architects' choice: kitchen

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  carolina blues

  Frank Harmon Architect: Jacob's Creek Stone Co.'s Nor Carla Bluestone.

   
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  Lighten up

  Swatt Architects: Concreteworks Studio's concrete countertops and bathtubs are embedded with fiber optics that are invisible during the day and glow at night.

   
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  fast track

  Kuth/Ranieri Architects: Miele convection steam oven.

   
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  valli high

  EFM Design: Door levers and cabinet pulls from Italian manufacturer Valli&Valli.

   
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  pack mentality

  Kuth/Ranieri Architects: The 36-inch rangetop from Wolf Appliance.

   
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  counter move

  Blip Design: PaperStone’s Certified Series countertops.

   
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  Crystal Persuasion

  Richardson Architects: DuPont's Zodiaq surfacing is made from 93 percent quartz crystal, giving it a depth and radiance and making it strong, durable, and heat- and scratch-resistant.

   
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  Trough Love

  Michelle Kaufmann Designs: Kohler's stainless steel trough sink is 33 inches long with a basin depth of nearly 6 inches. A wire rack and wire storage basket are included accessories.

   

• Cool Design

  Van Dam Architecture and Design: Sub-Zero's handbuilt refrigerator/freezers are designed with dual cooling systems, electronic controls, and an alarm to alert homeowners when the door is ajar.

   

• Axor Answer

  Baylis Architects: Hansgrohe's Axor plumbing line includes styles for the kitchen and bath and can be speced in chrome, brushed nickel, and satinox, as well as with PVD finishes.