STYLE: New & Notable

Discreet shower

Here’s one answer to the small bathroom problem. Duravit’s Openspace Shower folds against the wall after use to create more usable square footage in the bathroom. Designed for the small bathrooms often found in urban environments, clear or mirrored glass shower walls disappear into a discreet chrome frame that tidily conceals tap fittings, shower attachments, and toiletries when they are not in use. The mirrored finish creates an additional visual appearance of greater space, while also creating a full-length mirror. Visit www.duravit.us.

Cool nights, warm bed

During cold winter months, get warm and cozy with ... your mattress. The Linen Experience mattress by Magniflex features a thermo-regulating, insulating linen covering that acts as a warming nest. Linen is an ideal bedding material because its fibers are highly breathable, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. The mattress is so luxuriously plush it can be used with or without sheets, and the removable, washable shell gets softer and cozier with each laundering. Available at Sleep Country or by “quick-ship” anywhere in the US, usually within a week. Visit www.magniflex.us.

A keg beer lover's appliance

Want to dispense beer on tap like the pros in the comfort of your man cave? The Elmira Stove Works' Brew Master draft beer dispensing system is designed to fit perfectly in their Northstar retro-styled refrigerator for a conversation-boosting showpiece appliance. Available in three sizes with removable fittings, the system comes with a through-the-door tap dispenser, coupler, connections, carbon-dioxide cylinder and a driptray. The Northstar Refrigerator line is inspired by 50s-era appliances and is available in nine colors. Visit www.elmirastoveworks.com.

Cosmic lights

From simple to stunning, these lighting fixtures shine with a cosmic feel. Corbett Lighting's Inertia (at bottom) dazzles with its star-like crystal protrusions. Formed out of hand-crafted iron, Inertia also features a crystal light diffuser, silver leaf finish, and crystal and polished stainless prisms. The Orb, part of CSL's Architectural line, (at top)features a polished nickel finish and a round aluminum body with an opal glass diffuser that rotates 120 degrees off center. The ADA-compliant Orb incorporates LED lighting technology, using 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, and lasting up to 50 times longer. Also comes in satin aluminum and bronze. Both fixtures are available through The Lighting Gallery by Brown's.

A barrel of style

Made from French and domestic oak wine barrels that have outlived their original five-year lifespan, the Bordeaux Wall Mount by Native Trails gives this high-quality wood a second life – as a unique bath vanity or wet bar. Bordeaux is handcrafted in the USA, and finished with multiple custom-blended waxes that are hand rubbed into the oak. Plumbing access is from the underside, and a French cleat is included for easy wall mounting. Winner of the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association’s 2011 Innovative Product of the Year award. Available through Ferguson Enterprises or visit www.nativetrails.net.

What's new with hue?

The forecast for next year's "in" paint colors is out. The paint color trends for 2012 will draw heavily upon the natural colors in the American landscape, according to the Paint Quality Institute. "If you're thinking about repainting your home interior, look to the great American outdoors," says Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Institute. Here are some highlights: Blues will continue to be red hot – from sparkling sea-glass blue to colonial blue-grey. Greens, ranging from celery and asparagus to fir and fern, will allow homeowners to bring inside the comforting feelings of the world outside. Violets, blending patriotic blues and red hues, will add "punch" to any room when used as an accent color. Along with hues, patterned paint will take center stage, with increased interest in hound's-tooth finishes, lacy designs and bold color blocking techniques. And the classic combination of black and white will make a bold return – a great pairing for freshening up an interior. For more info, visit www.paintquality.com.

Bathroom convenience

The Cinu Toilet Tissue Holder by Ginger presents a simple but innovative addition to the bathroom with its tempered glass shelf. From keys to cell phone, the shelf is perfect for any small item a guest might want to set in a safe place. Winner of the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association’s 2011 Innovative Accessory Product of the Year award. Available through Ferguson Enterprises, Central Plumbing & Heating or visit www.gingerco.com.

Inner brilliance

Miele USA has launched its Futura dishwasher series, calling it “The World’s Most Intelligent Dishwasher.” Along with Futura’s state-of-the-art sensor wash technology that measures load capacity and water quality, the dishwasher features a series of moving parts that slide, twist, lift and move to ensure it’s fully loaded. The patented baskets allow total flexibility, regardless if you’re loading heirloom crystal and china or oversized platters. LED lights highlight space for consumers to easily gauge whether or not there is room for “just one more thing.” As smart as that innovation is, it’s when the dishwasher door is closed and the lights go dim that the real work kicks in. The Futura automatically adjusts water temperature and monitors room temperatures, drying times, rinse aid and more – saving time, water and energy. The dishwashers are Energy-Star qualified and 35 percent more efficient than previous generations. Visit www.mieleusa.com.

Add Aura to your home

Fireplaces hold a special place in our hearts and homes – and with the introduction of the Vermont Castings Aura, they can make a powerful décor statement as well. Boasting a 70-inch wide viewing dimension and 51,000 BTUs of heating power, Aura is one of the largest manufactured units in the industry with a single, standard vent. And this linear fireplace provides an elegant, artful design with crisp, sleek lines ideal for contemporary homes with large living areas. Available locally at The Woodway and NortHeat Hearth & Home or visit www.vermontcastings.com.

