Retail Observer

JULY 2022 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 33 TRAVEL & LUXURY HOTEL EXPERIENCES Speaking of hotel influence, NKBA Design + Industry Award Winner Shea Pumarejo designed a traditional luxury bath for her clients who wanted to bring their joy of travel and luxury hotels right into their own home. A large shower featured two showerheads. The free-standing, pewter pedestal tub was located across from the entrance to serve as the focal point of the space. The decorative tile detail behind the tub became the artwork of the space and was set off by a starburst chandelier. Lilac marble tile was repeated from the large-format floor tile to the countertops and shower casing, to the herringbone mosaic tile used above the wainscot in the shower and as a backsplash at his vanity. Black Nero marble was also repeated in the wainscot, shower bench, shower moldings and the decorative tile behind the tub. Mirrors in a starburst shape repeat the design of the chandelier over the tub and create dramatic focal points. SPA & WELLNESS Wellness is the new luxury item. Bathrooms can improve wellness with luxury items such as steam showers and baths and products that help reduce germs, such as antimicrobial surfaces, no-touch faucets, bidets and self-cleaning toilets. The pandemic has increased the desire for luxury spa experiences directly within the home, whether it be a whirlpool or jetted tub, beautiful materials, chroma therapy, aromatherapy or even a private massage or meditation room. A luxury bathroom allows homeowners to maintain healthy habits in their homes. "The ancient Romans knew the health benefits of bathing in a warm bath. This is one of the luxury experiences clients ask for most," Pumarejo shared. "One of my favorite luxury bath items is a steam shower. These are available with chroma therapy and essential oil options. Luxurious steam with lavender before bed is the perfect way to end the day, or steam with eucalyptus oil during allergy season can really start your day off right in the morning." TECHNOLOGY The NKBA 2022 Design Trends Study identified Millennials as a driving force behind the integration of technology in bath design. High-end clients want to push the boundaries of technology. Key bathroom technology includes smart controls for flooring/showers, connected scales, mirrors, heated floors, mobile app controls and water conservation technology. These smart panels and controls allow the homeowner to control shower temperature, water flow, steam, music and chromotherapy. Diaz integrated a whole-home automation system including window blackout and lighting activated by motion sensors, so the space is only illuminated when in use in her award-winning design. Not only do we aspire to be tech-savvy, we also desire to be eco- savvy – as in Diaz's wall-hung automated toilet showcased in her winning bathroom design. Toilets today are designed with many different styles and technologies. Smart toilets, bidets and washlets all provide motion-sensor technology to open and close the lid, hand- held remotes for function, and a cleaning system for users that avoids anyone touching the surface other than while sitting down, and reduces paper consumption. NKBA LUXURY BATH SUMMIT Luxury designers and market experts joined the NKBA for its second Luxury Summit on June 22-23, 2022. The interactive summit, sponsored by Cambria, featured a series of discussions and panels focused on the research behind the luxury bath, hospitality trends, design + technology, how important brands are in the luxury bath space, and much more. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • No Longer a Pitstop: The Bathroom's Changing Role • Learning Curve: How Technology Offered Up Design Insights • Travel Finds: Hospitality Trends Inspiring Bathroom Design Today • Mood Board: Exploring the Functional and Emotional Elements of the Luxury Bath • Post-Pandemic Predictions and the Luxury Home: What Really Counts? To view the on-demand sessions, head to www.nkba.org – the sessions will be available through Dec. 31, 2022. RO

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