A dish-washing machine is often the first thing to go when space needs saving in a tiny home, small condo or studio apartment, but this little invention aims to provide a better option for more average-sized households.

Developed by Heatworks, Tetra is a tankless washer aimed at one-to-two-person homes that can help save 1,500 gallons of water annually (as compared to hand-washing dishes). It’s about the same dimensions as a microwave and requires no plumbing hookup, making it nice and portable — it can be set on counters, stored in cabinets or tucked under islands. Water is poured in by hand and a single cycle takes just a few minutes.

Detergent demands are also reduced and the process of adding them simplified, with a built-in tank that stores fluid for a few dozen rounds at a time. And as much for fun as anything: the gadget is see-through, so you can watch the cleaning process.

The device is small, but made to hold up to 10 plates and glasses (or: about two place settings, compared to the 12 or so of a normal-sized washer for bigger houses). It also has various internal bases that can be swapped out depending on the needs of a different user (or particular wash cycle). It costs around $300.

From the founder: “Our research indicates that although the average household is comprised of 2.58 people, the modern dishwasher holds place settings for 13 or more. This makes people believe that they either need to hand-wash their few dirty dishes — which wastes 10 times more water than using a dishwasher — or wait for a fill load to run a cycle. With Tetra, we hope to change people’s mindset.”

Showers, bathtubs, etc., are no longer plumbing fixtures. They are pieces of beautifully designed and carefully crafted furniture that aren’t just meant to be utilitarian, they are meant to complement your personality and facilitate your lifestyle. The following collection is sometimes intricate, sometimes minimalist, but always beautiful and practical.

Gruppo Treesse – Milo

(source: gruppotreesse)

Another design by Alessandro Lenarda, Milo is much more unconventional. With options of leather or wood headrests and drawers, this Japan-inspired tub experiments with combination of disparate elements while maintaining beautiful geometric symmetry and stylish craftsmanship.

Artweger – Twinline Shower & Bath

(source: artweger)

Why compromise when you can have the best of both worlds and be economical at the same time? With the all-in-one Twinline design from Artweger you no longer need to decide between a shower and a tub, or be forced into one option because your small bathroom can’t accomodate both. Small but beautiful and functional, Twinline allows you to enjoy a bath when you’re in the mood while giving you the option of a quick shower when you’re in a rush.

Jacuzzi Morphosis – Alpha

(source: jacuzzi-morphosis)

The Alpha from Morphosis is a two-person whirlpool tub with an unforgettable design. Inspired by nature, the design aims to ‘envelop, charm, and amaze’, but is not all beauty, it also comes with hydrotherapy and hydromassage built-in. The arch of the tub embraces you in a protective gesture simpilar to that of a seashell.

usTogether – Ebb Collection

(source: ustogether)

The Ebb bathroom concept is innovative, beautiful and practical. The incredibly modern design is formed by fusing together concepts of bath, sink, and shelving units into a natural symmetry and connectivity. The bathtub and sink are made from natural acrylic stone and both have semi-transparent glass side panels.

Tueco – Hydrospa Seaside

(source: tueco)

The latest Seaside bathtub from Tueco is truly fantastic. Backed by studies and certifications, the bathtub is whisper quiet, ensuring the only sound you hear is the soothing sound of water flowing gently, allowing you to relax without any distractions. With patented hydrosonic ultrasound technology, Tueco’s bathtub doesn’t just bring superficial comfort, it massages 2/3 cm deep into the skin, 3 million times per second, and evenly distributes the effects throughout your body.

Gruppo Treesse – Calypso

(source: gruppotreesse)

Designed by Alessandro Lenarda, Calypso Wenge is an experiment with wood design. With no superstructure to support it, the wooden shape itself becomes the shelf. At 183x70x61/79, Calypso is a deep tub with a comfortable backrest which will truly help you relax.

Santambrogio Milano – Simplicity Collection

(source: santambrogiomilano)

If you’re looking for a minimalist design, it doesn’t get better than this. While keeping it incredibly simple, the designers haven’t compromised on elegance and beauty. Predominantly using transparent glass (with touches of stainless steel) the finished product is both visually luxurious and deceptively simple at the same time. The collection includes wash basins, faucets and a tub.