What’s Cooking in Contemporary Design: Hot Products from the 2010 Kitchen & Bath Show

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-G11330_7QNVy5SnscQ0RYOZ6pOKtzY2uJgw3mtjb3Hh3tkKur1ThM9-0P6AEH3tsayMg9dMzGkEXYkFGlJwgiUvQdxO5wZJ1jr1UDAIcAMFnE_DvoeQ1lehnBabAhlCtfyPr8UmdQrO/s1600/loripic2SML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-G11330_7QNVy5SnscQ0RYOZ6pOKtzY2uJgw3mtjb3Hh3tkKur1ThM9-0P6AEH3tsayMg9dMzGkEXYkFGlJwgiUvQdxO5wZJ1jr1UDAIcAMFnE_DvoeQ1lehnBabAhlCtfyPr8UmdQrO/s320/loripic2SML.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Contributed by <a href="http://web.mac.com/ldolnick/iWeb/my%20website/Welcome.html">Lori Dolnick</a><br /><br /><br />Contemporary style was well represented at this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Chicago. Beyond each manufacturer’s desire to cover their bases between traditional, transitional and contemporary lines – I am seeing strong offerings in the modern arena. One theory… while our worlds are hectic and complex outside the home - we crave simple, classic lines inside – the uncluttered sophistication of everything in its place. It’s why white is still one of the most popular cabinet colors right now. And why storage is so vital to design. It’s not the newness of the product that defines what makes it great modern design. It’s the staying power… the “rightness” of design and quality that makes it a lasting element in the home. Here are some of the hottest contemporary finds at this year’s KBIS:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">BLANCO LEVOS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/100542/blancolevos/web.jpg?ver=12761861270001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/100542/blancolevos/web.jpg?ver=12761861270001" width="490" /></a></div><br />LEVOS by <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/">BLANCO</a> is an iconic faucet design. Utterly unique – LEVOS offers zero radius edges alongside soft arching curves. The juxtaposition of hard and soft edges not only make a bold design statement in the kitchen, they also harmonize with both modern and transitional elements.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Top Knobs Ultra Contemporary</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/100542/topknobsultracontemp/web.jpg?ver=12761861170001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/100542/topknobsultracontemp/web.jpg?ver=12761861170001" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.topknobsusa.com/">Top Knobs</a> Ultra Contemporary Collections is a mix of cabinet hardware styles with strong Asian influences and stunning minimalist lines. Available in four finishes, Top Knobs Ultra Contemporary Collection will be available this summer. I love the free online sample program that lets you order knobs ahead of time to check finish and fit!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Novellini Cristal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/100542/NovelliniCristal_1/web.jpg?ver=12761861080001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/100542/NovelliniCristal_1/web.jpg?ver=12761861080001" width="400" /></a></div><br />Master baths seem so crowded when you dump that compulsory giant soaking tub in the corner. But I imagine that if the bathing vessel were clear – and the design beautiful – that the tub would become a focal point. <a href="http://www.novellini.com/">Novellini Cristal</a> offers an edgy, futuristic design that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination. .<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Mustang Red In2ition by <a href="http://www.alsons.com/">Alsons® Corporation</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/100542/Alsons%20Mustang%20Red%20IN2ITION/web.jpg?ver=12761861300001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/100542/Alsons%20Mustang%20Red%20IN2ITION/web.jpg?ver=12761861300001" width="496" /></a></div><br />In2ition is a 5-spray shower system (you have to say system because it’s a hand held shower head ingeniously slipped inside a stationary head that delivers a wide spa-like spray). When I saw it demonstrated – I was dog tired from a full day on the trade show floor and just wanted to climb in and get a massage spray right there. And who doesn’t like red! Even though it comes in other finishes. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Bamboo by Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/100542/BambooCloseup/web.jpg?ver=12761864220001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://gallery.me.com/ldolnick/100542/BambooCloseup/web.jpg?ver=12761864220001" width="427" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.outdoorkitchensbyatlantis.com/">Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens</a> is one of the few – if only companies – I know of that offers a sleek, warm outdoor kitchen environment. Who says an outdoor kitchen has to be all stainless steel. Bamboo is green, natural and looks great outside. Get closer to nature by being kind to it. Custom or pre-finished options are available and you can design right online. <br /><br /><br /><br />See all Lori's posts <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Lori%20Dolnick">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

What’s Cooking in Contemporary Design: Hot Products from the 2010 Kitchen & Bath Show

Contributed by Lori Dolnick Contemporary style was well represented at this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Chicago. Beyon...

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The Skirted Roundtable: The State of Shelter magazines and Congrats to Michael Boodro - new eic of Elle Decor

