The Great Escape
These five hot trends in kitchen and bath products can help you sell big in the new era of home as sanctuary.
By Katy Tomasulo
Trend 1: Cozy UpWith homeowners cocooning more than ever, the bathroom remains their great getaway. For consumers looking for the spa treatment without the time or expense, manufacturers are incorporating steam units into showers and chromotherapy--an alternative healing method that uses color--into tubs. Even familiar jets and sprays in whirlpool tubs are improving, with new bubbling systems that either target specific body parts or completely envelop the user with soft air bubbles. And while styles are getting simpler, luxury is not sacrificed. "The bath is a place within the home that people typically go for stress relief,"says Gary Pember, group product manager for the bath at Moen. "They go there to pamper themselves, so style and design are becoming much more important."
Photo Credit: Courtesy Ultra Baths
Color cure: Adding chromotherapy to the whirlpool experience, the company offers its tubs with an LED lighting system in seven pure colors. The TMU series, shown here, also is available with a heated backrest. A range of contours and sizes is available. Ultra Baths. 800-463-2487. www.ultrabaths.com .
Photo Credit: Courtesy Kallista
Furniture feel: Part of the Michael Smith for Country Collection, this tub features an elegant wood surround with a marble top.
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