Blog Address Change! blog.susanpalmerdesigns.com

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to let you know we have changed the Susan Palmer Designs blog to

www.blog.susanpalmerdesigns.com

We will keep these posts here, but if you want to see new posts, please visit the new address!

Thanks!

NEW! Pedini's "The New Artika" Kitchen Video

Pedini USA has released a new video showcasing the upcoming prototypes by Pedini. Enjoy!

Susan Palmer Designs Kitchen Featured in Hawaii Home + Remodeling Magazine

One of our recent projects was featured in the September 2008 issue Hawaii Home + Remodeling Magazine. Read the article online here

This project was a great one to work on, our client was so nice and they have a lovely family. We did quite a bit more than just remodel the kitchen on this project, we also did the baths and created an incredible walk in shower in the renovated master bath. We have posted more images on our website of this project, so take a look! Susan Palmer Designs : Recent Projects

Remember to check out the October 2008 issue of Hawaii Home + Remodeling -- it is the NKBA Member issue!

The Ultimate Stove -- The Best of the Best Ranges

This is pure lust & delight for a culinary master, or for those who just aspire to be -- the ultimate freestanding ranges for the kitchen.


Top: La Cornue in Copper with copper trim
Above: La Cornue Chateau 165 in Antique White Flowers and Brass Trim


The La Cornue is often referred to as the Rolls Royce of cooking appliances, and it always lives up to it's reputation for the highest quality and accuracy. Each La Cornue Chateau is hand made to order by a single craftsman in France. Coveted by discriminating chefs and the fashion forward elite worldwide, the La Cornue cooks food impeccably while making a jaw-dropping visual statement. Timeless in form and function, a La Cornue Chateau is an heirloom piece that can be passed on through the generations.



Top: La Cornue Showroom in Moscow
Above: La Cornue in Stainless w/ Brass Trim (kitchen by jacobsegoes.nl)

Aga 4-Oven Cooker

Another amazing range is the Aga Cooker series. Made in England where the weather is humid and damp 95% of the time, the Aga is unlike most conventional cooking products in that it stays on continuously -- heating and de-humidifying the home with the bonus of never having to pre-heat your oven! There also are no dials or switches on the solid cast-iron Aga Cooker, rather, the defined task areas such as 'simmer' or 'roasting oven' stay at a consistent temperature necessary for the particular function. Recent introductions to the Aga line, such as the Aga Intelligent Management System (AIMS), allows for homeowners who want an Aga but don't want or need the continuously on feature. AIMS provides a way to auto start and shut down the Aga at pre-defined, programmable times, which is also helpful for energy conservation.


The kitchen above features a variety of Aga products, including under-counter refrigeration




Bertazzoni 48" range in stainless steel with griddle

Bertazzoni is another interesting free-standing range from Italy that we really like. Bertazzoni has been manufacturing for over 120 years, and they originally manufactured wood-burning stoves until the end of WWII, when they introduced their first gas stoves in the early 1950's. Built by a company that honors tradition and craftsmanship as much as they honor great cuisine, a Bertazzoni range is a powerful precision cooking instrument in many sizes. The 48" range offers 6 burners and optional griddles and wok accessories for those with the space to install it. For those that have more modest sized kitchens, a 24" freestanding range still offers the 15,000 - 750 BTU's of the 48", but in a smaller scale. For those who love color, the Bertazzoni 36" range comes in a variety of vivid colors as well as stainless steel.

Top: Bertazzoni 36" range in Giallo
Above: Bertazzoni 24" compact range

More online:

www.lacornue.com

www.bertazzoni-italia.com

www.aga-ranges.com

Hidden Helpers from Asko

I don't think I have ever had a client tell me they had too much space in the laundry room. When you live in paradise, the last thing you want to think about during the design phase is the hours that will be spent cooped up in the laundry area, and most of us want to use the space towards other rooms, leaving us with cramped and crowded laundry areas in the home. Well, thankfully Asko has a solution for this in the form of their Hidden Helpers products.

Asko HiddenHelper Sorting Unit & Pull-Out Shelf

ASKO HiddenHelpers provide space-saving convenience and easy access to laundry accessories, such as the Sorting unit (above left) with 2 removable laundry bags. The Sorting unit is easily lifted with handles, which can eliminate the need for bulky, unsightly laundry baskets while providing the convenience of sorting dirty laundry at the washing machine. Pull-out shelves (above, right) fitted in between a stack washer and dryer, make it easier and more convenient to sort and fold clothes. The shelves are available in an extendable, pull-out single shelf or double shelf, with a removable wire caddy basket so laundry can easily be carried to other areas.

