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A has-been mall becomes a city hall in Englewood, Colorado. In Phoenix, a neighborhood strip mall, once anchored by a 7-11, is transformed into a gourmet grocery, restaurant, shops and a gelateria. Another shopping center, past its prime, morphs into Lakewood, Colorado’s new urban core. These and other projects, many in the West, are featured in Retrofitting Suburbia: Urban Design Solutions for Redesigning Suburbs (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2009), by Ellen Dunham-Jones, AIA, and June Williamson. The authors, both architects and educators, explore the movement to redesign and redevelop suburban sprawl into sustainable, pedestrian-friendly and even urbanized cores. www.wiley.com.

The new Tula cabinet from Ebanista takes inspiration from the Mudejar style of architecture and decoration, dating back to 12th century Spain and Portugal, as well as the 19th century culture of Oaxaca, Mexico. The highly decorative small cabinet is made of granadillo wood, yew and inlaid engraved bone, and equally effective used in a romantic, period-inspired setting or as an accent piece in a contemporary interior. 595 S. Broadway, Suite 101n, Denver, CO 80209, (303) 282-1690; 7350 N. Dobson Rd., Suite 117, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, (480) 362-1276; or www.ebanista.com.

The Swiss firm Laufen has introduced the Palomba Collection of bathroom products to the U.S. market. The collection, designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba, features an organic design, inspired by the sea and stones and includes eight sinks, wall-hung and floor-mounted toilets, a bidet, bathtub and bath furniture in a macassar finish. The collection’s signature pieces are the sinks (shown here), with a lagoon-shaped basin. They’re rimless when filled, creating a seamless transition between liquid and solid surfaces. www.laufen.com/usa.

Cooper Lighting has introduced the Shaper Fabriqué Series of commercial and residential rectilinear pendants (shown here) and surface luminaires, large-scale drum pendants and surface luminaires, rectilinear wall luminaires, square wall sconces and mini-pendant luminaires available in several shapes. The series features shades with hand-tucked edges that come in 14 standard fabrics, and the style can also accommodate custom fabrics. The series’ modular design allows the electrical contractor to install suspension and electrical components early in the construction phase, while the shade can be stored until after the final phase is completed. Hardware finishes include chrome, natural aluminum, nickel, copper and brass. There are also numerous lamp options. www.cooperlighting.com.

Spark Modern Fires’ Fire Ribbon offers a clean, minimalist fireplace that pares fire down to its essence. The old gas log is gone, replaced by a ribbon of fire. The product is available in several lengths and venting options, as well as with or without glass doors. The Fire Ribbon can also be customized with a media tray and decorative objects, such as smooth basalt stones, lava rocks and glass. www.sparkfires.com.

Landscape Forms has added a new product from the studio work of Santa & Cole, a Barcelona, Spain-based firm. The Key Bike Rack, designed by Lagranja, also of Barcelona, looks like the handle of and old-fashioned key, set in the ground. The steel core is protected by high-density polyurethane plastic, offered in red or gray. The base cover is cast aluminum, fitted with two bolts that slip into adhesive-filled holes drilled into concrete. The bike can be secured by its frame in two places to Key, and the rack can accommodate a standard D-shaped bike lock. www.landscapeforms.com.