Meet the folks at Luxury Bath Systems Illia and Sofia Kornea
by Linda Herman

Luxury Bath Systems doesn't quite describe Luxury Bath Systems... Operated by husband and wife team Illia and Sofia Kornea and their son, Nick, Luxury Bath Systems offers not only beauty when creating a bathroom environment but also a way of protecting against mold, mildew and bacteria so often associated with dampness. I met with this no nonsense couple this month to get the inside scoop of the "luxury" in Luxury Bath Systems.

Located on busy York Road in Warminster, theirs is a spacious showroom highlighting a variety of options for redoing a bathroom – no matter its size. I think my favorite display was that of a walk-in tub where the bather can sit comfortably while luxuirating by the swirling motion of warm water. More of that later!

Originally from New York, the Kornea family moved to Bensalem awhile ago. The commute to New York for business took their toll and Illia and Sofia looked for an opportunity to open their doors in nearby Bucks County. Illia had experience in the bathroom industry, refitting, redoing, etc. and wanted to do the same in this area.

According to Illia, "This is one of a franchise. What that means is we get tremendous support from a corporate office and from fellow franchisees. It also means we manufacture our own product and that those products are proprietary in nature. Much research and investment has gone into developing the best product."

It was clear I needed some clarification when I started talking with Illia. I really didn't understand his product, even though he and his firm have become regular advertisers in our magazine. I was a little embarassed with my ignorance, but not too proud to admit I appreciated the education I was about to get!!!

According to Illia, "A Luxury Bath System is a replacement system for the different parts in your bathroom. The shower walls, the tub, the shower pan... all existing parts are fitted with replacement parts that are placed over them and then sealed grout-free. There is no porous grout to trap and grow bacteria-laden mold and mildew. There's no grout that needs to be resealed. There's no grout that might crack and create leakages. Our systems are the heaviest gauge 4-layer acrylic that has the antimicrobial protection of our proprietary Microban, protection against those elements causing mildew, mold and bacteria. And it's easy to keep clean!"

Having built a few homes, one as recently as three years ago, I considered myself pretty current with regards to trends in homebuilding and design. However, as Illia and I walked around the showroom, I realized I was about three years behind the eight ball!!!

He shared how there was no need to rip out, tear down or cleanout when using a Luxury Bath System. Precise measurements are taken and selections from over 1400 tub molds, a myriad of solid surfaces and shower
pans are made and you can have your new bathroom installed and finished in as little as twenty four hours. That's a wonderful timetable if you've got just one bathroom serving a family of four!

I was most impressed with the "germ-free' aspect of the materials used. "Increasingly we find our product used in senior living situations, retirement homes. In environments where sanitary conditions are more challenging, our product is easy to maintain and even easier to clean," said Illia. He agreed when I commented that I thought it would be great in shore communities where dampness and mildew is a big issue.

As we talked, we came upon what might be considered the ultimate "luxury." The step-in tub seems the perfect assist if you have a disability or if you just want the comfort of sitting upright in a bathtub. No need to crawl up and out, just pick yourself up (gracefully). The tub can be fit in almost any existing tub space. It can include jets or not. Whatever your choice, it sounds like the just-right luxury for any bathing beauty.

Illia left for an appointment so his wife, Sofia, picked up the slack. As in many other working couples, Sofia is the detail person of the operation... always wanting to keep me on point... that being Luxury Bath Systems and how wonderful it is. She was consistent in reminding me how important customer satisfaction is and how they "service to death" any client, new or old. Their product and service comes with a lifetime warranty, so they aim to please. She also wanted to make sure I understood the benefits of a franchise relationship. "Our relationship to our corporate office is critical to our sucess. We're in daily contact and rely on their support for keeping our product on-trend. They also maintain ongoing research to insure and improve our bacteria-fighting Microban."

She continued, "We are committed to making sure our clients are happy – not just satisfied. We can do the full bathroom including floors, and custom made cabinetry. And we provide a lifetime warranty on all Luxury Bath System products... even if they've been installed by another franchisee. And all our product is American made.

I was determined to get Sofia off her point and on to mine... one detail person to another!! I wanted to see what hobbies and interests take over when they're not surrounded by beautiful bathrooms. "We love the outdoors. Beaches... We go to Lake George, enjoy the Poconos, travel to upstate New York regularly. Gardening is a favorite past time. Bensalem was such a difference when we moved from New York. Queens and Bucks County are worlds apart. But what we liked about Bensalem was that we got to enjoy 'the country' while having great access to the city." I noticed her pet pictures..."Shadow is my Huskie. He's gentle, sweet." (I also noticed he has his own little "apartment" set up when he visits the shop... it's definitely a dog's life!!!)
Like many entrepreneurs, Sofia and Illia have little time away from business. Home and nature is their oasis for relaxation and escape. With one son, Michael, still in college and other son, Nick and his wife, they're busy with family and friends.

I enjoyed my time with Sofia and Illia. It was interesting to see another husband and wife interact in business. My observations hit home in several areas! I did ask Sofia if she had installed one of her beautiful systems in her home. Yes, she has... and she noted with a wistful smile that she's waiting to install one of the step-in-tubs very soon. I'd like to say I am too, but I haven't told my husband yet!!!

Luxury Bath Systems
509 York Road
Warminster, PA
215-675-5000