Lenova's PermaClean Apron Front Ledge Sink Honored by Interior Design Magazine

The 12th annual Best of Year Awards has named the PermaClean Apron Front Ledge sink from Lenova as an Honoree. Sponsored by Interior Design magazine, the BoY Awards honor the most significant work of the year and recognize designers, architects and manufacturers from around the globe. Winners, selected from nearly 2,300 submissions, were named in 113 categories. As part of Lenova's popular Apron Front Collection, this sink offers a modern interpretation of a classic look with sleek lines and a graceful 10" bowed front. It's available in a single or double bowl configuration, with a low divider in the double-bowl layout to accommodate large pots with long handles. One of the most notable aspects of the sink is its engineered platform ledge that allows it to easily convert to a food prep center when accessorized with an optional stainless steel colander, roll-up grid drainer, and bamboo cutting board. The sink also features Lenova's PermaClean drain system - a seamless design that eliminates unsightly drain lines and creates a smooth high-end look that is more sanitary and includes removable splash guards and strainer baskets.

Top Knobs Introduces Their Lynwood Collection

Inspired by the designs found in mid-century modern neighborhoods across the United States, Top Knobs introduces the Lynwood Collection of decorative hardware. This collection of knobs, pulls, cup pulls, and backplates mimics the minimalistic shapes found in furniture and architectural styles from the mid 1930s to the mid 1960s. Mid-century minimalism at its finest, the Lynwood Collection includes 306 pieces in seven series. Highlights include two appliance pull shapes and rectangular backplates featuring open backs. Each Lynwood piece is available in six trending finishes: Ash Gray (AG), Flat Black (BLK), brushed satin nickel (BSN), Honey Bronze (HB), polished chrome (PC) and polished nickel (PN). Lynwood Collection details:

• Seven series: Kinney, Hollin, Crestview, Allendale, Kentfield, Marion and Hillmont
• 2 appliance pull shapes
• 5 pull shapes
• 1 cup pull in 3 ¾" and 5 1/16" sizes
• 4 knobs in four series. Sizes range from 1" to 1 1/2"
• 2 decorative back plates for knobs and pulls

BLANCO's ARTURA Faucet Honored by This Old House Magazine

BLANCO's ATURA® faucet was honored by This Old House magazine as one of the top 100 Best New Home Products.  The BLANCO ATURA® offers a high performance dual spray and is available in a standard 2.2 GPM as well as a 1.5 CALGREEN water-saving model. Featuring an attractive high arc and solid brass body, the ATURA® is the perfect fit for any style kitchen or budget. This Old House is the number one multi-platform home brand providing trusted information and expert advice, and is best known for its award-winning television shows This Old House and Ask This Old House. The BLANCO ATURA® faucet is available in a pull-down spray as well as a bar faucet model and comes in both polished chrome and stainless finish.

Metal Style Bouvet Expands Their Multipoint Collection

Metal Style Bouvet enlarged the company's multipoint collection. The LaForge collection has ten models in two finishes for multipoint escutcheons.  Metal Style Bouvet new model 4035 (Laprade) and model 4100 (Richelieu, and pictured) levers come in an 8mm square to fit most multipoint system specifications, and both levers can be matched with the rounded (1253) and the rectangular (1252) escutcheons from the LaForge collection. They are available in both black and pewter finishes, and an array of different functions is offered including a reverse setting (lever positioned lower on the escutcheon) which is compatible with Marvin Windows and Doors systems.

THG Announces Two New Hires - Emily Smith and Jonathat Britt

THG® Paris announced two new hires: a Northeast regional manager, Emily Smith, and a manager of A&D development, Jonathan Britt. Smith is responsible for developing business relationships with THG Paris' dealer and distribution network in the Northeast, providing support such as leading regular showroom and dealer training and serving as an official source to assist with project needs. Prior to joining THG Paris, Smith worked as a specifications representative for Wilsonart, where she was responsible for driving specification of Wilsonart product lines in Manhattan and Westchester County. Smith also served as a plumbing sales and design consultant at Simon's Hardware & Bath.

In his new position as manager of A&D development, Britt is responsible for building and strengthening relationships with Northeast architects and design firms. Before joining THG Paris, Britt handled sales and sales operations at Italian luxury furnishings house Nella Vetrina.

AD Waters is Fiora Products' Exclusive N.A. Distributor

Fiora products are being distributed and marketed in the US and Canada by AD Waters. Fiora is the only manufacturer of complete bathroom collections produced with a single material, Fiora's cornerstone product innovation SILEXPOL - a proprietary material comprised of polyurethane and minerals. All shower bases, wall panels, countertops and sinks are produced with SILEXPOL, which is easy to maintain and provides more warmth and safety properties - including a level 3 non-slip certification - than porcelain, acrylic, enamel steel and solid surface materials. Among the brand's newest introductions to the North American market are:

• Fiora Shower Bases - A series of textured shower bases designed for a high-end aesthetic and everyday comfort and safety. The easy-to-install series can be installed above the floor or flushed to the floor, for a more discreet look and/or for an ADA-compliant design. 
• Fontana (pictured) - the Fontana sink collection is comprised of two sink models and four wall-mounted integrated countertops. The top and sides of the sinks are finished in a slate texture while the washbasins interiors offer smooth surface finish. All sinks are available in the same eight colors as the shower bases. 
• Making Mini Vanity - the Making Mini vanity features an elegant slate texture finish and is offered in the eight color options of the shower bases. The accompanying sink is offered in a standard matte white and can be color coordinated to match the rest of the vanity.  

