Written by Linda Jennings

When it comes to the most luxurious brands in home design it’s hard to top the Architectural Digest Home Design Show. Held recently at Pier 94 in New York City this unique venue featured the most distinguished brands in home design.  Inspiration was all around as designers, more than 350 premium brands and industry experts collaborated to unveil the best ideas in home design! From freestanding sculptured tubs to colorful glass art, this 4-day event was one of the most inspired venues and sent me home wanting to remodel every room in my home!

Here are just a few highlights from the show.

I love the creativity of the exhibitors at the AD show.  One of my favorite displays was the Moore & Giles airstream loaded with tons of fabulous leather bags and accessories – a wonderful way to shop leather!

A fantastic seminar on the evolving kitchen sponsored by La Corneu with leading designer Karen Edwards sharing trends in kitchen design and what today’s luxury consumer is investing in and why.  Pyrolave, our French lava stone countertop client, was showcased in the La Cornue exhibit designed by the very charming Matthew Quinn, one of the nation’s leading experts in home design and principal of Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio. La Cornue is the unrivaled French artisan producer of custom ranges in vibrant colors. Pyrolave’s lava stone surfaces are not only stunningly beautiful, but can also withstand almost anything that comes their way. These are durable, high-quality and low-maintenance surfaces – offered over 32 custom colors – to suit any design. Pyrolave surfaces infuse sophisticated style and unparalleled strength into countertops.

ThinkGlass was awarded ‘Top Pick 2012 for Social Responsibility’ by the ASID NY Metro Chapter on the first day of the show. The award winners are chosen by a distinguished panel of member designers as the best products to be showcased at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show 2012.  “We are thrilled to receive this very prestigious award from the ASID,” stated Bertrand Charest of ThinkGlass. “This is our first year at the Architectural Digest Show and we feel that the market and consumers were very receptive to our products and the green aspects of designing with glass.”  ThinkGlass products are made from 100% recyclable glass using sustainable practices and without the use of any adhesive or sealant that might contain harmful compounds.

ThinkGlass was by far one of the hottest newcomers to the show offering glass countertops, steps, and art that can  transform a kitchen or bath into something dramatic. Virtually maintenance-free and extremely durable they offer a remarkable blend of function and art. Each countertop is unique, with a huge menu of molded textures and colors. Customers can choose their glass thickness, edge treatments and even add LED lights to further personalize their design. The end result is a smooth, glossy finished surface that is as strong as it is beautiful. The textured finish of the glass island tops hides fingerprints and smudges and you can even add LED lights for a dramatic effect!

The keynote presentation was by Margaret Russell, Editor in Chief of Architectural Digest.  Margaret is one of the most influential editors in the luxury market and so it was a pleasure to capture this photo with her just before her seminar.  Her presentation highlighted the latest trends in architectural and interior design photography, covering everything from how to prepare projects for photo shoots to how to effectively promote work both in print and online. Celebrated photographers Pieter Estersohn and Joshua McHugh, contributors to Architectural Digest, joined Ms. Russell for a brief Q+A, providing exclusive expert insight from the other side of the camera lens.

Du Verre Hardware teamed up with Modenus to showcase their newest hardware collection Arroyo in the Modenus exhibit.

Designed by William Harvey for Du Verre Hardware, the new ARROYO is an elegant series of cabinet knobs and pulls. Its simple geometry implies luxury and ease. Available in four sizes and three finishes; Satin Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze and for the first time White!

Gina Lubin from Du Verre is shown here with Troy Hanson of the Merchandise Mart at the Modenus BlogTour Martini and Mimosas get together in the NEW ReFresh pavilion – an area dedicated to kitchen and bath. Troy was a dream to work with and helped many of our new clients find a home at the AD Show.

Victoria + Albert’s New Edge Collection made its debut and captured the attention of the MODENUS BLOG TOUR. Their booth was THE HOT SPOT of the Modenus Design Find Photo Contest.

Modenus Design Find Photo contest ran all four days at this show and the Victoria + Albert Booth became a favorite destination for the photos.

Here’s how it worked:  Show visitors registered at Modenus’ booth at the show and received a list of participating exhibitors then visited each listed exhibitor and took a photo taken of themselves with their favorite product.  The Grand Prize is a 6-day trip to London with BlogTour as the group travels to the London Design Festival in September 2012.   Winners to be announced in April.

