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46 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | September 2015 Product Trend Report Showers that can accommodate the preferences of more t ha n one person are also in demand, making multiple components necessary. "People are customizing their showers very specifcally to their own tastes and what type of experience they want," says Allen. "There are all kinds of diferent ways to utilize the shower now and there are more diferent kinds of showering devices than ever to use," he says. Moore agrees: "Most of my clients come in as couples and express a need for diferent things within the shower, so the number of water delivery ports is not to maximize, but personalize the shower experience for each person." Kulig adds that consumers are maximizing the square footage of their showers to accommodate spa-like features and developing technologies. "Creating a space marked with individuality and personal identity, custom-built showers with open, walk-in areas are becoming more popular," he says. "Larger showers are ideal places for relaxation and rejuvenation, and walk-in showers with oversized panes of glass, multiple water sources and oversized rainshowers are becoming increasingly popular," adds Dixon. Because of the increase in size, she adds, designers are regularly including lighting as well as benches or seats in showers. And it's not just the square footage that's getting larger; large-format tiles in a variety of sizes are also on the rise, says Holle. "We're seeing the size of the tile grow, even on shower walls," she states. Additionally, because of a trend toward steam showers, the tile now must go foor to ceil- ing, she notes, adding that the company is seeing a lot of micro mini mosaics used on shower ceilings. HIGH FUNCTION Technology is everywhere, whether you can see it or not. In showers, most technological advances are directly related to the functioning of the shower, whether water volume, temperature control or digital controls. A desire for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is also creeping its way into the bathroom, though some manufacturers think that the bathroom is one place people go to escape all that. "I think we've reached a point where the bathroom is prob- ably the one area of your home where you can truly escape from smart phones, email and social media. Having that perfect shower experience is an opportunity to escape from technology and relax your mind and spirit," says Rohl. He notes that consumers are looking for technology that relates to water management and conservation, helping to reduce the water used without sacrifcing performance or design. "New shower technology needs to be impact- ful," he says. Controlling things digitally is a way of life for many, and the shower is no exception. Electronic shower controls are becoming more accepted, and driven by the younger Mil- lennials who are looking for something a little more "techy," says Allen. "They're comfortable with it, they've grown up with it and it's something they prefer when given a choice." Dixon believes that multi-sensory technology is also on the rise, enhancing the shower experience. "Today, steam, chromatherapy, music and custom shower settings all add to the sensory experience. Putting all of these together with a preferred shower spray setting means no part of the sensory shower experience is being ignored – from how the shower looks and feels on the out- side to how it makes the individual feel on the inside," she says. DTV+ is Kohler Co.'s most advanced showering system, integrating water, sound, steam and lighting elements to create a multi-sensory showering experience. A new touch-screen, icon-based interface allows up to three interfaces to be connected to the system. Users are now able to select from a two-outlet, three- outlet or six-outlet digital valve to con- trol water delivery. Circle No. 215 on Product Card H-Line is a new bathroom collection created with international designer Mark Zef for Watermark Designs. Inspired by New York's famed High Line Park, the line was designed by Zef to walk the fne line between historic and modern. It is available in Watermark's 40 fnishes. Circle No. 216 on Product Card TOTO's Aero Rain Shower features AeroJet+ technology, which increases each droplet's volume for a drenching experience while saving water. The aerated water falls in short, pulsating intervals, providing the feeling of more water than is being used, the frm says. Circle No. 214 on Product Card Photo: Mark Zeff The Style Moderne Exposed 1/2" Thermostatic Shower Set from Samuel Heath & Sons is now available in the company's new fnish, City Bronze. The fnish brings a gothic appearance to the bath- room, notes the frm, with deep metallic, aged-looking bronze. Circle No. 219 on Product Card Coastal Shower Doors creates its second- generation Gridscape shower door with polished chrome aluminum profles arranged in a repeating horizontal bar confguration. Both the original and second-generation shower doors are available as stock hinged swinging shower doors, roman-style fxed parti- tions, bathtub shower screens or sliding tub/shower enclosures, and can be used for outdoor showers. Clear, satin frosted or patterned tempered glass options are ofered. Circle No. 222 on Product Card The SO612 shower rain head from MGS fea- tures a sleek, modern and minimalist design. The wall-mounted showerhead has high- precision laser-cut holes for a rain efect. MGS rain shower systems are available as showerhead only or can be upgraded to include a handshower. All systems are avail- able in brushed or polished stainless steel or the new Black Steel. Circle No. 220 on Product Card A fuid, transitional design is showcased in the Fluent shower and bath faucets from American Standard. The angled handle design provides a more comfortable grip that is ADA compliant, and hot and cold color indicators can be added to the handles. An oversized showerhead features a 7" face plate that delivers a drenching spray. It is available in a water-saving model that is WaterSense certifed. Fluent is available in polished chrome, oil-rubbed bronze and satin nickel. Circle No. 217 on Product Card Wetstyle's Glacier ZERO-threshold shower provides accessibility via a non-slip surface, while maintain- ing a high design aesthetic and functionality. The ADA-compliant shower is made from WETMAR BiO, and features a concealed drain channel completely integrated into the foor base. The shower receptable is available in True High Gloss and matte fnishes. Circle No. 221 on Product Card Niagara Conservation has introduced the Hot Start Showerhead as part of the newest Stealth System product ofering. The temperature- controlled, EPA WaterSense certifed showerhead provides full-fow when the shower is turned on. Once it reaches 95 degrees, the fow is reduced to a trickle. The user can press the Resume button to bring the hot water back on full stream at a fow rate of 2.0 gpm. Circle No. 218 on Product Card