Friday, June 29, 2018

Katty Pien Named New Chief Marketing Officer at LIXIl Americas

Katty Pien has been named the new Chief Marketing Officer of LIXIL Americas, the division under which kitchen and bath brands American Standard, DXV and GROHE operate. In this position, Pien is tasked with designing the overall marketing strategy that carries out the vision of LIXIL to pioneer water and housing products that make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Pien brings more than 20 years of global marketing expertise to this position, with achievements encompassing strategic planning, brand portfolio management, and the creation of award-winning integrated consumer marketing campaigns. She will report to LIXIL Americas Chief Executive Officer and President Steven Delarge. Pien has been recognized with various distinctions during her career that include a 2009 Cannes Lion Award from the Cannes International Festival of Creativity, a 2009 Gold Clio, a 2009 Gold Effie, and being named an AdAge Top 50 Marketer in 2008. Pien holds an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a B.S. in operations research and industrial engineering from Cornell University.

Sunday, June 24, 2018

The House of Rohl Opens Their First North American Studio

The House of Rohl opened its first Studio in North America. Located in LuxeHome (suite #135) on the first floor of Chicago's historic Merchandise Mart, the House of Rohl Studio highlights its diverse global brands, Riobel, Perrin & Rowe, Shaws, ROHL and Victoria + Albert.  The House of Rohl Studio establishes a unified U.S. presence for these brands from across the globe - Riobel from Montreal, Perrin & Rowe and Shaws from England, Victoria + Albert from England and South Africa, and ROHL from the United States and Western Europe. The new Studio includes nearly 1,800 square feet of design inspiration for the kitchen and bath. Its boutique jewel-box setting was designed by the award-winning design firm Valerio Dewalt Train Associates.  During the past two years, the acquisitions of Riobel, Perrin & Rowe, Shaws, ROHL, and Victoria + Albert, by Fortune Brands Global Plumbing Group, has established a luxury collection of faucets, fixtures, fittings, and accessories. Uniquely positioned to offer a full range of styles - from modern to traditional, the House of Rohl offers an assortment of specially crafted products - each with its own story of family heritage, place of origin, and specialized manufacturing philosophy.

AXOR Unveils Their New AXOR UNO Collection

The AXOR brand announced the AXOR Uno collection. Designed in collaboration with world-renowned Stuttgart-based design studio Phoenix Design, the AXOR Uno collection implements the uncompromising design principles of the original Purist movement. Two precisely shaped cylinders join together at a right angle, complemented with gently rounded spouts and handles. The precise contours and raised proportions of the taps are rendered in the spirit of the golden ratio and add a sleek and elegant stylistic appeal. The AXOR Uno collection is available in chrome or brushed nickel and in 13 special order AXOR FinishPlus colors including brushed red gold. Offering a variety of options for personal preference in height and style, AXOR Uno products tout a minimalist zero handle, which turns the faucet on and off, and from cold to hot via a lateral twist. It is also available with the hansgrohe Select feature integrated into the handle, which can be engaged with the forearm, elbow, etc. Particularly suited for use in small washbasins, the AXOR Uno Single-Hole Faucet with Zero Handle boasts unparalleled performance in a small space, while the AXOR Uno Single-Hole Faucet with Zero Handle, Tall allows for enough space to meet every day needs. The AXOR Uno Select Single-Hole Faucet offers the perfect middle ground in terms of height and also comes with or without a pop-up drain. A wall-mount single hole faucet, the AXOR UNO Select Wall-Mounted Faucet Trim, offers a stylish, sleek look.

MrSteam Adds Matte Black Finish

Just because it's not shiny doesn't mean it's dull. This soft feel and satin finish on MrSteam SteamShower Controls and SteamHeads will compliment bath designs that now include match matte black shower fixtures. Showrooms, distributors and designers asked that MrSteam bring back this classic finish, so of course they did. And now that their iTempoPlus® Control and iTempo® Control are both available in Matte Black with matching SteamHeads, there are 10 designer finishes for your customers to choose from. Please keep the suggestions and requests coming!

