Bathroom designs have certainly come a long way from being based around purely functional spaces. Taking inspiration from the sophisticated vibes that are now commonplace in high-end hotels, today’s home bathrooms have become a place to luxuriate and get away from the hubbub at the end of a busy day.

Key to this new philosophy is an emphasis on high-quality products that deliver a more modern experience. Beyond the smart toilets and washlets that have now become commonplace, the bathrooms of today are incorporating items with new materials, updated features and unique aesthetics to create spa-like experiences from the comfort of one’s own home.

We’re not looking at just toilets and showers, either. Every aspect matters when it comes to creating a luxury-level bathroom. Here are our top picks for everything from bathtubs to switches.

Keeping clean with tech

Smart toilets may have once been found only in Japan and top hotels elsewhere, but they’re now becoming a common sight in Singapore, too, as more high-tech options come onto the market. Combining modern design with advanced features — some even come with an app — mean you can answer nature’s call in comfort and in style.

Among the latest in this category of tech-enabled porcelain thrones is Grohe’s Sensia Arena. This toilet includes two vents, which help to trap air and draw odours away from the bathroom. The built-in washlet, which comes with a range of functions, can be customised through an app so that users can fine-tune the exact pressure and position of the shower.

A special hydrophilic ceramic material and a silver-infused glaze also help keep the Sensia Arena germ-free. The toilet is also fitted with what Grohe calls the PowerFlush, a triple-vortex system that pushes water into all corners of the toilet for a more thorough clean.

Another toilet that has smart capabilities while enhancing regular functions is Geberit’s AquaClean Mera. This model is also easy to clean, thanks to its “rimless” design. In most toilets, flush water is pushed out from jets under a small flush rim, creating pockets for germs, dirt and deposits to build up. In the AquaClean Mera, jets are integrated directly into the bowl, so scrubbing the toilet down is especially quick and convenient.

The AquaClean Mera also comes with other touches,, such as customisable lighting, with seven different hues to choose from; that means no more awkwardly feeling around in the dark or having to turn on all the lights at night.

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without an entry from TOTO, one of the pioneers of smart toilet technology. Also featuring a rimless design, the Neorest LS’ clean lines, metallic trim, and subtle curves balance form and function. To ensure extra cleanliness, a “pre-mist” is automatically sprayed on the inside of the toilet before each use, to facilitate a smoother flush. A remote control — available in black or silver — allows for quick adjustments of the Neorest LS’ various functions. 

Switches with a twist

Even before entering your bathroom, you’re likely first to encounter the switches leading into the space. Being among the most frequently seen and touched surfaces in our homes, switches must be both aesthetically pleasing and durable.

JUNG offers up a plethora of options on this front. The LS 1912 series, for instance, is constructed in a modular system, so there are no visible screws on the switches, which come with a unique cylindrical toggle lever. The series has also been released in 63 colourways from Le Corbusier’s iconic palette, so you can customise your switches to match your bathroom to a tee.

If you need something to keep track of the smart devices in your home, JUNG’s LS TOUCH provides a one-stop solution. This KNX room controller comes with a touchscreen to control lights, blinds and temperature, with a total of up to 32 functions. Being among the pioneers in KNX’s development, JUNG is no doubt among the cream of the crop when it comes to such systems. The LS TOUCH is also available in a flush-mounted version to create a sleek look when installed.

For additional devices, the A CUBE series is rendered in breakproof thermoplastic, so it’s extra hardy. Though ideal for tough surfaces like brick or concrete, it can also be integrated indoors; the minimal, brutalist look works well with just about every design aesthetic.

Bath with a bassline

Those who enjoy a little bathtime karaoke might have one of those little speakers with a suction cup stuck on one of the walls in your shower. And sure, it works, but it probably doesn’t do anything for the look of your bathroom, and it most likely doesn’t provide the best acoustic experience, either. So why not try a bathtub that produces its own sound?

Available at W. Atelier, the Kaldewei Sound Wave bathtub has a concealed Bluetooth receiver that works just like any other speaker — except for the fact you can literally soak in the rhythm of your favourite songs. The Sound Wave also includes two transducers, six acoustic panels and a control box; this system can also be integrated into any bath type by Kaldewei.

“Relaxation and wellness are aspects of our lifestyle that shift the focus increasingly on well-being,” says Kaldewei managing director Stefan Liebl, noting that this is especially so in the bathroom. “We also want an outstanding sound experience here that indulges our senses and enhances our wellness experience.”

The Sound Wave can be paired with up to eight devices, meaning you won’t have to worry about bumping someone else’s playlist off the list. It also works even if you’re not in the tub, so you can get your groove on while in the shower or washing up by the sink.

Power showers, fancy faucets

Not everyone has time to draw a bath daily; more often than not, we find ourselves in the shower. Finding the right one, therefore, can add a major bump to your daily routine. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of solid choices, whether you’re looking for an invigorating wash in the morning or a gentle rinse in the evening.

Hansgrohe’s showers draw on the company’s century of experience in the world of bathroom fittings and sanitaryware. Its PowderRain spray is one such innovation, with six openings per jet outlet, to create a fine mist with enough volume to provide a thorough rinse. The spray system is also said to reduce splashing, making it especially suitable for open showers. PowderRain is available in both hand and overhead showers, including the Pulsify series, which comes in chrome, matte black, matte white, and brushed bronze. 

Faucets — whether at the shower or the sink — are another aspect not to be missed. From Grohe Spa, the premium sub-brand of bathroom specialist Grohe comes the Atrio Private collection, which promises high design and high functionality. This highly customisable series comes with 12 different handle options, meaning you’ll be able to match things exactly the way you’d like. Each type is achieved using technologies such as chrome plating and physical vapour deposition to ensure good resistance against tarnishing, scratching, and corrosion.

For the basin, Duravit’s D.1 series is a uniquely shaped design that starts as a cylinder at its base before narrowing into a flat spout. This two-hole faucet comes with a single-lever handle that allows for both pressure and temperature control. Tech lovers will particularly enjoy the D.1e, which comes with an electronic control unit with a coloured temperature display.

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