10 ‘gee-whiz’ products that will rocket your kitchen into the future

Wondering what's the buzz on new kitchen technology? Check out this great little article on MSN, "10 ‘gee-whiz’ products that will rocket your kitchen into the future", by Christopher Sololmon, to see what's the latest in forward thinking technology for the kitchen. When I was contacted by Chris Solomon in January, I was happy to contribute my opinion on the Anvil Motion for the article and pleased to see another item that has been on my radar for the last year was also included in the article. I talked about Anvil Motion back here and Delta Touch 20 technology here, here, here, and here.  Happy to be your bird-dog on hot new items. Enjoy the article.

Neat ideas! 

Also, pleased to see another nifty new item, Drawer Vac, made the list too. When you see the article link at MSN, you will see it's useful application for kitchen clean up, but I have another useful idea for vacuums. How about bathroom clean up? I can tell you that some of my most creative inspirations come from the most mundane tasks, one of them happens to be blow drying my very thick hair. I have a lot of hair and lose lots of it every time I brush. I hate seeing hair on the floor and hate even more the time it takes to sweep up. I am also a neat freak, so I needed a way to make bathroom clean up easier in the morning. Here is my own neat idea for keeping the bathroom tidy in the morning. Install a roll out tray inside a vanity cabinet and install a portable hose vacuum. Power up, grab the hose and floor clean up is a snap! It's a quick fix to a messy situation in the bathroom, it's even more convenient if you can have an outlet installed inside the cabinet. If you can't afford to install an automated toekick vac, this would be the ideal solution. So far, I am happy with my low tech vacuum fix. Hair and dust bunnies be gone! Clean up made simple. Your family will thank you for making clean up easier.    

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What's on my radar today: CaesarStone

This past week I had the pleasure of learning about CaesarStone's latest quartz surface, Motivo™, at a local NKBA chapter meeting generously hosted by Mitrani Shower Doors and Caesarstone.  Motivo is a textured embossed quartz surface available in two textures, Lace and Crocodile, that can be used in wall panels, furniture, counters and more. Viewing a small sample does not do it justice. It must be seen in a large application. In my local area, Mitrani Shower Doors, in Woodland Hills has two large installation shown in their shower displays. The texture resembles the authentic pattern found on a crocodile. Stunning.

Shown above: Crocodile 3100C.

Lace2141L

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Lumiere Circolare Floral

Yesterday I asked if you 

could guess what this was in this photo.

 

If you guessed a rain head, you get a gold star. 

The Lumiere Circolare Rain Canopy by Jaclo is composed of a patterned semi-transparent cover that is available in several different designs and colors for a range of options that effortlessly meld into their setting.

Actually this is an interesting idea of adding light through the rain head fixture. Very clever. More patterns can by found at Jaclo.com

Lumiere Circolare Floral

12R-LF-***

• 12" Diameter Rain Canopy with 228 Easy clean, replaceable, rubber jets for full rain effect
• 12" drop from ceiling
• ½" male IPS inlet connection at ceiling
• Lit internally by LED lights
• Floral pattern available in:
• Black: (12R-LF-101)
• Silver: (12R-LF-102)

Prices start at $4,500. 

The second item featured in the top photo is JACLO’s Dream Light Rain Canopy. It enables you to experience revitalizing color while fulfilling a daily ritual. The futuristic design of this lit Rain Canopy features LED lights, which illuminate the falling water. The lights can be programmed to turn on manually with the flip of a switch or they can start automatically whenever the shower is turned on. Featuring a full rain spray, the canopy can be customized with fixed colored lights in white, blue, amber, red, green or warm white. 

FACTS: 16" x 20" Rettango dream light rain canopy

1620-DLRC

• 16"x20" rectangular rain canopy with 149 easy clean replaceable rubber jets for full rain spray effect
• Brass construction with surface or flush mount to ceiling. ½" male IPS inlet connection at ceiling
• 12 low voltage, direct current LED lights with 110V AC input voltage (transformer included)
• Single color, fixed lighting comes on when water comes on
• LED lights available in:
• White (standard) (-013)
• Blue (-015)
• Amber (-016)
• Red (-017)
• Green (-018) 

Prices Start at $8,900
* CE approved

Now why can't hotel rooms install these features in the guest rooms? 

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Consumers Report: News from the 2010 International Builders Show

Here is a terrific invention for taking additional security measures while remodeling. Consumer Reports the following: "Schlage has unveiled an improved rekeying process for its SecureKey door locks, which is designed to let you safely grant temporary access to guests or contractors without having to change the lock afterward." For the full article, please click on the link below the video.

