New trends in the bathroom

Forecasting showers
The walk-in shower is an essential element in today's spa bathroom. In addition to extensive choices, such as steam, multiple programmable jets and seemingly endless rain-style shower heads, now aromatherapy and chromotherapy showers are available for those wanting to experience the healing power of the shower.

Getting personal
Design experts say that personalizing the bathroom is the biggest trend in bathrooms today. That means more choice in colour of cabinetry, finishes and even fixtures. (Even coloured sinks are selling again, making it a focal point.) But besides what you see, customized, personalized bathing is possible too, including showers that can be programmed to digitally manage temperature, water configuration and duration and tubs that can be ordered with jets placed where you want them.

Barrier free and beautiful
An aging population and enlightened sensibility are leading some manufacturers to introduce designs that are both attractive and accessible for people of all abilities. This is one sector of the market that will only expand in the next 10 to 20 years to accommodate the needs of the aging boomers.

Counter offer
Take another look at laminates. Today's counter patterns are subtler and replicate the look of fine stone (such as granite) more realistically than ever before. Also available are ogee edges – much more upscale looking than the blunt or rounded edge of most laminate counters.

Techno toilets
A bidet-integrated toilet (complete with a preset function for water temperature) and a heated seat at the touch of a button give a space-age feel to today's technologically advanced toilets.

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