TrendzLog

Bookseat by Fishbol Design Atelier

2008-02-29T02:25:00.000-08:00

The Bookseat takes the humble and unimaginative bookshelf and integrates it into a curvy functional chair. Space is at a premium in any city environment and any items of furniture that are able to save space and offer versatility without compromising the aesthetic look will be very attractive.

The Canadian design outfit are on show at the Toronto Interior Design Show 2008, with the bookseat a star item, with its bent plywood casting an attractive silhouette. It will be available for the discerning buyer in Spring 2008 with the promised (and comfort enhancing) felt cushion.

Library Staircase - Reading One Step At A Time

2008-02-21T02:59:00.000-08:00

Hidden away in a Victorian mansion block in London is this ingenious staircase that adds both a space-saving and aesthetic feature to the top-floor apartment. Levitate Architects are the inspiration behind the design and Rodrigues Associates the brains behind the structural engineering - combining to put sleek and sophistication into a very small that is normally useless and monotonous space.

Utilising slabs of oak to form the stairs offers a truly authentic library feel to the staircase and creates a beautiful and functional space to browse.

Milan 2008 - Fabio Novembre 'Her' Chair

2008-02-16T03:21:00.000-08:00

On show at the Milan Furniture Show 2008 is this exquisite chair, appropriately named 'Her', by Fabio Novembre. He sticks to his adoration of the human (mostly female) form and has created a chair to echo his visions - this sexy chair combines the female curves and the functionality of a chair.

It is available in black or white polyethylene, and there is word that there is a 'Him' on the way, for both your in or out door activities.

Muon Loudspeaker - Futuristic And Sensual

2008-02-14T03:21:00.000-08:00

The KEF Audio Muon loudspeaker stuns with its sensual lines, futuristic feel and acoustic charms. A Ross Lovegrove design, the Muon speakers stand seven feet tall and are encased in lightweight aluminium, show all the hallmarks of this luxury designer.

Of course the sound is super and supports the latest KEF sound technology to create a imperial listening experience. The speakers are on show and available for purchase at Lane Crawford, Hong Kong, a luxury emporium offering designer collections to China and beyond.

Danish Contemporary Rocking Chair

2008-02-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

This Fantastic Stingray chair is a limited edition and one that has already received the accolade of Interior Innovations Award at the recent Cologne Furniture exhibition. The designer is Thomas Pedersen and produced the works for Fredericia Furniture and is available at a cool $4,000.

This popular furniture is well known in its native Denmark and is sure to be a welcome addition to homes around the globe with its dynamic and contemporary design. This evolution of the Stingray uses various woods form different countries to accentuate its natural feel and form. Comfort is supplied by the leather padded body and the 'relaxer' style angles and of course the rocking aspect.

Minimal Clock - By Jason Linde

2008-02-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

When most things we come into contact with today have a whiff of technology and complication, it is with a breath of fresh air with which I view the handmade clock by Jason Linde. Linde who currently lives in Washington D.C., has designed a beautifully simple and inspiring clock that reduces clock watching to a work of art. The clock spins an acrylic dial around a stationary decorative hand, and is held together by an African Wenge veneer.

An architecture graduate of Cornell University, Linde is a designer worth watching in the future.

Supersonic Travel Is Back - The Son Of Concorde

2008-02-09T03:34:00.000-08:00

Concorde is dead, long live the Son Of Concorde. A whole generation may have missed the chance to reach supersonic speeds with 'daddy' concorde but have now been given a new opportunity with the A2 or the Son Of Concorde as it has been tagged. Once on board, after having stumped up the $3,900 for a ticket, you will experience speeds of 3,400 mph and travel at an altitude of 100,000 ft.

The A2 is powered by liquid hydrogen and will be able to fly to Australia in less than five hours from the UK. As with concorde space is limited, and you will have to quick to secure one of the 300 seats. Supersonic travel is back; and back with style.

The Lobster Chair - Lund & Paarmann

2008-02-08T03:34:00.000-08:00

Curves are in and this Lobster Chair epitomises the design trend and exudes warmth and comfort as the seated is embraced from all sides. Designed by Lund & Paarmann the chair is crafted in only the finest materials with sensual use of wood and leather.

The laminated shell has a rich walnut veneer and sits upon a chrome swivel base to ensure effortless changes of direction and adds to its functionality, as well as attractiveness. The Lobster Chair was designed for Verikon Furniture and is in keeping with their indulgent and inspirational style.

