Washroom Trends for 2022
- Insights
As we say hooray to a fresh new year, here are our top six trends that are influencing commercial, education and healthcare washroom design for 2022, and well into the foreseeable future.
1. Enhanced infection control.
Covid-19 has left us all acutely aware of the need for higher hygiene standards. Now, more than ever, washroom products are required to stand up to frequent and easy cleaning.
We’re seeing many more vanity units being specified in solid surfaces. A blend of acrylic minerals creates a seamless and low maintenance, non-porous finish which is impact and thermal shock resistant.
Toilet cubicles specified in Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) meet the most stringent specifications of durability and hygiene; impervious to water, easy to clean and resistant to vandalism.
Post-formed pre-plumbed panelling, such as Vepps Hygen, have smooth edges leaving less nooks and crannies to harbour dirt and bacteria. And flush-fitting, sealed and lockable access doors prevent water, vapour and airborne particles passing through the rebate.
2. Modern Minimalism.
Not just for furniture and architectural design, it’s about creating a clean, simple look through every room in the building, including the washrooms.
The use of lines, colour and texture are part of a considered design. You might go for accent colours or natural tones of flush-fronted cubicles, matched with simple and elegant vanities.
Everything is functional with a common-sense style that’s relevant to the washroom environment.
3. Natural materials never go out of fashion.
Create calming, comfortable spaces that have more in common with a sanctuary than a public WC.
Whatever your design style, there’s a natural material that will breathe life into your neutral colour palette. Real wood veneers provide a warm and cozy feel for any interior and give an instant feeling of luxury and style. Whilst granite, quartz and round edged solid surface vanity units create a sleek, modern look.
4. Full height, privacy cubicles.
At Venesta, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for privacy cubicles. Especially in schools. We understand how nobody wants to be overheard or feel vulnerable in school toilets or commercial washrooms.
Our full height cubicle ranges can be specified to suit any budget, with minimal floor and ceiling clearance, down to as little as 5mm gaps all round. It’s the way forward, particularly for unisex toilets and changing rooms where privacy is especially important.
5. Off-site manufactured solutions.
Modern methods of construction allow moving some activities off site into a more controlled factor environment.
We are increasingly supplying our customers with pre-assembled washroom solutions which decrease the amount of labour on site and allows us to provide a fully tested, quality product, ready to install.
Vepps is the next generation in IPS systems. By fitting and testing the sanitaryware and sanitary assemblies in the factory, everything is delivered as a ready-made unit.
It’s easier from a health and safety perspective - less people, less risk of infection and generally less dust and dirt. And there’s also the environmental benefit of a single delivery and reduced packaging.
6. Sustainability is more than a trend.
Sustainability is, by definition, about the long haul.
Energy-efficient heating, lighting, and reduced water consumption will not only allow for cost savings within the year, but the tax and long-term savings and benefits will pay off for years to come.
And then there’s your corporate responsibility. We’ve been talking about sustainability since the early 1990s and 2000s, but now there is an increasing expectation for companies to show actual progress with their impact on society and the effect they have on the environment.
Sustainable supply chain management needs to be integrated into all your suppliers’ material selection and manufacturing processes. Don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest option, only to have to repair and replace components again and again which puts a strain on your time and budget. Longer lasting washroom products, like ours that come with a ten year guarantee, result in less waste and less polluting effects on the environment.
What are you looking for in 2022?
What challenges do you have for the washroom projects planned for the New Year?
Our dedicated Specification Managers have a deep understanding of washroom design trends and can provide useful suggestions for your project and budget requirements.
Feel free to get in touch. But, for now, we wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year!
Complete this quick form to sign up to our newsletter - you’ll receive regular updates and industry insights straight to your inbox.
Don’t miss out on our regular updates and industry insights shared on social media. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
