Styleture

Did you know that Art Deco was originally called Style Moderne? The Art Deco movement began in Paris in 1925, during the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs. Characterized by creative uses of materials such as steel, bronze, and glass, the highly stylized details are what help us identify Art Deco. Art Deco’s design structure is based on geometric shapes; circles, semi-circles, and geometric designs converged with glass and metal to form this singular design movement.

Art Deco Chrysler Building

The Chrysler building in NYC tells you exactly what you need to know about the heights Art Deco reached. Glamorous and ‘moderne’ now, designers today pay tribute to this important era with products that themselves are destined to become classics – no matter the scale of the object, the Art Deco spirit lives within these exquisite products.

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Studio Italia Design – Maya

Art Deco Maya Studio Italia Design

Art Deco Clessidra Wall Sconce

The Maya wall sconce from Studio Italia Design looks as though it might have come right off a grand Art Deco building from the 1920’s. Narrow rectangular strips of metal are stepped in precise formation. Conforming to Art Deco’s stylized use of metal, this sconce adds a more contemporary touch with the use of white lacquered metal. Visit this Lighting Manufacturer’s website for more information: www.sid-usa.com

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Watermark Designs – Classic Contemporary Collection

Art Deco Watermark Faucet

No one understood the intersection of geometry and design better than Frank Lloyd Wright. Watermark Designs’ Classic Contemporary Collection features eleven handles, each inspired by a legendary architect. Just one look at the circles and semi-circles designed in precise proximity to the straight lines on this faucet and you know that it’s a Frank Lloyd Wright design. The Watermark Designs’ Classic Contemporary collection is an elegant homage to Wright’s clean, slightly masculine, uncluttered designs. Find more luxury faucets at www.watermark-designs.com

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THG – Masque de Femme Collection

Art Deco - THG Masque

Art Deco - THG Masque Details

The sumptuous pairing of Lalique crystal with enamel delivers a classic Art Deco product. Given that Rene Lalique himself was at the forefront of the Deco trend, this faucet honors Rene’s vision brilliantly. An intricate bas-relief pattern is delicately cut in the crystal which adorns the handles. To balance the design, the handles themselves are hand-painted enamel palm-frond motifs. Glamorous and distinctive, this faucet is transcendent.
Studio Italia Design – Clessidra The Clessidra glass wall sconce with a satin nickel frame can sit proudly alongside other Deco-inspired elements in any home. Cool and elegant, the hand-blown, scored glass, shown here in amber, brings a European edge to the design party. Also available in satin-white, orange, or for an even more glamorous look – amethyst or polished red. For more decorative faucets visit www.thgstyle.com & www.thgusa.com

It’s the most sought after prize by the best of the Olympians: Gold. Winning it shows strength, power, precision, finesse, and represents excellence in a class of its own. The attributes of gold transcend into the inspiring designs of the bathroom suite. Bold, durable, yet exquisitely elegant, gold finishes capture the authentic mystique reminiscent of the legendary Olympic games of Ancient Roman times and inspire the design of the elements that surround us today. The images below were provided by JACLO, THG and Hastings Tile & Bath. Please click any image for a larger version.

Hastings EAL Series Snake Skin

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What is black and white and sterling and transparent all over? This is not a joke. This is Metropolis, a stunning collection from THG featuring Cristal de Lalique.

Form, shape, and texture are Metropolis’ first notes of intrigue, starting with the ultimate in unique structure – the Urban Bathtub. The ultra-modern Urban Bathtub features a unique transparent curved glass opening intended to reveal the body in its true relaxed form. The beautiful lines of the Niagara waterfall tub filler create a gentle cascade of water from its spout into the bathtub. The Metropolis Collection of faucetry, bath fixtures and accessories combine pure geometric lines with the refinement of inset Lalique Crystal. The iconic raisin motif of the crystal sculpture, originally created by designer René Lalique in 1928, decorated the interiors of the Orient Express and evokes the texture and fluidity of water.

The square shaped handles reveal crystal encased in precious metal. The tops of the lever handles are adorned with the same raisin motif, creating a sophisticated contrast of crystal against shimmering metal surfaces. Sleek, modern, and fantastically urban, the city may never sleep, but here, it certainly is tranquil.

All images courtesy of THGUSA.com and THGStyle.com

Metropolis Handles

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Widely recognized as the most innovative structural designers in the world, the Swiss revolutionized the engineering field by creating new forms that integrated technology and aesthetics. The art of Swiss engineering lies in seamless precision: combining the methodical, the understated and the efficient, to create functional, cutting-edge designs. Fuse the accomplished engineering standard of the Swiss into the diligent and tailored accuracy attributed to Italian manufacturer MGS’ designs, and the result is the perfect contemporary creation. Brilliant in its final form; the simplicity, durability and functionality of MGS’ Minimal Beauty Collection and stunning Rain Showers feature the finest in Swiss engineering, Italian style.

