Styleture

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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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

Waterfall bath fixtures are becoming more popular in bathroom designs because they provide you with a rush of all of the amazing sensations of a waterfall in the comfort of your own home. The feeling of the flowing water, the sound of the water flowing, and the visual sensation of the waterfall are all very appealing to a more modern bathroom design. Encased in sculptural tub fillers and rain canopies that release a luxurious sheet of water, waterfall spouts also take relaxation to an entirely new level and bring the best of nature indoors. (Please click on any image for a larger version.)

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Aquavolo Duetto Waterfall

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They are all new designs by the Sustainable Faucet manufacturer Fluid Faucets (FluidFaucets.com). Each of these lines of bathroom fixtures are not only low flow and very sustainable (WaterSense Certified), but also extremely unique and stylish. These designs have all been inspired by a different element from nature, art or the world’s most iconic architecture. Fluid’s contemporary designs are done in sleek, polished chrome which stand out in a sea of generic designs. Not only do the faucets in these collections echo the silhouette of their design muse, but their complementary accessories -from the robe hook to the soap dispenser to the shower fixtures – also carry through this unifying design aesthetic. The faucets operate at a low 1.5 gpm, an impressive rate that has awarded them WaterSense Certification. (Click any picture for a larger version).

PENGUIN

Penguin Fluid Bath Line

The Penguin Collection is a clean, contemporary line of bathroom fixtures, which feature a true fusiform shape and take their design cues directly from nature.

TOUCAN

Toucan Fluid Bath Line

Like its noble namesake, the Toucan Collection is versatile and distinctive and features all the elements of effective design.

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Faucets in solid stainless steel with simple silhouettes make for a contemporary spa retreat.

In contemporary design, less is more. This is the philosophy leading faucet and fixture manufacturer MGS had in mind when designing their new Minimal Beauty Collection. Featuring simple shapes and slim silhouettes, all crafted from true solid stainless steel, this handcrafted collection pairs high-quality materials with expert functionality and cutting-edge design. The Minimal Beauty Collection is comprised of deck and wall-mount faucets, which were manufactured using the most progressive machines available, and each piece is created seamless and smooth, without the use of screws. After the mechanical fabrication, the final touch is given by expert polishers who hand finish each part to an impeccable shine or soft luster of natural brushed stainless steel. MGS fixtures are characterized by a minimal, yet graceful, aesthetic with the purpose of emphasizing the beauty of the stainless steel itself.

There are six bathroom faucet models available in the Minimal Beauty Collection including wall-mount and deck mount single hole mixers and a bidet faucet. The MB6 wall-mount faucet is incredibly unique because it comes without traditional handles. The faucet is operated by a handle on the end of the spout, in which volume can be controlled by moving it up or down, and the temperature is controlled by moving it from the left to right. MGS’ MB4 and MB5 faucets are also deck mounted, but feature a modern square spout and are also operated via a handle on the spout itself.

“The Minimal Beauty Collection showcases MGS’ stunning Italian design identity,” said President of MGS USA Eric Goldman. “These are fixtures that make contemporary and modern design timeless.”

Click on any image to see a larger version. Pictures provided by www.mgsdesigns.com

MGS Minimal Beauty - MB1

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We have seen some amazing products and designs this year already, so we compiled this list of our favorites for the year thus far. Click on any thumbnail image for a larger version. If we have blogged about this topic or product previously click the title of the highlight to see the blog post:

Kitchen

Jaclo Kitchen Faucet High-Tech Kitchen Faucets: Meet the faucet with a pull-off spray from the Steam Valve Original Collection by JACLO® . According to a recent study, 70 percent of homeowners are looking for a faucet with a pull-off spray (if they are willing to spend over $100 on it). www.jaclo.com

TurboChef Oven High Speed Cooking Oven: Any oven that can cook a frozen pizza perfectly in two minutes will make our list! The TurboChef 30″ Double Wall Speedcook Oven does just that. Unbelievable!

Green Kitchens Green Kitchens : With the kitchen responsible for 41.5 percent of the home’s energy use, these product manufacturers are coming up with new furnishings that tread a bit more lightly on the planet.

Country Kitchen Redefining the Country Kitchen : The country kitchen has not gone out of style, and ALNO has taken it to the next level of style with these amazing designs of cabinets, bins and other storage solutions.

Black & White Kitchens Black and White Kitchens: This year has shown us some amazing black and white kitchens, and while we do not know if this trend will still be “in” in 2009, we sure have liked it. Pictured is the Glossy Black And White Kitchen – Diana By Italian company Futura Cucine.

Miele Coffee System Turning Your Kitchen Into a Coffee Shop: The Miele CVA 2662 Built In Coffee Maker is a one of a kind coffee system with the advanced and durability of Miele attached to it. Never go out for coffee again with this at home. www.miele.co.uk

Bath

ThermaSol SteamSuite Affordable Bath Luxury: Luxury steam shower manufacturer ThermaSol ® introduces its ThermaSol SteamSuite Packages at affordable new prices. Making steam an attainable luxury! www.thermasol.com & www.steamsuite.com

Sonia Fahrenheit Stylish Fahrenheit Hand & Hair Dryer by Sonia : Spanish designer Rafa Corel paired organic shapes with clean, modern lines to create this amazingly stylish built in Hand and Hair dryer. www.sonia-sa.com

Waterfall Showers Waterfall Showers : We just absolutely love waterfall showers and these are just a few of our favorites. While canopy and rain showers are very nice, the waterfall showers are amazing.

THG Modern THG Shows its Modern Side: High-end bathroom brand THG USA, known for their over-the-top bejeweled traditional faucets and fixtures, shows off their contemporary collections. Opulent luxury in the form of a minimalist bathroom fixture suite. www.thgusa.com

Jaclo Low Flow Stylish and Sustainable : JACLO ® takes water conservation to the next level with their green showerheads and handshowers. JACLO’s low flow regulators significantly lower the gpm to 1.75 or 1.5 without sacrificing performance or comfort. Flow regulators, as opposed to restrictors, ensure optimum performance and maintain consistent flow independent of water supply pressure .www.jaclo.com

Stone Bath Sinks Stone Sinks: A New Take on English Country: Traditional, old world styles with modern functionality. www.stoneforest.com

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