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India Today
a day ago
- Business
- India Today
All you need to know about today's smart and stylish bathrooms
The bathroom has transformed from a purely functional zone into a private sanctuary that blends wellness, design, and intelligent technology. Modern consumers are now demanding more from their bathrooms—not just comfort and hygiene, but a curated, spa-like experience that caters to their lifestyle. India Today spoke with Mr. Ranjeet Oak, Managing Director – South Asia Kohler co, to understand how innovation, sustainability, and design are coming together to redefine luxury in this AND TECHNOLOGY REDEFINE DAILY RITUALSThe new wave of bathroom innovation is all about precision and personalisation. Intelligent toilets with motion sensors, voice commands, ambient lighting, heated seats, and self-cleaning features are no longer futuristic—they are now essentials in the modern luxury systems have also seen a revolution. Digital valves allow users to control water temperature and flow with pinpoint accuracy across multiple outlets, creating a deeply customised experience. Sculptural fixtures, body sprays, and massage functions elevate daily routines to moments of indulgence. Some newer products also focus on ergonomics, with features tailored to specific user needs, like adjustable showers that allow women to keep their hair dry or apply targeted water pressure with RISE OF WELLNESS-CENTRIC DESIGNLuxury bathrooms are no longer about statement tubs alone—they're about mood, mindfulness, and immersion. Voice-activated and app-enabled showers, sensor-operated faucets, and ambient lighting help transform bathrooms into wellness mirrors are getting an upgrade, now featuring anti-fog surfaces, built-in Bluetooth speakers, and adjustable lighting modes. Every feature is designed to turn routine tasks into experiences of ease and evolution is being driven by a deeper consumer desire: to make bathrooms reflect personal rhythms and daily rituals, creating a restorative space that supports mental and physical MEETS LUXURYAs design becomes smarter, it's also becoming more sustainable. Water-saving faucets, toilets, and showers are being engineered to reduce consumption while still delivering a premium innovations also include digitally controlled fixtures that allow precise water use, reducing waste. The focus is now on responsible luxury—products and systems that care for the planet as much as they care for the manufacturers are aligning with broader environmental goals, working toward carbon neutrality, renewable energy use, and responsible sourcing across their FUNCTIONAL SPACES TO PERSONAL SANCTUARIESBathrooms today are a canvas for self-expression. Finishes, textures, lighting, and layout are carefully selected to mirror individual taste—whether minimalist and calming, or bold and now look for environments that feel personal and purposeful. Whether it's through tailored lighting, voice-responsive features, or thoughtfully placed fixtures, the bathroom is evolving into a retreat where design and emotion meet.- Ends
Mint
05-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
The secret of success? Energy management
Diverse interests while growing up have shaped the many roles Ranjeet Oak has taken on in his professional career. Back in the day, he was as passionate about tinkering with tools in his father's workshop as he was about sports and music. It led him to study mechanical engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, followed by a Master of Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow. Since joining the workforce in the early 90s, Oak has stayed true to his old habits, keeping his hunger for knowledge alive while taking on different roles over the years. 'Diverse experiences prevent stagnation, ensuring that you continuously learn and adapt. The biggest advantage of working across industries is the ability to connect the dots and bring fresh perspective. Every experience adds value and no effort goes to waste,' says Oak, 52, Managing Director - South Asia at Kohler. Ranjeet Oak The company's association with India Design, which was held in February this year, allowed New Delhi-based Oak to interact with the design community and incorporate some of the insights into its products. Sustainability has been a key focus for Kohler through product innovations and various initiatives that it has taken up at their plant in Jagadia in Gujarat. 'We have committed to becoming net zero emissions by 2035. Our new products require significantly less water, helping customers save upto 12,000 litres per bathroom annually. Over the next four years, we aim to increase our water-saving impact to 2 billion litres,' he says. Oak talks to Lounge about mentorship and the importance of lifelong learning. I don't have a single mentor. Instead, I choose mentors based on specific topics. For instance, in the AI and digital space, my mentors are people under-25, which includes my own children. Every successful leader I've learned from has emphasised lifelong learning. This realisation has pushed me to constantly upskill, whether in business, technology or personal growth. The key takeaway from my mentors is continuous learning. I ensure that every year, I pick up something new, whether it's a sport, a musical instrument or a language. A mentor's role is to short-circuit someone's learning process by sharing real experiences and not just general advice. I believe in being transparent about my failures, so that others can learn from my mistakes. A good mentor should also be humble, recognising that the context of younger professionals today is very different from ours. My mornings are focused on health and fitness - either hitting the gym or playing a sport. I also dedicate time to music. In fact, I take Hindustani vocal lessons twice a week even while traveling. This routine energises me and helps set a positive tone for the day. I focus on energy management, not time management. Each task should be approached with full energy. Plan the day as a series of sprints, with periods for recharging and ensure that every interaction is high-impact and meaningful. I readopted the habit of keeping a to-do list. It helps with focus and follow-ups, ensuring that both personal and team goals stay on track. The Founder's Mentality by Chris Zook and James Allen has great insights on scaling businesses while maintaining a frontline obsession. The Upside of Irrationality by Dan Ariely explores how irrationality can lead to breakthrough innovation. Music is my go-to for unwinding. I jam with friends and family, and actively learn and practice. Both my kids are into music, which makes it a great bonding experience. First Published: 5 May 2025, 09:31 AM IST
