Kitchen & Bath Business - October 2017 - 14

Trends

The Power of Water

A look at customization, wellness and technology
in the shower today

UMANITY HAS AN INNATE
CONNECTION WITH WA-

that goes back to
ancient times. From
Native Amer ic an
sweat lodges to Roman
communal baths,many
cultures have long recognized the therapeutic uses
of water.Today's stressed-out generation needs its
positive effects more than ever, so new technology
has made spa-like showers accessible at home.
"As a society, we are constantly busy jumping
from one thing to the next, from work to family
to social obligations," said designer Collin Kayser
of Portland, Ore.-based Garrison Hullinger Interior Design. "A shower has the ability to slow one
down and help rejuvenate. It helps ensure a fresh
start to the day or a way to wind down at the end."
TER

president of marketing and sales at MrSteam."No
matter their age, income or gender, adding a steam
shower has become the primary element for their
wellness retreats."
Steam showering - historically a luxurious activity - offers numerous health benefits, including
increasing metabolism, eliminating toxins and
relaxing muscles. While the basics of steam systems have not changed drastically in recent years,
the technology and options available have evolved
and expanded.
"At an entry point you can get just basic steam,"
said Jeff Carney, vice president of sales and marketing for Steamist. "You then can add features
and functionality, such as instant steam and steady
steam, to make a more pleasurable experience
that is quieter, more consistent and more relaxing.
From there, you can add spa options to truly tailor
your [clients'] total spa experience to exactly what
[they] want."
Some of these additional options include aromatherapy, which uses aromatic essential oils in
the shower - such as lavender, peppermint and
lemon - to improve physical and psychological
well-being. Color therapy, or chromotherapy,

ABOVE The U by MOEN Show-

er is a Wi-Fi/cloud-based digital shower that offers precise,
thermostatic temperature
control and enables the user
to connect up to four shower
devices. The digital shower
controller features a 5-in. LCD
screen that provides feedback on the shower status
through on-screen messaging
and notifications.

RIGHT MilanoSlim, designed
by Franco Sargiani for FANTINI,
features a multi-functional
in-wall shower panel with a
thermostatic mixer, rainfall
showerhead, body sprays and
a hand shower. This product
is meant to go beyond the
modern look and leans toward
a futuristic design.

FOR OUR HEALTH

According to the University of New Hampshire,
the therapeutic use of water can alter blood flow,
boost hormonal function, improve circulation and
activate organ function. Cold water can soothe inflammation, while hot water can improve mobility
and muscle relaxation. When a shower also has
steam capabilities or aromatherapy, music therapy
or chromotherapy features, the user truly has a task
force of healing properties at hand.
"For 90 percent of Americans, wellness is a top
priority, and this is evident in how they are enhancing their showers,"said Martha Orellana, vice

BY ERINN LOUCKS

Kitchen & Bath Business / OCTOBER 2017 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of KBIS (KBIS.com)

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

Kitchen & Bath Business - October 2017

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