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Issue link: http://kitchenbathdesign.epubxp.com/i/514365
May 2015 | ForResidentialPros.com | 45 Lord says that there has been a rise in what he calls a "Simple Geometry." This trend pairs simplistic design with angled blocking to result in balanced and clean environments. "When it comes to designing, circular shapes have long been the go-to," says Poloha. "But now, consumers are becoming more adventurous in their home designs and are looking for square details, in everything from bathroom faucets to furniture and accessories, such as lighting." While round and oval undermount sinks are the most popu- lar options, Magarik says, rectangular and square shapes are also becoming more popular due to the increased surface area available. Semi-recessed sinks, a combination of vessel and undermount styles with a top rim 3" to 4" above the countertop, are also on the rise, he adds. FOCUS ON FINISH AND MATERIALS The fnish or material chosen for the sink and faucet has a large impact on the way the room comes together, and manufacturers say the time is right for a range of options. "Finishes are having their moment in the spotlight right now," says Newcombe. He notes that gold and brass fnishes are making a small comeback, and some manufacturers are displaying these choices more prominently. "Pol- ished nickel is also very popular in the bathroom and not just paired with traditional designs – there is a demand for this in contemporary/modern faucets as well," he adds. "Special-fnish faucets and brassware are also defnitely on the rise, with more choices available and people opting for custom solutions to add a special touch of individuality to a project," adds Jonathan Carter, marketing director at the U.K.- based Victoria + Albert Baths. shift from the open spouts and wide waterfall type of faucets back to more timeless, clean designs," he states. A modern rustic design style has impacted bathroom spaces as well as the rest of the home, according to Naomi Neilson Howard, Founder & CEO of Native Trails in San Luis Obispo, CA. "People are enjoying soft, rustic materials, combined with cutting-edge technology and sleek, contemporary style," she says. "Modern design is no longer cold and sterile; it can be warm and welcoming with state-of-the-art conveniences." In addition to a move toward a modern look, manufacturers say that consumers are mixing the styles they use throughout the room, creating a more personal and eclectic look. "No longer do homes only consist of one design style. More and more consumers are mixing styles between their room décor and faucet selec- tion," says Michael Poloha, wholesale bathroom senior product manager for North Olmsted, OH-based Moen, Inc. "Faucet styles from modern to transitional and traditional can be used across all bathroom décors. It allows the consumer to create a customized look in their home with the faucet as the accent piece to the room." GEOMETRIC VARIETY The shape of sinks and faucets is quite varied, allowing for a wide range of choices to accompany any design. Lines for both sinks and faucets are more organic, and softer in appearance, says Christine Hau, senior product manager for Danze, Inc. and Gerber Plumbing Fixtures in Woodridge, IL. Fau- cets are more streamlined, she adds, while sinks have a thinner profle. She also sees a movement toward an integrated product. Neilson Howard says Native Trails has seen an increased demand for vanity tops with integrated sinks. "Integrating these two pieces creates such a sleek look, and provides for very easy maintenance. We see this as a trend that will continue to grow," she notes. Reminiscent of old-world design, Kohler 's Devonshire is a two- handle widespread lav faucet with elegantly curved lever handles. Constructed of solid brass, the faucet features easy-to-clean and leak-free UltraGlide valves. Circle No. 216 on Product Card Kallista 's Per Se collection now includes decorative lever options with a range of hand-selected stone and fnish combinations. The lav faucets feature a squared, geometric form, softened by gentle rounding of corners, and ultra-thin shape. The decorative levers are ofered in six opulent inserts: black crystal, mother of pearl, calcedonia azul, lapis lazuli, tiger eye and malachite. Circle No. 212 on Product Card Wetstyle 's COUTURE vessel sink draws its inspiration from the fut- ed look of seashells, with ribbing on the outside of the vessel, while it is smooth on the inside. The sink is available in True High Gloss or matte fnish and in the new Dual fnish (True High Gloss interior and rim and matte exterior). Circle No. 206 on Product Card Expanding its NEOREST suite, TOTO has debuted the NEOREST Vessel Lavatory to complement the dual-fush toilet in the line. The vessel is available in two sizes: 29-1/2"x16-15/16" and 23-5/8"x 15-3/16", each with a porcelain drain cover. The vessel features SanaGloss glaze for easy cleaning, and the deep basin is designed to reduce splashing. Circle No. 214 on Product Card Designed by Rémi Théberge for Aquabrass , the Hockey faucet is inspired by a sport that brings out a collective spirit in people. The single lever takes the form of a real hockey stick, while the spout draws in- spiration from the stick design as well. The bath faucet is available in polished chrome, with custom fnish and engraving available. Circle No. 215 on Product Card Based on the elegantly simple form of an antique steel pipe cap, the raw texture from the sand casting process defnes the ex- terior texture of the Ore Bronze Vessel Sink from Stone Forest . The sink is 15" in diameter and 6.5" high, and features a bronze fnish. Circle No. 211 on Product Card Watermark Designs has ex- panded its Elan Vital bath faucet line with the addition of two single-hole versions. The faucet can be customized in multiple ways, including fnish, height and handle design. The ftting features a galvanized pipe aesthetic and lever handles with the words Hot and Cold engraved into the brass. Circle No. 209 on Product Card Brizo 's Sotria bath collection features a geometric design inspired by airplanes and tail fns of classic 1950s cars. A range of fnishes includes the newest – Brilliance Luxe Nickel. Single- handle and widespread lavatory faucets featuring channel or closed spouts and a wall mount lavatory faucet are part of the ofering. Circle No. 207 on Product Card Sonoma Forge 's new Strap Faucet Collection was inspired by the common U-bolt fast- ener, and has an industrial, yet modern sensibility. The line features a unique split fnish of Satin Black and Satin Nickel. Matching shower systems and coordinated bath acces- sories are available. Circle No. 210 on Product Card Kraus USA 's Aplos single-lever bathroom faucet highlights a contemporary twist and a cutting-edge appearance. Two fnishes are available to customize the look: Chrome intensifes the modern edge, while brushed nickel softens the ultra-modern style with a transitional look. Circle No. 213 on Product Card The Kartell by Laufen Bathroom Collection is a collection inspired by the iconic design of Kartell combined with Laufen's SaphirKeramik ceramics. The new washbasins are made of SaphirKeramik, a material that is thin- ner than traditional freclay ceramics while ofers greater fexural strength, according to the company. Circle No. 208 on Product Card