The bathroom environment

1. The evolution of the bathroom concept 

For a long time, the room in the house intended to house the bathroom was considered simply a service area with small dimensions and sacrificed aesthetics.  
With social changes and changing needs, today the situation is completely different: the bathroom is considered a space in which to relax after daily fatigue and take care of one's body. For this reason, it is necessary to pay close attention during the design process, in order to make correct choices that are commensurate with an increasingly demanding user base. 
Mirroring the socio-cultural structure of the time, in recent years the bathroom has acquired a role equal to that of the other spaces in the house. Differently from what happened in the past, it must satisfy the dual need of functionality and aesthetics. To this end, spatial organization is a fundamental element for the success of the project and at the same time the choice of furniture and finishes made according to good taste is a decisive factor. 
But let's see in practical terms what are the main differences that distinguish the services of the past from those of today.

• Assorurale's position
  If the bathroom once occupied residual spaces of small dimensions or was placed between one room and another, today this is no longer the case. Like other rooms, it is placed in a strategic position in order to favor the most comfortable use. 
  If there is more than one bathroom, it is common to place the master bathroom near the bedrooms, while the guest bathroom is closer to the living area so that it is accessible to outsiders without having to walk through the entire house.
  
• The walls
  The habit of the past was to completely cover floors and walls at full height with ceramic material. Today, regardless of particular choices dictated by personal taste, it is customary not to go above half the total height. Sometimes the choice is also to avoid tiles in favor of simple water-repellent paints, treated wallpaper finishes and wall stencils.
  
• the taps
  If the taps of the past were almost all the same, today there are countless solutions on the market that can satisfy the most diverse needs. Dimensions, materials and performances are studied in detail to offer high performances.
  
• Sanitary Ware
  Once upon a time they were large and bulky, with a floor drain and visible piping. 
  Today they are suspended, round, irregular and colorful, real design pieces that in addition to being functional, furnish by giving personality to the environment.
  
• The shower
  It certainly wins over the tub: more practical and functional, it takes up less space that can be used for cabinets and laundry baskets. Available on the market in all shapes and sizes, it can also be made to measure.

It is clear how the more frenetic daily rhythms lead to preferring the shower rather than the bathtub, how aesthetic needs make the choice of a refined design a fundamental requirement and how the need for privacy leads to distinguishing the services into master and guest ones. These are some of the reasons why the house and its spaces are considered a direct mirror of the continuously evolving society.  

2. Regulations 

In order to obtain livable and safe spaces, it is necessary to follow some essential rules by adhering to the current legislation on sanitation. However, in Italy there is no single instrument valid at a national level but each individual municipality has its own Building Regulations. It will therefore be the designer's responsibility to consult those of the municipality in which he will operate. This type of legislative organization was established in 1975 by the Ministerial Decree on Health, a date from which each local government was required to draft its own regulation based on national legislation.
The latter establishes only and exclusively some rules to follow for the insertion of sanitary fixtures in terms of number and size, in addition to the mandatory presence of natural ventilation in the case of a first bathroom. It is however good to use some precautions in terms of ergonomics so that the result is functional and comfortable for the user. 

• MINIMUM DIMENSIONS
  As for the dimensions of the room, the minimum standards vary from municipality to municipality but a minimum height of 2,40 m has been established at a national level, a lower measurement than that of the other rooms, which is instead set at 2,70 m. In terms of area, for the first bathroom for example, the municipality of Turin provides 3 m1,5 with a width of no less than 3,5 m, while that of Milan raises the standard to 1,70 mXNUMX with a minimum width of XNUMX m. Differently, in some Italian regions more freedom is given and a minimum areal measurement to be respected is not established. 
  In the case of a second bathroom, the restrictions are fewer and there is a wider margin of tolerance: the dimensions can be smaller and the ventilation activated by fans and specific devices. As for the size of the sanitary fixtures that will furnish our environment, they change depending on the shape and design chosen according to personal taste. 
  In any case, the sink with a countertop will have a footprint of approximately 90x50 cm and 10 cm per side to distance it from the rest of the fixed furniture. Following this, the bidet and the toilet will have mostly standardized dimensions, with a width of 38 cm and a depth of 55 cm. For the first, 25 cm will be necessary on both sides to ensure a comfortable seat, while for the second 15 cm will be enough. All the sanitary fixtures must be distanced from the opposite wall by at least 60 cm upwards, to obtain more comfortable solutions.
  
