Las Vegas Kitchen &amp; Bath Industry Show 2007

Las Vegas Kitchen & Bath Industry Show 2007

Once largely national in scope, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show has evolved into an influential international exposition. This May, a record-breaking 44,000 professionals filled three halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center to visit more than 1,000 exhibits representing the world’s top designers and manufacturers—including those from North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. This migration of ideas resulted in a merging of European aesthetics and technologies with those from the U.S. - Linda C. Lentz

Eastern hues

Offering Greenguard air-quality certification and integral Microban protection with NSF 50 certification for food prep, the Silestone Quartz Zen Series targets inner well-being with Japanese-dubbed transcendental shades of white, plum, brown, and gray. Cosentino, Stafford, Tex. www.silestoneusa.com

Go with the flow

Exceeding current environmental standards, the FloWise showerhead delivers an impressive 1.5 gpm, using 40 percent less water than typical 2.5 gpm models. Likewise, the FloWise toilet satisfies the EPA WaterSense 1.28 gpf, thus qualifying as a high-efficiency toilet. American Standard, Piscataway, N.J. www.americanstandard-us.com

Fitting in

This 125-year-old company based in Emilia Romagna bridges the appliance/furniture gap with its stainless-steel Modular Series, a selection of 24'' to 48'' gas cook tops, coordinating base cabinet with shelves or drawers, back panel with utensil bar, and adjustable hood. Bertazzoni, Guastalla, Italy.

Suite dreams

DTV II (top left) elevates the WaterTile precedent of version I by adding a 21''-square Ambient Rain overhead shower with ambient LED light patterns, and an integrated sound system with SoundTile speakers (inset) by Polk Audio. The comfortably contemporary Fountainhead Collection (bottom, left) combines elements such as a shelf and mirrored cabinet with internal taps, marble and cast iron lavs, and a trio of vanities in light maple or truffle-stained ash. Kohler Co., Kohler, Wis. www.kohler.com

Hard core

Fabricated with 80 percent granite, the Blancoprecis multi-level kitchen sink is said to be easy to clean, and scratch- and stain-resistant. Spanning 48”, this clean-up cum work space features two deep basins, an integrated drain area/work surface, sliding walnut cutting board, and colander. Blanco, Lumberton, N.J. www.blancoamerica.com

A touch of class

Taking its cues from Art Nouveau glamour, RSVP bath fittings and accessories are all about subtle curves accented by a bit of “bling” in the way of optional Swarovski crystal. Available in chrome and brushed bronze or nickel, even the overhead shower maintains a shapely silhouette. Brizo, Indianapolis, Ind. www.brizo.com

Shades of green

Earth- and health-conscious, Green-Core cabinets are offered in a variety of finish and box options that include low-emitting recycled exterior-grade particleboard and patented soy-based resin plywood. Veneer and laminate doors have substrates made of recycled MDF or particleboard with no added urea-formaldehyde. Crystal Cabinet Works, Princeton, Minn. www.ccworks.com

Counter Point

A contemporary take on a traditional form, the Parma deck-mount pot filler features a two-piece articulated arm and sits 10” above the counter with an optional 3” riser for added height. Available in chrome and stainless steel, this solid brass fitting is more easily plumbed than wall versions. Danze, Woodridge, Ill. www.danze.com

Swiss accounts

Complementing its popular sinks and faucets, this top-flight manufacturer has introduced an extensive line of Italian-made kitchen hoods featuring an advanced, perimetric ventilation system that effectively draws smoke and fumes from the front, back, and sides. Additionally, a new Active Kitchen system includes the likes of a battery-operated electronic built-in counter scale. Franke, Hatfield, Pa.www.frankeksd.com

Linda Lentz is managing editor at Architectural Record, responsible for the Record Interiors issue, lighting sections, and schools. She joined RECORD in 2008. Previously, the Brooklyn native worked as a freelance writer and editor covering design, materials, and products for RECORD and such design and shelter publication as Interior Design, This Old House, and Consumer Reports. This followed 10 years as Articles Editor at Home Magazine. She holds an M.A. from NYU and a B.F.A. from Pratt Institute.