Wellness and Wellbeing: Hospitality Washroom Design

There has been a huge rise in wellbeing awareness surrounding since the unprecedented Covid pandemic, with wellness and self-care seen as more important than ever before. We have an increased understanding of how our surroundings play a part in our physical and mental health and, with a survey commissioned by German hotel bathroom supplier Kaldewei finding that 62% of people rate a clean and hygienic bathroom as the most important feature of a hotel, this evolving perception of wellness certainly impacts on hospitality washroom design. 

The principle aim of any hospitality business is to provide a fantastic experience that will encourage people to return and the last thing you need in today’s customer savvy world is a bad review on Google or a negative comment about an unhygienic or dirty washroom going viral on social media. 

Manufacturing firm, Airdri, have compiled some human-centric hospitality washroom design inspiration for wellness and wellbeing below. 

Biophilia and bringing the outdoors in

Biophilic design, which incorporates elements of nature into a space by multisensory use of natural materials, greenery, colours, scents and textures, taps into our innate desire to connect with nature and has been positively linked to the health, wellbeing and mood of those within that environment.

A hospitality bathroom with a natural view of trees or water is top of the desirability list, but bringing in aspects of nature can also be achieved in a variety of different ways where this is simply not an option. Using biophilic design by way of the organic shades and textures of wood and stone or with wallcoverings where the subject, pattern and colour mimic those found in the natural world, can reduce anxiety and stress levels whilst also increasing the wellbeing and calmness of the user. 

Plants have long been known as nature’s healers – bringing botanicals into the washroom can promote feelings of serenity and have beneficial effects on psychological well-being, as well as reducing blood pressure and improving indoor air quality. The clever use of aromatherapy is another way to bring in nature. Essential oils have the power to tap into the human nervous system through our sense of smell, calming the senses, de-stressing and transforming the ambience of the room into a peaceful and welcoming space. Scents of lemongrass, bergamot, lemon and orange make for a bright, citrussy olfactory signature, whilst notes of eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender promote a clean, fresh ambience. 

Calming colourways  

Using colour psychology in the décor aesthetic positively emphasises mood and enhances a feeling of peace. Light colours are generally considered to make the bathroom feel both brighter and airier, with darker shades lending a more sophisticated ambience. Sandy neutrals, pale blues and serene greens are known to promote tranquil vibes and a soothing atmosphere, whilst nature-inspired earthy browns, soft greys and sage greens engender an organic and calming effect.

Let there be light 

Natural light is proven to boost wellbeing and improve mood, as well as having the power to totally transform a room depending on the time of day, the weather and the season. It’s always a great idea to amplify natural light, whether that be by adding skylights or enlarging existing windows where possible.

Where natural light is not available in the washroom, a bright white décor and strategically placed mirrors will help bounce light around the room. The introduction of full-spectrum or daylight light bulbs that closely mimic the spectral energy of natural daylight is another option worth considering.

Wellbeing Technology 

Opting for quality technology can play a large part in boosting a hospitality venue’s wellness responsibility. The installation of innovative hand dryers, like the PureDri hybrid hand drying and sanitising system from Airdri, can play a pivotal role in enhancing the washroom’s hygiene standards and sustainable practices, providing a unique triple action defence against the spread of bacteria, mould, viruses and odours. 

PureDri works to continuously maintain an environment that is hostile to pathogens by creating and distributing a sanitising plasma into the air and on to surfaces. It also provides individual user protection by focusing plasma both around the user and onto hands in a focused 6 second blast at the end of the hand drying cycle, reducing bacteria that may not have been removed by hand washing by a further 11%. 

Airdri’s SteraSpace sanitisation technology effectively and continuously eliminates harmful pathogens, even in washrooms with poor ventilation that are under constant use. The units work to continually remove airborne and surface pathogens by sanitising surrounding air and exposed surfaces, therefore significantly reducing the opportunity for transmission of viruses, including seasonal colds and flu as well as other illnesses. The units combine Photo Catalytic Disinfection (PCD), Germicidal Irradiation and Dual Waveband UV technology to create the most advanced virus and bacteria control technology of its kind. This offers a unique and highly effective way to eliminate bacteria, mould, yeasts, viruses, allergens, and harmful VOCs to result in clean, healthy air and surfaces in the workplace.  By combining these three advanced technologies, a continuous flow of disinfecting plasma is released into the air, eliminating 98.11% of airborne and 99.6% of surface micro-organisms in under sixty minutes. 

Visit Airdri’s website to find out more: https://www.airdri.com/