Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs, explains how bathrooms are now central to perceived value in hospitality, with baths and brassware moving from functional necessities to strategic design decisions.
Within the hospitality sector, the bathroom has become a key driver of perceived value, with developers and operators recognising that guest experience is shaped by material quality, spatial planning and the presence of statement pieces that justify premium positioning. As room rates continue to be influenced by design differentiation, the specification of baths and brassware is being treated as a strategic decision rather than a purely functional one.
For BC Designs, this shift aligns closely with the performance characteristics of its Cian solid surface baths, which are regularly specified in boutique hotels and higher-end schemes where durability must sit alongside strong visual impact. Models such as the Highcroft and Senator offer classic silhouettes that translate well across both heritage refurbishments and contemporary developments, providing a recognisable form that anchors the bathroom layout without appearing overly decorative. The Cian material itself offers high heat retention and a non-porous, repairable surface, which is particularly relevant in hospitality settings where asset longevity, maintenance cycles and whole-life cost are central to procurement decisions.
Colour specification is also playing a more defined role in hotel bathroom design, as operators look to embed brand identity more consistently throughout the guest journey. Through BC Designs’ ColourKast finish, baths can be specified in deeper tones that support a scheme’s overall concept, allowing the bath to act as a focal feature within the suite rather than a neutral backdrop. When paired with traditional-style brassware ranges such as Victrion, designers are able to achieve a cohesive language that feels resolved and commercially robust.
For specifiers and project teams, the appeal lies in achieving a bathroom that delivers on aesthetics, operational resilience and long-term value, ensuring that design intent translates effectively into day-to-day performance.