  When choosing between a shower and a bathtub, the size of the bathroom will be decisive; the measurements of a standard shower tray are 80x80 cm while those of the bathtub are 180x70 cm. In both cases, what really matters is to make sure you have free and easy access, avoiding placing any other sanitary fixture or furniture in correspondence with it. Naturally, those listed are universal measurements that can increase depending on the available square footage, ensuring an increasing level of comfort.
  
• MINIMUM DISTANCES
  Some of the minimum distances to be guaranteed in the bathroom environment between one sanitary fixture and another have been listed in the previous paragraph. According to current legislation, the sanitary fixtures that must be present in the room are: sink, shower or bathtub, bidet and toilet. They must be distributed in the plan with distances that must be respected in order to guarantee comfort and ease of use. Furthermore, the sanitary fixtures must be placed in correspondence with the water and electrical systems. Usually, 25 cm of distance between the wall and the toilet, between the toilet and the shower, between the toilet and the sink are considered sufficient, while 60 cm between the sanitary fixtures and the opposite wall.
  
• AEROLIGHTING
  From the point of view of lighting and natural ventilation, it is necessary that the spaces intended for sanitary use have at least one opening to the outside, especially in the case of a first bathroom. The window must be openable and have a glass surface of no less than 0,5 mXNUMX. 
  In case you want to create a second bathroom, it is important to follow the directives of your Municipality, consulting the technical office. It is necessary to always guarantee ventilation, even if it is not possible to enjoy natural ventilation, through activated ventilation that works thanks to systems that allow the exchange between stale internal air and clean external air.
  
• ANTI-BATHROOM
  As regards the internal distribution of the rooms and the specific location of the bathroom, it is good practice to divide this service space from the rooms intended for other uses. If the services are located near the kitchen and living area, the designer will be responsible for inserting an ante-bathroom in order to screen the passage from one room to the other. This type of solution, however, is not necessary if the bathroom is located in corridors, entrances or in an internal position to the sleeping area.
  
• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  According to the new law, inside the bathroom it is necessary that light points and water points are distinct and separate for safety reasons and that the sockets are placed in correspondence with worktops, mirrors and washing machines.

3. Security

Bathrooms are classified as “increased risk” spaces due to the presence of electrical and water systems. For this reason, it is necessary to install the systems with greater care than in other domestic areas in order to prevent dangerous situations for users.    
At a national level, the CEI 64-8 standard (and related variants) is in force, which regulates the insertion of systems inside living spaces, ensuring the safety of the user. To this end, a classification is established in more or less risky areas inside the bathroom. 

The level of danger varies in direct proportion to the presence of water: the closer you get to showers and bathtubs, the greater the danger for those who live in the house every day. 
In this way, zone 4 will be the one exposed to the least risk while zone 0, being the one corresponding to the shower tray or the volume of the bathtub where water is omnipresent, is considered the most dangerous area.  
From the early design stages it is therefore of fundamental importance to place water points and light points at an appropriate distance to avoid interactions and contacts that could cause short circuits or serious damage to personal safety.

4. Guidelines for correct design

Since it is a frequently used space in the house, the bathroom needs to be functional and aesthetically pleasing. Regardless of the size you have available, it is important to understand its role (main bathroom, second bathroom, inside the bedroom), its location and the look you want to achieve.
What is really important is to understand the habits of those who live in the house every day.
Since this is the room where the day begins, it will be essential to know if, for example, in the case of an entire family, the members have the same schedules and commitments and therefore need more than one bathroom or a multifunctional solution. In fact, if the size allows it, it will be convenient to have at least two bathrooms, while otherwise, it may be useful to adopt a solution with a double sink, to favor everyone's time. 
In any case, the bathroom design must take into account numerous elements in order to make it useful and functional but also a place pleasant to look at, where you can relax.

