Samsung Appliances at CES 2012

The South Korean electronics maker unveiled many new products at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas but only one was a smart phone.

Samsung unveiled their SMH2117S over the range microwave which is the first microwave with an LED light for lighting the cooking surface below. The lamp uses less than a tenth of the power consumption (2.4W/1EA) of conventional incandescent (40W/1EA) or halogen (20W/1EA) cooktop lamps.

An Eco Mode saves up to 40% in energy by turning the display off when not in use. The microwave also has a porcelain enamel interior, which the company said makes it seven times more scratch and rust resistant than other microwave interiors.

In addition to being a microwave and a hood, the new SMH2117S is also a convection oven and a toaster oven. This is going to be a huge space-saver for many home owners.

Samsung’s RF4289 and RSG309 LCD refrigerators are designed to be the first refrigerators with kitchen-relevant apps on a WiFi-enabled 8-inch LCD touchscreen. The Grocery List app will allow consumers to create their own highly personalized shopping lists at the touch of a button, while the Facebook app will provide instant access to consumers’ newsfeeds.

I personally don’t stand too much in front of the refrigerator so I think the Facebook app is pretty much a useless gimmick. Depending on how far away your refrigerator is from your prep area or the range; looking at online recipes on the door panel may be inconvenient as well.

While both of the previous appliances won awards at the show, the appliance that stole the show is new WF457 Front Load Washing Machine. This washer is not only the industry’s largest washer it offers never before seen Smart Control technology.

Through a WiFi network and a smart phone application, users can monitor cycle selections, remaining time and finishing alerts, as well as remotely start or pause the washer

The WF457 washer is also the first from Samsung to feature SpeedSpray, which delivers a cleansing shot of water with dissolved detergent and then a rinsing shot for improved rinsing performance. These result in a cycle time that is up to 25 percent shorter compared with conventional washers. In addition, Samsung‟s Smart Care system makes user manuals obsolete by quickly diagnosing washer issues and sending alerts to consumers‟ smart phones.

The washer and matching dryer is said to be available in Onyx or White this Spring at major retailers.

December 8, 2011

2012 Pantone Color of the Year

Goodbye Honeysuckle Yellow, hello Tangerine Tango, or you may prefer to call it 17-1463, announced as Pantone’s color of the year for 2012.

According to Pantone, “Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

It is a color, Pantone goes on to say, that is “a bit exotic, but in a very friendly, non-threatening way”.

There are so many gorgeous colour combinations possible here – you can really let your imagination run wild.

Provocative Tangerine Tango, an
enticing juicy orange, is a
vivacious and appealing refresher
to enliven anyone’s outlook this spring.

November 22, 2011

2012 color of the Year

purple tile color of the year 2011 | KitchAnn Style

Would you ever think of purple as a neutral? According to color experts at the Color Marketing Group (CMG), they predict their 2012 color of the year Boyz-N-Berry will work well as a neutral – subdued with taupe, brown or gray.

Boyz-N-Berry–

“deep rich purple with slight red undertones…
it is mature and elegant yet has a youthful edginess. It
reflects our changing mindset on so many issues —
off centre and unconventional, spiritual, meditative yet
impulsive. It is serene and in control.” It is also able to
blur the line, being both masculine and feminine and
appealing to everyone.

This color seems less grey than the CMG’s Next Color 2010: Mardi Grape. One of Pantone’s must-have colors for 2011 included a purple called Phlox.

It is true that trends are lasting longer and color tones evolve into something new yet still familiar.

For a room to feel “put together” the interplay of textures and colors are key and the magic is made in the combination rather in the individual colors.

May 1, 2010

New Round Mosaic Tiles

Penny round tiles in ceramic, glass and metal have been pretty popular for a while so it only makes sense that resin tiles join the party.

VOGUEBAY showed a new collection of glass and resin tiles this past week in Orlando at the Coverings Show. The resin and glass combination is modern and will add great visual interest to any room.

Another combination I spotted was from a smaller Artisan Tile maker who combined marble mosaics with round metal accents. This combination is more to my personal taste. It could work in many design schemes.