The Couple Suite in the spa of Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Cover The Couple Suite in the spa of Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

The focus on wellness has spurred the growing popularity of a home-spa concept. Partner and creative director Paula O’Callaghan of Hirsch Bedner Associates offers her take on this design trend

During Covid-19, the entire world stood still, giving everyone the unique opportunity to reset their priorities. Work-life balance, the importance of community and familial connections, and the very survival of our planet are now firmly in our collective consciousness. So, it is not without coincidence that the significance of wellness and sustainability has grown in the realm of home design.

Embracing water as the source of vital energy is the inspiration behind Grohe Spa’s curated collections, which are crafted to the highest standards. As a pioneer in sustainability and wellness, the Grohe Spa range offers a full sensory wellness experience combined with low-water density technology. Its portfolio of offerings is designed with personalisation in mind, resulting in a tailored and multisensory showering experience that includes delightful nuances of light, sound and steam. 

In case you missed it: The healing power of water: Grohe Spa’s holistic approach to wellness

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The Poolhouse reception at Four Seasons spa
Above The Poolhouse reception at Four Seasons spa

As the partner and creative director of hospitality expert Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), Paula O’Callaghan has in recent years witnessed an increased interest from hotel operators and homeowners for design that is not only chic and compelling, but also environmentally friendly and health-oriented. In addition, there has been an increased demand for hypoallergenic materials, upcycled and Greenmark-certified materials, and ultraviolet technology in sanitary ware.

“Twenty years ago, a smartly appointed space used to be sufficient for a spa or a room, but guests are now seeking spaces that reflect a healthy dose of respect for our planet, as well as for their own personal well-being,” she explains.

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Hirsch Bedner Associates creative director and partner Paula O’Callaghan
Above Hirsch Bedner Associates creative director and partner Paula O’Callaghan

When HBA designed the spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, the firm married traditional Peranakan elements with the art deco aesthetic inherent in the hotel’s existing interior. The shower  areas fitted with Grohe fixtures are designed to provide guests with a relaxing, nature-inspired wellness experience just moments away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The Grohe Spa range chosen by HBA for the hotel offers a complete wellness experience while meeting Singapore’s Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) water-consumption standards.

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A decorative washbasin at the Four Seasons spa
Above A decorative washbasin at the Four Seasons spa
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The vanity in the Single Treatment Room at the Four Seasons spa
Above The vanity in the Single Treatment Room at the Four Seasons spa

According to O’Callaghan,  personalised design touches in a bathroom can take on the form of novel textures like accent-finish options, such as hammered metal for the rustic resort look. Diamond, circular and ridge knobs as door hardware are another popular option.

O’Callaghan also recommends using a mix of finishes, such as dual-tone or contrasting textured-metal fixtures on specific elements. For instance, the escutcheon plate, lever cap and mixer cap could be in one tone, while the body of the tap and the lever might feature another hue. Alternatively, you could choose a brushed bronze for the lever, but opt for polished accents at the trims.

Grohe Gallery, 24 Mohamed Sultan Road, Tel: 6311 3611, grohespa.com

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