April 2008 • Productsphere
Water World
The latest bathroom products draw inspiration from nature, technology, and the spa.
By Paul Makovsky
The bathroom ought to be a bastion of hygiene, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel clinical. Increasingly, nature is a major inspiration: edges have become softer and more organic. Fixtures create the effect of rain showers, waterfalls, and, in the case of the manufacturer Hansa, water running over pebbles in a stream.
At the same time, spa-style luxury continues to gain popularity. Mood enhancers like colored lighting, aromatherapy, and music—already introduced to residential bathtubs and Jacuzzis—have moved in to showers. Even the toilet seat is getting an upgrade. Toto’s new Washlet S400 has a hands-free flush and a smart lid that opens and closes automatically—making it ideal for children, the elderly, and husbands who just never learn. Here’s a selection of bathroom products—plus one for the kitchen—that emphasize comfort, convenience, and fluid curves.
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