Some of the newest trends in contemporary kitchen design involve the use of universal design principles and eco-friendly materials. Universal design is great for kitchens because it is a room that almost everyone in the family uses on a daily basis. The overall visual impression is one of sleek modernity – stainless steel storage units are contrasted by additional fabulous cabinetry in black. Sliding the roomy drawers open reveals smart storage alternatives such as the sturdy plastic plate holders pictured. By the sink, coordinating stainless steel drying racks are located conveniently behind the faucet. (more…)
A number of basic design styles apply to everything from furniture to interior and exterior home design. Here are some general guidelines for some popular design styles:
Contemporary/modern design features sleek, unadorned cabinets, plain panel doors and hardware that’s hidden or unobtrusive.
Traditional is more formal and elegant. Raised panel cabinet doors or clear glass panels separated by thin strips of wood are often seen. Rich wood finishes or painted white wood may be accented with sparkle from brass or brass-tone hardware.
Craftsman bungalow houses usually have low-pitched gable roofs with large overhangs and exposed rafters. Under the gables are often decorative beams or braces. A craftsman bungalow commonly has a generous front porch with a roof is carried on square, tapered columns. Stone or brick frequently is used for the porch’s base or columns. Masonry may also be used for a tapered chimney on one side of the house. (more…)
Bathroom storage has evolved from over-the-toilet shelves to today’s sophisticated furniture pieces with pullout drawers and removable trays.
It’s a response to a common dilemma facing homeowners with new or newly remodeled bathrooms: How to provide bathroom storage without sacrificing style.
“In contemporary bathrooms with the sink mounted to the wall, there’s no place to put anything, said Kurt Schnakenberg, vice president of sales for Chicago Brass, a wholesale dealer in Highwood. “It looks great, but living (with) that bath doesn’t work because you can’t perform your daily activities in there.” (more…)
The Metropolitan at Reston Town Center is a new high-rise luxury apartment building with plenty of amenities and high-end finishes.
The chic interior design is enhanced by tasteful contemporary works by Washington area artists. The most striking feature is the rooftop — a combination of open-air pool and terrace, along with a 12,000-square-foot enclosed entertainment, fitness and lounge area.
The apartments are at the western end of the pedestrian-friendly Reston Town Center, a multi-block mixed-use development that includes an outdoor shopping mall, homes, offices and outdoor entertainment space. At the center of it all, an open-air plaza holds a large ice skating rink in winter and music and other events the rest of the year. (more…)
Arclinea San Diego, a full-service kitchen design firm and distributor of the Arclinea Collection of contemporary Italian kitchens, is pleased to announce enhancements to the company’s long-standing commitment to the design and manufacture of environmentally friendly kitchens.
Having historically utilized non-toxic paints and lacquers, free from heavy metals and low emission, Arclinea recently fully converted to a water-based finishing system. The result is an even cleaner manufacturing process that surpasses standards set by local and global environmental legislation.
“Considering that the kitchen is the heart of the home, both philosophically and practically, it is increasingly important that this living space be a healthy, ecologically intelligent one,” says Lisa Wilson-Wirth, president and owner of Arclinea San Diego. “Arclinea kitchens reflect a spirit of design that respects our living earth and the people who inhabit it — our company continues to lead the kitchen industry with its commitment to environmentally friendly materials and green manufacturing strategies.”
In addition to utilizing water-based paints and lacquers, Arclinea’s environmental commitment includes (more…)