Victoria + Albert Unveils Thier New Soriano Collection

Victoria + Albert unveiled a stunning new line of stainless steel faucets known as Soriano. This contemporary collection of Italian-made fixtures is the result of another successful collaboration with design powerhouse Meneghello Paolelli Associati. Their singular inspiration for Soriano came from the Boolean world of coding logic, which is reflected in the "1s" and "0s" that are the essence of each faucet. The finished look is brilliant in its simplicity, with the spout, lever and base of each piece defined by one shape, creating a sleek silhouette that is a decidedly modern addition to any luxurious bathroom. Made from stainless steel, the faucets are beautifully finished in a brushed stainless steel as well. Victoria + Albert makes it easy to create a cohesive bathroom space by offering four different Soriano configurations, all designed to perfectly complement its own line of sinks, tubs and vanities.  
  • The Soriano 9 is a three-hole basin mixer with adjustable aerator that brings a gleaming sophistication to the sink area. 
  • The Soriano 14 is a natural fit for freestanding tubs with its floor-mounted design and handheld shower attach-ment.
  • Featuring a "monoblock" design, the Soriano 16 is a deck-mounted basin mixer with a single handle, closely echoing the Soriano 19 with its lower level design profile. Both bring a stylish flair to the bathroom with their bold lines and graceful curves.
  • The Soriano collection also comprises a concealed shower collection, a new configuration for Victoria + Albert for 2018. The concealed collection allows the consumer to mix and match with different components to find the perfect combination for their bathroom. Concealed shower applications are notable for their clean, minimal aesthetic, a look commonly seen in luxurious hotels. 

GRAFF's New Sublime Wash Basin

GRAFF has added a striking new sink to its ever-growing portfolio of wash basins. Appropriately named Sublime, the sink offers a crisp, geometric basin made to enhance modern bathroom suites in either countertop of vanity mounts. Seemingly simple in its construction and truly thoughtful in its materiality, Sublime is the type of design that makes you stop, stare, and question why it hadn't existed previously. Blending a contemporary aesthetic with durability built by material sourced in the Dolomite Mountain range, the Sublime sink is a timeless design made to last through every and any trend - from maximalism to minimalism... and rowdy guests. Sublime matches the needs of high-traffic zones with the design requisites of an elevated, luxury space.

Americh's New Designers Series Collection Showerbases

Indulge in the quality and comfort of the new S6032 shower base from the Americh Designers Series Collection. A wide range of sizes and customizable threshold locations, guarantee boundless opportunities to incorporate your personal style and design. Americh uses the finest materials available to ensure durability and ease of care. Hand- crafted in the USA, the S6032 shower base is available in the threshold locations of ST, DT, TT and FS.

Friday, June 15, 2018

BainUltra's New Scala Tub

Inspired by a centuries-old Milan opera house, BainUltra's™ new Scala™ tub offers a wonderful sense of ease and refinement that results in an extraordinary bathing experience that soothes and restores the body, mind and spirit. Scala is a contemporary version of the traditional clawfoot tub, featuring modern metal feet, elongated oval silhouette, and optional metal armrests available in different colors that coordinate perfectly with the feet. With a minimalist outer shell and a host of available therapy options, the Scala tub is 72" long by 42" wide and features a spacious bathing well that easily accommodates two bathers. Crafted of durable acrylic, this stunning tub has a flowing seamless appearance with gentle curves and wider front and rear decks. Scala is available in a gorgeous glossy white or striking UltraVelour matte finish. The chunky metal feet and coordinating armrests are offered in eight different finishes, including new options for satin brass, matte black and black chrome. The tub is available in the Thermomasseur category as well as a soaker to which you can add BainUltra's new chromatherapy Illuzio® and Thermotherapy. BainUltra's incredible new Illuzio chromatherapy system features LED lights embedded within the structure of the bath that are imperceptible when not in operation. The colored lights glow through the tub's acrylic shell to provide therapeutic benefits and a beautiful visual effect. Another option available is the popular Warmtouchshell® heating zones that heats the tub from within, helping to provide a subtle yet relaxing heat for the bather.

