Tubs
Bath 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.com
Understated. 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
