Low-Relief CaesarStone

CaesarStone has developed a sandblasting method for applying detailed stenciling to its quartz-engineered stone. The technique creates an extremely low-relief, tactile motif, playing polished against matte surfaces.

The sandblasting technique, made possible by CaesarStone’s immense strength, uses specialised machinery where dry abrasive sand is blasted at the material at high pressure allowing it to etch the surface. Decorative patterns can be applied to an entire slab, as a boarder or feature panel. Highly effective, this stunning textured surface is ideal for vertical surfaces, feature walls, counters tops, furniture or partitions in both commercial and residential design.

The textured sandblasted surface does require a little more care when cleaning; however it retains CaesarStone’s scratch and water resistant qualities.

October 8, 2008

Showtime House: Dexter Kitchen

showtime concept design | KitchAnn Style

Metropolitan Home magazine and Showtime Network teamed up to turn a New York townhouse into a modernist masterpiece creating different rooms inspired by 6 of the network’s shows -Californication, Dexter, The L Word, The Tudors and Weeds, plus the soon-to-be-launched United States of Tara.

Johnny Grey Studios designed the Dexter kitchen inspired by the character’s South Florida lifestyle reflecting Miami’s Art Deco architecture and tropical setting.

Grey chose to depart from the typical predictable kitchen. His blog discusses his desire to get away from the typical work triangle and create a space that will appeal to the visitors’ senses.

Immediately upon seeing the kitchen you can’t help but notice the curved walnut countertops. I am reminded of the display Grey designed a few years ago for the Electrolux booth at KBIS. It’s very disappointing there are not more pictures of the kitchen available. I was able to find many photos of the Dexter Dining Room.

Grey used many natural materials including Aspen, Walnut, Blogged Oak, Zebra grain Maple, Bloodwood and Teak Tiles. He used Caesarstone on the countertops, windows and bookcases to give a nod to Miami’s modern architecture. Paints were also inspired by Miami and ranged from ocean blues to spicey hues.

Metropolitan Home’s Showtime House is located at 23 Gramercy Park South and will be open to the public for tours until October 26, 2008. Proceeds from the tour ticket sales will benefit Nemcova’s non-profit organization, Happy Hearts Fund. For more information about tickets and tours at the showhouse, visit www.methome.com/showtime.

September 25, 2008

Could This Be In Your Future Countertop?

It’s easy to see why everybody is so exited about Microsoft Surface, the technology and user experience are just amazing, image the possibilities.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP5y7yp06n0]

If you are traveling, you can see Microsoft Surface Virtual Concierge 30-inch tables in the lobbies of five Sheraton Hotel: Boston, New York, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco. Applications include CityTips with attractions, eateries, shopping, maps, and transportation; a digital jukebox; and SheratonSnapshots, a library of photos of Sheraton resorts.

If you threw a party with the Surface DJ everybody would definitely be in the Kitchen. In fact, it may be impossible to get people to go home. Watch the Video and you’ll want one too.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNb9MSn2ZB4]

September 20, 2008

Ofuro Bathtubs

The ofuro (お風呂), is a traditional Japanese bath with deep sides that allows the bather to immerse themselves up to the chin.

The ofuro has been used by the Japanese for centuries to alleviate both physical and spiritual maladies. This ancient technique of soaking in hot water takes away tensions and stress, soothes muscular pains, and stimulates the blood’s circulation.

The original style of ofuro is very small, barely fitting one person, scrunched up. The water was heated by a wood stove and used by all members of the family and emptied in the evening. It is part of the ritual of bathing and not for washing. Members of the family are completely clean before immersing in the bath. Although no soaps are used in the ofuro, mineral salts can be added to enhance the relaxation.

The ofuro were traditionally wooden boxes with 25″ deep straight sides. If you were like me and assumed the small size was due to the small bathroom size and the difficulties of keeping the water hot, you’d be wrong. The size originated from the notion that human beings experienced the best possible conditions in gestation. The small size of the bath required the bather to sit in a fetal-like position.

Modern soaking tubs are larger and offer options like bubblers or jets. This tub from Sonoma Cast Stone is made from Nucrete and offers the option for a heating coil to be cast into the tub’s body.

Ofuro are best designed into wet rooms since most do not have overflow drains. Also, if you follow the bathing ritual, you would shower to clense your body, soak for a minimum of 15 minutes, get out and shower again, soak for an additional 15 minutes and finish with a cold shower. Combining the shower and soaking tub will keep the tracking of water contained.

If the extra height of the ofuro has you concerned about your safety entering and exiting the tub, many models can be sunken or partially sunken into a deck. This unique soaking tub from the Zuma Collection features an infinity edge. The tub is partially sunken so the deck is at a comfortable height. Another option is a walk-in style tub. You’ll need adequate floor clearance in front of it but it is a great option if you can’t change the floor. It is also a great option for people who want to stay in their home well into their senior years.

Many people prefer to spend their time for relaxation and contemplation surrounded by nature. Unfortunately, many traditional wooden ofuro are not suitable for outdoors. Concrete ofuro, like this one from Concreteworks, are a popular choice because they hold up well to the elements.