Home spa elements are becoming much more accessible and fit for purpose in the modern home, going beyond the ever-popular hydrotherapy bath systems. Thanks to new innovations, people can now enjoy the luxury of steam integrated into their shower enclosures, eliminating the need for additional space. Similar developments have seen more affordable sauna offerings being introduced to the domestic market. As consumers become more aware of wellness technologies, including chromotherapy, they are being specified at the planning stage of a new bathroom.
Music systems are also a popular choice, as people reassess how they interact with their bathroom, no longer seeing it as just a functional room. There are modest products on the market that may not be ‘all singing, all dancing’, but will still enhance a bathroom experience such as colour-changing LEDs, a shower steam generator or a multi-function showerhead.
Most baths can be updated to incorporate whirlpool jets and lighting which can be cost-effective if a client does not wish to replace their whole bathtub. It also means clients can experience hydrotherapy in a smaller space, simply by adapting their existing tub.
Consumers are much more aware of the benefits of wellness products, so are willing to introduce these elements into their homes. While, perhaps, three years ago a sauna was an extravagant product and unnecessary in the everyday bathroom.
C.P. Hart is seeing a rising interest in sauna and steam. Home spas and wetrooms are expected to see a great deal of growth over the coming years – it is no longer a ‘specialist’ product, and consumers are keen to embrace more technological possibilities in their homes, as well as viewing their bathroom areas as spaces to relax and unwind, as opposed to a solely utilitarian area.
C.P. Hart’s most popular products for home spas continue to focus around chromotherapy, as well as steam and sauna rooms and technically-advanced showers, such as the ATT system by Dornbracht or the Hansgrohe RainBrain.
Rain showers, multiple jets and more minimalist, ‘smart’ items like the Dornbracht Smart Water and Effegibi Touch and Steam and Topkapi are also seeing continued growth. The launch of Touch and Steam and Topkapi by Effegibi demonstrates how technology is the driving force behind today’s designs. This neat innovation boasts everything required for a steam experience in one stylish panel. Controlled using a touch interface, users can also make the most of inbuilt chromotherapy lighting with different colour options.
In terms of aesthetics, C.P. Hart is seeing an increasing use of natural stone, which is perfect to add warmth and detail to a space. Furthermore, a real trend is emerging for porcelain tiles that look like stone and wood, which don’t require the maintenance that stone does. In terms of texture, the use of deep wood grain on furniture veneers, or rough textures on tiles makes everything tactile and touchable, which is a nice feature in a ‘natural’ bathroom. Lastly, brushed finishes on brassware look great and are in keeping with the tactile nature of a natural bathroom.
Achieving the ‘spa look’
It should also be said that even if your client doesn’t have a large space, a ‘spa look’ is still achievable. Incorporating wall-mounted products into a bathroom design will keep the space looking ‘light’. Ensure that surfaces are kept clear, and it will be surprising at how open a spa bathroom will feel.
An easy solution to enhance the natural light in the space and helping the space to feel bigger is to use mirrors. When considering a colour palette, keep it as light as possible, being careful about heavy contrasts with finishes and products. However, don’t play it too safe with colour choices as this can make a room look insipid and washed out.
Obviously, when considering a home spa area for a client, bear in mind general issues like water pressure – but most importantly space restrictions. Steam rooms require insulated walls and so need to be specified at the planning stage, however saunas are available as complete cabins that are almost ready to go. Therefore, it is much easier to add the product later, even after a bathroom has been completed. All you need to do is find a place for it. Any shower elements will require specific planning with suitable water pressure and electrics being considered from the offset.
For the invigoration element associated with spas, choose body jets, waterfall showerheads and mist jets for a showering zone. There are lighting and music options that can be integrated into a bathroom for early morning wake ups and late evening relaxation.