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KBIS and Beyond

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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St. Charles Cabinetry
Created in 1935 and specified by an impressive array of that era’s star architects, such as Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright, this steel kitchen cabinetry is back and updated for a new generation of design luminaries. In addition to stainless steel, the color palette is comprised of both matte and iridescent colors that include Cotton white, Biscuit, black, Racing red, cobalt blue, Mint Julep, Lemonade, Chocolate, and Seaglass (pictured). St. Charles Cabinetry, Greenwood, Miss. www.stcharlescabinets.com

Sub-Zero
New and improved the popular 600 series has been renamed and reengineered. Now called the Built-in (BI) Refrigeration Series, it continues to feature the company’s dual-compressor operating system, but has been overhauled with new door hinges that allow for true flush inset installations; a flip-up grill—including a 72" size for full 36" refrigerator and freezer configurations—that allows for easy access to the water filtration system, as well as new remote diagnostics and other mechanicals; an air purification system; temperature-controlled crisper and meat drawers; and an updated LED lighting system. Sub-Zero, Madison, Wis. www.subzero.com

Symmons
Long respected for the quality of its commercial plumbing supplies and innovations (among them the pressure balance valve) this near 70-year old company is adding high-end a style to its product offering. Available in polished nickel and chrome Naru (pictured) is a contemporary take on classic Japanese form and that culture’s veneration of water. For jobs requiring a more traditional or transitional model, Oxford was inspired by the towers of that English city and is available in oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel, and chrome. Symmons, Braintree, Mass., www.symmons.com

Thermador
Joining a growing moveable ventilation hood line-up from various manufacturers, the Easy Lift hood has a unique pivoting glass canopy that raises the canopy up and out of the way when not in use. Thermador, Huntington Beach, Calif. www.thermador.com

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Toto
Designed to overcome the maintenance nightmares of commercial washrooms, this new LEED-qualified selection of fixtures and fittings—undermount lav in two sizes, wall- or floor-mount toilet, urinal, tap, and hand dryer—is not only water efficient but gentle on energy and the eye. Proprietary EcoPower technology harnesses the kinetic energy of running water to power faucet and flush valve applications, which eliminates routine battery replacement and disposal. A smart sensor system in the Helix wall-mount faucet uses an infrared pulse to detect when hands are placed under the spout. It also shuts off immediately when they are removed. An ADA-compliant high-speed hand dryer is also sensor-operated. Toto, Morrow, Ga. www.totousa.com

Wolf
While induction cooking surfaces are not new, this one was designed to install flush with the countertop, rather than rimmed or slightly raised off the surface. It comes in 30" and 36" sizes. Wolf, Madison, Wis. www.wolfappliance.com

Zucchetti
The antithesis of total integration, XL is a super-sized shower that evokes the actual construction process with its three suspended steel cables and industrial strength near 20" shower pan. Designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba, the large circular fitting commands attention and boasts an optional centered LED light and multiple water effects, such as powerful central nozzles, and a gentle outer ones—all at the same modest flow-rate. Zucchetti Rubinetteria S.p.A., Gozzano (NO), Italy. www.zucchettidesign.com

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