Shown in the NEW EDGE TUB UNVEILED AT THE SHOW is Caitlin Ryan, Robin Baron, Quincy Bock and Fara Jellson respectively from Robin Baron Design.  Check out their blog: www.SimplifyingFabulous.com.

The Edge Collection won the hearts of consumers and designers were captivated with the freestanding architectural beauty.  The tub’s double ended design has plenty of room for two (or even three as the photo shows), while its’ clean profile creates an architectural centerpiece certain to add drama to any bathroom. Created from Victoria + Albert’s signature ENGLISHCAST®, a naturally white material rich in volcanic limestone that is hand-finished by craftsmen and beautifully warm to the touch.  This tub was surely a showstopper.

The 4-day show was made complete with a sunset get together with international clients at Manhattan’s finest rooftop lounge (Press Lounge – how fitting) atop INK48 hotel.  We enjoyed gorgeous views of the dramatic city skyline and Hudson River.

What an inspiring show!

Written by Lisa Codianne Fowler

A world of design inspiration awaits at the 11th annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show, March 22-25. Explore the latest products for the home; shop new and established brands. The show features presentations from celebrity chefs and the most recognized designers. Get inspired by new ideas and insights from top talents in the industry.

Co-Sponsored by The New York Times, the Architectural Digest Home Design Show will unveil the latest products for the home, with nearly 400 premium brands represented. Among the many highlights will be Victoria + Albert’s New Edge Collection. Paying homage to cubic design, it features striking linear forms that contrast with softly contoured corners. The result is a clean, sophisticated look very much in keeping with the award-winning style that is the signature of the Victoria + Albert brand.

Designed to make smart use of limited space, the generous depth of the Edge Bath provides a deep, luxurious soaking experience, while its overall footprint consumes proportionally little floor space. The tub’s double ended design has plenty of room for two, while its clean profile creates an architectural centerpiece certain to add drama to any bathroom. The coordinating Edge 45 Vessel Basin is the most compact basin Victoria + Albert has produced to date. Both are crafted from Victoria + Albert’s signature ENGLISHCAST®, a naturally white material rich in volcanic limestone that is hand-finished by craftsmen and beautifully warm to the touch. Visit Victoria + Albert at Booth 277 or online at www.vandabaths.com.

Speaking of style and luxury, ThinkGlass will present their unique glass countertops,   without a doubt, the focal point of any kitchen! With unlimited design possibilities, they can also withstand the rigors of daily use in the kitchen. ThinkGlass countertops are made from 100% recyclable glass, cast in a single piece, so there are no cracks or weakness and at a minimum of 1.5-inches thick, the glass is as hard as stone.

Glass is a non-porous surface; that means there are no crevices to harbor harmful bacteria, mold or mildew. What’s best is the textured finish of the glass island tops that hides fingerprints and smudges. Customers can choose their molded textures and colors, edge treatments and even add LED lights to further personalize their design. The end result is a smooth, glossy finished surface that is as strong as it is beautiful. Visit ThinkGlass at Booth 276 or online at www.thinkglass.com.

We are also excited to announce that Pyrolave will be showcased in the La Cornue exhibit at Booth 475. La Cornue is the unrivaled French artisan producer of custom ranges for over a century. For more information about La Cornue visit www.lacornueusa.com.

Pyrolave’s lava stone surfaces are not only stunningly beautiful, but can also withstand almost anything that comes its way. These are durable, high-quality and low-maintenance surfaces – offered in over 32 custom colors – to suit any design. Pyrolave surfaces infuse sophisticated style and unparalleled strength into countertops.

From residential and commercial kitchens to bathrooms, tabletops, swimming pools, fireplace facades and outdoor living spaces, the glazed lava stone surfaces are perfectly at home in contemporary or traditional settings. Learn more about Pyrolave at www.pyrolave.com.

