A bathroom can be luxurious no matter if it is big or small, according to the architects CW spoke to. Here鈥檚 how they conceptualise luxury in bathrooms.Size doesn鈥檛 matterLuxury in bathrooms is a subjective concept, often dictated by the space and volume a...
A bathroom can be luxurious no matter if it is big or small, according to the architects CW spoke to. Here鈥檚 how they conceptualise luxury in bathrooms.Size doesn鈥檛 matterLuxury in bathrooms is a subjective concept, often dictated by the space and volume available, according to聽Sharmin Wade, Partner & Principal Architect, Studio SB. 鈥淲e鈥檝e designed luxurious bathrooms tailored to our clients鈥� needs, including a 200-sq-ft expanse.鈥滺owever, she points out that even a smaller-sized bathroom can echo luxury. 鈥淥ur Metamorphosis project bathroom spanning 45 sq ft also exemplifies understated luxury where the focus is on impeccable materials rather than maximal glamour. Brazilian stone, Italian marble and thoughtfully selected tiles take centre-stage. The bold black accents and tiles on the shower panels add sophistication while subtly brightening the space. The design prioritises elegance and comfort, proving that true luxury lies in the finer details and the thoughtful interplay of materials.鈥濃�淎n even smaller space designed as a powder room spreads over just 22.5 sq ft but is replete with style and function as we incorporated a complete bathroom setup, including a shower, thus elevating its utility,鈥� adds Wade. 鈥淎lluring floral-themed wallpapers contrast with bold black accents. High-quality Nexicon tiles and Jaquar fittings further enhance the space.鈥滿eanwhile,聽Architect Indrajit Kembhavi, Kembhavi Architecture Foundation,聽says, 鈥淪pace constraints shift the design choices but the key focus remains maximising functionality without sacrificing style.鈥濃�淎 small bathroom of about 30 sq ft should feel light and airy, avoiding overwhelming design elements,鈥� says Parul Agarwal, Senior Designer, Foaid Designs. 鈥淲e achieve this by using lighter colour tones and incorporating natural lighting to create a sense of space. Mirrors are a key feature for enhancing the look and feel of the space and making it appear larger.鈥滽embhavi suggests adopting a space-saving wall-mounted toilet and floating vanity to create a sense of openness. 鈥淎 corner shower, possibly with a glass enclosure, could replace the typical tub for space efficiency, but can be still equipped with both a rain shower and a handheld showerhead for flexibility.鈥滱 compact 80-sq-ft bathroom by聽Sarah Choudhary, Senior Architect, Habitat Architects,聽features a wall-mounted floating vanity with concealed storage and polished chrome fixtures by Grohe to create an uncluttered aesthetic while preserving essential utility. 鈥淭he space employs spatial layering to maximise functionality and visual coherence,鈥� she says. 鈥淟arge-format porcelain tiles in muted tones offer visual continuity and enhance the perception of space. Frameless glass partitions delineate the shower area without interrupting sightlines, while integrated ambient lighting introduces depth and warmth.鈥滷ocal pointsA luxury bathroom spanning 1,200 sq ft was organised around a sculptural centrepiece 鈥� 鈥渁 free-standing bathtub by Gessi, strategically placed to frame a view of a private landscaped courtyard through full-height glazing,鈥� says Choudhary. 鈥淒ual vanities in Calacatta marble complemented by bespoke brushed gold fixtures reinforce a timeless material palette. The shower and steam room housed within minimalist glass enclosures were enhanced with fully automated controls to curate bespoke atmospheres.鈥滻n a project in Mysuru, a central freestanding tub, the Oberon 2 freestanding combi pool comfort with 28 jets from Quattrolux, is the focal point of a 160-sq-ft residential bathroom. 鈥淲e placed the tub near windows to leverage natural light and provide sweeping views,鈥� says Kembhavi.聽This was complemented by a spacious walk-in shower with seamless glass partitions, a high-performance rainfall showerhead and the Aquapura pearl chrome shower panel with steam options, and designer hardware in finishes like brushed gold and matte black to enhance the visual interest and function.The layout focuses on creating an uncluttered look, allocating distinct zones for different functions while maintaining an overall sense of flow. So, the large vanity lines one wall with floating cabinetry for a sleek, modern look. Designer touchless faucets, the Onice Bianco Kreoo Bowl marble finished washbasin and unique towel bars contribute to the overall aesthetic. Natural stone materials like marble, travertine and quartz for the countertops, floors and walls evoke a sense of luxury, with an eye on durability.If the tub hadn鈥檛 been placed near the windows, Kembhavi says it could have been centred to create symmetry, acting as a visual anchor for the room.The concept of laying out a space around a focal element applies as much to a smaller bathroom as it does to a larger one. 鈥淚f you want a focal element in a smaller bathroom, opt for a customised washbasin instead of a tub, as we did in a 40-sq-ft powder toilet,鈥� he suggests.Contiguous designIn designing the bathrooms of Serene Cove, a 4BHK apartment reconfigured into a 3BHK to enhance comfort for a young family of four in Mumbai,聽Anju Mukhi Mistri, Principal Designer, Open Atelier Mumbai, played with the concept of luxury and relaxation to match the rest of the home 鈥� a personal retreat embodying style and serenity.Within the primary suite, she divided the bathrooms into two sections, positioned diagonally opposite each other, striking a balance between openness and privacy. 鈥淪ectioning,鈥� Mistri says, 鈥渉elps segregate the functionality.