KBIS Standout: Bathroom Vanities

Xylem Bambu

Xylem introduced its new BAMBU bathroom vanity and mirror set. The collection uses eco-friendly bamboo veneer and raw bamboo stalk accents to tie contemporary styling with nature-inspired accents.

The clean, handle-free, console appearance of the BAMBU bath vanity offers no hint of its two spacious drawers. The BAMBU vanity is offered in a choice of wall-mount or base-stand applications 26″ and 36″ wide.

In 2009 the Xylem Group, LLC acquire the Loft & Bath® and Coret® luxury brands from the Zoli Corporation.

The Gira Basin displayed at the show is so spectacular everyone had to stop and touch it.

The Zoli Permesso Series of lavatories are made from a proprietary and patented material called Coret®. Coret is a synthetic material made from a combination of resins and alumina. These special components give the product a matte satin finish combined with a very natural “soft to the touch” feeling.

Coret is fire-resistant, chemical-resistant, stain-resistant and the finished product also has a very high resistance to abrasions.

Robern

To the joy of designers everywhere, Robern has expanded their product line to offer wall-hung vanities. These contemporary vanities are constructed from aluminum and glass with a night-light along the top channel. Aside from the beautiful styling, the interior accessories will make every woman want one. Glass storage bins neatly hold cosmetics and the hairdryer and curling iron holders are well thought out with safety and convenience in mind.

Barbara Barry Counterpoint for Kallista

Barbara Barry introduced her fourth Collection for Kallista at KBIS. The Counterpoint Collection by Barbara Barry is inspired by the minimal elegance of the 1930s. This collection is distinctly modern and sophisticated. The vanity features a startburst wood inlay, Barbara Barry’s signature motif. It will be offered in two wood finishes, Barry’s signature deep, dark Java finish, or the warmer tones of Brunette, a new finish designed exclusively for the collection. The marble countertop is available in Statuary White or Crema Marfil marble with undermount bowl. A coordinating medicine cabinet features a beveled mirror with the same startburst etched into the top.

Late Addition: Native Trails

Native Trails showed two new vanities at the show; the Yanama and the Savannah. I’m sharing the Savannah Vanity which is entirely handcrafted using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood in a one-of-a-kind distressed finish.

The 30″ Antique White vanity is avialable with with the Lava, a dark charcoal grey basalt or Crema, a lightly polished marble tops and your choice of sink. I love it with the Calypso basin as shown in the photo. Look for it to be available in May.

March 1, 2010

Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend

I’m sure you’ve heard that diamonds are a girl’s best friend but did you know it applies to the functionality of a kitchen?

I don’t mean that the “little woman” will be happier slaving over your dinner if she’s wearing a giant rock. I am referring to DIAMOND™ Seal Technology from Brizo.

You may recall from an earlier post that I was recently flown to NY as a guest of Brizo. While there I got to learn about the incredible technology going into faucets and future technologies that will come in the near future. I can’t give away what’s coming in the next few years but I can discuss the relevance of what’s available now.

Brizo faucets use diamond-coated valves to keep water from coming into contact with outside contaminants. This advanced functionality adds to the durability of each faucet to stand up to the rigors of everyday use and have less leaks over time. The DIAMOND™ Seal Technology reduces the number of leak points and lasts up to 10 times longer than the industry standard. (Industry standard based on ASME 112.18.1 = 500,000 cycles.)

It also satisfies California statute AB 1953 mandating that by January 1, 2010, the weighted average (average amount of) lead content in pipes, fittings and fixtures used to convey drinking water cannot exceed 0.25% on wetted surfaces. The DIAMOND Seal Technology effectively keeps the water as pure as when it enters the faucet because there it keeps the water free of contact with potential metal contaminants.

Less leaks means more water conservation. Less contaminants means better water purity. These two benefits play a vital role in Brizo’s commitment to Green Design. A third part of their Green initiative that you can’t taste or see in your home is their commitment to environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

Brizo has taken steps so all of their manufacturing plants recycle the water they use, recycle any excess brass from the manufacturing process and they use a water-based metal cleaning methods that eliminates the need for ozone-depleting solvent degreasers.

Your faucet with DIAMOND Seal Technology will keep working well for years since it has no internal parts with lubricants that can get gunky. It’s stylish design and smooth operation will allow you to enjoy it in your home instead of replacing it and having it enter a landfill which makes it easier for you to be environmentally responsible.

Brizo®, the faucet brand for the fashion forward, meets the demand for aesthetics and performance with a collection of distinctively designed faucets and related products that create a fashion statement in the home.

I’ll be posting pictures of the NY trip on my Facebook page.

February 12, 2010

Around the Web

I can’t easily post while I’m out of town, thanks to the generosity of Brizo, so I have compiled some interesting posts from around the web.

There’s a great post from HGTV.ca Style Sheet Blog on small dining spaces. The photos are quite lovely but what really caught my eye was the folding table that doubles as a picture frame. These tables are not a new idea but the way the legs disappear when upright is nice and the poster insert adds a modern touch.

Staying on the modern theme, Modern Home Interiors features a sleek glass vanity by Antonio Lupi. The Briliante vanity features 20mm thick glass top and sides with an integrated bowl. A small storage cabinet situated below the vanity holds bathroom necessities. The Dama mirror is featured above the vanity.

I personally need much more storage in my bathroom and I could probably never keep the glass clean.

Michelle from My Notting Hill talks about mosaic tile as art. With large format tile the trend for interior floors, we often don’t think about putting beautiful mosaics anywhere other than the bathroom or the kitchen backsplash.

Her blog features some new patterns from New Ravenna Mosaics and Stone – which I am a huge fan of.

For an in-depth look at the history of Mosaic Tile Linda Merrill posted a great article on the Surroundings Blog.

These days it’s best to invest your money in the areas of your home that will get the most show. Showing off your expensive taste is best done without trying too hard, unless you are a Hip Hop Mogul, but instead investing in a few special pieces.

I highly recommend checking out the Magic Rug. These gems from Sicis combine the beauty of hand-cut, artistic Italian mosaics with the flexible format of a throw rug. The glass mosaic is mounted on a polyurethane base that can be attached to the floor or left as a movable object. Seemingly endless possibilities include florals, classic patterns, and contemporary motifs in a variety of formats—including circular, square, and oval—can be customized with 80 colors and an assortment of effects (iridescent, transparent, or opaque)

February 8, 2010

Faucets and Fashion Week

I am super excited this week to be included in a group of noted designers/bloggers attending a product seminar and a Fashion Week Show in NY as a guest of Brizo. You may remember their add campaign with women in gowns designed by Jason Wu (he designed Michelle Obama’s inaugural gown). If you don’t I’ve posted it below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9eKU_0qy6o]

“Fashion to me is not just about clothes but a full lifestyle. The Jason Wu woman is interested in architecture, art, technology and culture, in addition to fashion.”–Jason Wu

Red Gowns by Jason Wu, Jason Wu 2010 Spring Inspiration Photo by Tara Donovan via Vogue, Brizo faucet sculpture

Brizo takes its name and inspiration from a Greek goddess known as an enchantress and a soother who served as a guide for mariners in ancient times. When asked a question, she would answer in the form of a dream. Hence Brizo’s tagline: “Open your eyes and dream.”

I’ll post more about their new faucets after the product training. Follow my Twitter Posts for the latest updates.

Link Love

Susan Palmer Designs Blog

Kitchen and Residential Design

Kitchen Clarity

Kitchen Design Notes