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Product Trend Report Hansgrohe's Raindance Select Showerpipe was designed in collaboration with Phoenix Design. The unit integrates three components: The Raindance E Select 120 AIR handshower, which is equipped with a deliberately intuitive select button for spray and switch capabilities; an EcoStat Select thermostat; and the Raindance E360 AIR showerhead with rounded edges and 163 no-clog spray channels. Circle No. 188 on Product Card In2ition showers from Delta Faucet Co. now feature H2Okinetic technology, which features an internal system that controls the speed, movement and droplet size of the water exiting the showerhead, delivering the feeling of more water without actually using more water. All showers in this collection fow at 2.5 gpm. In2ition showers feature a detachable handshower that locks within the showerhead when not in use. The handshower can run separately or simultaneously with the showerhead base. Circle No. 190 on Product Card Devon & Devon's Regal bathtub is now available in colored dress. The color option is part of the company's collection of 210 water-soluble matte paints dedicated to all of its cast iron tubs. Regal features an enameled cast iron interior while the outside is lined with aluminum and then painted in the warm color. Circle No. 191 on Product Card is always popular, he adds, "The market is starting to really explode with requests for our Oil-Rubbed Bronze and Brushed Bronze." Wilson, on the other hand, says that Chrome fxtures are still the best seller for Bathwraps, followed by Brushed Nickel and Oil-Rubbed Bronze. "White walls have remained the most popular for a sleek and clean look," he says. "However, there has been a huge increase in earth tone wall colors." Bathwraps recently introduced two new earth tone colors, Tahiti Marble and Clifside Marble, which have been met with a great response, he says. CHANGING ECONOMY Economic shifts have an impact on the tub and shower markets and, in some cases, that means consumers are choosing fewer features and fnding a more budget-friendly way to remodel the bathroom. While consumers still want quality products and good design, "People are looking to be smarter with their dollars," says Rotelli. However, he adds, "Personalization is absolutely essential when designing these spaces, because the clients putting design work into their kitchen or bathroom not only want to enjoy it themselves for the foreseeable future, but they want The Ametis Shower from Graf features a shower column that is continuous, measuring 63" tall and constructed using a curved steel bar. The four spray options are rain, waterfall, body sprayer and outlet for matching hand shower. The column includes an integrated chromatherapy system with RGB LED lighting within the ring equipped with four colors: White, Red, Green and Blue. Ametis is available in Chrome, Black and White fnishes. Circle No. 192 on Product Card 56 | Kitchen & Bath Design News September 2013 The Levity bypass shower door from Kohler features a minimalistic design and tall glass panels that ofer an unobstructed view of a custom shower. Levity has a low 1/2" profle bottom frame that when paired with a low-threshold shower base creates easy entry and exit to the shower. The door is available with either blade handles (vertical) or gently curved towel bar handles (horizontal), in Crystal Clear or Frosted glass. Circle No. 193 on Product Card Using a new and patented digital imaging system, Sentrel Bath Systems has created a lightweight, easy-toinstall bath wall system that mimics the look of granite, marble and natural stone. The system can be installed over any surface without need for tear-outs. Circle No. 189 on Product Card it to be striking and stunning when it comes to selling their home as well." Zar notes that, as the recovery continues, consumers are becoming more comfortable putting money back into their houses, adding, "[They've] been holding of for so long, people are dying to get back into it." A product like Bathwraps fts the needs whether the economy is in a dip, or on an upturn, according to Wilson. "When the economy dips, people stop selling their homes and they look for an inexpensive remodel because their bathrooms need an update," he says. "When the economy is doing well and consumers are selling their homes, they also look for a fast, easy solution, which Bathwraps can provide with a one-day install," he adds. Hirschhaut says that even higher-end consumers are trying to be wise with their spending, which has helped BCI grow even through the economic downturn. "We can give them the looks they are looking for, long term, for a lower investment," he says. The economy has also had an impact on how many options are being used in showers, says Rohl. While consumers will still spend for features that have value to them, if consumers don't see the benefts and cost return of the options, they are being reduced. "Spending [of] additional dollars on features such as body sprays is being impacted when [the features are not expected to be] used on a daily basis," Rohl concludes. The Style Moderne Taps and Showers collection from Samuel Heath is inspired by the Art Deco movement from the 1920s and 1930s. The line includes a selection of concealed and exposed shower valves and a wide choice of ancillary items, with either lever or cross top control specifcations. All Style Moderne products are available in Polished Nickel, Chrome Plate and Antique Gold, with Black Chrome or main body fnish controls. Circle No. 194 on Product Card ThermaSens from BainUltra is a new category of therapeutic bathtubs, according to the company. The tub was designed to stimulate the senses through a combination of therapies. AromaCloud is an aromatherapy difuser incorporated into the bath deck of the tub that releases a fne mist of essential oils that are readily absorbed. For chromatherapy, a fully integreated light system allows the user to choose from six diferent colors. The WarmTouchShell has heating zones built into the bath's inner shell that provides a warming touch in the headrest, backrest and seat. Circle No. 195 on Product Card