We’ve all heard of high-tech kitchens, but not very many homeowners think of integrating advanced technology in the smallest room in the house-—the bathroom. I will be the first to admit that when I stroll through design showrooms I tend to gravitate towards new products for the kitchen and larger living areas. What’s more, when I travel to hotels and run across a product that makes washing up safer and more comfortable I rarely consider installing it in my own home (in most cases I figure it’s a luxury I can’t afford).
The following are some of my favorite high-tech bathroom fixtures (whether they end up in one of our bathrooms remains to be seen, but a girl can dream can’t she?)
Electronic Faucets
You’ve seen (and have likely used) them at airports, but would you consider installing an electronic faucet in your home? If you hate having to nag your children about turning off the faucet, you may want to think about getting one. Delta is currently marketing an e-flow electric sink that operates by infrared sensor (so it shuts off automatically). No more nagging and no more soap scum around the faucet handles! Prices for the sink range from about $400 for chrome to $500 for pearl nickel.
Television Mirror
Several upscale hotel chains have made them a standard part of their rooms and now you can have one in your own home. I’m talking about a television mirror that allows you to brush your teeth, fix your hair, or apply your make-up as you watch the news or catch up on your favorite soap opera. When the TV is turned on, it’s visible within the mirror; when it’s off, you see only a mirror reflection. Some models even come equipped with cable, satellite, and DVD players.
High-Tech Bathtub
This is by far my favorite high-tech bathroom luxury item. I love to take long, relaxing baths, but I don’t like to stand over the tub waiting for it to fill. With Ondine’s ESS-Tub control you just press a button on the control pad and walk away. When you return the tub will be filled to the depth of your choice—-full, half-full, whatever you prefer. The system automatically shuts off the water at the desired volume and remembers favorite temperatures for up to three household members.
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