Considerable thought and design curation are being invested in the restrooms of pubs and restaurants in Bengaluru, as customers actively seek the perfect #bathroomselfie.
The allure of the bathroom selfie is undeniable. A once unremarkable space, the bathroom has evolved into a hub for self-celebration and social bonding. The hashtag #bathroomselfie, with its dedicated presence on social media, is compelling restaurants and pubs in Bengaluru to meticulously plan the decor and ambiance of their restrooms. The act of taking selfies in these spaces has created a reciprocal relationship between selfie enthusiasts and restroom aesthetics.
Nineteen-year-old Trisha, a Gen Z student at Mount Carmel College, elaborates on the enduring trend of bathroom selfies and the nuances of the ritual. According to her, the bathroom must be clean, feature neutral colors, and ideally include artwork on the walls. It’s an unwritten rule that a bathroom selfie should be snapped every time one visits a restaurant or pub.
Trisha clarifies that these photos are often not shared on social media but rather taken as keepsakes or for the thrill of it. Exceptional bathroom selfies may find their way to Instagram stories, while less impressive ones end up on Snapchat to maintain posting streaks. In a group, individuals may collectively capture about 30 bathroom selfies, with the person possessing a high-end phone and a top-notch camera usually tasked with taking and filtering the best shots. Shy individuals often prefer individual bathroom selfies as they can strategically cover their faces when necessary.
Restaurants and pubs are embracing bold design elements in their restrooms to cater to this trend. These features include busy-patterned tiles, ceiling mirrors, mirrored doors, off-white walls, Victorian-framed mirrors, hand-painted sinks, imported light fixtures, and even curtains. Each establishment strives to differentiate its restroom from others in the city, emphasizing the importance of these spaces.
Architect Jatin Hukkeri, who contributed to the design of the women’s restroom at Lupa, a European restaurant on MG Road, explains their approach. He believes that washrooms have been overlooked in the past and wanted to create distinctive, spacious, and inviting spaces. The inclusion of curtains, according to him, adds a comfortable and cozy ambiance, softening the space’s character while the checkered portrait mirror at the end of the corridor has become a focal point for selfies.
Is this trend an expression of vanity, narcissism, self-indulgence, or self-appreciation? Some argue that these meticulously designed restrooms provide an ideal backdrop for aesthetic and intimate photos, enhancing one’s self-esteem. Image consultant Rinku Naren suggests that bathroom mirrors allow individuals to confidently review themselves without the judgment of others, resulting in more self-assured images.
In the age of carefully crafted selfies, restrooms are being curated to cater to this purpose, with mirrors taking center stage. Bathrooms with these appealing backgrounds are intended to enhance the aesthetic quality of photographs, and privacy in these spaces encourages a sense of confidence.
Girish Prahlada, Director of the Long Boat Brewing Company in Marathahalli, notes that women, in particular, tend to spend a considerable amount of time in restrooms, with selfie-taking being a prominent activity. To accommodate this, they’ve extended the brewery’s theme into the restrooms. These restrooms feature exposed brick walls, large mirrors, potted palms, wooden benches, and accent plants, all thoughtfully designed to create an inviting setting for customers to capture selfies. Special attention is given to lighting, ensuring that patrons look radiant with accentuated features while avoiding unflattering shadows.
Restaurants and pubs in Bengaluru are recognizing the growing trend of bathroom selfies, making these spaces more appealing for customers looking to document their best appearances and share them with the world.