Du Verre Hardware teams up with Modenus to showcase the oh-so-elegant ARROYO series of cabinet knobs and pulls. The slim channels that define ARROYO’s silhouette are reminiscent of the awe-inspiring man-made water channels found the world over in architecture and on the planet’s most beautiful gardens. Arroyo, by definition, is a natural ravine that channels water during the rainy season. Both images conjure up poetry for the senses. Available in five sizes and three finishes; Satin Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze and for the first time, White! See the new ARROYO at Modenus Booth 105. Visit Du Verre online at www.duverre.com, or better yet, stop by Simon’s Hardware and Bath, the New York destination for the Du Verre Hardware Line: 421 3rd Avenue New York, NY 10016.

To learn more about the AD Home Design Show visit www.archdigesthomeshow.com. See you in New York!

Written by Lisa Codianne Fowler

(January 2012) Pantone’s 2012 Color of the Year is TANGERINE TANGO! This just released by the Associated Press, “The world doesn’t need more gray, and the blues are covered, too. What consumer products need is a jolt, a shot of energy and boldness, all of which comes from Tangerine Tango, the reddish-orange hue that Pantone announced Wednesday as its top color for 2012.”

Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is already appearing in designer showrooms and high-end homes/ Pyrolave surfaces can be ordered in similar radiant sunset shades, adding impact and exotic flair to any décor. From residential and commercial kitchens to bathrooms, tabletops, swimming pools, fireplace facades and outdoor living spaces, the glazed lava stone surfaces are perfectly at home in contemporary or traditional settings. pyrolave.com

Victoria + Albert’s freestanding tubs, while regal in white, take on a custom look when painted in this daring color. The tubs are made from eco-friendly Englishcast®, which is easy to decorate using either oil or water based paints. vandabaths.com

For a quick Tangerine Tango fix, Atlas Homewares offers its vibrant Indochine series of knobs and pulls. Inexpensive and easy to install, they add instant, high-voltage style. atlashomewares.com

Other simple ways to energize your space are with Tangerine Tango pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.

Ready for an adrenaline rush? Get creative with Pantone’s pick of the year!

Written by Linda Jennings

Professional photographer Chris Crumley picks a Victoria + Albert tub as a prop for a continuing series of fine art photos titled mermaid and bathtub underwater. Known for his fantasy underwater mermaid images, Crumley is the go-to-guy for images creatively conceived underwater. He has a successful career in commercial and advertising photography, and in recent years has made a name for himself in a very unique niche of underwater Mermaid photography. He recently shot the ad campaign for Hasselblad – a high end camera manufacturer in Sweden for their new camera that retails for over $50,0000. The campaign features a legendary mermaid theme something Crumley is extremely comfortable shooting.

The next creative project Crumley has embarked upon are a series of fine art prints involving the Victoria + Albert slipper tub and mermaid underwater. According to the photographer, “The Victoria + Albert classic Victorian slipper tub had the right “look” and was also light enough for two people to lift and move around the studio (in the 130 lb range) thanks to the amazing Englishcast® material. We will be shooting the Victoria + Albert tub in our “wet studio” the same place where we shot the underwater session for Hasselblad.”

The “wet studio” is a special 22,000 gallon pool Crumley built for underwater photo illustration work. The clawfoot tub will be submerged and photographed with mermaid model Kristi Sherk in a custom made tail by Eric Ducharme. The project is a work in progress and attached is a preview of the tub with model prior to submersion.

“We were delighted our tub was chosen for this creative project as it clearly brings the artistic expression of bathing to a whole new level,” stated Javier Korneluk, VP of North America Sales for Victoria + Albert. “Chris is an extremely talented photographer and we are glad he found the tub of his choice for this fantasy-themed project.”

Chris Crumley is a commercial photographer based in Virginia Beach. He works on land and boats, underwater in pools and oceans, in the air and in the studio. He has created a unique niche in underwater photography. He’s worked on many sophisticated advertising campaigns around the globe and has one of the largest collection of realistic underwater mermaid images. In addition to Hasselblad, Crumley also recently shot a Norwegian auto ad and numerous book covers all within the mermaid theme.

See Chris Crumley’s work at: chriscrumley.com.

To see the full line of Victoria + Albert products visit www.vandabaths.com.

Written by Lisa Codianne Fowler

Fall fashion has hit the runways in sensational style, and this year, the big news is shoes! Atlas Homewares’ designer Adrienne Morea is, as always, ahead of the fashion trends; case in point: these fabulous collections of knobs and pulls that parallel the stylish footwear unveiled this fall. We’ll bet your Malono Blahniks AND Jimmy Choos that Adrienne envisioned these pieces before any of these pedi-pretty divas could say “in vogue”.

