22 January 2025

Read time: 4 minutes

The world of office design is evolving, and one term that has been buzzing in the industry is Resimercial.

This blend of “residential” and “commercial” aims to bring the comfort of home into the workplace, creating spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and stress free.

While it is often associated with office design, one area where Resimercial is making a big impact is commercial washrooms.

This article delves deeper into how resimercial design principles are reshaping commercial washrooms, transforming what used to be sanitary, practical spaces into washrooms that are comfortable and inspiring.

Let’s have a look into what resimercial washroom design is and how architects can create that home away from home look and feel.

A perfect example of a resimercial washroom design at the Marylbone Place

What is Resimercial Design?

The term resimercial combines the casual comfort of home with the professional, functional demands of a commercial space. It is a concept that is especially relevant in the post-pandemic world, where the traditional corporate office is no longer the draw it once was.

According to industry experts, corporate offices now need to offer something different to retain staff and boost productivity—spaces that not only meet functional needs but also provide a sense of wellbeing.

For commercial washrooms, this means a shift towards designs that feel more personal and less institutional. Resimercial washroom design is about blending aesthetics and functionality to create a commercial washroom that promotes relaxation and comfort.

Learn more about commercial washroom design for wellbeing and wellness.

Resimercial designs for commercial washrooms

While the concept of resimercial is typically associated with office environments, it is having a particularly strong impact on commercial washroom design.

We have been seeing significant changes in commercial washrooms, from the introduction of new colour palettes and special finishes to the inclusion of elements like greenery and more personalised, hotel style touches.

Here are some of the resimercial washroom design innovations that are transforming commercial washrooms today:

Individual washroom basins and special finished taps at 1 Heddon Street

1. Personalised Washstations

One significant shift is the move towards individual washbasins rather than the traditional vanity troughs. This allows for a more private and tailored experience for each user.

Special finished washroom accessories in an accessible washroom at St. Martins Le Grand

2. A Warmer Aesthetic

The resimercial washroom design is leaning toward warmer, more inviting tones, even for accessible washrooms, which have traditionally been seen as unwelcoming or standardised.

The aim is to create spaces that feel like home, even if you’re on the clock.

Special finished taps and pill mirrors at 20 Bond Street washroom

3. Innovative Washroom Fittings

New washroom fittings, such as pill shaped mirrors and smart lighting systems, are becoming staples in resimercial washroom design.

These washroom products enhance the visual appeal of the space and also promote wellbeing through thoughtful lighting and design elements.

Individual washbasins, special finished sensor taps and soap dispensers at Ilona Rose House

4. Washroom Technology for Comfort

Touch free technology, like sensor taps and touch free soap dispensers, is also a key part of the resimercial washroom design trend.

It is about creating a seamless, user-friendly experience, reducing friction and ensuring that the washroom is both functional and hygienic.

Special finished washroom accessories at Central House London

5. Colour and Materials

Colours like green, which is known for its stress reducing qualities, are making their way into resimercial washroom design.

Matte black toilets are becoming a popular alternative to traditional white ones, reflecting the trend toward personalisation and style.

Learn more about how to achieve operational efficiencies while incorporating a hotel-style design in a commercial washroom.

Why Resimercial Washrooms Matter

The rise of resimercial washroom design isn’t just about aesthetics—it is about creating spaces that contribute to staff wellbeing.

Businesses are increasingly realising that employee satisfaction and retention are closely tied to the quality of their work environment. When staff feel cared for in every aspect of their surroundings, including the washrooms, it boosts morale and productivity.

We have noticed the concept of a “home away from home” is being applied to larger corporate buildings. While smaller offices may benefit more easily from these design elements, large scale corporate spaces are also adopting resimercial features, investing in details like greenery, personalised spaces, and thoughtful layouts.

Individual washbasins, special finished sensor taps and soap dispensers at the Exchange House London

The Future of Resimercial Commercial Washrooms

Looking ahead, the adoption of resimercial design principles in commercial washrooms is expected to continue to grow. This trend is more than just a passing fad; it is a reflection of the growing importance of workplace wellbeing.

The focus is on creating washrooms that not only meet the functional needs of staff but also provide a welcoming, comfortable environment.

In fact, this shift is not limited to commercial washrooms alone. The influence of resimercial design is spreading across office spaces as a whole, and it is expected to become an integral part of corporate architecture in the years to come.

As we look to the future, the integration of home-like comforts into the workplace will only become more prominent, and we are excited to see how commercial washroom design continues to evolve in line with these trends.

If you are aiming to create a home away from home experience, talk with one of our washroom consultants. They will guide you in creating a resimercial washroom design inspired by the philosophy transforming modern architecture today.

Get in touch