Parade of Homes

"We have removable shower benches if someone doesn't want to install one permanently," says Maryssa Zondag, estimator and sales consultant at Dynasty Bathrooms and Kitchen Centre. Bamboo benches are popular choices, and grab bars have come a long way in the looks department, too. "They're making accessibility products more attractive these days," says Carroll. "Grab bars aren't as institutional-looking. They're more of an accent." If you're hesitant to install a bar right away, he suggests asking your builder to add the proper support behind your shower walls so it will be easy to add a safety bar in the future. "It's much easier to install framing for future grab bars during the construction process than it is in a finished room." A nice bath can help you soak the aches and pains away, and lower-threshold tubs make it easier to get in and out. Heated backrests keep you warm as the tub fills, and massage functions — whether air or water massage — soothe sore muscles. You can even incorporate aromatherapy, which uses scent to enhance a sense of well-being, and chromatherapy, which uses light to do the same. "You can get LED lights that you can change according to your mood," says Zondag. "Some have up to 20 different colours." Floating vanities and wall-hung toilets are less fun, but they're still winners in the bathroom. They maximize floorspace, allowing for easier cleaning and greater mobility if you use a wheelchair or walker. "Wall-hung toilets are fairly new to the market," Carroll says. "The tank is in the wall and the flusher is on the wall. You can even adjust the height, so it's customized to you." JUST ADD WATER — Cont'd from page 129 BAMBOO BENCHES ARE POPULAR CHOICES, AND GRAB BARS HAVE COME A LONG WAY IN THE LOOKS DEPARTMENT, TOO. Bidets are an old-yet-new-again trend, thanks in part to the great toilet-paper shortage of 2020. Eco-friendly and hygienic, many of today's bidets come with temperature and pressure adjustments. Lighted toilet seats are a good option if you need a bit of guidance during the night, or in an en suite where you don't want to wake a sleeping partner. New products are coming to the market every season. If you have special needs, ask your kitchen and bath dealer. Chances are there's a gadget that will suit your needs today, or in the near future. POH 130 Parade of Homes FALL 2021

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