Less is more

Done right, single-control faucets combine the convenience of one-handle functionality with the good looks of totally integrated design. It's those qualities that American Standard provides with the introduction of its Town Square and Copeland faucets. Both are traditional in style: Town Square recalls the handsome detailing of classic wrought-iron work while Copeland's (shown at right) warm sculptural form evokes fine door handles — both featuring the latest ceramic disc valves for lifetime drip-free performance and smooth handle operation. Made of cast brass for extreme durability, the faucets comply with lead-free standards for plumbing fixtures, and meet ADA standards. Now that's single-minded! Available through Pacific Plumbing Supply Co. or visit www.americanstandard.com.

The Healthy Home

New York Times best-selling book, The Healthy Home, takes readers on a tour of a specific home for a look at the surprising health risks posed by the everyday products and behaviors of a modern family. Beginning in the bedroom and ending in the garage and backyard, readers learn about the degenerative effects of toxins in the home and receive simple solutions to help minimize exposure without foregoing convenience. Busy parents who suspect that they should be doing more to protect their family but don’t know where to start will learn about practical changes they can make in the next 15 minutes, 15 days, or 15 months to create a haven for healthier living. Available at Barnes & Noble and other local bookstores.

No more overflows

If you have a child or an elderly family member that frequently plugs up a toilet, then keeps flushing causing a flooding mess, the Penguin Toilet may help. The Penguin Toilet offers unique protection against clogged toilet overflows. If there’s a blockage, water flows through the secondary drain to the main waste pipe, rather than overflowing onto the floor. No need to re-pipe or replace the existing plumbing system. Simply remove the old toilet and install the new Penguin Toilet. Available through Lowe’s or visit www.penguintoilets.com

Surround shower

The only water fixture to earn a "Best of" award at this year's Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, Moen's Flushmount Body Sprays pivot 20 degrees in any direction, providing 33 percent more coverage than other flushmount body sprays. Performance-enhancing features include Moen's Immersion rain shower technology, as well as a Fibonacci-inspired, spiral-shaped nozzle pattern for full-body coverage. Plumbers will be happy with the product's easy installation and maintenance: an adjustable mounting bracket ensures quick and easy alignment with adjacent body sprays and fits within standard 2 foot by 4 foot framing. Available through Spenard Builders Supply and Ferguson or visit www.moen.com.

Sink into fashion

Layers of pearls and rhinestones have been a defining fashion statement for iconic women from Marilyn Monroe to Coco Chanel. That same ornate style has now found its way to home décor. Linkasink presents a new line of stunning handmade porcelain sinks embellished with an assortment of vintage jewels and shell mosaics to create one-of-a-kind showpieces. At right: The shell motif sink, for example, features a basin lined with a mother of pearl mosaic pattern that perfectly complements the band of seashells around the outside of the sink. www.linkasink.com

Warm your home with Lava

Lava Radiant Heating Panels by Warmly Yours is a one-of-a-kind heating system for the home, based on the principle of solar radiation. Just as the sun's infrared rays absorb to heat the earth, infrared heating systems emit rays that are safely and gently absorbed in your home. Not only do these heating panels provide rich radiant heat, they will also enrich your interior design. And, because the panels do not circulate air – making dust a non-issue – they provide a safe and comfortable environment for asthma and allergy sufferers. Also safe for children and pets. Recipient of the 2011 Kitchen and Bath Industry's Best of Show award for most innovative new product of the year. www.warmlyyours.com

Small spaces shine

Kichler Lighting’s new modular lighting system makes it easier than ever to add task lighting to create layers of light in the kitchen or elsewhere throughout the home. Design Pro LED Modular 2.0 features an ultra-sleek profile that fits into even the most slender spaces. It essentially disappears under and inside almost every cabinet configuration while evenly delivering a pure, warm light. To customize the lighting effect, these fixtures can be used individually, snapped directly together or connected via interconnect cables to evenly deliver warm light under kitchen cabinets, inside a bookcase and a variety of other areas where powerful task lighting is needed. An Energy Star-qualified product, it uses 75 percent less electricity than incandescent lighting and has a 40,000-hour lifespan. Visit www.kichler.com.

Two-in-one table

You’re done with dinner and ready to play a game? In just a couple of minutes, the Fusion Table transforms from a sleek dining table into a high-quality pool table. Just remove the table tops, lift the table to its playing height, and slide the chairs against the table rim or move the benches underneath. With its unique design, all of the pool accessories will fit on the table without anyone ever knowing what lies under the table leaves. A space-saving idea, now there’s no need to dedicate a room to a pool table. Comes in a metal line or a wood line in five different finishes. Available through Scan Home or visit www.fusiontables.com.

