For urban dwellers, the line between work and play is increasingly blurred, so designs that help to take stress away are adored.
That's why minimalism as a design has stood the test of time, remaining popular today.
'Purism is no trend - it is an enduring embodiment of calm, serenity and peace,' says Mark Bickerstaffe, director of new product development EMEA and Asia-Pacific, at Kohler, during the Kohler Editors Conference in Wisconsin
'The order, precision and ease of comprehension meets people's needs for mental soothing amid a 24/7 world of ever-intense, time-pressured existence.'
Bickerstaffe says miniaturisation, integration and an understanding of how people use spaces are adding depth to minimal spaces. Nude and muted natural tones, and surface textures add a subtle emotional connection within minimal spaces, says Bickerstaffe. 'As we continue to seek luxurious richness while remaining simple and pure we experiment with [a] rich material finish [and] precise attention to detail at the junction between objects and functions.'
A minimalist kitchen series from Kohler, Trenquilite uses wood veneer as the material for its doors, and features embedded door handles that are designed to look like a Buddha's hands. The kitchen and bath brand hopes to bring users of the Zen-like Trenquilite peace of mind and enjoyment of life with their families.