For an industry that came of age only after World War II, the bathroom-fixtures business has come a very long way indeed. Bathrooms, once tiny and severely utilitarian, have become oases of luxury. Custom homes now feature bathrooms bigger than the living rooms of older dwellings. There are some problems in the gentrification of the bath; plumbing, particularly, is not pretty. And whatever the surfaces, they have to be able to stand up to daily cleaning. Here are some of the new products that manufacturers, with the help of designers, are making both utilitarian and beautiful. All are available from suppliers, designers or contractors, as well as from some home-improvement centers.

Finishing in style

Moen, which makes faucets, has introduced a new line called Inspirations that allows consumers to customize their bathrooms with a selection of colors and styles. There are six different finishes: the traditional chrome and polished brass, plus Platinum, Satine, Black Opal and Classic Gold.

Getting a fix on fixtures

"Good product design takes into account the functional and the spiritual," says designer Philippe Starck, whose new line of fixtures, called Edition 2, from Duravit, features styles that are, well, stark. Tubs, toilets and bidets sit on their bases, with no feet or pedestals, and nothing interferes with the simple shapes. There are also wall-hung toilets and bidets, and sinks that drop into a vanity.

Floor show

Tumbled Marble is the name of a new look for Formica Corp.'s Ceramix collection of resilient flooring. It's designed to look like traditional stone tile with a slightly rustic feel. Each "tile" in the design is 4 inches by 4 inches, a smaller scale that is ideal for bathrooms (as well as entryways and smaller kitchens). The flooring comes in two colors, a warm white and a country brown.

EVENTS:

* The U.S. National Arboretum is offering a beginner's workshop on traditional ikebana floral arranging (below), taught by masters from the Maryland and Washington branches of Sogetsu School, on Saturday, March 20. Registration is required by March 11. This workshop can stand alone or be taken as one of three. Cost is $20 for the single workshop, $50 for three. The arboretum is off New York Avenue Northeast in Washington. For more information or registration, call 202-245-4521.

* Several dozen craftspeople will be offering their wares at a Country Folk Art & Craft Show this month at Perry Hall Community Center, 9421 Gerst Road, Perry Hall. The show opens Friday and runs through March 21. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Friday; and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on opening day. For ticket prices and more information (during show hours only), call 410-256-5764.

Home Front welcomes interesting home and garden news. Please send suggestions to Karol V. Menzie, Home Front, The Sun, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, Md. 21278, or fax to 410-783-2519.

Pub Date: 03/07/99