Steamy hot oven

Thermador introduces its newest cooking innovation: the Steam & Convection Oven, which gives culinary enthusiasts all the benefits of steam cooking combined with traditional true convection – all in one appliance. The oven is the industry’s first pre-programmed appliance to combine three distinct cooking options – steam, true convection and a combination of the two. It also includes 40 automatic food programs, nine advanced cooking modes and a series of advanced features that are geared toward the true cooking enthusiast. The oven’s 1.4-cubic-foot capacity is large enough for a 14-pound turkey, which takes only 90 minutes to cook in Combination mode and results in a succulent, moist inside and a perfect crust outside. Steam cooking can also eliminate the need for cooking with butter or fat, while preserving many of the vitamins, minerals, nutrients and micronutrients typically lost through traditional cooking methods – resulting in a tastier and healthier meal. Available through Allen & Petersen in Anchorage, Ferguson in Fairbanks, Bauer/Clifton Interiors in Juneau, or visit www.thermador.com.

Custom clean

Elevate EXT gives you the freedom to customize the height of your kitchen faucet. The unique adjustable spout puts the control in your hands, allowing you to change the style whenever you desire. The spout has three height settings, from eight inches, for a compact look with minimal splashing, to 11 inches, for washing large pots and allowing extra clearance. Not only is Elevate’s height adjustable, but the spout swivels a full 360 degrees for maximum maneuverability and positioning. It also features an ergonomic dual function spray head with spray and stream modes, and an extra-long 70-inch pull-out hose that doesn’t leave a spot of the sink untouched. The overall design complements both contemporary and traditional kitchens. Visit www.pfisterfaucets.com.

New dimension in walls

The Motivo textured quartz surfaces by Caesarstone bring a new dimension to your wall finishes – a third dimension! The decorative quartz wall panels feature relief patterns as pretty as the white lace design (above), or as exotic as black crocodile. Let your imagination run wild and give a custom look to your walls, kitchen countertops, vanity tops and even custom-made furniture. Ideal for a variety of applications, these embossed motifs are created using a patented technology, and are equal in beauty, durability and individuality. Available through Spenard Builders Supply, One of a Kind Design, or visit www.caesarstoneus.com.

Create a cabinet

Mid Continent Cabinetry is introducing a new program that lets designers and consumers personalize cabinetry for the bath by choosing from a variety of design elements. From door styles and end panels to base options and finishes, the new program offers limitless options to create unique vanities, wall cabinets and storage units for the bath. Choose pieces in a variety of colors and designs that not only fit the space but also the visual design style of the home. Customers can even provide a paint swatch that the company will match. Mid Continent Cabinetry offers more than 600 door style and finish combinations, nearly 1,100 cabinet types and styles, and over 400 decorative and finish combinations. Available through Cabinet Fever, Spenard Builders Supply or visit www.midcontinentcabinetry.com.

No more foggy reflections

With its collection of elegantly crafted fog-free mirrors, ThermaSol delivers the ultimate in convenience and practicality. Suitable for placement in the shower, by the vanity, or anywhere within the bathroom, ThermaSol's fog-free mirrors are guaranteed to never fog up - even in a completely non-ventilated bathroom. Constructed of 0.25"-thick tempered safety glass with a 1" bevel, the mirrors are available in four distinctive designs and are easy to install. Available through Ferguson, or visit www.thermasol.com.

Set the mood

JACLO’s exquisite Aquavolo Lumiere system brings you the option of a waterfall shower and a rain shower in one eye-catching contemporary unit. The horizontal position of the flat spout lets forth a refreshing rain shower and if you flip the spout down, the water falls as a generous jet waterfall. Want to set the mood in your shower with a little music and color? The Aquavolo Lumiere incorporates a sound system which allows you to connect your MP3 player, and with the RGB capability built in, you have the additional benefit of chromatherapy. Available through Ferguson, or visit www.jaclo.com.

Rise to the job

The Epicure Raised Ventilation System from Dacor offers the power you need to effectively remove smoke and cooking fumes from your kitchen at the touch of a button. There’s no need to block views by suspending a large island hood from your ceiling because this innovative vent lives discreetly under your counter surface when not in use. When needed, it rises 15” above the countertop to efficiently remove smoke and odors. Then, the quick touch of a button sends it back down below your counter surface for an unobstructed countertop. Perfect for island, peninsula or wall installations. Available through J&D Interiors, Rizzo & Co., or www.dacor.com.

Green clean

Outside everything is going green; inside, it’s possible to do the same, thanks to natural cleaning products like those available from Zorbx, Inc., the maker of unscented, non-toxic and biodegradable odor remover sprays and cleaners. The Zorbx formula actually bonds with odor molecules, smothers them and then removes them from the air, unlike many products on the marketplace that just mask the original odor with perfumed scents. The products are especially safe and effective for people with allergies and asthma. Also, Zorbx has applied its amazing technology in a new paint additive that you can mix with your favorite brand of any latex paint or primer to remove odors from walls, cement, etc. To buy Zorbx products or to find a retailer near you, visit www.zorbx.com.

Light up outdoors with style

Lighting is one exterior design element that can vastly improve and enhance the façade and curb appeal of a house or deck. Troy Lighting has created a full offering of quality outdoor lights. Designers, architects and even landscapers realize that decorative exterior light fixtures can not only brighten up the outside of a home and its surrounding living spaces, but also complement its architectural style.

