Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/607779
DECEMBER 2015 | 33 Made of compressed wheat or rice straw, Strawboard has recently emerged as a great alternative to wood. "This extremely moisture-resistant material has been proven to stand up against splintering while affixing hardware, warping in damp conditions and resistant to mould and pests," Mitic says. "But a vanity is just a cab- inet until you put it with the right sink. Pairing clean- lined vanities with square-styled sink elements have also been very popular this season. Bring in a sink with a square-styled bowl, or square drains, and finish the look with a square-styled faucet to blend functionality with a contemporary look." Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre offers a selection of BLANCO kitchen sinks that embrace an exclusive blend of artisan craftsmanship and German preci- sion. From the dramatic architecture of the raised rim to the beauty of the lustrous finish, the BLANCO ATTIKA captures attention. "The BLANCO ATTIKA sink marries elegance with functionality," says Kyla Hazen, sales consultant at the Robinson Bath Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. "Constructed out of 18-gauge stainless steel with an 18/10 chrome-nickel content, it provides excellent strength and durability, is impervi- ous to water stains and calcium deposits, and is both rust and stain resistant. With its 10-millimetre radius corners, it presents as a modern/industrial style that many people crave while still being easy to maintain." The generous 10-inch bowl allows for a spacious basin that does not take up a great deal of counter space, which is perfect for small scale spaces. "The top- mount installation accommodates every type of coun- ter material, while its elevated rim draws the eye to something truly unique," Hazen says. Franke Kindred Canada Limited brings the tech- nically savvy TECHNA sink to the design market for 2015/2016. "Franke TECHNA products are mid-priced undermount sinks, hand crafted in 18-gauge stainless steel, specifically with multi-build jobs in mind," says Charlotte Sprague, marketing supervisor. "The big, square bowls and sleek minimalist profiles in this col- lection are perfect for condos and lofts." TECHNA sinks feature sparkling commercial satin finishes, and easy to clean 10-millimetre corners. Available in single, offset and double bowls, TECHNA models may be installed on their own or in combina- tion to best suit any culinary centre. "And, with a host of optional sink accessories such as bottom grids, cutting boards and drainer baskets, TECHNA sinks can han- dle even the biggest cleanups with ease," Sprague says. Also available with Franke Kindred Canada is the TRENDS line of rectangular, stainless steel under- mount vanity basins. "These sinks are a departure from the old and are designed as an alternative to vit- reous china with a crisp, angular feel," says Rosalind Daschuk, marketing co-ordinator. American Standard Brands launched its DXV luxury portfolio of kitchen and bath fixtures featuring 33-inch and 47-inch wall-hung trough sinks in the Lyndon line. "These sinks are made of Fine Fireclay, which is dura- ble and easy to clean and is resistant to scratches, stains and chipping," says Isabel Carvalhana, product and marketing manager, DXV Canada. Trends for American Standard products range from double sink vanities and trough sinks for master baths and shared spaces for children, to minimalist designs allowing for space saving and storage. Material selections are coming to the forefront as well. "Different materials are collaborating well in bathrooms," says Carvalhana. "The most popular choice for bathroom sinks continues to be Vitreous China because of its durability and resistance to bac- terial and mould growth." Jean-Jacques L'Henaff, VP of design, American Standard Brands adds, "Stainless is still the most pop- ular choice by far, with composite materials gaining in popularity the past few years. Porcelain is a smaller but stable segment." A Sinks Liano under counter basin from Sustainable Solutions International. for