• FUNCTION AND POSITION
  During the initial design phases, it is necessary to establish the function that the bathroom will serve and therefore whether it will be a first bathroom, a secondary bathroom, an en-suite bathroom or a service bathroom. Subsequently, it will be possible to place the room in a "strategic" position as follows.
  The second bathroom, since it is intended for guests, should be placed near the living area, while the main bathroom, which is used more by the owners, will be better placed near the bedrooms.   
  If a utility space is planned for a laundry room, it would be best to choose the side overlooking the internal courtyard, so as to allow for convenient hanging out of the laundry. 
  However, today the concept of the bathroom has changed and from a simple functional space it has gained the role of an environment for relaxation and personal care. To this end, ever greater attention is paid to the choice of finishes and furnishings. The space must be clean, tidy, comfortable and able to convey feelings of calm and tranquility.
  
• INSTALLATIONS
  This is the least known aspect to users who turn to the professional but also one of the fundamental elements to ensure functionality while guaranteeing safety.
  In the bathroom environment, in fact, the water system and the electrical system coexist; as already mentioned in the previous paragraphs, it is necessary to prevent dangerous situations generated by contact between the two systems. 
  Since it is a space in the house intended for the physiological needs of the person, the sanitary facilities, designed for this purpose, are connected to a network that supplies water and to one that discharges waste water directed towards the municipal sewer system. The latter pass through vertical pipes positioned in an aligned manner between one apartment and another. The system created for the discharge of water is installed in a slightly inclined position to avoid unpleasant obstructions and to guarantee continuous operation.
  
• COATINGS
  The choice of coverings that will make up walls and floors is very varied thanks to the great availability on the market of countless types of materials and finishes. Compared to the trend of the past, which saw bathrooms entirely lined with floor-to-ceiling tiles, today it is easier to find smaller solutions with a more minimal appearance. 
  In any case, it is necessary that each type of covering is waterproof in the most humid areas of the shower and bathroom fixtures, at least up to 2 m in height.
  In addition, the tiles intended for the floor must be shock-resistant and non-slip, even in the presence of water and soap. Of variable dimensions, if they occupy a limited surface, large ones will be perfect and able to give the illusion of a more generous bathroom.
  Not to be underestimated is the installation: if the tiles are inserted with narrow joints between one and the other, you will gain in terms of aesthetics and cleanliness. 
  As for materials, there are all types available on the market: from classic ceramics to mosaics, to stoneware that emulates wood, porcelain and stone. Natural stone is widely used, but there are also those who choose wood despite the high humidity level in the environment. Resin has also found a fair amount of approval in recent years because it is a solution that gives overall continuity, expanding spaces and is easy to maintain. 
  Another option that is a bit different from tradition is represented by wall painting: on the one hand, the aesthetic result is guaranteed, on the other hand, a bit is lost in terms of functionality and maintenance convenience.
  If you choose the latter solution, the areas most exposed to water will obviously still need to be made waterproof. 
  Since the bathroom is the area of ​​the house where we dedicate ourselves to cleaning, it is good to keep it as clean and tidy as possible and for this reason it is advisable to choose materials that facilitate its management in this sense.

DISTRIBUTION OF SANITARY PRODUCTS

The typological choice and spatial placement of the sanitary fixtures depends on personal taste and the shape of the bathroom. In fact, since the shape of the room is crucial for the distribution of fixed and mobile furnishing elements, the final result will depend on it in an essential way. A universally valid logic is to understand what you do not want to see when you open the door of the room in question. Usually you choose to hide the toilet and bidet behind the door or through a division, even a light one, made up of walls or partitions that are pleasing to the eye. In this way you will obtain an overall view of the room giving importance to the most valuable elements from an aesthetic point of view.

