The bathroom of the future is sensory, technological and interactive. Building on this vision, the Bathroom & Wellness division of the Villeroy & Boch Group has developed a comprehensive design approach, reimagining this room in the home and its elements based on a simple yet revolutionary question: how can design shape perception and engage with the senses, transforming the bathroom into a more intimate and profound space dedicated to self-care? Through its two brands, Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard, the Group is guiding the evolution of this domestic space, which is definitively moving away from its role as a functional area to become a dynamic and innovative place, where design gives shape to a new concept of everyday wellness.
Installazione per Antao 3D,
by Villeroy & Boch
Installazione “Design Continuum”
This vision translates into a set of guiding principles that shape the research of the two brands and come to life in a collection of new products, developed in German innovation centres specialising in ceramics and taps. A journey that found its ultimate expression in the “Design Continuum” installation, presented at Fuorisalone in collaboration with Studio Elastique. It all starts with the material: ceramics, one of the oldest materials used by humankind, perfected over the centuries and transformed into countless forms and functions.
Ceramic is, by its very nature, a symbol of constant evolution, finding its place in the bathroom and in contemporary living. Villeroy & Boch goes a step further and examines ceramic through the lens of technology: the result is the Antao 3D monolithic washbasin, designed by Design Studio KASCHKASCH. Created using advanced 3D printing, it utilises 100% recycled ceramic on the inside; for this reason, layer by layer, it retains traces of the original material, creating a surface that is both precise and naturally imperfect.
Antao 3D, by Villeroy & Boch, Design Studio KASCHKASCH
Tipo-Z by Ideal Standard,
design Ludovica Serafini + Roberto Palomba
Conca by Ideal Standard,
design Ludovica Serafini + Roberto Palomba
The concept of a wellness space, capable of conveying serenity and perspective, is also evident in the sense of proportion and balance of the forms that inhabit it. This lies at the heart of Ideal Standard’s philosophy, which focuses on strong, clear geometry capable of allowing the design to evolve over time without losing its identity. Take Atelier Collections, designed by Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba: lines such as Conca, Tipo-Z and La Dolce Vita do not aim for reinvention, but for refinement, continuing in the tradition of ‘good design’ that does not change but improves in the details, remaining true to itself and always iconic.
Alongside material and form, colour and texture also play a fundamental role in creating a new perception of space and a new interaction with the environment, light and those who inhabit it. One example is Artis Sense, designed by Christian Haas with a colour palette by Gesa Hansen: the textured surfaces of the washbasins demonstrate how the tactile dimension influences the perception of space, introducing a new sensory element into the design. And when it comes to interaction, the taps take centre stage, turning everyday use into a pleasant ritual.
Artis Sense by Villeroy & Boch, design Christian Haas
Vea by Villeroy & Boch, design Christian Haas
With Villeroy & Boch’s Vea taps, inspired by the elegance of classic perfume bottles, interaction becomes a moment of focus, distilled into a simple sequence of gestures: press, turn, release. Designed by Christian Haas and featuring ViPush technology, the taps activate the water with a single press and are adjusted by turning the control knob.
Ultimately, this concept of a deeper sensory experience reconnects with nature, transforming the bathroom into a warm, organic space composed of natural elements. At the heart of this story is Antao Earth, designed by Design Studio KASCHKASCH, featuring an innovative Artisan Glaze: available in the Terra, Sand and Smoke finishes, the washbasins reveal subtle variations in colour and texture, highlighting the artisanal quality of each piece.
Antao Earth by Villeroy & Boch, Design Studio KASCHKASCH
Reactive glazing technology – a completely new approach to bathroom ceramics – brings together material innovation and artisanal craftsmanship, combining the Villeroy & Boch Group’s ceramic expertise with new experimentation in surface finishes. These innovations help to define a new vision of the contemporary bathroom, where design, technology and research interact with one another. A vision that is reflected in the collections of the two brands and which will also find a new expression in the Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard showroom in Milan, at Foro Buonaparte 70, currently undergoing a refurbishment and set to become a benchmark for the world of design.