Uncomplicated and dependable, the contemporary designs of MGS’ Minimal Beauty Collection feature simple shapes and slim silhouettes. Crafted out of true solid stainless steel, the designs feature high-quality materials paired with functionality, yet the finish is refined and smooth – an ode to Swiss perfection. The collection is comprised of six deck and wall-mount faucets, including a bidet faucet. Unique to the collection, the MB4 and MB6 faucets come without traditional handles; temperature and volume are operated with a handle at the end of the spout.

Manufactured using the most progressive machines available, each flawless piece in the Minimal Beauty Collection is perfectly polished to an impeccable shine; beautiful in its final form.

The stunning Rain Showers, also composed of 100% solid stainless steel, pair luxury with cutting-edge technology. Bringing modern style to a typically traditional fixture, these exposed shower systems are available with a round or square rain canopy and feature a thermostatic mixer. The mixer incorporates a volume control that is operated independently of the temperature control. Rain Shower systems are available as a showerhead, or can be upgraded to include a stylized handshower. All systems are available in matte or polished stainless steel.

Here are some pictures of MGS products, all provided by MGS: www.mgsdesigns.com. Click on any image for a larger version:

MGS Insets Details

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In a stunning throwback to a time when classics were born and elegance reigned, THG presents the Passion Collection with Bernardaud Porcelain. Touched with a whisper of old Hollywood glamour and a splash of fresh, flowing angles, Passion evokes an age when grand gestures meant the world, and love was the stuff of legends. Romantic and graceful, Passion combines delicate vintage details with exquisite modern design, for a look you’re destined to fall for.

The Passion Collection featuring fine Bernardaud porcelain is a testament to gracious living and fanciful design. The Passion faucet combines the femininity of the clover-shaped handles with the architectural savvy of the right angled, geometric spout. The accessories that adorn the suite feature the Bernardaud mascot – the butterfly – in a refreshing green. Here are some pictures of the collection. Please click any image to view a larger version.

THG Passion

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Beth Dotolo

Beth Dotolo is the Vice President of the design firm Nest Interior Design in Dallas Texas. Beth and her team produce creative and noteworthy designs in the Dallas area and they are currently working on several high-end residential and small commercial projects. Beth is a Registered Interior Designer who is also LEED AP and is anxious to work on a LEED certified project. Beth was also awarded ASID’s 2008 Legacy of Design Award.

Beth realizes that sustainable designs are the future of her industry and sees that the Dallas area is catching up in the sustainable movement. In order to make her designs more sustainable the majority of the furniture and products that she uses in her designs are custom designs that are created or manufactured by local building companies. Other furniture is found locally and refurbished locally as well, making sure that as much of the existing materials are used as possible. Beth’s design experience includes work at a local commercial design firm with national accounts and time spent as Principal Interior Designer of Pulp Design Studios.

The firm subscribes to a six part plan when they take on a new design project, beginning with an in-home or office consultation. Once the analysis of the consultation is completed, the next step is to create the schematic design, followed by the design development phase which includes nailing down finishes, fixtures, and furniture selections. The fourth, construction administration phase only applies to larger projects where construction and contractors are consulted and the construction designs are finalized. The fifth phase, the purchasing and procurement phase follows any construction needs and then the design is finalized with a full installation. This process results in personalized, amazing, sustainable designs that make their clients happy every time. Please visit Nest Interior Design at: www.nestdallasdesign.com and their boutique retail store at www.nestdallas.com

Here are just a few examples of Beth’s & Nest’s designs. Most furniture is either custom designed or refurbished as previously noted. Please click on any image to view a larger version.

All photographs courtesy of Kevin Dotolo Photography: www.kevindotolo.com

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Beverly Hills, California – THG USA, the exclusive importer of luxury bath products from the house of Tetard, Haudiquez and Grisoni (THG), made a notable appearance at last night’s Golden Globe Awards ceremony. The elegant Papillon, from the THG Cristal de Lalique Collection, was the lavatory set of choice in the world-class Presenters Lounge. Designed by internationally renowned interior designer Kenneth Bordewick, the Presenters Lounge was visited by many of Hollywood’s favorite celebrities and award-presenters, including Halle Berry, Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman and Harrison Ford. The celebrities were pampered with culinary-treats and a fully-stocked bar in the glamorous accommodations before making their way to present the world famous Golden Globe statuette. THG’s Papillon was a natural fit for the striking environment of the Presenters Lounge. An exquisite piece, the Papillon set features intricately detailed butterflies designed by Lalique, the world-renowned crystal art and jewelry design house. The beautiful set flawlessly complemented the other fine furnishings in the luxurious lounge, which included $800,000 worth of stunning vintage Lalique crystal pieces shipped from France, exquisite hand-embroidered drapes, and art-masterpieces worth more than $1,000,000 from the Frederick R. Weisman foundation, as stated by interior designer Kenneth Bordewick. “I wanted the Presenters Lounge to combine the glamorous luxury of Hollywood’s Golden Age with the glitter of today’s top stars,” said Bordewick. (Click on any image to view a larger version.) All images and text courtesy of THGUSA.com