In addition to the desire to obtain a space that is pleasing to the eye, since the bathroom is the place where the day begins, it must be functional and respond to everyday needs. For this reason, the user's rhythms will be decisive for the arrangement of the sanitary fixtures, allowing the designer to conceive it as a real functional path. If you think in this way, the sink will be the first element to welcome you in the morning and to be used before leaving the bathroom after using the toilet and bidet. The latter will find their optimal position near the openings to the outside so as to allow a rapid exchange of air and the expulsion of bad odors.

If this is not possible or you want to maximize the space, it would be a good idea to place the shower in correspondence with the window, provided that the access is free of obstacles. In this regard, one often comes across the indecision between the shower or the bathtub. Naturally, if the room does not enjoy generous dimensions, one will find oneself faced with an almost forced choice, that of the shower.
In fact, it takes up less space and thanks to its practicality it is perfect for today's daily and sustained rhythms. Despite this, the tub remains the most sought-after piece of furniture if the intention is to recreate a bathroom-relaxation room emulating modern Spas.

LIGHTING

From a lighting point of view, it is necessary to make the most of the natural light that the room can enjoy during the day. Given that, according to each Building Regulation, the presence of a window is mandatory (in the case of a first bathroom), it is recommended to use it to light the room. Correct design in terms of lighting and air exchange is a guarantee of psycho-physical well-being.

Having said this, artificial light is also very important for the bathroom. In this space, the project must include two types of lighting: one ambient and the other punctual. In fact, the first must provide a feeling of relaxation, while the second must be functional to some areas where a lot of lighting is needed: sink, mirrors, support surfaces. Furthermore, if you can enjoy a relaxation area and dedicate yourself to physical well-being, it will be important to study solutions designed for the specific case and aimed at creating atmosphere.

Very often, in fact, we come across aesthetically pleasing bathroom solutions, where however, despite the utmost care in choosing the accessories, the study of light has been mistakenly neglected. The result is little functionality and compromised ease of use. For this reason, light sources must be studied and chosen based on the intensity, color and light beam they produce, in order to avoid shadow areas and be functional for those who use the bathroom.

FURNITURE

While on the one hand, furnishing accessories must respond to aesthetic needs that meet the taste of the user, on the other hand, they must be functional and compliant with the spatial availability of the environment. On the market, there are countless solutions differentiated by shape, lines, colors, materials and finishes. Before making hasty choices, it is necessary to keep in mind the space available and opt for furnishings designed "to the centimeter".
For example, if the bathroom is small, suspended sanitary ware will be perfect, as in addition to taking up less space, they facilitate cleaning and can be paired with cabinets and shelves that are very useful for everyday life. To complete the solution, a shower cannot be missing, preferably corner and equipped with a metal or PVC shelf for objects. 
Furthermore, when space is limited, it is always important to remember to exploit every corner available with space-saving accessories that can hold detergents and personal hygiene products, wall organizers and even wall units specifically designed to hold small appliances such as hair dryers and razors. 

It is also of fundamental importance to be able to enjoy various support surfaces near the work areas such as sinks and mirrors where it is essential to be able to place personal effects in case of need. It is necessary to place all those small objects of assistance, indispensable in daily gestures, in the right position: hooks for the bathrobe near the shower, wall mirrors with extendable arms near shelves and racks. 
If you have the possibility, it is an excellent choice to create niches in the bathroom wall, useful for storing clean linen and body care products. The last strategic suggestion for a small bathroom is to opt for the insertion of a medium-sized mirror: it will give the illusion of a larger space.  

If you have a larger room, the tub will prevail over the shower and will give the impression of being in a home spa. In fact, today, the idea of ​​using this area as a true oasis of well-being is increasingly widespread. 
There are many solutions on the market that include the insertion of jets designed for hydromassage and through a lighting study, attentive to psycho-physical well-being, it will be easy to recreate the typical atmosphere of the wellness center.

