Walk-ins Welcome
Italian Storage Does Double Duty
Friday, September 07, 2007
Italian furniture design firm Porro has applied its signature clean lines, regular forms and functionality to the storage dilemma.
Designed by Piero Lissoni and appropriately called “Storage,” the system can hold and display different items by changing from cupboard to walk-in closet. Coplanar electric leaves make the opening movement faster and easier while transparent glass leaves enclosed in a thin iron profile allow for a clear view of the interior while satisfying those who prefer a walk-in closet.
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Beyond Bamboo
Japanese Artists Live an Ancient Art
Monday, August 06, 2007
Approximately 600 varieties of bamboo grow in Japan but bamboo artists use only a few select types. TAI Gallery/Textile Arts in Santa Fe exhibits these unique bamboo baskets and sculpture. More locally, the gallery participates in art fairs in San Francisco.
There are now less than 100 working bamboo artists in Japan. Artists in training spend their first 10 years learning the basic techniques of cutting, dyeing, and plaiting bamboo. Another one or two decades are spent developing as an artist. Artists begin to gain full recognition as they come into their fifties and sixties. A number of basket makers are still working in their eighties.
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Life’s a Beach
A Store with Shoreline Style
Monday, July 30, 2007
Beach Dwelling is a site to delight lovers of breezy beach style. With furniture, bedding, lighting and accessories, this is the place to find all the elements of summery casual living.
You can pick up a chandelier in the colors of beach glass, a white-painted armoire, slip-covered sofas, lacy wrought iron beds and, of course, lots of beach-inspired accessories (check out the sea urchin candleholders). The store also carries a full range of Rachel Ashwell Shabby chic furniture, currently available with free shipping.
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Standing Room Only
Gel Takes the Ache out of Cooking
Monday, July 23, 2007
You’ve finally got the kitchen floor you’ve been dreaming of—terracotta tile, smooth hardwood, stone. It looks gorgeous. But it’s literally hard to stand on for any length of time.
Gel Pro Chef mats can take the ache out of cooking on hard flooring. Filled with soft gel that absorbs shock and reduces pressure, the mats are stain resistant and easy to clean. According to the manufacturer, the gel will not leak if punctured and remains soft and resilient unlike foam kitchen floor mats.
The gel is covered with a woven synthetic leather available in several colors, including truffle, chestnut and khaki. Non-slip bottoms keeps the mats in place and an anti-microbial additive helps eliminate mold and mildew. Available online in two sizes, 20x36 and 20x72, from Let’s Gel, Inc.
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“Clean Your Room!”
Stackable Drawers Make it Easier
Friday, July 20, 2007
For kids who tend to collect “stuff,” these mini stackables might the answer to the ongoing storage question.
Designed to be customizable, all cabinets and drawers are modular so you can add on over time as your storage needs grow. Although designed for offices and craft rooms, they’re perfect for kids’ rooms.
Modules are available in maple wood with white drawers or walnut with black drawers, and the mini unit has casters. Drawers are offered in several depths. From bestcraftorganizer.com.
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In the Clear
Glass Lights Up Lamps
Monday, July 02, 2007
Juliska Glass’s line of pendant lamps, like their other glassware, really shows off the craftsmanship of their glassblowers. The clear cylinders sport decorative touches that emphasize their natural shape and don’t interfere with the clarity of the lines. These are striking yet uncomplicated pieces. Alone or in a group, these pendants make a strong statement.
Juliska glass is mouth blown by artisans in the hills outside Prague. The techniques they use have been passed down through generations of skilled glassmakers. The unique composition of Juliska glass allows it to be blown especially thin, making the glass unexpectedly light and pleasurable to handle. No two pieces are identical and each is individually signed. All Juliska glass is lead-free.
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