Here are a few ideas:

The soothing geometric circles of the Aqua are as fluid as the waters of a calm lake. Hand-worked wrought iron in a French iron finish is perfectly complemented by white art glassware. Aqua fixtures exude unparalleled elegance while simultaneously projecting modern grace, allowing them to enhance most any home exterior.

The Bamboo collection of lights draws its influence from these distinctive shoots. Hand-forged iron and eye-catching bamboo glass are accented by a bamboo bronze and natural slate finish. Bamboo fixtures are an ideal way to add a touch of the tropics to any home exterior.

The power, majesty and simplicity of Alaska's Bristol Bay inspired this line of lighting fixtures. Hand-worked wrought iron, light amber glassware and an appealing sunset bronze finish create a timeless appeal. Bristol Bay fixtures are the perfect way to give a home the charming, rustic look of a cabin or lake house. Available at The Lighting Gallery by Brown's or visit
www.troy-lighting.com.

Undercounter wonder

With voting by interior designers and architects, Interior Design Magazine awarded U-Line's 2175RCG Glass Door Refrigerator as "Best of Year" in the Kitchen Appliances Category. The refrigerator not only looks great but is also leading the undercounter glass door refrigeration market in energy efficiency. The refrigerator is outfitted with an elegant dual lighted black interior, three tempered glass shelves and 5.4 cubic feet of storage capacity. With touch glass digital controls, temperature can be set to accommodate different food and beverage items. The convection cooling system quickly and evenly pulls down temperature to preserve contents and cool beverages fast. The unit can be freestanding or fully integrated into any cabinet style. Available with a stainless steel door frame or can accommodate a custom overlay door frame to match surrounding cabinetry. Available through Spenard Builders Supply and Ferguson or visit www.u-line.com.

Mint-condition floors

Mint is a robotic floor-cleaning appliance designed exclusively for hard surface floor cleaning. It automatically dusts and wet mops using Swiffer brand cleaning cloths and similar products. And with a built-in GPS system, Mint knows where it's cleaned so it doesn't miss a spot. With its low profile and less-than-10-inch width, the machine can get around and under furniture. Great for pet owners, seniors, families, busy people and anyone who likes their house clean. Mint has been honored with a Popular Mechanics' Editor's Choice award for best new product at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show and a silver IDEA (International Design Excellence Award) in the "Home Living" category by the Industrial Design Society of America. Visit www.mintcleaner.com.

A greener garden

The Triple-claw Weeder makes it easy to remove invasive plants from your lawn without kneeling, bending over or using harsh chemicals. It features three serrated, stainless-steel claws that grab weeds by the root for clean removal, plus an easy-eject mechanism on the handle that clears the head between uses. The durable steel handle is extra-long to help you reach every weed. For more information, visit www.fiskars.com.

Color at your fingertips

Meet ben, an iPhone application that lets you snap a picture of any color inspiration and instantly match it to one of the more than 3,000 hues that comprise Benjamin Moore’s color system. Simply glide a finger across the digital photo taken with the iPhone’s built-in camera, zoom into a color, and tap the “match” key. In seconds, a strip of colors will appear below the photo, with the closest paint match highlighted. Ben also provides up to four coordinating colors, creating an entire harmonizing palette based on the original selection. Download the free ben Color Capture app to your iPhone at the iTunes App Store. Android phones must be Version 6.1 or higher to download from your carrier.

Shutter style

NewStyle hybrid shutters from Hunter Douglas are the only hybrid shutters on the market that offer the color and grain pattern of real stained wood while still providing the strength, stability and straightness of modern-day materials. It’s the perfect blend of nature, technology and design. The finish comes in four distinctive colors – Golden Oak, Warm Cherry, Amaretto and Bahama Brown – all on trend with the current hot look of exotic woods. There are hundreds of configuration possibilities. Framed specialty shapes are now offered as well. Available locally at J&D Interiors, Florcraft, Spenard Builders Supply, Curtis & Campbell, and MacCheyne’s Carpets Plus. Visit www.hunterdouglas.com.

Sparkle of the season

‘Tis the season for style and Atlas Homewares has it all wrapped up with its festive collection of decorative hardware. These crystal knobs and pulls are created from brushed anodized aluminum and crystal, and offered in a variety of imaginative styles, with stones artistically inset to create shimmering, eye-catching accents. Available locally through Rizzo & Company, or visit www.atlashomewares.com.

Where’s the dishwasher?

A growing number of consumers are choosing to hide their appliances behind custom cabinet panels to create a seamless, integrated look in their kitchens. The new GE Monogram dishwasher offers a “true-flush” option, allowing it to be installed flush with surrounding cabinetry. The panels for the new Monogram dishwasher are available in stainless steel European styling with tubular handles or custom panels to match the homeowner’s inset doors. The dishwasher complements GE Monogram’s 30-inch fully integrated refrigerator and wine reserve. These, too, sit true-flush with surrounding cabinetry. All are available in the first quarter of 2011. Available locally at Spenard Builders Supply and Ferguson Enterprises. Visit www.ge.com.

