K&B Products

edited by Sheila Kim-Jamet -- Interior Design, 7/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

Decked out for summer

If the firm Eoos Design has anything to say about bathtubs, it's that they're not just for bathing anymore. "We figured it must be possible to transform an empty bathtub into something else when it's not in use," partner Martin Bergmann says. This idea eventually led to Duravit's Sundeck, an indoor-outdoor tub that transforms into a deck chair via the crisp, white plastic-covered cushions that conceal the tub: With the simple removal of clips, the cushions come off to reveal a luxurious acrylic bathtub with whirlpool settings.

Measuring 75 inches long by 35 wide by 23 high, Sundeck features either weatherproofed cherrywood or wengé paneling for outdoor installations or birch, ash, walnut, or Macassar ebony for indoors. Options include a matching bolster and a cushioned step that makes it easier to get in and out. 1750 Breckinridge Parkway, Suite 500, Duluth, GA 30096; 770-931-3575; duravit.com. circle 332

Future perfect

"I've always felt that there isn't enough continuity between elements in the bathroom. Things simply don't tend to work harmoniously in terms of form, finish, or color," says Ross Lovegrove, whose Istanbul collection for the Turkish company VitrA proposes a solution. Currently available in Turkey and the U.K. and launching in the U.S. in 2007, the line encompasses over 120 products. They range from bathtubs and fittings to tiles and accessories—all of them defined by a white, fluid design as well as advanced manufacturing processes and other innovations.

Take the transparent polycarbonate toilet seats, freestanding washbasins made in two pieces, and toilet lids with LED lights. The forms no doubt bear Lovegrove's organic stamp, but they also respond to what the bathroom has become today. "Soft, organic shapes relate to our bodies and our movement in space," he says. "That's why they promote a deeper sense of comfort." 305 Shawnee North Drive, Suite 600, Suwanee, GA 30024; 770-904-6830; vitra-usa.com. circle 333

TurboChef

At this year's Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago, celebrity chef Charlie Trotter created culinary delights in (almost) the blink of an eye, thanks to the 30-inch-wide Double Wall Speedcook oven with both conventional and convection modes. The retro-modern design is offered in stainless steel as well as orange, red, blue, charcoal, ivory, or white. Bells and whistles include an analog clock and a color LCD display. 6 Concourse Parkway, Suite 1900, Atlanta, GA 30328; 866-543-6569; turbochef.com. circle 334

MGS Progetti

Minimal, graceful Unico proves that form need not be compromised by function. A stainless-steel faucet 15 inches high, it features a pull-out spout with a flexible stainless hose that extends up to 20 inches. Available in matte and polished stainless finishes. 11684 Ventura Boulevard, 948, Studio City, CA 91604; 323-908-7618; mgsdesigns.com. circle 336

Agape

Soft blue and gray stripes of varying thickness streak across the surface of the 750 line's washbasins and bidets by Benedini Associati. The basin measures 22 inches wide by 30 high by 19 deep. 69 Via Po Barna, 46031 Bagnolo San Vito, Italy; 39-0376-250311; agapedesign.it. circle 335

SieMatic

The SL6006 kitchen features granite counters and plastic-coated cabinet and drawer fronts in glossy, satin, or Magnolia white. Under-counter lights are available, too. 3 Interplex Drive, Suite 101, Trevose, PA 19053; 215-604-1350; siematic.com. circle 337

Stone Forest

This manufacturer spreads its wings with the Papillon vessel sink. Simple geometry and an interior footprint, set at an angle, define this solid bronze basin, which can be finished in a golden or weathered bronze finish. 213 South Saint Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87501; 505-986-8883; stoneforest.com. circle 338

Danze

The brushed-nickel Sunray adds personalization and whimsy to everyday hygiene. Mounted on standard arms, the showerhead's five adjustable spokes spray any which way you prefer. 20500 Internationale Parkway, Woodridge, IL 60517; 877-530-3344; danze.com. circle 339

Toto

With just one glance, the Zen-inspired Ryohan suite's gentle ripples will have you feeling more at peace. The line includes a lavatory, a sensor faucet reminiscent of bamboo reeds, and a toilet that uses the manufacturer's Double Cyclone Flush Engine. 1155 Southern Road, Morrow, GA 30260; 770-282-8686; totousa.com. circle 340

Kohler Co.

Steward may look like sculpture, but the sleek fixture is actually an eco-friendly waterless urinal. Instead of a flush mechanism, a cartridge-free integral trap filled with a special sealing liquid allows waste to pass right through, into the pipe. 444 Highland Drive, Kohler, WI 53044; 800-456-4537; kohler.com. circle 341

Moen

Whether it's a vigorous rinse or a rain-shower trickle you desire, you'll find it with the Isabel showerhead, part of the ShowHouse collection. Turn a lever, and the fitting adjusts to redirect water from the outer spray formers to the center ones, adding pressure to the concentrated stream. Finishes range from chrome to rubbed bronze. The diameter is 9 inches. 25300 Al Moen Drive, North Olmsted, OH 44070; 800-289-6636; showhouse.moen.com. circle 342

Rohl

The Country Kitchen pot filler, inspired by rustic Italian looks, coordinates with a variety of components from the same line. Offered in polished chrome or nickel, satin nickel, Inca brass, and Tuscan brass finishes, this particular sink fitting extends 26 inches. 3 Parker Street, Irvine, CA 92618; 800-777-9762; rohlhome.com. circle 343

Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath

Two offerings from this company pair up to transform an ordinary bathroom into a spa that soaks your troubles away. The Summer Rain shower tower is a wall-mounted column that can be finished in satin or polished chrome. And the Allusion Salon Spa tub combines whirlpool and air-channel experiences. 14801 Quorum Drive, Dallas, TX 75254; 800-288-4002; jacuzzi.com. circle 345

Neptune

Modern meets art deco with the streamlined Atlantis, an oval acrylic bathtub embraced by two horizontal rings that can be specified in either chrome or brushed nickel. The design measures 72 inches long by 36 wide. 6835 Rue Picard, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S 1H3, Canada; 450-773-7058; neptuneb.com. circle 344

THG

An Interior Design Hall of Fame member has turned his attention to faucets and more. Part of the four-piece Jamie Drake Bath collection, the Profil series is defined by sculptural handles, some available with horn or stone inlays. 6601 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073; 954-425-8225; thgusa.com. circle 346

Julien

The Julien bathroom suite by Troy Adams Design is truly a meditation on teak and stainless steel. Highlights include a soaking tub, a toilet bench with a sliding panel, and a foot-soaking tub. A stepped storage unit and a freestanding vanity are also worth checking out. 935 Rue Lachance, Quebec City, Quebec G1P 2H3, Canada; 800-461-3377; julien.ca. circle 347