Design | Wellness | Cabinetry
In recent years laminates have begun to look rich and luxurious with textures and the appearance of depth.
Now, with an HD® Sink from Wilsonart, you can complete your top with an undermount sink and have the look and performance of an integrated sink previously only available with expensive solid surface and stone countertops.
The new HD® Sinks, available in two colors and five styles, provide more options for homeowners who are looking for affordable luxury in a tight economy.
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.
Guest post from Jamie Goldberg
These are some of the products I spotted at the 2009 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show that I thought fellow KitchAnn Style readers would enjoy. As I always check this blog for the latest and greatest, it was an honor and a challenge looking for new things that would interest KAS readers.
TOTO-LY EXCELLENT
Toto can always be counted on for great product introductions, and this year was no exception. My favorite releases were the Luminist series of resin lavs that could be lit from below with LEDs or even fluorescents. Your lav could be illuminated with colored – even changing lights – for a dramatic powder room or master bath. (Night lights never looked this good!)
Another Toto favorite of mine was the Waza Noir. Not only is it sculpturally beautiful, its finish is as smooth and touchable as velvet.
KOHLER ME WHITE AND GOLD
Kohler has redefined the white fixture. And the results are soft, matte and elegant. Its new Honed White lavs and toilets feature a gentler-toned finish that lends itself beautifully to spa style baths. Rather than the traditional, glossy paper look, Honed White looks like Haagen Dazs vanilla bean ice cream. KitchAnn Style readers may particularly enjoy the new Reve contemporary bath suites in this luscious new finish.
Kohler also reintroduced gold to the designer’s palette with its Vibrant Moderne Brushed Gold. It’s got a polished companion, too, but I think the softer brushed works best in these hard-edged times.
I was also taken by Kohler’s new Parity bath, which features a richly-stained transfer seat. While this wooden perch makes it easier for someone to get in and out of the tub, it also makes it easier to keep bath goodies at hand, or even add candlelight to your bath.
TECH NOTES
Many of the top appliance manufacturers stayed home this year. Two, however, brought their A Game. LG introduced a new double drawer French door fridge with automation. If you’ve ever wished for a third hand, this may be the appliance for you. A control panel on the front of the fridge makes it easy to open the freezer drawers without bending or tugging.
Bosch is also making it easier to work in the kitchen. Its new AutoChef Induction Cooktop includes pre-sets for frequently-made foods. I’ve been a big proponent of induction, and I know Ann is a fan of this energy-saving technology, too. One hesitation clients have had is that they’re very comfortable cooking with electric or gas and aren’t sure how to adjust their recipes for induction. This is a good solution, and a pretty sleek cooktop, too.
Robern has brought a touch of technology to the medicine cabinet. Its new Uplift series can hold a flat-screen TV, along with your standard bath fare. Its sleek design incorporates a door that slides upwards, creating a range of new design options.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Design enthusiasts know that great hardware can update your home in a heartbeat. If they’re fans of the world-renowned Clodagh, they might be interested to know that Du Verre has released two new lines of cabinet hardware the famed interior designer created just for them. One is called Primitive. The other is Stacked. Both are fun, quirky and unique, and will definitely update any room they show up in.
Sometimes extra large kitchens need extra large refrigerators.
Nothland offers a 60” refrigerator freezer in 12 model variations. The 39.3 cubic feet of total storage capacity is divided between 15.1 cubic feet of freezer storage with ice maker, and 24.2 cubic feet of refrigerator storage.
Finish choices include stainless steel, panel ready and glass front. Interiors are stainless or white aluminum. Unlike plastic interiors, these finishes are resistant to odors and are more durable. Dual cooling systems for the refrigerator and freezer sections ensure optimal food preservation.
If 60″ is not the right size for you, Northland manufactures their refrigerators in 6″ increments up to 72″ wide.
For years Northland was known as the industry energy-hog due to a loophole in the law. Now that these appliances will be manufactured in a new plant in Greenville, Michigan, I am sure their energy consumption will be closer to similar models from competitors.
Northland-Marvel, part of the Aga Rangemaster Group, is a leading manufacturer of luxury refrigeration products.
