Kitchen & Bath

Staff -- Interior Design, 5/31/2006 12:00:00 AM

Stella

The single-lever-mixer taps in Architect Marco Piva's Bamboo series sport a forward-thinking ergonomic shape perfectly suited for use with shapely above-the-counter washbasins. Four directional spouts are useful where extra water control is desired (for rinsing hair, for example) and for bidets. 1 Via Unità d'Italia, Novara, 28100 Italy; 39-0321-47-33-51; rubinetteriestella.it. circle 646

Sirius Range Hoods

The Italian-made Siu5 island range hood is a 3-by-4-foot stainless-steel canopy that includes four halogen lamps. The hood moves 600 cubic feet of air per minute through a 6-inch duct inside a 10-inch square decorative flue that adjusts for ceiling heights from 99 to 112 inches. A ductless version that does not vent to the outdoors is also offered. 1051 Clinton Street, Buffalo, NY 14206; 866-528-4987; siriushoods.com. circle 647

Agape

Benedini Associati has sculpted a silky white composite of resin and quartz powder called Exmar into the spectacular freestanding Spoon XL soaking tub. Despite its grand size—a full 71 inches long—the oval piece eases into all but the smallest bath environments. 69 Via Po Barna, Bagnolo San Vito, 46031 Italy; 646-283-2608; agapedesign.it. circle 648

Bardelli

Designer Tord Boontje's Primavera wall tiles have a floral motif printed in platinum on 8-inch square white tiles. The tiles sell in six other motifs and as a 12-tile mural; all are also available in a rainbow-hued print on white, instead of platinum. 4-6 Via G. Pascoli Vittuone, Milan, 20010 Italy; 212-674-9700; bardelli.it. circle 651

Architectural Systems

Nature imbues new Magna Mosaic metal tiles. As with other styles in the Magna collection, these hand-placed metal elements are individually glued to an interlocking mesh that is flexible enough to conform smoothly to curved contours. 150 West 25th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10001; 800-793-0224; archsystems.com. circle 649

Waterworks

Retro styling enhances this manufacturer's aerodynamic and thoughtfully directional Ambit lavatory faucet. The centerpiece of a collection that includes 19 faucet-and-handle combinations, the wall-mounted version can be sourced in finishes ranging from nickel to chrome and unlacquered brass—or in assorted made-to-order finishes. 60 Backus Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810; 800-899-6757; waterworks.com. circle 650

Granite & Marble Resources

Zeta stone mosaics, part of the Maestro Mosaics collection, are 1-foot square handmade basketweave modules. Colors include blue-macauba-with-white, honey-onyx-with-black, white-with-gold-travertine, or crema-marfil-with-palace-onyx. Merchandise Mart, 115, Chicago, IL 60654; 312-670-4400; maestromosaics.com. circle 652

Dornbracht

German-manufactured Lulu wall-mounted faucets come in polished chrome and matte platinum. The side-placement mixing-lever design is squarely aimed at a young urban demographic, but the cheeky name is a throwback—at least partly inspired by Yves Saint Laurent muse Loulou de la Falaise. 1700 Executive Drive South, Suite 600, Duluth, GA 30096; 800-774-1181; dornbracht.com. circle 653

Aquamass

A matte white acrylic interior contrasts with the leather exterior of the Graine de Cuir tub, created by artisan Frédérique Hoet. Unexpected as it is, the cowhide is treated as a tightly stretched second skin in chromatically blended "earth and sun" shades. 280 Avenue Kersbeek, Brussels, 1190 Belgium; 32-2332-0732; aquamass.com. circle 654

Rex Ceramiche Artistiche

Water-jet-cut frosted glass fills the filigree of the 24-inch porcelain Le Rythmede L'Ombre tile, by Maria Luisa Brighenti. Complementary Ma Touche tiles are twice-pressed to enhance their reptilian texture. Available colors include Ivoire, Tabac, and a black called Charbon. 24 Via Canaletto, Fiorano, 41042 Italy; 39-0536-840811; rex-cerart.it. circle 656

