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Top Designer Picks for Fall 2011

styleture — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:18:13 +0000

At Styleture, our editorial team always stays attuned to the latest in interior design trends. We’re never too proud to benefit from the wisdom of other design bloggers – especially a blogger like Boston-based Linda Merrill (www.surroundings.net), who also happens to be a designer. For Fall 2011, she’s been generous enough to share with us her favorite trends and product picks for the upcoming season, including eclectic mixes, vintage looks and soothing styles for the spa:

Mix and Match

“From high-low pricing, to mixed finishes and styles, antiques and vintage mixed with modern forms – true eclecticism is taking hold in the design world,” said Merrill. It’s partly a response to the economy and partly environmental. “We’re all reusing and refurbishing what we have, stretching the budget, splurging on some items, saving on others, keeping things out of landfills,” she adds.

Mix and match Hastings Tile & Bath's GDO Raised Panel Ceramic Tile

With Hudson Valley Lighting's® Chatham

The Old-World Lived In Look

“The ‘old-world’ Belgian design style that has been in for a couple of years is still going strong,” said Merrill. “It features weathered gray oaks, the natural patina of age and use, the weighty feeling of good construction, and it’s ready to last generations. Nothing is overly fussy or precious.”

GRAFF®’s Bali faucet in Oil Rubbed Bronze

Spa Bath

Our lives are so stressful that more people are looking to relax at home and feel like they’re off at a high-end spa. Merrill tells her clients, “Calming colors, simple lines and ease of use are the key ingredients. Calgon, take me away!”

Stone Forest's® Papillon Bathtub

It’s looking like it’s going to be another great season for interior design this Fall and we thank Linda Merril for her insights, which are always welcome on the pages of Styleture.

Trend Watch: Small is Big in Home Design

styleture — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:00:49 +0000

In the design world, bigger is not always better. After all, the smaller the space, the greater the innovation. Residential designers and architects in urban locations are no strangers to resolving the issue of compact lots and homes; but now small is becoming big due to the economic downturn. According to “20/20: IFDA’s Vision for the Future,” a new report from the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), we can all look forward to smaller houses with smaller rooms by 2020: fully 76 percent of respondents said so, as opposed to only 49 percent at the last IFDA census. And with less square footage, wouldn’t it also follow that home products need to deliver a double-dose of functionality in order to save space? With that in mind, here are three clever products for the home that serve double duty:

1. Cache by Zephyr^®

Cache range hood by Zephyr

Cache’s subdued and elegant design is only enhanced by its ability to eschew clutter and create ordered elegance in the kitchen. Cache offers a spacious storage compartment discreetly hidden beneath a sweeping, understated hood and utensil rail.

2. Profile Smart by Caroma^®

Profile Smart toilet/sink combo by Caroma

The Profile Smart is a compact basin, faucet and dual flush toilet tank in one. The integrated faucet utilizes fresh water for washing hands – just like a typical cold-water tap. The water then drains from the basin into the toilet tank reservoir below until it is used for flushing. Now that’s what we call ingenious , sustainable design!

3. Vesta Fire Table by Stone Forest^®

Vesta Fire Table by Stone Forest

Urban backyards and smaller outdoor spaces don’t have to compromise design, as Stone Forest asks the question, ‘why not combine your fire pit with your outdoor table?’ The Vesta Fire Table’s granite top and stainless steel base provide a safe, sturdy and eye-catching vehicle for producing warm outdoor flames—and a table for alfresco entertaining.

Bamboo for the Bath: Eco-Chic Material Gaining Popularity

styleture — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:03:30 +0000

Bamboo is making quite a name for itself as an eco-chic material used in the contemporary bath environments of discerning homeowners. Bamboo’s environmental benefits stem from the fact that it can grow and spread quickly without the need for much water or care. A bamboo grove can release 35 percent more oxygen into the air than a similar-sized lot of trees, and it matures within seven years as opposed to 35-plus years for trees. Furthermore, bamboo can yield 20-times more timber than trees planted in the same-size area. With a heightened awareness among consumers to be green in their bath environment, bamboo is undeniably a great design resource. Of course, bamboo would never fly in the bathroom if didn’t look beautiful, too – and that it does. The Styleture editorial team has zeroed in on some of our favorite bamboo products for the bath:

Xylem Bambu 36″ Vanity in Dark Bamboo

The Xylem Bambu 36" Vanity in Dark Bamboo

The eco-renewable bamboo veneer is the starting point for this versatile and fresh design vanity. Highlighted with natural bamboo accents, it can be wall mounted or floor-standing using either of two floor stands that provide comfortable heights for vessel applications or under-mount lavatory installations.

