The Reveal Collection from Plyboo

The Reveal Collection from Plyboo, manufactured by Smith and Fong Co., is a series of carved and textured panels constructed of bamboo. When carved, the grain of the inner layers are revealed, creating a play on shapes and grain pattern.

Plyboo Reveal | KitchAnn Style

Additionally, Plyboo bamboo is 100% FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified, as the material comes from well-managed forests, and the final product is manufactured without the use of formaldehyde, (no VOC’s) making it an eco-friendly choice for the home.

This artistic collection is available in 8 different patterns and color options. Sheet sizes are 4’x8′ X 3/4″ thick and available pre finished or unfinished. Reveal panels are fabricated in the USA with domestic and foreign components.

“Reveal is one of the most visually dynamic products we’ve ever introduced, It’s ideal for modern retail, hospitality and commercial projects that seek a cutting-edge design with a warm, natural look.” – Angus Stocks, president

If you are not familiar with the many offerings in the Plyboo Family, you may want to also check out PlybooSound, a collection of carved acoustical bamboo panels.

PlybooSound acoustical panels with QuietWall™ technology helps to reduce ambient noise and are great for large open spaces. These panels are so pretty you may just want to use them for their looks and get the added bonus of sound dampening.

PlybooSound |KitchAnn Style

About Smith and Fong:

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in San Francisco, Smith & Fong Co. was the first U.S. company to manufacture bamboo flooring for sale in North America, offering its initial product under the brand name Plyboo in 1993. In 1996 the firm began producing bamboo plywood, followed by coconut palm flooring and plywood products in 2000. Today, the company’s product range is distributed and sold throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East.

carved bamboo credenza cabinet| Kitchann Style

 

Happy Birthday, America!

Happy Fourth of July from KitchAnn Style

 

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die. – President Dwight D. Eisenhower

 

GE’s New Micro-Kitchen Concepts

There seems to be ever growing interest in Small Living these days. Whether it’s due to pure necessity for tiny apartment dwellers and mobile home owners, a desire to live more sustainably, or for spiritual and health reasons; simple living is a distinct lifestyle.

As many people search for ways to de-stress, de-clutter (mentally & physically)  and move away from materialism they begin to practice mindful consumption.

Mindful Consumption: where you have everything you need and nothing you don’t. Mindful consumption restores balance in everyday life leading to less stress and better overall health.

For many Americans, the biggest turn-off from small-space living is the kitchen, or lack thereof. Fortunately, GE Appliances has chosen to tackle this challenge by creating “micro-kitchen concepts that help people maintain or enhance their lifestyle in substantially less square footage.”

GE Micro kitchen|KitchAnn Style

GE designers created the monoblock, a fully customizable standalone unit with cooking, cleaning, and refrigeration in a single standalone six-foot enclosure. It’s designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry, and is controlled by a digital panel integrated into the countertop edge.

The monoblock was recently shown at Dwell on Design in LA with a price tag of $15,000.

GE Monoblock kitchen|KitchAnn Style

A second concept presented by GE is a 24″ wide modular drawer system designed to give homeowners more freedom is selecting the appliances and components they need. All traditional kitchen appliances, including a microwave oven, conventional oven, convertible refrigerator and freezer, and dishwasher are drawer-based. The cooktop and downdraft system also are based on the 24″ modules. These units come ready to accept custom panels to fit any decor style.

GE Micro kitchen|KitchAnn Style

I saw the prototypes for the micro-kitchen when I was in Louisville at the Monogram Experience Center last fall. I wasn’t allowed to talk about it then but I’m happy to say I was really thrilled to see such forward thinking from GE.

These units of course don’t have to be limited to kitchens, they would be perfect for company break rooms, master suites and bars.

  “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction.” – E.F. Schumacker

FirstBuild

GE  built their own microfactory production facility  on the University of Louisville (UofL) Belknap Campus, called FirstBuild that will allow them to produce their micro-kitchen concept in late 2014.

UofL, which owns the building where FirstBuild will be housed, will be much more involved than a typical landlord. UofL and GE Appliances have plans to create an Advanced Manufacturing hub where students can conduct research while getting practical training on the latest additive manufacturing and technologies in the micro-factory setting.

More than just a factory, with the launch of FirstBuild.com, GE has created a global community dedicated to conceiving, engineering and building the next generation of major appliances.

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” – Hans Hofmann, Introduction to the Bootstrap, 1993

 

 

 

Kitchen Inspiration

It’s hard to believe the 4th is just around the corner. Here’s some red, white and blue kitchen inspiration. Which is your favorite?

Kitchen Inspiration | KitchAnn Style

This photo was style so well with the red tomatoes contrasting with the gorgeous deep blue cabinets.

Kitchen Inspiration | KitchAnn Style

This kitchen is super fun with the red SMEG refrigerator.

Modern Red Kitchen Inspiration | KitchAnn Style

This red back-painted glass splash really keeps this white kitchen from looking sterile.

Americana Kitchen Inspiration | KitchAnn Style

What’s not to love about this pale blue kitchen? The contrasting cabinet interior is a beautiful detail.

Americana banquette Inspiration | KitchAnn Style

I love kitchen banquettes and this one is complete with storage.

Kitchen Inspiration | KitchAnn Style

This Scavolini kitchen is bold and beautiful. Love the square pulls.

Red Kitchen Inspiration | KitchAnn Style

I love the countertop so much with the red cabinets, I’m going to overlook the drawer head mistake in the corner.

Blue Kitchen Inspiration | KitchAnn Style

This recycled glass top countertop from Vetrazzo is perfect for entertaining.