22 March 2025

The Bathroom as a Living Space – A Response to Digitalization and the Need for Touch at ISH 2025 in Frankfurt

The boundaries between living spaces are becoming increasingly fluid, with the bathroom evolving into a central space for relaxation and personal retreat. This shift was prominently showcased by Villeroy & Boch at ISH 2025, one of the world's leading trade fairs for sanitation, heating, air-conditioning, and water solutions, held from March 17 to 21 in Frankfurt am Main. The event underscored the growing trend of integrating bathrooms into living areas, reflecting a more holistic approach to home design.

As highlighted in the company's latest press release, the rise of digitalization and increasingly distant interactions have made touch a true luxury. This growing need for sensory experiences within the home inspired designers Christian Haas and Gesa Hansen, along with architect and designer Roberto Palomba, to create a bathroom concept for Villeroy & Boch that celebrates touch, texture, and the beauty of natural materials. Their presentation featured a spacious environment with fine solid wood furniture, satiny polished 3D tiles and high quality ceramic washbasins in warm, natural tones for a seamless blend of comfort, elegance and functionality in the bathroom.

Christian Haas and Gesa Hansen: Crafting Warm Minimalism

Designers Christian Haas and Gesa Hansen have long-standing collaborations with Villeroy & Boch, bringing unique perspectives to bathroom design. Haas, known for his pared-down aesthetics, and Hansen, celebrated for her clear color concepts and Scandinavian-inspired wooden furniture, have together promoted a style termed "warm minimalism." This approach combines natural materials, soft color palettes, and functional design to create inviting and elegant bathroom spaces.

Roberto Palomba: Merging Tradition with Modernity

Renowned Italian architect and designer Roberto Palomba, co-founder of the design studio Palomba Serafini Associati, has been instrumental in redefining bathroom aesthetics. Since 2017, Palomba has collaborated with Ideal Standard, now part of Villeroy & Boch, to create innovative bathroom designs that blend contemporary needs with cultural heritage. Founded in 1901 and headquartered in Brussels, Ideal Standard is a provider of bathroom and sanitation solutions with operations in more than 100 countries. Since becoming part of Villeroy & Boch in March 2024, Ideal Standard has continued to strengthen its global presence.

Redefining Personal Spaces

The trend of integrating the bathroom into the living area reflects a broader movement towards creating cohesive and comfortable home environments. As showcased at ISH 2025, designers like Roberto Palomba, Christian Haas, and Gesa Hansen are at the forefront of this evolution, blending tradition with modernity to redefine personal spaces.


Image: The picture shows a serene and elegantly designed bathroom from Villeroy & Boch's Antao collection, embodying the concept of "warm minimalism." The space features a harmonious blend of natural materials and soft earth tones. A sculptural ceramic washbasin with an organic shape rests atop a solid wood vanity. The muted color palette with warm and light sandy tones creates a seamless transition between the surfaces, enhancing the feeling of calm and relaxation. Photo: © Villeroy & Boch.