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

Cool Combo
In stainless steel or with a custom front, the SBS 245 Vinidor BioFresh 48” side-by-side refrigerator/wine-freezer marries two 24” modular units that stand-alone or connect with a kit. Its five climate zones include: a full-length fresh food compartment plus combination two-zone wine cabinet and 4.1-cubic foot NoFrost freezer. Liebherr, Nussbaumen AG, Germany. www.liebherr-appliances.com

Solid State
Made of 100 percent stainless steel, the Nemo bar/prep kitchen faucet sports its temperature and volume control at the end of the spout. With similar minimalist intent, the one-piece exposed thermostatic shower and tub filler, paired with the Oval 1 cast polymer tub by The Finishing Touch, maintains independent temperature and volume controls. MGS, Boca Raton, Fla. www.mgsdesigns.com

Do not touch
Developed exclusively for use in powder rooms, the distinctly modern Destiny ADA-compliant hands-free electronic faucet is available in a classic chrome finish and features state-of-the-art infrared motion sensors to start and stop its crystalline sheet of flowing water. ShowHouse by Moen, North Olmsted, Ohio. www.showhouse.moen.com

Something for everyone
Designed to be incorporated into open spaces, Mood is notable for its warm simplicity that blends seamlessly into contemporary living and dining rooms. Finish and materials options include eight exotic woods, 38 matte or gloss lacquer colors, 35 laminates, aluminum, steel, and glass. Scavolini, Montelabbate (PU), Italy. www.scavolini.com

On the surface
Functional art via richly glazed tile, L.A.-based interior designer Michael Berman’s Studio Moderne Collection emulates sumptuous Art Deco and Hollywood Regency motifs in formats as large as 16” by 16”. Similarly, the company’s Mizu Umi line imparts a Zen-like serenity in 1”, 2”, 3”, and 4 x 24” sizes—each with a deeply crackled water-like translucence. Walker Zanger, Sylmar, Calif. www.walkerzanger.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 publications, such 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.