Sustainability and wellness trends guide kitchen & bathroom makeovers

We’re coming up for air finally! And with Spring just around the corner, the focus for many will be on giving their homes an overdue and much welcome makeover – that great fresh feeling from completing a new project.

For many, the kitchen and bathroom will be the main focus. As global pioneering water and housing products group LIXIL say:

“A better home is made up of surprisingly simple things – showers and taps to experience water in new ways; kitchens that unleash creativity; toilets that provide cleanliness and comfort; doors and windows that connect you with the world outside; interiors and exteriors that bring spaces to life; baths to escape in after a long day.”

What are people looking to achieve with their home upgrades this year? According to Patrick Speck, Leader Global Design, EMENA at LIXIL, high on the agenda are sustainability, self-care, wellness, and multi-functionality, while style features and design continue to shape  renovation decisions.
Patrick is part of a global enterprise with around 55,000 employees in more than 150 countries worldwide, having expanded internationally by acquiring some of the most trusted names in the  industry, including GROHE.

Trend-setting water products

SaveMoneyCutCarbon have worked in partnership with GROHE for many years, and they continue to amaze with their innovations. It’s a unique brand, sharing our values, and is globally respected for its trend-setting sanitary products and systems. As the world’s leading provider in the sector, the values of quality, design and sustainability are at the heart of the company.

Their trend-setting products will enhance any kitchen or bathroom project. Take a look at their products here. 

Patrick shared his ideas on the key factors and influences informing new trend in an article recently, which we found impressive, practical and thoughtful.

He advised that with consumers working from home more than pre-pandemic, technology and luxury can create a seamless design experience. At the same time, that special individual touch is crucial with different choices of finishes and colours.

He says:

“Impacting on all of this is the forecast that a sustainable home has become an important priority for consumers and therefore one that all leading brands and designers need to take note of and prioritise.

“Taking these trends straight into the bathroom, it seems some spa-inspired luxury right at home is on all of our wish and search lists. Living through a pandemic, coupled with seeing more of each other’s homes on Instagram Reels and TikTok hacks, means we’re all looking to invite more moments of indulgence and wellbeing into our homes.”

Freestanding bath

This is backed by web data – searches for “freestanding bath” and “slipper bath” increasing by 228 per cent and 237 per cent respectively in the past year according to Houzz, giving strong signals that creating a spa-like bathroom is a key first move step to making our homes more luxurious.

Patrick advises: “Think calming scents, greenery and thoughtful design, to Japanese style toilets and step in spa showers at the top end of the scale. Wall-hung units and sanitaryware make for a more streamlined bathroom, ideal for smaller spaces, while metallic-finished brassware and soothing rainfall shower heads add a premium touch.

“While relaxing showers, minimalist wet room designs and slim-line taps are growing in popularity, easily sustainable homes have also become a top consideration for us, with our impact on the planet being highlighted more than ever. GROHE continues to enable homeowners to live more sustainably without compromising on design or features, with product innovations which include cold-start taps to help save energy, and technology to reduce water flow across taps and showers without disrupting usage.”

Shop sustainably

One of the many reasons we like working with GROHE’s is its commitment to strengthening the development of a circular economy with its “Cradle-to-Cradle Certified” and “Level Gold” product ranges. Each component can be broken down and re-used endlessly in future products – helping homeowners shop sustainably.

Patrick also gives tips for saving water: “While we might be saving hundreds of pounds a year forgoing a shop-bought coffee on our morning commute, filtered water to keep refreshed and hydrated throughout the day is a luxury we can keep, without the guilt of buying bottled water. GROHE has also used innovate design to ensure that we don’t miss out on that office cooler convenience as the shift from office to home is clearly here to stay.

“Swapping the office water cooler for your local tap water may not initially scream sophistication, but with GROHE’s Blue Home water system, the brand is encouraging the reduced use of plastic water bottles while enjoying the most convenient of refreshments. The system, which acts as a filter for tap water, refines the taste as well as offering chilled still, semi-sparkling or sparkling water in an instance. Staying hydrated throughout the day, without compromising on quality, has never been easier.”

Infra-red taps

Hygiene has always been front of mind in both kitchen and bathroom but the experience of COVID has made that even more important, with the need for easy cleaning and premium, hygiene-focused products. GROHE’s infra-red taps ensure that we can wash our hands without the need to touch any surfaces, reducing spread of germs and with the bonus of water savings too.

These taps come complete with an adjustable temperature limiter to help save energy and cut the risk of scalding and low-energy electronics, while slim and sleek are a perfect design choice for smaller bathrooms and cloakrooms.

Patrick also offers advice from his design team on colour trends. He says: “Greens and neutral colours are expected take centre stage in the kitchen to help create the perfect hybrid space, while searches for coloured bathrooms are on the rise too – expect to see black finishes, darker tones and textures being incorporated into the bathroom as it continues to transition from functional room to a space of self-care and wellbeing.

“Metallic finishes, industrial design features and innovative technology are also on track to be in high demand, with hygiene playing a major part in home decisions for the coming years.”

Looking to freshen up your kitchen or bathroom? Take a look at what GROHE offers.