The Next Kitchen Trend

With consumers favoring more stream-lined Kitchen Designs,
look for manufacturers to start offering more appliances and
electronics in modular sizes.

This picture from the Electrolux Pan-European Design family
shows how the manufacturer has unified it’s brand by sizing it’s
LCD television to integrate with built-in appliances. The
television housing matches not only in size but also in finish.

While it is unlikely that a designer will ever be able to combine different manufacturers and be able to get the finishes to match; I do look forward to seeing the various combinations larger manufacturers will start to offer.

June 16, 2009

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.

June 1, 2009

ioDIGITAL

The ioDIGITAL electronic thermostatic valve from Moen may be convenient with four presets for the Shower and Vertical Spa (body sprays) and three presets for the Roman tub; an LED temperature change indicator and a remote control that will operate the shower from 30 feet away…unless the power is out.

I don’t care how intuitive or simple the controls are; if you have a power failure and the shower won’t start you are not going to have the extraordinary experience that Moen promises.

Installing the digital valve will require an electrician in addition to a plumber making installation costs higher than average.

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.