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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Alno
Featured at ICFF, corner units of the Libero collection feature frosted glass doors and colored lighting within. Alno, Boston, Mass. www.alnousa.com
Ann Sacks
Fabricated in China using the same methods as those used to carve stone for Buddhist temples, the designer Robert Kuo’s Carved Stone slabs are hand crafted out of Han Bai Yu (Chinese white marble) and Qing Shi (Chinese black marble) from the Hebei province of northern China. A variety of traditionally inspired patterns are available including Hua or “bunches of flowers” (pictured). All sizes are custom and made to order. Ann Sacks, Portland, Ore. www.annsacks.com
Asko
The UltraCare W6903FI washer and T793FI dryer are not only top notch when it comes to clothes care, they are among the most energy efficient models available, and can be installed so that they integrate completely into the cabinetry. Asko Appliances, Plano, Tex. www.askousa.com
Caroma
Named for a city that takes its water seriously, the Sydney Smart dual flush high efficiency toilet is WaterSense approved by the EPA. Indeed, with a small liquid flush of 0.8 gallons per flush (gpf), and a solid waste flush of 1.28 gpf it is said to offer the lowest water use of any toilet available in the U.S. Caroma USA, Hillsboro, Ore. www.caromausa.com
Dornbracht
Designed to fit a modular format based on a universally accepted architectural grid measuring 60- x 60-millemeters, the behind-the-wall Symetrics system facilitates the flawless alignment of the company’s designer bath fittings along with accompanying fixtures. This system is especially helpful in easing the specification process for volume projects. Dornbracht, Duluth, Ga. www.dornbracht.com
Gaggenau
Ideal for large upscale residential developments, the First Professionals package of this German manufacturer’s premium stainless steel kitchen appliances is priced at around $15,000 and includes everything a starter luxury residence would need–36" refrigerator with bottom freezer drawer, 30" convection oven, 36" gas or glass ceramic cooktop, 36" wall hood, and 24" dishwasher. Gaggenau, Huntington Beach, Calif. www.gaggenau-usa.com
Geberit
No one will dispute the flexibility, performance, and sanitary benefits of wall-hung toilets, yet the resistance of U.S. contractors and designers to specify them is palpable. This is largely due to the perception that they are difficult to maintain. Engineered to allay such fears, the Geberit Concealed Tank and Carrier System is notable for its ease-of-installation and -access, as well as its aesthetic appeal. Recommended by such tony fixture manufacturers as Duravit, once the system is installed, the only visible element is the stylish dual-flush actuator panel, which is also the conduit to all of the behind-the-wall components should the need arise. Geberit, Des Plaines, Ill. www.geberit.us
GeD Cucine
Presented at this year’s Eurocucina, the black lacquered glass Velvet kitchen exploits its linearity with doors made from sheets of tempered glass adhered to aluminum frames, flush handles, steel-clad end support panels, and glass worktops in varying thicknesses. Additional hues include white, Sand, Anthracite gray, Chamomile yellow, and Ruby red. GeD Cucine, Biancade (Treviso), Italy. www.gedcucine.it
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