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Technological innovations are upping the ante in the bath, adding comfort and beauty to a once basic space. BY KIM BERNDTSON Beyond the Basics he basic premise behind the bathroom hasn't changed in the decades since plumbing made its way indoors. It's still a place where necessary daily functions occur. But thank- fully, technological innovations since then have revolutionized the space, forever changing the way homeowners and designers regard the bath. Advancements such as heated foors, toilets that fush them- selves and showers with touch controls and integrated lighting, sound systems and more are just some of the innovations that have transformed the bathroom from purely functional into a space where those day-to-day activities become relaxing and rejuvenating. This month, KBDN asked several designers to discuss their favorite technological innovations and how those advancements have changed the baths they design for their clients. JUDY KLEIN JK DESIGN • WILMETTE, IL What technology trends/products are you incorporating most frequently into the baths you design? "Our clients love steam showers and custom showers with rainheads, body sprays, handhelds, etc. We recently completed a bath with a custom his/ her steam shower with aromatherapy and chromatherapy, all controlled with a digital thermostatic valve they can program to match their mood. It knows exactly what each person wants… relaxing or invigorating. "We're also getting a lot of calls for heated foors. They are super, super popular right now. They don't add that much to the cost of the project, and they are vetted so people feel comfortable putting them in. And, for people living in cold climates, step- ping onto a warm foor is very nice. When your feet are warm, it resonates throughout your entire body." What is driving the technology movement into the bath? "People live hectic, stressful lives. They are looking for ways to unwind and de-stress. Technology can help them do that with products such as heated foors, heated towel bars and great showers. "Many of my clients also enjoy health benefts of both steam units and chromatherapy/aromatherapy. One client installed a steam bath in the home after enjoying it at a hotel. It ended up helping their kids when they were sick with colds. I've found that people are often inspired when they go on vacation and stay at beautiful hotels with a lot of amenities. When they come home, they want to feel like they are getting away within their own home. The master bath has become a sanctuary and people seem willing to put more resources towards it." How does technology change the way your clients use their baths? "Technology is making the bathroom feel more like another room in the house. It's not just a place to get ready; now it's a place to relax. There are so many technological advance- ments they can take advantage of to make the space comfort- able, as well as beautiful and luxurious." What is your favorite technology product to include in a bath? "There are so many, it's hard to pick just one! I guess I'd say a luxury shower with digital controls and aromatherapy/chroma- therapy. With aromatherapy you can use diferent scented oils to clear sinuses, soften skin…all sorts of benefts. And here in Chicago, we have little daylight in the winter, so chromatherapy can ofer nice benefts as well. While it isn't inexpensive, it is a good investment." T This French-inspired master bath designed by Judy Klein features a luxurious custom shower with his-and-her rainheads, handhelds, body sprays, etc. Each shower has its own programmable digital thermostatic valve that allows users to program diferent types of showers, from relaxing to invigorating. Photo: Luke Cebulak 32 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2016 BATH TECHNOLOGY