Wetstyle's New C2 Collection

The tubular lines and minimalist style of the new C2 Collection from Wetstyle create a hip, modern look for an urban environment. Thanks to its sleek structure, C2 features a small, uncluttered footprint, making it ideal for small bathrooms. The base of the console unit (24 and 30 inches) is made of matte black stainless steel rungs and can be equipped with an optional storage drawer in natural walnut. In addition to being practical, the drawer adds contrast and a touch of warmth. A matching mirror (19 inches) with a walnut shelf and free-standing towel rack (22 inches) complete the collection.
 

in2aqua Expands Into the United States

in2aqua GmbH, a Stuttgart Germany based manufacturer of innovative, technologically advanced, high quality decorative plumbing faucets, is now expanding its successful European faucet brand throughout the United States.  The in2aqua faucet line was established in 2014 by founder and managing director Chris Marshall, with decades of successful management and marketing experience in European faucet manufacturing with Hansgrohe, KWC, and Hansa. Unique features include PVD+™ Kerox plasma coated greaseless ceramic disc technology, which lasts 10 times longer than standard ceramic discs; a proprietary all-brass M-Lock™ collar that holds the faucet's valve cartridge in place; the in2itiv™ rough-in mounting system, awarded the Innovation Prize for "Architecture + Technology" by AIT during the 2015 ISH show in Frankfurt, Germany; premier internal components such as Fluehs valves and Neoperl aerators; and a GO PRO limited lifetime warranty.  All in2aqua products are sustainable, environmentally responsible, and meet stringent environmental standards. The Lifestyles kitchen and bath collection is available in three designs; EDGE, STYLE and CLASSIC, with each representing different lifestyles and character.  From modern to transitional to traditional, in2aqua offers a faucet design for essentially everyone.  The Urban collection, now popular in Europe, will be available in U.S. showrooms in late 2018.

Kerry Kennedy Joins Hastings Tile & Bath's Customer Service Team

The Hastings Tile & Bath team is growing! They've hired Kerry Kennedy for their customer service department. Kerry comes to Hastings Tile & Bath with 18 years of experience in customer service in various industries. At Hastings, Kerry will handle all customer service and sales orders.  When asked to tell our readers a bit about herself, Kerry responded, "I love helping customers and keeping them happy. I was interested in Hastings Tile & Bath since I have never worked in this type of field before. I was excited to learn a whole new aspect of this type of work."

ICERA Releases Their Newly Redesigned Palermo II 1.0 GPF Toilet

ICERA released its newly redesigned Palermo II 1.0 GPF toilet that uses just one gallon of water per flush, thereby earning its designation as an ultra high-efficiency toilet (UHET). The Palmero has been recently updated with a new contemporary look, creating a sleek exterior style that compements the smart plumbing technology on the inside. It's a perfect choice for sophisticated bathrooms where form and function are equally prized. This two-piece Palermo toilet is ADA-compliant with a chair-height bowl that is compact and an elongated bowl for maximum comfort. This model includes Silent-Close quick-release seat and cover, and has been factory flush-tested to ensure optimum performance. Crafted of vitreous china, the toilet is available in a white or balsa glaze and with a choice of five beautiful metal finishes on the tank lever and hardware, and comes with their EcoQUATTRO™ flushing system with high-performance gravity-assisted flushes. The Palmero II also includes an oversized 3" flush valve, a fully glazed 2 1/8" internal trapway, and a large 9"x7" water surface area with optimized jets for an exceptionally clean bowl.

Turnstyle Designs' New Matte Black Chrome Finish

Turnstyle Designs have developed a beautiful and very contemporary new plated finish, Matte Black Chrome. A series of closely guarded processes produce an incredibly solid, deep, matte black finish that is now available on all Turnstyles brass parts . Black finishing has grown and grown in popularity across many products in the design industry, from faucets to lighting and by popular demand from clients Turnstyle have now introduced the finish to their collections of already 10 different metal finishes.  The finish is incredibly durable, suitable for interior or exterior applications.

Friday, June 8, 2018

LACAVA Adds 5 New Finishes to Their Zoom Electronic Faucet Collection

LACAVA announced that they have introduced five new finishes to their Zoom electronic faucet collection. The finishes include brushed and polished nickel, matte black, brushed gold, and their brand new finish, Titanium. To view more information you can visit them at LACAVA.com.

