KITCHEN & BATH BY NKBA
The Master Home Spa: Steam, nature and technology by COREY KLASSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY
by JASON KARMAN
CREATING A LUXURY MASTER SPA EXPERIENCE FOR A CLIENT IS ALWAYS
exciting. I recently had the pleasure of working with clients on their entire Dunbararea home along with general contractor who appreciates the finer details of an authentic, luxurious design. The challenge was to incorporate all the activities of a traditional bathroom but blend the steam shower into the design aesthetic of the custom home we were all creating together. A Master Home Spa differs from a bathroom in that it incorporates a jetted tub, steam shower, or another type of hydrotherapy equipment for the intent of relaxation. In the case of this master bedroom suite, we selected a steam shower in addition to a cast-iron soaker tub and completed the design with natural elements, re-claimed fir floor joists and space planning the multiple activities for two very busy professionals. The benefits of steam are nearly limitless. Steam showers improve circulation through vasodilation where the blood vessels widen allowing for a positive effect on the blood pressure. They also aid in the recovery from exercise by alternating between a cold bath and a hot steam to reduce muscle fatigue and help eliminate the metabolic waste stored. Steam opens up the pores and it takes only twentyminutes per week to reduce blemishes or soften hair for shaving. Finally, steam helps with stress management by allowing the muscles to completely relax and even fatigue muscles before bedtime. 26 HOME DÉCOR AND RENOVATIONS SEP - OCT 2013