Imagine a future where your electric toothbrush will sound an alarm, alerting you when you're due for a dental checkup, or the bathroom mirror notices you're looking a little peaky and recommends a trip to the doctor. This brave new world of bathrooms could be here sooner than we think as advances in technology approach new frontiers.
"By 2040, the bathroom will be an oasis for personal health and well-being," predicts Kohler national product and training manager Tom Casper. "Technology will offer a means of keeping a check and record on our personal health, while we stand in front of the mirror, advising if we need a medical or dental check-up."
He says consumers are already demanding so much more from bathrooms than we did a decade or so ago.
"The concept of the home spa has made a significant change to how we all view the bathroom," he says. "It is no longer a utilitarian area ??? It is now a place we go to relax, rejuvenate, as well as cleanse. We expect more from our bathroom products."
As technology in the bathroom evolves, we can expect to see an increase in intuitive products, smart product installations and sensor-activated functionality in taps, toilets and more.
Photo: Reece.
The latest bathrooms are already likely to feature showerheads such as the Hansgrohe Croma Overhead Select Shower and body sprays like the Teknobili Loop Body Spray (both from Reece) which double as massage therapy tools to relieve pressure points.
Bluetooth mirrors such as Reece's ADP Silex 900 are touchscreen operated and come with built-in speakers, USB and AUX ports.
"The technology now available enables considerations in indulgence, connectivity and even entertainment," says Reece Bathroom business manager Daniela Santilli.
"We are already seeing a rise in Bluetooth technology in the likes of mirrors and showerheads, and anticipate this will continue to develop in coming years across other touchpoints in the bathroom space."
At the forefront of these innovations are those that enhance hygiene, she says, particularly via sensor-activated operation.
The humble toilet is one of the stars, with new and revolutionary flush designs that provide better circulation of water and easier cleaning.
Ballerina En Pointe Landscape. Photo: Reece
One of Santilli's must-have Reece products is the Roca the Gap Rimless toilet which, she says, "offers the superior engineering of a back-to-wall suite with all functionality hidden within the unit itself".
"Technology also enables safety advantages by way of temperature control to prevent scalding - a particular advantage when there are small children or elderly family members."
Casper identifies three leading trends in smart technology that will take the bathroom into the future. First he says customised audio - such as the Moxie Showerhead with wireless Bluetooth speaker (available from E&S) - will allow us to sing along to our our Spotify playlist while soaping up in the shower.
Composed titanium abrazo veil intelligent toilet. Photo: Kohler
Next, he points to new customised personal hygiene products, operated by one-touch remote control. Kohler's VEIL intelligent toilet, for example, allows you to customise everything from water temperature and pressure, to air dryer temperature to seat temperature.
Third, he says advancements in "physical vapour deposition technology" have given rise to new metallic tapware finishes that won't tarnish, scratch or corrode.
"New technology, in general, has allowed us to gain a much better understanding of how people use their homes in general," says John Perini, of Perini.
"Hardware companies, such as Blum, for example, have invested an enormous amount of time, effort and funding into research and usability of their products ??? to ensure the longevity and quality of your cabinetry.
"More directly, sensors and smart lighting options have further enhanced not only the usability of our bathrooms but also their comfort level; motion sensors can be installed for a secondary source of lighting, enabling a soft, ambient light that is not only an effective mood light but also a convenient night light."
Most of Perini's bathroom designs already feature technologically advanced features, John says. "Custom-designed cabinets make use of the very best in technological advances in terms of finishes and hardware to offer a unique, timeless design solution."