CRYSTAL CLEAR
MIU MIU’s crystal-embellished gilded heels make a striking statement of style and echo this season’s trend for the home: The Legacy Crystal Collection of knobs and pulls; ethereal gems that make a classically elegant statement. Legacy Crystal features custom-designed crystals artistically inset to create shimmering, eye-catching accents, upgrading your domicile from hum-drum to dolce vita. The Legacy Crystal Collection is available in six different styles and in finishes of Matte Black, Polished Chrome and Brushed Nickel.

BUCKLE UP BABY
This Manolo Blahnik boot makes a smoothly sophisticated statement, blending a touch of class to biker chic. Get the look at home with Atlas Homewares Buckle Up Collection: funky fun mixed with shiny style, they speak to both the girl that just wants to have fun and her sophisticated side. Shown below are the 8″ pulls in Polished Chrome, the collection also includes 6″ pulls, knobs, towel bars and toilet paper holders. Available in Black, Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel and PVD Polished Gold.

STUDDED SPLENDOR
The Carinthia studded, platform-stiletto heels from Lilian are undeniably trendy and gorgeous… but they have nothing on the Studded Mango Collection from Atlas. This collection will add a bit of splendor to any room with round, square and triangular knobs and bin pulls, handcrafted and affordably priced.

BLACK AND WHITE ARE BACK
While Sergio Rossi announces the white leather Tortuosa bootie, a striking vision in white and black, Atlas Homewares invites you to put some classically-elegant style into your personal space with Canterbury Knobs and Pulls. Reminiscent of the quintessential vintage movie beauties, the Canterbury Collection exudes grace and luxury.

There’s no doubt about it. Something’s afoot… wet your toes! And while you’re at it, let Atlas whet your appetite. Exquisite is the new extraordinary.

With Atlas Homewares, it’s all about evolving style. Under the creative direction of Adrienne Morea, the company has enhanced home décor with decorative hardware that is both inspiring and style driven. Drawing inspiration from every-thing from nature to global travel, the Atlas Designer strikes a connection with those who have an eye for fashion. Atlas Homewares aspires to set the trend when it comes to decorative hardware. Each season brings a new collection ensuring a dynamic gallery from which to choose and longevity in an industry that demands a discerning eye. To see the entire collection go to atlashomewares.com.

Written by Lisa Codianne Fowler

Holy Bathtub, Batman! Have you seen the Monaco Tub by Victoria + Albert? It will take the spotlight in the new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight Rises”, filming in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania right now.

Christopher Nolan has returned to direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by himself and David S. Goyer. Details about the film’s storyline are scarce, but it has already been established that one of the villains set to take on Batman (Christian Bale) will be the powerhouse known as Bane (Tom Hardy). Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway), better known to comics fans as Catwoman, will also have a central role in the movie.

Although we can’t reveal the storyline, we can guarantee that the Monaco Tub will make a splash. The dual-end tub sports a modern minimalist, freestanding design, with elegant lines that complement a wide variety of bathrooms. The feet are built into the Monaco bath for a seamless look, but can be used as a built-in without the feet.

The Monaco is crafted of ENGLISHCAST® – Victoria + Albert’s unique composite material, rich in finely ground volcanic limestone. It is cast in one seamless piece that won’t creak or flex. This unique construction is hand-finished to provide a glossy white solid surface that is highly durable, warm to the touch, easy to clean. The unique solid-surface may be painted to match any color scheme.

The movie, “The Dark Night Rises” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. The scheduled release date is July 20, 2012. The Monaco Tub, which is on display at Seymour’s Bath and Decorative Hardware Showroom in Pittsburgh, caught the movie crew’s eye and was immediately “cast” in the film.

Written by Linda Jennings

Scot Laughton is an inspiring designer for the new millennium. With an international design practice, a commitment to mentoring and teaching and new ideas always in development, Laughton is the original mind that aspiring young designers look to as a role model.

