The Latest Technologies For a Smart Bathroom

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Technology tops the list when it comes to homebuying, and do you know who the new homebuyers are? Millennials. Also known as Generation Y, these tech-savvy creatures seem to have been born with smartphones in their hands.

A real estate study revealed that 77 percent of these young homebuyers are looking for a home with “smart” innovations. Most of the gadgets that are hot right now revolve around smart home automation systems; they allow us to control lights, security, temperature and even blinds with the touch of a button from your smartphone.

However, there is a part of the home that many have forgotten to automate — and it’s a room that we use every day. Here are some ways to keep your home on-trend by adding the latest technology to one of the most-used rooms in your home: the bathroom.

High-Tech Toilets

It’s high time to get high-tech with our toilets. Several new models are revolutionizing the way we “go.” Here are just a few of the new toilet features to look for:

• Toilets that don’t require hands or paper. These toilets have temperature-controlled water, spritzing wands and automatic dryers (already in use and common in Asia).
• Toilet seat warmers and LED lights.
• Self-cleaning toilets and antimicrobial seats — a dream come true for germaphobes.
• Motion sensors to raise and lower toilet lids.

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Digital Faucets

Not only do we aspire to be tech-savvy, we also desire to be eco-savvy. Digital faucets are a great way to conserve water and energy. Here are some of the features that you can expect from a digital faucet:

• Reduced tap flow and digital temperature-control settings, conserving money and water.
• Touchless technology.
• Infrared tap technology that “reads” the user and turns off when it senses that hands are not under the faucet.
• Programmable features, such as a timed shower setting or a teeth-brushing option that runs for an allotted time frame.

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Soaking Tubs

The ’80s were spent soaking in our mammoth Jacuzzi tubs, but times (and tubs) are changing. Designers are seeing a strong trend toward a new version of the soaking tub. They are tossing standing-room-only showers down the drain, and replacing them with stand-alone soaking styles. Here’s what you can expect to see from the new soaking tubs:

• Stand-alone tubs with no shower surround.
• Small Japanese-style soaking tubs.
• Sleek, modern tub faucets, many with pipes that come up from the floor and pour over into the tub.
• An air bath, the modern take on massaging jets. Air channels deliver a steady stream of warm massaging bubbles; think hot springs.
• Chromotherapy, or mood-enhancing lighting.
• New tub materials and shapes. Rectangular is sleek and modern, as are materials such as carved stone and copper.

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Hot Gadgets A high-tech bathroom wouldn’t be tricked out without a few gadgets. Here are a few fun products that add another level of technology:

• Refrigerated bathroom cabinets that can keep medicines cool or store cold drinks.
• LCD shower panels that let you control shower temperature, water flow, steam, music and chromotherapy.
• Waterproof TVs. Soaking and watching TV is a must, and it eradicates the chances of dropping that iPad in the tub while streaming your favorite show.

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Bathrooms are about to be the next room to witness the high-tech revolution. Which of these wld you like to have in your bathroom? Let us know in the comments below.