Home Decorating Trends magazine

December 15, 2006

Modern European Kitchens - the 7 trendy kitchen designs from Ernestomeda, Italy

Europeans take their kitchens seriously, and for the highlights of today’s most fabulous kitchen trends we need only look at Ernestomeda’s broad range of kitchens. A youthful Italian kitchen firm, Ernestomeda bring innovation, quality and style into their kitchens. They are at the forefront of design with their use of colour, dramatic lighting, frosted glass cabinets and free-standing units, as well as fabulous new materials. With such a broad range of styles and trends there is literally something wonderful for everyone.

Verve kitchen design

Recently we’ve seen a dynamic trend for frosted glass cabinets. With dramatic back lighting they bring an atmosphere that influences the whole kitchen. The Verve kitchen makes fabulous use of this frosted glass in its tall cabinets.

With full length folding glass doors, the Verve has large expanses of hazy glass that reveals hints of the contents. The internal cabinet lights add a striking ethereal touch. The aluminium trim compliments the glossy frameless lacquered doors in a lovely dove-grey. Ernestomeda combine this with a brightly back-lit pantry that again uses light to expand the perceived space. Light and airy, the Verve kitchen feels open and spacious. The light colours and theatrical lighting create a peaceful kitchen that is far from dull.

Supreme kitchen design

The Supreme kitchen also uses frosted glass cabinets, but in a much more traditional style. The Supreme combines modern light features and its more traditional wood cabinets to create transitional modern design. Sophisticated white-ash frames the back-lit frosted glass doors; the ethereal haze of shapes provides a vitality and life.

Continuing the striking lighting, the Supreme features the KWC Eve faucet. A fabulous arching faucet, the Eve uses LEDs to illuminate the rushing water and makes a dramatic accent.

The Supreme embraces a fabulous new material in its Silestone countertop. Developed in 1990, Silestone is a Quartz surface that offers the beauty and shimmer of natural stone with better durability and less maintenance. The Supreme uses the Silestone for a light bright counter and matching backsplash. The cold heft of traditional stone, Silestone offers luxury without the work. It is a perfect example of the explorative trend for finding new innovative materials to enhance the modern kitchen.

Flute kitchen design

The Flute kitchen offers a relaxed yet serious European kitchen. The Flute uses frosted glass in its warm cherry frame doors, but leaves them natural and shadowy. The warm ruddy wood is then paired with a smooth stainless-steel worktops and cabinets with frameless doors. The mix of free-standing and built in units can be likened to historical manor house kitchens, versatile and functional. The full length cabinets offer a plethora of storage space, while the steel work stations are easy to clean and wonderfully functional. A distinctive mix of modern and traditional materials makes the Flute kitchen a warm inviting Italian kitchen.

Silverbox kitchen design

The Silverbox kitchen uses a bright blue glass as vivid accent, but also displays the trendy stave pattern we’ve been seeing more of. The Silverbox uses the strong horizontal element to expand the kitchen and provide a uniform character. The aluminium stave doors provide a fantastic texture over which shadows richly play.

The striped metal kitchen is modern and sleek. The kitchen island is topped with laminate work surface, and hanging above is a counter length extractor edged in electric blue glass. The glass detailing continues in the island sink backsplash. By mixing materials and textures the Silverbox presents a modern European kitchen.

Fusion kitchen design

The Fusion exemplifies another trend of late, dark and bold colours. The wooden cabinet doors are made from a warm grey oak, which adds a surprising amount of colour to the room. The dark colour adds mystery and an essence of privacy. Simple and serene the Fusion uses colour to create a sanctuary in your kitchen.

As the perfect accent, Ernestomeda use a fabulously trendy stainless steel countertop to shine and highlight the dark cabinets. To provide a seamless one-piece surface, the steel is custom wielded and includes inset sinks and hobs. The seamless surface offers a visual perfection that makes a kitchen feel like a decadent luxury. Our dramatic glass lighting has not been forgotten though, and can be seen in the over sink shelving. With internal lighting the shelves not only serve as a light source, but light up the objects on the shelves. The striking light turns even everyday items into objects d’art.

Seventy kitchen design

For bold bright colours you can get much better than the trendy lipstick red. The Seventy design is vibrant and lively. The laminate countertop offers the vivid red so hard to find in other materials, while providing a practical hard wearing surface. The bright colour on smooth frameless laminate doors produces a dynamic graphic style.

Aluminium accents on door edges and the long shining backsplash add a modern sparkle. Recently more free-standing kitchen cabinets have been used in contemporary kitchens, and in the Seventy kitchen they bring an essence of activity and life.