Stone Forest's Calma Tub Receives 2017 Interior Design BoY Award

Stone Forest® received an Interior Design magazine 2017 Best of Year Awards. This year, the Best of Year Awards celebrated its 12th anniversary and had 2,016 entries from 38 different countries in 130 product and project categories. Stone Forest's Calma bathtub was named the winner in the Bath Fixtures category. The Calma tub is an excellent example of Stone Forest's expertise in creating something beautiful from natural products. The Calma bathtub is hand-carved from a single block of Limestone or Marquina Taupe, providing a gentle oval-shaped elegant respite. The soft lines of this freestanding tub create a simple yet sophisticated design. The sculptural quality of the stone makes the tub an exquisite piece of art that becomes the focus piece of any bath. The soft and sculptural lines of the Calma tub combine to create a simple yet sophisticated design.

MrSteam's New Lexington Collection Towel Warmers

With wider bars to extend the warmth on towels, the new Lexington Collection towel warmers from MrSteam are perfect enhancements for contemporary spa bathrooms. Made of high-quality stainless steel in polished or brushed stainless finishes, the five wall-mounted models of the Lexington Collection come standard with a digital timer allowing for convenient pre-start and automatic shutoff. What other styles attempt to conceal, the Lexington Collection's industrial design daringly puts on display. With tubing and slats, these pieces fit equally well in urban, contemporary and loft style settings, turning bold structural elements into showpieces. Lexington Collection towel warmer styles are available in heights ranging from 24 inches to 41 inches with MSRP based on size and finish. All models carry a two-year warranty and are cULus-Listed.

McAlpine & Company Honored with Herald's Scottish Family Business Award

The top family firms in Scotland were recently honored at the sixth Herald's Scottish Family Business Awards 2017 in association with Business Gateway. The Scottish Family Business of the Year (Large) was won by Glasgow plumbing firm McAlpine & Company (parent company of Mountain Plumbing Products), and there were even more honors for McAlpine & Company with company director Kenneth Graham McAlpine taking the Outstanding Contribution award.  The event was attended by over 350 guests who gathered at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow to hear from keynote speaker James Macsween, managing director and owner at Macsween of Edinburgh, and this year's judging panel was chaired by Ian McConnell, business editor of The Herald. (Pictured from left to right are Robert, Graham, Kenneth, John and Ross McAlpine from McAlpine and Company Ltd.)

GROHE's New GrohTherm SmartControl

Immersing oneself in a new dimension of showering is what the GROHE SmartControl is all about. The "Push, Turn, Shower" experience has become even more multifaceted, thanks to a new model and combination options being added to this line of smart shower controls. The expanded range includes a concealed behind-the-wall model that offers an innovative universal rough-in valve for more efficient installation. This concealed GrohTherm SmartControl trim features the same expert water temperature and flow rate control as the on-the-wall version, while offering the option of having up to three shower outlets running through a single wall plate. This feature is exclusive to GROHE, part of LIXIL, as most competitors require an additional wall plate to accommodate three water outlets. Plus, the GrohTherm SmartControl trims are available in stylish white. As a result, the intuitive push-and-turn control system offers an even greater variety of design options - for the perfect shower experience every time.

John Weinstein Named Franz Viegener's Corporate Director N.A.

Franz Viegener Premium Collection has appointed John Weinstein Corporate Director, North America. Following a successful career owning retail stores in Philadelphia, acting as director for several plumbing showrooms then running his own manufacturer's representative agency, John became President of Xync Brands' Ryvyr, a manufacturer of bath furniture and fixtures. Xync Brands was acquired by Elk Group International in 2016 and hired Weinstein as both President of Ryvyr as well as Northeast Divisional VP for Dimond Home and Lighting, Sterling, GuildMaster and Pomeroy. While maintaining the basic marketing principles of Franz Viegener; partnering with extremely high quality dealers and a restricted e-com tactic, Weinstein will be developing new business protocols and strategies to grow organically. The national sales team will be increased to further support the dealer base and other initiatives including bringing the Franz Viegener name to the design community.

Watermark Designs' Awarded Interior Designs' 2017 BoY Award

Watermark Designs has been named a recipient of Interior Design magazine's 2017 Best of Year Awards for the second year in a row. The Best of Year Awards is a global design awards program dedicated to the year's leading products and projects and is the most highly regarded awards program in the industry. This year, the Best of Year Awards celebrated its 12th anniversary and had 2,016 entries from 38 different countries in 130 product and project categories. Watermark Designs' Elements kitchen faucet was named the winner in the Kitchen Fittings category. Watermark's Elements faucet offers the ability to play with color, form and texture in the creation of a unique design statement by giving the consumer an endless possibility of more than 300,000 faucet choice combinations. Elements is comprised of 14 handle styles, called Covers, and every Cover has a Base with 24 finish options and two options for Inserts. The decorative Inserts are offered in two styles: Bridge style and Scallop style, and both the Insert and Base are available in Watermark Designs' 24 finishes. 