Fresh farm sink style

Stainless steel gives the classic farm sink a contemporary edge. The trend-setting stainless steel Porcher London Farm Sink brings practical smarts to any gourmet kitchen and is a beautiful complement to contemporary kitchens featuring stainless steel fixtures and appliances. Featuring a generous 10-inch deep single bowl, with a full apron on all four sides. Each model is available in 24-, 30- or 36-inch widths. Made of heavy-duty 16-gauge stainless steel with a stylish brushed finish. Visit www.porcher-us.com.

Wall-hung wonder

The Aquia wall-hung toilet by Toto hovers above the floor, maximizing floor space in the bathroom and making it a breeze to clean beneath. Inspired by modern European design aesthetics, the plumbing mechanisms are hidden inside the wall. Using dual-flush technology, the Aquia has an average flush volume of 0.9 gallons per flush and can reduce water usage by 40 percent compared with traditional toilets that use 1.6 gallons in a single flush. The toilet also features a SanaGloss ceramic glaze that prevents build up of bacteria and mold, leading to fewer chemicals and less water in cleaning. Available locally at Central Plumbing & Heating. Visit www.totousa.com.

It's a dirty job

To power out stubborn stains year round, a washer needs to be up to the tough challenges. The new Maytag Maxima laundrypair features a PowerWash cycle providing extra cleaning action that loosens stains and ground-in dirt while an internal water heater boosts water temperatures to fight difficult stains. A thorough rinse flushes out any remaining detergent or lingering soils. To help keep clothes fresh and wrinkle free, select the Fresh Hold option with Dynamic Venting Technology. The laundry can wait for up to 16 hours after the wash cycle to be loaded into the dryer. Also, with its 5.0 capacity, you can wash larger loads for fewer loads per week. Found locally at Spenard Builders Supply. Visit www.maytag.com.

No smoking here

Earth’s Flame introduces a hybrid retrofit grate for wood-burning fireplaces that may rescue the traditional American family fireplace. The fireplace system reduces wood-burning pollutants and emissions by 78 percent, helping to reduce health risks associated with inhaling wood smoke. It also doubles the radiant heat from the fireplace (up to 115 percent increase). Easily installs into most pre-fabricated and masonry wood-burning fireplaces. Its green attributes and innovative qualities won the 2010 VESTA Green Award at the national Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Expo. Visit www.earthsflame.com.

Recipe for a great door

JELD-WEN’s new Authentic Recipe Pantry door serves up serious style points in the kitchen. Celebrating the time-honored traditions of homemade baking and cooking, the door lists actual recipes in highly stylized, elegant script infused directly into the door’s glass panel design. Depending on the width of door, it features 9 to 18 family-style recipes, including apple pie, banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, buttermilk pancakes, blueberry muffins, espresso biscotti and more. And yes, JELD-WEN experts say, the recipes are real and designed to be tried and tested in homes across America. Available in nine different species of wood. Found locally at Spenard Builders Supply and Ferguson Enterprises. Visit www.jeld-wen.com.

Walk with confidence

Award-winning manufacturer HeatTrak has launched the new Residential Heated Walkway Mat. This innovative home product is designed to melt snow and ice on contact, reducing slip-and-fall accidents. The durable mat lies on top of existing outdoor surfaces and may be left outside for the entire winter season. At 300 watts per mat, it melts snow at a rate of two inches per hour and down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. It measures 20” x 60” and comes with its own watertight connector cables enabling it to connect to additional walkway mats to cover larger areas. The system requires a 120V outlet. Visit www.heattrak.com.

Cool wine storage

Regular refrigerators are too cold for wine. The stylish Thermador wine refrigerator columns from Freedom Collection offer two different temperature zones so you can keep reds and whites chilled and ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The columns come in two sizes: The 18-inch column can take 70 standard 750ml wine bottles while the 24-inch column accommodates 98. Both columns offer full access wine racks, reversible door, door open alarm (which sounds if the door is left ajar for over a minute), and three modes including energy-saving Economy mode for everyday usage, Vacation Mode to conserve energy while away and Sabbath Mode. Found locally at Ferguson Enterprises. Visit www.thermador.com.

Scaled-down faucet

Love the look of a gourmet pull-down faucet, but not the size? Price Pfister’s new Avanti pull-down kitchen faucet was designed on a smaller scale for homeowners who desire the style and functionality of a pull-down, but have more modestly sized sinks and kitchens. The unique curvature gives the design a modern flair, yet remains simple enough to coordinate well with most kitchen styles. The pull-down also features two modes – spray and stream – which can be conveniently controlled on the spray head during use. Available through Ferguson or visit www.pricepfister.com.

Bathroom bliss

The Rhapsody bathtub by Maax brings the spa to your home. For relaxation, rejuvenation and soaking bliss, this new drop in bathtub design features a gently squared shape and a cool, clean white palette equipped with five massage systems. Choose from Whirlpool water massage, ThermaZone heat therapy, AromaScents aromatherapy, Aerofeel air massage, Chromatherapy and Ozonator, the ozone whirlpool cleaning option. The bathtub design blends beautifully in almost any surroundings, from natural wood to contemporary glass or traditional marble and tile. The tub measures 73 x 44 in. Available through Central Plumbing & Heating, and Ferguson, or visit www.maaxcollection.com.

