Kitchen & Bath

-- Interior Design, 5/31/2009

Flexible taps were created to be functional, but no one ever said they couldn't be fun, too. So proves Zurich-based designer Florin Baeriswyl with his slim, colorful Twinflex faucets. A synthetic hose is encased within a metal hose, which in turn is sheathed with PVC that can be specified in orange, blue, gray, or black; the rest of the faucet is finished in chrome. The eye-catching spout has caught worldwide attention, too, winning both Red Dot Design and Good Design awards. 41-44-878-12-12; arwa.ch. circle 675

The Degree collection transforms singing in the shower into a theater-in-the-round experience. The unit combines a Cristalplant solid surfacing tray with orange or blue acrylic or transparent glass panels. The degree to which the panels swivel determines the name, 45° or 130°, each suitable for corner or center wall placement. 39-0522-829693; bmood.it. circle 676

Spot-on design sometimes takes a league of nations. Swiss bath specialist Laufen collaborated with Dutch architect Weil Arets and Italian design magnate Alberto Alessi to create the Il Bagno Alessi dOt collection. Immaculately glazed, precision ceramics feature slanted, asymmetrical shapes and a trademark round recess. 866-696-2493; laufen.com. circle 680

Metallic finishes in the automotive industry inspired this reflective, high-gloss acrylic cabinetry. With aluminum frames, the doors add subtle color and shimmer to kitchen and dining spaces in either the Oxide (light blue) or Cubanit (gold) iridescent finishes. 973-812-8900; poggenpohlusa.com. circle 679

Add color, shimmer, and luminosity to any backsplash with Icestix. The ½-by-2-inch mosaic tiles are composed of recycled glass that was destined for the landfill. The product comes in 12 colorways that range from ruby red and verdant green to icy white and black, with all palettes featuring bursts of glitter. 604-421-7229; interstyle.ca. circle 678

Barbara Barry puts her signature touches of class and sophistication on the Tuxedo Pedestal sink, the latest addition to the Tuxedo collection of bath products and accessories. The 32-inch-tall-by-21½-inch-wide pedestal features a rectangular top with round basin fashioned from vitreous china. It comes in either a stucco white or linen finish. 888-452-5547; kallista.com. circle 677

Streamline the look of a pantry with stylish sliding doors from Gaia, an eco-friendly line of kitchen storage. Parallel aluminum tracks hold Corian doors that sport custom-etched, plantlike patterns. Measuring 801/3 inches wide by 47¼ inches high, the doors come in four additional heights and three additional widths, as well as in back-painted glass or veneered wood finishes. 212-206-7400; bazzeo.com. circle 696

The soaring, stainless steel Arc Column Allegro has two spray functions for showering al fresco: an adjustable-angle rain-shower head and a foot wash. It can be fitted with a mixing valve for hot water use or a drain valve for cold climates, and is equipped with an external water inlet for simple installation. 800-852-3906; jaclo.com. circle 692

Adding to her collection of whimsical furnishings, this dealer introduces a soft, contemporary take on traditional Frisian tiles. Dutch artist Paula Leen's white Felt Tiles are decorated with blue designs that run the gamut from word graphics to floral patterns. The 18-inch-square tiles come individually or in a series held together by an iron frame. They can also be custom colored by the artist. 505-872-1929; lisafontanarosa.com. circle 693

As the name suggests, the Touch 27 lavatory faucet begs to have its textured surfaces felt. Designed by Clodagh, the brass fitting in polished chrome finish is environmentally sensitive, featuring an aerator that controls water consumption while still producing a strong spray. An additional 34 finishes are available. 800-842-7277; watermark-designs.com. circle 695

Just when it feels safe to say he's designed everything but the kitchen sink, along comes the Starck K, the first foray into the kitchen for designer Philippe Starck. With signature simplicity, a rectangular basin in white, beige, anthracite, or chestnut brown ceramic is punctuated by a countersunk draining surface. 770-931-3575; duravit.us. circle 694

Almost any pattern and design can be faithfully rendered in CrispCast kiln-formed glass, which utilizes 15 to 30 percent recycled content. Opaque or translucent colors won't fade or separate thanks to a high-firing process that permanently colors the material with unleaded pigment, making it ideal for even wet bathroom environments. Panels come in sizes up to 69 by 119 inches, in custom thicknesses. 800-777-2332; ultraglas.com. circle 709

Sinuous and lean, the Mimi collection of bathroom fixtures has sweeping lines reminiscent of Italian couture. Finish options include iridescent ivory, chrome, brushed chrome, and gold. These willowy fittings are suitable for residential or hospitality applications. 714-808-0099; gessiusa.com. circle 705

Designer Enzo Berti takes a dip into innovation, as he merges solid ash wood and sleek resin to create Fontane, a bath furnishings collection that includes a freestanding tub and storage cabinets. The ash is treated with stain or acrylic paint in one of six shades to emphasize the natural beauty of the wood grain. 39-0422-8441; cadoroclassic.it. circle 708

From the visionaries at Danish architecture firm Aarhus Arkitekterne, the Vola FS2 freestanding basin mixer is slender and concise. It joins the award-winning FS1 tub filler and new FS3 rain-shower mixer, rounding out a versatile series intended to create bathing zones that don't require proximity to walls or bathrooms. 800-351-0038; hastingstilebath.com. circle 706

Art meets function in the Lalique limited-edition line of faucet handles. Each satin-finished crystal sculpture is hand-signed and numbered by its master glassworker; brass mounts can be specified in 30 different finishes, ranging from sterling silver to bronze and gold. Designs include the Papillon butterfly motif, the starfish-replicating Oceana, and egg-shaped Venice, among others. Through Hydrology, 312-832-9000; hydrologychicago.com. circle 707