When it comes to divorce, it isn’t just the money, the Modigliani and the Mies van der Rohe that end up being hotly contested. Difficult couples are now more likely to come over blows over the massage therapist- not to mention the gym equipment.
No wonder the Groom Room is rapidly becoming the most important space in the house. It’s a cross between a yoga room, home gym, beauty room and dressing room. It’s the place where you would relax with an Anthony face pack and do Pilates (though not necessarily at the same time). And it’s the place you are most likely to want to display both you Modigliani bronze and your masseuse.
When looking at the top of the market the last thing people want is another bedroom. They don’t need another media room and the certainly don’t need another swimming pool. These people have accepted that life is stressful enough and want to be pampered. That’s why they are looking for Groom Rooms – havens where they can retreat to repair themselves. Italian Architect and designer Antonio Citterio has been at the forefront of the Groom Room explosion. “In many cases,” he says “a client’s desire for a Groom Room starts with the desire to have somewhere to display their gym equipment. But often I will mention the possibility with the client and find they become very enthusiastic about developing the idea.”
The ideal Groom Room is not just an afterthought. Indeed the whole design of a house can turn on its location. Its important that it is not a sad room, it should have the best view in the house- after all why waste it on your guest when you can make the most of it yourself.
Publicist Mark Toory recently moved into a duplex on New York’s Upper east Side and the first thing to go was the third bedroom. “I don’t even like people staying, so why on earth world I encourage them?” he says. In place he has fitted a power shower, teak sink, plasma and an exercise bike from which he can look over central park while working out. “This is where I spend most of my time when I am home” he
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