Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/423872
American Standard. "Consumers are moving away from traditional shapes and towards a sleek and mod- ern style, decorating their bathrooms with oval- and square-shaped countertop sinks, best accompanied by wall mount or vessel faucets." For commercial projects, the company has intro- duced sensor-operated Serin proximity lavatory fau- cets to accompany their line of new commercial toilet flush valves with automatic, dual-flush capacity. "The sink is a focal point in the bathroom so it's important to consider all details before making a decision," Abele notes. "We test our prototypes early, learn early and repeat that cycle again and again until we obtain the right user experience." Low-divide sinks are more popular than ever. The design offers the best of both dual and deep basins. The Blanco Precis Cascade is a stylish example of the trend: "Its square bowl is essential to kitchen design and maximizes usable bowl space, and features a rev- olutionary bi-level bottom," explains Edyta Drutis, Blanco's marketing manager. "The lower level is great for large pots and pans and the raised level can func- tion much like a second bowl, perfect for cutlery or washing fruits and vegetables." Better still, the sink is made from Blanco Silgranit, a unique 80 per cent granite and composite formula that offers durability, beauty and a wide selection of colours and colour-matching kitchen faucets, all while being heat, stain and scratch resistant. Other Blanco offerings, like the stainless steel Quatrus R15 that features 15-degree corners, is a perfect combination of functionality, clean lines and lasting value with a uniquely rounded corner design. "Trends in home décor and kitchen design point to busy lives and a need for comfort. While st yle preferences and est het ics are as varied as homeowners themselves, we all look for ways to simplify daily tasks, add beauty to where we live and ensure the health of those nearest and dearest us," says Charlotte Sprague of Franke Kindred Canada Limited. Franke's latest line of sinks mix style with substance, focus- ing on efficiency and chore-busting accessories to simplify everyday tasks. "Kitchen sinks are no longer simple basins to hold water," says Sprague. "The variety of products, materials and styles available today is truly astounding, affording personalization of your kitchen as never before." Pull-down faucets with high arcs make for easy pot-filling, while sinks that serve as additional coun- ter space make prep time a breeze . The Professional Series sinks are designed with integrated accessory rails in the sink bowl, along with in-the-bowl acces- sories packed directly into the sink carton, so you can "slice, dice and rinse, then slide the board over to use your sink as added counter space or serving area." In the bathroom, copper vanities are a hot com- modity. "Aside from being drop dead gorgeous, copper holds unique bacteria fighting properties – a natural fit for the bathroom," says Sprague. When it comes to being environmentally friendly, Bradley Corporation prides itself on using materials that have sustainable, durable and low-maintenance features. "Our customers are increasingly interested in sustainable solutions," says Kris Alderson, senior marketing manager at Bradley Corporation. "One of our newest materials is the Evero Natural Quartz Surface; the only natural quartz surface that can be molded into round and curved shapes." Evero is a resilient, seamless and non-porous surface that is very easy to clean and maintain. It is made from a blend of bio-based resin, natural quartz, granite, recycled glass and other exotic minerals, containing up to 70 per cent recycled content. Another recent product example from Bradley is a new touchless hand washing system called the Advo- cate AV-Series Lavatory System. "The Advocate is the first touchless hand washing fixture to provide a sink, soap, faucet and dual-sided dryer all in one unit," says Alderson. "The design keeps the hand washing pro- cess in one place, so the user doesn't have to move. This minimizes water dripping on the f loors and walls, increasing restroom safety and maximizing restroom maintenance." n Strive kitchen sink from Kohler. december 2014 /35 Sinks