Kitchen & Bath
by Dave
HolbrookArmored Vinyl.
Because they're
sold in 12-foot widths that provide seamless, waterproof
coverage, vinyl sheets are a good choice for bathrooms. Natural
Fusion flooring is an exceptional 105 mils thick with a
scratch- and stain-resistant surface coating of
polycarbonate-fused aluminum oxide. Deep embossing with
"variable texture technology" lends a realistic feel. This
"luxury" line contains 35 patterns, including Galleon (shown);
prices run about $2.50 to $3 per square foot. Armstrong,
800/233-3823, www.armstrong.com
Easy Care.
This high-pressure-laminate (HPL) flooring
offers simple "Tap-N-Lock" installation, immediate usability,
durable performance, and easy maintenance in the kitchen or
bathroom. Crema Milan tile (shown) is one of 20 wood and stone
looks available. Both plank and tile profiles cost $4 to $6 per
square foot and come with a 20-year warranty against water
damage. Wilsonart, 800/710-8846,
www.wilsonart.com
54 Shades of Green. Natural cork is harvested from the bark of
the cork oak every 10 years, a process that actually prolongs
the life of the tree. It provides a remarkably durable,
comfortable, and environmentally friendly kitchen or bathroom
floor covering. Duro-Design cork flooring comes in six styles
and 54 colors. The suggested retail price of $6.50 per square
foot includes the tile, adhesive, and a four-coat water-based
urethane finishing product. Duro-Design, 888/528-8518,
www.duro-design.com
Lighting
Synchronized Trims.
Cooper
Lighting's satin nickel and antique copper ceiling trims
coordinate with recent trends in faucet, hardware, and bathroom
accessory finishes. They come in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-inch
diameters, in reflector, baffle, adjustable (eyeballs, slots,
and gimbals), and open types; the shower trims have
nonconductive, noncorrosive polymer rings. Prices vary by
style. Cooper Lighting, 770/486-4800,
www.cooperlighting.com
Countertop Illumination.
Here's an undercabinet fixture
line that lets you choose between T5 fluorescent, 12-volt
xenon, and line-voltage halogen lamping. The 11/4-inch-high
Bright Lite Series comes in 8-, 13-, 20-, and 27-inch lengths.
You can also choose either direct-wire or linkable models that
use proprietary plug-in connecting cords. Prices run between
$68 and $131 for the 12-volt xenons, and $34 to $102 for the
120-volt halogens. International Lighting, 800/325-7050,
www.internationalltg.com
Flexible Pendants.
Designed for
kitchen task and accent lighting, hand-blown Quick Connect G618
Series glass pendants come in five colors: blue, green, orange,
purple, and white. Flexible components make the fixtures
suitable for a variety of mounting options, including
low-voltage monorails, monopoints, multipoints, low-voltage
wall sconces, line and low-voltage track systems, and a
two-circuit line-voltage bendable rail system. With connector
fittings, the pendants cost $240 each. W.A.C. Lighting,
800/526-2588, www.waclighting.com