If you want to achieve a romantic effect that is a little different from the traditional concept of a bathroom, a freestanding bathtub will be perfect. Usually placed in the center of the room, but sometimes placed in a cozy area of ​​the bedroom, it will give charm to the entire room.
Available on the market in numerous variations, you can choose classic or with a retro flavor, with direct attachment to the ground or with worked feet, with more sinuous or square lines. The footprint can vary depending on the size so that it can also be inserted in slightly less large spaces. The only real constraint is represented by the water system which in this case must be positioned on the floor.

The fortune of having large spaces also allows you to opt for the double sink: very functional, it allows for perfect dual use in the morning in the case of families with the same work and school schedule. It is important that this type of sink has a large support space to allow for more efficient use.

From the point of view of order, it is necessary to insert, as in the previous case, cabinets and wall units designed to contain linen and accessories. Regardless of personal taste and economic availability, the sanitary fixtures used must be ergonomic and comfortable. Furthermore, a certain overall coherence must remain, everything must be proportionate and follow a homogeneous line. 

Mixers must be proportionate to the fixed furnishings and guarantee functionality through jets that fall into the rear half of the sanitary fixture, in order to avoid unpleasant and unexpected splashes of water.

5. When the bathroom becomes sustainable

As with other areas of the house, the need to find solutions aimed at saving money and environmental sustainability has recently spread in the bathroom. Furthermore, this is the area where water consumption is the highest. For this reason, many companies in the sector have committed themselves to researching and proposing solutions that drastically reduce consumption without the user realizing it. This is an approach aimed at educating the consumer by changing their daily habits in a partially unconscious way. This is how taps and mixers today combine design and water consumption containment by providing a lower quantity of water than traditional appliances, thanks to internal systems that control and quantify the actual need. 
Used mainly in public and service places but also in domestic environments, they are equipped with a photocell and are activated only when they intercept the actual presence of a hand. 
In any case, it is advisable to check the domestic systems and make sure they are working properly to avoid leaks and consequent excessive consumption. In the event that the home system requires a significant renovation, it will be advisable to install a new dual type. In fact, it provides a double water distribution network: one for personal hygiene and domestic use, the other for the recovery of rainwater and wastewater to be used for external use (irrigation, car washing). In fact, through recycling, there is a significant saving of water that would otherwise be wasted uselessly. 
Another solution aimed at containing consumption is represented by the shower equipped with “low flow” shower heads that allow you to regulate the flow with a total saving of 60% compared to traditional use. Still regarding the water aspect, the toilet can also contribute to regulating costs and consumption: through the tank with double button, the user can choose the amount of water necessary for the flush. 

From the early stages of the design process, it is therefore essential to think consciously and adopt solutions that can contribute to 360° sustainability. Even the choice of eco-sustainable materials and products that respect the environment, such as water-based resins, zero-impact ceramics or certified wood, is an excellent measure aimed at obtaining a good result. 
Last but not least, the aspect concerning lighting: if you choose LED devices, they are able to reduce energy consumption by 85% compared to traditional light bulbs and have a ten-year lifespan. 

Below we will see some innovative products specifically designed by companies in the sector that are attentive to energy saving.

• Flow limiter
  Consisting of a small valve inserted into the mixer that prevents the free flow of water. Through the movement of the tap it will be possible to proceed in steps that regulate the quantity of water emitted: increasing the opening angle of the mixer, increases the flow.
  
• Aerator
  It is a system that regulates and reduces the outgoing flow through the contact of water with air and the consequent increase in flow.
  
• Adjustable shower head
  Inserted inside the knob or the wall nozzle, it allows you to choose the flow rate according to your needs, avoiding unnecessary waste. Today's shower heads deliver an average of 2 liters of water, while those of the past delivered exactly triple that.
  
• Dual choice exhaust
  The toilet is equipped with it so that you can choose the amount of water needed to eliminate waste. Sometimes systems are applied that use the higher flushing speed that works with less water but obtaining the same results.
  
