THE ART & SCIENCE OF LUXURY

The main constituents of any home are its living spaces, bath and kitchens. The baths are now becoming a retreat from the daily hectic life and are being designed so. The kitchens have taken a glamorous avatar complementing the state of the art appliances. While, the living spaces are even more, being defined by the playful and intelligent lighting fixtures and when it comes to floors, there is no discussion of luxury without talking about natural stone.

LUXURY BATHROOMS MAKE A SPLASH

The bath and sanitaryware segment in India has undergone a massive change. Luxury bath fittings which were for long considered a low-involvement functional product segment is today a luxury style statement. More and more consumers from metros and other cities households are opting for products from eminent brands that offer more than just functionality– an experience when you step into the bathroom.

Sudhanshu Pokhriyal, Chief Executive Officer, Bath & Tiles, Hindware shares, “In the early 2000s, customers were satisfied with mere functional bathrooms. However, over the years, the majority of the customers want an aesthetically pleasing bathroom owing to the evolving lifestyle changes. Currently market size for the Indian sanitary ware industry is valued at INR 5500 crore, while the faucets is value at INR 11,000 crore, making this industry a robust sector expected to keep moving forward."

According to Tirthankar Sarkar, Sr. Country Head, VitrA Bathrooms India, “Water conservation is a key focus in luxury bathroom designs, with an emphasis on sustainable fixtures such as low-flow faucets, toilets, and efficient showerheads. These fixtures reduce water consumption without compromising performance, providing a satisfying water experience while minimizing environmental impact. By incorporating these sustainable fixtures, luxury bathrooms contribute to water conservation efforts and promote sustainable living practices. These transformations reflect a commitment to convenience, efficiency, and environmental consciousness in luxury bathroom design, offering opulence and comfort alongside eco-conscious choices.”

Consumer Trends

Bathroom furnishing was hardly the focus area for the Indian consumers before COVID-19, but off late Indian consumers have started to invest in contactless or touchless fittings and closets due to increasing hygiene concerns.

“Creation of zen spaces inside homes along with wellness products, spa-like luxuries and smart innovations are trends driving this industry. Bath fittings market in India has evolved over the decades requiring products which have more exciting technology and features, making the entire bathing experience thrilling. Rising disposable incomes and change in lifestyle have raised the demand for luxury and modern bath fittings and accessories in the Indian market from the housing, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. Consumers today want speed and efficiency that the technologies bring which has become an integral part of everyone’s lives be it smartphones, laptops, home appliances or other technical devices. Industry leading brands are offering products that truly convert bath spaces into a technological haven,” states Sudhanshu Pokhriyal.

Expressing similar views Tirthankar Sarkar said, “Long gone are the days when bathrooms only served a purpose. They now help homeowners redefine luxury by making bold and beautiful statements through opulent décor and dramatic style. A luxury bathroom is a sophisticated and opulent space that combines key features like spaciousness, high-quality materials, elegant fixtures and fittings, advanced technology, thoughtful lighting, and personalized touches. These elements create a sense of grandeur and freedom of movement, while sophisticated technology, such as smart toilets, faucets, and digital shower systems, enhances the experience. Lastly, personalized touches, such as custom cabinetry, mirrors, artwork, and curated decor items, reflect the homeowner's individual style and contribute to the uniqueness of a luxury bathroom.”

What’s Trending!

Today, you can be as creative with your bathroom as your imagination permits, with a wide range of options available in colours, flooring, vanity, accessories. From statement mirrors and sculptural tubs to bright hues and indoor-outdoor showers, bathroom design has come a long way. They look for style, cutting-edge technology, and luxury of the bathroom while choosing the bathroom accessories.

Sudhanshu Pokhriyal elaborates, “A trend that is rapidly catching up is ‘water conservation technology’ because of the bathroom constituting the primary source of water and water usage. Today, with increasing environmental awareness, customers are moving towards eco-friendly sanitary ware that helps in water conservation. Products like high-efficiency flushing systems, and sensor taps have gained much popularity in residential settings.

