KBB - February 2009 - (Page 58)

Favorites 1 2 Marcio Decker’s Top Product Picks Home Concepts’ Marcio Decker appreciates the greener things in life. After all, the Truckee, CA-based designer, who also owns Aspen Leaf Interiors, was the winner of the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s inaugural Smartest Hot Water Award, which he received for a master bath design that incorporates a 75-gallon energy-efﬁcient tank-type water heater. Very much in step with the growing popularity of eco-friendly design, Decker tries to be “green-conscious in whatever aspects that suit his clients’ needs,” even if it means tinkering with mechanical systems behind the walls—hence, the award. But those familiar with Decker’s work also know his eye for products that marry functionality with exquisite aesthetics. Adding punch and character to his award-winning projects, these include jewel-like accent pieces such as Dunis Studios’ Washers tile (1). Measuring 51/4 in. x 101/2 in., the tile begs to be touched with its high-relief washer pattern and comes in some 300 colors, including a stunning bronze. Having used it in twin bands in a Lake Tahoe bath, Decker said, “They really create quite an impact.” Also promising to create impact in any bath is Wawirka Inc.’s Cascade Vessel with Tray (2), a handsculpted, hand-finished cast-bronze countertop sink that Decker admires for its fine craftsmanship: “They convey an artistry.” Available in two satin metal and five patina finishes, each sink, as are all of the company’s offerings, is signed by the artist. While lighting is often overlooked in new or remodeled kitchens and baths, Fine Art Lamps’ Refraction wall sconce (5) can hardly escape notice with its sleek, modern shape and pearlized ﬁnish, which, noted Decker, changes appearance “depending on the color of the wall behind it or even the light hitting the wall.” The ﬁxture is ADA-compliant and features a hand-tailored fabric shade in deep burgundy. Contemporary and green, TOTO’s Axiom EcoPower Sensor Faucet (4) isn’t just for commercial applications. Decker said, “You may not think of using a sensor faucet in a residential setting, but it’s so hygienic,” making it perfect for powder rooms that see frequent use by a “high volume” of different people. The Axiom is particularly impressive because it requires no batteries. “The circulating water generates the power,” Decker explained. Last but not least is Homestead Cabinet & Furniture’s Sierra Fixed door style in Custom Rustic Walnut (3), which gets a nod for its champhered edges and chattered distressing. The cabinet door also has applied nail heads and hand-cut V-groove joints, enhancing its earthy, weathered charm, but, like Decker himself, is versatile, working equally well in contemporary-style kitchens. Although Decker describes the cabinet door and other favorites as resembling “refined pieces of art,” he cautions against using them all in one space. As with all things in life, a successful room results from “ﬁnding that balance,” he said. I —Alice Liao 3 4 5 58 + K BB February 2009 / www.kbbonline.com / The Ofﬁcial Sponsor of K/BIS www.kbis.com http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - February 2009

KBB - February 2009
Contents
Online Contents
Online News
Editorial
Focus
Trends
Products
Options
Design
Green
Tech
Practice
Education
Opinion
Editorial Index
Ad Index
Favorites

KBB - February 2009