Food prep made easy

Whether you’re a gourmet or a novice, Elkay’s new Cascade sink design puts all the food prep essentials at your fingertips. Featured in contemporary and hygienic stainless steel, the modern rectangular sink offers optional accessories such as bottom grids, cutting boards and colanders which create layers of work surfaces for cutting, cleaning and creating your culinary masterpieces. Preparing your food becomes almost too easy. Visit www.elkayusa.com.

Bright ideas

Like a flashback to a high school geometry class, the lines, sizes and shapes of these lighting fixtures demand attention from any living space. (1) Bangle is a geometric orb of intricate iron circles, available in a modern bronze finish with a cream ice diffuser or in a silver leaf finish with antique mist diffuser. (2) Gresham Park features clean lines and sharp angles for a modern feel, available in old bronze or polished nickel. (3) The Mojito collection is a fierce cross-section of cylinders constructed from tempered glass. (4) The Cirque collection features interlocking iron rings of various sizes and comes in champagne leaf or brown suede finishes. (5) Dolce brings a touch of the sea to your sky, with tiers of opaque capiz shells cascading down the chandelier, formed from handcrafted iron in a shimmering champagne leaf finish. Available through The Lighting Gallery, or visit www.troy-lighting.com; www.corbettlighting.com; and www.hudsonvalleylighting.com.

Carpet tile with style

Not only do these contemporary InterfaceFlor carpet tiles look great, they perform a higher function – they’re practical. The carpet tile will complement the living room, bedroom or den, but also work great in mudrooms, work rooms, hobby areas and playrooms for kids and adults alike. Spills? Snags? No worries. Just replace the affected tile and the floors will look like new. Beyond function, the stylish tiles come in funky patterns of different shapes and colors, from splashy to subtle. For a personalized look, mix and match different designs. For a list of local retailers, visit www.interfaceflor.com.

All-in-one shower

Not ready for a major bathroom renovation? JACLO has mastered the art of manufacturing high-performance products that provide the look and feel you want in a contemporary bathroom – without the expense of taking out walls to install new plumbing. The York Column Ensemble is an all-in-one stainless steel shower fixture featuring two overhead adjustable-angle rain tiles in addition to a waterfall showerhead and convenient handshower. Each function can work independently or all can work at the same time. Included are two built-in shelves for holding soap or shampoo. This innovative unit works with existing shower valves and outlets, creating a totally new look without all the plumbing. Visit www.jaclo.com.

Urban renewal

Inspired by architectural designs found throughout the world, Urban Renewal tiles capture the spirit of the city. The line combines intricate patterns with rich metal finishes, from elegant satin bronzes to aged irons. The tiles come in antique satin (an antiqued bronze), blacksmith iron, aged iron, and bronze verde. As green as it is beautiful, each tile contains at least 50 percent post-consumer recycled material. For a list of local suppliers, visit www.crossvilleinc.com.

Fabulous faucets

[1] Designed by Clodagh for Watermark Designs, the new Touch 27 Collection’s faucet features capabilities for hands-free operation. Available with or without handles, the faucet has a 1.5-gpm flow rate and comes in 35 finishes Visit www.watermark-designs.com. [2] Offering a sleek contemporary look that integrates well into a variety of bathroom settings, 90º lavatory faucets from Moen marry clean geometric lines with a waterfall-style spout. The line is WaterSense-certified with a flow rate of 1.5 gpm. Visit www.moen.com. [3] Curves are in and Brizo’s Virage has them. Inspired by European ironwork, the lavatory faucet comes in five finishes and is equally at home in a traditional- or contemporary-style bathroom. Visit www.brizo.com. [4] Part of a complete bath suite, Kohler’s Purist faucets are both sculptural and functional. Featuring a 5 1/2-in. spout, the faucets are offered in a variety of finishes, and can be specified with an optional Smile handle design and low-flow aerator. Available through Central Plumbing & Heating, or visit www.us.kohler.com. [5] With its gracefully arced spout with subtle detailing, Harper from Phylrich puts a contemporary spin on the Art Deco aesthetic. Inspired by the Hollywood Regency style, the faucet is WaterSense-certified and comes in 15 finishes. Visit www.phylrich.com.

Fan-tastic lighting

Meyda Custom Lighting's Chandel-Air integrates lighting innovation and energy-saving fan technology with a charming nostalgic style. The 44-inch wide Chandel-Air features iridescent art glass and hardware hand-finished in mahogany bronze. With unlimited custom options, it comes in nearly any size, color or finish. Available through The Lighting Gallery by Brown’s, or visit www.meyda.com.

Dancing fire

The Tempest Torch breaks the barriers of standard torch design, featuring a spinning, spiral-like flame for a dramatic presentation of dancing fire. The outdoor lantern has tall, tempered glass walls and an open top. Awarded the Best-in-Show Vesta Award honoring design, innovation and technology within the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Industry. Available through North Country Stoves in Anchorage or visit www.tempesttorch.com.