Asko HiddenHelper Laundry Care Basket & Pull-Out Shelf

ASKO’s new Laundry Care basket (above, left) has a push-pull door opening with a deep removable rack. This smart solution is useful for removing laundry and carrying it to other rooms in the home, or to areas for ironing and folding. For those who do not have a separate area for ironing, the ASKO HiddenHelper Ironing Board (above, right) offers both storage and convenience in a slide-out ironing board. The handy ironing board stays neatly out of sight, yet is readily available when needed, and an attachable arm extension for the ironing board allows space for ironing shirt sleeves easily.

All Asko products are available from Susan Palmer Designs.

Online: www.askousa.com

You found the bathroom ... now can you find the toilet?

Usually, when you say the word toilet, the image that comes to mind is pretty much the same from person to person -- a white ceramic object with a round bowl that flushes when you push the lever. However, when you say "design a toilet" to a group of talented designers, the results may make you re-think what a toilet looks like.

The Starck X Toilet, Duravit

The Starck X series by designer Phillipe Starck, pictured above, takes minimalism and technology into the modern day bathroom. This coordinated series offers bidets and toilets in squared configurations that can be wall hung to give the illusion of floating, or can sit neatly on the floor. Bright, crisp, glossy ceramic and elegant fixtures add to the feeling of neat and tidy luxury of the future.

Hatbox toilet by Kohler

The Hatbox toilet, from Kohler (pictured above) is probably one of the most recognized toilets of this group, as when it went into production, it was the first of it's kind and created quite a buzz. One of the most unique features of this toilet is the "hidden" integrated water tank, which allows this toilet to be placed virtually anywhere in the bathroom since it does not need to be placed against a wall. The Hatbox toilet also comes in a range of colors and shades, from white to almond to black.


The Imperial and Avant Guarde toilets from AquAvanty

These interesting toilets pictured above are some of the more unusual designs available from AquAvanty. On the right, the Avant Guarde features dual flush technology inside a tank that resembles smooth stacks of sculpted orbs, while the Imperial toilet on the left features hand-painted 24-karat gold leaf accents on a dragon motif.


Bench Toilet, Julien

And then there is the Bench Toilet from Julien -- you can't get more hidden than this! A stainless steel cabinet with a sliding wood partition neatly conceels the toilet when not in use with a clean minimalist design. Available in a variety of exotic veneers, you might want to pinch your pennies, as this commode starts at $11,475.00

More info on these products:

www.duravit.us

www.kohler.com

www.aquavanti-us.com

www.julien.ca

Timeless Design -- Modern Design from the Past in the Present

One of the most important things I learned while I was studying for my degree in Interior Design was this: Good design never goes out of style.


Above, George Nelson Bubble Lamps, 1947

Bubble Lamps, designed by Architect and Designer George Nelson in the 1947, were a staple of the modern home of the past. The ingenuity of this design was in the ability of the homeowner or interior designer to combine multiple shapes, or use individually, to create a flexible lighting scheme. The series was designed with organic modularity in mind, as the lamps could be hanging ceiling fixtures, sconces, floor, or table lighting based on the hanging accessories chosen. Bubble Lamps enjoyed one of the longest production runs, as these lamps were sold well into the 1970's by Herman Miller, and originally sold for about $14 each. In the 1990's, Modernica resurrected the production of the Bubble Lamps, to much popularity, as they are still a favorite among designers due to their ability to complement today's contemporary design.




The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is one of the most recognized icons of American furniture design. The effectiveness of the design has garnered it it's own celebrity status, as the lounger has been featured in popular movies, television, and print ads to this very day.

Above, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed in 1956

From the Herman Miller website:

The Eames lounge chair and ottoman is the culmination of Charles and Ray Eames' efforts to create comfortable and handsome lounge seating by using production techniques that combine technology and handcraftsmanship. Its heritage goes back to the molded plywood chairs pioneered by the Eameses in the 1940s, and it's part of the permanent collection of New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Charles Eames said his goal for the chair was the "warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman's mitt." Every one is a special refuge from the strains of modern living.

The Barcelona Chair is probably one of the best examples of timelessness in design. The chair and stool were designed by Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich for the Barcelona World Fair of 1929 as part of the German Pavillion. The design of this chair was inspired by the folding campaign chairs of the ancient Roman military generals.