BLANCO's New QUATRUS® R15 Single Bowl Dual Mount Sink

BLANCO recently introduced the BLANCO QUATRUS® R15 Single Bowl Dual Mount sink. Featuring a transitional, yet geometric design with a lustrous, easy-to-clean satin finish, the QUATRUS R15 personifies the art of living within the kitchen. Custom accessories can be integrated within the sink to save counter space including a colander, cutting board, magnetic sink caddy and more. With a generous R15 radius and dual mount option, the BLANCO QUATRUS R15 Single Bowl offers designers flexibility in not only the installation (drop in or undermount), but also to blend easily with both contemporary and transitional kitchen styles. The Single Bowl Dual Mount sink is one of ten different model options within the QUATRUS R15 Collection. BLANCO QUATRUS® R15 Single Bowl Dual Mount details are as follows: 
  • 18 Gauge Stainless SteelDual Mount
  • Bowl depth: 9"
  • Dimensions: 33"l x 22"w
  • Optional Custom Accessories include:
    • Workstation
    • Ash Compound Cutting Board
    • Stainless Steel Colander
    • Glass Cutting Board
    • Magnetic Sink Caddy

DXV Adds a 2-Piece Elongated Toilet to Their Wyatt Collection

DXV, part of LIXIL, expands its elegant Wyatt bath fixture collection with a new two-piece, high-efficiency VorMax toilet. A celebration of the architectural style of neoclassical design, the new Wyatt toilet highlights a sculptural confidence that is designed to complement the existing Wyatt collection and is well-suited for upscale hospitality settings. The Wyatt two-piece elongated toilet leverages the innovative VorMax flushing system, which has been independently verified to clean the bowl two times better than conventional toilets. It uses only 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) to powerfully scour every square inch of the bowl, even the hard-to-reach spots under the rim. This WaterSense-certified, high-efficiency toilet is offered in canvas white, with the trip lever available in polished chrome, brushed nickel or polished nickel. The choice of right or left-hand configurations provides ADA-compliance. 
 

Zitta's New Materia Shower Line

Zitta presents a brand-new industrial inspired shower line - the Materia (this time with the correct image). The industrial look of the 1920s combined with modern aesthetic and high-end hardware creates a truly distinctive bathroom décor. The Materia collection introduces a matte black framed shower door and is offered in many different configurations, such as alcove or corner installation to suit your needs. The pivot door allows for a wide opening providing ease of use even in a small alcove. As are all the Zitta doors and panels, the Materia is easily maintained thanks to the ZittaClean treatment. Complete the room with the classic design of the black Issa freestanding bathtub. Comfortable high back, high immersion point and clean lines are everything that this bathtub is known for.  This new Issa design kept all the best features while adding an interesting exterior finish.  The matte black skirt adds a touch of flair and elegance to this timeless soaker.

New Channel Drain Shower Bases from Americh

Delight yourself in the quality and comfort of a new channel drain shower base from the Americh Designer Series Collection. A wide range of sizes and customizable threshold locations, guarantee boundless opportunities to incorporate your personal style and design. Americh uses the finest materials available to ensure durability and ease of care. Handcrafted in the USA, from their hands to your home.

Duravit Launches Two Brand-New Collections at the ICFF Show

Duravit launched two brand-new collections at the recently concluded ICFF Show in NYC:
  • Their Brioso line of furniture (pictured). A reference to the Italian word for "lively," Brioso integrates playful, monochromatic handles onto the furniture. The vanities and cabinets have the crisp geometry and the clean lines for which Duravit is best known, and each piece is available in a rich palette of colors ranging from classic to contemporary. Brioso is designed with users in mind and is complemented by many of Duravit's best-selling ceramics.
  • Duravit's second new collection for 2018 comes from a collaboration with longtime design partner Kurt Merki Jr. - the XSquare collection is a modern approach to bathroom furniture with striking design at its core. XSquare's angular chrome profile accentuates the edges of the vanities and adds a touch of industrial aesthetic. Complete with mirrors, mirror-cabinet solutions, and storage cabinets, XSquare presents a design-savvy, stand-out collection - true to the Duravit signature.

