A Secret Bathroom: Raspel's Hidden Suite

Whilst browsing the Fast Company's website for inspiration and new bathroom products on the market, we came across this hidden gem. Rapsel, an Italian furniture design company, have presented a collection of toilet fixtures that magically disappear. "Rapsel's One line includes a sink, shower, and toilet disguised behind sleek wooden slats. Step into the bathroom, and the slats resemble shelves and benches in a swanky little sauna. It's only when you lift them up that their true function is revealed. "The new 'invisible' bathroom, designed by Matteo Thun for Rapsel, impresses with few lines and innovative forms," the press release effuses. "[They] become geometric modules that function as sculptural shelves."
As odd as this seems (and looks!) it is quite a unique way of transforming a bathroom space into a 'designed' space.
The wooden slats are contemporary and the multitude of parallel lines elongate the room quite dramatically.
The only way in which a bathroom like this might not work is if you have guests who require use of your hidden facilities.

Fantasy Bathroom: Shower Horizontally!

Here is something to be awe of: The Horizonal shower from Dornbracht. 

Their website explains: 

"For the first time, Horizontal Shower permits showering using the Ambiance Tuning Technique while reclining. The application combines six Water Bars recessed into a broad shower field above a reclining space, along with an eTool as the main operating element. Just as with Vertical Shower, with Horizontal Shower the user can also choose from among a variety of pre-programmed choreographies, offering a range of settings for water temperature, intensity and quantity. The user can decide from among Balancing, Energizing or De-Stressing effects."

Its decadent, luxurious and we can't help but want to try this out! [source]

Stunning Shower Room in the Netherlands

This beautiful shower room belongs to the owners of The Villa Hendrikx in Almere, Netherlands, which was completed only a few years ago – in 2009. It has been designed by 70F Architecture.
The modern architects decided to take a minimalistic approach to create and implement the interior design as well as the layout of the contemporary home. The entire house has featured on the Chictip blog. 

We love the long parallel lines in this room that help create a sense of space and length. The elongated basin complements this look. The wall hung vanity also helps the room appear wider.

The contrast between the dark grey tiles and the white wall is a bold one and the red splash of colour really sets it off.

The shelf that has been built into the shower wall acts as a practical storage and there remains a sense of privacy with the wall being set between the basin and shower area. 

Overall, this is design-perfection. 

Unique Basin for the Bathroom

We at Roman Elements love to discover new products that, individually, can inspire the look of an entire room. To the left is a beautiful basin by Emanuele Pangrazi. It is both modern and rustic and would look perfect on top of a handmade, bespoke vanity unit. It is a feature in itself and its boldness would contrast wonderfully with a simple tap fitted to the wall.

[source].

Green Bathrooms: Eco Friendly Spaces

It is possible to live in luxury and still be eco-friendly. Firstly, water-saving sanitaryware aims to help the planet and claims to reduce your bills by 25%. This concept water-saving bath, available from Ideal Standard, is low capacity and has the potential to save the warming up of 21,170 litres less water in a year.

It is also possible to have eco-friendly bath fixtures and furniture, made from recycled materials. 

And you don't have to stop there, complete your green bathroom with eco-friendly bath tiles too. Bedrock produce tiles using 100% recycled glass.
Another way in which to both lower energy bills and to have a planet-saving space is to use energy-effecient light bulbs. If you opt for the bright white variety and hang them at eye level either side of a mirror or behind frosted glass, you'll be able to create a softer glow in the room and still be able to see to apply make-up or shave.
Combined with natural stone floors and textured accessories, you can create a 'zen' space in your own home.

2012 Bathroom Trends: Radiator Art

NUMBER FOUR: Radiator Art.

This unique radiator from Aston Matthews will add a focal point to your bathroom and is a functional way of hanging wet towels.
It provides ample heat, as would any 'normal' looking radiator, either by electric of central heating. We think that this would complement a bathroom style which is simple and elegant and requires a large amount of wall space coverage.
Its bold design would achieve a wow-factor and contrast beautifully with a roll-top bath.

2012 Bathroom Trends: Natural Wonder Fittings

NUMBER THREE: Fittings that evoke a sense of the natural world.
Many bathroom designers have created fittings that replicate flowers, twigs, leaves and even dry earth in attempt to create a bathroom that is a soothing sanctuary. When we picture ourselves in a relaxing location it could be in idyllic countryside or near a cascading waterfall.
Much like the Motif Basin that we featured a few days ago, this Kreto shower tray from Roca reflects nature in it's resemblances to snow flakes.
It is beautifully simple and unique and can add a touch of nature's wonder to your bathroom space.