Wednesday, September 4, 2002

History repeats itself in bathroom design

Some things never go out of style. In fact, many of todayís hottest trends in bathroom design are rooted in the bathing rituals of the world"s earliest civilizations. Homeowners who wish to create bathrooms suitable for a goddess or a king need only walk through the pages of history for inspiration.

As early as 3000 B.C., city dwellers in the Middle East displayed a reverence for cleanliness by building huge communal bathtubs in the center of their towns. Private homes were built with bathing platforms, early predecessors of today's luxury showers and whirlpools.

"Bathrooms are a reflection of cultural attitudes and differences," said Arlene Matthews, M.A., American Standard's resident expert in the fields of bathroom psychology, health and well-being. "As bathroom design evolves, the trends of yesterday are being resurrected again and again."

In a return to the classics, today's builders and remodelers are installing bathroom fixtures that are reminiscent of bygone eras. For example, antique and early-American styles are back in vogue. American Standard's new Town Square collection is based on the principles of Shaker and Prairie School design, featuring clean straight lines for a look that is sophisticated, yet comfortable and familiar.

"We designed Town Square to meet a growing demand for classic, sophisticated bathroom fixtures," said Gary Uhl, director of design for American Standard. "Also, we have eliminated the hassle of finding period-appropriate accessories like faucets, mirrors and towel bars by creating a complete line of Town Square accessories that coordinate with Shaker design."

While not all historical trends make it back into the mainstream, here are todayís top three bathroom comebacks:

Luxury on call. Roman citizens who could not afford to be connected to the sewer system could avail themselves of luxurious public baths. In these baths, parties were planned, politics were debated and business deals were finalized.

Today, day spas and retreat centers offer access to the latest in bathing experiences without the hassle of an extensive remodeling project or financial commitment. Lavish bathroom amenities often include: Vichy shower systems that simulate a relaxing multi-spray rain bath is enjoyed while lying flat on a treatment bed; invigorating upright Swiss shower systems with body sprays at every angle; Scots hose hydrotherapy treatments where a therapist uses pressurized water to massage tense muscles; and specialized baths where the bather soaks in mud, minerals or even wine.

Bathrooms as retreats. The concept of privacy began to evolve during the Middle Ages, when monks separated privy seats with paneled walls and medieval castles were built with bathroom "closets" called garderobes.

Today's homeowners, feeling overwhelmed and stressed, are using their bathrooms to escape from the pressures of everyday life. Not only are more and more bathrooms designed with a separate compartment for the toilet, consumers are choosing products that soothe the spirit: steam showers, body sprays and hand-held shower wands, heated tile floors and towel bars, and whirlpool tubs or showers built for two. Even entertainment is making its way into the bathroom, with stereo systems, televisions and VCRs housed in sleek cabinetry.

High style. Eighteenth century fashion dictated that chamber pots be disguised inside elegant chairs, cabinets and chests of drawers designed by Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton.

The current concept of furniture in the bathroom is a popular trend that borrows from the past to make a statement today. American Standard's Enfield suite includes a luxury bathtub designed in the Shaker style. Built for reclining and relaxing, the tub's exterior has wooden legs and raised exterior panels of Cherry or Maple. Inside are lumbar supports, molded-in armrests and dual faucet areas. A matching wood console table conceals a high performance sink.

Call 1-800-524-9797, ext. 199, or visit www.americanstandard-us.com/press, for more information or to locate the nearest American Standard and Porcher showroom.

Back to Home & Garden Home Page | Back to the top of the page