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Product Trend Report 36 | Kitchen & Bath Design News May 2014 Studio manager for Hansgrohe, based in Alpharetta, GA, be- lieves, "Most consumers are still looking for simple, minimal and timeless designs, but they also want their fxtures to have a little pop." This may explain the "bling trend," which was highly evident at this year's KBIS. Taft notes, "Perhaps the economic recovery has stimulated some people's desire to fash some bling, but regardless of the underlying reason, we have seen an uptick in specifcations for both our 24K Satin Gold fnish as well as our Satin Gold (PVD) fnish." As he jokes, "Liberace may be dead, but gold is defnitely not." Crozier also took note of the "bling" at KBIS, including a number of crystal-studded faucets. However, he states, "We feel that's a more expensive, 'niche-y' look. The majority of the consumers we talk to are more interested in a cleaner design." MATERIALS & FINISHES In sinks, a wealth of materials adds style and enhanced func- tionality to the bath, from classic vitreous china, glass and concrete to natural stone and quartz, warm, hand-hammered copper and entirely new materials that ofer their own unique design aesthetic. At the San Luis Obispo, CA-based Native Trails, Founder and CEO Naomi Neilson Howard notes, "Now more than ever people are looking for natural, warm materials to make their bath spaces feel like a welcom- ing and relaxing sanctuary. Texture is one way to achieve that, and we have noticed a signifcant spike in our hand-hammered copper sinks, especially in our Brushed Nickel fnish." On the other hand, Gary Uhl, director of brand education for American Standard Brands based in Piscataway, NJ, says, "The market is still trending toward vitreous china sinks due to their durability, cleanability and fexibility in their design installation." At Laufen, Korneluk says, "Elegant shapes and thinner sil- houettes are becoming much more popular now, based on the ceramic technology that allows that kind of defned edging. Laufen's SaphirKeramik ceramic is a new recipe for ceramic design that enables us to create super-thin and precise edges that are stronger than traditional ceramics." In faucet fnishes, Chrome, Polished Nickel and Satin Nickel remain top sellers, though Rohl sees Tuscan Brass and English Bronze as popular fnish choices in the bath. Additionally, he cites "new requests for un-lacquered 'living fnish' brass and brushed gold," noting, "The design community is looking for variations on weathered decorative fnishes." Crozier sees Polished Nickel as a growing trend, stating, "It has a warmer tone than traditional bright Chrome fnishes, and is the perfect choice for someone who may not like the brushed look." Taft concurs: "Polished Nickel continues to grow as a more elegant fnish than Chrome. Used strategically with contempo- rary design, Polished Nickel adds a warmer feel than Chrome, making the entire bath environ- ment just a little more inviting and relaxation-inducing." Drawing on the interest in simple, minimal designs with a timeless quality, Hansgrohe ofers Axor's Urquiola faucet. The faucet handles are reminiscent of a bracelet or the Axor Starck Organic faucet, which looks sleek and fuid. Circle No. 169 on Product Card Additions have been made to Graf's Ametis Collection of bath faucets, including a single-lever vessel lavatory faucet, widespread lavatory faucet, wall-mounted LED lavatory faucet (shown) and bidet faucet. In addition to Chrome, the collection is now available in a Black or White fnish, with a matte texture and appearance resulting from the company's state-of-the- art powder coating process. Circle No. 175 on Product Card Danze has added the Logan Square Collection to its line of bath faucets. The sculpted set of lav faucets features a range of style choices, including single-handle, two-handle centerset, widespread and several shower options. All are available in Chrome and Brushed Nickel fnishes. The faucets are WaterSense approved for water savings. Circle No. 173 on Product Card Inspired by turn-of-the-century charm, the Kohler Artifacts bathroom faucet collection features a choice of three spouts and three handles, all available in fve fnishes. Rooted in Edwardian design, the classic collection also includes 15 accessories, including a tumbler, soap dispenser and toilet paper carriage. A confgurator tool can be used on computers, tablets or mobile devices for visualization of how the spouts, handles and fnishes interplay. Circle No. 167 on Product Card The Moen Align bath collection is available in Chrome and LifeShine Brushed Nickel fnishes and features cylindrical geometric shapes. The wide array of lavatory faucets includes a single-handle, single-hole faucet; a single-handle, single- hole low-profle faucet; a vessel faucet and two-handle widespread platform. The faucets are fow-optimized and allow water to fow at 1.5 gallons per minute. Circle No. 170 on Product Card Dornbracht is ofering a new modular bath collection for the modern bath. The bath fxture, shown, features a streamlined design aesthetic and ofers added functionality. The faucet has an extendable spout for easy hair washing, and the head of the faucet can be rotated upwards for mouth rinsing. Circle No. 168 on Product Card Toto's Keane Faucet Collection melds modern fuidity with classic design elements for an elegant faucet suite that complements traditional, transitional and contemporary bath decors, according to the company. The faucet collection is available in either a widespread or single- lever option. Circle No. 172 on Product Card THG Paris introduces the Nano Collection of bath faucets. Featuring a contemporary, sleek design, the Nano faucet is available with a choice of petite cross handles or lever handles. Nano is available in several fnishes including Rhodium Silver, Nickel and Gold. Circle No. 174 on Product Card The re-designed Tubo faucet collection from Victoria + Albert is formed by a single, gently curved tube. The faucet can be paired with the egg-inspired Napoli 57 countertop vessel basin, which features a sleek, rimless design. Sinks are crafted of a durable ENGLISHCAST material, rich in volcanic limestone. Circle No. 166 on Product Card Villeroy & Boch's Loop & Friends ofers versatility in a bath sink with defned shapes. Round, square, oval and rectangle options are combined with choices of surface-mount, built- in or undermount versions. Circle No. 171 on Product Card KBD_34-39_PTR.indd 36 4/15/14 1:47 PM