MTI Baths' New Boutique Collection Tops with Palmer Legs

MTI Baths has teamed up with Palmer Industries, a domestic manufacturer of metal console leg systems, to offer a new bath vanity collection. The new Boutique Collection Tops with Palmer® Legs combine the vintage charm of a classic open-framework console with the benefit of modern fixtures. As stylish as it is functional, the integrated sink top is made from MTI's signature one-piece SculpureStone® material. This material is non-porous, stain, mold and mildew-resistant, making cleaning and maintenance easy. The Boutique Collection Tops with Palmer® Legs come in two styles: Traditional with a round or oval sink; Cove edge treatment and tapered foot console legs; or Modern with a rectangular sink and studio console legs. Offered in lengths of 24", 36" or 68", the 24" and 36" accommodate a single bowl, the 68" two bowls. The tops are available in a matte or gloss finish. The Palmer console leg system is fabricated from solid brass tubing and components. All leg fittings are precision machined, from solid rod, producing an exceptional fit and finish not possible with casting. The console legs are available in six standard finishes, architectural grade, polished and plated to perfection. Custom finishes are available.

 

Hansgrohe and Duravit Featured at the National Building Museum

Hansgrohe and Duravit were selected to be featured in "Making Room: Housing for a Changing America", running from November 18, 2017 to September 16, 2018, an exciting new exhibition at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. At its centerpiece is a 1,000 square foot house called "The Open House," designed by Italian architect Pierliugi Colombo/Clei. The configurable space utilizes smart technology, movable walls, and multifunctional furniture to meet the needs of the housing population of today and tomorrow. During the exhibit's run, the Open House will be transformed to feature modern living environments for a range of age demographics: roommates, an extended family, and a retired couple with a live-in caregiver. The hansgrohe, AXOR and Duravit products will remain throughout the exhibit's conversions, demonstrating the functional agility, flexibility and performance of the bath and shower products. To meet the needs of a diverse demographic and lifestyle, the hansgrohe products that were selected for the exhibition's bathroom/shower areas include the Raindance Select S 120 AIR 3-Jet Handshower, Talis Select S 80 and Talis Select E 80 Single-Hole Faucets and iBox Universal Plus, as well as robe hooks and other bath and shower accessories. Additionally, the kitchen features the AXOR Citterio Select Collection.  Duravit products selected included the OpenSpace B Shower Screen and ME by Starck toilet.

 

Top Knobs' New Hopewell Bath Collection in Flat Black Finish

Sleek and sophisticated, the new Top Knobs Hopewell Bath Collection in Flat Black finish adds on-trend style, function and personality to any bathroom. The matte look and feel of the Flat Black finish alongside the soft, rounded edges of the decorative hardware results in a modern style made to fit any bathroom design. The Hopewell Bath Collection includes double and single towel bars, single hooks, bath tissue holders, tissue hooks and towel rings for a wide range of functional bath accessories. In addition to Flat Black, the ten product collection is also available in brushed satin nickel, oil rubbed bronze, polished chrome and polished nickel finishes. All Top Knobs products come with a proprietary sealed finish and a lifetime warranty.  

Victoria + Albert's New Trivento Free-Standing Bathtub

Known as a bateau bath or "boat bath" these timeless beauties have not lost their popularity or appeal. Recently, Victoria + Albert unveiled a modern reinvention of this classic bateau bathtub, named Trivento. Featuring a fine rim and a deep, double-ended bathing well, Trivento is equally at home in city apartments or suburban bathrooms. Combining the clean lines of a modern aesthetic with the graceful curves of a classic silhouette, the Trivento provides support for a luxurious bathing experience. Measuring a comfortable 22-7/8" high by 27-7/8" wide and 65" long, the Trivento works with Victoria + Albert's Kit 40 Intelli-waste bath drain. It is crafted from the brand's signature ENGLISHCAST® composition - a naturally white material rich in Volcanic Limestone™ that is beautifully warm to the touch and hand finished by craftsmen to create a glossy finish that is highly durable and easy to clean.

 

California Faucets Introduces Their New StyleTherm TH52D2 Valve

California Faucets introduces the StyleTherm® TH52D2, a two-outlet valve for installing multiple shower devices while still meeting stringent conservation requirements. With the new valve, homeowners can create a myriad of shower configurations, such as a showerhead, handshower, and tub spout or two showerheads combined with a handshower. The innovative new valve enables users to create a custom spa-like experience and save water. Because StyleTherm comes in a wide range of faceplates, from modern to traditional, users have the flexibility to create a look that speaks to their style along with their own personal showering preferences. This is because the faceplates are available in traditional round, contemporary round, and transitional square designs. With no visible screws, they also ensure a clean, elegant look. The ½-inch thermostatic rough valve is made with forged brass and includes integral stops and check valves. Its quarter-turn ceramic disc volume-control cartridge is made with a thermoplastic polymer to prevent lime-scale buildup. Each non-shared outlet delivers 7.2 gpm at 60 psi. The single-volume control offers 10.5 gpm at 60 psi.  

