Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
Issue link: http://kitchenbathdesign.epubxp.com/i/721524
The Adjustable Fusion Shower Pan System from Trending Accessibility is installed directly on the joists and allows a true curbless shower with no buildup in the floor or at the door jamb. The whole room is then waterproofed, turning it into a European Wet Room. Circle No. 175 on Product Card Strom Plumbing By Sign of the Crab has a full line of exposed shower units available. This thermostatic unit is equipped with an oversized rain head, a handshower unit as well as a spout for a foot wash. The water is set at a 104-degree temperature setting, with the allowance of a manual override. Circle No. 176 on Product Card Basco Manufacturing has introduced the Celesta CELA-935 and Rolaire ROLA-935 custom heavy glass shower enclosures. The Celesta CELA-935 ad- justable-width enclosure in the RODA series is a luxury door and panel design that requires minimal out-of-square or out-of-plumb alignment. Circle No. 177 on Product Card The new Hydro-Switch Thermostatic Valve System from Isenberg Faucets features push-button technology, with sleek graphics that denote shower or hand shower. The new line features on/off water flow buttons combined with ther- mostatic valves to create a straightfor- ward but luxurious shower experience. Circle No. 178 on Product Card Contemporary, linear shower control sets from Artos feature escutcheons that can be lined up horizontally or vertically for a personalized look. The shower control sets are offered in minimalistic round or square handle for a modern look. Circle No. 179 on Product Card Moen's Square Velocity Rainshower Showerhead is a square-shaped ver- sion of its popular Velocity rainshower showerhead. For the first time, this advanced design is available in a mod- ern style to work in contemporary bath designs. Velocity offers two distinct spray functions. Circle No. 180 on Product Card Combining Italian design with Swiss engineering, MGS introduces its ceil- ing-mount showers with multiple spray options. The solid stainless steel SO613 offers a sleek, architectural design with customized mist, rain shower, waterfall and chromatherapy options, providing a therapeutic sensory experience. Circle No. 181 on Product Card Lightness and strength are the princi- ples that inspired Angeletti Ruzza De- sign when creating the Sento Exposed Shower System from Graff. It features a minimal design defined by clean and simple yet sensual lines. The series offers a wide range of options. Circle No. 182 on Product Card Lord cites a recent trend toward jewel tones and gold finishes for fixtures. "Jeweled-inspired details and finishes in buffed gold with subtle iridescences give the sense of long-lasting opulence," he says. Mendoza agrees that, while white porcelain products and chrome fix- tures continue to be the most specified color and finish, a growing trend in gold, copper and matte black finishes has emerged. SUSTAINABLE SHOWERING Concern for the environment and regulations that demand less water usage also impact what is happening with showers. "Reduced flow rates and oper- ational restrictions on multiple shower devices have forced manufacturers to look much more closely at form, fit and function," says Gessi. Bishop adds, "Water is precious. Our industry is in constant reinvention and adaptation of the many different regulations from one area to the next. Our goal is to both meet the regulations and to deliver the experience the consumer demands. Exploration of aeration, atomizing and other options to deliver the right outcome are always being developed, but the biggest water saver will be time of use, and that's a slippery slope." Conservation remains a hot topic, and Lord states, "We continually see in- terest in water-saving products that do not impact the overall user experience." Mendoza says it's up to manufacturers to create products that meet new standards without sacrificing functionality or the user experience.▪ and body showers. When it comes to controls and features, consumers and designers are looking for greater flexibility in design, he adds. "Steam showers, which are increasingly gaining in popularity, feature many new technologies and design features that didn't exist three to five years ago," says Caplan. These steam showers, like Aston's Ovato series, feature Bluetooth streaming technology, efficient steam creating modules, aromatherapy, chromatherapy and increased water-efficient jets, he adds. Ease of use is critical, according to Sears. "I see push-button mechanical technology coming into play, where you select the shower functions with buttons with icons. I see the same technology on showerheads," he adds. Customizing the bathing experience is another popular trend, and tem- perature presets are in demand, Reffner notes. INTEGRATED STYLE Shower design trends follow overall bath trends, with clean lines and simple style, as the design must also be connected to the rest of the space. "When designing the bath, homeowners desire a fully integrated space with a bath- room collection that creates one seamless design concept connecting the shower fixtures to the tile on the floor to the lavatory fixtures," says Lord. While manufacturers see chrome, brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze as top finish choices for fixtures and hardware, there are some new shades creeping in as well. Allen sees darker colors like matte black in demand. September 2016 • KitchenBathDesign.com 49