• Sensors
  Applied to taps, they activate the flow only when they intercept the presence of the user.
  Perfect for using water as needed and not wasting it.

There are also numerous latest generation products that combine design with high functionality and contribute to daily economic savings. 

6. The spatial conformation of the bathroom

As mentioned in the previous paragraphs, the design of a bathroom depends on some constraints such as the square footage, the position of the systems, water and light points and the spatial conformation. However, these are elements to be taken into consideration in order to make the most of what is available and recreate an environment that is as functional and aesthetically pleasing as possible. For this reason, the starting point is to establish the arrangement of fixed and mobile furniture starting from the plan of the room. 
Below we will analyze some specific cases of bathrooms characterized by different shapes.

THE LONG AND NARROW BATHROOM

The rectangular bathroom, very often narrow and long, too often gives the sensation of being in an oppressive corridor. To counteract this problem, it is necessary to implement choices aimed at giving the illusion of having a larger space than the actual one. 
To this end, in bathrooms of this type, it is necessary to avoid full-height ceramic coverings which, in addition to taking up precious millimetres of thickness, make the room more suffocating. 
For this reason, it is preferable to opt for paints or wallpaper that can guarantee a satisfactory result from an aesthetic point of view without further narrowing the room. 
If the long side of the room is large enough to accommodate all the bathroom fixtures and the other wall is completely bare, it will be perfect to recreate an illustration or silkscreen that can give personality to the entire room. 
As for the choice of sanitary ware, the access to the bathroom will determine its position since it is usual to think in view of what one does not like to see as soon as one enters. If the door is placed along the shorter side, this arrangement will usually be found: sink, bidet, toilet and shower. The latter is much more suitable than the bathtub, it is often inserted in correspondence with the window strictly with opaline glass.
The window frame is preferable of the vasistas type because it takes up less space and allows for free movement inside the shower tray. The glass that will form the box, on the other hand, must be transparent so that natural light can pass through directly, which is essential for the entire room. If, on the other hand, you enter from the longest wall of the bathroom, one idea is to find the sink in front and on the two respective sides, sanitary ware and shower area. A third alternative is to insert the furniture along both walls, provided that there is sufficient depth. 
Otherwise, a wall will only be able to accommodate shelves and niches to store personal hygiene products and accessories.

THE SQUARE BATHROOM

When the bathroom is square in shape, the spatial organization is simplified. In this case, what determines the final result of the project is the available square footage, since this is the main constraint for the choice of furniture. Unlike the long and narrow shape, the square bathroom does not require distribution on a single wall. In the case of small spaces, it is best to place the toilet and bidet facing each other with the sink and shower respectively on the sides. If the space is larger, you can choose between different solutions: from the sink with frontal sanitary fixtures and a shower at the bottom, to the more scenic choice of a freestanding bathtub in the center of the space. 
In the latter case the effect will be suggestive but it is advisable to implement this choice only if you are lucky enough to have a lot of space.

THE IRREGULAR BATH

Sometimes you may come across uneven measurements and therefore bathrooms with irregular shapes.
This is especially the case where the environment is located in narrow areas of the house, in corners with little probability of being used in another way. What is really important is to try to optimize every single centimeter making it functional and practical. For this specific case there is the possibility of designing and for the user to purchase, non-standardized, out-of-size sanitary ware and furnishing accessories. The expense is initially higher but over time the user will gain in terms of practicality and ergonomics. 
In fact, the furniture can be made to measure, while for the sanitary fixtures it is possible to opt for suspended ones, which take up less space, or for slightly smaller ones so that they can be inserted even in small corners.
An optimal solution is one that provides a toilet and bidet side by side and the sink in a frontal position. As for the order of the sanitary ware, it is necessary to base it on the measurements and overcome the concept of "what do I want to see first" by adapting a little more to the contingencies. For this specific case, the niches created in the masonry are very useful because they can accommodate shelves and bookcases, essential for maintaining order. This solution is much more flexible than the classic container cabinets with standardized measurements. If the budget allows it, however, it is possible to choose more refined furniture with an attractive design, designed to measure.

