The amount of consideration going into the design of a bathroom these days is pretty amazing. Gone are the days of the bathroom as a private utilitarian room. The modern spa bathroom trend seems to be changing the way people design their bath environment. This issue of Style Trends looks at a few innovative products making their way into the modern bath.

 

---

 

USM Storage Cabinet    

USM has been producing timeless modern design for over 40 years. The company is best known for its' Haller storage system which allows for endless configurations of enameled steel panels suspended in chromed steel frames. Haller was designed by and named for Fritz Haller, who was commissioned by USM's Scharer family to create a furniture system for their new offices. The beauty of the system is that it has a timeless appearance. It's hard to tell the difference between a vintage Haller piece and a new one. The materials also make it ideal for just about any application. We happen to think that is is well suited for additional bath storage in todays modern bath. The modularity allows you to create bath storage tailored to your  needs. It's finishes are resilient to moisture, making it ideal for the bath. The Haller system is included in the permanent collection of the NY Museum of Modern Art, so why not bring a little bit of iconic design into your bath.

(As a side note, the next time you watch your favorite tv program look for USM's Haller furniture on set. This classic design shows up on the set of everyone from Private Practice to Greys Anatomy)

 

---

 

Tatami Shower Floor

I'm constantly marveling at all of the beautiful shower systems available in Europe, which unfortunately do not pass code in the US. I recently came across  a simple and very elegant solution for the shower floor by Ceramica Flaminia, the Tatami collection, which is now available in the US. The Tatami shower floor system is comprised of a simple recessed shower tray that uses ceramic bricks to divert the shower water to the drain. The bricks have subtle ridges that help channel the water and allow for a slip free surface. The system is modular and can be ordered with a minimum of two bricks and a maximum of five. When installed the Tatami turns a simple shower floor into an architectural statement. It is a very accessible way to bring high design home to your bath. Retail pricing on the two brick version begins at $1,475.

  

---

 

Thermasol Steam Shower

There is something luxurious about being able to relax in a steam bath in the privacy of your own home. Steam showers were once only reserved for the wealthy. We are seeing a trend of steam showers being added to even the most modest of remodeling projects. One company who virtually introduced steam baths to the US market is Thermasol. Thermasol has been producing steam systems for residential & hospitality use for over 50 years. The Thermasol systems include electronic timers and temperature settings making operating the steam bath very simple. There is also an aromatherapy component to the steam bath that allows you to place essential oils of your choosing on the steam head, allowing for diffusion of the scents into the warm steam. The Serenity package even allows for color changing LED lighting as well as fully integrated sound system for total relaxation. Look for more steam units, such as Thermasol's, to become more common place in today's master bathrooms. The Thermasol Pro units are priced from $2,385.

---