ZEN-Sational Bathing Trends

By Sheila Tilander, CKD, CBD, Allied ASID
Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer

What could be more enticing than a spa retreat in your own home? Elevating the functional necessities of the bathroom transforms the mundane to the transcendent. Emphasis on bathing alternatives that stimulate and soothe the body, mind and spirit offer a multi-faceted bathing experience.

Today's master bath often incorporates numerous bathing options that use the power of water to refresh and revitalize. Steam units and saunas gain popularity as stress relievers for a health-conscious society. A growing demand calls for showers that accommodate more than one bather with a profusion of shower options. Another trend is an enclosed wet area that combines the bath and shower in one space.

Innovative components inspired by nature imitate the flow of waterfalls, a warm spring rain, or a summer downpour in your own private eco-system. The range of choices includes a rain dome, fixed or personal showerheads, and body jets or sprays. A head-to-toe body drying system offers the ultimate for a simplified lifestyle.

Tranquility is the key for cleansing and relaxing. Massive oversize tubs give way to smaller soaking tubs as the Japanese bathing experience gains popularity throughout the Northwest. Champagne bubbles replace pulsating jets to create a soothing, meditative state restoring inner harmony. A thermo-masseur system serves as today's version of a jetted tub. Air-jet tubs are low-maintenance and many feature mood lighting, aroma therapy, and chromatherapy. Bathing and entertainment culminate in a Jacuzzi tub equipped with a 42" high definition plasma monitor and surround sound system.

In today's bath, special attention is given to health and comfort with an emphasis on universal design. Universal design means just that-designing for people of all shapes, sizes, age and ability according to their individual needs and preferences. Water closets feature bidets and comfort (chair height) toilets. Designs that incorporate flexibility include lever handles, multiple height countertops, skid-resistant surfaces, and contrasting colors.

Furniture pieces such as consoles with vessel sinks and freestanding cabinets enliven the bath. A growing trend is to re-purpose European and Asian antiques into elegant vanities. Elements of color, materials, and style unify the décor throughout the master suite.

The comfort and familiarity of natural elements blend with manufactured materials that mimic nature. Stone, long used for flooring and countertops, is now carved into honed or polished vessel sinks of granite, onyx and marble. Rugged, low-maintenance porcelain tiles impersonate stone. Contrasts in textures such as reflective surfaces of metal and glass complement and accent natural stone and stone look-a-likes. Under- tile radiant floor heat and towel warmers provide an added note of luxury.

Metals shaped into tiles, sinks and countertops partner beautifully with cabinetry in deep, rich exotic woods such as wenge and jatoba (Brazilian cherry). Oak is on the horizon once again with a more tranquil rift cut or quarter sawn grain.

Color forecasts indicate an overall cooling of the palette. Neutrals will play a key role ranging from taupes and creams to the toasted colors of roasted food including coffee, chestnut and various shades of brown. With a nod to nature, watery blues, plums, citrus yellows and leafy greens contrast with bright white and silvery neutrals.

A wide range of styles appeal to different demographics whether the design vocabulary is traditional or contemporary. The clean lines of contemporary and minimalist design and Techno's industrial treatments appeal to younger generations. Antique chic translates to retro cottage and Swedish country. Baby boomers may lean toward the new classic traditional with less clutter and monochromatic color schemes. The simplicity and serenity of Zen as well as the more colorful and ornate aspects of Moorish and Island styles reflect global influences in design.

In the face of world events and environmental concerns, the quest for comfort and a simplified lifestyle is more important now than ever. A spa-like retreat provides amenities that pamper and refresh the body, and enliven the spirit.