THE SMALL BATHROOM

Often we find ourselves in the situation of having to deal with very limited spaces but although at first it may seem an unsolvable constraint, thanks to some simple tricks, the result is much more satisfactory than hoped. The first element to consider concerns the windows: it is best to opt for a pocket door and vasistas windows since both types will save the space otherwise occupied by traditional doors. 
As for sanitary ware, recently increasingly smaller products have been introduced on the market that can adapt to the smallest spaces. The size of the toilet, bidet and sink is sometimes halved, reaching a depth of 25 cm and often helps with the sinuous shape that takes up less space on the wall and is more comfortable. Wall-hung sanitary ware is perfect and also allows for easier cleaning.

The shower can be corner and preferably floor-level so as not to take up precious centimetres.   
If the space is really limited, for example in the case of a second bathroom or en-suite bathroom, the solution can be maximized by creating partitions on which the sanitary fixtures will rest on one side and the shower will be built in on the other. This choice recalls the multifunctional walls in the center of the room, capable of furnishing on both sides, guaranteeing a significant saving of surface area.

THE BLIND BATHROOM

Given that, according to the Municipal Building Regulations, each room in the house must be equipped with openings that can guarantee natural lighting and sufficient ventilation, an exception can be made for the second bathroom. This is because most of the time the secondary bathroom, having been obtained from other rooms in the house or from residual areas, does not have openings to the outside. The designer's task is to overcome this problem through measures that make it as comfortable as the main one. 
The first element to be analyzed and carefully designed is the wall and floor coverings.
The best choice is represented by water-repellent paints that give continuity and can be applied to the entire height. If, however, you cannot do without using classic ceramic tiles, the important thing is not to extend to a height greater than one meter; the closed environment would be oppressive. 
In this type of environment it is not necessary to overdo the choice of colors, furnishings and accessories. A sober and minimal style is preferable, with neutral and bright colors, in fact dark colors are banned that would make the blind bathroom even darker. 
Since natural light is lacking, the lighting project will require special attention: different levels of light must be foreseen. The zenithal light produced by the ceiling fixture will be the necessary basis to illuminate the room, while the one inserted in correspondence with the work surfaces (support, mirrors) and the one studied to give importance to areas of value for the view are designed to be functional.

7. The flexible bathroom accessible to all

As already mentioned, the bathroom environment must be functional and meet the needs of all the inhabitants of the house. For this reason, it is necessary to guarantee accessibility and comfortable use to users of different ages and with very different needs. 
The bathroom environment must be flexible and able to adapt to changing needs over time. For example, it is possible to choose height-adjustable sanitary fixtures, perfect for growing children, so that it will be possible to shape their use according to need. 
It is important to consider even the smallest detail to avoid unpleasant inconveniences that compromise the safety of the user. 
The shower tray is preferable at floor level, safer for the little ones but also for the elderly who will not have to make uncomfortable and dangerous movements. In order to guarantee safety within this environment, it is necessary to choose non-slip surfaces, shower access without steps, long-lever taps to make it easier for children to use or electronic ones, more modern and sustainable. 
Even the sanitary fixtures are of fundamental importance: optimal are those with adjustable seats and ergonomic shapes, aimed at a comfortable seat, those higher than usual that allow the user to get up more easily. As for the tub, it must be sufficiently spacious to ensure relaxing and not sacrificed baths. 
Furthermore, it is important that the backrest is slightly inclined and equipped with a padded and height-adjustable headrest to be used by different users. Finally, generous edges allow for sitting or placing personal care products. 
If there are elderly people among the users, some solutions that facilitate the use of sanitary ware and bathtubs will be very useful: support handles allow you to move more safely, seats for showering comfortably seated and solutions for using the sink while sitting.
In relation to what has been said, domestic spaces must follow the temporal changes and the needs of the individual and for this reason the bathroom must be conceived as a space that guarantees comfort for all age groups.