Solaris kitchen worktop design

The Solaris worktop uses several current trends to push the boundaries of our imagination. Integral to the design is DuPont’s new Corian material. Corian is a gorgeous solid surface that can be cast, carved or moulded to create the most innovative forms. In the Solaris the Corian is use to create a smooth streamlined worktop with an integral backsplash with a distinctive folded profile.

A single seamless piece, the Corian smoothly flows creating an integral sink. By using new technology Erestomeda have created a luxurious modern kitchen worktop unachievable in other materials. Supported by thin spindly legs, the Solaris is a dramatic futuristic design. The faucet adds industrial detail with the trendy spray head, while the pipe protection offers a robotic like spine detail where it meets the floor. With intricate metal details and a free flowing solid surface, Solaris takes today’s trends and moves forward. Ernestomeda offer the hottest European trends and bring them to you in a style that suits your life.

Posted at 10:03 PM | Comments (0)

EMAIL THIS ENTRY

---

March 24, 2006

Bar Sinks and Prep Sinks - Kitchen Entertainment Trend

The new trend is emerging - kitchen is becoming an entertainment hub within the home. The newest designs in prep sinks and bar sinks help to achieve this. The prep sinks and bar sinks were always present. However, as kitchen trends are changing, they are finding a new purpose - these sinks are now also gathering places for guests. They are becoming a focal point in the kitchen.

You now find them in some rather untraditional places, on an island or peninsula. The prime location and versatile functionality allow these sinks to also serve as an entertainment hot spot. Drinks and appetizers are easily served from these sinks.

The below prep and bar sinks have been chosen for their great design - they are as beautiful as they are functional. We aren't talking about the common small round and square bar sinks. These are some unusualy shaped sinks of innovative designs and with new purposes. Fill it with ice, cold wine, beer, fresh fruits, or even flowers to attract your guests. The Mystic by Elkay is a perfect example of a multi-purpose sink.

Elkay Mystic

The Mystic undermount sink (shown above) was created with entertainment in mind. This sink is a perfect self-serve area for party guests. This sink would fit best in a long and narrow kitchen island. It is available in two sizes: MYSTIC2812C, 28" x 14" $2,004.60 and MYSTIC5014, 50" x 14" $1,895.40.
It is a great focal point for interactive entertaining as well as a versatile prep area in the kitchen. It is convenient storage for cold drinks and ice. It also creates a unique design statement with water running down its wavy shape.

Elkay Island

The Elkay Island undermount sink (ISLAND3828), shown below, should be installed on the custom oversized island or peninsula. Make sure to provide access to the sink from at least three sides to take advantage of the unique 360 degree swivel faucet. It measures 38" x 28" and is priced at $2,368.30. The centralized faucet location is unlike any other sink available. This sink is a must have for the busy kitchen.

Kohler Trough sink

We have established that installing a prep sink improves your efficiency and serves as an entertainment sink as well. It is a "great place to chill a bottle of wine". Of course, it has got to be very accessible, so location is everything. Kohler offers an entire range of bar sinks and prep sinks that would also be great for entertainment purposes. Their collection is available in many sizes and several interesting shapes. Here's an interesting idea from Kohler that we really appreciate; to install a narrow but long prep sink with faucets at each end. The dueling faucets double the functionality and provide even more usable work space.

As it says on Kohler's website, "The sink creates a centerpiece for the kitchen," says Rhys Lewis, Director of Food & Beverage at The American Club. "It allows anyone, whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine, or whether you’re involved in food prep, to have access to the sink." "The dual faucets allow two people to use the sink at the same time from either side of the island, and the narrow sink can double as a place to chill champagne and shrimp cocktails." Depending on your island size you can go with the gratuitous 60-inch or 22-inch sink with two faucets or one.

This trough sink measures 60" x 8-1/4". It is available for $1153.80. The basin depth is 5-15/16".
This image shows the K-3157 installed close to the countertop edge, filled in with cold drinks and lemons.

This represents exactly what we are talking about. Other options would be installing the Undertone sink on the higher counter or on the side counter. There are many ways that you can install it to gain the maximum convenience and create the most welcoming enviroment. The 25" wire rack and wire storage basket are included with all Undertone narrow models.

There are also 43", 33" and 22" sinks in the same series:
Kohler K-3156 Undertone 43" trough kitchen sink, 43" x 8-1/4". $917.
Kohler K-3155 Undertone 33" trough kitchen sink, 33" x 8-1/4". $801.
Kohler K-3154 Undertone 22" trough kitchen sink, 22" x 8-1/4". $624. Basin depth: 4-7/8".