Stick In A Box

2008-02-07T03:34:00.000-08:00

This is where the much over-looked art of design simplicity has created a product that is practical on so many levels, that the consumer will be wasting time deciding its best purpose. The caveman-like tool is as basic as design gets and is surprisingly beautiful as it is sleek.

Intended to take the difficulty out of everyday activities from a back-scratcher to a door-stop, and leaves the door open to uses that are only limited by your imagination. The Stick In The Box is available online from the UMA Store.

Knee Brace Dynamo - Human Battery Charger

2008-02-06T09:45:00.003-08:00

US and Canadian scientists have created a unique and useful device that will use your body movements while walking to charge up your batteries for a whole host of gadgets. As a human dynamo you will effortlessly produce enough energy to power up your mobile for 30 minutes form just one minute walking.

The dynamo is strapped to your knee and works as you move, using a process that similar to those found in hybrid cars. Each one of your steps will generate power using the car technology known as ‘regenerative braking’. The knee brace has a series of gears and sensors that are used to assist your muscles in the walking action and simultaneously produce electricity.

Your energy harvesting efforts will give off 5 watts of electricity (for a slow walk), and at 1.6kg and aesthetically-challenged this early version is not quite ready for either the rigours of daily living or the catwalk.

Akanbe Basket - Carrier Bag And Play Mat

2008-02-06T09:45:00.002-08:00

Versitility and style have been combined to create the Akanbe Basket and have provided the user a felt basket, complete with smilely face handles, that will cater for all your day-storage and carrying needs while doubling up as a play mat too.

Available in numerous bright colours the Akanbe Basket is a perfect example of practical and very useful product that packs a hefty design punch too.

Long Island Studio By Andrew Berman

2008-02-06T09:45:00.001-08:00

If you go down to the woods today you may bump into a bear or two but you will also find a Long Island studio designed by Andrew Berman. This project was commissioned on behalf of a writer and the resultant working space has left a stunning architectural footprint in among the green pastures and trees.

Walking through an over-sized glass door you are greeted with floor to ceiling windows that expose the surrounding wooded area and a bright airy interior benefiting from skylights stretching the length of the roof. The working space is found elevated on a ground level storage area and is perched among the surrounding tree canopies and offers privacy and seclusion.

The high quality materials throughout the Berman design is highlighted by copper encased exterior - allowing a matt finish that sits comfortably in nature and offers many years of maintenance-free living. A stimulating studio and one that any person (let alone a writer) cannot help but be inspired by.

Melia Table - The ORGASM

2008-02-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

Many interior designers, lovers of designer furniture and international collectors will will be fighting it out at auction for The ORGASM range from the award winning designers John-Paul Melia and Lucy Tatam of Melia. The new table will be a limited edition of just 300 and this edition will be available from the 1st March on eBay.com or via the Melia website.

John-Paul Melia, who’s previous coffee table PANTS was a sensation and positively flew out of the window to buyers worldwide and included A-list celebs furnishing their Hollywood homes. The same purchase-fever is expected for The ORGASM range and even though there are no further picture’s available, the first edition will come in an exterior ebony veneer, an ivory lacquer on the inside, and flush fitted crystal-clear glass top and bottom.

The ORGASM just like the other works by Melia, is of spectacular design and ultra-high quality and workmanship. The painstaking perfectionists have excelled with this design and collectors who have been lucky enough to have purchased previous ranges have seen their investments double in two years. The Melia brand is growing from strength to strength and one to watch in 2008.

Real-Time Home Energy Monitor Via Your Mobile

2008-02-05T06:16:00.000-08:00

Every house should have one of these real-time energy use monitoring systems and timer as standard. This super efficient and useful system from Current State puts your household energy usage into your pocket via your mobile phone, while allowing you to control and monitor energy usages even when you are not at home.

You will need a few Plug-Ends to get started and after attaching these small devices to the energy appliances you wish to monitor and control, you will start to receive the energy efficiency information. You then be in an position to remotely power up or down electrical devices and set and specify timer times.

Through your mobile phone you will be able to visually monitor real-time energy rates, usage, and costs. Rooms can be divided graphically into high, acceptable or low energy consumers, allowing you to identify the energy drains in your home. What's more you will be compared and ranked alongside users in your neighborhood and from around the US.