8. The bathroom of the future between high tech and home automation 

If we consider that the home environment is the mirror of the personality that inhabits it and that its primary purpose is to satisfy the needs of those who use it, then it will have to keep up with the times. In fact, in a period in which needs are changing and increasingly specific, the bathroom will have to respond to changes in the best possible way. 
The future will have to be an environment capable of blending functionality, design, home automation and sustainability. 
Today, technology is an important component in everyday life and it is becoming an increasingly important prerogative in home design. Home automation, the discipline aimed at improving living conditions inside the home, has been talked about for some time now and in the near future it will be present thanks to many intelligent solutions. Touch screens, photosensitive systems and devices for programming systems will be an integral part of every home environment.

Through the displays it will be easy to activate a specific service at a pre-set time according to need. For example, you can return home after a stressful day at work and find the bathtub ready for use with the right amount of water at the desired temperature. In this way, in addition to increasing comfort and optimizing time, a significant water saving will be guaranteed. In fact, the tubs will have an integrated system inside them capable of quantifying the water needed for each individual use. 
As far as the ecological aspect is concerned, there is an ever-increasing commitment to the study of integrated solutions that allow us to contribute to respecting the environment starting from individual daily gestures. Energy and water resources are precious assets and for this reason, new sanitary fixtures supply water only when actually needed and when the user is actually present. Furthermore, they can play an active role in energy production: a valid example of this is the toilets that can generate hydrogen, useful for creating electricity from waste, thanks to the technology integrated within them. 
Another interesting feature of the bathrooms of the future is the interaction between sanitary ware and users through the digital world. Bathtubs, showers and sinks will be connected to the wi-fi network and will allow direct use of specialized Apps to guarantee the psycho-physical well-being of the user. Sports activities, relaxing music, entertainment, will become the fulcrum of the bathroom environment, a space designed for relaxation and inner peace.

As far as cleaning is concerned, great progress is being made from this point of view too: self-cleaning solutions are in fact planned that can fight germs and bad odors immediately. Through water purification systems and with a sanitary structure studied in detail, it will be possible to save time and money for correct future management. 

Below we will see some solutions that integrate intelligent technology and innovative design.

• SPA SHOWER
  The showers of the future will have a built-in heat exchanger capable of recovering the heat lost from the water used and using it to heat the water needed at a later time. There will also be interactive systems capable of making the user more comfortable and providing additional services for controlling the temperature and the necessary quantity. Today there are numerous solutions on the market such as the Aquasteel Vapor shower by Grandform that perfectly combines comfort and high-tech. The shower column is equipped with some hydrojets useful for back massage, is set up for chromotherapy and aromatherapy and is equipped with touch and radio controls. 

• MINIMAL SHOWERS
  Azimut is the shower designed by Antonio Lupi to maximize functionality and minimize the space occupied by the shower compartment. Equipped with a wall or ceiling shower head, thanks to the 360° rotating cylinder, it is possible to precisely direct the jet.

• SMART BATH
  Already on the market today, “smart” bathtubs are designed to ensure well-being and promote energy and economic savings. They work through dedicated Apps that allow the user to program them even when away from home. It will be possible to choose the desired temperature and the amount of water and program the favorite music playlist to enjoy complete relaxation.
  
• TECHNOLOGICAL TOILET
  The sanitary fixture becomes a design element that can furnish the bathroom and at the same time provide various services. The seat will allow a comfortable sitting thanks to the height-adjustable structure and will guarantee heating when needed. In addition, hygiene will always be guaranteed: thanks to a deep rinse system, the toilet will be self-cleaning so as to always ensure perfect cleaning.
  
• MIRROR – TV
  Thanks to an innovative solution, it will be possible to insert a TV screen on the back of the mirror, thus giving the accessory a double function: mirror with the TV off, LED screen with the TV on.

MOODBOARD 

Below you can consult some moodboards, real visual narratives that can guide the user in drawing inspiration and practical advice for their home environments. 

Tags