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The bathroom is more than a functional space: this is where we start and end our day, find moments of peace, relaxation and pockets of ‘me time’.
It’s undeniable that the bathroom is increasingly becoming a living area in its own right – with an atmosphere and design that nurture our well-being.
Reflecting this transformation, the Villeroy & Boch Group made a clear statement at ISH 2025 (the world's leading trade fair for HVAC + Water held in Frankfurt am Main from 17 to 21 March 2025).
Created by designers Christian Haas, Gesa Hansen and Roberto Palomba, the exhibition stand was a showcase combining spaciousness, minimalist luxury and comfort.
The bathroom as a living space
The increasingly fast-paced modern world is creating a growing need for spaces where we can slow down. “The bathroom is the last truly private room in the home, so this makes its design particularly important”, explains Hansen. More than just a retreat, a well-designed bathroom actively boosts well-being and contributes to the daily ritual of relaxation. Flowing transitions, organic shapes and natural materials create an environment infused with peace and comfort.
At ISH 2025, the Villeroy & Boch group is presenting the bathroom as an open living space with a clever architectural design – and illustrating its contribution to mindful, sustainable use of resources.
Colour and material trends: warm minimalism
In our modern age, with increasingly distant interactions and growing digitalisation, touch is becoming a real luxury. The need for experiences that appeal to our senses is particularly apparent in our own home.
This finding inspired Haas and Hansen to create a bathroom presentation for Villeroy & Boch, emphasising touch, textures and the beauty of natural materials: furniture in fine solid wood, satiny polished 3D tiles and high-quality ceramic washbasins in natural shades.
Rather than a harsh black-and-white contrast, Haas and Hansen chose a soft colour concept in hues of warm anthracite and light sand. The resulting interaction of shadows and fine nuances infuses the room with character and elegance. The monochrome colour palette in earthy mid-tones creates flowing transitions and a comforting feeling – a style that both designers describe as “warm minimalism”.
Lasting luxury
The concept of luxury is also being redefined these days. The focus is shifting towards aesthetics reflecting durability, quality and sustainability. “The most important trend is the shift away from trends – towards things that last”, says Haas.
Materials and workmanship play a central role: as well as an elegant appearance, items also need to prove their worth in everyday life. “Quiet Luxury” describes the concept that Haas, Hansen and Palomba have implemented so perfectly. Their design feels approachable and focuses on products with textures, functionality and aesthetics that have stood the test of time.
An enduring design is more than a style feature, it is a conscious commitment to sustainability. “More than ever, today’s designers need to follow an ethical and responsible approach and make sustainability the centre of their vision. Respect for the environment is essential for a more mindful, harmonious and respectful future for our planet”, says Palomba.
About the designers
The charismatic designers Christian Haas and Gesa Hansen have been shaping the Villeroy & Boch design world for many years. Hansen is known in particular for her clear colour concepts and puristic wooden furniture. Haas has established a reputation on the international design scene with his innate flair for pared-down aesthetics. Both designers create a perfect balance of clarity and comfort – and design bathrooms offering a special fusion of architecture and emotion. Using new materials and technologies, Roberto Palomba, Ideal Standard’s Chief design officer, has succeeded in bringing about an impressive transformation of Ideal Standard’s extensive design heritage, continuously offering convincing solutions to the many requirements for contemporary bathrooms.
Villeroy & Boch is distributed by Homewerkz, BSG Trading, VolumeFive and Swisswerkz.
For more information, visit: villeroy-boch.asia