鈥澛燭he first section of the bathroom features a traditional three-fixture layout with a vanity basin, WC and shower cubicle, and spans 55 sq ft. The second section spread over 45 sq ft includes a glass-enclosed bathtub strategically placed to enjoy the bedroom鈥檚 entertainment system, allowing for a relaxing soak. Here, the WC was purposely excluded to preserve functionality, ensuring a serene ambience.聽Details like suspended mirrors, KitKat tile mosaics and sleek fixtures contribute to the contemporary elegance, transforming everyday routines into moments of comfort. Champagne-gold coloured metal fins subtly enclose the bathroom windows, offering privacy while maintaining the refined aesthetic.聽Both sections feature elevated flooring, with cantilevered terrazzo slabs complemented by metal frames supporting fluted glass panels, enhancing the overall space. Terrazzo slabs feature in the rest of the bedroom, too, showing how the material language of the bathroom follows the design narrative.In another project, a 300-sq-ft bathroom designed for Rivaayat Residency, a residence in New Delhi celebrating Indian arts and crafts, features a handcrafted Khatamband ceiling, a traditional Kashmiri art form where small wooden pieces are intricately fitted into geometric patterns. 鈥淐omplemented by materials like Indian stone slabs, the space echoes luxury in an unconventional way, by interpreting a traditional craft for a modern d茅cor, and complementing the rest of the residence,鈥� says聽Amrita Guha, Founding Partner, Untitled Design.聽Spa-like experiencesTattvam Villa, a minimalist home in Gurugram bathed in natural light and crafted with simple materials, showcases luxury through a connection to nature, by seamlessly blending the indoors with the outdoors, says聽Joya Nandurdikar, Founding Partner, Untitled Design.聽Space for its approximately 150-sq-ft master bathroom came from reimagining a former pantry and balcony. The design prioritises privacy alongside functionality, with the WC discreetly tucked away from the line of sight. An expansive granite counter anchors the space and creates a sense of understated opulence.聽鈥淚n the bathroom, the indoors-outdoors theme is brought alive through a strategically placed glass wall, partially obscured by a hanging metal structure adorned with granite stone, which offers a private view of the garden, creating a spa-like atmosphere,鈥� describes Nandurdikar. The wardrobe鈥檚 rough stone texture combined with cane creates an earthy, grounded appeal. A separate shower area keeps moisture and heat away from the rest of the bathroom.鈥淚f the aim is to create a spa-like experience, integrate an element of the bathroom with an outdoor element, perhaps a private garden or terrace,鈥� advises Kembhavi.Branded wareDesigning a luxury bathroom is about balancing creativity with functionality, emphasises Agarwal. Speaking of the role of materials, she says, 鈥淎t its core, form follows function, but there鈥檚 ample opportunity to elevate aesthetics and create a distinct look and feel with gold-finished fixtures, premium marble artistic washbasins, etc.鈥滱garwal counts high-quality fixtures such as those from premium Italian brands as essential to achieve a design-worthy space. 鈥淪ince luxury implies going beyond the basics, elements such as Jacuzzis, saunas and steam units play a role,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e also incorporate features like rain showers that mimic natural rainfall, therapeutic showers and water jets for a soothing, spa-like experience.鈥滱garwal emphasises the need for quality, sustainable products from brands like Grohe, Kohler, Seema and Catalano. Catalano, she says, is known for its stain-resistant technology and durable materials, ideal for both luxury and affordable spaces.Mood-setting lightingLighting plays a pivotal role in illuminating the space and setting the mood, not just in any indoor space, but also in a bathroom, in Agarwal鈥檚 view. 鈥淥ur 11th House project showcases a 66-sq-ft opulent luxury bathroom that seamlessly integrates comfort and indulgence.鈥滱mbient lighting such as LED strips hidden in coves or under cabinetry help create a relaxing mood, says Kembhavi. 鈥淭ask lighting such as sconces by the mirror are useful for grooming and accent lighting such as recessed spotlights help highlight architectural features or artworks.鈥漌ith so much choice at hand, laying on the luxe factor couldn鈥檛 be easier!Quick bytesLuxury depends on space availableLight tones, natural light expand spaceWall-mounted fixtures create opennessNatural stone adds luxury, durabilityOutdoor elements enhance spa feelCreativity and function must balanceLighting sets mood, adds depth.QuotesTrue luxury lies in the finer details and the thoughtful interplay of materials.聽- Sharmin Wade, Partner & Principal Architect, Studio SBSpace constraints shift the design choices but the key focus remains maximising functionality without sacrificing style.聽- Architect Indrajit Kembhavi, Kembhavi Architecture FoundationSectioning helps segregate the functionality.聽- Anju Mukhi Mistri, Principal Designer, Open Atelier MumbaiThe indoors-outdoors theme is brought alive through a strategically placed glass wall, which offers a private view of the garden.聽- Joya Nandurdikar, Founding Partner, Untitled DesignHigh-quality fixtures such as those from premium Italian brands are essential to achieve a design-worthy space.聽- Parul Agarwal, Senior Designer, Foaid DesignsFrameless glass partitions delineate the shower area without interrupting sightlines.- Sarah Choudhary, Senior Architect, Habitat ArchitectsThe bathroom of a residence celebrating Indian arts and crafts features a handcrafted Khatamband ceiling.聽- Amrita Guha, Founding Partner, Untitled Design
