Spring 2008 might well have been dubbed the season of kitchen and bath, as was evident at this year’s most prominent design and trade shows—KBIS in Chicago; Eurocucina, held in conjunction with Milan’s Salone del Mobile; and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York City. At all three the best products were distinguished by an increasing integration of style and function along with an adventurous yet thoughtful use of materials and technology. - Linda C. Lentz
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Hansgrohe
Minimalist by design, the pre-plumbed Skyline Showerpanel is the equivalent of a vertical spa with its dual foldaway showerheads—one positioned to hit the neck and shoulders—well-positioned foot rest for shaving legs, flush-mounted body sprays, and cylindrical hand shower. A built-in thermostatic mixer valve maintains a consistent and safe water temperature, while a proprietary air-injection shower system not only provides a satisfying spray, it keeps gallons per minute (gpm) down to the desirable minimum. Hansgrohe, Alpharetta, Ga. www.hansgrohe-usa.com
Jacuzzi
Sleek as a sports car, the Omega shower——designed by the Italian Pininfarina design group, noteworthy for its collaborations with such luxury manufacturers as Ferrari and Snaidero—is a pre-packaged unit that combines a luxurious mix of materials and features. These include a cascading showerhead, rainfall ceiling tile, handheld shower, and four body sprays all set in black stone with a sleek contoured teak seat, and a tempered glass roof to create a space full of light and transparency. Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath, Chino, Calif. www.jacuzzi.com
LaCucinaAlessi
Alessi hit the culinary runway at Eurocucina with its curvaceous new kitchen system designed by Alessandro Mendini in collaboration with Gabriele Centazzo, as well as several of the world’s top manufacturers of kitchen products—Italy’s Valcucine, for the furniture; the U.K.’s Foster for cooktops, vent hoods, and sinks; and Finland’s Oras for the faucets. The most compelling features are material: curved stainless steel; glass¬—–cut, curved, painted, and etched––in the form of stain-resistant work surfaces, sliding doors, and cupboards. All are recyclable. Alessi, Crusinallo, Italy. www.alessi.com
Liebherr
Designed specifically for the North American market, the 36" 2062 refrigerator with bottom freezer is said to be one of the most energy efficient of its kind. It is available in freestanding, stainless steel, as well as fully-integrated versions and boasts French doors, dual-refrigeration, double freezer drawers on telescopic rails, a new air flow system, LED light columns and illumination in the vegetable and freezer drawers. Burlington, Ontario. www.liebherr-appliances.com
Nito
Shown at both Eurocucina and ICFF the asymmetric Chimera 3D bath cabinet is a dimensional three-component configuration of storage, light box and mirror in one playful unit measuring approximately 51" (w) x 35"(h) x 7" (d). Nito Arredamenti SRL, Asciano (Siena), Italy. www.rapsel.it
Poggenpohl
A first for the home culinary scene, the P’7340 kitchen was developed in collaboration with Porsche Design for the man of the house. On view at Eurocucina and presently on view at the Chicago Merchandise Mart, this modular offering of aluminum frames is available in numerous sizes and integrated with fronts of back-painted glass, aluminum, and wood—unsealed and textured. Worktops are made of satin-finished glass or black granite; an innovative touch system opens doors and drawers effortlessly; and integrated lighting and a/v systems provide the ambience. Poggenpohl U.S., Fairfield, N.J. www.poggenpohl-usa.com
Rapsel
Taking its cues from the famed Egg chair of its eponymous Danish architect the Arne freestanding bath tub, by designers Nada Nasrallah and Christian Horner of SODA, mirrors the curvaceous raised back of that 20th century design icon. Made from a cutting-edge titanium resin that is soft and warm-to-the-touch, this 21st century tribute offers the same comfort level as its inspiration. Rapsel, Settimo Milanese (Milan), Italy. www.rapsel.it
Robern
The popular mirrored M Series of bath cabinetry is now being offered in a beautiful selection of alternative finishes suitable for today’s more open master baths and powder rooms, even bedrooms, bars, and entertainment areas. The options include Satin White, Satin Bronze, Satin Gray, vintage Ivory, Tinted Gray Mirror, Onyx Mesh, Hammered Platinum, Hammered Oil-Rubbed Bronze, and Champagne Mesh. Robern, Bristol, Pa. www.robern.com
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