Over the past decade, the bathroom has evolved from a strictly utilitarian space for hygiene and grooming into a private spa for self-pampering, rejuvenation, and relaxation. In its dedication to serving an individual's needs, the bath is — perhaps more than any room in the home — the place for personalization with fixtures, fittings, surfaces, and materials. Presented here are a range of bath sinks and faucets — from traditional to modern, stainless steel to brass, and ceramic to glass — to help you achieve a customized fit for your clients in the most private of spaces.
LOFTY AMBITIONS
Watermark's Urbane Collection includes a widespread stainless steel faucet with copper handles. The faucet set's knurled elements and tool-bit-like base contribute to its loft-appropriate industrial style. The collection comes in 35 finishes, including polished nickel and satin nickel. Watermark. 800.842.7277. www.watermark-designs.com.
NEW TWIST ON OLD WORLD
The Carlyle faucet from Harrington Brass Works is intended to embody a sense of European elegance. The widespread lavatory faucet is also available with a straight spout, with several handle options, and in a multitude of finishes. Shown are drop-cross handles with porcelain inserts in a polished nickel finish. A full line of matching accessories is also available. Harrington Brass Works. 201.818.1300. www.harringtonbrassworks.com.
ODE TO URBAN MODERNISM
The Memento vessel sink's angular shape and lean, linear dimensions appeal to urban modernists and weekend country homeowners alike. The broad back rim can accommodate toiletries and even a deck-mounted tap. Offered in glossy black (shown), white bright, and white, all incorporate Villeroy & Boch's proprietary technology, assuring a scrub-free finish. An extended version for two and a wall-mount option are also available. Villeroy & Boch. 877.505.5350. www.villeroy-boch.com.
JOYSTICK GEOMETRY
The Eco lavatory faucet offers a minimalist perspective in its streamlined, contemporary geometry. Just a light movement of the joystick-type metal lever transitions the flow of water. It's also available as a wall-mount lavatory faucet, and comes in polished chrome or brushed nickel. There is a line of matching accessories, including a coordinated thermostatic shower system. Graff. 800.954.4723. www.graff-faucets.com.
CHISELED FEATURES
The Opus stone vessel sink exhibits crisp, clean edges. Its slightly angled ramp appears to derive from the countertop itself to create the front edge of the sink. Stone Forest's mission is to use natural materials, such as stone, copper, wood, bronze, and iron, to create items that evoke the feeling and tranquility of the outdoors. The finished products are hand-created. Stone Forest. 505.986.8883. www.stoneforest.com.
HIGH ON A PEDESTAL
Bear Creek Glass mixes textures and materials in a collection of hand-blown vessel sinks perched on handcrafted pedestals. The pedestals are made from timbers and structural elements recovered from a century-old Southern mill. Shown is the Classic pedestal crowned with the ice-blue Fusion glass-bowl sink. Also available are the Ornate pedestal carved out of dark wood and topped with a Classic bowl, and the modern Organic pedestal forged out of steel topped with the Ocean bowl. Bear Creek Glass. 205.324.9339. www.bearcreekglass.com.
PAST MEETS PRESENT
Kohler's Bancroft Suite of fixtures, faucets, and accessories offers a fresh update on plumbing fixtures of the early 20th century, while respecting the design integrity associated with that period in American history. The design elements of the Bancroft Suite focus on soft, rounded contours that convey a relaxed style. The Bancroft widespread lavatory faucet, shown, features traditional lever handles and includes ceramic disc valves that are tested for 500,000 on/off cycles. Kohler. 900.456.4537. www.kohler.com.
TIME RECAPTURED
Authentic in its details, the Axor Montreux collection from Hansgrohe reflects the harmony of the Belle Epoque era of the early 20th century, combining clean geometric shapes and traditional elements. The Montreux widespread faucet (shown) is made from many individual high-grade solid brass segments and precisely fabricated components rather than from one solid casting. The collection includes a variety of faucets, shower products, and accessories for the bath, and two kitchen faucets. Hansgrohe. 800.719.1000. www.hansgrohe-usa.com.
SINGULAR SENSATIONS
Each natural stone vessel-style sink in Decolav's new A Perfect Chisel Collection exhibits unique color and texture. Color options include: red onyx, Burma teak marble, fossil marble, green brown onyx (shown), gold onyx, and cloudy white onyx. Available in three round designs with slight variations: with a beveled edge; with a lip; or in a sleek tapered style with decorative trim. Decolav. 561.274.2110. www.decolav.com.
THIN IS IN
Slender cell phones and the iPod Nano are proof that “thin is in” in today's product world. Dornbracht's new Tara.Logic line is a slimmer, livelier interpretation of the company's perennial bestseller, the Tara Classic. The most striking characteristic of Tara.Logic is its single-lever control, no matter the configuration, from basin faucet to floor-mount tub filler and shower sets. The Tara.Logic series comes in polished chrome or platinum matte. The line also includes towel bars, clothes hooks, and soap dispensers. Dornbracht. 800.774.1181. www.dornbracht.com.