Moreover, automated electronic water closets offer unmatched style with the latest technology. They come with one touch rear cleansing, adjustable water direction, pressure, temperature and an oscillating function. Controlled by remote, this water closet uses different Auto Mode functions instead of using the mainframe button on the side of the water closet. Others are event utilizing AI assistants as controllers for temperature and water flow. Queo’s Smart Tap is controlled via voice command, Google Assistant, smartphone app, and manual digital controllers. With Smart tap, you can enjoy the perfect flow of water at the right temperature and save the settings for daily downpour. When it comes to faucets and fittings, chrome is a classic finish that never goes out of style. More classic finishes, such as antique gold, brushed brass, or polished nickel, are becoming more popular as a gentler alternative to shiny chrome. Gold, rose gold, and black are three of the most desirable finishes in the market.

For a shower in the morning or a soak in the evening, nice bathroom lighting ideas help create the right mood for a luxury space, and should be planned before beginning the project. There are shower closets where consumers truly unwind, but with increased safety measures and significant waterproofing measures, as it must be both waterproofed, practical and well-designed. Glass shower enclosures are an ideal solution to balance these three key factors and are quite in vogue nowadays. A combination of three types of lights– ambient, functional and providing accent gives a newer feel to it.

Exotic stones such as Onyx and Marinade marble are great while tactile finishes please the senses and introduce visual style to luxury bathrooms. Have plants be used to curate bathrooms to bring nature inside and have an experience of an oasis. Choices are narrower here as they must be able to cope with both high humidity and low light levels. A few plants which might be a good option for a windowless bathroom are: peace lilies, Boston ferns, philodendrons, spider plants, aloe vera, English ivy, snake plants.”

Tirthankar Sarkar added, “Luxurious bathroom designs for high-end homes are embracing an exciting range of trends that will bring a unique and sophisticated touch to the space.

VitrA products include touchless fixtures, smart toilets, and mirrors that seamlessly blend convenience with modern appeal. One can make a splash with bold finishes and vibrant hues, adding personality and character to the space.

One notable trend this year is the rise of spa showers, which embody the epitome of luxury. VitrA's spa range offers a sensorial experience, enveloping users in a serene and Zen-like atmosphere. With features like rain showerheads, body jets, and chromotherapy, these showers provide an indulgent bathing experience. These trends not only enhance the style and functionality but also elevate the timeless allure of luxury design to an unparalleled level of sophistication.”

Luxury & Inspiration

Luxury is just an idea away when it comes to designing bathrooms and inspiration is a big part of it. With increasing urbanization and awareness about safe sanitation, the demand for other sanitary products such as sinks, bidets, and pedestals is expected to increase in the coming years. It’s true that everyone dreams of a bathroom that’s both luxurious and relaxing after a long day!

The time one spends in the bathroom in private is perhaps the only time one gets for yourself. Hence not only should it function but it should also be designed for luxury and relaxation. Japanese zen inspired designs, gold accents and luxury small are a view for the future where bathroom space can be made into a luxury space.

In recent years, there has also been a growing trend towards eco-conscious and socially responsible luxury designs. Designers and homeowners are increasingly recognizing the importance of creating luxurious spaces that minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.

THE CUTTING EDGE KITCHENS

Beyond practicality and function, kitchen spaces are getting an air of sophistication defined by the use of high-end materials and state-of-the-art fixtures. With changing times, families have become more conscious, especially about kitchen designs, which have undergone significant transformation over decades.

Nadeem Patni, Managing Director, Blum India explained, “Today’s audience has understood that any space has to be organised and decluttered in order to be enjoyed. Luxury kitchens prioritise open and spacious layouts, seamlessly integrating with adjacent living areas, giving a sense of space and depth. Kitchens have always been the beating heart of any home where design and style meet functionality, wanting a space where homeowners spend quality time building fond memories. Kitchens are meticulously planned to provide the highest level of comfort and utility while enhancing a glamorous look. The end result is a collection of breath-taking beautiful spaces that make cooking a pleasure rather than a chore. The ergonomically integrated spaces emphasise functionality and sustainability in today’s modern luxury kitchen."

Designed To Impress

A carefully curated selection of quality surfaces, durable materials, and aesthetic storage solutions that are design-driven defines a luxury kitchen. The best luxury kitchen ideas integrate classic and contemporary schemes to suit the client's needs and style.