Floating floor

The Synergy Strand Bamboo Floating Floor with Xcora technology by Teragren features a glueless, self-locking system for easier installation. According to the manufacturer, Synergy floors are extremely durable – 154 percent harder than red oak and 126 percent harder than North American maple – and suitable for installation in high-traffic areas. Available in four colors: wheat, chestnut, java, and a new brindle (a blend of natural and caramelized bamboo strands). Synergy flooring is FloorScore-certified and consists of bamboo strands fused together with an earth-friendly adhesive and cut into 7-11/16" by 72" planks. Available through Florcraft or visit www.teragren.com.

Steamy & Stylish

Stuck-on food soils just met their match. GE's stylish and steamy Profile and GE lines now offer PureClean, self-cleaning, five-stage filtration, the most advanced wash system ever introduced by GE. The dishwasher's DeepClean cycle automatically uses steam pre-wash, available for any wash cycle, to help rid dishes of difficult messes, such as baked-on eggs and peanut butter. Visit www.ge.com.

Decked out

Homeowners are looking for economical ways to upgrade their outdoor living spaces. TimberTech’s ReliaBoard decking offers homeowners an alternative to wood decking that features the durability and low maintenance of composite at a lower price. The boards emulate the look of wood with a flat-grain surface pattern and come in two popular TimberTech colors – grey and cedar. Available in 12-, 16-, or 20-foot lengths. Visit www.timbertech.com.

Anywhere fireplace

This summer, you can add style, atmosphere and insect protection to your outdoor space. Anywhere Fireplace offers a modern answer to fire, indoors or out. This gel fuel Empire model comes in a contemporary stainless steel design showcasing the flames that emanate from polished black rocks. Placed as a centerpiece on a table, or on a walkway, patio, or steps, will create great ambiance outdoors, but looks just as great indoors. It’s lightweight and easily movable with no permanent installation so you can move it from room to room, inside to outside and back again. Visit www.anywherefireplace.com.

Which washer?

According to a recent Whirlpool Corporation survey, 84 percent of consumers said that energy – not water or time – is most important to them when it comes to home appliance efficiency. Yet, 44 percent of consumers did not know if top-load washers use more energy than front-loaders. Historically, front-load laundry pairs have led the industry in efficiency, yet nearly three-quarters of American households rely on top-load laundry configurations. Fortunately, high-efficiency machines are in fact available in both top- and front-load configurations, using up to 67 percent less energy and 70 percent less water and up to 73 percent less water and 77 percent less energy, as compared to conventional top-loaders. Manufacturers like Whirlpool Corporation are working to offer superior energy and water savings in both top- and front-load options to suit consumers’ needs and preferences. Visit www.whirlpool.com.

Digital Leather

Create any color, design or image in leather. Digital Leather’s revolutionary process of fusing art and leather allows consumers to unleash their creativity without limitations. Digital Leather is permanently infused with whatever Pantone color, texture, design, art, or image you choose. It is meticulously crafted with an innovative digital-imaging process that preserves the exquisite suppleness, grain, and aroma of fine leather. Create a custom chair, sofa or bar stools, or use the leather to cover a door, create a custom rug, table runners and placemats. Visit digitalleather.com.

The beauty of poured glass

Dimension Poured Resin from Lumicor is the latest embedded resin technology. Using a special process the materials are “suspended” within resin panels for a 3-D effect. Flowers, grasses, fabrics and other décors are virtually frozen in time for a stunning and unique look. Dimension Poured Resin provides the beauty of poured glass with the functional benefits of acrylic, including half the weight of glass, 10 times the impact strength of glass, superior clarity (no green hue), and a renewable surface. Visit www.lumicor.com.

A fan with a twist

Upscale ceiling fan designer Fanimation puts a new twist on home decor with the new Torto Ceiling Fan. A unique, three-bladed ceiling fan, the Torto is sure to be the centerpiece of any room. Its airflow pattern is different from your typical ceiling fan. It pushes air at an angle, not straight down, allowing you to feel far more air flow when standing next to it than when you are directly underneath it. The fan comes in either an oil-rubbed bronze finish or a metro gray finish with an opal frosted glass lighting fixture. Available through The Lighting Gallery or visit www.fanimation.com.

Indoor composting

The new Blanco Solon is a high-tech compost bin designed to collect everything from fruit and vegetable peels to egg shells and coffee grounds. This product coordinates with any sink and is an easy way to be eco-conscious indoors and also get a greener garden outside. The Solon is innovative in that it's a built-in composting system that doesn't take up any countertop or under-the-sink space, and it has a sealed lid so you can prevent odors. It's also dishwasher safe and easy to keep clean. Visit www.blancoamerica.com.

Walking on lava

Jockimo Inc. has combined fantasy and function with its Jockimo Liquid Lava line. The modular floor tiles burst to life under foot when pressure is applied to the highly durable tile, creating a new design with every step. Suitably intriguing to youngsters new to walking as well as seasoned dancers ready to rock the night away, Jockimo Liquid Lava has been featured in kid-friendly play areas and lavish adult night clubs alike. This interactive product ignites the imagination, regardless of age. In fact, trade show goers are reported to literally squeal when they first touch the product – a response not often caused by flooring. Visit www.jockimo.com.

