Dacor Discover IQ Dual Fuel Range

Ever since Android was released, there have been attempts to build it into appliances. None of these products have kicked off the era of smart appliances we’ve all been dreaming about, but Dacor is back at CES this year with yet another Android-powered appliance in its Discovery iQ series.

Dacor Discovery iQ 48-inch Dual Fuel Range | KitchAnn Style

The 48″ range comes  with a 7″ Android powered tablet built into the control panel complete with the ability to run apps. The Wi-Fi connected range comes with Dacor’s iQ Cooking App which provides the user “with tools they require for precision cooking.” It allows home chefs to control the range with their tablet or smartphone to do such things as conveniently preheat the oven, change a cooking setting or receive a text message when the meal is complete.

“The new range combines the cooking precision our customers have enjoyed for nearly 50 years with a first-of-its-kind Dacor Cooking App and iQ Controller, providing a convenient, connected cooking experience.”

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The Dacor Discovery iQ range does has  built-in safety features. For instance, whenever someone is using the range via the built-in tablet, all users connected from other rooms will be kicked off the controls. The oven also cannot exceed a certain temperature when controlled from the app. The top burners also can’t be controlled via the mobile app.

DacorDiscovery iQ Range | KitchAnn Style

 The Discovery iQ 48″ Dual-Fuel Range is priced at $11,999 MSRP and will be available nationwide in June 2014. A 36″ range is supposed to be released next for $4,299.

Let’s hope that the specs on the tablet are updated from Android 4.0.3,  512MB of RAM and 1GHz Exynos processor.

Pantone Color of the Year 2014

18-32224 Radian Orchid | KitchAnn StyleI’ve been avoiding writing about the Pantone Color of the Year for 2014: Radiant Orchid 18-3224 because most people don’t like it.

So I’ve been asking myself how did Pantone miss the boat on this color? The 2013 COTY, Emerald, was a smash hit. People were racing to create whole Pinterest Pages around the color. It’s January and I can’t find a single person excited about the color. Radiant Orchid must have some great applications.

Pantone describes the color as “an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

Fashion:

I guess you can pull this color off if you are a rock star…

Prince | KitchAnn Style

…or the daughter of one.

Kelly Osbourne | KitchAnn Style

I just don’t think this color will survive past the 2014 spring lines so I wouldn’t make a large wardrobe investment in this color even if Pantone says it looks great against the skin for men and women. I might splurge for a mani like this one though.

Pantone Radiant Orchid Nails

Wedding:

The Wedding industry seems to love this color and why wouldn’t they – Orchids are great bridal flowers.

Orchid bouquets | KitchAnn Style

The color is seductive when paired with red and pairs well with its sister shades of lavender, purple and pink giving wedding planners and stylists opportunities to create romantic makeup, colorful accessories, and vibrant tablescapes.

Radiant Orchid macarons | KitchAnn Style

Radiant Orchid wedding ideas | KitchAnn Style

Home:

It’s never good to be too trendy with your decorating choices. If you choose to decorate with Radiant Orchid it’s best as an accent or used in a lighter shade with lots of neutrals for larger scale items.

Radiant Orchid Wall art | KitchAnn Style

This is my favorite photo for Radiant Orchid in the home. I like how the art pops against the neutral room.

Radiant Orchid Wall | KitchAnn Style

Orchid sofa | KitchAnn Style

Radiant Orchid Accent | KitchAnn Style

How would you use Radiant Orchid in your home?

The Fast Collection

With the Wood-look ceramic trend on fire it’s not too surprising to see innovations from the installation side.

Del Conca Fast Collection | KitchAnn Style

In the quick-laying category, the Fast Collection from Italian manufacturer Del Conca, is a ceramic tile collection that can be put down quickly over any existing floor surface without the use of mortar or grout.

Del Conca Fast | KitchAnn Style

The tiles in this patented collection are snapped together and create a continuous surface without joints. This system can also be uninstalled and reused.

Del Conca Fast | KitchAnn Style

Three collections are available within the Fast Connect Line; Monte Napoleone Fast, Saloon Fast and Forma Fast. Monte Napoleone and Saloon offer plank tiles that look like wood. The Forma collection looks like cement planks.

Del Conca Fast | KitchAnn Style

This tile is marketed to the DIYer and is carried by Home Improvement Stores.

Del Conca will start manufacturing this tile in Loudon Tennessee in 2014 in their new 320,000-square foot facility. Currently 75% of Del Conca tile is exported to the US.

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas from Kitchen Studio of Naples

Christmas time makes us
grateful for our work this year
and optimistic about the year ahead.

Wishing you great happiness
in a spirit of health and hope.

                                                           –Ann