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august 2015 | 43 Bathtubs & showers I Championing the future of bathtubs and showers by laurie jones Innovation, style and balance are three major factors in the bathtub and shower line-up for 2015. From the latest designs in freestanding tubs to high-tech fau- cets, designers and consumers alike have a plethora of options. An industry leader for over 35 years, BainUltra has achieved a singular level of design perfection with its new Charism collection of therapeutic tubs that blur the line between pure function and high art. With two distinctive shapes, this original collection is notable for its sleek silhouette and an elegant band of colour that outlines the exterior of the tub and defines the interior space. Available in all standard colours and eye-catching shades of crystal rock and copper, this rich stripe contrasts sharply with the unadorned shell of the tub, creating a modern, sculptural effect that demands attention. "The appeal of the Charism collection is not limited to its visual beauty, but also includes the unseen attri- butes that promote a holistic sense of well-being and relaxation," says Julie Metras, development project manager. "Charism baths are part of BainUltra's cov- eted ThermoMasseur category, offering all the thera- peutic benefits of hydro-thermo massage – relaxing the body and mind, relieving back pain, stimulating blood flow and eliminating toxins. Geysair technology is also available in Charism, providing the welcome luxury of uniform heat and stable water tempera- ture." This bold collection includes the linear Charism 6434 or the Charism Oval 6436 and are available in a Freestanding or Theatre Stage installation type. Kohler expands its wide array of freestanding and hydrotherapy options in 2015 with the introduction of the Archer freestanding bath and Underscore oval freestanding and drop-in baths. "When it comes to the trend of spa-at-home, we're seeing a growing affinity for modern freestanding bathtubs, especially those with hydrotherapy options," says Donna Church, mar- keting and communications. "That is why this year we expanded our lineup of freestanding baths to include Archer and Underscore. The design of these two new baths was inspired by traditional footed styles, which are an important part of Kohler's heritage. The updated, sleek lines and new take on the traditional foot translates nicely into a variety of bathroom décor, from traditional to modern." Church says for those customers looking for an ultimate relaxation solution, both styles are avail- able as soaking baths with a variety of coveted Kohler hydrotherapy experiences like VibrAcoustic sound technology, combining sound vibration with music for a deeply relaxing experience; ProFlex BubbleMassage to envelope bathers in relaxing bubbles; Bask heated surfaces that heats the neck, shoulders and back sur- face regions; and chromatherapy lights. Soak It Up American Standard's new freestanding soaking tubs come in a number of styles ranging from tradi- tional, modern, to contemporary. Designed to create an elegant and luxurious bath- room focal point, American Standard freestanding tubs are the perfect option for a new home or bathroom remodel. Each tub is made of high-gloss acrylic, mak- ing for a smooth, durable, scratch-resistant body, with fibreglass reinforcement for added quality security. Choose from the Ovale, Loft, or Serin Tub, each offering a beautifully unique masterpiece to any bath- room. "The Ovale bath's classic shape creates a feel- ing of warmth and luxury, with a large bathing well for tall bathers. The Loft's hallmark design features crisp, clean lines with a strong rectangular shape – a sleek design making the bathroom seem more spa- cious. The Serin is an expression of modern design and pampered luxury in its purest form, creating the per- fect centrepiece for a spa home retreat," says Michael Delguidice, product marketing manager, American Standard Brands. For an added touch of lavish, DXV, American Standard's luxury brand, features a portfolio of pre- mium freestanding tubs that create a spa-like experi- ence and transform the bathroom into a sanctuary for relaxation, with the comforts of home. "The stately, finely sculpted form of the St. George Tub is superior in its design excellence, complemented perfectly with DXV's Traditional Tub Filler. For con- temporary indulgence, the Lyndon Tub emphasizes the harmonious union of sleek sophistication with simple lines, paired with DXV's Contemporary Floor Mount Tub Filler. Strong, clean lines of the Fitzgerald Tub exude luxury with a vintage flair, pairing with the Transitional Floor Mount Tub Filler," adds Isabel Carvalhana, product marketing manager, American Standard Brands. MAAX Bath Inc. launched two new product lines for 2015 that represent bold and innovative break- throughs in the bath and shower market – the U Tile innovative shower wall panel solution offering an easy-to-install and maintain alternative to conven- tional ceramic tiles, and ModulR, a highly customiz- able product line featuring bathtubs, shower bases and shower doors that allows easy customization and maximum space utilization. "These exciting products reflect MAAX's long tra- dition of championing innovation to meet the evolv- ing needs of the marketplace," says André Deland, VP, new product development and marketing, MAAX Bath. "They are a central part of our commitment to main- tain our leadership by offering our customers com- plete bathware solutions that meet everyday needs with regard to attractive design, comfort, superior quality, functionality and installation, as well as con- venient maintenance." The ModulR solution offers hundreds of configura- tions for bathtubs, shower bases and doors that best suit the dimensions and designs of a bathroom. "With so many different combo configurations to choose from, ModulR allows customers to maximize every square inch of their bathroom and create a unique and attractive décor," says Deland. "The ModulR products are ideal for remodelling projects or new urban con- structions where space is often limited." The bathtub options offered in the showrooms at Andrew Sheret Limited and Splashes Bath & Kitchen feature the latest trends in luxury bathing, with sizes to fit a variety of footprints. "Our resident experts recently shared their observations for the looks, fin- ishes and features that are most popular," says Eva U Tile product line in marble from MAAX Bath Inc.; Archer freestanding tub from Kohler Ltd.; Ovale freestanding tub from American Standard; ModulR solution from MAAX Bath Inc.; Charism Oval freestanding tub from BainUltra.

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