Leading designers alongside representatives from James Martin Vanities and FreePower discussed the next generation of luxury bath design
Panelists: Kelly Collier-Clark of House of Clark Interiors; Mikel Welch of Mikel Welch Interiors; Pam Durkin of James Martin Vanities; Jake Slatnick, FreePower
Moderator: Carisha Swanson of House Beautiful
How do we define luxury in the bath space today?
That was the question for the panelists who gathered in the terrace at Broad Hall on Saturday afternoon. Four key considerations stood out:
“In one word, luxury is custom,” said Kelly Collier-Clark.
The bath has become a personal haven rather than just a functional space, with more clients desiring details usually reserved for hotels and spas—such as Cosentino stone, shower shields, and a sleek, uncluttered space.
For large families, custom might mean integrated storage—lots of and lots of storage.
Intent Versus Excess
For modern baths, what is hidden is just as important as what remains on display. A perfect example are James Martin Vanities, where luxury details are standard for each model across 32 different collections.
“There are no add-ons,” said Pam Durkin. “Luxury is built into every element.” That means soft-close doors, solid backs, warp-proof paint finishes, and wireless charging.
The Next Generation of Luxury
Jake Slatnick balanced out the panel with insight on innovation. “I’m a tech guy. For me, luxury is about convenience and making life easier.”
Jake noted innovations are typically markers of luxury, and over time these become commodities. “Even the bathroom at one point in human history was a luxury.”
Soon, integrated wireless charging won’t be just for smart phones, but laptops and tablets, too—and eventually every appliance in the home.
As for concerns that ever-evolving tech will go out of date, FreePower offers an unmatched 5-year warranty.
For Mikel Welch, luxury is all about touch. “You can AI something. You can doctor it up. But when you feel a product in person—when you feel the weight and quality of it—that to me is luxury.”