Stone Forest Bamboo Quattro Vessel

The Stone Forest Bamboo Quattro Vessel

This piece elevates “green” living to its full potential. Lightweight and water-resistant, this captivating sink is crafted from the laminated exterior of a bamboo shoot, making the vessel a durable and smart decorating option.

Organize It All Bamboo Stationary Caddy

The Organize It All Bamboo Stationary Caddy

This bathroom shower caddy can sit in the corner of your shower stall, or beside the tub, to keep soaps, hair care products and sponges close at hand. Made of carbonized bamboo, the shower shelf has a modern eco-friendly look that will never go outdated.

Bali Bamboo Bath Collection

The Bali Bamboo Bath Collection

Bring the quality and freshness of nature inside your bathroom with this perfect bathroom collection made from 100% natural bamboo. The multi-piece set features a cotton jar, lotion dispenser, soap dish, toothbrush holder, tray, tissue cover, toilet brush and holder, tumbler and waste bin.

Anji Mountain 2′ × 3′ Bamboo Kitchen/Bath Mat

The Anji Mountain 2′ × 3′ Bamboo Kitchen/Bath Mat

This mat offers an exquisite inlaid bamboo design and glossy finish that adds a natural sophistication to your kitchen and bath. Made from 100% eco-friendly bamboo from the Anji Mountains in China, its high-gloss finish is both beautiful and durable. Non-skid rubber backing provides cushion and keeps mat in place. Feels warm under bare feet in winter and cool in summer. Water-resistant surface.

Undoubtedly, with such products as the ones above, it’s easy to turn any bath environment into an eco-chic setting that is certain to make you feel good

Styleture Goes “Country”: Our Five Favorite Farmhouse Sinks

styleture — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:16:23 +0000

It goes without saying that at Styleture, we love kitchens. We have a passion for amenities such as kitchen sinks that evoke a sense of time and place; and no sinks do a better job of that than farmhouse sinks. For those of you who don’t already know, a farmhouse sink (aka apron front sink) typically has one large bowl with an exposed front panel. It works especially well with a kitchen designed in a classic country style décor, however there are no hard and fast rules in regards to the environment in which they can be utilized. We’ve been keeping a keen eye peeled for the farmhouse sinks that we feel are of impeccable design and quality, and now we’d like to share our five favorite ones with you:

Stone Forest Versailles Farmhouse Sink

The Stone Forest Versailles Farmhouse Sink

This Stone Forest beauty features a polished inside and rim with raised carving on the front apron. Available in Beige Granite, Papiro Cream Marble, Black Granite, and Jerusalem Gold. External dimensions 10 × 33 × 22.

Herbeau “Luberon” Fireclay Farm House Sink

The Herbeau “Luberon” Fireclay Farm House Sink

The Luberon’s distinctive French Provencal style evokes the rustic beauty of Provence while the sink’s fireclay construction ensures a smooth surface for years to come. External dimensions: 30″ × 19″ × 10″ (Due to the nature of fireclay, variations of up to 1/4″ in size can occur.)

Pegasus Farmer Apron Front Double Bowl Kitchen Sink

The Pegasus Farmer Apron Front Double Bowl Kitchen Sink

This Pegasus will give your kitchen an updated modern look with a charming old-fashioned country feel. Made from fine fireclay for beauty and durability, it can be installed “on” the countertop or may be installed as a traditional apron sink with the face showing proudly into the kitchen area. External dimensions: 35” x 24”.

Vigo Farmhouse Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Faucet and Dispenser

The Vigo Farmhouse Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Faucet and Dispenser

This Vigo sink offers top quality and a unique design in a commercial grade premium scratch-resistant finish. The faucet features a dual pull out spray head for aerated flow or powerful spray. Vigo finishes resist corrosion and tarnishing, exceeding industry durability standards. Exterior dimensions: 33” x 22.25”.

Highpoint Collection Copper Farmhouse Forest Animal Pattern Kitchen Sink

The Highpoint Collection Copper Farmhouse Forest Animal Pattern Kitchen Sink

This Highpoint Collection farmhouse sink features a forest animal pattern that is made from smooth copper formed by pressing the copper into shape. This kitchen sink also spotlights a standard 3.5-inch drain opening and is made from copper. Exterior dimensions: 30” x 20” x 10”.

After viewing these impressive farmhouse sinks, we can’t imagine that you wouldn’t want to go “country” with your kitchen, too.

