Design | Wellness | Cabinetry
The Obamas have named Michael S. Smith as their Interior Designer for the White House interiors.
Smith is known for his inventive style of mixing Old World classicism with very contemporary settings.
His style can be called a blend of European tradition and American modernism. The result is a comfortable elegance, a non-theatrical look that is ultimately very understated in its presentation. Congratulations Michael!
Via Domino
I think Australians have a different idea of low-profile design than we do here. The new Aurora Induction cooktop from Electrolux is called low-profile but it stands two inches tall. I think this makes cleaning more difficult but many people are excited about the look of the Aurora.
The Aurora cooktop stands out from other cooktops with it’s LED perimeter lighting and case of white Corian. The unit is controlled by a touch pad on the white patterned glass top.
The cooktop received an Australian Design Mark. It retails (in Australia only) for $10,000 AUD or approximately $7,050 USD.
Many descriptions I have read describe the Aurora as an appliance that is ideal for open design plans. Even though the unit has a child safety lock, the installation shown is not considered safe for people walking past the rear of the island. They could potentially be burned by steam or grease.
Another thing to consider before splurging on this cooktop is that Corian is not heat resistant.
While induction cooktops are known for not putting out heat; you should be aware that after the food gets hot it will radiate heat to the pot. If the pot is warm enough and comes in contact with the Corian base, you could scorch it.
I have had many readers tell me they really like the chandelier from a previous post made from coffee stirrers . So in response, I have hunted down a few more recycled chandeliers that I think are also beautiful and inspiring.
This light of pop art flowers is made from recycled soda bottle bottoms. Artist Michelle Brand says her Cascade Chandelier can be seen two ways, as a grim comment on a throw away culture or an homage to the beauty found in mass produced items. I can see this as being a fun family project when the weather outside is too cold or wet.
Don’t let the color fool you on this next light by Stuart Haygarth. This light is crafted from 416 disposable plastic wine glasses. A pink fluorescent light inside creates the striking color. If this light is too big he also makes one from 280 glasses. I want to know who is drinking all that wine. Stuart Haygarth has made many chandeliers from found objects.
My new favorite of his is made from water bottles confiscated at the airport. It replaces my previous favorite, the Tide chandelier, made from trash that washed up on the shores of the Kent coast line. 
For smaller lights, I admire the work of Johanna Keimeyer. She carves up plastic bottles to create interesting and whimsical pendants.
I want to share this great Kitchen I found on Bloomacious, a fun blog full of style, entertaining and health tips.
This is the personal kitchen of Lara Fishman, founder of Storm Interiors in Los-Angeles. I love the mix of modern and vintage finds set in neutral tones. I think the dark Moorish doors on the sleek white island is most striking. This is a great example of how a modern white kitchen can be warm and inviting.
The paired-down styling is very popular right now – especially since the world outside is hectic and uncertain. Re-purposing vintage legs for the eating area table also makes this kitchen Eco-chic.