Schlage Secure Key

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Fully Automated Cabinets

Just when I thought I have seen everything, the latest innovations in kitchen automation never ceases to amaze me. Anvil Cabinet and Mill, a long time leading provider of custom cabinetry, recently launched Anvil Motion, the world's first fully automated cabinetry system. For centuries, cabinets have opened with a hinged, swinging motion.


Not so with Anvil Motion’s patent-pending technology, the first system with doors and panels that open on command. Simply wave your hand and cabinet panels and doors rise and fall vertically with precision, concealing or revealing contents. Take a look.

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Concept Outlet Design Saves Power Without Unplugging

Have you heard that the simple act of unplugging electronics and electric equipment not in use can save big on your energy bill? Equipment not in use but still plugged in draws energy in stand-by mode. Freelance designer Yong-jin Kim has come up with an innovative solution. Instead of the hassle of unplugging equipment.  with the simple twist left, the electrical supply is cut off at the receptacle.

Via Design Milk

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Oyster Tub By Salvinistile

Specs.
Size: 70.85" x 42.15" x 26.60"
Material: Marble
Design By: Architect Carla Baratelli for Salvinistile
Country: Italy

This is more than just design in marble. As shown from their web site, click the photos to link back to more photos from House 8, this is European designed "concept living". Shapes influenced by nature is a trend we are seeing more of in sinks and tubs.

Great design if you are Michael Phelps, limber enough to move in and out of water like a fish. For those of us who are aging less than gracefully, planning a design with safety factors in mind is critical.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association developed the Bathroom Planning Guidelines with Access Standards to provide designers with good planning practices that consider the needs of a range of users.

Grab Bars: Plan grab bars to facilitate access to and maneuvering within the tub and shower areas.

Tub and shower walls should be prepared (reinforced) at time of construction to allow for installation of grab bars to support a static load of 250 lbs.

Grab bars should be placed at least 33” – 36” above the floor.

Grab bars must be 11⁄4” to 2” in diameter and extend 11⁄2” from the wall.

Access Standard

Recommended: Walls throughout the bathroom should be prepared (reinforced) at time of construction to allow for installation of grab bars to support a minimum of 250 lbs. of pressure.

Grab bars should be placed according to the needs and height of the user, particularly near the tub/shower and the toilet.

Code Reference:

• Grab bars should be installed at the tub, shower, and toilet according to the following:
• Bathtubs with permanent seats: Two horizontal grab bars (a1) should be provided on the back wall, one between 33” and 36” above the floor and the other 9” above the rim of the bathtub (a2). Each grab bar should be no more than 15” from the head end wall or 12” from the foot end wall. A grab bar 24” long should be provided on the foot end wall at the front edge of the bathtub. (ANSI 607.4.1)
• Bathtubs without permanent seats: Two horizontal grab bars should be provided on the back wall, one between 33” and 36” above the floor and the other 9” above the rim of the bathtub (a3). Each grab bar should be at least 24” long and no more than 24” from the head end wall or 12” from the foot end wall. A grab bar 24” long should be provided on the foot end wall at the front edge of the bathtub. A grab bar 12” long should be provided on the head end wall at the front edge of the bathtub (a4). (ANSI 607.4.2)

For More information:
Salvini Stile
NKBA.org
Michael Phelps Photo Credit Link

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SketchBook Mobile

Imagine what Michelangelo could do today with this technology.
Watch and be amazed!

For more information, read at It is Alive in the Lab

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New on my Watch List: Coquillage Sink by Amin Design

Perfection in form.

Look...

What a beautiful sweep in form from lavatory to faucet.

More...

http://www.amindesign.de/

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Teo Jasmin

Teo Jasmin: for the largest choice of canvas prints and decorative cushions.
When your design calls for a bold splash of color or eclectic whimsy start your search with Teo Jasmin.







This next photo caught my eye, (enlarge the magnified image below). Using alternative methods: canvas print sandwiched between glass will make a bold and "splashy"statement to your otherwise plain backsplash. The kitchen backsplash shown below becomes a space for artwork. (although this photo looks to be just canvas-which I do not recommend for practical reasons). GFI Outlet locations can be cut into the glass or opt for a plug mold power strip located under cabinet can be used instead for an uninterrupted appearance. (Check your local code requirements first). I love glass backsplashes.

For more information on the canvas prints, contact TEO JASMIN.

