Design is not limited to form; it is a process of transformation. Ideas evolve, and new materials emerge. Technologies create new possibilities. Manufacturing processes change the way we perceive how specific objects are made. Creating surfaces that redefine sensory experiences.
During Milan Design Week 2026, Villeroy & Boch and Studio Elastique presented an experimental bathroom installation in which materials, color, form, and sensory experiences became equal elements of the design process. The goal of the project was to explore how design can influence our well-being and create more engaging spatial experiences.
Antao Earth reactive glaze
© Villeroy & Boch
The installation demonstrated that contemporary bathroom design goes far beyond functionality. Materials, their textures, and their impact on the senses—not only sight but also touch, smell, and hearing—are playing an increasingly important role. The designers demonstrated that design is constantly evolving, giving everyday rituals a new dimension and meaning.
Visitors walked through five rooms resembling a research laboratory, where products were presented in unconventional ways, revealing successive stages of the design process. Each space offered a different sensory experience. Textures, sounds, and scents played a key role here, as did innovative solutions such as color-changing sinks and scented display areas. The installation demonstrated that materials can be dynamic and surprising while maintaining durability and timeless aesthetic appeal.
Antao Earth reactive glaze
© Villeroy & Boch
The exhibition also served as a platform for presenting the latest product solutions. Among them was the Antao 3D collection, made of 3D-printed ceramics using 100% recycled materials. Innovative surface finishes were also showcased, such as the Antao Earth reactive glaze and the Artis Sense haptic grooved texture. Classic design was represented by the Atelier collections, paired with next-generation technologies, including Vea faucets.
These solutions were developed in collaboration with renowned designers and design studios, including Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba, Christian Haas, Studio KASCHKASCH, and Gesa Hansen.
Artis Sense’s tactile grooved texture
© Villeroy & Boch
The exhibition brought together two distinct yet complementary approaches to design. Villeroy & Boch showcased its heritage rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and innovative materials, while Ideal Standard emphasized the importance of smart and accessible design solutions. Together, the brands demonstrated that the modern bathroom is more than just a functional space—it is becoming a place where comfort, well-being, sensuality, and technological precision converge.
For more information, visit the Villeroy & Boch Polska Sp. z o.o. company page on the PdA portal.