 

Hardware Resources Recognized by This Old House Magazine

This Old House magazine selected the No Wiggle Base Cabinet Pullout from Hardware Resources as one of the Top 100 Best New Home Products in the kitchen category on the home industry's most comprehensive new products list. The list identified the most innovative and forward-thinking products launched in 2017 in six categories: Kitchen, Bath, Tools, Home Tech, Outdoor, and Building Products. The No Wiggle Base Cabinet Pullout was honored after extensive research and independent testing. The premium cabinet organizer keeps heavy loads of canned goods, jarred food, and other staples organized, visible, and readily accessible to homeowners on the go. Heavy-duty top-mounting bracket and slide eliminates side-to-side movement and sag, helping extend cabinet life and making it far sturdier than other pullouts in the market. No Wiggle organizer innovations also include soft-close, concealed undermount slides for silent, smooth operation, while keeping shelf contents safely in place and preventing pinched fingers since the pullout cannot be slammed shut.

Michele Cocco Named Gessi N.A.'s Vice President of Sales

Gessi North America named Michele Cocco as Vice President of Sales, after a successful track record with luxury eyewear company Luxottica. Michele, a native of Italy, brings 10 years of dynamic quality experience in sales, operations and marketing to Gessi's team. Michele is motivated by the shared passion of his fellow team members, and is fascinated with the style of Gessi's products and expansive growth opportunities. He will be based in New York City, and is scheduled to lead Gessi's North American sales team traveling extensively, as he assumes the responsibility for securing and promoting new business opportunities for the company.

Hydro Systems Introduces the Anaha Freestanding Bathtub

In partnership with the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles (FIDM), Hydro Systems introduced the Anaha freestanding bathtub. Designed by FIDM student Aja Randle, the Anaha was selected as the winning design of Hydro Systems' Bathtub Design Contest. It will now join Hydro Systems Metro Collection as a product that provides homeowners with a sanctuary in their own bathroom. Inspired by the Anaha Ward Village located in O'ahu, Hawaii, the architecture of the Anaha is mesmerizing. Both sleekly delicate and artfully imposing, it's an unforgettable marriage of forward-thinking design and imaginative conception. The Anaha's unique keyhole-like shape provides ample soaking space while making a serious style statement.

Alno Inc. Introduces Their Convertibles Ring Pull Series

Alno, Inc. introduces Convertibles, their new ring pull series that you can mix and match with near limitless combinations! First, you choose a round or square ring sized from 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches.  Choose the shape and size of your ring and then choose the ring mount. Showrooms can choose square or round, with or without crystal and any combination of the 7 available stocked finishes, to create a unique pull. When ordering from their ring pull series, please note that the ring pull and ring mount are seperate SKU's and must be ordered separately. If you have any questions, please call your local sales representative or Alno customer service at (818) 882-6028. 
 

ROHL Honored with Three AD Great Design Awards

ROHL was recently honored with three AD Great Design Awards by Architectural Digest magazine. The ROHL Modern Architectural Pro-Pull Down Kitchen Faucet (LS64L) and the Perrin & Rowe Wall Mount Swing Arm Pot Filler (U.4798) were honored in the category - "Standout Sinks and Faucets" for the kitchen. Also honored was the Perrin & Rowe Deco Exposed Floor Mounted Tub Filler with Hand Shower (U.3120LS/1) for the bath category. AD celebrates the very best in design in its magazine each month. To further elevate distinctive products, the magazine created the AD Great Design Award to highlight the best of the best.

• The ROHL Modern Architectural Pro-Pull Down Kitchen Faucet is crafted in Italy. Its modern design is inspired by the Pirelli building in Milan. It celebrates pure lines, simplified forms and precision engineering. At more than 21" tall, the metal hose and pull-down spray are ready to help prep or clean for any culinary occasion.
• The classic design of the Perrin & Rowe Wall Mount Swing Arm Pot Filler from ROHL adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. 
• Also from Perrin & Rowe, the Deco Exposed Floor Mounted Tub Filler brings that same touch of sophistication to the bathroom. During the early 20th century, the Art Deco movement flourished in London. Luxury hotel properties like Claridge's and the London Savoy today still sport the motifs of the period. Inspired by these luxurious spaces, the Deco Tub Filler was created. It is designed and crafted in Great Britain. It features a geometric design that requires a hand-polished finish using a special jeweler's technique.

