High-tech toilets include ambient lighting, music streaming capability

Upscale consumers who demand a lifestyle of luxury are increasingly looking for ways to add indulgence to the loo.

California-based NeoMetro’s Urban Metro design epitomizes this movement. The Urban Metro is an $80,000, 70,000 Swarovski crystal-studded toilet.

“We can customize toilets to fit just about any décor and color, from brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel to powder-coated colors,” said Jeff Showalter, NeoMetro business development manager.

Showalter’s toilet designs include high-polished stainless steel with a translucent gold powder coat to create a toilet that looks like 14K gold.

“Matte colors, gloss and translucent colors, patterns like the butterfly toilet, and, of course, custom crystal toilets,” he said.

In addition to glamorous toilets, other manufacturers design fixtures featuring innovative technological advances providing the opportunity to make going to the bathroom a high-tech experience.

“Technology has become so embedded in our lives,” Shane Allis, director of marketing for Kohler Brand Sanitary Products at Kohler Co., said. “It’s become an expectation throughout most touch points in our day.”

According to a 2016 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, one-fifth of homeowners renovating and replacing the toilet are choosing a toilet with at least one high-tech feature.

“High-end toilets are something we have seen for a long time,” said showroom consultant Lindsey Wiley from Ferguson Plumbing in Las Vegas. “The features and benefits were available, but the technology and aesthetics have improved.”

Houzz noted the features homeowners are looking for include a self-cleaning function, a motion-activated cover, and/or a built-in nightlight. Other options include a warm air dryer, heated seat, ambient lighting, music streaming capability, dual-flush, in-bowl catalytic deodorizer and energy- and water-saving features.

“The demand for technology in the bathroom has been increasing for