The Squaro tub is a prime example of Villeroy & Boch's penchant for European-inspired design. Squaro's pure, angular forms and sweeping lines are both timeless and distinctly modern.

The tub is made of Quaryl, a newly developed material from Villeroy & Boch that has a high sheen yet is nonporous and slip-resistant. Quaryl conducts heat very slowly, allowing it to stay oh-so-warm for those who enjoy a leisurely soak.

Squaro is available in two sizes (180 by 80 centimeters and 170 by 75 centimeters) and is double-ended, enabling the bather to sit comfortable at either end. It is easy to clean and has an increased resistance to scratches. An added bonus, it's 100 percent recyclable.

The generous dimensions and gently sloping sides fully envelop bathers, making for a sumptuous sanctuary for relaxing ... maybe with a book and some candles.

If this isn't enough, it can be upgraded to include whirlpool or air-bath features, or a combination of both. It can also be fitted with an ergonomic headrest.

Squaro is the perfect fit for other Villeroy & Boch collections, including Memento, Editionals and Subway.
For more information, call 877-505-5350 or visit www.villeroy-boch.com.

PAINTSTICK

Make painting easier, faster, neater and more enjoyable with Black & Decker's new PaintStick EZ-Twist. Forget paint trays and rollers as well as the ladder.

The EZ-Twist lets you paint an entire room in one-third the time and you will look like a pro. The twisting action allows you to control the amount of paint released - a small twist for precision painting or a bigger twist to cover a larger area quickly.

You simply fill the PaintStick from the can and a single fill paints an entire 8- by 8-foot area without reaching, bending or climbing on a ladder. You can even paint ceilings without worrying about getting paint on you or the floor by snapping on the spatter shield.

The PaintStick comes with everything you need, except paint, including: PaintStick EZ-Twist, snap-on roller cover, spatter shield, paint can cover and fill tube.

The system retails for $30.

STAINSTICK

Taking the ease of design of the PaintStick outdoors is the new StainStick. Staining a deck on your hands and knees is messy and a real pain. With the StainStick, it's a simple one-step process.

Just fill the StainStick with stain or sealers directly from the can. A single, 18-ounce fill will cover a 6-by-6 foot area. It works with virtually all stains and sealers.

With its 4-foot extension handle and pivoting pad you can reach virtually any surface. The universal joint allows staining from different angles and the wrap-around pad and locking base make it easy to stain between boards.

Another reason it is the ultimate staining tool for decks is its brushlike applicator, which brushes the stain into the decking as recommended by stain manufacturers.

The StainStick retails for $20.

  Maggie Reed can be reached at maggie.reed@copleynews.com.
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