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AUGUST 2018 | 33 Bathtubs & Showers Bathtubs and showers make a splash in 2018 by LAURIE JONES C lean lines, structured flow, back to the classics while stepping into the new and contemporary . . . these are all thought processes of designers and manufacturers of 2018's bathtubs and showers. Inspired by a centuries-old Milan opera house, BainUltra brings a clas- sic elegance to avant-garde design with the Scala tub, a new therapeutic bath that combines a traditional profile with modern finishing touches. "As a contemporary version of the traditional clawfoot tub, Scala is notable for its modern metal feet and elongated oval silhouette, as well as the optional metal armrests available in different colours that co-ordinate perfectly to the feet," says Julie Metras, project manager, marketing. "With a minimalist outer shell and a host of available therapy options, the Scala tub is destined to be a beautiful focal point in the most luxurious of bathroom spaces." Metras adds that Scala's balanced proportions and clean lines are equally at home in an urban loft or a vintage brownstone. "It is generously sized at 72-inches long by 42-inches wide, and features a spacious bathing well that easily accommodates two bathers." Crafted of durable acrylic, this stunning tub has a flowing seamless appearance with gentle curves and wider front and rear decks. Co-ordinating armrests and metal feet are available in eight different finishes. Kohler has introduced its Veil Collection, featuring freestanding bath, sinks, toilets, and other selections for a contemporary bathroom suite. "There is a sculpted simplicity with Veil's tub design," says Donna Church, manager, marketing and communications. "For people who enjoy soaking in a bath, Veil has a 16-inch depth and the sloped lumbar support offers extra comfort. And the freestanding design creates a wonderful focal point to the bathing area." Other features of the 66-inch by 35-inch bath tub include a centre toe-tap drain, and the above-the-floor drain (AFD) installation option offers quick instal- lation that does not require floor clearance for drain. Made with Kohler Lithocast cast resin, the Veil bath has hand-finished detail that is rich with character. The Kohler Lithocast Gloss finish is lightweight and easy to clean. This new manufac- turing process allows products in the Veil Collection to have a thinner structure with asymmetric shapes. Soak It Up The Brizo Pendant shower head available from Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre. The Veil Collection from Kohler. The Joan freestanding bathtub by Maax has a unique and seamless one-piece design featuring a mix of voluptuous curves and refined lines, resulting in a design that includes a hidden drain. "The asymmetrical look makes this bathtub the perfect showpiece for your bathroom, while the raised backrest assures a comfortable bathing experience in our smallest freestanding one-piece bathtub," says Marilyn Boulanger, product director, Bath & Shower Solutions. Available in white, Joan has a maximized bathing well. Also available in the Maax line-up of one-piece freestanding tubs are Villi, Elina and Oberto. "Villi was designed to blur the lines between traditional and modern," says Boulanger. "Also designed with a hidden drain, Villi features a rectangular design with curvy comfort." The Elina freestanding tub is traditional in design, but has a double raised backrest for the ultimate in relaxation. Its unique skirt features a decorative border giving it at timeless style. Finally, the Oberto offers a minimalist look with clean, symmetrical lines. It also has a recessed deck space for faucet installation or storage. Luxury plumbing brand DXV has launched the DXV Modulus collection, a com- plete bathroom suite. "Our DXV Modulus collection highlights functional design that creates simple, yet dramatic spaces," says Isabel Carvalhana, brand manager, Luxury for Lixil Canada Inc. "The modular concept displayed throughout the collection allows for maximum flexibility in installation, bringing high design to any project, including master bathrooms and powder rooms where space may be at a premium." Thoughtfully designed as a focal point of the bathroom suite, the DXV Modulus freestanding soaking tub showcases striking, angular lines. The tub features high-gloss acrylic construction for lasting beauty and shine, and a generous 81-gallon capacity. This standalone tub is designed for use with a floor or wall- mounted tub filler. As for showers, Grohe, part of the Lixil Corporation, has introduced its Rainshower 310 SmartActive showerhead. "Whether you select the gentle rain or the powerful jet, SmartActive provides a spa-like experience at home," says Maria Bosco, product manager, Lixil Canada. "The extra-large showerhead is well- designed to complement the interior of the shower and delivers either energizing or soothing spray, creating a shower tailored to each individual." The Rainshower 310 SmartActive showers use a special spray face to double the pleasure of showering. Oval water outlets arranged in a star-shaped pattern at the centre of the spray face generate a vigorous massage jet. They are surrounded by an arrangement of nozzles producing a much gentler PureRain spray. This means users can choose between a concentrated jet to loosen up tense muscles or rinse shampoo and a rainshower softly enveloping their body. The shower can be energizing and invigorating, or soothing and relaxing. To simplify switching between the different shower functions, Grohe offers the new Grohtherm SmartControl trims that feature an intuitive push-and-turn button technology.

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