Jordan O'BrienInstalling technology in a bathroom is nothing new to custom installers – but there’s one technology that integrators could be missing out on, and it’s one that, according to Houzz, is set to take off.
According to the 2016 US Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, the bathroom is fast becoming the hub of technology. Many associate the smart kitchen with the hub of the smart home, but now it seems the smart bathroom could be even more key.
Not only do 58% of consumers admit to using their mobile devices in a bathroom but 20 of new toilets installed amongst those surveyed had some sort of techy features. Those features include the ability to self-clean, overflow protection/anti-clogging, motion-activated covers or seats, built-in nightlights, heated seating, self-deodorisers and hands-free flushing.
It’s not just about the smart toilets however, users are also opting for other techy features to spruce up their bathroom suites. This included high-tech bathtubs, of which 12% of those surveyed admitted to have had installed. What exactly is a smart bathtub you ask? Well it’s a bathtub that features things such as integrated lighting, heated backrests, scented mist dispensers, and sound and vibration.
It’s not just smart bath tubs, consumers are also opting for smart showers. Those are showers that include mood lighting, digital controls, built-in-sound, showerheads with integrated LED lighting and showerheads with speakers.
Those features were seemingly more important to consumers looking for technology in their bathrooms over some other, more traditional installs. Only 3% of consumers responded to the survey saying they chose a home entertainment system or TV for their bathroom.
The rest of the Houzz study is available on the company’s website.