Electrolux Icon

The 30-inch Infinite Cooking System has four magnetic induction elements ranging from 6 to 10 inches—but a detector will expand or contract any of the cooking elements to conform to the size of the pot or pan placed atop it. The precision controls have 15 touch settings, plus a "power boost" function that allows faster heating when you need it. 250 Bobby Jones Expressway, Augusta, GA 30907; 877-435-3287; electroluxusa.com. circle 655

Zephyr

Kitchens take flight with designer David Lewis's cantilevered Concave range hood, from the Elica Collection. The hood's wall-mounted body is sleek stainless steel, while the wing sports aluminum finished in a cool blue. 395 Mendell Street, San Francisco, CA 94124; 888-880-8368; zephyronline.com. circle 657

Bulthaup

B3 kitchens by designer Herbert H. Schultes mix laminate, lacquer, glass, dark anodized aluminum, stainless steel, woods (including bamboo), and stone. The entire assembly hangs from a highly engineered steel structural wall-mount system capable of supporting a ton every 40 linear inches. Freestanding units and islands are also available. 101 Eisenhower Parkway, Roseland, NJ 07068; 800-808-2923; bulthaup.com. circle 661

Hastings Tile & Bath

Designer Emanuele Montanelli's Amorgos cantilevered vanity is one of three cabinet styles featuring wood grain or lacquer finishes in 35 different colors. The curved glass countertop comes in a choice of matte or glossy colors; the basins are either a resin or mineral composite. 30 Commercial Street, Freeport, NY 11520; 800-351-0038; hastingstilebath.com. circle 658

Duravit

Happy D wall-mounted basins and cabinets deliver storage with style. The cabinetry can be ordered in walnut, macassar, American cherry, zebrano, and maple. Matching containers on wheels, as well as tall cabinets, are also sold. 1750 Breckinridge Parkway, Suite 500, Duluth, GA 30096; 888-387-2848; duravit.com. circle 660

THG

The Panthere Lavatory from the Cristal de Lalique Collection is accented with satin-finish black, amber, or clear Lalique crystal depicting cats on the prowl. The metal elements are solid brass and can be finished in gold, sterling silver, bronze, rhodium, or more than 30 other choices. 6601 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073; 954-425-8225; thgusa.com. circle 659

Rocky Mountain Hardware

This manufacturer's SK215 bar sink is 15 inches across and has a depth of nearly 8 inches. As a drop-in, the versatile design is self-rimming, or it can be undermounted. Both white and silicon bronze are available—either one treated with seven optional patinas. P.O. Box 4108, 1030 Airport Way, Hailey, ID 83333; 888-788-2013; rockymountain hardware.com. circle 662

Whirlpool

From KitchenAid, a fridge that eliminates kitchen traffic jams, thanks to a narrow swinging door. At nearly 7 feet tall, the 42-inch-wide French Door built-in refrigerator has an exhaust grill at the top. Finish options include stainless steel or cabinet overlay. 2000 M-63 North, Benton Harbor, MI 49022; 800-253-3977; insideadvantage.com. circle 666

Sonoma Cast Stone

The stout but luxurious Nucrete Ofuro soaking tub measures 55 inches long and holds 70 gallons of water. The tub is made from precast concrete in 20 colors formulated to resist stains—even in demanding hospitality applications. Or you can choose concrete in custom colors. 133A Copeland Street, Petaluma, CA 94952; 707-789-9130; sonomastone.com. circle 663

Sonoma Forge

From this manufacturer's racy Metalica Tiles collection, the Fried Rice pattern has a hand-hammered look found in solid copper repoussé. The design sells in squares measuring 4 or 6 inches (or in 4-by-6-inch rectangles). Ideal for walls or backsplashes. 133A Copeland Street, Petaluma, CA 94952; 707-789-9130; sonomaforge.com. circle 665

Mepla-Alfit

This company's innovative new fine cabinet hardware brings a welcome hush to the busiest kitchens. The Soft-Close feature is integrated into the glides and hinges of drawers and cabinet doors to prevent slamming and ensure smooth, quiet operation. 130 Lexington Parkway, Lexington, NC 27295; 800-456-3752; mepla-alfit.com. circle 664