Scot Laughton’s design innovation was recognized early on. In 1987, while still a student at the Ontario College of Art in Toronto, he was recognized by Time Magazine for his Strala light, which was named of one of 1987’s top ten designs. Within a year, he and two fellow students had launched their own studio for creating limited-production furniture and lighting designs.

That was the beginning of his story. Today, Scot is known the world over as an amazing industrial designer who has mastered the delicate balance of melding the elemental form of an object with its intended purpose and usefulness. His designs are both bold and subtle, making use of geometrical shapes, planes and angles to create a finished product that is as fantastic as it is practical. His inventory of designs include everything from tables, chairs and shelving to coat stands, candles and even a sleek, sophisticated garbage can.

Du Verre Hardware has collaborated with Scot Laughton for a new line of knobs and pulls. Thier partnership with Scot brought forth the Series 3 Collection, which continues to this day to be one of Du Verre’s most popular offerings. Available in three sizes and four finishes, this hardware is made from eco-friendly recycled aluminum with simple shapes and ergonomic lines. We like its classic good looks and the easy way it flatters fine furniture and cabinetry. As a designer for both commercial and residential markets, Scot’s client list includes Keilhauer, Nienkämper, Pure Design, Teknion and Umbra. His accolades include being named Designer of the Year (2003) by the Interior Design Show, Toronto, and the ICFF 2002 Editors Award for Best Furniture. An in-demand instructor at international design schools, Scot now runs his own studio in Hong Kong where he continues to find new sources of inspiration and create amazing works of industrial art.

Written by Linda Jennings

The NEW Essencia Oval bath from BainUltra provides a tranquil haven for wellness; a rejuvenation of mind, body and soul. This new freestanding tub appeals those who seek a higher sense of well-being and improved level of health. It offers the utmost in ergonomics and therapeutic care.

BainUltra has thoughtfully engineered the Essencia to instill a feeling of sheer Nirvana. The tub’s dual row of air jets, foot rest and armrests provide absolute comfort and its hydro-thermo massage is of unsurpassed quality. The tub also features an inverted V backrest and integrated headrest to ensure a perfect massage of the neck and spine, while the raised seat maximizes the massage effect for the legs. Incorporating Sound Therapy, Aromatherapy and Chromatherapy makes the Esencia a true place for replenishment.

The Essencia bathtub, a part of the Insperience Bathroom™, measures 72” x 36” x 27” and is available in white. It retails for $6,900. www.bainultra.com

Written by Shelly Johnson

A gem is defined as a stone that is beautiful, rare and durable. Lenova’s new Cobblestone Green Onyx bath sink epitomizes all these attributes and more. The sink sparkles with translucent layers of rich green onyx creating a bath fixture that embodies fine style.

Each individual Onyx Sink is crafted by a master stone mason. The intricate process begins by using centuries-old cobblestone for the outside of the vessel. Naturally shaped over thousands of years by restlessly flowing rivers, each and every stone is unique. The cobblestone shell is then skillfully hollowed out to form a bowl. Using a food-safe, knife-grade epoxy, rich green onyx chips are adhered to the bowl’s interior in an artful, mosaic pattern. Once the epoxy hardens, the onyx is smoothed and polished to perfection. Since no two cobblestones or onyx chips are alike, each sink is a one-of-a kind creation and an elegant focal point of any bath. The SV-40 Cobble Stone Green Onyx Sink from Lenova measures 16” x 16” overall; bowl dimensions are 14” x 14” x 5-1/2. The sink weighs 90 pounds and retails for $665.

For more information about Lenova’s new Green Onyx Sink visit www.LenovaSinks.com.

Written by Shelly Johnson

The wedding is over. We’ve moved into our new home. First order of business was installing wood floors. Found a great deal at BR-111. We love the new floors so much we had to make some adjustments to the furniture. We choose Malbec Walnut – a beautiful and incredibly durable floor crafted from one of the hardest woods in the world. An incredible look that will last a lifetime.

BR-111 is the industry’s choice for craftsmanship and class across a range of wood flooring options. When compared with other floor coverings, wood floors are the cost-effective investment, paying dividends in usefulness and beauty over years of enjoyment.

BR-111’s mission has always been to design and manufacture the most durable and beautiful hardwood flooring available today with affordable pricing to fit any budget.

Learn more about br111 at www.br111.com