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ThermaSol's Serenity Light Sound Rain Head is run by the ThermaTouch in-shower 7" LCD touchscreen controller, to be able to personalize the home spa, from steam duration, temperature setting and memorized presets, to Tranquility, a visualization and sound-efect experience. The system utilizes LEDs for Mood Light- ing and Chromatherapy modes. Circle No. 162 on Product Card Toto USA's Neorest freestanding soaking tub is made of Galaline, which retains heat and resists stains. The soaking tub features room for two, and has a deep bathing well. The thick-framed rim rests above taper- ing sides, creating a natural curved backrest. A slip-resistant surface, twin polished chrome armrests and pillow headrest complete the design. Circle No. 159 on Product Card This freestanding copper tub from Diamond Spas has a microbubble system that infuses water with millions of micro-sized, oxygen-rich microbubbles. The microbubbles help moisturize and exfoliate skin, while relaxing sore muscles, notes the company. The copper tub is built on a platform base with a fat bottom. Photo: Henniker Photography Circle No. 160 on Product Card Stream Bath from MTI Baths utilizes directional currents of water fow using vents and not jets, creating streams of water that fow over the body. Along both sides are asymmet- rically positioned vents that can be rotated to direct water in fow pat- terns that can be customized. Stream Bath is available on most of the frm's Designer Collection baths. Circle No. 163 on Product Card The Avalon bathtub by Native Trails is handcrafted of NativeStone, a combination of natural jute fber and cement, lending the aesthetic of concrete while making the tub lighter. Featuring an oval shape and deep interior, the tub's walls provide insu- lation to keep the water hot. Available in two sizes, the tub is ofered in Ash, Slate and Pearl fnishes. Circle No. 164 on Product Card Aston's Ovato frameless glass steam showers – the Alamere neo-angle, Windemere rectangular (shown) and Grandmere neo-round – feature frameless tempered clear glass and white back-glass, built-In steam generator, digital LED control panel with Bluetooth and FM radio, rainfall showerhead, six directional massage jets and chromatherapy lighting. Circle No. 165 on Product Card The Brandon is an oval-shaped freestanding tub that rises from the foor with slightly curved lines before meeting with the surrounding top deck. Constructed of acrylic materi- als, it is available in all of Americh's standard colors. As an added design feature, the tub can be ordered with a dual color apron and deck. Circle No. 166 on Product Card that work at a price point for builders, and again he emphasizes that showrooms want to do something diferent than what builders are doing. This inspires products with a smoother feel, and a nice clean look that isn't super angular, he says. Other manufacturers say that the overall design style of the bathroom will impact the shapes of tub desired. "We're seeing a shift toward clean, simple lines and contemporary styling," says L'Henaf. "There is a lot of demand for both soft, curved shapes and for more angular, geometric forms, depending on the design and architecture of the bathroom." In steam and saunas, one of the key style trends is to have diferent colors or tints of wood within the same room, says John Gunderson, na- tional sales manager for Woodinville, WA-based Amerec. Additionally, he says, custom designed benches and backrests are in high demand. DIVERSE THERAPIES Hydrotherapy covers a wide range of options that help homeowners to create the experience they crave. Health and wellness are important in today's society, and products must tie into those, manufacturers say. "The natural health benefts of heat bathing is a big topic," says Gunderson. A big aspect of health and wellness is the ability to let go of everyday stress, but not everyone gets rid of stress the same way. "Relaxation is most consumers' primary motivator for bathing. For some people, this a trend in the industry." He adds that this may shift as he is beginning to see builders moving toward freestanding models. When showrooms be- gin to see builders picking up on a trend, they often look to do something diferent, he explains. SERENE STYLE Design trends for tubs refect the need for a calm atmosphere, with neu- tral color tones and soft, organic lines. White is leading the way, according to manufacturers, with neutral beiges and greys also showing up. "White has been – and continues to be – the number one color for tubs. And it keeps growing in popularity," says Pember. He adds that another trend is the use of natural materials such as granite, marble and slate in the construction of the product or as a covering for drop-in tubs. "Many consumers like the pure, clean and timeless aesthetic of white," Jastrow notes. "Consumers who are designing a very personal bathroom space, following a specifc design style, are more open to choosing a col- ored bath, mostly from the neutral family," she says. Along with the neutral color palette, styling often leans toward softer curved shapes and organic lines, manufacturers say. Particularly in freestanding tubs, there's a lot of interest in very fuid shapes and soft lines, according to Kornowa. Reyes notes that lines are more organic than they were fve years ago. While the straight lines are still there, manufacturers have created lines With an organic oval shape inspired by clay pottery, the Abrazo bath showcases a clean, contemporary style. Fashioned from Lithocast, a solid-surface material, the Kohler tub sports the matte fnish of smooth stone but feels warm to the touch. An integral slotted overfow allows for a deep water level. Circle No. 161 on Product Card April 2016 • KitchenBathDesign.com 51