Friday, June 1, 2018

MTI Baths' New Microbubbles Technology

MTI Bath's new sensory therapy uses the power of tiny bubbles to gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin. Microbubbles technology super-saturates the water with up to 50% more dissolved oxygen than regular water, turning the bath water a milky white through the infusion of billions of tiny oxygen-rich bubbles the size of the head of a pin. The result is a warm, relaxing soak that improves the skin and soothes mind and body. This new sensory therapy option is available on most Designer drop-in or Sculpted Finish® soaking or air bath tubs. Microbubbles adds an extraordinary sensory element to the bathing experience. For health and beauty, Microbubbles offers a warm, soothing bath that actually detoxifies pores and envelops the body in extra oxygen, leaving it cleansed, exfoliated, moisturized and hydrated. The oxygenated water gently polishes the skin to leave the user feeling exceptionally smooth and refreshed. Additionally, as countless tiny bubbles pop, they release energy that helps to keep the bath water hot and the bather's body temperature warm. 
 

Hastings Tile & Bath's New Stratos Vanity Collection

The beauty of its simple lines is what makes Stratos from Hastings Tile & Bath a fresh modular approach to vanity design. With side cabinets, underneath storage, drawers that can be aligned or offset to the left or right or floating just above the floor, Stratos is linear perfection. Stratos' cabinets are available in 35 matte or glossy colors or three beautiful wood laminate finishes, while its solid surface countertop is available in three matte or six glossy finishes. Stratos is ideal if you want to keep it simply beautiful.

Watermark Designs' New Elements Collection

Watermark's™ new Elements collection is ratcheting up how faucet choices are determined. With innumerable combinations and a website/configurator designed to help visualize multiple combinations, Elements can be custom-designed into more than 380,000 variations. The collection offers architects and bath designers the ability to play with color, form and texture to create a unique design statement. Elements is comprised of 14 handle styles, called Covers which are grouped into four material categories: Raw, Rock, Lumber and Forged. Every Cover has a Base with 24 finish options and two options for Inserts. The decorative Inserts are offered in Bridge and Scallop styles. Both the Insert and Base are available in Watermark Designs' 24 finishes. The Inserts are snapped and held into place using Watermark's patent pending rare earth magnets. The Elements collection also includes a new handle style called Guilloche. Guilloche is a decorative technique in which a very precise, intricate and repetitive pattern is mechanically engraved into an underlying material via engine turning, which uses a machine of the same name, also called a rose engine lathe. Examples of Guilloche are seen on fine timepieces and, most famously, the Faberge eggs designed in the 1880s for Russian royalty.

The New Crystal Vintage Knobs from Nostalgic Warehouse

The elegantly-refined Crystal Vintage knobs from Nostalgic Warehouse exude the beauty of crystal, but in a traditional design. With three variations to choose from, these unique new knobs feature raised embellishments that are exquisitely beautiful. Each transmits a sense of luxury and opulence balanced by classic good looks. All three of the Vintage Crystal knobs are notable for their wonderful intricacy and attention to detail. The Crystal Victorian knob reinterprets classic old-world design with a lovely sparkle and depth. The beautiful Crystal Egg & Dart knob makes use of a repeating border detail and a floral crown center, while the Crystal Meadows knob is influenced by the Greek Revival era. The crystal allows sunlight and the finish of the backplate to reflect through the knob.  Crafted from lead-free crystal and paired with high-quality solid forged brass backplates, Vintage Crystal knobs are exceedingly durable and suitable for high-traffic areas. All are available in a variety of configurations for locking and non-locking use, including single and double dummy sets and mortise sets. They are perfect for restoration projects and easy to install on modern, pre-drilled doors.

Zitta's New Materia Shower Line

Zitta presents a brand-new industrial inspired shower line - the Materia. The industrial look of the 1920s combined with modern aesthetic and high-end hardware creates a truly distinctive bathroom décor. The Materia collection introduces a matte black framed shower door and is offered in many different configurations, such as alcove or corner installation to suit your needs. The pivot door allows for a wide opening providing ease of use even in a small alcove. As are all the Zitta doors and panels, the Materia is easily maintained thanks to the ZittaClean treatment. Complete the room with the classic design of the black Issa freestanding bathtub. Comfortable high back, high immersion point and clean lines are everything that this bathtub is known for.  This new Issa design kept all the best features while adding an interesting exterior finish.  The matte black skirt adds a touch of flair and elegance to this timeless soaker.

The New Verge Sink from Stone Forest

The spacious rectangular forms of the new Verge sink from Stone Forest features a thin walled profile and the subtle patterns of honed antique gray limestone and Italian Carrara marble. Top off the Verge sink with the console or utilize as a wall mount or stand-alone vessel sink.