers and other 'show-home show off' social media celebrities
As social media continues to dominate modern daily life, Instagram and Facebook-famous celebrities are influencing the interior tastes of Brits as they seek to compete with so-called 'show-home show offs'.
The likes of Kim Kardashian & Kanye West and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley & Jason Statham are showing the world how they've turned what once was a typically solo morning/evening routine in the bathroom into shared quality time with your other half. All in uber luxurious style, of course.
Bathroom maker, Ideal Standard, is reporting an increase in demand for luxury on a budget as consumers are taking their bathroom renovations more seriously - with contemporary features like wet rooms, his & hers basins, free standing baths and modern designs of sanitary ware being most coveted.
So much so, that the British bathroom manufacturer has just launched a new 124cm double vanity basin especially designed for couples. Say goodbye to unclogging drain holes, scrubbing off dried toothpaste dribble and waiting for your turn in the mirror!
68% of couples say that the bathroom is now just as influential as the bedroom when it comes to their relationship - a figure that increases to 74% in 25-34 year olds (according to a survey of 2,000 UK adults by Ideal Standard).
Bubble baths and chill, over Netflix...
Traditionally, vintage-look roll top baths would be best suited placed in the centre of a roomy bathroom space within period properties.
However recently, more modern freestanding designs are proving to be popular. A clean-cut simply designed tub strategically placed in a pathway of natural light creates the ultimate tranquil haven to wash the stresses of a long day away - and have a chat with a partner at the same time.
In response, Ideal Standard has just launched its first compact freestanding baths, the Compact Air and the ultra-thin rimmed Dea, making it easier than ever to create the sexy yet practical bathroom space so many of us are striving for.
"People are buying them to recreate that hotel-spa experience at home, inspired by celebrities and Instagram - it's all about 'us time' and relaxation," says Leanne Martin, head of product at Ideal Standard.
"We are finding that people want to put freestanding baths in an en suite and keep only a shower in the main bathroom, or even put a bath in the bedroom, so we are now doing baths in more accessible sizes and prices."
Further research by Ideal Standard found that the biggest complaint for more than half of all couples (53%) is that they hardly see each other in the evenings. This is cited as being due to a combination of busy work days, parental duties and social lives meaning that after cooking dinner and bathing (separately) it was time for sleep.
This has seen a rise in the 'his & hers' trend, which solves this problem by allowing them to spend quality time together in a luxurious and stylish way.
Ideal Standard research also found that 24% of males said they would choose a bath over watching Netflix, if they only had the option of just doing one on a weekday evening. This figure increased to 49% of females.
This is also backed up by estate agents, and while the importance of well presented, attractive showcase master bathrooms has ballooned in recent years, couple-friendly features now also prove to be a huge selling point.
Richard Barnett, managing director at Litchfields Estate Agents, says: "More and more couples - young and old - are finding that the bathroom can be the deal breaker when finding the perfect house, due to changing lifestyles and home life habits.
"Buyers are looking for bathroom spaces that enable a more social and shared experience, albeit in a more intimate and private sense to the way in which we now socialise in say the kitchen.
Leanne Martin, head of product at Ideal Standard, adds: "Having a bathroom space that you love and can take pride in is incredibly important. With people being constantly on the go, not only is it essential to have a practical space for your morning routine, but also to have a space worthy of sharing with everyone in a society where everything is Instagrammed.
"We just want to create that perfect backdrop for your morning selfie or an evening of bubble baths and chill!"
1st July 2016