Bath’s Future: Integrated Technology

October 30, 2023

Bath’s Future: Integrated Technology

October 30, 2023

How personalized solutions from smart toilets and lighting to product apps are becoming an integral part of bath design.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

The biggest bath trend expected for the next few years is integrated technology, according to NKBA’s recently released 2024 Bath Trends report. In fact, some of the most popular products and solutions include smart mirrors, toilets and showers, individualized vanities with integrated outlets, living in place features and more. Below a highlight of what designers are talking about as the future for the bath.

Kohler’s DTV+ Digital Interface offers homeowners their choice of experiences including chromatherapy, hydrotherapy, steam, and more. Image courtesy of Kohler.

1. App/Keypad Water Controls

Plumbing fixtures that allow for the control of settings with an app or keypad are definitely the future of bath. Popular solutions include customizable programming to create personalized music, lighting and water temperature experiences in the shower. This can be done via an app or a wall-mounted touchscreen interface.

Toto’s Washlet G450 Integrated Smart Toilet offers an auto flush, auto/open close lid, a washlet with three different wash modes and temperature control. Image courtesy of Toto.

2. Smart Bath Tech

Smart showers, mirrors and toilets will take over the bath space of the future, providing homeowners with highly customizable experiences. Whether it’s starting the shower from
the comfort of the bed, pre-setting the lights for different times of the day or relying on programmable heated flooring, the personalization of the bath through technology is becoming a necessary part of the design process.

Rev-A-Shelf’s vanity outlet drawer is perfect for storing curling irons and hair dryers, and the integrated outlet provides flexibility. Image courtesy of Rev-A-Shelf.

3. Individualized Vanities

Personalized vanities with integrated outlets will make finding and using accessories easier. No more digging around in messy drawers or trying to reach an outlet that’s far from the vanity or mirror. Homeowners can now customize vanities for their specific needs. .

Delta Faucet’s Dryden features Touch2O.Xt® Technology, allowing users to simply touch it on or off. Image courtesy of Delta Faucet Company.

4. Living in Place

Homeowners who are remodeling instead of moving are looking to the future as they age and designing their baths accordingly. This can mean customizing baths to include Living in Place features such as grab bars, levers instead of knobs for faucets and zero-entry showers. Voice or motion-activated faucets and lights are also popular solutions.

Floor & Decor’s heat membrane sheet secures heating cables in place beneath a homeowner’s desired flooring. Image courtesy of Floor & Decor.

5. Floor Temperatures

Floors are an important part of the bath experience. As a result, temperature solutions such as under-floor heating will also be in demand. Warm floors make stepping out of the tub or shower a more spa-like experience, which clients want too — another trend designers have identified, according to the report.