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48 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | April 2015 Product Trend Report director for Woodinville, WA-based Amerec, notes that recent trends are stable in this area, and budget is often a determin- ing factor in whether or not the product is added to a space. "Although there seems to be growing interest in steam, project budgets are so tight, steam often gets cut," he says. "Sauna demand seems to have grown some, but it's still a relatively small market," he adds. Martha Orellana, v.p. of sales and marketing for Queens, NY-based Mr. Steam says, "The fact that there is more interest in home steam showers is, in itself, a trend. Our showrooms are fnding that they can get their clients excited about bathroom amenities that enhance a wellness lifestyle." When steam is selected, she says, hot trends include beau- tifully designed and intuitive swipe-touch controls, simplifed plug & play installation and easy care and maintenance. There are many benefts to be gained from steam, says Orellana, who believes that the best steam systems incorpo- rate many elements, including aromatherapy, chromatherapy, music therapy and body therapy, all of which add to the over- all experience. Moore believes steam is still a popular trend in the shower. When it comes to steam, he says, consumers want the right size generator, steam that comes quickly, and one control panel that manages all of the shower systems. In the sauna market, Hass notes that infrared demand is greater than that for traditional saunas, primarily due to the ease of installation and portability of the infrared cabin. Glass elements and upgraded interiors are also becoming popular for saunas, he adds. "We're ofering oiled woods, custom interior bench- ing, valance lighting and glass panels to provide upscale designed saunas," Hass states. public to place emphasis on the need, and for manufacturers to design and build products that are aesthetically beautiful and functional for accessible purposes," he says. Kornowa agrees. While some consumers are selecting show- ers rather than tubs for accessibility reasons, he says, "You can get certain therapies from the tub that you cannot get in a shower. It is really dependent on the needs and desires of the individual." When mobility becomes a larger issue, consumers are turn- ing to walk-in tubs, and many manufacturers see this segment of the market growing. "Walk-in tubs continue to be popular choices as baby boomers age," says Davis. There are many features that are considered when selecting a walk-in model, she adds, including low thresholds for easier entry and exiting, ease of operation and cleaning, and inline or surface heaters to make the walk-in experience more appealing. L'Henaf has seen some progression in the walk-in market. "Consumers are accepting walk-in tubs more and more," he comments. At the same time, he says, the product still car- ries a certain amount of stigma, and many designs are still too institutional. A walk-in tub defnitely serves a purpose, Kornowa says, but is often a last resort due to the impracticali- ties of how it works. There are ways to compensate, such as high-fow fllers, quick drains and radiant heat that make a walk-in more appealing, he adds. "If somebody truly needs or wants a walk-in tub, we've done everything we can think of to make it as com- fortable as possible," he states. HEAT THERAPY In addition to therapeutic bathing, there is a rising interest in both home steam systems and sauna rooms. Jim Hass, sales A classical inspired freestanding bathtub, Capitol from Devon & Devon features an aluminum external surface embellished with geometric decorations in relief and an internal tub of enameled cast iron. The tub is available in all of the 213 colors from the company's enamel collection. The tub is shown with Jubilee Black Lever taps for deck installation in a chrome fnish. Circle No. 233 on Product Card Part of the Kartell by Laufen bathroom, the Kartell tub is made of Laufen's proprietary SaphirKeramik, which allows for thin edges and a sleek design. Designed by Ludivica and Roberto Palomba, the tub also features grooves made of Sentec, a solid surface ma- terial, with LED lights ftted for atmospheric light scenes. Circle No. 228 on Product Card This freestanding copper tub from Diamond Spas is fabricated with a new system that infuses water under pressure with millions of micro-sized, oxygen-rich microbubbles, transforming the bath water into a cloud that helps moisturize, soften, restore and exfoliate skin. Circle No. 226 on Product Card MicroSilk Generation II technology from Jason International is an updated version of the company's MicroSilk Hydrotherapy, and presents a more minimalist design with fewer ports, less maintenance and a quieter system. MicroSilk's oxygen-rich mi- crobubbles provide gentle, deep cleansing of the pores, leaving skin feeling smooth with less visible wrinkles, the frm notes. Circle No. 227 on Product Card The Berks is a contemporary and spa- cious freestanding bathtub now available from Laurel Mountain Whirlpool . Available in two sizes, the Atlas can com- fortably accommodate two bathers, and features dual backrests. Atlas is ofered as a whirlpool, air bath, combination tub or soaking tub, and is available with a range of options for customization. Circle No. 232 on Product Card The Esthesia Collection of therapeutic baths from BainUltra features designs inspired by Neoclassicism, with clean geometric lines comple- mented by gentle curves. Available as a freestand- ing tub or as a drop-in, undermount or Theatre Stage, the 100-percent acrylic Esthesia features a rounded rectangular profle that is generously sized and fts two com- fortably. Therapy options include the company's ThermoMasseur, Geysair and ThermaSens. Circle No. 231 on Product Card With the Power Zone System from CG Air Systemes , the user can control four diferent zones of whirlpool jets individually. The user can choose and adjust the desired speed of the sequence to create a personalized experience. Circle No. 229 on Product Card The Whisper Collection from Americh features a pipeless and virtually silent whirlpool system. Incorporating an AC motor, the 12 luxury acrylic bathtubs have jets that operate at a fow rate of 18 to 20 gallons per minute. All tubs come standard with color match trim, two chromatherapy lights, a waste and overfow, and decora- tive backlit keypad. Circle No. 230 on Product Card The Fountain of Youth spas from Cal Spas ofer Micro- Silk technology by Jason International, which uses billions of oxygen-rich microbubbles to leave skin clean and moisturized. The two specialty indoor and outdoor spas are available in a lounge and bench confguration. Fifteen hydrotherapy jets can be added for a therapeutic experience. Circle No. 234 on Product Card Minimalist geometry is refected in the con- temporary Lyndon soaking tub, now available from DXV by American Standard . Construct- ed of acrylic with fberglass reinforcement, the tub is available in canvas white. Design by Marilyn G. Russell of Design Magnifque. Circle No. 225 on Product Card Photo: Henniker Photography