Click here for more on Kohler contemporary kitchen sinks

Kohler Tray sink

Kohler K-3340 Undertone undercounter prep tray kitchen sink
This is another undercounter installation prep sink. It is ideal for keeping your work close at hand. Rinsing vegetables is a breeze with the generous surface area. It measures 21-1/4" x 15-3/4" and is only 2" deep. The list price starts at $378.90. This sink also offers a less expensive way to create an serving area on a main island. It is a great serving sink for cold appetizers.

Kohler Pro TaskSink

Kohler K-3319 PRO TaskSink 15" self-rimming sink
This sink is designed to be installed by the stove. It would be great for rinsing pasta. You could easily fill pots or drain water right next to the sink. This sink offers a compromise between a pot filler and a prep sink. Its petite size would easily fit in next to the stove for more efficient cooking. List price: $503.35 and up.

Franke Beach sink

Franke Beach BBX-160 Sink
This interesting sink from Franke presents a different idea about the entertainment sinks. The sculptural contours accomodate a staging area for wet foods. The organic shape supports a bowl for holding foods as you work with them. This keeps counters clean.

The sink is 18 Gauge stainless and requires a 27" minimum cabinet. The main bowl is 6 3/8 " deep and the small one is only 3 1/8" deep. The overall dimensions are 23 7/16" x 18 1/8".

Franke Titanium sink

Franke Titanium PRM-110-7 Sink
This model would definetely be a great choice for smaller spaces with a luxury appeal. This Titanium bar sink of an oval shape comes in three high quality finishes: Anthracite, Bronze and Gold. These unique finishes are sure to stand out in your kitchen. The sink measures 15" x 7 7/8", 5 1/5" deep. This sink requires a minimum cabinet width of 11".

Bates and Bates Sink

MBR 15 Hammertone Sink This last bar sink is for more traditional kitchens. It is finished in a Weathered Copper patina. The overall width is 16-3/4" Dia. x 6-1/2" deep. It is a subtle way to add character to your wet bar. The bronze finish is easily coordinated with other fixtures in the kitchen. The simple shape and hammered texture create an interesting accent piece for your bar.

Posted at 7:39 AM | Comments (0)

EMAIL THIS ENTRY

---

November 6, 2005

Home Decorating with LED - the ultimate trend guide

Decorating with LED is easy. After learning about many LED enabled home fixtures, we've understood that the most of them if not all can be installed by regular contractors or plumbers, with no special skills required. Really, all it takes is to plug in a LED powering connection via low voltage adapter that comes with the product (some can even run on batteries). LED is definitely in the trend. Already today you can decorate your home with LED. Be the first to surprise your guests. But before we'll show you a few great products that will set this new trend in your home, let us comfort you with a few important facts about LED...

"Why LED?", people ask. Because... LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, bring FUN, FUNCTION and BEAUTY to home decor.
On a more technical note...
LED is virtually maintenance free - it rarely burns out; it lasts for 100,000 hours on average. No filament to burn out, unlike in ordinary incandescent bulbs. By some sources, LEDs can last for as long as 40 years.
LED is a low cost light source - in LED bulbs, 90% of energy is converted into light, while in incandescent bulbs 90% of energy goes to heat and only 10% to visible light.
LED is safe - it requires low voltage DC electric current and can run on batteries, and it's safe to the touch - it doesn't get hot.
LED light is easy to see even in bright sunlight.
LED can be illuminated in many colors including a very recent addition of White and Blue. Other are Green, Cyan, Red, Red Orange and Amber.
LED can change its light color.
LEDs are very inexpensive - some priced at .50 cents.
LEDs are easy to implement - they are just tiny bulbs that fit easily into modern electric circuits.
LEDS are durable - they aren't glass but small plastic bulbs.
Do you need more LED advantages...?! And there's more... Incidentally, just when we were writing this article, the news came up about the LED discovery made accidentally... The news basically say the LEDs will replace the common incandescent bulbs.. See how LED works in more details.

LED will lead and light up the future.
LED will play a major role in contemporary decor. If today's contemporary style means decorating with colors ... tomorrow's contemporary style will be decorating with colors of LIGHT... The LED revolution in the interior design has already began...

Now that we know why LED is in, let's see some examples of how it transforms the home decor of today, room by room...

Dining: Add Magic with LED

The LED table by Ingo Maurer ... Thinking about a romantic candlelight dinner under the stars? Instead, spend a 'starry' night at this LED lighted table, and you'll fill your romance... 'above' the stars. Designed by Ingo Maurer in 2003(!), this magic table lights up with 278 white LEDs per leaf and is available in 2-leaf ($14,850) and 3-leaf ($22,421) version at Unica.

