Armored 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