Most appliances are not required during the day but most will remain on stand-by, the Current State system can make your home more energy efficient and make conservation a little more fun.

Snow House - Ice Cool Modern Living

2008-02-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

When you think of Norway (if you ever have that is), you would of course think of the rocky fjords, cold weather, warm people, and it’s abundance of the very lucrative oily goods: fish and oil; and most would not even consider the architectural and design content of the Scandinavian country. The snow home, as I like to call it, is an sparkling reminder of design creativity and exudes a sophisticated simplicity that is very easy on the eye.

Moving away from his recognised design style, the Norwgian architect Tommie Wilhelmsen has created an ultra-modern home, with a clever use of the light and space to contrast the stark white interior and the lush green scenery. Sitting on a slightly elevated plot on Vivendelstein 10, Stavanger it has many native admirers that is sure to be expanded to a global audience soon.

The interior design is on-going and not quite the finished canvas just yet; but with clever use of nature-based products, some form of texture (e.g. wallpaper) and very choice works of art, this snow house will be an exciting home to add to the list reasons to visit Norway.

Fagor Cooktop - The Finest

2008-02-03T05:36:00.000-08:00

The normally ugly cooktops have had a makeover and the resultant cooktop by Fagor is sleek and graceful - elegant enough to smarten up any living or working environment. The quality glass top and stainless steel trim added to its multi-functions have taken portable induction cooking to a higher level. The eco-friendly cooktop is very energy conscious and claims to use 50% less energy than normal gas or electric appliances.

Functionality is of paramount consideration in this design and with 6 power levels, digital touch controls, child safety lock, and a voltage warning system, the Fagor cooktop insists on taking a space in your home, office, car, bus, train and such like - and measuring only a lightweight and compact 12"x14" makes a strong case for itself.

Features, not quite finished, as the sophisticated cooktop has a built-in count-down digital timer, diagnostic messaging system, automatic shutdown, auto-pan detection and easy to clean surface to ensure even the 'won't cook - can't cook' crowd are at least tempted.

Eco Streetlights - Solar-Wind Powered

2008-02-02T04:49:00.000-08:00

The future of all street and public lighting can be viewed on the streets of Europe as well as the Far East and these eco-friendly lighting structures offer both aesthetic and economic attractiveness. This example, can be found in Japan and is both wind and solar powered; and utilises the fines lines and functionality of vertical axis wind turbine - as oppose to the visually awkward horizontal kind.

The Seagull streetlights produce and store power during to day in a battery stored in the base of the structure, and blaze a light trail for Tokyo-ites from dusk until dawn. The elegant street lighting offers a new design icon for passers-by to marvel at.

How long before your city has the foresight to develop similar projects and start the slow transition away from the current power sources and onto more energy and environmental conscious ones?

Back To The Fuji-Future

2008-02-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

Just when the digital world seemed to have taken over the camera world, there was a bright, albeit very small, ray of light being omitted at the Phototrade Show And Convention 2008 (PMA 2008) - the light was a Fuji prototype camera.

The 6x7 film camera that has a four-fold resolution dominance over the 35mm. The classic design adds nostalgia to its basic but functional attributes. Any older camera fans will stare longingly at the many protruding lines and angles. An electronic shutter maybe the only difference between this model an those from the 1950s. 70mm roll films.

Unnamed, unpriced, and no details in availability as yet, the Fuji camera was most probably the only film camera available at the PMA 2008...Could there still be life in the film camera world after all?

A Minimal Watering Paradise

2008-01-31T09:54:00.000-08:00

This is the Ebb bathroom designed by the British and Irish design group UsTogether, its minimal sleek lines ooze decandance as well as functionality. The ebb and flow of the design mimic the flow of the water and call on the user to move effortlessly and seemlessly from unit to unit. Fixtures are not the stars of this concept and as such do not detract from the sophiticated structural lines. With water usage and conservation a keen design characteristic, the water flow mechanisms offer motion activated systems.

The light panels are fully customisable and offer the client various colour options, allowing for totally unique bathrooms. Combining design, art and water in the name of creating a better bathing experience, the bath displays multi-featured waterfall and flow features to create a fucntion for almost every situation, from a quick shower, to shaving or brushing teeth.

Voxan Café Racer Motorbike By Philippe Starck

2008-01-30T02:02:00.001-08:00

The famous and prolific designer Phillipe Starck has revealed one of his passions - his love for the motobike - when his new minimalist motobike design for the French Voxan factory was showcased in Paris recently.

