IN CONVERSATION WITH | Roberto Palomba
Roberto Palomba
Roberto Palomba is a renowned bathrooms and interiors designer whose career spans decades. Vicki Evans spoke with him about his new collaboration with Ideal Standard to produce the modern, yet timeless, Conca bathroom collection, which was launched at this year’s ISH show
Q & A Q: Why did you choose to
collaborate with Ideal Standard? A: I grew up with Ideal Standard in my house and it was the only brand that was doing design in bathrooms back then. It was always a dream to design for this brand. After the fi rst fi ve minutes of talking with Ideal Standard’s CEO Torsten Türling, it was quite clear that we shared the same vision and idea
of how to
manage the design of Ideal Standard for the future.
Q: At the launch you said that, with Conca, you were trying to create a timeless design. How did you achieve that? A: I don’t know [laughs]. Actually, I do know, but it’s a secret, as if I tell you then everyone will know how to do it. I keep my secrets for me. I look at what it is not, rather than what it is. I feel it in my stomach and heart. I can tell you what it is not – it is not trendy, complicated, or
fashionable. The
bathroom will remain in the house for a minimum of 10 years, and it is a space where you spend so much time in the morning or the evening. So it has to include products that make you feel comfortable.
Q: How do you design bathrooms? A: By listening. That is the most important thing when I am designing for my clients. You have to get the information about what they do and what needs they have. Firstly I want to understand how they use the space and why they use the things in that space – what are their habits, where do they store items, would they prefer natural light. Once I’ve considered the things they need, I then design in terms of colours and fi nishing. It has to make them feel good; it’s all about the life they live. The most important thing is for them to have a sense of wellness and well- being. It has to be a place where that client can feel better every time they are in that space. You go inside and then you have to feel better than before. It has to be a space to take time out for yourself. However, it has to be functional as well as emotional.
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Q: What is good design? A: That is not an easy question to answer as to start with, you have to answer what design is. There isn’t a right answer for that. For me, good design is what makes you feel good. This emotion has to be the same for many people, and you have to make multiple people feel good. You also have to fi nd that balance between functionality, durability, cost, comfort, eco-friendliness, style, and aesthetics. If something has too much aesthetic, then it is not good design. Even if it is very trendy and people are wowed by it, it may not be good design. If something is too practical and gives me no emotional connection, then it is not good design, either. Design is something that connects all the elements at once.
Q: How have you seen the bathroom industry change over the years? A: When I began, the bathroom was very technological. Designers were producing things, but there wasn’t that much emotion. The products were functional, but there was no connection between the various products. Then in the past few years, there has been more of a link in the room and architecture. There is more a focus on designing a whole space. As a designer, we are not just focusing on the individual products, but the room as a whole. This means that we are adjusting to a mood and experience. Far in the past, it was the plumber who designed the bathroom, but now there is a whole industry dedicated to the design side of bathrooms.
Q: Why do you think we’re seeing a resurgence of colour in the bathroom? A: Colour was a big trend in the bathroom a few decades ago. In the 1970s, it was very unusual to have a white bathroom. Now we have new colours. Sometimes trends come because we have new technologies – that can sometimes be because of demand. The new colours are coming in because they provide the opportunity to create a trend.
Q: What do you think of the up- and-coming trend for open-plan bathrooms? A: For me, it is stupid. A bathroom is a place that has to be well designed with the proper ventilation to ensure that it functions effectively. It has to be private as these are sometimes the only moments in a day where we can be alone. I see hotels where there are bathtubs in the bedroom – and it is almost pornographic. For me, it is a little bit ridiculous. I think that glass – if you want to open out the bathroom – is a good idea. The bathroom needs to have its own space.
kbbr kbbreview · September 2019 Ideal Standard’s Conca collection
Q: What bathroom trends are you seeing globally? A: The signifi cant trends today are big basins, even in a small area, smart lighting, using colour more, and looking at the tactile feel of the bathroom in terms of fabric and materials. Also colours in the faucets, as well as the ceramics – so, for example, bronze or black. There is less chrome and less shine – the taps are more natural and welcoming. Everything that is natural and helps with the feeling of being relaxed.
As a designer, we are not just focusing on the individual products, but the room as a whole
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