Kitchen & Bath Buisness November/December 2024 - 12

WELLNE S S
MO VEMENT
Safe Haven
A design pro's thoughts on transforming a bath into an oasis
WHEN ASKED WHY there is such a prominent move toward bathrooms
being a sanctuary for homeowners, Adam Gibson of Carmel, Ind.-based
Adam Gibson Design explained that as stress levels have increased from
a global pandemic, infl ation or myriad personal reasons, many look to the
home as a place of refuge.
" Often, the primary bath is second only to a beautifully designed kitchen
as the home's focal point, " he added. " While the kitchen is the public show
piece, the primary bath is the private, intimate expression of luxury and
relaxation - often treated as a personal spa. "
Why is it important for homeowners to feel a sense of peace and relaxation in the
bathroom?
One element of positive mental health is illustrated by how we care for
ourselves - more than just with hygiene. What can be better than a spa-like
atmosphere mere steps from one's bedroom? Relatively easy to achieve,
biophilic design comforts the senses by harmoniously integrating nature-inspired
replication. An infusion of natural light, increased fresh air
exchanges, live plants and a connection to nature all provide a sense of
relaxation and well-being.
Do health and well-being play a part in the design of today's spaces?
Wellness is integral to dealing with life's anxieties. From a design perspective,
we can curate a sense of vitality by intentionally incorporating
living green walls, bamboo, wood, stone, natural light and healthy indoor
elements. Not to mention lovely and safe features like barrier-free showers,
decorative grab bars in place of towel bars, a horizon line within the shower
to prevent vertigo, non-slip surfaces and other safety measures in plain sight
that add to the aesthetic and do not feel institutional.
What are your tips for fellow designers when creating a sanctuary bath space for
their clients?
A bath need not be large to capitalize on creating a sanctuary feel. Color,
texture and lighting are the fi rst steps toward bathroom serenity. Even
ABOVE In this NFL player's
primary bath, designer
Adam Gibson incorporated a
curbless shower, decorative
grab bars, non-slip surfaces,
natural stone (faux, in this
case) and an infusion of
natural light. Photo credit:
Adam Gibson Architectural
Photography
large bathrooms can feel cozy and warm. Safety,
as mentioned, is important. For athletes, the
aging or really for anyone who wants assurance
they're in a safe space, we recommend specifying
elements like decorative grab bars anywhere a
towel bar may be and within the shower area;
non-slip surfaces; lighting everywhere the eye
travels, including inside drawers, toe kicks, shower
niches; and hardware that can be operated with
little dexterity. Warm, dimmable lighting can be
enhanced by adding smart technology to address
circadian rhythms.
THE ADAM GIBSON DESIGN TEAM'S HOT LIST OF WELLNESS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE BATH
Showers with curbless entries and a
horizon line
Soaking tubs or those that can be either
hot or cold
Grab bars that can also be used as towel
bars
Ergonomically designed fi xtures and
hardware
Lighted toe kicks (or better yet, fl oating
vanities)
Lighted drawers and cabinets
(automatically activated)
Bidets and/or smart toilets
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Tubular skylights for natural light
Lots of windows
Natural stone
Warm color accents
Plants and other greenery
Smart technology offerings for the bath
Kitchen & Bath Buisness November/December 2024

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