Nadeem Patni states, “Exceptional quality, exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and opulent finishes lend aesthetic appeal to any kitchen. Any kitchen, no matter how luxurious, must retain a harmony of functionality and visuals where effective storage solutions are a priority. Practical solutions to personalise your space with effective organisation are always a priority. With the help of pull-out pantries, vertical dividers, spice racks, and unique sections for pots, pans, and appliances, ingenious storage solutions help maximise space utilisation, accentuating the clean lines and imparting an opulent vibe. Ultimately, a luxury kitchen reflects the home owner and offers insight on their personality, tastes, and culinary pursuits, all the while exuding a sense of sophistication, making it the centrepiece of a beautifully designed home.”

What’s Trending!

The trend that is dominating kitchen design this year is "customization," which imparts visual delight seamlessly intertwined with class and luxury. Moreover, incorporating luxury with environmentally responsible practices is becoming popular as consumers are always looking for thoughtful, high-quality, and elegant designs that stand the test of time.

Nadeem Patni mentioned, “Customization allows homeowners to create a space that truly reflects their personality and style, making your kitchen standout while combining convenience and smart functionality. Additionally, multifunctional kitchen islands have become increasingly popular, serving not only as a workspace but also as a social hub for entertaining guests. Open shelving is also gaining popularity over traditional cabinets because it allows homeowners to display their most prized possessions while keeping them easily accessible. Overall, this year's kitchen design trends for luxury homes have been all about striking that perfect balance between form and function while emphasising individuality through unique touches like mixed metals and personalised open shelving displays.

Luxury products are inherently sustainable because they are timeless and long-lasting. Even kitchens oozing with luxury can lessen their impact on the environment while imparting sophisticated and functional aesthetics by adding sustainable materials, using energy-efficient appliances, and installing water-saving systems, thereby reducing their carbon footprint. One needs to strike a balance between functionality and sustainability to make your kitchen a space full of harmony, design, and elegance.”

MARBLE REIGNS SUPREME

Luxury flooring can be directly related to marble as it remains a top choice for homeowners seeking to create a statement of grandeur and sophistication. Marble, with its exquisite beauty and luxurious appeal, has long been associated with extravagant interiors.

Marble flooring offers numerous advantages that contribute to its popularity in luxury interiors. Marble as a material is known for its versatility and variety of benefits that suit the entire spectrum from aesthetics and appeal to functionality and a variety of applications.

As per Rahul Maheshwari- Director, Marble Centre International, “Marble flooring is the epitome of luxury in interior design. Its distinctive and endless colours, hues, veins, patterns, and its characteristic luxurious lustre and polished finish exude a timeless elegance that elevates any space. The natural beauty of marble, combined with its durability, makes it a popular choice for high-end homes, hotels, and prestigious establishments for more elevated sophistication. Marble stands as the epitome of timeless luxury, representing status, taste, and refinement in the realm of interior design. Its popularity in luxury interiors can be attributed to several key attributes. Firstly, marble offers an endless variety, encompassing various types, colours, hues, and patterns, allowing for personalized and unique expressions. Moreover, the exotic variations of marble add a touch of rarity and exclusivity, making them highly sought after. One of the remarkable aspects of marble is its ability to create a seamless surface, giving a sense of continuity and flow that surpasses other materials like tiles. Whether it opens up spaces with its beauty, light, and openness or creates an uninterrupted canvas of captivating colours and intricate designs, marble elevates the ambiance of any room.”

Getting Floored

While marble has been a classic choice for luxury flooring, new trends have emerged that add contemporary flair to this timeless material. Despite the emergence of artificial stone and marble through technological advancements, these alternatives have made minimal impact in challenging the position of natural marble as the ultimate luxury choice and the preference of connoisseurs, particularly in high-end projects.

“Apart from its unparalleled aesthetic appeal, their natural variations in colour and veining make each marble floor unique, adding character and charm to any room. Marble is also highly durable, with proper care and maintenance ensuring that it retains its beauty for decades. The cool surface is perfect for warm climates, offering respite from the heat. Marble is an excellent conductor of heat, making it compatible with underfloor heating systems, providing comfort during colder months. It is also hygienic, as its smooth surface inhibits the growth of bacteria and allergens, making it an ideal choice for those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities

Large slabs of marble, create a seamless and visually stunning effect. These oversized large slabs provide a sense of expansiveness, making a bold statement in open-concept spaces. There is a distinct trend towards making a personalized statement or unique self-expression through one’s home or office. Marble makes for the perfect choice because of the endless variety and unique aesthetics of individual slabs that can be further personalized through special finishes where possibilities are limited only by the imagination. Other characteristics of marble such as unique book match combinations help create a visual drama and impact that no artificial material can provide. Among the exotic collection of luxury flooring a wide array of marble varieties, include Carrara, Calacatta, and Emperador, each with its unique beauty and character. The various ranges of white marble like Statuario’s and Supreme Whites are available in various finishes, such as polished, honed, and brushed, allowing homeowners to tailor their floors to their desired aesthetic and designs,” briefs Rahul Maheshwari.

