Japanese-style bathrooms
Relaxation and harmony
Focus on relaxation
The traditional bathroom
Relaxation has always been the main focus in the traditional Japanese bathroom. Beyond pure functionality, the space has always been designed to promote rejuvenation. Central to the design is the classic Japanese bathtub. The bathtub is solely for relaxation – the actual cleansing takes place beforehand in the shower.
This is evident even in how things are arranged. The layout starts with an entry area featuring a sink, bathroom cabinets, and plenty of space for changing clothes. Beyond that lies a wet zone for bathing and showering. So there is no separate shower enclosure in the Japanese bathroom; instead, the shower and bathtub are in the same room. After getting thoroughly clean in the shower, you then move on to a relaxing hot bath. The toilet is located in a completely separate room with its own sink. This setup allows multiple people to use the Japanese bathroom at the same time, while still providing a calm and relaxing environment.
Decorating a Japanese bathroom
Of course, the opportunity to build a classic Japanese bathroom from scratch isn’t always an option. Unless you are building a new house based on your own designs, you probably won’t have the combination of a separate changing room and wet room, along with a separate toilet. But it’s still possible to design a Japanese-style bathroom:
The bathtub as the centerpiece
The Japanese bathtub plays a special role, and this should also be reflected in any bathroom designed in this style. A freestanding bathtub is practically a must here.
Walk-in shower
If you want to recreate the traditional bathing experience, you can also include a walk-in shower. This integrates the shower into the bathroom well and establishes the traditional connection between shower and bathtub.
Wood and natural materials
Even though a classic ofuro (wooden soaking tub) isn’t really suitable for modern-day needs, the aesthetic can still be reflected in the bathroom through the use of wood and other natural materials like natural stone. In principle, the design of your Japanese-style bathroom can also incorporate stylistic touches from other Japanese design traditions, such as Japanese gardens.
Shapes and colors
The focus on relaxation extends to the choice of shapes and colors. It’s best to go with calm, muted colors that harmonize with the natural materials, such as earthy tones or dark greens. Rounded shapes combined with clean lines provide the appropriate design language.
Less is more
Traditionally, balance and simplicity are the central elements of Japanese design. Keep your bathroom simple, highlighting it instead with well-considered, calm accents. This approach will make your Japanese bathroom a true retreat for relaxation.
Technical elements: shower-toilets, etc.
Around the world, the Japanese bathroom is better known for its advanced technology than for traditional bathing. And in fact, the latest technology and the classic bathing tradition can work perfectly together.
Shower toilets
Few things are probably as strongly associated with the Japanese bathroom as the shower toilet. And in fact, in Japan, these fixtures are often true technological marvels. Things are a bit less extravagant in Western bathrooms, but they don’t have to be any less comfortable and practical. While in the Japanese bathroom the shower toilet can save water through an integrated sink, which reuses the water from the sink later on as flush water, here it is mainly sophisticated technology like Duravit Rimless® that ensures the savings. In any case, comfort is combined with practicality here as well.
Jetted bathtubs
Although a jetted bathtub isn’t usually a component of the traditional Japanese bathroom, technically sophisticated tubs are definitely used. And after all, what better way to create a truly relaxing bathing experience than with an integrated massage feature?
Rain showers
Here too, it’s less about faithfully recreating a traditional Japanese-style bathroom and more about capturing that same sense of relaxation in your bathroom. With a rain shower, you’ll slow down and unwind and enjoy that instant sense of well-being.
Compatible Duravit series
The ideal of harmony and precision, which defines Japanese design, is also reflected in the Duravit series. The following series consciously adopt traditional elements and integrate them perfectly into the context of the modern bathroom:
Bento Starck Box
Star designer Philippe Starck once again demonstrates his boundary-breaking genius with the Bento Starck Box series. The clear spatial layout perfectly reflects the order and harmony that underpins the Japanese-style bathroom.
Zencha
The Zencha series by Sebastian Herkner combines a puristic touch with refined elegance. Subtle accents are created through the organic shapes and curves. The bathtub in this series is deliberately modeled after a classic Japanese onsen bath.