Sicis

The Neoglass collection of mesh-mounted mosaic tile is highly adaptable, thanks to a choice of three shapes: oval "domes," penny tiles the company calls "barrels," and traditional squares referred to as "cubes." The translucent tiles come in 10 colors for floors or walls and can be backlit. 75-79 Via Canala, Ravenna, 48010 Italy; 877-839-8900; sicis.com. circle 667

Stone Forest

Designer Michael Zimber's C-26 Natural Vessel sink is hand-carved—with a hammer and chisel, in the Japanese tradition—from a single granite boulder smoothed by Mother Nature and thousands of years. Because of natural variations inherent in the raw materials, the sink will vary in size, shape, and color. P.O. Box 2840, Santa Fe, NM 87504; 888-682-2987; stoneforest.com. circle 668

Watercolors

Part of architect Simone Micheli's Z-Point series for the Italian manufacturer Rubinetterie Zazzeri, the bathtub filler spout sprouts right from the floor. A built-in control is wall-mounted; coordinating faucets with deck- and wall-mounted spouts are also available. High Ridge Road, Garrison, NY 10524; 845-424-3327; watercolorsinc.com. circle 669

Samuel Heath

The Fairfield bathroom-tissue holder brings Edwardian influences to solid brass fittings and accessories. The collection—which also includes a tumbler holder, robe hook, soap dish, towel ring, and shelf—comes finished in chrome, and in satin or polished nickel. 111 East 39th Street, Suite 2R, New York, NY 10016; 212-599-5177; samuel-heath.com. circle 671

Scavolini

The Tess peninsula is ideal for dividing the food-prep area from other parts of an open-plan living space. Its countertop is made of Quarz, a durable stonelike composite, though steel tops are an alternate option. Companion wall cabinetry has white or dark oak doors or translucent glass doors covering open shelving. 60-70 Via Risara, Montelabbate, 61025 Italy; 39-072-14431; scavolini.com. circle 670

Shaws

This traditional English manufacturer handcrafts heavy-duty Fireclay Apron sinks according to a historic design. Nearly 40 inches long, this sink has a lead-free enamel finish that resists acids, alkalis, scratches, and cracks; the sink comes in white, biscuit, and black. Through Rohl, 3 Parker Street, Irvine, CA 92618; 800-777-9762; rohlhome.com. circle 672

Cancos Tile & Stone

Quarried Lava Stone tiles have natural pores and textures that crater their fired-on surface. Glaze colors include Tea, Dark Tea, lapis, amber, sage, gold, silver, Sky, Raven, Snow, and Viola; many additional colors are available by special order. The 5/8-inch square mosaic tiles are mesh-mounted, and larger sizes are available. 1085 Portion Road, Farmingville, NY 11738; 800-322-6267; cancos.com. circle 673

Urban Archaeology

Michelangelos in their own right, stone carvers hew the City marble bath by hand from a solid block. This 68-inch tub sells in Beijing white or Carrara marble; the drain can be positioned in the center of the tub or at either end. 143 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-431-4646; urbanarchaeology.com. circle 677

Poggen Pohl

Jorge Pensi designed his Plusmodo kitchen around the idea of visibility. The clear-glass pull-out trays can be used to showcase anything from Grandma's china to saucepans. Satin-glass shelves shine light upward and downward, and the 6-inch countertop of laminate or granite veneer has a honeycomb substructure. 350 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield, NJ 07004; 973-812-8900; poggenpohl-usa.com. circle 674

Sloan Valve Company

In demanding institutional settings, curvy Sloanstone solid-surface lavatories are both aesthetically pleasing and ADA-compliant. The basin material is extraordinarily durable and miraculously resistant to stains, chemicals, scratches, and heat—and it comes pre-drilled for a pair of water-saving faucets. 10500 Seymour Avenue, Franklin Park, IL 60131; 800-982-5839; sloanvalve.com. circle 676

MTI Whirlpools

Call it hydrotherapy for dirty clothes: The 25-inch-long Jentle Jet laundry sink uses three strategically placed precision jets to animate a basin full of suds. The durable high-gloss sink is cast Lucite acrylic (50 colors available) reinforced at the back with fiberglass and resin. 670 North Price Road, Sugar Hill, GA 30518; 800-783-8827; mtiwhirlpools.com. circle 675