Barclay Adds the Dixville and McWay Free-Standing Tub Fillers

Barclay Products added the new Dixville and McWay to their array of freestanding tub fillers.  Dixville (pictured) features dual handle temperature control with your choice of lever or cross handles.  McWay provides the safety of thermostatic control with single handle operation.  Solid brass construction and modern styling with a luxurious wand hand shower make either a smart choice for your customer's bath decor.  The Dixville comes available in polished chrome, brushed nickel, polished nickel and oil rubbed bronze - the McWay is available in polished stainless or brushed stainless - and all are in stock now.

SIDLER International Introduces Their New Modello Collection

SIDLER International introduces their

new Modello Collection, which includes these many options:   

• Width: 15', 19" or 23"
• Height: 30" or 40"
• Depth: 4" or 6"
• Every Modello cabinet's foundational elements contain the following:
• Anodized aluminum body
• Silverlasting™ double-sided mirror door
• Concealed BLUM® soft-close hinges
• Shelf Adjustment System
• Mirrored Cabinet Back
• Functional Storage Solution
• Add-on Options
• Side mirror kit for surface mounting/semi-recessing
• Cosmetic box
• Understated aluminum handles
• Built-in outlets
• Ganging kit (for multiple cabinet configurations)

Hydro Systems Introduces Their New Chateau Free-Standing Tub

Hydro Systems released its new Metro Collection Freestanding Tub, the Château. Inspired by the design of the Pittock Mansion in Portland, Oregon, the Château is manufactured with the highest quality Hydro-Luxe solid surface material. From the country to the city, the Château will imbue a sense of old-world sophistication into any bathroom setting. Every element of this tub was carefully considered, from the prominent pedestal and ledge to its elegant bateau shape. The Château proves that classic design and quality construction. The tub includes an integral linear overflow drain, along with built in lumbar support on both ends of the bathtub to offer the bather additional lower back support while soaking. Equipped with a built-in faucet deck, the Château is designed to offer easier plumbing installation and placement to the buyer. The Château is available as both a soaking or thermal air tub.

Diane Hutter Joins KEUCO as Midwest Manager

Based in Chicago, Diane Hutter recently joined KEUCO to manage the Midwest territory.  She comes to KEUCO after spending the past five years working as a sales advisor in one of Chicago's premier showrooms. After spending her first year learning the market, she rose to be lead sales advisor, collaborating with some of the city's most prestigious designers, architects, and contractors on some of the most illustrious properties Chicago boasts. Diane offers a unique perspective on the market, and together with her US and Germany based team members, aims to promote the KEUCO brand and grow sales in this important key market.  Her main responsibilities will include supporting existing showroom partners, developing select new partnerships and creating a solid network of specifiers to collaborate with on residential and commercial projects. Diane holds a BA in Media Arts & Design and a BBA in Business Marketing from James Madison University.  She may be reached at diane.hutter@keuco.com or via phone at 470-236-5513.

Duravit Adds John Umbach to Their USA Team

Duravit USA has expanded its sales team with the addition of John Umbach (pictured second from the right) as Sales Associate Business Development. In his role, Umbach will apply his previous experience in project development, sales, and architectural specifications to promote growth and bolster sales for Duravit USA. Umbach has more than 20 years of experience as a sales representative. Prior to Duravit, John was a project development manager at Grohe where he was responsible for driving specifications and sales within key commercial, residential, and hospitality markets. He has familiarity with Duravit product, having previously worked for Matrix Marketing in NYC.  Umbach will be based out of Duravit USA's New York office, where he will work closely with both the Duravit NYC and Atlanta teams to maintain and develop sales relationships for contract projects.

Franke Adds a New Line of State-of-the-Art Waste Disposers

Franke has added a new line of luxury, state-of-the-art waste disposers to its innovative collection of sinks, faucets and kitchen solutions. The collection comprises seven meticulously-designed products (ranging from 1/3 horsepower to 1 1/4 horsepower) that grind to septic-system compatible levels of fineness using less energy in the fastest possible time. In addition to quietly ridding kitchens of unsightly and unhygienic household waste, Franke waste disposers are odor-reducing, jam-resistant, and constructed from the finest stainless steel. Franke's line of waste disposers includes the following features:

• Bio Shield® inhibits the growth of bacteria and reduces odors by embedding antimicrobial additives into the internal components of Franke disposers (typical germs that Bio Shield® guards against include escherichia coli and salmonella).
• Silver Guard® is a magnetic rim that prevents metal objects from falling into the disposer (available on select models).
• Sound Insulated Shell minimizes sounds produced by the disposer's powerful motor (available on select models).
• Permanent Magnet DC Motor is jam-resistant so it grinds faster and limits vibrations, producing more torque per pound than any other disposer of its type.
• Stainless Steel Grinding Chamber is fashioned of stainless steel to ensure superior grind quality.
• Removable Baffle is a splash guard that makes cleanup easy.

