Arts & Crafts 

Refrigerators have transformed over the last 80 years from insulated ice boxes to gargantuan high tech appliances that somehow  communicate the status of their owner.  Fridges have become stainless steel boxes that can cost as much as a small car. The folks at LG  have a new collection that takes a different approach to todays fridge. LG's Gallery Kitchen concept uses decorative art to differentiate it's product from the masses of other brands out there. LG has commissioned Ha Sang-rim to create a collection that  emphasizes the decorative possibilities of an appliance. The Gallery series is decorated with modern silhouettes of flowers on the body of the refrigerator, with crystal adorned pulls. While I'm not to sure about the crystal adorned  pulls, I tend to like the idea of the refrigerator as a decorative piece. Will other appliance manufacturers begin producing more decorative appliances? Probably not, as we are seeing more concealed and built-in installations of large appliances from companies such as Thermador & Bosch. The Gallery Series is an interesting experiment for LG. If they can design a few more Gallery pieces that consumers can visualize as a suite, there may be a future shift in the way things look in the kitchen.

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What's Old is New

Stainless steel has gone from the back kitchen in restaurants to an almost required finish in today's homes. Clients often ask if stainless steel is on it's way out? My reply is no. The US market tends to be embracing modern design more and more, and to many stainless steel in the kitchen or bath is a way to convey modern design in a finish. Stainless steel fixtures and appliances, once only shown in the most discerning homes are becoming standard in today's new homes and remodels. When you can buy a stainless steel suite in a big box store you know the demand curve may be nearing the top. What I have been noticing recently coming from high end manufacturers are modern takes on old world finishes. Finishes such as brushed bronze are beginning to pop up more and more. Tile purveyor Walker Zanger has a beautiful new bathroom console in the brushed bronze that makes you take a second look at bronze. Additionally, finishes such as antiqued brass and weathered copper are are also showing up more often on decidedly modern fixtures not usually finished in these colors. As designers begin to look for what's next in finish options, look for these finishes to begin popping up in more shelter magazine pictorials.

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From our Style Trends:Blog  - French Bliss

 

 

 

The Chateau collection by La Cornue is the culinary equivalent to the Rolls Royce Phantom - beautifully designed and built like a tank. Just as the there are few people who can lay claim to owning a Phantom, so few to are the the ranks of La Cornue owners. La Cornue is hoping to add to the owner base by introducing the Cornu Fe.

 

 

 

Continue reading more about the Cornu Fe here.

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Style Trends in Sunset Magazine 

We at Style Bath and Kitchen are flattered and greatful for a mention in this month's Sunset magazine. The February issue looks at kitchen trends by focusing on three projects that illustrate what is happening in today's modern kitchens.

Visit Sunset Magazine online

 

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