Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM SEPTEMBER 2014 30 THE 2014 INTRODUCTION OF TOILECHIC REVOLUTIONIZES THE BATHROOM The porcelain toilet hasn't really changed much over the 100 years it has inhabited our bathrooms. A new product, ToileChic, is poised to change that. "Everything else in the home has been aesthetically modernized, yet that unsightly toilet is still in full view," quips ToileChic Owner/ Designer, Kathy Monteiro. "It was time for a drastically new design approach." As a San Francisco bay area designer for 23 years, Monteiro's clients continually complained about the look of toilets in their beautifully remodeled or new bath/powder rooms. A friend suggested covering the toilet with a chair that would not only hide the toilet, be more comfortable to use, but also provide a chair in the bathroom. Monteiro seized the concept that she felt would revolutionize the bathroom. Monteiro said, "Because of Crypton's patented technology, it is now feasible and practical to have a fabric around a toilet. Crypton really performs." Crypton fabric has been used in hospitals, senior care facilities, etc. for over 18 years, with over 100 million yards sold. It boasts that it is anti-stain, anti-odor, virtually non porous, can be cleaned with an enzyme soap (like Tide) and water, and can be disinfected using Crypton's own EPA approved disinfectant. Monteiro said, "Crypton fabrics have been used in the White House and Buckingham Palace, proving it's durability and performance." After 4 years of development requiring the invention of a hinge system and bowl cover, Monteiro introduced five ToileChic styles with matching bidets at the Las Vegas Furniture Show last July. ToileChic was chosen as one of the top outstanding and innovative products at the show... an impressive distinction where over 3 million sq ft of home decor is displayed. The product was selected to be shown to approx. 200 design professionals during a show seminar. Monteiro said, "The response was wonderfully overwhelming. We were the undisputed "buzz" at the show. For those people who were not familiar with Crypton, it was fun to demonstrate its capabilities. While the old paradigm says: Form follows Function, our newly created paradigm with ToileChic is: Form MEETS Function." ToileChic offers their custom chairs and bidets in 40 different Crypton patterns and colors (or faux leather selections) along with the choice of a skirt or "pop out" upholstered front. The selection of a Kohler or Toto toilet/bidet is included, and toilets flush by using the recliner handle mechanism on the side of the chair. Seniors and the disabled potentially could abandon medical toilet aides because of ToileChic's padded arms to assist them in getting on and off the toilet. Potty training could be safer with the help of arms, preventing injury from toddlers falling off. Flushing the toilet is also more quiet with the upholstered chair surrounding it. "ToileChic could introduce more open floor plans and save space in senior care residences and highrise urban studio apartments because it adds a chair to the room without taking up additional limited space. A stylish vanity would be next to it, and the shower would be behind an enclosed door, allowing for a more spacious feel for being in one room.... not to mention the convenience of use for seniors," Monteiro said. She added, "I predict that with the introduction of ToileChic, in 10 years people will look at a porcelain toilet and ask, 'Did people really have those uncomfortable, antiquated looking things sitting in their bathrooms?' ToileChic truly is a very revolutionary, chic toilet." ToileChic also advertises it is proudly American made. For more information visit www.toilechic.com or call 1.855.498.6644. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ] RO

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