Square Deal.
Available in single-hole and double-hole-mount models, the Integrity Widespread Lavatory Faucet features a bold geometric design and solid brass construction with quarter-turn ceramic valves. It comes in polished chrome and brushed nickel finishes for $695 and $825, respectively. Graff, 800/954-4723, www.graff-faucets.com
Industrial Design.
This minimalist lavatory faucet from the Urbane Collection — a suite of coordinated bath accessories — comes in widespread and monoblock models in 35 finishes. Suggested retail prices run from $770 to $990. Watermark, 800/842-7277, www.watermark-designs.com
Look Ma, No Hands.
So maybe the Pascal Culinary Faucet doesn't automatically wash the dishes, but it comes close. A hands-free proximity sensor turns the water on and off (a light tap of the finger works, too); the pull-down spray head activates when extended and shuts off when retracted. A manual valve controls flow rate and temperature. As shown, the faucet lists for $932 in chrome and stainless finishes. Brizo, 877/345-2749, www.brizo.com
Sink-Side Simplicity.
Side-mounted valves have long been popular in Europe; now they're catching on in the U.S. Take the sleek Parma Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet, for instance: It packs a single handle and a pull-out spout that delivers both an aerated stream and a spray. I found it online for $185 in chrome and $240 in stainless steel. Danze, 877/530-3344, www.danze.com
Bath Countertops
Comes in Quartz.
Countertops in the Mountain Series — Black Canyon, Sienna Ridge, and Giallo Quarry (shown) — pay homage to the natural beauty of solid stone. Unlike stone, however, these quartz surfaces never have to be sealed to prevent staining. Plus they have four times the flexural strength, minimizing cracks, chips, and breakage. The series — available in October — costs $65 to $105 per square foot installed, says the maker. Silestone, 800/291-1311, www.silestoneusa.com
Faster Fabrication.
Here's a solid-surface countertop that costs only slightly more than high-pressure laminate. Unlike conventional 1/2- and 3/4-inch-thick solid-surface products, 11/4-inch-thick Eos doesn't require labor-intensive lamination, making it more affordable, says the manufacturer. It comes in 17 colors; price varies by region from $45 to $70 per square foot. Eos, 800/719-3671, www.eos-surfaces.com
