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May 31, 2005
Powerstrip Troubles? Too Many Cords?
True luxury is being able to find space to plug in all your cool electronics and appliances, right? In theory a powerstrip can handle several things plugged into it, but it seems like everything comes with a double-sized bulky plug these days, the kind that blocks two other outlets on the strip. The Powerstrip Liberator
Source: Cool Hunting
Heated Floors, Anyone?
Hardwood floors and travertine floor tiles are quite trendy right now, but all it takes is bare feet on a cold morning to remind you why carpets became popular in the first place. Sure, you can use an area rug to warm up cold floors, but why not heat the floors from underneath as long as you're going for luxury? Radiant-floor heating systems consist of a web of hot-water tubes sandwiched between the subfloor and the top level of flooring material. Companies like Infloor Radiant Heat, Inc. make the systems to be energy efficient, clean, and cozy. Speaking of energy efficiency, some systems can be rigged to work with solar heated water tanks. Luxury without guilt, now there's something to be said for that.
More articles on heated floors:
Energy Savers: Radiant Floor Heating and Cooling Systems
Radiant Floor Heating Information & Diagrams
Hardwood Floors and Radiant Floor Heating
May 30, 2005
Robotic Lawnmower Takes the Work Out of Mowing the Lawn
We've mentioned the Roomba robotic vacuum before, but how about a robotic lawn mower to cut your grass for you? The RoboMower was designed for just that purpose. It isn't the most efficient thing out there (it works much like a pool vacuum, going in a straight line until it bumps into a birdbath, deck, or the wire you put around your yard to contain it), but given enough time, it will whack your grass down to the desired length.
There are a few different models of the RoboMower put out by Friendly Robotics, a company that was founded by two former Israeli fighter pilots, one an engineer with an interest in robotics, another a businessman. They've been selling Robomowers since 1994, and you can find them today in two dozen different companies (no matter what our differences from nation to nation, it looks like no one wants to mow their own grass).
Clocky, the Alarm Clock that Defies Sleeping In
I'm not sure alarm clocks fall under luxury housing trends, but when I heard about "Clocky," I knew I would have to have one when they come out. Designed by an MIT student, this robotic alarm clock rolls off your nightstand and bounces around the floor when you hit snooze, thus forcing you to get out of bed in order to turn it off after your nine minutes are up. For those of us who have mastered the art of reaching over and hitting the snooze button without actually reaching consciousness, this may be just the thing... Of course, the shaggy brown carpet encasing it on the MIT home page isn't the trendiest thing out there. Let's hope it comes in other colors when it hits production.
Garages Getting Face Lifts
The garage used to be purely utilitarian, a place for storing the car, the lawn mower, tools, and things no longer wanted in the house. It had a look to match, often with unfinished walls and exposed wiring, not to mention that one lonely light bulb hanging down in the middle (you know the one... it's a pain to reach the chain to turn it on because its right over the car). A recent article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel called "Garage evolves beyond lawn mower storage, becomes bonus room" takes a look at today's garage trends. Since three car garages are becoming standard (but most of us don't put three vehicles in them), there's more room available and people are making use of it. Oh, garages are still used for storage, but more people are converting some of that space into bonus rooms with better flooring, built-in shelves, and cabinets. If you've got some extra room in the garage and have been wondering what to do with it, take a look at the article.
Ice Cube Pendant Lamp?
My blogging buddy over at lightupthenet.com says pendant lamps are all the rage right now. I browsed through a couple of online stores to see what was out there. This "Ice Cube Pendant Lamp" caught my eye. I'm sure if I like it or not, but it is interesting.
20 Watt Ice Cube Pendant Lamp
Automatic Home Lighting Control
Ever wanted lights that turn on automatically when you enter the room and turn off when you leave? For those times when you just can't be bothered to flip a switch? Novitas puts out something called the SuperSwitch 2, a light switch that uses PIR (passive infrared technology) to detect someone in the room. It's not supposed to be any more complicated to install than a regular light switch. Don't worry, you can still flip the lights off when you feel like sitting in the dark.
May 29, 2005
Beverage Machine + Ice Machine = Who Needs a Kitchen?
Don't have room to install a full bar in the TV room? The Marvel beverage refrigerator and ice machine chills beverages, makes ice, and keeps ice cold all in one under the counter appliance. Between the $1600+ price tag and the fact that you'll need a water hookup, it's not a product to be purchased lightly, but if you've ever dreamed of a freezer full of ice and a refrigerator fully stocked with ice cold beer/soda/water within reach of the couch, it may be worth looking into. The Marvel Beverage Center is designed to fit under counters with zero clearance necessary which means it can be built into the surrounding cabinets, creating the ultimate convenience with a seamless look.
http://www.marvelindustries.com/
Wooden Bathtubs = the Next Bathroom Remodeling Trend?