Island Hopping: Styleture’s Five Favorite Kitchen Island Range Hoods

styleture — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:35:36 +0000

The Styleture editorial team loves kitchens; and we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a special place in our hearts for kitchens with islands. A well-designed kitchen island can greatly enhance storage, display, seating and all-around functionality of your kitchen, and look incredible while doing so. If you have your cooking range set up island style, then you also have the added benefit of featuring an island range hood in your kitchen. Chosen carefully, a quality, design-forward range hood can not only serve to keep the air in your kitchen and entire house steam, smoke and smell free, but it can also serve as an eye-catching focal point. As always, we’ve done our research on the best and most beautiful island range hoods out there, and we’d like to share with you five of our favorites:

Zephyr 36” Napoli Island Range Hood

The Zephyr 36” Napoli Island Range Hood

This range hood is part of Zephyr’s Next Generation Europa line. Napoli is a classic island range hood design. Strong with upwardly-angled walls, Napoli makes an impression in any kitchen. Upgraded with Zephyr’s DCBL Suppression System, Bloom HD LED bulbs and the unique Quick-Lock installation system, Napoli is as easy to install as it is to look at. A technological achievement, Napoli is a cut above the rest.

Best by Broan 51″ Island Chimney Range Hood

The Best by Broan 51" Island Chimney Range Hood

Broan has been in the kitchen ventilation business since 1932. This classic style island hood features a powerful yet quiet internal 1000 CFM blower with HVI certified performance. Four halogen lamps provide brilliant cooktop lighting. Heat Sentry detects excessive heat and adjusts speed to high automatically. Quick-release, stainless steel/aluminum mesh filters are dishwasher-safe. All that and it comes in three attractive metal finishes and optional trim finishes including: chrome, brushed stainless, or polished brass.

Cavaliere Euro 48″ Island Mounted Range Hood

The Cavaliere Euro 48" Island Mounted Range Hood

Your kitchen never looked so good with this stainless Cavaliere as its center piece. Ideal for a kitchen remodel, it features a telescopic chimney that fits up to a 9-foot ceiling, a 900 CFM Centrifugal blower, four 35W, dimmable halogen lights (dimmable), and a touch sensitive keypad with blue LED lights. It also has a 30-hour cleaning reminder and a delayed power auto shut off (programmable 1-15 minutes). And did we mention how good it looks?

Vent-A-Hood 42″ 550 CFM Island Mounted Range Hood

The Vent-A-Hood 42" 550 CFM Island Mounted Range Hood

Undeniably stunning in its design, this Vent-A-Hood has a patented speed control system that allows the blower to be turned to half speed for light cooking, but automatically returns to high speed when heat rise is detected. Featuring a 550 CFM motor with a dual blower, added to the range hood are halogen lights to keep you safe in low light times. The Vent-A-Hood ‘Magic Lung’ blower is a patented way to remove bad smells and smoke from a home quickly and quietly. No matter the speed, the ‘Magic Lung’ will be quiet even at higher speeds.

Viking 36″ Island Chimney Range Hood

The Viking 36" Island Chimney Range Hood

This Viking is one nifty stainless steel range hood. With the help of a heat sensor, you can cook without a care as its ventilator automatically increases power if temperatures reach uncomfortable levels. Dimmer-controlled halogen lights create a warm ambiance and custom lighting design in the kitchen, allowing you to enjoy better visibility and a picturesque display.

Judging by the range hoods above, we’re clearly in a unique time where design and technology have coalesced to bring us hoods that are a significant cut above anything that was developed prior.

Bullet AK-47 Ice Cube Tray: Designer Ice Bullets for Your Cocktail Glass

styleture — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:52:39 +0000

It’s true – the world of fanciful product design extends to the ice cube tray, and there may be no more an interesting way to freshen up that Silver Bullet cocktail than with a couple of bullet shaped ice cubes in your glass. The black, silicone, Bullet AK-47 Ice Cube Tray is a spitting replica of a magazine for the famed Kalashnikov assault rifle and it makes ice cubes shaped like the bullets that it spits out. Simply fill the tray with water, then “load” your glass for the ultimate gangsta drink. The Bullet AK-47 Ice Cube Tray is undoubtedly the ultimate way to make your party go off with a bang and at price point of around $15, it makes a great design-forward gift, too. Perhaps the following drink recipe will further entice you to want this nifty little tray with the cool design:

The AK-47 Bullet Ice Cube Tray

Silver Bullet Cocktail Ingredients

1/2 oz Scotch whiskey
2 oz gin
Two slices lemon for twist and garnish

Preparation

Pour the scotch over ice in a cocktail glass. Stir to coat the ice. Pour out the Scotch. Add gin and strain into a high ball glass. Finish with a twist of lemon and lemon slice for garnish.

