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Natural stone slabs form the five planes in this dramatic shower in a holiday home in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. With the open side facing a mountain view, the widening space as you look out emphasises the vista and the natural light. Hansgrohe’s Talis S mixer is similar to the one seen here; the brand is also an excellent source of ceiling-mounted showerheads. -
While this trend is sleek, it need not feel cold or clinical, as this bathroom with fixtures by Italian architect and designer Antonio Citterio for Geberit shows. “The Geberit Citterio range combines unusual shapes with special materials, resulting in an unmistakable design language,” says the brand. A premium bathroom series, Geberit Citterio reflects the Italian architect’s unique design hallmarks, which, according to Geberit, include “remarkable originality, timeless elegance and quality”. -
This trend is by no means just for large bathrooms; its simple feel makes it ideally suited to restricted spaces. Increasingly, suppliers are recognising this: Italian bathroom company Antonio Lupi’s Cuba bathtub combines a geometric feel with ergonomics-driven design for what the brand calls “a perfect moment of rest” in a small tub. -
Another way to make a small bathroom seem more spacious is, counterintuitively, to make abundant use of black finishes and fixtures. Against the dark backdrop, a simple, clean- lined wall-mounted basin in white takes on a sculptural quality. Pedersen + Lennard and Douglas and Douglas both make black towel rails and storage shelves locally.
WORDS Robyn Alexander PHOTOS Daniela Zondagh; Greg Cox/Bureaux; Supplied
Popular with architects and aesthetes alike, the Sleek Minimalist trend is all about the cleanest lines, glossiest surfaces and most up-to-the-minute bathroom technology.
SLEEK MINIMALIST: THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS
Super-slick and ultimately luxurious, the Sleek Minimalist trend for bathrooms features cleverly hidden storage, sophisticated bathroom tech, and either monochrome or tone-on-tone neutral colours. With an all-white palette the ultimate option for truly dedicated enthusiasts, this look also lends itself to oversized tiles, slabs of stone and plenty of subtle shine. Very dark colour schemes – think deep, rich brown, charcoal or even black walls and floors – also look seriously sophisticated right now. Sanitary ware is integrated into walls wherever possible, and kept studiously simple and linear in design where it does have to be on show. And last but not least, the latest bathroom tech is also key here: it’s time to investigate adding smart toilets, adjustable privacy glass, steam- free mirrors, and touchless fixtures and taps to your bathroom space.
YOU’RE A SLEEK MINIMALIST IF…
- Your favourite film interiors are still those seen in that classic of ’90s sci-fi, Gattaca
- Sculptor Donald Judd is your all-time favourite artist
- You’d love to dress head-to-toe in Jil Sander or Comme des Garçons
- Mindful meditation is your favourite form of exercise
- Your dream holiday is a week at Amangiri Spa, in the spectacular Utah desert
PLAN AHEAD
Our experts agree that when choosing this seamless, slick look for a bathroom renovation, nothing is more important than careful planning.
“Everything in a bathroom must be planned out from the beginning,” explains interior designer and cofounder of Tonic Design, Philippe van der Merwe. “Anything that wasn’t considered – with upfront planning and detailed measurements – is likely to stick out like a sore thumb, and cause problems down the line. Be especially careful about storage with concealed cabinetry, which needs to be built into the space so it feels seamless.”
Architect Chris van Niekerk of CvN agrees that meticulous planning is key. He also thinks that functionality is exceptionally important. “I like to view bathing as a ritualistic daily experience, so it’s really more than function and aesthetics – the space should be about the intimate ritual of cleansing,” he says.
While Chris is wary of following trends too slavishly in bathroom spaces, he says, “One of the current trends I notice and can align with is the intention to create minimal, monastic environments where surfaces are calm and continuous.”
EASY PIECES
Three key pieces of bathroom design advice from Tonic Design’s Philippe van der Merwe:
Functionality and aesthetics go hand in hand. “Functionality is always the first thing we sort out when it comes to design – especially in the bathroom, where you need maximum gain from a relatively small area, because this is such a functional space,” he says. “Functionality is aesthetics as well as function – they are not separate or oppositional. This is why you should consult a professional team who will give you something that’s fully designed.”
Focus on storage – and good lighting! For Philippe, bathrooms must have efficient, well-designed storage to be user-friendly. “Install a narrow and wide cabinet above the vanity for the functionality of being able to simply open a door to locate everything you need,” he says. “No digging around in drawers!” Also essential: “Good lighting – which means no top lighting as it is very unflattering.”
Don’t make these all-too-common mistakes… There are many design mistakes, says Philippe, including “not considering the full functionality of the space, and having too much reverence for baths, especially if you don’t really use them. Always think about how you will use the space, and how it will work best for you.”
TAKE NOTE
We asked architect Chris van Niekerk for his key bathroom design notes.
When budgeting, where should spending be prioritised? High-quality bathroom items and finishes are important, but the scope should extend beyond that. You should think about the atmosphere you’re trying to create, and figure out a way to achieve that within budget. That pertains to the flooring, lighting during the day and night, as well as the experience and sound of running water.
When asked to create a minimalist bathroom, what are the areas on which you focus? Practical considerations such as storage aside, I think about the room as a space that should be as unadorned as possible. A shower does not need to look like a shower; a bath can be part of the floor; the basin can resemble a baptismal font. All these elements can add to an elevated experience.
- And what about the latest tech? Still Bathrooms owner Martina Panzer suggests you consider these cutting- edge technologies:
- Optimal energy use and water efficiency (these are as important as comfort)
- Touchless taps and toilets
- A toilet and bidet in one
- When it comes to luxuries: chromotherapy showers and steam shower combinations.
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