Kitchen: Lighted Water

The KWC Eve Kitchen Faucet ... Illuminating water is not new but when your kitchen faucet does it, is. Imaging yourself entertaining your guests in a darken kitchen... and suddenly they see the blue lighted water... this will set the party trend. Eve has only became available since August of 2005, from Swiss KWC. It's fascinating how this small and elegant faucet is made so innovative and practical. It has a pull-out that you don't see right away. The LED-lighting ring is integrated into the pull-out. You press a button on the pull-out, and Eve will not only illuminate water flow but provide effective lighting of the workplace as well. The LED application is supported by the Luminaqua light technology that uses a low voltage of 6.75V and is absolutely safe. It will automatically switch itself off after 45 minutes, and will use up very little electricity thanks to the LED efficiency. The pull-out extends up to 2 feet and the swivel rotates 270 degree. Available with no LED as well.

Kitchen: Cooking with Fun

Imago LED Illuminated Hood from Faber ... a mood setter in the Kitchen. Add some fun to your boring kitchen appliances. Besides LED lights, it comes with a built-in TV.

Bathroom: LED Lighted Faucet, Lavatory and Tub - practical and beautiful

Take a clear or translucent material and make faucets, sinks and tubs out of it, then light them up with LED... how thoughtful and how aesthetic. These fixtures don't just set a nice atmosphere and make a very modern statement, they create a friendly glow by night so you won't trip over when looking for your loo. You can leave the LED light on - it won't cost you more than leaving your computer on.

The Neve Brick Faucet by Neve Rubinetterrie... more like art in your bathroom that mixes water and light. The two versions Brick Glas (transparent) and Brick Ice (opal) are available with a choice of white, red, orange, blue or green LED light.

The LTT tubs and LTB lavatories from Wet, and Italian company ... these objects are some of the most impressive LED driven designs. You see them and you want them, and they are priced on a budget. And not just for adults - would it be much easier to convince your child to take a bath in a lighted tub? Both the bathtub and the sink are made from polyethylene and are illuminated with a built-in multicolored, low-voltage electronic LED device that can be programmed for time, color and color intensity. A transformer is included. Buy them at Giant.

Bathroom: Changing Colors with Temperature

Another LED's fascinating feature that brings art and unexpected to modern home decor - the ability to change color with changing temperature. In the case of Nephopia basin, the glass color is changing, and with Hansacanyon the color of the water is changing.

Hansacanyon LED lit faucet from Hansa ... is a high-tech water and light control system - with water temperature changing from cold to hot, the water color is changing from Blue to Red. Along with the faucet, also available is the illuminated waterfall spout that can be either a tub filler or an overhead shower. Even the temperature control buttons are illuminated.

Nymphaea LED lit basin by Whitehaus ... is designed with color therapy in mind. Powered by a 5-volt adapter, light-emitting diodes are positioned around the base of the sink. Start pouring water into the sink and LEDs will start changing colors and the color intensitiy, based on the temperature of the water that falls into. LED colors that can be produced are red, blue, green, yellow, purple, and orange. Nymphaea can be installed by any plumber. It can even be programmed to change colors without water.

Bathroom: Chromatheraphy - set your mood with the right color

WellSpring Steam Shower by Hansgrohe ... Light up your steam shower with the LED color, change it based on your mood. The WellSpring's LED chromotheraphy in 4 colors is only one of many features to enjoy you bathing with in this high-end system.

HansaColourShower by Hansa ... take a shower with the LED colored rain. Let it light on when water on automaticaly or manualy change between 8 colors including white from the lit control panel, as you desire. LEDs installed right in the showerhead, combined with multiple spray options help to create a very relaxing showering experience.

Whole House: Practical LED

Brighthandle LED lit door handle ... it changes its color from Green to Red when you lock the door. What a practical way to show others that the room is occupied. Brighthandle also brings colors to home interior. We find the Brighthandle to be one of the most practical LED application in home decor.

Whole House: Accenting with light

In general, LED can be used anywhere in your home to add colors to your home decor or to accent some design elements - just like you used to do it with spotlights, you can do it with the Easy LIM LED Strips from SLV Elktronik ... Powered by 24W DC connection, these low-voltage strips can be installed anywhere to produce low enegry light in many colors.

Outdoors: LED lighted seating

Light Bench from Runge ... would be an excelent additon to your landscaping. Integrated LED lighting makes this urban style bench ideal for entertaining on your patio or deck.

Posted at 9:03 PM | Comments (0)

EMAIL THIS ENTRY

---

Archives

• Full Archives