Bathrooms - Gast

GAST HOME Bathrooms

A bathroom can make a huge impact on your experience at home, and your daily routine, so don’t let them be forgotten during the design phase. We design them to be sanctuaries of calm. Most homes are built around function, not recovery. We look at bathrooms as a restoration space, offering a cue for mindfulness, critical for emotional regulation. Sometimes bathrooms can be designed to disconnect you from the world, and other times directly connect you to the immediate surroundings.

DYNAMIC LIGHTING

Most homes have static, overly bright or dim lighting that confuses the body’s circadian rhythm. Proper lighting regulates sleep and boosts your mood. Tunable or layered lighting supports natural energy and sleep cycles. Smart bulbs now can adjust the color temperature automatically, even mimicking the sun. Warm, dim light is better an night; cooler, bright light during the day.

VIEWS & LIGHT

If the site allows, take advantage of views and natural light. Use large windows to bring in light and frame greenery or views. Skylights or clerestory windows allow for privacy but while still providing sunlight.

INDOOR — OUTDOOR FLOW

Sliding glass doors that open to a patio or enclosed greenery can connect a bathroom directly to the outdoors. Atrium or courtyard bathrooms allow for private outdoor showers or bath gardens. Plants and landscape are now part of the immersive bathing experience. You can plant trees, hedges, or flowers, incorporate a living wall or vertical garden, or use planters to highlight certain plants.

WATER BASED INSPIRATION

Water can offer sounds, reflection, cooling, and can calm the nervous system. There are many ways to successfully incorporate water into your bathroom design. We often use free-standing soaking tubs made of natural stone to evoke hot springs. It also becomes a sculptural focal point. Bubbling water features, even small fountains, can be made visible from the bath.

What materials should you use in YOUR bathroom?

Materials carry tactile, visual, and olfactory qualities that ground people in natural experience. Natural materials and finishes are key for any bathroom to become a sanctuary and connect you to nature. Stone provides a sense of grounding, and we are partial to it. Radiant heating below the stone floors can mimic the warm earth. While tiles of any size can work, even mosaics like river rock, we prefer to use stone in a sculptural way, evoking a natural landscape. Clay, terracotta, natural plaster, or limewash walls offer an earthy element with a different texture and acoustic softness. Aesthetics rooted in imperfection (wabi-sabi, patina) nurture acceptance and tranquility. Earth tones like browns and sandy neutrals, and wood accents, further the connection to nature. Natural materials also support healthier indoor air quality.

SENSORY NATURE ELEMENTS

In addition to textured natural materials, we also recommend nature soundscapes and natural fragrances.

No bathroom is complete until the finishing touches have been added — in this case, the bathroom decor. Even a mirror or plumbing fixture can add to the style of the space if chosen correctly. Pick bathroom lights and fixtures with finishes that reflect the look you are trying to achieve. Cabinet pulls, shower heads and faucets come in a variety of finishes, which allows you to add bits and pieces of personality into bathroom designs of all styles. If you’re lucky enough to have extra counter or wall space, add some artwork. We recommend organic, flowing forms, or nature inspired artwork. Don’t be afraid to combine similar yet different bathroom decorating ideas to create a look that’s completely unique to your home.

Recessed or built-in designs can help save precious elbow room while adding enough spots to stash your toiletries. Organization is key, and within any cabinets or shelving you add, incorporate our drawer organizers, trays and bins to keep smaller accessories in check.

For kids bathrooms, consider bright colors and unique patterns, but also keep in mind that children do outgrow trends pretty quickly, so steer clear of fads. Plenty of bathroom remodeling ideas accommodate both children and adults in the design, so go ahead and have a little fun with yours.