Bathroom design has evolved significantly over the years, transforming from utilitarian spaces into luxurious and functional sanctuaries. We've seen some exciting innovations in bathroom design that are redefining the way we experience this essential room.
Smart Home Technology
The integration of smart technology into bathroom fixtures is revolutionizing the way we interact with our bathrooms. These innovations offer convenience, energy efficiency, and a touch of futuristic charm, from voice-activated faucets and self-cleaning toilets to mirrors with built-in LED lighting and touch-screen controls.
For example, instead of wasting water during the time it takes to adjust the temperature of your shower, smart valves can be voice controlled to set the temperature to a specific degree every time you take a shower. These valves are able to do this with a motor that precisely opens and closes the hot and cold water input.
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High-Tech Showers
Modern showers are incorporating advanced features such as showerhead speakers, adjustable water pressure, and even aromatherapy steam options. Kohler offers a Bluetooth showerhead speaker that can be enjoyed in the shower and is also easily removed and taken on the go!
Digital shower systems allow users to customize their shower experience to suit their preferences, enhancing relaxation and rejuvenation. These shower systems can be paired with smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to set up a preset shower experience and even remotely start your shower.
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A Focus on Energy Efficiency
Environmental consciousness has led to a surge in sustainable bathroom design innovations.
Low-flow shower heads are now becoming a common fixture implemented in bathroom design to help reduce water consumption by 60%. On average, a person will use around 17 gallons of water every time they take a shower. These new fixtures use air as the main power element to provide a sustainable and enjoyable shower experience. An abundant supply of air is sucked in via the spray disc of your shower and infuses the water and creates larger water droplets. This creates the illusion of feeling like you're getting a powerful spray, while still maintaining water conservation.
Water-saving toilets, faucets and shower heads, fixtures with automatic shut-off features, and energy-efficient LED lighting are just a few examples of how eco-friendly design choices positively impact both the environment and utility bills.
Wellness and Spa Elements
Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces; they are becoming personal spa retreats. Innovations such as therapeutic soaking tubs and heated floors are transforming bathrooms into havens of relaxation and well-being. New bathtub designs feature elements such as aromatherapy, chromotherapy, thermotheraphy, and more.
While it's been around for awhile, aromatherapy is showing up in tub and shower applications and creating incredible sensory bathing experiences. Tubs can now feature a fully integrated aromatherapy diffuser, and shower heads can diffuse essential oils into your shower experience.
Chromotherapy in bathtubs is produced with hidden LED lighting systems in a tub's inner shell. These lights are calibrated at different frequencies and can have a direct effect on one's physical and mental conditions.
Bain Ultra tubs have an exclusive chromotherapy system that helps to achieve balance and harmony, through colors that can calm, energize, or focus your thoughts. Six colors (blue, violet, red, orange, yellow, and green) are colors are calibrated at different frequencies, each with a stimulating or soothing therapeutic purpose.
Thermotherapy is created through different heating zones built into the bathtub's design. These heating zones emit continuous heat to the body's most high-stressed areas: the neck, the back, and the upper legs.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Innovations in bathroom design are also focusing on creating spaces that are accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. These features can be important as you think about options for aging in place in your own home, as these design elements can make all the difference in enhancing ease of use as well as safety.
Grab bars and handrails near the toilet, shower, and bathtub provide support and stability when moving around the bathroom.
Curb-less showers are not only a sleek and beautiful feature, but also allow for easy wheelchair access, and reduce the risk of tripping.
Incorporating a built-in shower bench (or folding seat) provides a safe and comfortable place to sit while showering.
The world of bathroom design is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by technology, sustainability, and a desire to enhance well-being. From smart fixtures that make daily routines more efficient to spa-inspired features that promote relaxation, these innovations are reshaping the way we think about and experience our bathrooms. As design continues to evolve, the possibilities for creating a modern oasis within our homes are truly endless.