Kitchen & Bath Business - July/August 2016 - 14

Trends

Getting Comfy
with Technology

Smart trends in the bath work to make
daily life relaxing and fun

ABOVE LEFT The Linear Steam-

Head from MRSTEAM is set
flush to the wall and contained
almost entirely within it. Its thin,
horizontal contour creates a
reverse waterfall of steam that
flows upward, dissipating in a
gentle pace in the shower.
ABOVE RIGHT From MTI

BATHS, the Stream Bath
recreates the experience of
bathing in a forest stream with
a gentle, quiet pump and strategically placed rotating vents
to create streams of water.

BOTTOM RIGHT The Charism

5736 tub is a part of the
Thermasseur collection from
BAINULTRA. It offers the full
benefits of hydro-thermo
massage, and additional amenities include remote controls,
chromotherapy and warm air
jet technology for a consistent
water temperature.

BY ERINN WALDO

HANKS TO INNOVATION,
the bathroom is not
just for practical use.
It's the haven to retreat
to at the end of the day
and a place to rejuvenate before the day
even starts. And with
the tech craze at full throttle, the bathroom has become the next frontier in designing a smart home.
"Homebuyers are looking for homes with smart
innovations," said Alex Birch of BRZ Brands.
"Many of these products can be found in bathrooms, which are quickly becoming a focus area
for companies specializing in personal comfort,
energy consciousness and customization."
This analysis originates from studies like a
Smart Home Marketplace Survey released in
January by real estate brokerage firm Coldwell
Banker. According to the study, 45 percent
of all Americans will either own smart home
technology or invest in it by the end of the
year. The survey also found that 54 percent
of homeowners planning to sell their homes
plan on purchasing or installing smart home
products to help it sell faster. Of that group, 65
percent said they would pay $1,500 or more.
"As an interior designer, seeking out elements
that fit a client's lifestyle is a priority,"said designer
Lori Carroll of Tucson, Ariz.-based Lori Carroll & Associates. "Technological gadgets are
certainly rising in popularity, and a high-tech
bathroom is a must-have in any luxury home."

WHAT CONSUMERS WANT

With new technology inspiring high standards, consumers want products
that reflect their personalities, their décor and even their values.
"Generally, customers look to three requirements when evaluating bathroom technology: customization, energy efficiency and personal comfort," said Birch. "Products that deliver in those three areas will exceed
customers' expectations."
How much a customer values features like water conservation versus
cleanliness determines in which products they will invest, and today's
technology often eliminates the need to prioritize those values. While
the eco-friendly client will prefer a dual-flush toilet to conserve water,
the health-conscious client will opt for the self-cleansing toilet. Because
of today's product innovations, those clients can get both in one model.
"All of these healthful and high-tech features are enveloped in a design that is the perfect marriage of technology and art, while delivering
on the consumer desire for cleanliness," said Katie Stevens, Kohler's
toilet product manager, in reference to Kohler's Veil toilet.
Whatever preferences clients may have for their bathrooms, everyone
wants more control over their home environment and a more efficient
space. Consumers are drawn toward technologies that mimic the everyday conveniences they experience with their phones - like automation,
visual cues and motion or touch activation.

Kitchen & Bath Business / JULY-AUGUST 2016 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of KBIS (KBIS.com)

http://www.KBBONLINE.COM http://www.KBIS.com

Kitchen & Bath Business - July/August 2016

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