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PELLA, ITALY — The influence of water was dynamically apparent in the winners of Fantini's inaugural annual Fantini Design Awards, which combined clean looks with luxury design. The six award recipients were flown to Pella, Italy for a four-day, all-expenses-paid trip to the newly renovated Fantini headquarters on the beautiful Lake Orta. The 24 project entries were judged by Stefano Giussani, CEO of Lissoni Inc.; Rebecca Thienes, senior market editor, Interior Design, and D.J. Carey, editorial director, C&G; Media Group and edi- tor-in-chief, Connecticut Cottages & Gardens. Lissoni Inc. designed Fantini's new head- quarters and the new boutique hotel on the firm's campus, Casa Fantini/Lake Time, where the winners sojourned. To be eligible to enter, projects that included Fantini branded products needed to be completed and installed between Jan. 1, 2015 and July 17, 2017, in the U.S. or Canada. Projects could be in one of two categories: Residential Projects with Fantini products installed in a minimum of one master bath and one secondary bath, or Commercial Projects. ▪ Water-Inspired Designs Win Big BY ASHLEY LAPIN OLIAN Clean looks, luxurious design and the influence of water were evident in the winning projects of Fantini's first annual North American design awards. PENTHOUSE ON THE WATER Water was a prominent theme for Adam Becker of Vancouver, BC, Canada-based Adam Becker Design in this Vancouver penthouse that faces the water. Becker tackled a total of three bathrooms, each with its own inspiration. In the master bath, Becker's goal was twofold: he wanted to take advantage of the surrounding views and create a spa oasis. Despite facing a few obstacles – specifically a number of major mechanical pipes that could not be moved – Becker confronted the issue head on, noting that his "favorite moment [is] when challenged to design something beautiful and having to work around existing struc- tures." Becker incorporated mirrors into the space to reflect the water views and make the room seem even larger. In the center of the bathroom, he wrapped the pipes in Statuario marble, leaving enough room for Fantini Milano bath faucets to be mounted on both sides, creating a "wing-like effect." Back-to-back his-and-hers showers included the room's pièce de résistance – the art-like mosaic on the shower wall – complemented by the chrome Milano Slim wall-mount shower column. To provide an area for the clients to relax together, Becker added a freestanding Agape soaking tub, paired with the Milano tub filler. The vanity was designed with his-and-hers sinks made of trowel-patterned porcelain material and included Fantini Milano wall faucets, exemplifying the clean, modern look. To top it all off, Becker incorporated a 30" TV hidden behind the mirror, using the voice-activated Control4 home automation system with hidden subwoofers, speakers and lighting controls. GOLD COAST LUXURY Chicago-based Centaur Interiors designed this 3,380-sq.-ft. residence to include "luxu- rious finishes with a modern twist while still appealing to a broad market." The inspira- tion for the project came from Modern Art Deco and soft angles, which the Fantini Mila- no collection fixtures accented. The master bath was designed around the marble slabs that were selected before the design process began. The goal was to make the marble a focal point behind the freestanding tub, which was centered down a long hallway and outfitted with a Fantini customized ceiling-mounted faucet. The company's black crystal handles not only provide a lavish touch, but also play into the theme of contrast, which was key to Centaur's design and could be seen in the marble itself. In the guest bath, the design was inspired by angles found in geometry, witnessed in the clean, angled design of the Fantini Mint faucet. Photos: Christopher Rollett Photos: Tony Soluri Photography 64 Kitchen & Bath Design News • January 2018 WINNERS' CIRCLE