ICERA Introduces Their Muse II Toilet

ICERA introduces the Muse II with a new sleek look featuring clean lines and a sophisticated vibe. Crafted of vitreous china, this one-piece toilet is ideal for compact spaces, with a footprint that is the same as a traditional round toilet but offering the comfort and style of an elongated seat. The Muse II is notable for its Rimless Wash system with large twin jets at the back of the bowl and an open rim that maximizes flushing power. When combined with ICERA's anti-microbial MicroGlaze finish, the Muse II becomes an easy-to-clean toilet that is especially well suited for hard-water and well-water environments. The Muse II incorporates ICERA's EcoQuattro technology, using only 1.28 gpf for high-efficiency performance. The skirted trapway is designed for easy maintenance and installation, and the chair-height bowl is ADA compliant. The Muse II includes a Duroplast Silent Close, Quick-Release seat with a polished chrome tank lever and seat hinge caps. The toilet comes in a white finish and offers a variety of optional hardware finishes, including polished nickel, satin nickel, polished brass and Venetian bronze.  

 

Victoria + Albert's 2nd Internation Design Awards Competition

Victoria + Albert Baths announced the return of the International Design Awards for the second year. Open to all architects, designers and students, the entry is free and the only prerequisite is that the design is a boutique hotel bathroom space of 10' x 10' and achieved using Victoria + Albert's range of products. This year Victoria + Albert is delighted to welcome a panel of global judges comprised of architects and designers from renowned practices with expertise in the hospitality design industry, including top talent from the US; Alexandra Champalimaud of Champalimaud Design, and Richard Felix-Ashman of Handel Architects. For an online entry form visit vandabaths.com or email competition@vandabaths.com for any questions.  

• PRIZE: An all-expenses paid trip to the 2018 Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy (flights, transfers, 2 nights in a hotel, and entry to the exhibition)
• EXPOSURE: The winning bath design will be incorporated into the Victoria + Albert Booth at Salone del Mobile providing immediate exposure to the international design community and the winner will receive PR and social media exposure following the event.
• COMPETITION DEADLINE: 22nd December 2017
• REQUIREMENTS: Create a Concept boutique bathroom space of 10' x 10' using the Victoria + Albert products. The entry must include a 150 word description, at least 2 project views including a rendering or sketch, and a floor plan, using the 2D or 3D downloads from the website.
• HOW TO ENTER: Interested participants should visit www.vandabaths.com
   

Franke's New Absinthe Kitchen Faucet Line

Franke's newest collection of innovative faucets for the heart of the home is the Absinthe kitchen faucet line. Now available, the new collection of kitchen faucets combines sleek aesthetics with state-of-the-art technology. Available in six styles - One-Hole Faucet with Side Spray, a Pull-Down Faucet, Pull-Out Faucet, Wall Mount Pot Filler Faucet, Bar Faucet and Prep Faucet. Franke's Absinthe line features extensive swivel ranges; water-saving flow rates; and four finishes: matte black, polished nickel, satin nickel, or polished chrome finish. Absinthe faucets combine transitional style with singular form.

California Faucets Offers Kitchen Faucets in Gold Finishes

California Faucets offers designers and homeowners alike a new ingredient when it comes to personalizing their kitchen designs. Among the array of customizable faucet options designed to let you express your inner chef is a wide spectrum of on-trend gold and brass finishes. In fact, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), shades of gold and brass are the hottest finishes in today's kitchens and baths. With a vision for the reemergence of this classic finish, California Faucets offers one of the largest varieties of premium gold and brass finishes available on the market. These artisan finishes, produced by hand at the company's Huntington Beach, California factory, allow consumers to venture outside their chrome and nickel comfort zones and experiment with an alternate decorative color spectrum. In addition to the streamlined culinary faucets, which offer an industry-first ability to color the outer spring in one of over 13 PVD finishes, there are four additional pull-down kitchen faucets series now available in the company's distinctive shades of gold and brass. These include the traditional Davoli Series, the curvy Rosolina Series, and the minimalist Poetto Series.

Lenova Introduces Their Drawer-Depth Apron Front Sinks

Lenova announced its new line of Drawer-Depth Apron Front Sinks. Although apron front sinks are often must-have items for consumers who are building or remodeling a home, their oversized proportions frequently require expensive and time-consuming custom cabinets. Lenova offers the perfect solution - a collection of beautiful sinks featuring a dramatic 9" flat front that delivers a bold impact while still compatible with most standard sized cabinetry. By tailoring their dimensions to those of traditional drawer fronts, Lenova eliminates the need for custom cabinets and helps their customers save both time and money. The collection includes a double bowl configuration measuring 33" x 21 7/8" x 9" and two single-bowl designs measuring 33" or 30" wide. All have thoughtful standard features such as 5-side sound baffling pads and insulation, an easy-to-clean satin finish and Lenova's superior X Channel drainage technology.  Crafted from durable commercial-grade 304 stainless steel, the Drawer-Depth Apron Front Sinks are a smart and sophsticated addition to any kitchen. Optional features include bottom grids, cutting boards and strainer baskets.