Starck displays his versitility and creative talents in producing a naked futuristic bike, that is as stunning as it is simple. The new Cafe Racer prototype is 1200cc and produces a power output of 140hp, and comes in at a fighting-weight of 180kg.

The individuality of the biker is carried high in the Starck design, with a selfish tiny seat, upright seated position and racing-style details to make anyone feel special and in control - and scream 'look at me!'.

And as with any prototype its always a question of 'do you love it, or hate it?'

Mexican Steel - A City Dwelling

2008-01-30T02:02:00.000-08:00

The architects CC Architects overcame unimaginative building regulations and land restrictions to create this Mexican city dwelling; by using a building footprint of less than 500m2 , have conjured up a light-hungry spacious designer home of well over 1600m2.

Taking its place among the heavily populated urbanised streets, it has used glass and strategic uses of limestone to provide a stunning but natural appearance. The design provides an internal space using minimal but functional furniture and takes you well away from the city life with creative use of light, colour and double height ceilings.

The windows face lush green foilage and add the its city-refuge label, and must give hope to all those living in uniform urban spaces.

Snow Room - The New Sauna

2008-01-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

The Snow Room was showcased at a recent Hotel Equipment Fair in the ever-sunny resort of Antalya (Turkey) and will be on sale in all luxury hotels and spas in 2008. The room will be offered to those hotel guests who have had enough of the blazing sun and unbearable heat, and are looking for a way to cool down - at minus ten degrees the Snow Room will be just the place.

The Snow Room is the inspiration of the MNK Group, who are normally associated with the manufacture of saunas, as they seek to add yet another service to attract guests to five-star locations. A spokesperson for the company made great efforts to point out the benefits of a hot-cold therapy, and pointed to the common practice in north European countries, of using a sauna coupled with cold weather for positive health benefits.

It will be interesting to see the interest shown in the Snow Room as the new summer season begins to heat up; but at minus ten degrees most people will be shivering at just the thought of entering.

Sneaker Evolution Art - Koi Club x Asics Collectors Box

2008-01-28T07:56:00.001-08:00

The Koi Club x Asics Collectors Box manages to put the billion years of human evolution into four basic stages and make it a work of art, from which any schoolchild would find it easy to remember Darwin’s theories - from fish to sneaker.

This is another fine example of the Koi Club finding new ways to promote sneakers in some shape or form. The sporty collaboration with Asics is an inventive and informative one, as this sneaker-art is encased in a steel briefcase and uses 4 different sculptures to mimic man’s progression from the sea and out onto land, by evolving a shape of a fish into a fully funtional sneaker.

The price is rumoured to be around 1,000 Euros, which is bound to add to its ‘collectors item’ appeal. However, on closer inspection I seem to think there’s something missing from the Koi Club x Asics Collectors Box...the right sneaker.

Barbed Wire Fashion - Maison Martin Margiela Menswear

2008-01-28T07:56:00.000-08:00

The metallic menswear theme is hot off the European catwalks. From Paris fashion week comes Maison Martin Margiela’s 20th anniversary show highlighting his fall-winter 08/09 collection. This much sought after Belgian designer, who interestingly chooses to stay out of the public eye, has celebrated his two decades in the business with a stunning and contemporary collection.

Amongst the tailored jackets and fine-lined coats was ‘barbed wire’ fashion. Two designs stood out from the collection for special praise and attention: the barbed wire ring and vest. The ring was as aggressive as it was comfortable, whereas the vest (not actually made of barbed wire, but rubber tubing) leaves nothing to the imagination in its coverage of the body.

Judging from the ardent and stubborn following Maison attracts, it is no surprise that this collection will take menswear into the metallic age (once again?).

Urban Gardens - Living Walls

2008-01-27T07:56:00.001-08:00

Imagine wall art that was eco-friendly, added Mother Nature to your living room and was a constantly changing spectacle, and you will come close to envisioning something like the creative Living Wall Planters. At $169, they are relatively good priced, especially since they are coupled with the entertainment and novelty value.

It is a very good idea, but as with most pioneering inventors, the first concept is by no means the best one. The Living Wall Planters gets full-marks for the idea, but the execution lacks the necessary sleek sophistication to make it popular and successful inside the home.

