Northern California Chapter President Barbra Bright’s Five Favorite Finds
By Barbra Bright, President of the Northern California Chapter
Being in Milan for EuroCucina was incredibly inspiring. There’s the food, the architecture, and the shopping—but what stayed with me most were the temporary art installations scattered throughout the city.
You’d turn a corner and find something completely unexpected. Art wasn’t confined to galleries—it was woven into the streets, courtyards, and everyday spaces. My favorite installation was giant octopus arms emerging from a historic façade, wrapping the building in a way that felt both playful and slightly surreal. It set the tone for the entire week and prepared me for all the discoveries that followed at the show.
These were the pieces that stood out to me most at this year’s show and a glimpse of where design is heading:
1. GESSI BAMBOO FAUCET
What it is:
A working faucet made from real bamboo—each one shaped from a natural root, so no two are alike.
Why I loved it:
The faucet looks like a sculptural object, but it’s fully functional. Natural variations give it a level of individuality that feels organic, but still refined.
Why it matters:
- Introduces true one-of-a-kind design into the bath
- Reflects the shift toward natural, tactile materials
- Blurs the line between fixture and art
2. INFINITY-BIO TWO-SEATER TUB BY HIDEO SHIMIZU
What it is:
A freestanding soaking tub designed for two, with built-in armrests on both sides.
Why I loved it:
This felt genuinely thoughtful. Most two-person tubs don’t work well—this one does. The armrests make it comfortable and usable, not awkward. The shape is soft and organic, which makes it feel natural and comfortable.
Why it matters:
- Reimagines the bath as a shared experience
- Supports the move toward wellness and connection
- Shows how form and function can align
3. TEACUP SOAKING TUB
What it is:
A freestanding tub designed as an oversized teacup—completely playful and unexpected.
Why I loved it:
It just makes you smile. It’s not trying to be timeless. A child will outgrow it, or a client’s
taste will evolve. But that’s what makes it interesting—it challenges the idea that everything has to last decades.
Why it matters:
- Brings personality and joy into the bathroom
- Turns a fixture into a statement piece
- Opens the door to more expressive, less permanent design
4. BRONZE GLASS PIVOT SHOWER DOOR
What it is:
A pivot-style shower enclosure paired with bronze-tinted glass.
Why I loved it:
The bronze glass softens everything. Compared to clear glass, it feels warmer, more refined, and less clinical. The pivot door keeps the look clean and architectural—no heavy tracks or visual clutter. It feels intentional, not standard.
Why it matters:
- Introduces a warmer, more elevated aesthetic
- Reflects a shift toward subtle, thoughtful detailing
5. SYSTEM BATHROOM ACCESSORIES
What it is:
A collection of bathroom accessories shown in both metal finishes and a wide range of colors.
Why I loved it:
Accessories are usually an afterthought, but here they felt designed. The addition of color adds another layer—it allows for more personality without overdesigning the space.
Why it matters:
- Elevates accessories into design elements
- Supports the move toward softer, more nuanced palettes
Images courtesy of Barbra Bright
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