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Top Ten Most Unusual Kitchen and Bath Products
June 25, 2007
Forget about re-sale value. Many of today's homeowners want to express their unique personalities in the kitchen and bath. Below are 10 products that are sure to become conversation pieces.
 The Future is Now
Though the world has yet to see the first flying car or teleporter, Italian manufacturer Sheer has created a kitchen system that would make the Jetsons envious. When closed, it resembles an egg, but when in use, the top half, which doubles as a ventilation hood, can be raised up to the ceiling with a remote control. The bottom half features counter space, four burners, bottle coolers, a double sink, and a steel pull-out table, as well as two rotating trolleys for additional counter space. When not in use, the top portion emits a soft light, giving the unit a sculptural look. A complementary wall unit is also available to hold chairs and appliances.
 Seeing the Light
In today’s society of multi-taskers, ProSun International's Sunshower SRPlus (fits right in. The device has a panel that tans the body while a user is showering, and an optional LED panel located at eye level that the maker says provides rejuvenating phototherapy that is intended to reduce the appearance of aging. A control panel can be used to adjust the time and intensity of the UV light.
 Tank Top
The toilet was once a graveyard for many a hapless goldfish, but now it is a castle. The Fish-n-Flush clear two-piece toilet tank houses a fully functioning fresh or saltwater aquarium. The fixture fits most toilets and operates as a conventional interior tank while the separate 2.2-gallon aquarium can be easily removed for cleaning without interfering with the toilet's functionality. The Fish-n-Flush comes with gravel, a dual filtration system, LED lighting, a built-in feeder, a fill valve, an overflow tube, a flapper and a suction pump.
 Get a Grip
There’s nothing more awkward than trying to enter the bathroom only to find it is already occupied. The Alfa battery from Brighthandle provides a clever solution. When the thumb turn is activated, a red light on the outside of the door lights up and is later turned off when the room is empty. The device takes two R6 batteries.
 In Bloom
It can be springtime year-round with Clark Sorensen's eye-catching urinals. The San Francisco artist uses porcelain to handcraft fully functioning urinals that feature complex and unusual shapes. Inspiration for the pieces comes from forms found in nature, such as flowers and seashells.
 Pampering for the Pooches
Let’s face it, you don’t have to walk upright to enjoy a little pampering. The Jentle Pet spa from MTI Whirlpools features a hand-held shower and a self-cleaning whirlpool system that will make your four-legged friend feel almost human. For the ultimate in luxury, five massage jets and air volume control are available.
 Range Hood With Bling
Though Diamond from Elica may look like a chandelier, it is actually a stylish and compact system that includes ventilation, filters, lighting and controls. Part of the Evolution series, the unit can function as a range hood or as a light. The company makes several other design-forward hoods using the same technology.
 Dishwasher as Art
It seems there is no product that can’t be personalized, including the dishwasher. Dishwasher Creations offers vinyl panels that have either an adhesive or magnetic backing designed by impressionist artist Maureen Bannon.
 Wheel Keeps on Turning
Waste not, want not seems to be the motto of Bristol and Bath’s Second Chance Collection, including Kobe, which is made of a rubber tire set, a copper basin and galvanized steel mounting hardware. The tire is available in a variety of colors, and several versions of the Kobe—with single or double tires or with several tires that create a free-standing basin—are available.
 Color Me Bath
Create an unforgettable bath with Jemal Wright Bath Design Studio's Chromeozone and Isis lines. The Chromeozone process applies a chrome-plated porcelain base to any bath or spa fixture, which is then dyed to add color. The Isis line begins with a Chromeozone base and then adds a splash of glitter with Swarovski crystals. More than 40 different colors of stone are available. Each piece is finished with the studio's signature logo and is numbered and recorded for authenticity.
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