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Duravit's Paiova 5 by EOOS tub now features a streamlined design that moves it out from the corner. Available in two styles – a sculptural design or a built-in version – the tub is also paired with Bluetooth tech- nology and LED lights. Two diferent backrest slopes can be equipped with a Combi-L whirl system that features fat swivel jets. Circle No. 156 on Product Card The Kanvas freestanding bathtubs are available in three hand-painted designs: Grafti, Pax and Mosaik. Each tub in the limited series, avail- able from Aquabrass, is signed by the artist. Mosaik (shown) showcases an architectural design that provides a classic yet modern aesthetic. Circle No. 155 on Product Card The Blade freestanding tub from Hastings Tile & Bath is manufac- tured in Italy and made from durable smooth resin. The almost cradle look swoops down yet maintains rectangular features for a distinctive design. The tub is available in white with stainless steel feet. Circle No. 157 on Product Card BainUltra's Nokori Collection features freestanding tubs available in fve sizes ranging in length from 58" to 71", with two styles that will accommodate two bathers. Made of acrylic, the tubs feature a glossy white fnish and include heated back- rests. Thermomasseur options are available, as well as chromatherapy and Geysair warm air jet technology. Circle No. 158 on Product Card Soft, organic shapes, scaled-down sizes, a variety of therapeutic technologies and greater demand for more freestanding models are among the hottest trends in soaking and jetted tubs right now. BY ELIZABETH RICHARDS Personal Tranquility athroom spaces in homes are increasingly becoming a personal refuge for owners, a place to relax away from the chaos of exces- sively busy lifestyles. Hydrotherapy products, from soaking tubs to jetted tubs, steam showers to sauna rooms, play a large role in the spa-like ambiance created in these sanctuaries. Relaxation means diferent things to diferent people, and the ability to customize the experiences as well as soak up the benefts of a variety of therapies is at the top of the priority list for these products. Often, bathtubs in particular play a large part in the overall design of the bath. "The bathtub is the heart of the bathroom, and everything else is designed around it," says Mark Wolinsky, president of Wetstyle, based in Montreal, Canada. "The tub is truly the focal point, and the other accents like vanities and linen cabinets are often designed around the tub." Dawn Jastrow, product manager for Kohler bathing products in Kohler, WI says, "The bathtub can fll very diferent roles in a bathroom design, from one of an inconspicuous nature all the way to a strong, sculptural design focal point like we see in freestanding baths." Design-wise, top trends in tubs include a soft organic style, smaller models and a move toward freestanding tubs. From a practical stand- point, combination therapies are on the rise, as are soaking tubs and gentler therapeutic experiences. Custom options are in demand, and accessibility is a rising concern for the market. That's according to manu- facturers recently surveyed by Kitchen & Bath Design News. STAND ALONE Over the past few years, there has been a steady increase in demand for freestanding tubs that can serve as a decorative focal point and be posi- tioned in unique ways in the bathroom space. "We are seeing the greatest interest in freestanding tub styles, partic- ularly those designed to ofer a roomy bathing space in a smaller foot- print," says Jean-Jacques L'Henaf, v.p. of design, LIXIL Water Technology Americas, American Standard and DXV in Piscataway, NJ. This move- ment, he says, is driven by a trend toward simplifcation and a desire for easier cleaning and maintenance. Gary Pember, v.p./marketing at Mansfeld Plumbing Products, LLC, located in Perrysville, OH, agrees that freestanding tubs are gaining in popularity. "These are the kinds of tubs often featured on shows on HGTV and seen in other design referential resources," he says. The desire for simplifcation impacts the faucets and accessories chosen with a freestanding tub. "A lot of people are looking for freestanding tubs that have provisions built in for using Roman faucets," says Michael Kornowa, director of marketing at MTI Baths in Sugar Hill, GA. "If there is an integrat- ed deck surface for mounting the faucets, then they don't have to go out and spend a lot more money on the freestanding decorative faucet. It's also easier to match styles and fnishes to other components in the bathroom," he adds. Phil Reyes, business development director at Aquatic in Anaheim, CA, says, "People are still talking about freestanding models and it's still B 50 Kitchen & Bath Design News • April 2016 PRODUCT TREND REPORT