PERFORMANCE AND CUSTOM SHOWERING

by Karen Crorey, ASID
K C Interiors, Inc.

Whether it’s lying by a waterfall on vacation, hearing the patter of rain on a roof or floating on a raft in the lake, water seems to exude a sense of relaxation in all of us. It’s no wonder then, that with today's hectic lifestyles, people are looking for more from their showers than the mere ability to get clean, we long for an EXPERIENCE. While many people bask in the softness of a rain-like showerhead, others long for an invigorating downpour, and others still want a full-body experience. Lucky for all of us, there are tons of fabulous products that are now available to create a shower environment like no other.

If you’re building a new house or contemplating a remodel of a bathroom, here are some issues you’ll want to discuss with your designer to ensure you plan for a performance shower installation:

COMPONENTS
The main functionality of your custom shower will rely heavily on the components you select up front. Your first goal should be to determine who will primarily be using the shower and what type of shower heads would best meet their needs. Most manufacturers have a selection of fixed and hand-held heads, available in single function or multi-function varieties. Many boast body sprays that deliver various intensities of pressure (from low-flow soft spray to invigorating massage sprays) and allow you to focus on specific muscle groups. Another important decision is the valve selection, which controls the volume and temperature of water. There are generally choices of 2 controls stacked on one trim plate or 2 to 3 individual trim plates. For a 2-person shower, I recommend two mixing valves so each person can control their own temperature. Ann Sacks carries a state-of-the-art valve from Kohler that is a digital thermostatic valve. It has 6 programmable user pre-sets and pumps 21 gallons per minute with up to 8 components, creating a personalized spa at your fingertips.

Beyond the working mechanisms of the components, you also need to consider the appearance of what you choose. The shower head and coordinating trim pieces are available in many finishes and styles, from old world bronze to a classic contemporary brushed chrome, and should be coordinated with all of your other bathroom selections (tile, countertops, lighting fixtures, faucets, etc.) Ann Sacks showroom at the Michigan Design Center carries a fabulous new Kohler water tile that is fairly flush with the wall and has 22-54 nozzles in each unit. This phenomenal piece can also be ordered as a matching showerhead.

HARD SURFACES
Creating the showering environment does not stop with components alone. The finish selection of the floor, walls and ceiling will help create your intended mood. With so many material options to select from (hand-crafted ceramic, porcelain tile, marble, slate, granite or glass) the design options are limited only by you, and your designers' imaginations. Safety is as important as the aesthetics of your shower to be sure to think about how slippery the tile will be underfoot. On shower floors, I usually recommend using a smaller size of the selected wall tile as smaller tiles incorporate more grout which aids in slip-resistance. You may also want to consider combining materials such as sealed honed stone walls with glass decorative accents to create interest with texture. Another way to express some creativity is to create a row of tiles that are applied in a different direction than the majority of wall tiles. Other ideas you can add to your shower to incorporate that “custom” feel include shower seats, soap and shampoo shelves, niches, or even a ledge for ladies to prop their foot on when shaving their legs.

SPACE
Utilizing your space correctly is crucial in developing your plan for the ultimate shower experience. Is the shower for one person or two? His and hers showers have become increasingly popular as many couples need to get ready at the same time in the morning. Designed properly, a shower can accommodate both users and each can have their own shower heads and components for a personalize shower experience. Another important decision is determining where the shower door enclosure, if any, be located as this can influence the placement of components. Many homeowners nowadays are opting for walk-in showers without doors but this option usually requires a little more space to accomplish this.

WATER PRESSURE
Water pressure is an issue best discussed with your plumber. Most manufacturers suggest at least 45 psi for a system with three or more shower components.

WATER HEATER
After determining all of your components and the placement of each, you’ll need to ensure that you have a water capacity large enough to handle your chosen components. Usually 50-75% of the water used in a shower is hot. For a 3 component shower to run for 10 minutes, it will require more than 55 gallons of water.

BUDGET
Developing a personalized shower experience does not require unlimited budgets. Improvements can be done on any budget, For example, a new multi-functional shower head can be installed in an existing shower to create an entirely new experience for the end user!

A well-planned performance shower will provide the ultimate shower experience. Enjoy your personalized retreat and relax, you deserve it!

To view a bio and additional work samples from Karen Crorey, click here