Whether their budget is modest or lavish, today’s consumers seek to invest in a personal sanctuary to relax and recharge. They desire a clean, streamlined aesthetic with technology and innovation that gives them a private wellness center to renew and rejuvenate.  

As the demand for home bathrooms with spa amenities gains in popularity, manufacturers continue to invest in new products that deliver at all price points. The most successful showrooms help their clients bring these features home, while also offering water efficiency and comfortable aging-in-place accessibility options. 

Design trends favor a style best described as “warm minimalism.” Clean, contemporary geometries with simple lines create a calming environment in the bathroom. 

Balancing an uncluttered aesthetic with the latest amenities and spa-inspired features can seem challenging, but the right design and product solutions make it easy for the two trends to coexist. For example, when combining showerheads, hand showers and body sprays in a shower area, a slim shower control such as Grohe’s GrohTherm SmartControl manages water volume and temperature for up to three outlets through a single plate, reducing clutter from the shower wall. 

The desire for separate showers and tubs continues in both new construction and remodels. A freestanding tub provides an ideal focal point, whether as a centerpiece in generously sized bathrooms or installed flat against the wall for a more upscale appearance than traditional recess baths.

Floating vanities provide an open feeling, ideal for smaller bathrooms and powder rooms. The most popular vanities boast well-designed drawer organization features, which minimize counter clutter while maximizing storage space.

Technology in the Bathroom

Technology has opened up a new realm of possibilities in bath fixtures, with many features and improved options to meet the specific requirements of each user. From showerheads featuring touch technology to spa toilets and toilet seats offering bidet functions, technology in the bathroom will only continue to grow in the coming years.

Wellness benefits in the bath are driving increased demand in the “spa toilet” and bidet seat categories. While spa toilets with bidet functions have been favored in Japan for decades, North American homeowners are beginning to embrace the cleansing and comfort benefits. Newer, more competitively priced options make the pampering and rejuvenation experience attainable to a much wider market of homeowners at varying income levels. 

At a minimum, even if a remodeling homeowner isn’t ready for a bidet seat, it’s a good idea to advise installing an outlet near the toilet for future upgrades. Bidet seats, which can be installed on almost any toilet, are a simple upgrade requiring a minimal investment of time and money.  

Aging-in-Place Comfortably

Bidet seats are just one of the sought-after features helping homeowners comfortably and safely age in place. Bathroom spaces must enable dignity and comfort for users with temporary or permanent restrictions on mobility. 

By 2030, the segment of the population over 65 will have surged up by more than 65 percent, creating a steady demand for universal design for years to come. This category includes everything from faucets with lever handles that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act to barrier-free shower bases.

Homeowners should be aware that faucets and fixtures are being designed to be safer and more comfortable for all users, including those with disabilities or limited mobility. Many newer products incorporating universal design elements look, function and install just like their conventional counterparts. Choosing a stylish faucet with easy-to-turn lever handles and barrier-free shower bases offer improved safety and comfort for all users.

Responsible Luxury

An indulgent spa bathroom can be part of a resource-efficient home. Whether homeowners are interested in meeting local water use restrictions, greening their homes or just want to save money, technologies delivering water savings without sacrificing performance are in high demand. 

Toilets are the primary source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of a family’s average water consumption. By switching to an EPA WaterSense-certified 1.28 gal./flush toilet, a family of four can save up to 16,206 gallons of water annually without sacrificing performance. Choosing a dual-flush toilet, an option available on several styles of traditional and spa toilets, can help save even more.

Home spa bathrooms are a trend with staying power in part because they offer people a much-needed place to relax and take care of themselves. The luxurious amenities that capture the imagination of consumers also can be ideal solutions for aging-in-place and environmentally conscious lifestyles. What could be more relaxing than knowing that an indulgent bathroom sanctuary is a responsible investment?

Katty Pien is chief marketing officer at LIXIL Americas. She can be reached at pienk@lixilamericas.com, www.americanstandard.com.