Mirrors with Modern Glamour

A mirror is one of the most important accessory pieces for a bathroom. Mirrors can serve to bounce light and make a windowless bath brighter. Mirrors are a Home Stager’s favorite trick for making small bathrooms appear larger. Mirrors can also add instant color, whimsy or grandeur to what would otherwise be a vanilla space.

I recently found a company that believes mirrors should take center stage. Made Goods creates unique mirror designs with innovative materials such as coral, shells and hammered brass. Whether you want something that is bold, feminine or globally influenced, they have it all.

Coral is still a very hot trend right now and I love that the Giselle Mirror offers the look of natural coral without the harvesting of the earth’s natural coral reefs.

May 29, 2009

Rockin’ Kitchen

The island in this luxurious house made me pause it is so spectacular.

A massive chunk of Carrara Marble was flat polished on top; a natural sink was carved out with an access door for the plumbing. The flush butcher block makes this piece of art a practical work space.

Often, thinking outside the box produces spectacular results.

Located in Kuala Lampur, this 32,000-square-foot residence and reception suites for three generations of a prominent Chinese-Malaysian family was created by Parisian interior and product designer Patrick Jouin and partner Sanjit Manku, a Kenyan-born Canadian architect.

This residence is the ultimate expression of the style, influence and industrial-scale capabilities of the prominent Chinese-Malaysian family whose entrepreneurial activities have shaped Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.

Via The Cool Hunter

Note: Jouin recently split his firm into two entities: Agence Jouin Manku, overseeing interiors and architecture commissions, and Patrick Jouin ID, focused on industrial design.

May 15, 2009

Calyx Hidden Kitchen

Italian furniture manufacturer Dada has partnered with Armani Casa on a new collaboration called the Calyx Kitchen.

Armani plays up the purity of design with large doors concealing the work areas, bar and desk area of the Calyx kitchen.

The cabinetry is made from wood veneer with glass and woven metal. The doors and the cabinetry interior are finished in the designer’s iconic Greige color. The shelves and drawer interiors are in a dark green finish.

The new kitchen concept was displayed at the Salone del Mobile in April and production should start soon.

April 26, 2009

Real Housewives Redo

Traditional Home has an on-line spread showing the home of Jill Zarin, of Real Housewives of NYC fame. The new color choices are fresh. I love the dining room’s new light and bright feel.

The kitchen cabinets were painted white with wallpaper used on the flat panels of the upper cabinets. The flooring and countertops were not changed. Mirrored backsplash helps to open up the tight space. You can see the whole spread with before photos here.