Kitchen & Bath Products

Linda C. Lentz and Elizabeth Wine -- Interior Design, 7/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

Hello, Sunshine

Having achieved cult status with the Tara faucet, Sieger Design topped the list when Dornbracht made plans to up the ante on its kitchen lineup. Three sets of sink fittings—Elio, Lot, and Maro—resulted from that copacetic collaboration. Launched last summer, they were so successful that this top-flight German manufacturer has expanded its offerings of versatile configurations and accessories for all styles, offered in polished chrome or matte platinum. Elio and Maro are single-lever, and Lot is wall-mounted. A practical pull-out spray head is exclusive to Elio—calibrated to hit the targeted pots and pans with ease. For all three, an integrated soap dispenser is optional. 1700 Executive Drive South, Duluth, GA 30096; 800-774-1181; dornbracht.com. circle 330

DuPont

Akin to marbleized paper, Zodiaq-Okite quartz composite reflects its Italian heritage in subtly shaded, intricate veining. The solid-surfacing collection's nine colors include ocean blue, Marrone Emperador, Rosso Verona, Bianco Carrara, Crema Marfil, and Giallo Michelangelo. 4417 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, DE 19805; 800-426-7426; dupont.com. circle 331

Scavolini

This manufacturer is as notable for service as for a breadth of product offerings. Tess cabinetry comes in white plastic laminate or two types of oak. Multiple door options include oak laminate; wengé veneer; aluminum with etched glass; white or gray plastic laminate in glossy or matte finishes; and 35 colors of glossy or matte lacquer, such as this brilliant blue. 60/70-74/78 Via Risara, 61025 Montelabbate (Pesaro and Urbino), Italy; 39-0721-443333; scavolini.com. circle 332

Neo-Metro

Designed for high-volume hospitality venues, Ebb Concept lavs come in a variety of widths, with shallow or deep stainless-steel basins and eight translucent jewel tones for the resin decks. Under-mounted lighting kit optional. 15125 Proctor Avenue, City of Industry, CA 90046; 800-591-9050; neo-metro.com. circle 333

Bear Creek Glass

Four shapes, from round to free-form, compose the Blue Glass collection's sinks in lustrous shades of cobalt. Each handcrafted basin is unique, due to the quality of the glass. Allare backed by a lifetime warranty against breakage and wear. 2717 Second Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233; 205-324-9339; bearcreekglass.com. circle 335

Thermador

Sized down to 30 inches wide by 24 deep, the Pro Harmony gas range is available with three-in-one Star Burners—once limited to dual-fuel models. This upgrade from the Professional Series features a choice of True Blue knobs, a 1950's design, or commercial-style controls in stainless or black. 5551 McFadden Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92649; 800-659-9226; thermador.com. circle 334

LG

Laundry comes out of the closet with the front-loading SteamWasher in Wild Cherry, one of three standard colors. This innovative unit produces virtually wrinkle-free clothing with minimal water use, courtesy of a generator-powered SteamFresh cycle. Stack the washer above the coordinating dryer, or set the two appliances side by side, adding optional base drawers for storage and height. 1000 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 800-243-0000; lgusa.com. circle 337

Hansgrohe

Patented air-injection technology is what gives the Raindance series's 12-inch showerhead its substantial coverage at 2 ½ gallons per minute. The air-infused water completely envelops the body in soft, voluminous droplets rather than a stinging spray. 1490 Bluegrass Lakes Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30004; 800-488-8119; hansgrohe-usa.com. circle 336

Viva Ceramica

The result of this manufacturer's invitation to Paola Navone to create bath designs inspired by its trendsetting tile is Drops, comprising four whimsical groupings. Seafoam explores texture in the form of hand-forged nickel-plated basins, red-painted or nickel-plated console supports and accessories, and sandblasted mirrors and wall tiles: 13 ½-inch squares in five patterns. 214 Via Regina Pacis, 41049 Sassuolo (Modena), Italy; 39-0536-998701; cerviva.it. circle 338

Waterfall

Chinatown is one of seven vanities made of formaldehyde-free MDF and painted with an ultralow-VOC water-based formulation. Components include a crystal-agglomerate or CaesarStone top, Blum hardware, two adjustable shelves, and one or two drawers. This China Red model measures 49 ¼ inches wide by 22 deep by 35 ½ tall; 10 other colors are available. 214 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, CA 94920; 888-521-3141; waterfallbath.com. circle 339