THG Papillon at the Golden Globes

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The National Kitchen & Bath Association has released their top for Kitchen & Bath Designs in 2010. We love this list and agree completely with this list. Click on any image to view a larger version:

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Kitchens

1. Traditional is the New Contemporary – Traditional will continue as the most popular kitchen design style in 2010, with contemporary following closely behind, while the Shaker style is seeing a surprisingly strong resurgence. Shades of whites and off-whites will be the most common kitchen colors in 2010, while brown, beige, and bone hues will also be popular.

Photo Courtesy of O’Neil Cabinetry

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The bathroom product designs created by manufacturer Watermark Designs were inspired by the creative surroundings of New York’s famed artisanal borough of Brooklyn. Brooklyn now has a vibrant design scene which has made it a sought after destination for the Art + Design world, and Watermark Designs is making its mark in the decorative hardware and plumbing business by taking inspiration from the melting-pot from which they hail.

The distinctive product designs are the core of Watermark Designs’ offerings. Each customized faucet, shower system and bath accessory is created through a hands-on design and development approach. Watermark Designs is a true-manufacturer based in Brooklyn, New York, where they utilize the skills of experienced craftsmen and specialists to create collections that blend the industrial chic, the traditional, and the modern together. In their bath designs they match impeccable style with a clean aesthetic, industrial tones, and elegant finishes that satisfy the most exquisite of tastes.

Here are several collections that evoke the character of Watermark Designs; a preview into the vast range of the innovative brand and a taste of the freshest creations out of Brooklyn. Click on any image for a larger version and visit Watermark-Designs.com for more information:

Clodagh Touch27

The Touch 27 Collection is designed by the world renowned design studio, Clodagh Signature. Known for collections based on feng shui, the Chinese art of creating harmonious surroundings, Clodagh Signature fuses these disciplines into sleek modernism that is truly timeless. For Watermark Designs’ Touch 27, clean shapes are accented with unique hammered accents that set the tone throughout the collection.

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In the world of eco-chic, sometimes style is sacrificed for the sake of the environment. But what if you could minimize your carbon footprint while still maximizing innovation and creativity? fluid faucet’s future-forward fixtures do exactly that. Meet a brand of bath fixtures that feature meticulous curves, unique angles, mirror-like polished surfaces, and industry–breaking water saving technology. The choice for LEED-certified projects. Green has never looked more fluid^TM. Visit the fluid website at: fluidfaucets.com

The fluid brand is broken into eight different environmentally-friendly (and aesthetically stunning) collections. Each collection calls to mind a different element from nature, art or architecture. All lavatory faucets come equipped with a low-flow aerator that performs at 1.5 gallons-per-minute, a rate that has awarded all models with WaterSense^TM certification.

Fashioned in the shape of a semi-arc rainbow, the Sublime Collection reaches the highest levels of form and functionality, with a gently curved spout ideal for vessel sinks.

The Penguin Collection is a clean, contemporary line of bathroom fixtures, which features a true fusiform shape and takes its design cues directly from nature. The single lever faucet has a streamlined silhouette, upright form and horizontal spout.

Featuring graceful, cello-like curves and angled edges, the Swing Collection embodies the rhythm of music in its flowing form.

The Emperor Collection is a modern collection with Asian design undertones. The faucet was the recipient of the CIDF Gold Award and the iF Product Design Award, for its sweeping form, reminiscent of the ancient Qin dynasty.

Like its noble namesake, the Toucan Collection is versatile, distinctive and features all the elements of effective design. The faucet’s spout is shaped exactly like the keel-billed toucan itself, allowing it to prominently extend over the sink.

For the spa-lover, the Fan Collection borrows its graceful lines and motion from history. Its flat spout emits a waterfall flow, offering extreme comfort and superior conservation.

The Wisdom Collection is an inspirational collection complementing a wide spectrum of sensibilities. Inspired by the ancient Greek Acropolis, this collection pairs classic lines with bold volumes. The ideal choice for the transitional or contemporary bathroom looking to maintain beauty and environmental consciousness.

Reminiscent of the enduring craftsmanship of the ancients, the Jovian Collection’s formal and austere lines recall the tenants of classic architecture, a stark contrast to the very modern eco-chic technology inside its gorgeous design.

To see the entire collection visit the fluid website at: fluidfaucets.com

Sublime Faucet

Fluid Wisdom Rain and Hand Shower

Fluid Swing Faucet

Fluid Fan Faucet