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SVO Collection: A Pull Out Faucet Ahead of the Curve

TREND WATCH: Simple and slim profiles with high-tech functionality make for the faucet of the future.

According to a recent poll, 70 percent of consumers prefer a pull-out or pull-down kitchen faucet when investing more than $100 in their purchase. Offering the latest in technological precision, the pull-out or pull-off spray can reach anywhere in a two or three bowl sink. These types of faucets are ideal for filling large stockpots, coffee makers and buckets outside of the sink. While brass faucets are still popular, many homeowners have been opting for designs crafted from an entire block of sleek stainless steel.

The SVO Collection by JACLO: The new JACLO Steam Valve Original Collection was designed with the idea of creating an industrial-looking stainless steel faucet that features cutting-edge technology. One of its main highlights is its patented pull-off spray. This unique offering allows the user to simply lift the spray head from a clip on the end of the spout, and use in a similar manner to a conventional pull-out spray. An industrial strength stainless steel hose encased within a clear rubber coating fits perfectly into the channel within the arc spout. When not in use as a hand spray, the hose is concealed within the spout. The spray head also features a push pull action to move from aerated stream to spray.

Assorted Kitchen Faucets by MGS: MGS has an extensive collection of faucets created from premium quality solid stainless steel, designed for residential kitchens and food-prep work islands. The Antares features a single lever mixer, and a pull-out dual spray available in a matching steel or black finish. The Unico is characterized by its single vertical lever handle and gracefully curved spout. This fixture features a discreet, weighted pull-out spray with stainless steel flexible hose equipped with an anti-lime aerator and check-valve to prevent the back-flow of impure water.

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Reports from KBIS: What's new in sinks.

Reports from the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show 2009 tell of a shift towards design trends that show cleaner and simpler lines that not only look good but are easy to maintain.

Case in point: A fundamental shift in sink and drain design.


Look! Kim and Aggie would be proud. No seams for bacteria to hide.

Affluence Seamless Sink is putting a spotlight on the drain opening of the kitchen sink.
The problem with drains is that they become dirty, pit, or rust over time with use.

The affluence seamless sink is seamless and easy to keep clean. No more unsightly plumbers putty, silicone, or seams, just pure smooth stainless steel. No more seams to collect water and debris that breed bacteria and germs. Affluence™ looks nice over time, since the downturn is a smooth transition and all parts are made of 100% solid 304 stainless steel.


Be sure to see the video at www.seamlesssink.com to see the garbage disposal installation.

18 gauge sink. Sink and strainer are made out of 304 stainless steel. The disposal splash guard is removable for easy cleaning.

Seamless beauty.
For more information, visit Affluence Seamless Sink.

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Dacor Makes Energy Savings a Priority

This spring, Dacor introduces new Epicure and Integrated 36” Freestanding Bottom Freezer Refrigerators that meet the 2008 ENERGYSTAR® guidelines with a 20% energy efficient compressor, use less energy than a 60-watt light bulb, saving energy in your home and reduce your carbon footprint. These new models brilliantly merge accessibility and functionality with an innovative modular design system that allows you to customize each model to fit your personal style, and an easy-to-use control panel, which helps monitor the internal temperatures of the multi-zone system.


Available in a sleek stainless steel finish or fitted with an overlay to match existing cabinetry, with a convenient French door that provides full access to the interior, the storage units feature a slide-out hanging deli drawer and two crisper drawers with individual adjustable temperature/humidity controls that help maintain the ideal preservation environment to guarantee optimum freshness of produce and meat.

Shown below with optional top grill for a built- in look.

*Add 2 1/2” (635 mm) for the optional top trim kit.

Cool New Features

Temp Alarm

The temperature alarm system will alert you if the freezer or fresh food temperatures exceed normal

operating temperatures due to a power outage or other event. When activated, the TEMP ALARM light will illuminate.

If the freezer or fresh food temperatures have exceeded these limits, the display will alternately show the current compartment temperatures and the highest compartment temperatures reached when the power was out. An audible alarm will sound repeatedly.

Door Alarm

Press the DOOR ALARM key to activate or deactivate the door alarm. The door alarm is active when the indicator above the DOOR ALARM key is lit.

The door alarm alerts you when one of the doors has been left open for five continuous minutes. An audible alarm will sound

every few seconds until the door is closed, or the door alarm is deactivated.

The door alarm maybe a great idea to prevent you or your spouse from that midnight snack attack.