Whirlpool Corporation

Equipped with an awesome power boost, the limited-edition KitchenAid Professional 620 Stand Mixer features a 10-speed 575-watt motor in a housing expertly plated in nickel or copper. The 6-quart stainless-steel bowl and redesigned whip assure culinary kudos. 2000 North M-63, Benton Harbor, MI 49022; 800-422-1230; kitchenaid.com. circle 340

Walker Zanger

Think late 1960's and early '70's fashion, and you'll get into the groove of the Vibe Mosaics tile collection's eclectic colors and geometrics. Meanwhile, Michael Berman's Studio Moderne emulates art deco and Hollywood regency motifs. 13190 Telfair Avenue, Sylmar, CA 91342; 818-252-4000; walkerzanger.com. circle 341

Sonia

Shaker-inspired City bath furniture comes in white plastic laminate, wengé, and cherry. Vanities, available in widths of approximately 24, 31, 39, and 47 inches, incorporate drawers and shelves and accommodate several basin styles. Wall-hung columns and a modular cart, which fits under the wall-hung sink, add to the functionality. 10380 NW 53rd Street, Sunrise, FL 33351; 888-766-4287; sonia-sa.com. circle 342

California Faucets

A fitting approach to customization, this company's Design Your Own service allows for nonstandard pairings. Consider the Manhattan faucet and La Jolla smooth-scroll handles, unified by in a PVD satin rose-bronze finish. 5231 Argosy Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92649; 800-822-8855; calfaucets.com. circle 343

Ann Sacks

Rooted in the Japanese tradition, Sakura wall tiles take their cues from the kimonos and folding screens of the Edo period. While custom designs and colors are available, most tiles are sold as sets for murals—from simple four-tile repeats to elaborate 35-piece compositions. 8120 NE 33rd Drive, Portland, OR 97211; 800-278-8453; annsacks.com. circle 345

Alessi

Designed for chef Alain Ducasse, Patrick Jouin's Pasta Pot revives a centuries-old method olive growers used for cooking alfresco, where water was scarce. Complete with trivet and integrated stirring spoon, this vessel has an interior of efficient tri-ply stainless steel and an exterior of aluminum and magnetized stainless steel, ideal for induction cooktops. 130 Greene Street, New York, NY 10012; 212-941-7300; alessi.com. circle 344

Bertazzoni

Think Formula One with the Professional Series. A 36-inch-wide range comes in eight colors of automotive-quality paint; a 30-inch edition sports four. If you prefer stainless steel, the company makes those sizes, plus 24- and 36-inch models. All feature cooktops, vent hoods, backsplashes, and accessories. 8 Via Palazzina, 42016 Guastalla (Reggio Emilia), Italy; 39-0522-226411; bertazzoni-italia.com. circle 347

Brizo

It's art nouveau, circa 2007. The RSVP showerhead flaunts its stylized silhouette in polished chrome, brushed nickel, or bronze—along with state-of-the-art valves and thermostatic controls. For a touch of bling, specify Swarovski crystals or blue glass angled finials for faucets and selected accessories. P.O. Box 40980, Indianapolis, IN 46280; 877-345-2749; brizo.com. circle 346

Kohler Co.

Last year's WaterTile audio system for the shower now features Ambient Rain, a generous 21-inch-square rain shower. Also available are SoundTile speakers by Polk Audio and LED color sequences, controlled by the DTV II digital panel. Mount the latter in or outside the shower enclosure. 444 Highland Drive, Kohler, WI 53044; 800-456-4537; kohler.com. circle 348

Americh

The aptly named Contura envelops bathers for a relaxing soak—Airbath system optional. Measuring 28 inches deep by 72 long by 32 wide, this freestanding tub is made of nonporous cast acrylic. It comes in a spa-style white in addition to black, a range of neutrals, navy, sea-foam green, and Wild Rose. 13212 Saticoy Street, North Hollywood, CA 91605; 800-453-1463; americh.com. circle 349

Danze

A refreshing counterpoint to commercial styles, the Parma deck-mounted pot filler features a two-piece articulated arm in stainless steel or chrome-finished brass. The fitting stands 10 inches above the counter, 13 inches with an extra riser—and is easier than wall versions to install. 2500 Internationale Parkway, Woodridge, IL 60517; 877-530-3344; danze.com. circle 350

Casamood

The spatial relationships of Richard Neutra's architecture inspired the Neutra group of coordinating surface materials in neutrals from white to carbon. Porcelain tiles are offered in four sizes; glass listels and mosaics come on paper backings. There's adhesive, grout, and matte and satin paint, too. 155 Bluegrass Valley Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30005; 678-393-8050; casamood.com. circle 351