Above, Barcelona Chair and Stool, 1929

Licensed and manufactured by Knoll, the Barcelona, perhaps because of it's seeming simplicity and pubic demand, is one of the most common chairs to be knocked off by imitators. However, the structural design and complexity of the Barcelona chair design requires a high level and quality of material and manufacturing techniques, rendering imitations and reproductions unequal to Knoll's.




More info on the web:

www.georgenelson.org
modernica.net
www.hermanmiller.com
www.knoll.com

Cute things for around the house from Ferm LIVING

If you are looking to quickly and easily decorate areas in your home, these delightfully designed products by Ferm LIVING may be just what you are looking for!


Bamboo wallpaper, featured above, is a quick way to give your rooms an interesting spin on modern day hawaiiana, without breaking the bank! Geometric bold prints with generous spacing make this product virtually foolproof to install.



The Wilderness Pillow, featured above in yellow curry, gives a bit of spice to a boring room and freshens up sofas and loveseats.



But I think the Kitchen Tools Tea Towel is by far my favorite item! Available in Petrol (above) and in yellow, these towels make me think of our Pedini utensil-with-utensil drawer organizers!

Available from Ferm LIVING : fermlivingshop.us

The Farmhouse Worktop Sinks from Julien

This multi-purpose sink is an excellent choice for those who are short on worktop prep space, or for those who want built-in efficiency with high quality stainless steel.



This farmhouse style sink boasts sponge and dish cleaning tool storage behind flip out door built right into the sink! This sink also holds a full set of chopping and cutting knives, as well as utensil storage.



The curved deck model above has a hidden sponge drawer on the inside right of the sink bowl, and also accepts a built in soap dispenser too! The curved corners of the interior of this sink bowl make it really easy to clean, and accessories such as cutting boards, grid racks, and colanders make this sink truly unique!

Available from Susan Palmer Designs.

More info: www.julien.ca

Not Your Typical Tiki Torch!

Outdoor torches have certainly evolved since the time that I moved to Honolulu in 1980 -- gone are the simple wicker torches, replaced by a new breed of high tech outdoor lighting. Traditionally, oil based torches with wicks are what is commonly found in the garden section of our local hardware stores -- but the average homeowner can now have gas powered torches just like the ones found on the grounds of the most exclusive hotels. Pictured above, the Wa'a (Canoe) propane gas powered tiki torch features a decorative canoe pattern cut out of its stainless steel cylinder.



Even a torch that uses the traditional oil and wick method can have a modern twist. The Halau Torch Package torches feature two torches that are constructed of brushed stainless steel or 100% copper, and utilize a sleek, low profile, modern design.



Another interesting propane powered torch happens to be the Best New Product winner of the Maison Objects Awards in Paris! This Olympic-inspired torch features a blow torch cylinder at the top of the unit, which allows for an adjustable height flame that lasts over 8 hours on one refillable gas canister.


Another fuel choice for your outdoor lighting is a gel based tiki torch -- the one featured above is from Blomus and is made of stainless steel and wood, and are designed and manufactured in Germany.



For those looking for the ultimate green garden, the torch featured above is a Solar Powered tiki torch with an auto on/off feature for maximum ease of use. This option is also great for homes with small children or heavy wind, as homeowners don't have to worry that torch will fall over and catch fire. The rechargeable batteries need about 4-5 hours of sun each day to charge, and will light up your evening without producing any toxic soot.


Online:

http://tiki.beachsidelighting.com

http://www.itorches.com

http://www.unicahome.com

http://www.batteryoperatedcandles.net

EcoPower Faucets from Toto

While Toto has always been known for well designed and engineered products, they are certainly making a name for themselves when it comes to the future of green engineering.


What I love most about these new faucets is the innovative approach to the mechanics of water consumption, while also delivering uncompromising aesthetics. Equipped with hands-free sensors, these faucets deliver water only when needed, avoiding unnecessary waste while providing convenience for the user. However, the delivery does not stop there -- the faucets contain a self charging battery that is actually powered by the water that flows through the faucet, and contain a backup battery that is good for 19 years.


See more products like these and learn more about Toto's eco-engineering at whytotology.com

Lumicor Online Design Studio

Lumicor has launched an interactive custom surfaces designer to create custom architectural panels. Users can create their own custom combinations of colors, textures, and surfaces from the Lumicor Design Studio, and preview their sample before emailing it or placing an order. You can even save your designs to come back to later, or browse other custom designs.