The cedar wood frame is packed with a metallic grid of pockets for the soil and plant roots to sit in, which allows for the plants to sit upright on the wall. Hidden from view is a basic watering and reservoir system that slowly feeds the plants and ensures there are no leakages (on your stylish wall-coverings or furniture).

Once the makers address the ‘look what I built in my backyard’ appearance and inject a little more aesthetic appeal to their design, they will have created a whole new trend in wall art and household gardening. Until that day comes, it’ll be best not to remove any existing works of art from the walls in your home, and instead, maybe look to use the Living Wall Planter to decorate the exterior walls of your living space.

Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton - Blason Jewelry

2008-01-27T07:56:00.000-08:00

Continuing his association with Louis Vuitton, performer-producer Pharrell Williams has teamed up with LV’s creative jewelry consultant, Camille Miceli to introduce a brand new jewelry collaboration under the Blason banner. The avant garde styles will be paraded at the Paris fashion shows, and take their shape and design from the world of music and the associated bling materials: diamonds and gold.

These beautiful pieces will have accountants running for cover and the fashion (and rich) trendsetters positively falling over themselves to get at the jewelry, as the collection price tags range from $2,070 to $621,000 USD.

The collection was released on the 21st January...Of course, I kept the details to myself so there was less competition in Paris, so I could pick up a few pieces for Valentine’s Day.

Slimming Energy Drinks - Pollen Burst™

2008-01-26T07:56:00.001-08:00

Using organically grown flower pollen extracts, Pollen Burst™ is set to be the blockbuster slimming / energy drink in 2008. The much maligned flower pollen is mostly associated with bad press, as the chief culprit causing the suffering of millions of people worldwide due to hay-fever. However, this new launch of the world’s first energy drink using the power of pollen will help to shrug off its poor image and create a new loyal fan-base.

The super-scientific drink combines organically grown flower pollen and a powerful antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (S.O.D.) found in our body’s; together green tea extracts, B vitamins, etc. to boost your energy in a flash and help you control your appetite.

The company behind the new drink, ProJoba International, claim that not only will Pollen Burst™ boost your energy and induce slimming effects, but due to its antioxidant ingredients it will also fightback against the primary causes of premature aging - the dangerous free radicals, toxins and other environmental stresses. There is no other drink on the market that can boast all these powerful ingredients.

An energy boost; helps you lose weight; anti-aging - it’s sure to be filling (and refilling) shelves near you soon.

Alaska Chair - Polished Stainless Steel Armchair

2008-01-26T07:56:00.000-08:00

Alaska - The perfect name for a chair that looks as cool as the state it is named after. This mirror polished Stainless Steel Armchair is the perfect accompaniment to all the other stainless steel furniture and accessories you have in accumulated your home. Emilio Nanni is the designer behind the futuristic armchair and continues to bring the space-age theme into everyday lifestyles.

Available from Cattelan Italia, this Polished Stainless Steel Armchair may not look the most comfortable, but its smooth surface and contemporary lines creates an admiration and allure that you will find hard to resist - whether you choose to sit on it or just bashfully stare at it.

If you have the space, then this 70x75x50 centimeter chair is a stunning example of design past, present and future - a timeless piece that is bound to appreciate in value, as well as admirers.

Luxury Ashtray - Gold 'Up Yours' Ashtray

2008-01-25T07:56:00.001-08:00

While other designers may shy away from tackling the controversial subject of smoking, Jean-Marc Gady has introduced a range of new finishes to his ‘Up Yours’ (La Chose) ceramic ashtray. The two-fingered ashtray holds a cigarette with the same poise of a seasoned smoker and quite unequivocally states ‘up yours’ to the non-smoking establishment.

The new ceramic range builds on the previous design by adding new finishes: gold, platinum, black and orange. The stunning objects would grace any social gathering, and also make a aggressive political statement. The French designer Jean-Marc (Founder and Director of the Jean-Marc Gady Interior and Product Design Creative Agency) is mostly dedicated to the luxury world and designs for brand names such as Louis Vuitton, Moet & Chandon, Apple computers, Baccarat and Christofle.

Prices? Well, the Gold version comes in at around $125; Platinum at $80; while the best of the rest at around $55. It’s almost a shame of deposit anything in these luxury designs, let alone the ash of cigarettes, so buyers may decide to come up with other uses for these sleek ashtrays instead.