Specifications

Interior Capacity:

• Refrigerator: 14.4 ft³
• Freezer: 5.4 ft³

Overall Dimensions:

• Width: 35 5/8"
• Height: 70 1/8"
• Depth (without handles): 27 1/8"
• Depth (without door): 24"

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Week 2: Sunset Dream House

So this is week 2 over at the Sunset Dream Kitchen. The kitchen has a clean slate in spic and span "remodel mode" ready for the work to begin.

Last week was your chance to vote for the floor plan. Mind you, the process shown over at Sunset Dream Home is a condensed version of the remodeling process. In theory, it would be fantastic if decisions where made in rapid sequence, so don't fret if you were not as quick as this. Also, what I would have liked to have seen was the initial step, establishing a budget. The drawings are absolutely stunning and all equally expensive, but in order to get to that step, and spend the time drawing up these options, the qualifier is establishing the budget. Otherwise, no matter how phenomenal the design, if the client can't afford it, it will never get built. End of reality check. Onward.

Obviously, this is for show and Sunset has the budget. I mean, we are talking "The Dream Kitchen of the West" with sponsors including GE Monogram (appliances), Teragren (counters), Kohler (plumbing), Armstrong (flooring), and Benjamin-Moore (paint). Ah! Don't wake me up, let me dream.

"We wanted to come up with a 21st century take on our original Idea House

concept," said Katie Tamony, Sunset's editor-in-chief. "The Dream Kitchen of

the West is our Idea House 2.0."

I liked two of the plans and it was a toss up as to which one was my favorite. I liked plan 1, The Eco Kitchen because it had banquette seating and island seating. In a large space, it's great to have room to spread out with two seating areas. Not every one likes sitting at an island for too long.

But, plan two is also pretty awesome as well. Who wouldn't love this entertainer's dream kitchen? With two wine refrigerators, a beverage center, and ice machine for the ultimate cocktail party. Oh, go on! Someone bring me a cocktail. Not to mention the professional range and warming drawers, double ovens and a secondary prep sink at the island. Fabulous amenities perfect for catered parties. Even Martha would be envious of this layout.

The viewers agreed, Plan Two, The Entertainer's Kitchen took 36% of the vote and shows that glam is in, baby!

This week is your chance to vote for the cabinetry finishes. I have already voted for my favorite, have you?

Each week for ten weeks, new sponsor products, kitchen finishes, features and colors will be presented on the website for an online vote. The completed kitchen, which will incorporate the winners of each vote, will be revealed the week of June 1 on Sunset.com and will be featured in the October issue of Sunset Magazine.

In addition to casting their votes on the Dream Kitchen of the West website, users can visit the site to watch the Dream Kitchen come to life via photos, video, articles and blog posts.

"Whether remodeling this year, or farther down the road, Sunset's Dream Kitchen gives visitors the opportunity to practice making smart design decisions as they consider all that goes into designing the most important room in the house," continued Tamony. Visitors to the Dream Kitchen of the West website can register daily to win $10,000 and one day of on-site consultation from a Sunset style editor. The sweepstakes winner will be announced June 10, 2009.

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Your two cents needed for design of Skyline Tea Mugs

Everyone loves a contest and this one is real easy. Jessica Rust Designs needs your help! Jessica wants help choosing the next city to be featured on her “Skyline” tea mugs. If you haven't checked out her whimsical designs, you absolutely must. See below for details.
Everyone who suggests a city will be entered to win a set of their very own “Skyline” tea mugs.



We need your help choosing the next City to be featured on our Skyline Tea Mugs!

Once you have selected your city of choice, please provide us with your contact information, and you will be entered to win a personalized Skyline Mug of your own!

Just click the link below to give us your 2 cents!

Where Shall We Go Next?

Happy Spring,

Jessica Rust Designs

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Sneak Preview from Armstrong Cabinets

Everyone is gearing up for the Kitchen and Bath Show, held in Atlanta, Georgia May 1-3, where all the latest and most innovative kitchen and bath products will be previewed.

Here is a sneak preview from Armstrong cabinets. With functional and organized product introductions like the SalonCenter™, getting dressed and out the door in the morning just got easier. Many designers, including me, have been using similar ideas for their clients for years, but the difference was that it had to be designed, parts pulled together from after market vendors and custom built according to our exact specifications. Having to customize a cabinet always added to the cost. It is a good day when manufacturers are standardizing features that just make good sense at an affordable cost.

Read below for more information from Armstrong.