Smart spout

Leading faucet and fixture manufacturer MGS has eliminated the need for extra water dispenser faucets on the kitchen sink. Their T45-DF is a triple lever faucet with a built-in filtration system for the gourmet kitchen. This unique fixture looks and operates like a traditional faucet, but disperses filtered and tap water from one spout thanks to two waterways. Three deck-mounted handles allow the user to switch from hot or cold tap water to filtered water. As one of the only “true stainless steel” fixture manufacturers in North America, MGS eliminates the need for lead fittings or solder that could leak dangerous levels of lead into drinking water. Visit www.mgsdesigns.com.

Bathing beauty

Designed to appeal to consumers with mobility issues, the new Ava Bath is a sleek, modern design that is far from institutional looking. Rather than a swing-open door typical of most accessible bathtubs, Ava’s automated door runs the full length of the tub, and raises and lowers completely for ease of access. The roomy design functions like a traditional soaking tub, allowing for more complete immersion than a traditional bath with a bench, and a quick-drain feature empties the 70-gallon tub in 30 seconds or less. Four Ava bath models include soaker, whirlpool, air bath and air/whirlpool designs in a 60-inch-wide tub, suitable for remodeling. www.aquaticbath.com.

Fluid faucets

For a modern, Asian-inspired bathroom, think Fluid faucets. At left: The vitality of the ancient Qin dynasty influences the sweeping form of the Emperor bathroom fixture collection. At right: The fan once represented social status in ancient Asia, and today, the Fan series borrows its graceful lines and motion from this history. The faucets are eco-friendly and can be equipped with a low-flow aerator for an industry-breaking 1.5 gallons-per-minute, a rate earning it a WaterSense certification. Visit www.fluidfaucets.com.

Art tiles

Sculptural and lush, these Ann Sacks tiles are handmade using the age-old Italian technique of Sgraffato, meaning “to scratch.” No molds or dies are used to create the elaborate designs, making each tile a one-of-a-kind work of art. The three organic designs from the Blake Studios collection, Nautilus, Botanical and Dahlia, can be applied vertically or horizontally to create dramatic, show-stopping murals, with an individual beauty that is also striking as a backsplash or fireplace surround. Choose from an 18-color palette. The company will accommodate special orders using any custom design specified. Visit www.annsacks.com.

Doors open to great style

Contemporary design is all about open spaces, clean lines and bold geometry. For many homeowners, the style also means individuality. Drawing inspiration from popular European designs, JELD-WEN custom wood contemporary doors are available for both exterior and interior applications and are an architecturally authentic choice for modern or contemporary homes. With the ability to mix and match, homeowners can explore their creative side and build unique combinations using glass, metal and wood. Shown here: A walnut wood door and a cherry wood door, each featuring wood panels with metal accents that appear to defy gravity by floating on frosted glass. Available through Spenard Builders Supply statewide, or visit www.jeldwen.com.

Transforming walls

Eldorado Stone, manufacturers of some of the most believable architectural stone veneer, introduces its line of Gemstone Walls. The collection offers a new perspective on how to create distinctive masonry walls with stone veneer. Each Gemstone Wall illustrates a stunning transformation from ordinary to outstanding with before, after and step-by-step photography that showcases the foundation for a memorable space. Designs such as the ArtWall (shown here), CandleWall and VinoWall are carefully crafted to create an authentic masonry stone wall that is attainable, purposeful and most of all, believable. Local distributors include Davis Block & Concrete Co., Soldotna; or visit www.eldoradostone.com.

Design your own shower

MAAX, a leading manufacturer of bathroom products, unveils its new Exposé walk-in shower series, featuring a streamlined design. Entirely customizable, the Exposé is available as a corner, alcove or wall-mounted installation, and comes in three sizes, or you can purchase the base only, the glass only, or the whole kit. Design the shower of your dreams thanks to a dozen accessories in multiple finishes and materials, such as a steam bath system, relaxation seat, storage solution, shower grate, roofcap, towel bar and handrail. And, to take the guesswork out of the design and order process, MAAX has created an online configuration tool to enable customers to build their dream shower from the ground up. The resulting configuration can then be printed and the contact information sourced to find your local MAAX Exposé distributor. Available locally through Central Plumbing & Heating and Ferguson, or visit www.exposeconfig.com.

Double down on the oven

Sick of hot dogs and hamburgers but afraid to bake that lasagna for fear it will heat up the whole kitchen and your energy bill? The new Whirlpool Gold freestanding double oven is heating things up with an upper oven that uses 50 percent less energy and preheats in half the time, compared to a full size oven. The upper oven is a perfect size for reheating leftovers, baking a pizza or small batches of cookies without wasting energy. Along with the ability to bake, broil and warm in the upper oven, it can toast, eliminating the need for a toaster oven and freeing up counter space. For local retailers, visit www.whirlpool.com.