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

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