Lucyk adds: “Eco-conscious green products and techniques are very popular. It used to be that to be eco friendly was only for the elite. However, research and technology have come to the rescue and it’s possible for everyone to be a part of the movement, not just the elite.”

To that end, she says her firm carries solid surfaces that are made entirely from recycled materials, and fixtures that are designed to use lower volumes of water and still function to peak satisfaction.

Grubb adds: “Glass tiles are also an option because they are recyclable. Within the next few years, it will become much more of a request, especially as more and more product becomes available.”

Lucyk concludes: “People want their master bath to be a retreat, but they also want it to be as ‘green’ as possible. The people who come in our showroom are conscious of wasting our resources and are looking for options that are available to them, and asking for help to make a difference.”

Technology vs. Tradition

In order to achieve a more simplified experience, many designers are finding that – if done effectively – technology can work perfectly for these purposes.

Grubb explains: “Integrating technology and lifestyle equipment in the master bath is always a consideration. As a designer, you learn about your clients and their desires. You imagine being them and try to figure out how to add one piece they would not have expected.

“Plasma televisions are becoming a standard, whether sitting on the counter, wall mounted, within a medicine cabinet or built into the shower. Sound is another consideration, with speakers in steam showers and throughout the room,” he continues.

He adds that several of his projects feature a lighting system that is pre-set to create moods and various levels of lighting throughout the day.

Eagles adds: “We are seeing personalized controls on everything, including temperature, jets and chromatherapy. It is a virtual menu of showerheads and sprays, integrated music and lighting.”

“Refrigerators are also being incorporated for beverages, and in some cases, medications that need to be at a certain temperature,” Grubb mentions.

“I’m having more requests for ‘shower enhancements,’” Eisenberg says. “Many of my clients are taking out jetted tubs and installing larger, fancier showers.”

To that end, Grubb notes that typical requests for fixtures – size allowing – are for a minimum of two showerheads in the shower, and a hand-held and rain showerhead.

“I feel like we’re at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to integrated technology – everyone loves it, wants it and can’t get enough of it,” Lucyk concludes.

The Jetstream

Another way of creating the spa experience is by getting caught in the jetstream, literally, says Grubb.

He explains: “We’re seeing a lot of requests for whirlpool tubs, some with color therapy. Body jets again echo the spa experience and I’m seeing that the Kohler shower controls are beginning to be requested a bit by my clients.”

He continues: “With the whirlpool baths, the advancement of the actual placement of the jets is superb. Air baths including effervescent jets are popular, as well as chromatherapy, which is a light therapy with lighting washing over your body.

“Air jets, in addition to or instead of water jets, are growing in popularity. However, people like to use ‘additives’ with the water and this is frowned upon with recalculating water jets,” Eisenberg says.

Universal Appeal

Not surprisingly, the ubiquitous need for safety means a larger role for Universal Design.

Deardorff offers: “We’re seeing a lot of mixing of materials to add visual interest and minimize maintenance [and slipping] concerns. Plus, shower systems continue to offer multi-functional options for each user.”

Eisenberg adds: “People are definitely becoming more conscientious about universal access. I’m seeing larger showers – some featuring steam, and others with seats and safety bars.”

She continues: “Safety bars are not just for the old or disabled. They can prevent falls for everyone, including children. Grab ‘safety’ bars come in almost any finish and style, so there is no ‘medical’ or sanitary look.” 

Eisenberg adds that she’s even seen clients using grab bars as towel bars.

“Where it is feasible, I also suggest using a zero clearance threshold for the shower, and eliminating the shower door altogether,” she adds.

Eisenberg concludes: “Universal Design is just common-sense safe design. It does not affect the beauty of the project, and if I never see another step at a tub, I will know we have made progress!”

Furnished Fit

Of course, all of these elements need to create a perfect fit in order to be effective, and that means a focus on function and storage for everyday purposes, says Lucyk.

“Furniture-style pieces are very popular with the traditional crowd,’ she says. “They want the feel and comfort that beautiful furniture pieces bring to a room.”

Grubb notes: “All of our clients seem to want a vanity that does not look ‘store bought’ in any way. Vanities are now as large as possible, and we constantly search for additional space for built-ins or free-standing millwork that adds a feel of ‘furniture’ and warmth in the space.”

Specifically, he sees vanities with two sinks, usually undermounted, while “saving the top mount sinks for powder rooms.”

Deardorff agrees: “Vanities are often separated and left at differing heights to match stature. Storage is maximized vertically to get everything close to point of use.”

“People are asking for more unfitted furniture vanities, some with vessel bowls,” Eisenberg adds.

However, she does warn: “Even though people are definitely requesting these types of pieces, I think that furniture-style pieces generally have less storage, so we are scrambling to be creative in providing a place for everything the client needs to store.”

Grubb recalls a recent master bath his firm completed that reflects many of these types of elements, including a vanity with custom doors inspired by an antique piece of furniture that itself was custom made.

“There was storage recessed in the touch-latch medicine cabinets, and the green tiles/liners are actually crushed glass. The edge pieces and raised center pieces in the shower are carved and three-dimensional,” he describes.

In addition, the neutral palette bath features a steam shower, air bath with body jets, dual sinks and dual showerheads.
Eagles recalls her work on the master bath and bathtub area featured as part of the 2008 Philharmonic House of Design.

“The large his-and-hers master bath was organically inspired and designed as a calming sanctuary with its natural materials, unique etched stone and soothing colors of cocoa, cream and sea blue.

“I found that blending textures and styles, and using values of light and dark, added to the impact of the space and made a very large room seem a lot less imposing,” she concludes.