Retail Observer

JUNE 2021 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 33 regarding placement as well, since they don't have to go against a wall. These tubs can be placed at an angle in the corner, coming out from the wall, inside a shower, or even in the middle of the room, which leaves more imaginative options for space planning. Jonas: One consideration when removing the tub from the master bath is to keep at least one tub in another bathroom on the floor with bedrooms. This helps in resale to families with small children, who most often want the convenience of a bathtub. Sometimes we will also renovate that tub to become a soaking tub. The trick is to specify one with a high overflow drain that will allow for a good, deep soak. • NKBA: Shea, what are some trends for style, materials and color in tubs? Shea: I am just finishing a project with a beautiful warm- silver freestanding tub that will be a real showstopper. Colored tubs are a great way to draw attention. We are mostly using transitional-style tubs with clean lines and beautiful silhouettes in acrylic. These tubs are beautiful and affordable enough to work with most budgets. As a designer, I always want to create impactful spaces. Tub placement can be integral to the balance of the space. When space planning, I generally try to place the tub so that it is the focal point of the room, and draw attention to it by either adding an element that will make it stand out, or by simple symmetry of the space – for instance, placing the tub in the center of the room, which draws the eye in. • NKBA: Jonas, since you are a Certified Living in Place Professional, and you sometimes remove bathtubs altogether, what trends in showers are you seeing? Jonas: The most common trend I see in showers, especially among older clients, is the curb-less entry for an accessible approach. There's no threshold to maneuver over. Integrating a good, solid bench for sitting or putting your foot up is another popular convenience. Even a simple, built-in toe niche can make the latter possible. When it comes to sprays, more and more clients now opt for a simple oversized rain showerhead, instead of a powerful showerhead or body sprays. A hand spray, on the other hand, is helpful not only for bathing but also for cleaning the shower. Other popular shower features include linear drains with tile insets that eliminate the look of the center drain and allow for large- format tiles on the shower floor. Low-iron thick glass doors, either sliding or swinging, eliminate the green tinge that comes with regular glass. Heated floors are handy in the shower, too, as they feel great underfoot, help dry the shower quickly and prevent mildew growth. Finally, steam showers with aromatherapy and chromatherapy are sought after among clients looking to create a luxury spa-like experience. Additional details and a complete report of the NKBA 2021 Design Trends are available in the NKBA store under "Market Research Reports." The study is included in NKBA membership; non-members may purchase the report for $2,995. RO

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