California Faucets Wins Hanley Wood's 2017 Brand Builder Award

California Faucets announced  it was honored with Hanley Wood's 2017 Brand Builder Award for Aqua Pella, the company's latest Pixar-inspired video campaign.  Aqua Pella, the fun and memorable story of five faucets showing off their unique design personalities in a singing competition, received the Gold Brand Builder Award in the Best Channel Marketing category. The Aqua Pella video is unique and unexpected in the plumbing fixtures and fittings industry. Hanley Wood's annual Brand Builder Awards recognizes the most innovative and effective marketing campaigns throughout the residential and commercial design and construction industries.  A jury of experts in all areas of marketing reviewed entries, recognizing those who have executed campaigns that generate sales, motivate buying behavior, and inspire customer loyalty.

Hansgrohe Again Sponsors the James Beard Foundation's Taste America Tour

Hansgrohe USA is once again a sponsor of the James Beard Foundation's Taste America culinary tour. Running October through November 11, the 5th anniversary of the tour features a weekend of spectacular dining and culinary programming in ten cities. Hansgrohe is a sponsor of three stops: Philadelphia, October 13-14; San Francisco, October 27-28; and Austin, November 3-4. Each stop features a mixture of special dinners, as well as celebrity chef demonstrations at local outposts of Sur La Table, the popular kitchen supply retailer and cooking class destination. The continued support for James Beard Foundation complements Hansgrohe's ongoing collaboration with Sur La Table stores, dozens of which feature hansgrohe® and AXOR® products in their kitchens which include the Metris Select Kitchen Faucet, Talis® S HighArc Kitchen Faucet, and Talis S Potfiller.  A portion of the proceeds from its Taste America tour will be donated to establish Taste America scholarships for aspiring culinary students in each Taste America city. Full tour details are available at www.jbftasteamerica.org.

Ronbow Introduces Their New Website

Ronbow® Corporation introduced its new website: https://www.ronbow.com. The new website offers architects, designers and specifiers a comprehensive resource to discover and explore products from the Ronbow Signature, Ronbow and Ronbow Essentials brands for home design projects (Ronbow's better, best and good categories, respectively). The new layout also provides consumers a visual and inspirational guide to design or create their bathroom space. Additionally, an e-commerce marketplace for the Ronbow Essentials brand will launch later this fall on the website, giving consumers access to Ronbow Corporation's entry-level product category, offered at their published retail price points. With an aim to increase function and visitor interaction, Ronbow designed a visually appealing, user-friendly website with features that include: 

• Shop portal
• Wish list function
• Showroom locator
• Promotions
• Catalogs

American Standard Recognized as 2017 WaterSense Partner of the Year

American Standard has been recognized with a 2017 WaterSense Manufacturer Partner of the Year Award for the brand's ongoing efforts to increase awareness about water conservation and the use of WaterSense labeled products. A two-time winner of this distinction from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Standard demonstrated the importance of looking toward the future through its research and development of new water-efficient technologies. A key component was the LIXIL Beauty in Motion mobile showroom that toured the United States in 2016, and continues its nationwide trek throughout 2018.  The WaterSense Partner of the Year awards recognize organizations that are on the cutting edge of water efficiency, innovation, collaboration and outreach. Over the past decade, American Standard and nearly 2,000 other WaterSense partners have helped consumers save more than 2.1 trillion gallons of water, or more than the amount used by all U.S. households for 75 days. 

Victoria + Albert Unveils a New Recessed Basin Collection

Victoria + Albert unveiled a new collection of recessed basins that provides even more opportunities to create a beautifully luxurious bathroom environment. The new basins allow homeowners and designers to create custom vanities to coordinate effortlessly with the rest of the bathroom. The sinks may be paired for a 'his and hers' effect or used individually for an elegant focal point. Headlining this newest collection are the Lario 100 Solo and Mandello 114 Solo basins. Both sinks had been previously available only as part of Victoria + Albert's vanity furniture collection (thus their new 'solo' designations). Created by renowned design studio Meneghello Paolelli Associati, they bring a sophisticated glamour to any bathroom décor. Both the Lario and Mandello feature full width tap ledges - perfect for keeping essential soaps and lotions close at hand. Both basins may be countertop mounted or semi-recessed, and deck-mounted with brassware for easy cleaning. Like all Victoria + Albert products, both basins are crafted from ENGLISHCAST®, their signature composite of Volcanic Limestone™ and resin that is extremely durable with a high gloss finish. 

• A traditional basin with graceful lines, the Lario 100 Solo (pictured) is influenced by Victorian design with a subtle rim detail that is quite beautiful. It is generously proportioned at 39-3/8" long by 18-7/8" wide by 5" high.
Rounding out the collection is the exquisitely contoured Mandello 114 Solo with its singular shape meant to evoke a water drop as it touches the surface of the water. Measuring just slightly larger, the Mandello is sized at 45-1/8" long by 22" wide by 7" high.