Healthy Turkish Fastfood - Salmon Kebab

2008-01-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

Looking for an alternative to the traditional late-night meat or chicken kebabs? Well, you have to wait no longer as the Salmon Kebab is here!

Showcased recently at a Fabex Food & Drinks Trade Fair in Antalya, Turkey, the salmon kebabs were dished out to the hungry and the curious attendees. 60 kilos of the kebab went in the first day!

The salmon kebab is currently, only available in a few exclusive dining and hotel establishments in Antalya, though Alarko Leroy, the enterprising company behind the new product launch, have committed to spreading the ‘healthy’ fast-food further afield. The supply will initially look to take hold in Turkey, where an estimated 5 tonnes will be consumed in 2008, followed by expansion in Europe and North America.

Taking the fast food image upmarket, the salmon kebab is made using prime imported salmon from Norway. The quality fish are filleted and infused with special combination of milk, cinnamon, bay leaves, and lemon to add a touch of the Mediterranean to it. Roasted on the horizontal skewer, it is slighted browned and then sliced into the awaiting pita bread, and into the hands of a lucky customer.

Bling Under Your Skirt - Undercover Jewelry

2008-01-17T07:56:00.002-08:00

Brands such as Louis Vuitton, Boucheron, Dior Fine Jewelry, Graff, and Van Cleef & Arpels are taking the art of ‘bling’ to another level - an undercover one. It almost flies in the face of the definition of what bling is or what it stands for, as these delightful jewels will (for most people) remain a totally private affair.

From rings, to brooches, bracelets to tassels all of this jewelry-action will be going on under the cover of clothing. Accessories costing thousands of dollars will be ‘on display’ without attracting the attention of envious eyes. There is no limit to the array of jewelry that can be displayed and is sure to be a big hit with both men and women.

One of the many positives is that the undercover jewelry will not alert those with illegal intentions - though, in the event of a ‘hold-up’ they may get a lot more than they bargained for.

Music Through The Table Top - iTable at Imm Cologne 2008

2008-01-17T07:56:00.001-08:00

Continuing its theme of innovative and inspiring products, the imm Cologne Furniture Show has introduced a novel way to your iPod tunes. The slender ‘iPod’ white table is designed by Swiss designers Ulrich Kössel and Lino Amati, and seeks to take your music to the table-top level.
The varnished MDF hides an immaculate stereo sound system complete with bass-reflex speakers producing unbelievable clarity and distinction - for a table. You can dock you iPod on (or more appropriately, in) the table via the flush recessed docking station, where you can choose your tunes to play manually or by using the very useful remote control. Furthermore, to add even more reasons to buy the iTable, Kössel and Amati added the ability to recharge your iPod while it sits on/in the iTable.

For all you who thought you had all the available iPod gadetery, well you can think again, as this must be the must have and ultra-exclusive accessory for 2008. Watch out for the iBed, with bass-reflex in the mattress, now there’s an idea…

The Ring House - Best Private House

2008-01-17T07:56:00.000-08:00

This weekend house has been voted the Best Private House in the Wallpaper Design Awards 2008, and it is obvious to see why. The work of architects Makoto Takei and Chie Nabeshima (TNA), this weekend house is a stunning example of how creativity, design, and environment can co-exist beautifully.

The architects were invited to create a weekend retreat that was far away from the hustle and bustle of the Tokyo lifestyle and streets - and that’s exactly what they did. As the Ring House sits naturally among the lush green vegetation and trees of a Japanese forest, with only a two-hour drive separating the city dwellers from a eco-paradise.

The weekend house sits exquisitely in its surroundings by making full use of its ethereal, glass and wood mini-tower. The tall but not over-powering structure creates a retreat to rejuvenate and refresh any of its inhabitants. The uninterrupted 360-degree vantage points in the Ring House offers you the luxurious experience of being as close to nature as you could be from within the structure of a house. It blends gracefully into the surroundings as its transparent skin sucks in the light of the day and exudes life at night. This stunning design will no doubt be of special attention for both the naturalist and the naturist.

Porsche Kitchen - P'7340 Design at imm Cologne 2008

2008-01-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

Based in one of the leading global design conscious cities, the imm Cologne - the International Furniture Show 2008, unfurled its doors on the 14th January 2008 (until the 20th). All the names and faces of the furniture design world are present, promising to make this the most innovative and inspiring show to date.