Zephyr’s 2011 IMKDC: Cool Prize Giveaways

styleture — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:36:13 +0000

Zephyr's IMKDC (Inspire My Kitchen Design Contest)

Back in June, we told you about the IMKDC (Inspire My Kitchen Design Contest), brought to you by our favorite range hood innovator, Zephyr. The contest, in its second year, brings together culinary aficionados, and awards homeowners and professional designers with prizes for incorporating a Zephyr range hood into their kitchen. Even better, it enters those of you who participate, simply by voting or making comments on your favorite kitchen entries, into the IMKDC monthly prize give-a-way. The prizes include the Element Portable Grill by Fuego and the Beats Pro from the Beats by Dre line of headsets; both products are from the vivid imagination of Zephyr Arc Collection designer Robert Brunner.

The Element Portable Grill

The Element Portable Grill is his thoughtful take on the age-old culinary amenity, perfect for tailgating, grilling on the beach or in the backyard. Sleek in black powder coated steel with an 8,000 btu/hr stainless steel burner and push button ignition, you can be sure this grill is giving larger patio-hogging BBQ grills a run for their money. With a 159-square inch enamel coated cast-iron grill grate that reaches a sizzling 650-degrees, the Element Portable Grill can handily accommodate burgers and chops for eight; meaning you can count on no-nonsense functionally from this design-forward workhorse. When you’re done cooking up a storm, the 15 pound grill packs neatly into itself with its aluminum locking legs folding into an easy-to-carry handle. You can bring it in the house, toss its removable residue tray in the dishwasher, and it’s good-to-go for next time.

The Beats by Dre line of headsets

The Beats by Dre line of headsets, in collaboration with music impresario Dr. Dre, is the embodiment of Brunner and Dre’s high standards of excellence when it comes to design, quality and functionality. Aesthetically, the headphones are at once austere and luxurious in their black rubber, bold red accents and sculpted metal bezels; certainly not lost is the cool, clean design sensibility Brunner once brought to Apple Computer. Even the packaging is design-forward, compartmentalized and opening up ceremoniously with flaps and folds. Acoustically, Beats by Dre features noise-canceling technology, produces rich base and clear treble, offering you the thrill of hearing tiny details you’ve never heard before; in songs you thought you knew inside out. As Dre himself puts it, “With Beats people hear and listen to the music the way they should: the way I do.” Zephyr’s prize give-a-way – the Beats Pro – is a professional quality headphone designed for sound engineers, DJs, musicians, and hard core music lovers who prefer a clean yet forceful sound. Built from strong yet lightweight aluminum for rugged use on-the-go, it features flip up ear cups and dual input/output cable ports that enable you to share mixes by daisy-chaining headphones.

Participating in IMKDC for a chance to win an Element Portable Grill by Fuego or a Beats Pro from the Beats by Dre line of headsets is easy: simply visit http://www.inspiremykitchen.com/prizes-participants and register an account using your email. Once you receive notice of your account activation, vote for your favorite kitchens. Although you can only vote once per each individual kitchen, you can vote for as many kitchens as you like. Every time you vote, you become eligible in that month’s give-a-way.

Our entire editorial team at Styleture is entered. Now it’s your turn!

Mid-Century Marvel: Shia LaBeouf’s Sherman Oaks Bachelor Pad

styleture — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:07:41 +0000

Shia LaBeouf

Success is not easy to come by in Hollywood; millions of hopefuls try, but only a fraction of a fraction actually succeed. There is no doubt that Shia LaBeouf, 25, star of hit films such as “Transformers”, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”, “Eagle Eye” and “Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps”, is breathing in that rarefied air of success that so few will ever get to experience. With such success comes all the perks including the seven-figure salary and the palatial movie star home; not long ago, LaBeouf plunked down $1,825,000 for a 2,463 square foot bachelor pad in Sherman Oaks, California.

Shia LaBeouf’s Sherman Oaks Bachelor Pad

Set on over ½ an acre with natural, panoramic, mountain and city views, LaBeouf’s hip 1958 mid-century home features 4 bedrooms including a large master bedroom, 3 bathrooms, a sunken living room, floor to ceiling walls of glass that offer views over the L-shaped swimming pool, an ultra-modern cook’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances as far as the eye can see and a separate office (for reading “Transformer” sequel rewrites, we presume). The sunken living room is actually wrapped in glass, features a fireplace, saltillo tiled floors, and is the perfect pleasure den for LaBeouf to romance his numerous female guests. For that matter, so is the backyard with a plethora of mature, shade giving trees and the aforementioned L-shaped pool from which guests can peer far off into the distance at Encino, Tarzana and even Calabasas. To park his eye-catching automobiles, Labeouf’s home features a stunning, stone-floored private motor court and a two-car carport. It’s hard not to admire LaBeouf for this relatively reasonable home purchase; with all the “Transformers” money that’s been flowing his way, the star could have dropped ten times the dough he spent here on some overblown Beverly hills estate. Instead, the first time home buyer, who reportedly had previously lived with his parents in La Canada, chose this tasteful, sound residence perfect for someone of his age and with his bachelor lifestyle.

