Every trend spotter in the industry agrees that the hottest trend in bathrooms right now is “the home spa experience.” Consumers are looking at the bathroom as a retreat in which they can de-stress and escape from the world. Even if your average homeowner isn't ready to knock out a wall to put in a steam room, the trend signals a move toward upgrades.
Americh. The Madison oval tub can be outfitted with any of the company's four tub systems. The Airbath fills the tub with warm air bubbles by way of individual airjets set throughout the entire tub floor. The whirlpool system provides hydro-massage that can be set at different levels. Consumers can also opt for a tub that combines both these systems or for a traditional soaking tub. 800.453.1463. www.americh.com.
MTI Whirlpools. Designed by artist Dennis Primm, the Primm bathtub is gracefully supported by a handcrafted frame of cast iron cattails. The soaker bath is available in more than 30 colors, and it measures 66 by 41 3/4 inches and is 26 inches deep. The glossy Lucite cast acrylic is non-porous and stain-resistant. 800.783.8827. www.mtiwhirlpools.com.
Celesta. The LX950 glass shower enclosure boasts a deceptively simple design. The unit shown features a traditional door pull, prima hinges and header, and u-channel in a brushed nickel finish. Homeowners can choose from several other hardware options and finishes. In addition to Clear, glass design options include Rain and Symmetry. 866.686.5435. www.celestabybasco.com.
Kolher. A customizable bath experience comes courtesy of the 120 airjets in the Memoir Experience BubbleMassage tub. Other features include a variable-speed motor/ blower and three Zones of Control, which can be set separately or in combination. An electronic keypad controls the system, which is available on several other tub models. 800.456.4537. www.kohler.com.
Coastal Industries. Seen recently on “The Apprentice,” the Paragon Bypass shower enclosure makes a striking style statement in today's contemporary bath. The 3/8-inch tempered glass panels are the thickest on the market, says the maker, and the enclosure boasts a “stay-clean,” self-draining track. The towel bar and hardware are available in three finishes. 800.874.8601. www.coastalind.com.
Swanstone. Four creative options are offered in this series of decorative panels for shower and tub walls, including a Prairie-inspired design of textured squares surrounded by rectangles. The 36-by-96-inch panels, available in 29 colors, are easy to install and clean, and they resist mold and mildew. 800.325.7008. www.swanstone.com.
Danze. Continuing the trend toward larger shower-heads, the Antique Bell is offered in 8- and 10-inch diameters. The showerheads feature an elegant design that's at home in both traditional and contemporary décor. Choose from polished chrome or brushed nickel. 877.530.3344. www.danze-online.com.
Aqua Glass. Touted as an easy-to-install upgrade, the domeless acrylic shower also boasts decorator appeal and a choice of colors. Each unit is vacuum formed for structural strength, and the shells are reinforced by two layers of fiberglass. The company also offers a line of body sprays in a number of finishes, as well as several other accessory options for both its shower and tub units. 731.632.2501. www.aquaglass.com.
Grohe. The Free-hander Dual-Head Shower System offers 18 choices of shower spray combinations. Both showerheads can be rotated 360 degrees, and the tubular arm that holds them can be easily set to any height. The system can be retrofitted without breaking into a wall, says the maker. 630.582.7711. www.groheamerica.com.
For more product information, visit ebuild.com, Hanley-Wood's interactive product catalog.