SalonCenter™ Brings Affordable Luxury to the Bath
LaundryCenter™ Organizes the Busiest Room in the House

New SalonCenter™ from Armstrong Cabinets provides convenient solutions for the bath by creating a luxurious spa-like bathroom loaded with built-in storage space. SalonCenter, a self contained pull out system, allows for organization of hair dryers, curling irons, and other vanity items. Imagine: His and hers preparation areas, makeup area with vanity stool and salon center pullouts that provide abundant storage for linens and supplies. Several other cabinet storage accessories not only complete the bath, but make it work as good as it looks.

The laundry room is the next big area for organization. Armstrong Cabinets provides an innovative solution – LaundryCenter™ -- that is modular, scalable and fits to the size of any laundry room.

Completely customizable, customers can choose from a pull-out cabinet insert with hangers to dry shirts, a clothing folding table as well as an ironing board pull-out, among others. A combination of these zoned organization solutions along with the appropriate layout of cabinets can redefine the laundry area to create a perfect balance of form and function.
“Efficient interior space design provides the storage, convenience and organization needed for any home and lifestyle. The trend in cabinets is not just exterior aesthetics, but personalized storage, whether in the kitchen, media room, mud room, laundry room or bath,” says Marketing Manager Tosha Diiorio. “Our Zoned Organization Solutions make life easier and more enjoyable.”
For more information, visit www.Armstrong.com/Cabinets or call 1-800-527-5903.

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Period Inspiration with Modern Appeal

PERIOD INSPIRATION WITH MODERN APPEAL ? MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEW PASADENA OUTDOOR FIREPLACE FROM KALAMAZOO OUTDOOR GOURMET

CHICAGO, IL (March 23, 2009) – Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet continues to break new ground in design and performance with its new Pasadena Outdoor Fireplace. Available beginning March 26, the beautiful and highly functional design takes its design inspiration from the craftsman-style of architecture epitomized by Pasadena architects Greene & Greene. It offers a new alternative for homeowners who are seeking the beauty of a built-in outdoor fireplace but also value the convenience and flexibility of a freestanding design.

An increasing number of homeowners are investing in an outdoor fireplace. According to John Crouch of the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, “We have seen outdoor fireplace sales significantly increase in recent years, seemingly in accordance with homeowner’s continued desire to provide a family retreat in their own backyard.”

“After a great meal, there is nothing better than sitting around a roaring fire,” says Russ Faulk, vice president of marketing and product development for Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. “It is a natural gathering place, bringing family and friends together for comfort, warmth and casual relaxation. It also helps extend the outdoor entertaining season when cooler evenings arrive.”

To give consumers the best solution possible, Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet leveraged its expertise in stainless steel and outdoor cooking to create the Pasadena Outdoor Fireplace. Its intelligent design offers benefits that every homeowner will appreciate:

- Handcrafted in high-grade stainless steel, the Pasadena Outdoor Fireplace is easy to clean and warranted for life against rust
- Homeowners can choose between two popular Arts& Crafts designs for the sides of the fireplace: white oak leaves with acorns or graceful gingko leaves.
- An attractive low-pitched roof with wide overhangs keeps rain out, avoiding the time-consuming and messy cleanup of ashes and burnt logs common to open fire pits.
-The fireplace roof is conversation-height, allowing a large group to sit comfortably around the fireplace for hours of comfortable conversation.
- A deep ash box just below the fire holds the cinders of at least three fires. The simple pull out design makes clean out easy.
- Weighing more than 100 pounds, the Pasadena Outdoor Fireplace will withstand the elements, but is easy for two people to lift and reposition as needed.

Rosalind Reed, principal of Rosalind Reed Associates, says, “The Pasadena Outdoor Fireplace is a true beauty, and the attention to detail is all Kalamazoo.”

The Pasadena Outdoor Fireplace is available to homeowners and design professionals from Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet or its authorized dealer partners around the country. Photo available upon request.

The Kalamazoo Pasadena Outdoor Fireplace: $2,795

About Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet has been bringing gourmet lifestyles outdoors for more than 100 years and is the one-stop resource for creating the ultimate outdoor kitchen. From revolutionary hybrid grills that cook with charcoal, wood and gas, to the most powerful and energy efficient outdoor refrigeration available, Kalamazoo is the leading manufacturer in outdoor cooking and entertaining equipment. The complete line includes grills, refrigerators, freezers, wine chillers, keg tappers, weather-tight cabinets, wok cooktops, lobster boil pits, martini bars and a countertop pizza oven.

Please visit www.KalamazooGourmet.com for more information or call 1.800.868.1699 to speak with an outdoor kitchen design expert.

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