SHOWER POWER: THE EVOLUTION OF THE PERSONAL RETREAT! by R J Blum

While the kitchen is considered the "heart" of the home, the bathroom is quickly becoming the "soul" as more homeowners transform their bathrooms into spa-like environments for a relatively quick, private, luxurious retreat for relaxing, rejuvenating and daydreaming.

On Wednesday evening, June 16, 2004, an impressive group of interior designers and industry moguls gathered at Crescent Supply's luxurious kitchen and bath showroom in Pittsburgh's uptown.

One of the attractions was Robyn Waters, trend authority and president of RW Trend. This former vice president of Trend, Design and Product Development for Target shared her insights on the magnificent metamorphosis bathrooms in western Pennsylvania are experiencing.

The topic "Fabulous to Functional: The Metamorphosis of the Bathroom," was an in-depth look at the transformations bathrooms are experiencing, like the basic utilitarian and functional rooms to the spa-like and retreat masterpieces that act as an in-home getaway.

According to Waters, homeowners today are taking relaxation into their own hands, transforming their bathrooms into luxurious spa-like retreats to temporarily wash away their troubles and indulge in some quality "me time."

The greatest escape proves to be luxury showers, providing a more exhilarating, efficient alternative to whirlpool baths.

Homeowners are rejuvenating their bodies and their minds by stepping into luxury glass enclosed shower environments bejeweled with ornamental imported tile that feature multi-functional showerheads, body sprays and jets, state-of-the art thermostat controls and steam units.

"Consumers are devoting more and more space to their bathrooms, and in some cases the rooms are the size of the bedroom," explained Steve Baker, president of Crescent Supply. "With the extra space, our customers are making room for appointments you wouldn't normally find in a bathroom, including flat-screen televisions, lounge chairs and end tables, and in some cases, even fireplaces.

This was the first of a nationwide tour that Celesta Luxury Glass Enclosures is co-sponsoring. Waters' presentation identified today's hottest bathroom design trends. Below are some of the key notes from Waters' presentation.

Robyn Waters, President of RW Trends

Steve Baker, President of Crescent Supply

Shower Power
More homeowners are opting for showers instead of tubs; people are taking a closer look at glass shower enclosures. In response to this growing trend, Basco, the nations leading manufacturer of custom shower doors, recently introduced its line of Celesta Luxury Glass Enclosures, frameless 1/4" and 3/8" glass enclosures that are custom designed and crafted to provide the ultimate shower environment.

Bigger is Better
Today's homes are devoting more square footage than ever to bathrooms. In many cases the master bath becomes a well-thought-out extension of the master bathroom suite. The master bath is one place that reflects the personal tastes of the owners like no other room. A luxury glass enclosure immediately becomes a key focal point of this retreat.

Color Rules
Color is a powerful defining element in a designer's repertoire to customize the bathroom and add a pop of personality and uniqueness to the space. Warm tones with brushed and burnished metals are popular, as well as deep toned woods and natural earth tones in tiles and stones.

Texture Tantalizes
Texture is a key design detail that can add dimension and personalization to today's bathrooms. Granite, limestone, cement, slate, and concrete, along with new textured tile, are all popular ways to add interest. Textured glass also works well as an extension of privacy to the shower experience.

Let There Be Light
More attention is being paid to the accent elements of lighting. Today designers are utilizing skylights as a way to bring the outdoors in and let natural light flood the bath and shower areas. Wall sconce designs offer a clean and modern look, and add an interesting air of sophistication often missing in standard bathrooms.

Consumer appetite for more calming and carefree living, and the ability to recharge their emotional batteries and plunge into a ten-minute vacation continues to grow rapidly.

According to Kitchen & Bath Business 2004 forecast, in 2004 consumers will spend an estimated $23.65 billion on bath remodels, up 7 percent from 2003. Over the past decade, bath-remodeling jobs have grown 41.4 percent and bath-remodeling spending is up 86.3 percent.

Of the huge sums of money many homeowners are spending on bathroom remodeling, a large percentage of the allotted budgets are being reserved for high-end luxury shower spaces. A Celesta enclosure is the final touch to make your bathroom an escape and a place that you will be drawn to.

How does the Pittsburgh market for luxury bathrooms stack up against the rest of the country? Surprisingly, very well. This chart was comprised from the Remodeling Magazine "2003 Cost vs. Value Report". All statistics are the average costs of projects in Pittsburgh compared to the national average:

"A Celesta luxury glass enclosure serves a dual purpose," says Baker. "In the morning, it's about speed, but at the end of the day, it's all about relaxation. A Celesta shower environment gives you the best of both worlds."

To learn more about Celesta Luxury Glass Enclosures, visit one of the distributors listed below to view their products or to pick up a complimentary copy of the Celesta Idea & Planning Guide. Or, for simple "design" inspiration, visit www.CelestaByBasco.com. Contact your Celesta's representative - Triangle Sales at (412) 257-2300 or visit a showroom below.

Crescent Supply
6301 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 412.782.3300

Nicklas Supply, Inc.
1237 Freedom Road
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 724.772.1060

Robertson Heating Supply
1245 Freedom Rd.
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 724.772.2593

Beacon Supply
1125 Broad Ave. Belle Vernon, PA 15012 724.929.6600