LIGHTING TAKES CENTRESTAGE

Luxury craves individuality and is quite visible in the bold and flamboyant lighting designs. In luxury interiors, the most popular lighting option is smart lighting. With smart lighting, homeowners can effortlessly adjust the brightness, color temperature, and even create custom lighting scenes to set the desired ambiance in their living spaces.

Ankur Mehta, Founder and Chairman, Crescent Lighting sheds some more light, “The advanced lighting technology operates through WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to control their lights using their mobile devices from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a mobile network connection. One exciting feature of smart lighting is the ability to set timers, enabling users to schedule their lights to turn on or off at specific times. Additionally, there are innovative products like LED strips that can synchronize the lighting with music, offering a mesmerizing experience with a wide range of vibrant colors.”

Lighting The New Way

Lighting trends this year have seen advancements in both indoor and outdoor lighting solutions.

In indoor spaces, magnetic track lighting has gained popularity. This type of lighting provides flexibility in positioning and adjusting light fixtures along a track system, allowing for customizable lighting arrangements.

In outdoor areas, solar garden lights have become a notable trend, harnessing renewable energy sources for eco-friendly illumination.

Furthermore, lights equipped with motion sensors have gained traction for both indoor and outdoor spaces, providing added security and convenience.

An upcoming trend is cabinet lighting, which includes lighting fixtures specifically designed for wardrobes, furniture, and kitchen cabinets, enhancing visibility and aesthetics in these areas.

Customized Bespoke Lighting

Customized bespoke lighting plays a pivotal role in elevating the luxury quotient of a space. These lighting pieces are tailored to the specific requirements and design aesthetics of a project, creating a unique and exclusive lighting experience.

“By offering customized lighting solutions, manufacturers and designers can differentiate themselves from mass-produced options, resulting in reduced competition and potentially higher profit margins. Moreover, the presence of bespoke lighting imparts a sense of exclusivity and luxury to the space, making clients feel special and enhancing their overall experience. For lighting designers, customized lighting pieces provide a canvas for showcasing their expertise and creativity, enabling them to curate exceptional lighting designs that perfectly complement the space and elevate its overall ambiance. When it comes to luxury homes, our most popular lighting product is the Crescent Smart. This sophisticated lighting solution is equipped with a mobile operating system and WiFi connectivity, providing homeowners with seamless control over their lighting settings. With the Crescent Smart, users can select different modes, such as reading mode, which automatically adjusts the lighting to create an optimal reading environment. Furthermore, the Crescent Smart offers adjustable color temperature ranging from warm 2700K to cool 6500K, allowing homeowners to create the perfect lighting ambiance for any occasion. The brightness level is also adjustable, with the capability to dim the lights to as low as 10% or brighten them up to 100%, briefed Ankur Mehta

WRAPPING IT UP

Embracing luxury in the interiors is all about reflecting your personality. The products available resonate with the needs of the luxe living. The brands bring together the quality, innovative designs, and craftsmanship for a long lasting product that caters to the sustainability goals as well.

As expressed by the product manufacturers, whether its floors, lighting, baths or kitchens, the current product lines are pushing the boundaries to offer a blend of extravagance, practicality and sustainability.

A home is being seen as a sanctuary and luxury as part of providing comfort and wellbeing. Undoubtedly, the same is reflected in the products that are smart, refined and luxurious in nature and function.

From colour of walls to finishes of fixtures, when it comes to kitchen and bath, it is all about detailing. A space that is functional and yet good looking, surfaces that are hardworking and yet appealing.

Marble continues to hold its reign as the pinnacle of luxury flooring options. Its timeless beauty, durability, and versatility makes it a favoured choice in high-end interiors.

With everyone spending a lot more time indoors during pandemic, it is but obvious, lighting that is not only soothing and functional but, can create an interest in a space has become a de rigueur for luxury interiors.