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  Imagine taking a bubble bath in this baby! Diamond Spa's stainless steel soaking bath is also available in copper. Basin-style sinks and free-form vanities infuse a sleek and modern feel to bathrooms. LEFT:New bathroom design reflects Asian-inspired features such as the liberal use of natural stone. RIGHT: A French-style concrete sink increases counter space and adds modern appeal to a bathroom.
Splash of Luxury Love to be pampered? New products and upscale designs bring the spa experience to your own in-home bath.

The popularity of spas has made a splash in home building and remodeling, inspiring homeowners to introduce more luxury into their own bathrooms. With countless new products on the market, you can follow the trend, experiencing the relaxation of your favorite spa without leaving home.

Here's what you need to know as you talk to your local contractors and home improvement professionals about creating a customized, upscale look in your new or remodeled bath.

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Want to come home at the end of a long day to a tub of your own? Contact your local bath remodeling expert for advice on a sweet soak.

TOP NEW PRODUCTS

  • Beautiful vessel sinks Some are handmade, and crafted in everything from natural stone to painted china and from stainless steel to frosted glass. Top them with heated mirrors that stay fog-free throughout your bath or shower.

  • Streamlined cabinetry Flat-panel fronts and divided drawers keep toiletries out of sight and serenely in place. Some feature built-in cappuccino makers and small refrigerators.

  • Vertical spas and shower towers Enjoy a full-body massage with body sprays installed in the wall. Other showers feature steam treatments and multiple settings, including a ceiling-mounted rain showerhead that mimics the feeling of a soft spring rain.

  • Under-floor radiant heating Stay warm. Add warming drawers and free standing or wall-mounted towel warmers so you can wrap up in comfort as you step out of the shower.

    • SPACE FOR SPAS Spa-style baths aren't confined to spacious new homes. Even if your house is relatively small, you might turn a spare bedroom into a walk-in closet and master bedroom spa. Or replace an existing tub with a double shower, complete with programmable jets. Install a comfortable double bench in the shower so you can relax under the soothing spray.

    For a firsthand look at the latest bath products, visit your local home improvement store or talk to a bathroom designer. (Find one in your area through the National Kitchen & Bath Association, www.nkba.org.)

    HOT SPA INNOVATIONS
    Spa-style baths have replaced kitchens as the hottest trend in home remodeling and decorating, says Stephanie Bullwinkel, AKBD, a designer for Chicago's Imperial Kitchens & Baths, Inc. "People are working so hard in their day jobs,” she says. "When they come home, they want a nice place to relax.” Here are some of the latest and most popular innovations, Stephanie says.

    • FLAT-PANEL TVS
      Relax in the tub and watch your favorite shows. It's even possible to put a plasma TV behind a mirror so you can shave and watch the morning news and traffic reports at the same time, Stephanie says.

    • TANKLESS TOILETS
      Streamlined in design, these look more like hatboxes or foot stools than traditional facilities.

    • SOLID-SURFACE MATERIALS
      Granite and stone eliminate the need for grout between tiles. This change is ideal for eco-conscious consumers, Stephanie says. "They're easy to keep clean, and you don't need harsh chemicals.”

    • A SHOWER TOUCHPAD
      Program multiple showerheads, turning them on in order for preset periods of time. "The first thing in the morning when you're groggy, you just hit the button, and it starts," Stephanie says.

    • A SPA BATH
      For home-theater rooms, largest pictures available, complex setup; $1,000 and up for projector, several hundred more for the screen.

     

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