Kitchen & Bath Business - November/December 2017 - 6

November/December 2017

e d i t o r ' s

DESIGNING FOR COMFORT

n today's age of massive multitasking, consecutive deadlines and never-ending technology updates, people are simply stressed out. We have
little down time for relaxing and hanging out with
family and friends, so we have to work hard to
create those opportunities.
We do our best to factor in time for taking
sunshine-filled vacations that boost our vitamin
D levels. We try to build in spa visits for feel-good facials and deep-tissue
massages. But all these things are located somewhere else; what can our
homes do for us to help us unwind after a long day? What elements can our
kitchens and baths provide to booster our well-being, health and comfort?
The answer: A LOT.
Sure clients are asking for renovations that include universal and sustainable elements, and a lot are jumping on the connected home bandwagon as
well. But they are also craving ways for their homes to be retreats and to help
ease daily stress levels.
"Studies have shown that natural light can provide people with a greater
sense of well-being and can help reduce symptoms of depression. Incorporating windows and skylights in the kitchen and bath may even increase
your clients' energy levels.
"Calming neutrals can help one feel relaxed, and bursts of color can
improve moods.

n o t e

"Chromotherapy is the use of colored lights in
the bathroom to provide a tranquil atmosphere.
Hydrotherapy - through various showerheads
and bath jets - can help reduce inflammation
and soothe aching muscles.
"Technology in a connected home can provide
consumers with peace of mind knowing they
can monitor security systems, pre-program
kitchen appliances and control light levels at
the touch of a button or even wirelessly through
a smartphone app.
You as the design professionals can help your
clients implement things of which they may
not have even thought. There is a wireless storage system that measures a food's freshness - a
healthy option for all members of a household.
You've surely heard of the kitchen faucets you
can control with your feet; another take on the
hands-free craze. You could make your client's
life easier by simply recommending a more durable countertop material that requires the least
amount of maintenance possible.
Today's home is catering more to multigenerational households and people who are aging
in place, but it is also about making things easier
for all homeowners - from children fixing their
afternoon lunch in the kitchen, to a stressed-out
mother enjoying a late-evening steam bath. We
live our lives at such a hectic pace these days, it is
totally natural to want our home to be a place of
retreat to return to after a long day - or week.This
is a service you must provide for everyone's health
and well-being - yours included.

CHELSIE BUTLER
Executive Editor
chelsie.butler@emeraldexpo.com
Twitter: @kbbchelsie

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

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

Kitchen & Bath Business - November/December 2017

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