High-tech products bring new luxuries to bathroom

The cell phone changed the way we communicate, the MP3 player changed how we listen to music, and high-tech living is now redefining how we refresh and rejuvenate in the bathroom.

Once considered a merely utilitarian space, the bathroom has evolved into a personal retreat that’s more luxurious than ever. Through advances in digital technology, for example, homeowners are enjoying relaxing, customized “shower experiences” with multiple showerheads, hand showers and body sprays.

“Homeowners who are looking for the timely convenience of showering and the sensual experience of bathing find that a customized showering environment is more than an ideal compromise,” said Michael Wandschneider, a senior product manager for Kohler.

While most home showers from years past wouldn’t have been able to drive more than one showerhead, new technology like the Kohler DTV, featuring a digital valve and interface, can feed as many as eight showerheads, handshowers or body sprays.

The DTV’s preset hydrotherapy experiences include “up massage,” “down massage” and “wave massage,” as well as temperature therapy. Homeowners can also create their own personalized showering experiences. In a master bathroom, for instance, the wife and husband can each program their favorite options and call them up instantly.

In addition to enhancing a home’s value, today’s home-spa technology is also adding more comfort and style to one of the most basic of bathroom necessities — the toilet. Remote controls and in-line heaters, for example, are adding bidet functionality to traditional toilet seats. The C3 seat from Kohler also illuminates the bowl with a soft blue light, allowing users the option of keeping bright bathroom lights off when making nighttime trips to the bathroom.

As an added bonus, today’s high-tech devices make it possible for even the smallest bathroom to offer a haven of rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit.

Information courtesy NewsUSA