For centuries, the art of taking a bath has symbolized luxury, comfort, and personal indulgence. From ancient sites like Crete’s Palace of Knossos to modern spa-like sanctuaries, the allure of a deep soak remains timeless. Esteemed figures like Winston Churchill considered bathtubs essential, using them as a space for both relaxation and contemplation. Today, though our fast-paced lives often favor quick showers, the desire for the indulgence and tranquility offered by a bath endures.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Peter Zumthor
Location: Montauk, New York
Designer: Rafael de Cárdenas
Furniture: Cocoon Tub and Fittings
Creative Director: Daniele Busca
Project: Chalet in Utah by Electric Bowery
Throughout the ages, bathhouses and personal bathing rituals have held a sacred place in human culture, from ancient Greece to the architectural achievements of the modern era. The routine activity of bathing has transformed over time into a cherished ritual. This shift reflects a broader societal need to reclaim personal time. While showers represent efficiency, the bath symbolizes a reclaimed moment for self-reflection and relaxation in today’s productivity-obsessed world. Recognizing this, some contemporary designers and homeowners are embracing bathtubs as luxurious features within homes.
The discourse around home bathroom design has evolved significantly in recent years. Post-pandemic, the bathroom’s function transcended its utilitarian roots to become a refuge from daily life’s stress. Industry experts acknowledge this change, with designers citing a resurgence of the bathtub as a focal point in modern bathrooms. Often treated as sculptural elements, modern bathtubs are designed to be both functional and artistic, offering a centerpiece that elevates a bathroom to a sanctuary of personal wellness and aesthetic beauty.
Notably, the trend of removing bathtubs to prioritize walk-in showers is waning. Now, standalone tubs are making a bold return, often celebrated as the central design element in luxury bathrooms. Designers are increasingly placing baths in front of expansive views or under dramatic lighting installations to enhance their grandeur. These setups provide not just an escape but offer a visual feast, making the bathtub an integral component of a home’s aesthetics and ambiance.
The strategic placement of bathtubs often considers both appearance and the user’s experience. This includes encouraging thoughtful elements like ambient lighting or intricately designed tiles and stones surrounding the tub. The result is a visual narrative that speaks to the whimsy and elegance of a well-designed personal space. Such artistic integration ensures that bathtubs serve as both a functional escape and a piece of art within the home, offering restorative experiences in more ways than one.
The true value of a bathtub goes beyond its use; it’s about the moments of restoration it promises. Despite jokes within the industry about the underutilization of tubs, the potential for relaxation and restoration they offer is undeniable. By investing in a bathtub and prioritizing its regular use, individuals can transform ordinary routines into sacred rituals of rejuvenation. Like Churchill, those who embrace the bath can find both solace and inspiration, making it a timeless feature worth savoring in everyday life.
