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.

March 12, 2009

Smallbone for Sale

Smallbone Plc announces it is up for sale after a “challenging” February.

The company, which designs and makes furniture for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms for celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Elizabeth Hurley, saw a decline in February sales and a significant reduction in customer deposits, it said in a statement.

This news comes just weeks after putting a financial package in place that was intended to generate positive cash flow in 2009. However, after a recent strategic review, it was deemed insufficient.

Some speculation is being made about whether the company will split off the Mark Wilkinson Furniture Line. Perhaps sell it back to the founder.

Mark Wilkinson co-founded Smallbone in the late 70s. He left Smallbone in 1981, and together with his wife Cynthia formed Mark Wilkinson Furniture (MWF).Mark and Cynthia sold MWF to Smallbone Plc in 2005, reuniting Smallbone and Wilkinson.

January 28, 2009

Versace Palace Stone Tile

A new collaborative effort between Versace Ceramic Design and tile manufacturer Gardenia-Orchidea brings a beautiful collection called Palace Stone.

This powerful collection delivers textured orsemi-polished geometric tiles for both walls and floors. Tile sizes range from small mosaics to large format tiles. Exquisite details include metal inlays and relief patterns that look hand crafted.

The back of each tile is engraved with the Versce Logo to prevent counterfeiting.