WS Bath Collections

Made in Germany of solid wood—birch combined with either wengé or oak—Collection Limbo washbasins are available wall-mounted or countertop-style. Oval and round versions come in three sizes: approximately 23 ½ by 11 ¾ inches, 19 ¾ by 13 ¾ inches, and 13 ¾ inches square, all slightly under 4 inches deep. 1051 Lea Drive, Collegeville, PA 19426; 610-831-0214; wsbathcollections.com. circle 353

Decolav

Expertly carved, A Perfect Chisel is a collection of vessels made from richly colored textural stone, such as green-brown onyx. Each piece is unique, however there are three standard shapes with rounded or conical bases and beveled or rolled edges. All measure approximately 16 inches in diameter by 6 high. 424 SW 12th Avenue, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442; 561-274-2110; decolav.com. circle 352

Native Trails

Freestanding Aspen is made of 16-gauge 100 percent recycled copper, handcrafted down to the hammered finish. The metal makes baths particularly comfortable, because it heats rapidly as the double-walled tub is filled. It's 64 inches long by 36 wide by 24 deep. 4173 Santa Fe Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401; 800-786-0862; nativetrails.net. circle 354

Duravit

At 55 inches square, the Blue Moon by Jochen Schmidden houses a comfortable 21-inch-deep circular acrylic tub, surrounded by a matching deck or teak planks. A teak bench, a stainless-steel clothing stand, colored LEDs, and a whirlpool or air system also available. 2205 Northmont Parkway, Duluth, GA 30096; 888-387-2848; duravit.com. circle 355

Bulthaup

With typical ergonomic flair, this company has configured a four-burner cooktop so the cook never has to reach across gas flames. Another upshot of this 43-inch-long linear arrangement: a reduced width of just 16 inches. The stainless-steel built-in also drops 2 ¾ inches into the counter. 101 Eisenhower Parkway, Roseland, NJ 07068; 800-808-2923; bulthaup.com. circle 356

China Dolls

For the first time in its 259-year history, Villeroy & Boch is producing bath fixtures and fittings especially for the U.S. market—and coming up with winners across the board. In the Strada suite, basic square shapes get a touch of classicism from the cornice of the skirt. Contrast that with the mix of sensuous curves and refined lines that set the Elody suite's pedestal sink apart. Note the same tapered lines adorning Elody's gracious Century tub; specify the standard soaker, or create a home spa with a six-jet whirlpool system, a channel air-bath system, or a combo. For even more contrast, choose the Twist suite's modern pedestal sinks, complemented by minimalist Cult tub and shower fittings. Or go for the meeting of warm wood and cool porcelain in the Sentique series wall sink and City Life collection's SmartBench. The latter riffs on the commode of yesteryear, with a ceramic toilet hidden in a clever bench topped in elegant frosted glass. The lid muffles the sound of the flush—talk about stylish discretion. 3 South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe Township, NJ 08831; 609-409-6792; villeroy-boch.com. circle 357

Gaggenau

Developed for accessibility and energy efficiency, the ingenious 24-inch-wide Lift Oven mounts on the wall or under a cabinet. The ceramic-glass warming shelf rises and lowers at the touch of a button, while the oven above is loaded with 12 cooking modes, including convection. 780 Dedham Street, Canton, MA 02021; 877-442-4436; gaggenau.com. circle 358

Zephyr

Arc ventilation hoods by Robert Brunner are clad in gleaming tempered glass, unadorned or etched in geometric patterns. Based on advanced automotive designs, the wall-mounted models protrude as little as 5 inches. Operation is via discreet touch controls. 395 Mendell Street, San Francisco, CA 94124; 888-880-8368; zephyronline.com. circle 359

Graff

Available with round or square details, the self-contained Ski shower is pre-plumbed and ready to install with four adjustable body sprays. The column measures about 51 inches high by 7 ¾ wide, extending 20 inches from the wall. Features include an adjustable rain shower and a thermostatic valve. Both models are available in chrome. 3701 West Burnham Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215; 800-954-4723; graff-faucets.com. circle 360

Terra Aqua Corporation

The Pacific Asian collection's Modena basin, shaped from a single block of sandstone or marble, integrates seamlessly with the Fortuna stand, made of solid birch with a mahogany finish. Measuring 30 inches high by 22 wide by 20 deep, the vanity has a drawer engineered to accommodate plumbing. 3463 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105; 805-899-8888; terracqua.net. circle 361