Where Design Meets Emotion: A Conversation With GROHE’s Stefan Schmied
With Schmied in the hot seat, the first episode of Inc. Arabia’s exclusive new podcast series with GROHE explores the future of living.
In the first episode of Inc. Arabia’s exclusive podcast series with GROHE, Stefan Schmied, Leader IMEA, LIXIL International, shares how design today goes far beyond appearance, becoming a seamless blend of function, emotion, and innovation that elevates daily living.
For the GROHE brand, design has never been about how things simply look, but how they make you feel. “Design isn’t just about how it looks, it’s about how it feels,” says Schmied. “If it’s elegant, easy to use, and adds a little joy to your daily routine, that’s when we know we’ve got it right.” That philosophy defines every product the GROHE brand creates, where German precision engineering meets timeless beauty.
From sleek, minimal faucets to intelligent shower systems, GROHE continues to shape how design enhances modern living.
Redefining Renovation Across The IMEA Region
Across the IMEA region, renovation is accelerating as homeowners seek smarter, more beautiful spaces that reflect evolving lifestyles. GROHE has become a trusted partner for both homeowners and design professionals alike. “Renovation doesn’t have to mean tearing everything down,” explains Schmied. “We design flexible solutions, like our Rapid SLX cistern, that make it easier to modernize bathrooms without major construction.”
By focusing on ease of installation, compatibility, and enduring finishes, GROHE enables customers to refresh their spaces confidently, combining practicality with refined design.
Design Across Cultures
From the minimalist luxury of the UAE to the layered aesthetics of South Africa, GROHE’s design language adapts to every cultural expression. “Our philosophy is universal yet flexible,” says Schmied. “Collections like Cubeo Matte Black and Essence allow homeowners to express their individuality while experiencing GROHE quality.”
It is this balance of German precision and regional adaptability that allows GROHE to feel both global and personal, bringing beauty, function, and comfort to homes across the IMEA region.
Anas Abbar, CEO, 7awi Media Group (the media house behind Inc. Arabia) with Stefan Schmied, Leader - IMEA, LIXIL International.
The Heart Of The Home
When asked which product best captures GROHE’s design ethos, Schmied points to GROHE SPA, where design transforms the bathroom into a sanctuary of well-being. Products such as SmartControl showers, Essence faucets, and the Sensia Arena demonstrate how innovation and design unite to redefine everyday comfort. “At GROHE, design goes beyond utility,” Schmied adds. “It’s about how a space makes you feel. When a faucet moves smoothly or a shower responds intuitively, those small details create comfort, inspiration, and joy every day.”
Looking Ahead: The Future Of Design
What defines the next decade of living spaces? Schmied highlights three key trends: smart living, sustainable luxury, and personalization through color. From connected showers to eco-efficient faucets and expressive finishes like Phantom Black, GROHE continues to merge technology with individuality. “What makes GROHE special isn’t just what you see, the sleek faucets or beautiful finishes,” says Schmied. “It’s also the unseen technology behind them. From German precision engineering to water-saving features, it’s the details you don’t notice right away that make the experience seamless.”
For GROHE, those unseen details are where design, comfort, and innovation quietly converge, transforming the bathroom into the true heart of the home.
Pictured in the lead image is Stefan Schmied, the Leader for India, Middle East & Africa at LIXIL International, overseeing brands like GROHE. Image courtesy GROHE.