The imm Cologne arena makes for an impressive stage, which highlights important trends in the world of interior design. This year’s trend highlights and innovations spring form visionary interior design scenarios, such as the art of the kitchen, as well as the never-say-die classics.

Enter Porsche, who are exhibiting a kitchen that has all the style and sophistication of their cars, placed into the comfort of your home. The “art of kitchen” making use of, imm pure, a completely new and sensational presentation presence for manufacturers of premium kitchens, such as Porsche. This exclusive platform highlights the stunning lines and delicious details of the Porsche kitchen, promoting a kitchen area as a place where the living begins and merges into other living areas.

Family functional and perfectly designed, making it not just a fancy prototype. The design exudes luxury and purity; taking each area or operation down to it most basic function. It brings automotive design into the products, creating new features revolving around the movement, opening, and closing of its units. The kitchen is engineered using only the most innovative materials of the highest quality, coupled with the traditional craftsmanship associated with Porsche makes this modern design masterpiece.

The kitchen has always been the ‘living space for most people and this design will continue to keep that trend going and evolving until there is no distinction between it and the ‘living room’. One thought lingers...How fast will it cook the food?

Oval Entertainment Sofas - de Sede 152 is a Movie Heaven For Two

2008-01-13T07:56:00.000-08:00

Do you really need any more furniture in your home after you’ve bought the DS 152 oval entertainment sofa? From the luxury of this elegant sofa designed by Jane Worthington for de Sede HOME of Switzerland, you can relax, entertain, eat, and even sleep. The ultra inviting oval shape is built to accommodate two - with the back and armrests warmly embracing the occupants from all sides. The palm-of-the-hand like sofa comes in various colors from dark and moody black, chivalrous and spacey white, to the flamboyant and flirty orange; coupled with its quality upholstery it makes it near impossible for anyone (or two) to escape its clasp.

The DS 152 is designed with entertainment in mind, with many options available to cater for most gadget lovers who desire class and convenience all in one spot. You can turn this sophisticated sofa in to a multimedia island and enjoy the benefits of a flat-screen monitor from where the fun is taken to another level as you access TV, video, DVD, or the Internet.

This has everything you could wish for in a sofa and is where the furniture of the future will have taken their lessons from. That said however, I think they should take another look at the options available for the DS 152, as I personally think there is room for some sort of refreshments or snack bar; office annexe; and for those you get too attached to the DS 152, a body odour detector.

Luxury Steel Box Home on Stilts - Delta Shelter

2008-01-11T07:56:00.000-08:00

When you think of the weekend cabin, most people will think of one made from logs, wood, or stone. The Delta Shelter is the creation of Tom Kundig, of the Seattle architects Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen. The 1,000 square-foot weekend cabin successfully combines art, design, and an elegant living experience, and all from what is basically a ‘steel box on stilts’. The cabin comes complete with 10’ x 18’ shutters, which on the turn of a lever, simultaneously shuts out the outside world.

Situated near a river in Mazama, WA, the Delta Shelter has recently been awarded the prestigious Honor Award from the National AIA, thereby, adding a few more plaudits, and officially recognising a architect who continues to echo his art fabrication education and American West upbringing. Kundig takes the weekend cabin to new levels - literally. As the cabin is situated in an area at risk of flooding, the cabin sits on steel stilts three stories high; with the living area and kitchen (sensibly, as well as aesthetically) occupying the top floor.

More forward thinking designs like this will help with any future migration back to the green open spaces of the American West. Did anyone say electricity?

Skate Boarding For School Fitness - Skate Pass the New PE Class?

2008-01-09T07:56:00.001-08:00

A Physical Education class sure to get the attention of children, skateboarding in school - the skateboard today, is not frowned upon as it was in my years (which saw its invention), but is being positively embraced and promoted in schools across the U.S. and the globe, on its way to becoming the ‘new P.E.’, for the new generations. With elitist competitive sports, such as football, athletics, basketball, and soccer, taking up much of the physical education curriculum, skateboarding is providing an attractive alternative for an individual and non-competitive physical activity.

Based in Colorado U.S., Skate Pass is out to introduce skateboarding into schools across the world, offering it as a realistic and trendy alternative; and develop and express new skills not normally associated with physical education and sports, namely, individual creativity, cooperation, and friendship.