Website: www.lumicor.com

Elica Hoods ... Italian design soon to be available in the U.S.!

Leave it to the Italians to once again take a utilitarian item and turn it into a work of art ... this is exactly what Elica has done, and their ventilation hoods are amazing!



The Elica Star hood looks like a chandelier! A cleverly hidden "magic wand" controls all of the operations of the hood with a flick of the wrist. These hoods are not just pretty looking, they are also highly engineered and quality driven, as explained in their literature where they discuss the pioneering behind Perimeter Aspiration:

Perimeter aspiration represents an alternative aspiration technology. The product functions in such a way that the airflow is moved from the central area to the external perimeter of the hood, a technique that not only does not overload the motor power but in fact reduces energy consumption and noise.

We sure can't wait until these are available here! Until then, you can browse their website at : www.elica.it

All-In-One Washer AND Dryer -- The End to Sour Wash Loads?

There are many great things about living in Hawaii, and I would not live anywhere else in the world. However, living in a tropical environment means you will at one time or another forget to put your wet laundry into the dryer in a timely manner, resulting in the dreaded sour wash load. You all know what I am talking about -- you get home from work, open the washing machine to throw your towels into the dryer, and you are hit with a foul stench and the sinking realization that you need to wash the towels all over again. Some of us just don't have the time or the luxury to compete with the humidity -- until now.

Asko's combination washer dryer is a front loading, all-in-one machine with a stainless steel interior. It's also a great space saver, as you can use the area once occupied by a separate dryer for storage, and it features a super-efficient condenser (non-vented dryer), meaning it's easier to relocate or install in condo buildings without exterior dryer ventilation. And just because it is a compact appliance doesn't mean it skimps on features -- pre-wash, extra rinse, 3 different spins speeds, and multiple wash programs are just a few of the features included. Available from Susan Palmer Designs.

Learn more about the combo washer and dryer at askousa.com

Highlights from Eurocucina Milan '08

Once again, Pedini received rave reviews of their new prototypes at the Eurocucina furniture expo in Milan this year. Among some of the new designs and materials introduced was the concept kitchen series "Dune". Dune takes the concept of the curved kitchen that Pedini pioneered with the Artika series, and goes one step further. Organic shapes mingle with integrated fixtures and appliances to create a truly unique freestanding kitchen.


The Dune display also previewed a new material, Walnut, as pictured above. High gloss lacquer was also on display as pictured below:





Inserts to match the interior of the curved drawer fronts keep everything in reach, while maximizing space for a clean and efficient cooking experience that blends form with function perfectly.



Another exciting concept previewed was the special edition Lamborghini Island kitchen, as seen below in Ostrich.

Thanks to Amir Ilin of kuche+cucina for the images. To learn more about Pedini, visit susanpalmerdesigns.com and www.pediniusa.com

Wovin Wall from 3form

Wovin Walls from 3Form is a series of interlocking tiles available in different materials and colors that snap together to create interesting textures for your walls. These new shapes are available in most of the standard 3form ecoresin colors and textures. Another advantage to these? They are only as permanent as you want them to be - tiles can be changed to suit your mood, season, or decor in your home or apartment. The resin is not only a recycled "green" product, but is resistant to mold and mildew too, while providing quick and easy cleaning. Wenge and White Gloss Laminate pictured below. Photos from 3form website.

the New Kohler Karbon Faucet - WOW.

Kohler unveiled their newest, and possibly the most advanced and versatile, faucet for the kitchen. The Karbon™ Articulating Kitchen Faucet seems like something that stepped right out of a sci-fi movie -- you can almost hear a robotic voice commanding you to finish the dishes!

There are quite a few cool things about this faucet - first, the faucet is "task configurable" -- the faucet was designed with pivoting joints to allow positioning based on the specific task. If you want a high-arc faucet for filling pots or cleaning in the sink, the faucet can be configured into an arched position.


This faucet can also be configured as a pot filler, allowing you to fill pots with water for pasta either on the stove or next to the sink.



Want to fold your faucet up into a neat compact shape? Now you can -- great for those who want the power of a commercial faucet but still want to keep their view when the faucet is not in use.

With all of these configurations and more, the best part is that it also has a spray faucet head too!

Images and video below of the Karbon Faucet from Kohler.com