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQga5jqGQzvxmpqu5X8UiGU-k2gMy93PG_a_jYACnHpjfcX2lc6r3aL6VCAKCXC12yAXD0tlG55B77HFEflMkDvfdc3NdKR2ziZbz6Bei6GZoDlpMgzhZCAhPsY3AyajvRJPxFET9CM6i/s1600/Musical+Magazines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQga5jqGQzvxmpqu5X8UiGU-k2gMy93PG_a_jYACnHpjfcX2lc6r3aL6VCAKCXC12yAXD0tlG55B77HFEflMkDvfdc3NdKR2ziZbz6Bei6GZoDlpMgzhZCAhPsY3AyajvRJPxFET9CM6i/s400/Musical+Magazines.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Join Megan, Joni and I as <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2010/08/shelter-mags-play-musical-chairs.html">we chat</a> about all the changes in the shelter magazines. Margaret Russell from Elle Decor to Architectural Digest; Stephen Drucker from House Beautiful to Town and Country; and Dara Caponigro from Domino to Veranda. And their replacements? Big shoes to fill. <br /><br />Have a <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2010/08/shelter-mags-play-musical-chairs.html">listen</a> to what we think is good, and bad, about these surprising moves.<br /><br />Change is good, right?<br /><br /><br />AUGUST 23: EDITED TO ADD:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2624/3988241066_1695ecfe12_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2624/3988241066_1695ecfe12_z.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Margaret Russell with incoming ELLE DECOR e-i-c Michael Boodro (image courtesty of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/christiesauctions/3988241066/sizes/z/in/photostream/">Christie's Auctions</a>)</span></div><br />ELLE DECOR announced today that  Michael Boodro has been named editor-in-chief. He was the Executive Editor from 2004-2006, and rejoined ELLE DECOR in 2009 from Martha Stewart Living where he was Editor-in-Chief. Previously, he was launch editor for Culture & Travel, collaborating with James Truman; an editor of the Style Section for the The New York Times Magazine; Editor-in-Chief of Garden Design Magazine and Features Editor for Vogue. Mr. Boodro has also held editorial positions at HG Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar and GQ. He is the author of Stephen Sills and James Huniford’s design book Dwellings. Mr. Boodro served for many years on the board of directors of the Housing Works Thrift Shops and is currently a board member of the Gesso Foundation. He began his career in the fine arts sector, and is a graduate of Yale University. In addition to Mr. Boodro’s promotion, Anita Sarsidi has been promoted to Design Director and Florentino Pamintuan has been elevated to Creative Director. Vicky Lowry will assume the Executive Editor title at the magazine.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

The Skirted Roundtable: The State of Shelter magazines and Congrats to Michael Boodro - new eic of Elle Decor

Join Megan, Joni and I as we chat about all the changes in the shelter magazines. Margaret Russell from Elle Decor to Architectural Digest;...

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Bloggers Behind the Lens, V2

Last month, I started a new feature called "Bloggers Behind the Lens" to highlight some of the amazing photography coming from the blogs. And so, I hope you enjoy this month's installment!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW1qiqfnMj0n8URvrJQGdWXGu_nhZcFm2sLld7ofTa6eB7dIBQpjOlv-_y9uIRvNJ7sO0mFd-x0adA17FEvkD450ZqJBOyLyl1FkTCgFllDl34X6iNQeEeHNPQYhd0mOjdGyIFUDkoLvt/s1600/Art+and+Alfalfa_1282170339739.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW1qiqfnMj0n8URvrJQGdWXGu_nhZcFm2sLld7ofTa6eB7dIBQpjOlv-_y9uIRvNJ7sO0mFd-x0adA17FEvkD450ZqJBOyLyl1FkTCgFllDl34X6iNQeEeHNPQYhd0mOjdGyIFUDkoLvt/s400/Art+and+Alfalfa_1282170339739.png" width="600" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gina Garner of <a href="http://ginaceramics.blogspot.com/">Art and Alphalfa</a> not only creates the most beautiful ceramic works, she takes beautiful photos as well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeFGYJu-PuxXSXnfW-lESt-OnunfgSe81ZR61rXkTlP_rfJmMa3DruZ9RrS0KiuliHMAIOA-RCe6-xnr_vB2RuOFGZScEqnPoCCzB6bAMLHRORD4opMENV9TWzAtkD3OeWs520iH95ls/s1600/L1030163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeFGYJu-PuxXSXnfW-lESt-OnunfgSe81ZR61rXkTlP_rfJmMa3DruZ9RrS0KiuliHMAIOA-RCe6-xnr_vB2RuOFGZScEqnPoCCzB6bAMLHRORD4opMENV9TWzAtkD3OeWs520iH95ls/s400/L1030163.JPG" width="600" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vicki Archer from <a href="http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/">French Essence</a> always inspires with her lifestyle blog filled with gorgeous photography of La Belle France!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latartinegourmande.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ED0C4615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://www.latartinegourmande.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ED0C4615.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latartinegourmande.com/">La Tartine Gourmonde</a> is written by a foodie and photostylist, but the personal images are lovely as well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw8Lmqci8r2qnjwkNXS8lnrEZKeDweR4srI6nhp60UA4LsKNOrfp9grHk-lrdkdZpGdkKeVzQ9RVjB_QPZCHfLAeZFecZOQXihkGP8TA_T9ffmcXTXeLV8fEWEYQEWM7kOO7mx730f7Ny/s1600/88180008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw8Lmqci8r2qnjwkNXS8lnrEZKeDweR4srI6nhp60UA4LsKNOrfp9grHk-lrdkdZpGdkKeVzQ9RVjB_QPZCHfLAeZFecZOQXihkGP8TA_T9ffmcXTXeLV8fEWEYQEWM7kOO7mx730f7Ny/s400/88180008.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelisaportercollection.blogspot.com/">Lisa Porter Collection </a></div>I loved Lisa's "Normal Rockwellian" post about summer days and baseball and thought this image realy was quite striking!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Thanks ladies for such beautiful work to inspire us all!<br /><br />And here is one of my favorite pics that I took this month:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4881443428_15b1282e98_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4881443428_15b1282e98_z.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Newburyport, MA</div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Bloggers Behind the Lens, V2

Last month, I started a new feature called "Bloggers Behind the Lens" to highlight some of the amazing photography coming from the...

Read more »