Several options for countertops, sinks, faucets

AN AVERAGE person spends several hours in a day in the bathroom. Obviously, women stay longer in the toilet than men. My own bathroom suite is like an extension of my bedroom, where I do so many other things aside from the usual unmentionables.

In designing master bathrooms, I make it a point to make sure the female vanity table is long enough to hold all the beauty creams, make-up and other secret potions women need to be within arms reach. There are several options for countertops, sinks and faucets.

In the past, the counter was basically a slab of marble. Today, synthetic granite and marble finishes in exciting shades are available in the market. Although they are a tad more expensive, the material is easy to maintain and is guaranteed for life.

Bath fixtures

In any residential project, bathrooms are the highlight in showcasing the innovative style and function of a home or condo. Luxurious bathrooms with outstanding fixings and impressive finishes can sell a unit.

When it comes to bath fixtures, the name is Grohe. Their new showroom at Wilcon Builder’s Supply in Makati City is the southern half of their showroom in Wilcon Libis in Q.C. Check out www.wilcon.com.ph.

Alpha Ang, country manager of Grohe, proudly showed off the revolutionary Power&Soul shower series. This latest entrant in premium shower collections shows that Grohe is truly the world leader in taps. Their avant garde, One-Click Showering, with a four-button spray selector, makes showering an experience.

Innovative sprays

I was amazed that sprays could be so innovative. The Bokoma Spray has eight dynamic nozzles to provide a massage-like effect. Jet seemed relatively simple—a strong, direct burst of water—while Rain seemed easy enough to envision, except that there was Rain O2—which infused air into the water spray for a richer, more luxurious feel.

One-Click is the sort of device that might convince men, like my hubby Dennis, to actually spend a bit more time in the shower. For its cutting-edge technology, the Grohe Design team led by Paul Flowers, won the red dot design award 2012 for Grohe Power&Soul—the most innovative shower in the world.

Digital faucets, showers

Grohe has also pushed the digital revolution into the bathroom. The award-winning Grohe Ondus range of digital faucets and showers brings a new level of user comfort to the basin, bathtub and shower. Digital interfaces invite interaction and offer personalized water enjoyment with a tap of your finger.

It is, of course, digital with a purpose: to make showering easier, more inviting and more enjoyable. “His” and “hers” preset icons on the display allow users the ability to create different scenarios. The two presets can be programmed with up to seven chapters—each with a different flow rate, temperature and duration.

Thanks to Grohe, the morning shower has become a rejuvenating journey. Bijoy Moja, Grohe president Asia Pacific, also pointed out to me their new kitchen mixers and filters that make it possible to drink from the tap. Filtered, chilled and sparkling, or boiling hot, Grohe water systems supply water à la carte directly from the kitchen faucet—offering real innovations and unique features designed to save time and money.

At the launch of the Grohe Makati showroom, William Belo, president of Wilcon Depot, welcomed the German Ambassador Joachim Heidorn and his wife Ms. Ana Maria as the special guests. Rosemarie Ong, Wilcon EVP, raffled off over 50 prizes of various Grohe products.

Wilcon plans to open more showrooms all over the country. With their vast range of home furnishings and finishing materials, it is now a must-stop for any couple planning their home. Wilcon has revolutionized the construction industry with their air-conditioned shops, ample parking spaces, interior design consultation, tile-cutting services, product installations, delivery service and commitment to excellent service.

Follow @tessavaldes on Twitter or e-mail her at seaprincess@inquirer.com.ph.