Sub-Zero has just announced a new line, its "Built In Refrigeration Series," which will keep food fresher longer, effectively reducing food waste. Between its unique dual-compressor system, advanced air purification and water filtration system, this refrigerator is a work of science. For those of us who don't quite understand how aforementioned systems work, there's also a "freshness guide" inside the unit to tell us where best to store fruits versus leftovers.
The line will be available in Fall 08. Check out the gallery to see some of your options!
If you fancy yourself a Frank Lloyd Wright fan and wish to emulate his designs in your backyard or patio this Oak Park Studio Vase may be of interest. The vase is a cast stone replica of the very object which decorated his Oak Park residence in Chicago. Illustrating one of his classic designs, the cross within a circle within a square, this strapping vase is available in three sizes with prices starting at $1,350. I imagine this would serve well as a plantar, birdbath, or decorative piece holding its own along a path or strategically placed on a patio.
A luxe new coffee table book called Dream Homes: Coastal California (Panache Partners, $34.95) showcases over 40 of the region's finest architects, designers and builders. Focusing on Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties, it features 250 photographs of breathtaking designs such as the Villa Beaumont pictured above, an Italian-Renaissance country villa in Santa Barbara by Sorrell Design based on the work of the great 16th-century architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola. From multimillion dollar classical revival mansions to modernist beach dwellings, no expense has been spared in realizing clients' dreams (hence the title). See the gallery for a tour.
First off let me say that decorating your home with large, artificial gems is a delicate task that is really hard to pull off. That being said, though, used sparingly and in the right ways artificial diamonds can be a great way to satisfy (somewhat) your craving for sparkly gemstones and add a touch of glamor to your decor. Chiasso offers diamond sculptures in a couple different ways, miniature ones (above) and a large paperweight version if you're really looking to make a statement.
The latest in the line of minimalist bath accessories from Denmark's Vipp is this ultra-sleek laundry basket. The basket is available in white or black lacquered steel and rubber and has a rounded shape similar to the classic Vipp pedal bin. The lid is made from brushed stainless steel and is perforated for air circulation. Inside there is a removable dual-section inner bag for sorting. The basket also has hidden rubber wheels. At $625, this laundry basket costs as much as some washing machines.
Classic Rug Collection has just introduced its "Luxe Collection," a series of Eastern-inspired rugs hand-knotted from fine silks and featuring patterns borrowed from the graphic pasts of Morocco, Tibet and Nepal. Classic Rug has been known to provide custom decor to discerning interior designers and is perhaps best known for its collection of Gee's Bend inspired rugs, which were formerly on exhibit at the Whitney Museum and will be part of a special exhibit this September at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Note: Classic Rug Collection founder Barbara Barran also has a reputation for her commitment to eradicate child labor in the carpet industry.)
The Luxe Collection is primarily available by special order, although Classic Rug has teamed with 66Degrees.com to offer its limited edition Bargello rug through August 2008. The four by six foot piece inspired by 13th Century Florentine design is crafted from silk and pashmina in Nepal. I love this juxtaposition of age-old pattern from one part of the world and age-old technique from another. The Bargello rug sells for $4,400.
Few things say 'summer' more than a picnic outside with goodies like fresh watermelon and grilled sweet corn, but few things can ruin that fun faster than a gust of wind blowing the tablecloth up, over, and off -- taking with it any unfortunately placed beverages and paper plates. But you can avoid that whole nasty scenario with these very simple but really pretty looking tablecloth clips from Nuance. Made of stainless steel they'll fit right in with all kinds of decor and tablecloth patterns, and keep your fun summer meal from turning into a disaster story. Set of 4 clips for $98.
In mid-July, we highlighted the Epson Ensemble HD Home Cinema System. Now we found great seats to furnish your home theater, from American Leather. Offered in five styles, several colors and with either a powered or manual incliner, the Holden seat, for example, shown in the photo, features extra-tall back cushions; premium, high-density, high-resiliency foam; loose back and seat cushions; double-jowled joints; hardwood frames; double-needle top stitching; and a lifetime warranty. Options include stainless steel cup holders; black, natural or walnut legs; and a manual incliner without articulating headrest. Prices vary; find a dealer near you, and check out the gallery for the variety of styles.