“It was awesome! The kids enjoyed it so much,” says Richard Cendali, an American P.E. Teacher Of The Year. “The Skate Pass curriculum is safer and easier than in-line [skating]. I had kids who couldn’t stand on in-line skates riding and progressing on the skateboard.”

To support the health and well-being of students, Skate Pass, which was developed in conjunction with leaders in the pyhsical education industry offers 3 different skateboarding programs (P.E., Enrichment, & Inservice). The programs meet all National activity guidelines, standards, and school safety requirements. They will supply, on request, all the required skateboards and safety equipment, along with their fully qualified instructors to meet even the largest class sizes of modern schools.

A great idea for getting children to perform some kind of physical activity...But I was a little concerned to note from the Skate Pass website that the US Army had placed an order in for the Skate Pass Program.

Religious Fitness - Church Preaches Faith Based Weight Loss

2008-01-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

According to the researchers at Purdue University, 65% of church-goers are in the overweight and obese categories. So while most church pastors will look glumly at their dwindling congregation numbers, another Los Angeles based Christian organisation will seek to create a new faith-following that will address both excess weight and the lower church attendances, in one attempt.

Body Temple Wellness, a Christian weight loss and wellness company is about to launch a nationwide church tour and weight loss challenge, to unleash its faith based weight-loss programme, which it says their own members have been enjoying since 1994. The challenge seeks to introduce participants to spiritual and psychological health healing, which will address issues such as food addictions, low self-esteem, and compliance to non-biblical weight-loss programs.

Their mission is to ‘revolutionise the health and spiritual well-being of the Body of Christ. We create wholeness, legacy and permanent weight-loss results. We empower the church to become a holistic beacon of light, freedom and vibrant wellness.’

The “How Faith Wins at Weight Loss Tour & Church Challenge” starts in Los Angeles, at Faithful Central Bible Church Tabernacle, where it will offer a two hour workshop based around the controversial book ‘Diets Don’t Work, But Jesus Does’, before touring 10 cities in the U.S including Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Charlotte, DC/Maryland, Chicago, Detroit, and San Diego.

The church based weight-loss challenge is a first, and will hope to prove that the faith based weight-loss program will provide both inner and outer transformations in participants and the church’s themselves - and maybe a few more people per pew.

Branded Fondue Sets - Nutella Unveals Chocolate Fondue

2008-01-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

Ferrero must have been doing their homework. A quick check of the cooking sites and forums show that any person looking for a chocolate fondue experience will most times reach for Nutella (a Ferrero brand). So, as not to be out done by the humble home cook, the world famous chocolate company have introduced their very own Nutella branded Chocolate Fondue Set.

The fondue, prepared in as little as 20 minutes, will add another indulgent level to the art of eating with friends, family, or indeed lovers. The fondue set comes complete with features, including one Ballarini saucepan, which can also be used on an electric or gas stove which is of course dishwasher proof; one metal table stand, one candle, four small stainless steel forks with plastic handles, and one stonking 750g jar of Nutella chocolate-hazelnut spread. All you need to supply are the fruits or anything else you can think of, as items to dip into the chocolate.

This product will urge consumers to blow their January health resolutions in one-sweet-swoop, but putting aside any health fears it may attract, it is sure to enjoy a cult status as a must have for any house party or social gathering for this year…

Pizza for Dogs - Heaven Scent

2007-07-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

This doggie treat is tempting regardless of whether you get around on two or four legs. The Heaven Scent Pizza for Dogs made by Blissful Biscuits comes ready to eat and shrink wrapped in a classic pizza delivery box. The 7” pizza is a healthy new treat that smells and tastes (I had to try it!) like your favorite take-out pizza.

No longer will your dog have to make do with canned pooch food when the rest of the family gorge themselves on juicy pizza. Perfect for the girls or guys doggie night in! “Any dog lover understands wanting to do the best for our canine friends. This is the driving force behind Blissful Biscuits. We’ve decided to make treats that are healthy for dogs who would otherwise be fed chemical preservatives from mass produced treats. After extensively researching what dogs need and enjoy, we experimented with many processes and ingredients, and created Blissful Biscuits”.

The healthy doggie pizza has a biscuit crust with ingredients such as parmesan cheese, garlic, vegetable oil, tomato paste, basil and oregano. It’s preserved with natural Vitamin E, and contains no added salt.

‘It’s a dog’s dinner’, will not be such an insult after you’ve tried the Heaven Scent Pizza for Dogs!