The bathroom is one of the most intimate spaces in any residential or hospitality premises. It is also one of the most frequently used spaces in any living area. As a result, particular attention needs to be paid to its design, either for new builds or remodeling projects.
Modern Kenyan bathrooms are tending to be bolder to provide a more sensory experience for occupants. We are also seeing more experimentation with different looks such as spa-like bathrooms and Japandi designs that emphasize functionality, luxury, and comfort.
Since bathrooms sit at the heart of your residential or commercial development, it is important to consider a timeless and low-maintenance design, that also fulfills functional efficiency. An updated design will not only improve the aesthetic of your premise but will also add significantly to the market value of your property.
In this feature, we’ll cover bathroom trends impacting the local Kenyan market this year. We will pay particular attention to sanitaryware, plumbing, and fixtures. Plus, we will include the latest product offers from some of the biggest players in this niche market including names such as Geberit and Jaquar.
Contemporary bathroom designs in the local market are moving toward clean, streamlined, and horizontal lines with minimalist finishes. Sleek, flourish-free details are preferred to emphasize the architecture.
Fixtures such as shower heads and faucets are becoming even bolder yet minimalist, while sensor technology is finding its way into more homes as opposed to just commercial establishments. Let’s dive further into the key trends you should be aware of going into 2023.
Hotel-inspired living
The home isn’t just a boring and mundane place anymore. Even with bathrooms, the new trend is to make everything including sanitaryware and fixtures feel luxurious and special. Free-standing tubs with internal drains, Japandi designs, and floating vanity sinks are just some of the trends that you should keep in mind.
Such designs not only inspire comfort and better living, but they are also much easier to clean and maintain with their flawless edges and emphasis on space optimization.
Contemporary Faucet and Lever designs
Tap and faucet design has gone beyond just function and now encompasses form as well. No longer are the dull and usual steel-plated designs preferred. Developers and architects now prefer both functional and pleasant looks.Â
Contemporary tap designs are now tending toward rose gold, matte black, and chrome or copper-plated faucets as opposed to plain stainless steel. While these designs are pricier, they do tend to perform better functionally, and can also boost the market value of the property.
Vanity Fixtures
Vanity fixtures are preferred because of their suave design, and also because they make spaces appear bigger than they are. These designs for sinks, drawers and wash closets also make cleaning easier under these fixtures.
Unique shower concepts
The shower is probably the most important and intimate part of the bathroom. It makes perfect sense therefore that we’d see the adoption of unique and trendy designs in this space. Wall-mounted showers and showers with concealed plumbing have already made their entry into the market.
Overhead showers and full body showers are just some of the bolder and more futuristic designs being adopted in high-value residential, commercial, and high-rise premises. These designs also incorporate water-saving features including high-pressure spray nozzles and low-flow taps to reduce water usage while maintaining cleaning power.
Floor-even, wall-even, and concealed shower drains
As part of the minimalist design trend being experienced in local interior décor, concealed drains and linear drains are starting to become more popular for various reasons. They offer a seamless and clutter-free design, which although pricier, increases the overall value of the home or premises.
Of this particular design, Geberit further boasts an attractive design that also features hydraulic optimization for the outlet. The comb insert can easily be removed, flushed out for dirt, scum, and debris, and easily reinstalled again without expert assistance. The shower channel can also be cut to any required size during the installation.
Wall-even designs also include sleek actuator plates such as the designs provided by the bathroom-ware supplier – Geberit. These systems offer quick installation and can also be easily opened with just a flick in case the consumables inside such as the transformer need to be replaced. This is a premium solution that is seeing significant adoption, especially in the hospitality and leisure industries.
Unique sink and wash-closet designs
Gone are the days when sanitaryware was monotonous and every home had similar-looking sinks and wash closets, albeit in different colors. Unique sanitaryware designs add beauty to bathrooms making using them even more enjoyable.
Contemporary designs now combine different colors, bolder edges, and curves, and a combination with vanity systems and unique faucets to create a truly personal aesthetic.
Sensor Technology
Sensor technology has been integrated into plumbing solutions to provide a cleaner and more hygienic experience for everyone. With sensor technology, you need not worry about people touching your plumbing fixtures with unclean hands. Likewise, people with mobility issues such as those with disabilities find it more convenient to go about their routines normally.
Sensors can be integrated into different fixtures such as shower heads, faucets, and actuators. Sensor technology has traditionally been the reserve of the commercial and hospitality property development niches. However, it’s only a matter of time before we see high-class residential developments adopt sensor technology.
A Closer Look at Companies Serving the Bathroom Niche
Several local and global brands are at the forefront of bringing these unique and trend-setting plumbing and sanitaryware solutions to the Kenyan market. Check out the trusted and reliable names below.
Geberit
Geberit is a global brand headquartered in Switzerland with a 150-year history. The company provides a full range of bathroom solutions. It offers ceramics such as toilets and washbasins, bathroom furniture, mirrors, touchless taps, and accessories such as actuator plates. Geberit is a specialist in concealed and behind-the-wall products such as wall-even drains and concealed cisterns.
Geberit has incorporated brands such as Twyford, Keramag, and Pozzi Ginori under the larger Geberit family. Local Geberit distributors include the Tile and Carpet Centre, Doshi & Company Ltd., and Ideal Ceramics.
Geberit has adapted different products for the various markets and regions that it serves. The company trains local plumbers, planners, and experts to ensure that it services all its client needs fully. The company also has an R&D department to support any innovations and come up with tailored solutions.
Geberit’s products are designed to be contemporary and yet timeless, with functionality as the main aim. Products are also created to be durable and easy to maintain. While its products may be deemed to be for the high-end market, the cost aspect is offset by their quality and long-lasting nature with little maintenance needed. Sustainability of products is at the heart of Geberit’s design philosophy.
Jaquar
Jaquar is another global brand headquartered in India with over 60 years of operational experience, and specializing in bathroom and lighting solutions. Its range of bathroom products includes fittings, accessories, water heaters, faucets, showers, spas, and bathtubs. The main distributor for Jaquar products locally is Doshi Hardware Ltd.
Jaquar’s products emphasize ergonomics, functionality, safety, quality materials and finish, and low environmental impact. Beyond global trends and appeal, the company’s design inspiration comes from a need to ensure that all product ranges work exceptionally well together. The company aims for a coordinated bathroom interior that is functional but also boasts a superior aesthetic.
Jaquar does cater to premium and luxury bathroom segments for both commercial and residential market niches. Its Artize brand caters to the luxury market segment, blending unique designs with minimalist shapes and meticulous finishes. In terms of trends, Jaquar aims for innovation but at the same time keeps to quality, sustainability in terms of water savings, and providing value for money spent.
The company further provides assurances on all its products such as a 10-year warranty. It also provides a hands-on customer care team across each of its markets, thus creating unparalleled after-sales services.