With plenty of privacy, awesome views, opportunities to enjoy both the indoors and out, not to mention a plethora of romantic sunsets, there’s no doubt Shia LeBeouf’s home will keep him happy for years to come. Or at least until he decides to flip it.

Zephyr’s 2011 IMKDC: The Ultimate Kitchen Design Contest

styleture — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:24:33 +0000

Chef Tom Hurley preparing the Dream Dinner from last year's Zephyr Inspire My Kitchen Design Contest

Our editorial team members at Styleture have long been fans of range hood innovators, Zephyr. It only takes a glance at some of the offerings from their Cheng, Arc and Essentials collections to realize these guys know how to merge design and utility, and offer an outstanding product. With the goal of bringing together culinary aficionados, and awarding homeowners and professional designers with prizes for incorporating a Zephyr range hood into their kitchen, Zephyr has brought back for the second year in a row their IMKDC (Inspire My Kitchen Design Contest).

The 2011 IMKDC marks the return of Zephyr’s expert panel of distinguished judges – including artist Fu-Tung Cheng, industrial designer Robert Brunner, and celebrity chef Tom Hurley – who will evaluate the contestants based on rigorous criteria. For example, Cheng has previously stated that he looks for designs that make exquisite use of colors and textures, as well as the overall application of the hood within the kitchen’s design; Hurley looks for the layered textures and nuances that make each kitchen unique. The initial open entry period for the contest commenced on March 28, when contestants began submitting digital photos and a brief narrative describing their kitchen’s design. Visitors to the IMKDC website have been and will continue to review the submissions and elect their top five kitchens. After the initial entry period, Zephyr’s world-renowned judging panel will review the submissions, awarding points based on materials, aesthetics, utility and the X-Factor – the kitchen one would most enjoy entertaining guests in. Winners will be announced on January 16, 2012.

Zephyr Horizon Range Hood by Robert Brunner

Winners of the homeowner category will be awarded a Dream Dinner grand prize consisting of a gourmet dinner for them and 16 of their closest friends, tailored to their tastes by Chef Hurley and his award-winning team; the dinner will be elegantly paired with premier and rare wines and champagnes from around the world. The prize will also include a hands-on cooking class by Chef Hurley the night before the dinner. Winners of the designer category will be awarded generous cash prizes: $2,500 for third place, $5,000 for the runner-up and a $10,000 grand prize will be awarded to the kitchen designer who best uses a Zephyr range hood. Based on last year’s turnout of incredibly talented designers, Zephyr is expecting the 2011 designer category to not only reveal innovative and groundbreaking kitchen designs, but also be ultra-competitive.

Zephyr Duo Range Hood by Robert Brunner

At Styleture we love contests like this; they’re not only a great way for a company to foster interaction with its customers in an interesting way, but they also allow customers to get creative and get rewarded for their efforts with exquisite prizes.

If you want to get in on the IMKDC action, visit inspiremykitchen.com

Sultans of Style: Robert Brunner

styleture — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 23:40:50 +0000

In Styleture’s “Sultan’s of Style” series, we profile game-changing artists who have pioneered their way into the history books of design.

Robert Brunner

Robert Brunner, born in 1948 in the U.S., is an accomplished industrial designer who has produced groundbreaking works for high-profile clients. When he’s not hanging out with Lady Gaga or Dr. Dre, Brunner is off in his own world creating leading-edge products; most notably, he provided design and direction for Apple Computer in the early 1990’s, coming up with the look for the PowerBook. Today, Brunner leads the design team at Ammunition LLC, responsible for a plethora of notable designer products: Beats by Dr. Dre is a new line of high-performance headphones developed in partnership with hip-hop artist and producer Dr. Dre; the Element Grill by Fuego is an affordable, gas-powered grill that extends the design language of the Fuego product line into a more mainstream product family; and the Arc Collection by Zephyr is a line of high-performance, design-forward range hoods that deliver compact power and sophistication to the kitchen.

Apple PowerBook

Beats by Dr. Dre headphones

Zephyr Arc Collection range hood

Element Grill by Fuego

Such products are proof that Brunner is not only a gifted designer, but an icon of modern style. His eye-catching designs are welcome on the pages of Styleture any time.