MTI Baths' New Incline Bathroom Sink

Versatility is a hallmark of truly great design, and MTI Baths has hit the nail on the head with their latest bathroom sink - the Incline. This extraordinary rectangular basin is notable for its sharply sloped bottom which runs from the front to an integrated slotted drain along the back of the sink bottom. With its sleek minimalist lines, the Incline lends itself to a variety of installations and adds an element of modern elegance to any luxury-minded bathroom. The Incline is part of MTI's Boutique Collection of lavatory sinks and is handcrafted of solid ScupltureStone™ for a molded stone look that is durable, eco-friendly and easy to maintain. Offering exceptional versatility, the Incline can be installed as an undermount sink. It can also be ordered as a Counter-Sink or Vanity Sink, where the sink bowl is fully and seamlessly integrated. The Vanity Sinks can be specified with either Parsons-style legs or waterfall-style side on two sides or only one for design and installation flexibility. Customers can also specify lengths, single or double bowl configurations, and the bowl position in the center or offset to the right or left. The bowl size of the Incline is a generous 19" x 15" in either white or biscuit matte with an optional gloss finish if desired.

Franke Hosts A Leadership Event, "THINK NEXT by Franke"

Nearly 500 entrepreneurs, opinion leaders, innovators and influencers gathered in Franke's Aarburg, Switzerland headquarters on Thursday, Aug. 31 for the company's first thought leadership event, "THINK NEXT by Franke." Experts discussed innovations and trends in the food industry - with a focus on cuisine, design, consumer behavior, architecture, sustainability and technology - via panels, insight sessions and trend labs. "THINK NEXT by Franke" was born from Franke's commitment to "Make It Wonderful" - a promise to make everyday life more special for its business partners and customers. "THINK NEXT by Franke" concluded with a food festival featuring stands from around the world with presentations by renowned chefs René Schudel and Bruno Barbieri as well as cookbook author Nadia Damaso. Renowned specialists from every corner of the world shared valuable insights:
 

• Claus Meyer, culinary entrepreneur, emphasized the need to reflect varying seasons in a meal and use exceptional ingredients based on climate, landscape and waters.
• Philippe Starck, French designer, involved the audience in a presentation that focused on "The Duty of Creativity."
• Matteo Thun, Italian architect, discussed the importance of integrating nature and architecture so that architecture is perceived as a part of nature and not treated as a foreign object.
• Marius Robles, CEO and co-founder of ReImagine Food, and Stephan Sigrist, head of W.I.R.E., presented "The Influence of Technology on the Future of Cooking," showcasing how smart devices and machines are shaping new ways of cooking, eating and shopping.
• Marije Vogelzang, food designer, invited guests to participate in a multi-sensorial food experience, discovering foods such as tangerines, marshmallows and rice pudding by smelling, touching and tasting only.
• Tyler Brûlé, editor-in-chief of Monocle, discussed insights on innovations and trends in the food industry.
• Melchior Lengsfeld, executive director of Helvetas, and Michael Lammel, designer and co-founder of NOA, illustrated that developing new designs and technologies for faucets is not contradictory to the importance of providing worldwide access to clean water.

Hastings Tile & Bath Names Cary Hergenrother National Sales Manager

Hastings Tile & Bath announced the addition of Cary Hergenrother (pictured on the right) as the company's National Sales Manager. Cary returns to Hastings with 16 years of experience in various sales management positions including 11 years with Hastings and tenures with Ronbow and Lixil Brands. Michael Homola, C.E.O. and co-owner of Hastings Tile & Bath said, "I can't think of anyone I would rather have fill this important position than Cary." Rich Kucera, C.F.O. and co-owner added, "With the exciting product offering that we have now compiled, we are happy to have Cary back at Hastings to help optimize our market position." Hastings also announced that Bob Gifford (pictured on the left) moved up to the position of Director of Business Development. Bob has held several key management positions with Hastings over the last 19 years and more recently has been instrumental in rolling out Hastings expansive line of bathroom furniture. Bob will be working closely with Cary and the sales team to advance the Hastings and VOLA product lines in the market.

Top Knobs Adds Two New Series to Their Devon Collection

Top Knobs offers two new cabinet pull series under the Devon Collection: the Exeter and Torbay series of cabinet pulls. Fine detailing and craftsmanship set these trending transitional pulls apart with subtle edging and flowing curves. New finishes, including Ash Gray and Honey Bronze, complete the launches and offer designers and homeowners greater flexibility and personalization. Other available finishes include black, brushed satin nickel, polished chrome, polished nickel, Sable and Umbrio. 

• Devon Collection Exeter Series  (pictured) - the Exeter series features a modern style bar pull that is equally at home in any style kitchen. Each piece starts with the same basic bar pull shape. Each corner, where the pull bends down to attach to cabinetry, is sliced on a subtle angle to reveal an oval shaped edge. Exeter series pulls are offered in six sizes to suit a variety of door and drawer lengths: 3 3/4", 5 1/16", 6 5/16", 7 9/16", 8 13/16" and 12" center-to-center.
• Devon Collection Torbay Series - the Torbay series highlights a classic pull shape that adds elegance wherever it is used. Each gently shaped pull offers fluid curves at the base that spread out to elongate the shape of the piece and add effortless style to cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Torbay is available in six sizes: 3 3/4", 5 1/16", 6 5/16", 7 9/16", 8 13/16" and 12" center-to-center.