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The Artifacts freestanding bath from Kohler Co. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | 25 Plumbing product trends to watch for in 2020 by LAURIE JONES W ith the desire for beautiful, functional products that keep the body clean and the mind relaxed, manufacturers of plumbing products have once again stepped up their game to offer that special something for everyone. There's a feeling that comes with discovering the perfect piece for a room – a piece that speaks to a per- son's personality, taste, and style – creating a look that is unique to one person. The Artifacts collection embodies this feeling. Inspired by turn-of-the-century charm and backed by the integrity of Kohler Co., each piece in this singular col- lection is like discovering a gem at a street market or antique shop. "The Artifacts freestanding bath is like a vintage treasure rediscovered, enhanced by the comforts of modern design," says Donna Church, manager, marketing and communications. "The gentle curve in the rim offers additional neck support, while keeping the centre at a lower height for easy access in and out of the bath." Part of the Kohler Shadows colour collection, this bath features a smooth enamelled interior and matching painted exterior in Black Plum. Artifacts bath can be customized with a pedestal base or ball-and-claw feet. "The Artifacts freestanding bath will be a focal point in your bathroom and adds character to your bathing space," says Church. "The integral lumbar support on both ends offers extra comfort while bathing, and the Safeguard slip-resistant surface on the bath floor ensures extra safety. It also comes with an extensive line of matching faucets and accessories." MTI Baths is pleased to unveil the latest addition to its Boutique Collection of freestanding tubs – the Mallory. This elegant double slipper tub brings soft curves, gently rolled rims, and minimalist lines to the bathroom that complements both contemporary and vintage-inspired décors. A deep bathing well and gently reclined back rests make for a supremely luxurious soak. The silky-smooth interior is curved to cradle the body for maximum comfort, creat- ing a spa-like bath experience that is exceptionally relaxing and restorative. Measuring 65.5-inch by 35.5-inch by 26.5-inch, the Mallory is generously sized to accommodate one or two bathers with ease. "As with all Boutique Collection tubs, the Mallory is created from MTI's signature SculptureStone – a proprietary material that is 75 percent organic natural stone combined with high-performance resins," says Michael Kornowa, director of marketing. "The molded stone is solid throughout with high insulat- ing properties to keep bath water warm longer for extended soaks." SculptureStone tubs are non-porous and resistant to stain, mould, and mildew, with a glossy finish that is simple to clean and maintain. The Mallory includes a chrome finish toe-tap drain kit and an integrated overflow, and is available as a soaker or an air bath. Julie Metras, marketing manager for BainUltra, says the new Bain de Ville therapeutic baths are offered in the ThermoMasseur category (with Geysair hot air system) and in the tub category, to which you can add Illuzio chromatherapy, AromaCloud aromatherapy, and WarmTouchShell Thermotherapy technologies. "The Bain de Ville collection is designed for one bather," she says. "An optional WarmTouchShell is available for added thermotherapy." Bathing Beauties Bain de Ville is available in white, biscuit, and grey with 100 percent acrylic and UltraVelour matte finish. It can also be installed with an integrated skirt. In order to create an enchanting symmetrical bathtub with a rectangular design and curvy comfort, the Villi – a one-piece freestanding bathtub by Maax – was designed to blur the lines between traditional and modern. The intuitive and balanced lines are complemented with the maximized bathing well, the comfortable raised backrests, and a unique hidden drain. "Villi is a seamless one-piece acrylic bathtub that stands out for its versatility," says Christine Lacasse-Veilleux, industrial designer at Maax Bath Inc. "It adapts to any environment. With a shape that is both oval and square, it suggests a spacious and unrestricted space." Freestanding bathtubs have become increas- ingly popular. At one time considered a luxury, these bathtubs are now more accessible than ever, with models available for all tastes and budgets. LET IT R AIN Kohler's Real Rain overhead panel brings the experience of the gentle buildup of a warm summer rainstorm in your shower. "The Rain Real overhead panel is designed with a water reservoir that relies on gravity to shape individual drops that replicate rainfall," says Church. "When the reservoir fills, water spills into the remainder of the showerhead, covering over 775 nozzles, and raindrops begin to fall softly and slowly then grow in strength and speed until the shower feels, sounds, and looks like a warm summer rain. Push a button and the Deluge feature releases a reservoir of water in one powerful instant to simulate an energetic burst of heavy rain." The Real Rain overhead panel's 775 silicone concave nozzles provide a wide coverage area and are easy-to-clean. The Deluge function delivers approxi- mately 1.9 litres (0.5 gallons) of water in eight seconds at the push of a button and the centre of the panel is designed as a rain-free zone to keep user's face dry and encourage easy breathing. Also from Maax in 2020 is the Vela Sliding Shower Door. "With crystal clear glass to show off what's inside, and on-trend finishes to complement the whole look, shower doors can really tie a room together in dramatic fashion – and there is no better door to do this than the new Vela door," says Lacasse-Veilleux. "This stylish sliding shower door concept is available in a range of finish combina- tions for its designer-style rollers, handles, and towel bars: three monochrome finishes and four mix-finish options provide more trendy and edgy styles at a moderate price point." SOAP UP Bradley Corp. introduces a new variety of its award-winning WashBar – the Washbar Duo – which pairs touchless soap and water components in a single and convenient-to-use fixture. While the original all-in-one WashBar integrates unique smart sensor tech- nology with soap, water, and dryer, the Duo model expands designers' options when only soap and water are needed. "The WashBar Duo is the perfect solution if a facility already has a contract for paper towels or when there's another preference for hand drying," says Kris Plumbing Products