ActiveWash from Samsung

If you haven’t heard yet, Samsung just unveiled a new washing machine with a built-in sink so that you can pre-treat stained clothing and drop them directly into the washer.

The latest top load washer from Samsung features ActiveWash technology. With built-in water jets under its lid and a surface for scrubbing out stains homeowners without a laundry tub will no longer have to attempt to hand wash clothes in a small bathroom sink or worse the bathtub.

A conveniently place water button allows for easy start and stop of water when hand washing. Once finished, raising the built-in scrubbing area pours the water into the machine.

The new ActiveWash washer also features an accelerated wash cycle with Samsung’s proprietary Super Speed technology that can clean a normal load of clothes in as little as 36 minutes.

Also, ActiveWash is equipped with Samsung’s state-of-the-art technology such as VRT, which reduces vibration, and SmartCare, which provides laundry status updates to mobile devices.

Samsung will start selling the ActiveWash washer in White and Platinum in the US in Spring 2015.

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January 4, 2015

Kook by Karim Rashid

His designs are famous for their natural soft lines and attention to detail. His work is globally recognized, as it speaks a universal language of beauty. Karim Rashid, a Canadian Industrial designer, is the designer behind the concept kitchen Kook for Rastelli Cucine. Rastelli Cucine is an international kitchen company launched in 2014 by ARAN Cucine owner Renzo Rastelli. Kook was first displayed at EuroCucine 2012 by ARAN Cucine.

“I take a minimalist approach in my kitchens, preferring to create a clean striking surface that is punctuated by splashes of strong color. For the Kook kitchen I wanted to create an innovative design to turn even the most challenging culinary endeavors into pure aesthetic pleasure”.

Rastelli Cucine showed Kook again at Salone del Mobile 2014. Rastelli Cucine strives to create contemporary inspiring designs that are ergonomically, environmentally and emotively superior. Collaborating with designers like Kiram Rashid enables Rastelli to promote the best of Italian Design standards. The Kook Kitchen is strong in both design aesthetics and functional storage. The extra deep work surface incorporates a cooktop and a sink with matching cutting board that conceals the opening for a continuous surface. Motorized shutters hide kitchen clutter behind the angled face. Glass shelves are lit with LED edge lighting and a colored LED lit strip accents tip-on style lower cabinets. Ovens are placed in tall cabinets with pocketing Corian glass panel doors for concealment when not in use. The dishwasher is fitted with an angled front to match the slanted profile of the cabinetry. The refrigerator starts at counter height with storage below. I prefer the Kook Kitchen with the taller elements – blame it on my North American desire for storage. I’d specify the units not to be unfitted because dirt can collect in the gap between the units.

January 2, 2015

Happy New Year!

May the New Year bring to you warmth of love,
and a light to guide your path towards a positive destination.

December 28, 2014

2015: The Year Ahead in Bathroom Design

This year brought us the use of matte black fixtures in the bathroom with the declined use of oil-rubbed bronze. Matte gold finish gained ground in fixtures, lighting and accessories – especially in higher end homes.

In 2014 contemporary bathroom design requests surpassed traditional. For 2015 I expect clean, contemporary design will still be most popular with curbless showers and suspended vanities incorporated into designs for continuous sleek tile floors.

LED lighting will not only be used in lighting fixtures on the ceilings and walls but also underneath suspended vanities and recessed to accentuate free-standing tubs.

My prediction for the most significant shift in 2015 will be in the request for semi-recessed tubs.

Homeowners want bathrooms that are easier to clean and the corners and crevices behind free-standing tubs can be difficult to reach. Installing a tub in a semi-recessed design allows the bathroom to look more spacious and modern while eliminating the need to clean behind the tub.

In addition to providing easily accessible storage for bath salts and other bathing items, the partial platform allows for additional plumbing options for the tub filler placement.

The semi-recessed tub installation requires skilled installers that can carefully craft a deck that follows the contour of the tub.

As the 2015 progresses, more manufacturers will make installation easier by offering half-skirts to consumers. Cladding the surrounding decking will become faster and easier.

The semi-recessed tub can also be installed at variable heights providing customization for homeowners and plumbing solutions for drain configuration in bathroom remodeling.

Leave a comment if you think this trend will take off or if you think it’s too custom to get a foot-hold and will flop. Here’s to a prosperous and creative 2015!

“I take a minimalist approach in my kitchens, preferring to create a clean striking surface that is punctuated by splashes of strong color. For the Kook kitchen I wanted to create an innovative design to turn even the most challenging culinary endeavors into pure aesthetic pleasure”.

Happy New Year!

May the New Year bring to you warmth of love, and a light to guide your path towards a positive destination.

My prediction for the most significant shift in 2015 will be in the request for semi-recessed tubs.

May the New Year bring to you warmth of love,
and a light to guide your path towards a positive destination.