If you are a fan of the teen drama Gossip Girl then you probably know that the show is filming part of their upcoming fall season in the Hamptons. Some of the scenes were shot at the Southampton home of Joan Carl, designer and owner of French home-couture brand D. Porthault. Blake Lively and Leighton Meester, stars of the CW hit show are shown lounging on D. Porthault's cushy Tigre print beach towels. After all, when you loan out your house for filming you should be entitled to some good product placement.
Being the peak of summer it's also the peak of surfing season in most places, and for those who love the sport and just can't seem to get enough the answer might be to bring a surfboard into the house with you in the form of a coffee table. The "Endless Wave" is a table made of a real surfboard perched on top of a wave-shaped pedestal. It does, perhaps a little surprisingly, come across looking very classy and stylish. There are several color options available (or they can custom color one for you) and two different styles to choose from -- the Malibu and the Waikiki. $1800
Cittadini, founded 18 years ago, specializes in high-end, luxury linens. Made in the region of Florence, Italy, the styles are detailed and feature much embroidery. You can order custom bed or table linens, as well as towels. Select from 10 flange styles, 50 towel colors, 100 sateen colors, and 200 embroideries (0 up charges). If you're in the NYC or Long Island area, there's a showroom on Fifth Avenue (by appointment) and a boutique in Manhasset. For more info and prices, contact the company.
Sony has been coming out with some interesting speakers lately. Rigel recently mentioned the tiny Bravia Theater Micro System which put big sound in a package the size of a strawberry. Now check out the Sony Sountina. We're not talking small here, the six-foot tower is made of glass and has a 13 cm woofer and 7 cm mid range speaker. The speakers spread sound out in a circle giving listeners equal sound no matter where they are in the room. Even cooler, in dim light, the glass turns colors, displaying blue, amber, and purple. It sells for $11,800 from Dynamism.
These aren't what I usually think of when I think of cocktail rings but these have more of a purpose than just to dazzle bystanders. The FingerFood Rings from Fred & Friends are packs of 12 reusable plates that fit on your finger and hold small hors d'ouevres. Definitely a risky idea for those who talk with their hands or who have an interest in eating more than one canape at a time but I can see them perhaps serving a function similar to the white spoons that often hold an amuse bouche. They could look quite cute all topped and arranged on a tray.
Despite the notorious delays of the Thompson LES (as in Lower East Side) hotel, the latest in hotelier Jason Pomeranc's lineup of luxury sleepover parties, a few teaser pics have surfaced thanks to Men.Style.com. Above is the LES pool, complete with a triptych of Andy Warhol photolithographed to the bottom. Now scheduled to open July 29, Thompson LES was designed by architect Ed Rawlings and sits high at 190 Allen Street, eighteen stories reminding the neighborhood that the times they are a-changin'.
Designer Harry Allen crafted his resin cast gold finished piggy bank as part of his series, Reality. And in our current economic climate, everyone wants to look more penny pincher than spendthrift, whether you are truly concerned about your investments or have conscientiously decided to be a happy person just one-Birkin-fewer. With this piece on a shelf somewhere, your frugal side makes its subtle yet cheeky appearance and your charitable side does too: Allen will donate 5% of proceeds to The Humane Society. Available in gold or chrome finish at Moss online for $195.
Sub-Zero has just announced a new line, its "Built In Refrigeration Series," which will keep food fresher longer, effectively reducing food waste. Between its unique dual-compressor system, advanced air purification and water filtration system, this refrigerator is a work of science. For those of us who don't quite understand how aforementioned systems work, there's also a "freshness guide" inside the unit to tell us where best to store fruits versus leftovers.
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Designer Harry Allen
