NEW PRODUCTS

Specialized sinks cater to family's needs

Time in the kitchen is changing. It's not just mom in there preparing the food anymore ... enjoyable nights with family and friends have moved into the kitchen as well.

With all this in mind, Kohler has introduced two new cast iron kitchen sinks: the Bordelaise and the Fete.

"The old kitchen triangle allowed for easy access to water and shorter distances to carry pots of water," said Andy Barber, director of marketing for Kohler kitchen products. "Now that today's kitchens are larger and more spread out there is an inherent need to bring smaller, more specialized sinks and faucets to the areas of the kitchen where the food preparation is actually happening ... the new Bordelaise and Fete kitchen sinks are poised to do just that."

With kitchen islands increasingly being used as workstations, the Fete sink uses a soft, organic shape with two distinct basin areas for food prep and serving. The higher, oval-shaped basin is large and shallow, and serves as a wet work surface or clean presentation area. The lower basin contains the sink drain and, although smaller, can also handle various preparation tasks.

The Bordelaise sink, when positioned near a stove top, is designed to facilitate food prep and water disposal in the back portion of the kitchen. One end features a large, round basin ideal for filling and emptying pots as well as disposing of food waste. The opposite side features a rectangular-shaped trough that gently slopes toward the round basin and is best suited for food prep or presentation.

Combining cast iron with an ultrathick layer of enamel, Kohler sinks resist staining, scratching and chipping and are exceptionally durable. The Bordelaise sink starts at $415 while the Fete is priced from $435.

For more information, call 800-4-KOHLER (800-456-4537) or visit www.kohler.com.

Home accents combine function, artistry

Combining function and art, utility and beauty, is a growing trend in homes these days. Another growing trend is wine and spirits.

The Wine Market Council's 2006 Consumer Tracking Study found the consumption of wine in the United States exceeded 250 million cases for the first time ever in 2006. Also, the adult per capita consumption of wine set a new record high at 2.88 gallons per year, compared to 1.05 gallons of table wine per adult in 1970.

Howard Miller melds these trends together with its Hide-A-Bar collection, an innovative way to stow away wine and spirits without leaving anything in view. Drawers, cabinets and lazy Susan style fixtures all play a part.

The Bar Devino Hide-A-Bar Console features raised-panel doors and drawers to store wine and spirits. As many as 38 bottles can be kept in the two-tiered nesting bottle-storage drawers and a wood stemware rack holds an array of glasses. The top surface also slides open to reveal a granite work surface and removable ice sink.

Offering similar styling is the Shiraz Hide-A-Bar Console, which features an adjustable shelf and storage space on the inside of each door. The plank-style top with hand-planed surface and distressing makes it most distinctive.

Other new designs include the casual Naples Bar and Stool and the Cornerstone Estates Wine & Spirits Cabinet. Prices range from $1,800 for the Shiraz to $3,120 for the Naples.

The collection includes bars and bar stools, consoles, modular units and cabinets.

Howard Miller has been crafting fine wood for more than 80 years. The family-owned business is headquartered in Zeeland, Mich.

For more information, call 616-772-7277 or visit www.howardmiller.com.

-- Compiled by Hali Bernstein Saylor