Kitchen & Bath
by Scott GibsonBath Art. Victoria & Albert says its
Napoli tub is more than a mere fixture — it's
"installation art." Made from a combination of volcanic
limestone and resin that's as strong as cast iron but half as
heavy, the vessel measures 75 inches long and 34 inches wide,
accepts freestanding or wall-mounted faucets, and sells for
$4,500. Victoria & Albert, 800/421-7189,
www.englishtubs.com
Heavyweight. Stone Forest designed its
Papillon tub to complement a chic black-and-white bathroom. The
hand-carved black-granite fixture is 68 inches long, 44 inches
wide, and 26 inches high — and it weighs about 1,800
pounds, so check those floor joists. It costs $18,000. Carrara
marble and limestone models are available as well, for $21,000
and $22,000, respectively. Stone Forest,
888/682-2987, www.stoneforest.com
Full Immersion. Ideal for neck-deep soaks,
MTI's Caribe Overflow Tub harbors two concealed drains that
capture any spillover. At 79 inches long and 48 inches wide
— large enough to handle two bathers at once — the
unit is available as a soaking tub, a whirlpool, an air bath,
or a whirlpool/air-bath combination. Prices range from $2,100
to $6,600. MTI Whirlpools, 800/783-8827,
www.mtiwhirlpools.com
Kitchen Ventilation
Easy Clean. According to Broan, the special
coating on its WP29 stainless steel range hood makes cleanups
effortless. The unit has infinitely adjustable controls that
remember the last setting used, and it comes in six widths
— from 30 inches to 60 inches — and two depths, 24
inches and 27 inches. Blower options include internal fans that
draw 600 and 1,200 cubic feet per minute. Recirculation kits
are available for units up to 48 inches wide. Prices start at
$2,027.
Broan-NuTone, 800/558-1711,
www.bestbybroan.comUnderstated. The narrow profile of
KitchenAid's Architect Series II wall-mount hood harbors a
600-cfm motor and halogen lights that illuminate the cooktop.
It comes in two sizes (30 and 36 inches) and three finishes
(white, black, and stainless), and with two light settings and
four-speed electronic controls. Prices run from $1,680 to
$1,850. KitchenAid, 800/253-3977,
www.insideadvantage.com
Ancient Inspiration. Zephyr's Menhir very
vertical vent hood was inspired by prehistoric monumental
stones like Stonehenge, says the manufacturer. The 22-inch-wide
stainless steel channel comes with a fan rated at 600 cubic
feet per minute and recessed halogen lighting, plus a control
ball that operates both. (The unit also has a remote control.)
Made in Italy, it costs about $3,500. Zephyr
Ventilation, 888/880-8368,
www.zephyronline.com