Sustainable Metropolis World Trade Center Live@Metropolis Next Generation Designmart Events tropgreen
Clean Living
Dramatic new products for our most basic household activities.



Mint green tiles, massaging showerheads, garbage disposals, no-wax vinyl floors: it’s been a long time since these items were state-of-the-art bathroom and kitchen products, but they created the kind of iconic images that still spring to mind when we think of these rooms. The bathroom and kitchen have been transformed from simple utilitarian spaces to dramatic settings for the domestic rituals we like to linger over. As illustrated by this selection—which includes a translucent plastic brick of a tub and a clock that gives the weather report and projects the time—designers and manufacturers continue to surprise us with products that are novel in detail and function.

1. Simplehuman Butterfly Step Can and Grocery Bag Holder
Simplehuman specializes in stainless-steel trash cans and housewares. The company is now offering a black-resin lid for two of its signature stainless-steel step cans—the Butterfly Step Can and the basic round can. The dent-proof lid repels the streaks and smudges of messy fingerprints. Both models close without clanking and have power-assist foot pedals. The Butterfly can fans open from the center, saving undercounter space. Simplehuman has also released a Grocery Bag Holder that stores and dispenses plastic grocery bags. (888) 988-8880; www.simplehuman.com
2. Crossville Ceramic Illuminessence Glass Tile
These dazzlingly reflective cast-glass tiles—the only available in the United States—come in nine water-inspired colors. There are three series, all of which contain recycled content: Prism Glass (for walls and countertops), Prism Glass Listellos (for trim), and Radiance Glass (for floors, walls, and countertops). (931) 484-2110; www.crossville-ceramics.com
3. Axor Citterio Bath Collection
The newest addition to Hansgrohe’s Axor collection of designer bath products made its North American debut at AF New York’s newly renovated showroom. Designed by Antonio Citterio, the collection features 70 products, including a bathtub that functions as a room divider (shown here). All metal accessories have the option of an electroplated platinum or chrome finish. Hansgrohe: (800) 719-1000; www.hansgrohe-usa.com; AF New York: (212) 243-5400
4. Dornbracht Rain Sky Shower System
This overhead shower system—developed by Sieger Design to simulate rainfall—is integrated into the ceiling and resembles a vent. An optional feature emits a light scent reminiscent of fresh rainfall. (800) 774-1181; www.dornbracht.com
5. Duravit Starck 1.2.3 Series Bathroom
Philippe Starck’s latest series of bathroom furniture for Duravit mixes materials, such as wood and scratchproof plastic. All the furnishings—which include low and tall cabinets and wall cupboards—are based on a square module. (888) 387-2848; www.duravit.com
6. Valli and Valli Door Pull by John Pawson
Valli and Valli has been commissioning world-renowned architects and designers to create functional yet distinctive door and cabinet hardware for the company’s Fusital collection for nearly 20 years. One of the latest additions, Pawson’s elegant minimalist Door Pull, is solid brass and is available with various satin or polished finishes. (212) 326-8811; www.vallievalli.com
7. Boffi Swim Bathtub
Piero Lissoni’s fiberglass bathtubs are available in white and black polished polyurethane-lacquer and aluminum finishes. They also come with side units in three sizes that include wood drawers and glass shelves. (212) 431-8282; www.boffisoho.com
8. Bosch Nexxt Washer and Dryer
Bosch’s new laundry line features European front-loading designs adapted to an American size and format. Both ma-chines have earned the highest achievable Energy Star rating. The washer can clean a full load of clothes using as little as 13.2 gallons of water and about 79 percent less energy than conventional top loaders. The virtually silent dryer finishes clothes in less time, using less energy than conventional models. (800) 944-2904; www.boschappliances.com
9. Bradley Frequency Lavatory System
The unconventional wave design of this system combines a low ADA-compliant sink with a higher sink and comes in one-, two-, and three-station options, making it ideal for public washrooms. The sinks feature an infrared-controlled faucet, and there is a complete line of coordinating accessories, such as soap dispensers, mirrors, shelves, towel dispensers, and waste receptacles. (800) 272-3539; www.bradleycorp.com
10. Snaidero Certosa Silver Kitchen
Certosa Silver features a pepper-quartz stone countertop with an antique finish. Its 94-inch-wide pantry is big enough to store household appliances. (310) 516-8499; www.snaidero-usa.com
11. Starck Time and Weather Station
The clean LCD face of this clock—designed by Philippe Starck in collaboration with Oregon Scientific—includes a bold time-and-date display that is automatically regulated by a radio signal from an atomic clock. The time can be projected on a wall or ceiling, which makes it useful in the bathroom, where you might not be wearing your glasses. Other features include the weather forecast, current indoor and outdoor temperatures, humidity, and record measurements. Available from the MoMA Design Store: (800) 447-6662; www.momastore.org
12. Virgin Pulse Portable TV/DVD Player
This 11-inch portable television with DVD player has a TFT/LCD screen and is part of a collection by Ecco Design for Virgin Pulse. The 15 audio and video products in the collection—including a cordless phone, desktop CD and clock radio, and MP3 player—are available exclusively at Target. www.target.com; www.virginpulse.com
13. Bulthaup Nemus Kitchen Furniture
These ergonomically designed minimalist tables, benches, chairs, and stools are produced through high-quality workmanship and are available in finishes ranging from blond to black. (212) 966-7183; www.bulthaup.com
14. Küppersbusch Simply Digital Coffee Machine
This fully automated stainless-steel self-cleaning coffee machine features an easy-to-read digital display and intuitive software to make your favorite hot beverage, whether it’s cappuccino, latte, macchiato, or plain coffee or tea. It includes two separate, always active heating units for hot water and steam. (800) 459-0844; www.kuppersbuschusa.com
11, courtesy the MoMA Design Store; others, courtesy of the manufacturers
BACK TO TOPBACK TO TOP