It seems like jetted bathtubs are all the rage these days, but Real Estate Journal article "Wooden Bathtubs Offer A New Way to Soak" takes a look at another option. High-end wooden bathtubs are being offered for homeowners who eschew the modern trend and want a more rustic or country feel in their bathrooms. Some of the manufacturers claim that wooden tubs keep water warm longer, though the article retains some skepticism about the likelihood of the science behind that dubious statement. However, these tubs certainly do offer a unique look in the bathroom.
Drying Cabinets Air Dry Clothes Quickly
Clothes drying cabinets are new additions to the laundry room. As the name suggests, they let you air dry clothes those clothes that aren't supposed to go in the dryer in significantly less time than with regular air drying. One example is the Whirlpool DryAire Drying Cabinet. It holds up to eight hanging garments, two sweaters, and a number of items like shoes, toys, or wet umbrellas. It has different cycles that range from "air only" to "heavy-duty." The drying cabinet has sliding shelves, a reversible door, and plentiful door racks to accommodate different sized items. The MSRP for the Whirlpool DryAire is $699.
May 27, 2005
Dog House Air Conditioner & Heater
The summer isn't just hot for humans. If your dog lives outside, and you want to make sure she stays comfortable while you're gone all day, you can check out Pet Cool's dog house air conditioner (and there's a heater for the colder months). The Pet Cool unit attachs to the dog house and runs about $500. "PET Cool adjusts automatically to maintain a constant comfortable range of temperatures in winter and summer while providing additional functionality as a de-humidifier. PETCool means peace of mind for all pet owners."
Dog House Air Conditioner & Heater by Pet Cool
May 26, 2005
Aquarium Sink Makes for a Truly Unique Bathroom Experience
Nothing makes a statement in the bathroom like an aquarium sink. I'm not sure what kind of statement it makes, but the kids will probably think it's the coolest thing in the house. It might even get them to wash their hands more often and brush their teeth without being nagged. No need to worry about the fish in the Moody Aquarium Sink. Their tank is separate from the running water. According to HGTV's American Home 2005 show (where I first saw the sink showcased), "Moody is both a sink and a self-contained aquarium which can also be used as a terrarium and decorated with sand, rocks and plants. There are two openings, one on each side of the sink top, closed by two decorative glass soap dishes that allow maintenance of the aquarium."
At $5,500 an aquarium sink is not a purchase to be made on a whim, but if you're looking for that truly unique bathroom experience, it might be for you. Nothing says I-don't-take-myself-too-seriously like a fish tank integrated into the sink.
Moody Aquarium Sink
Light-Emitting Fabric?
Thinking of reupholstering your favorite chairs? Well, if you're looking for something more exotic than your typical beige or floral pattern, check out Luminex Fabric made by Zuzka for Fabricology, Inc. Luminex Fabric weaves optical fiber with regular fabrics, connects LEDs of various colors and adds a power source. These fabrics come in a number of different colors and weights and can be used either for decorating furniture, making unique clothing, or whatever creative use you can come up with for light emitting fabric.
Outdoor Living--Ideas for Sprucing Up the Backyard
In "Home Comforts Move Outdoors," writer Ruth Mullen takes a look at the trend towards expanding outdoor living spaces. We don't just want a little deck with a barbeque anymore; we want the hot tub, water garden, relaxing outdoor furniture, fire pit, professional landscaping, ambiance lighting for the evenings, decorative pergolas, and more. If you're looking for ideas for sprucing up your backyard this summer, here are a few articles you can check out on the web:
The Ultimate Backyard
Trends at 2005 Hardware Show Note Outdoor Living Is Sprouting
Whether Pricey or High-end, Outdoor Decor Makes Living Easy
Experts Offer Tips On Outdoor Living and Bringing the Sun In
Outdoor Fireplaces
May 23, 2005
Bread Maker with Bar Code Scanner
We've mentioned microwaves with bar code scanners, but now there are bread makers with bar code scanners. One example is the Beyond Bread Maker
The Beyond Bread Maker "takes the guesswork out of baking bread." To help you get the perfect loaf each time, it scans the bar code of your bread mix and automatically sets the temperature and timer that's right for that recipe. It can handle up to 2.5 pound loafs of bread (that's a biiig loaf), and you can--if you buy the special kitchen entertainment center--hook it up to the Internet to download new bread mixes and bar codes as they come on the market. A bread maker with Internet access, now you've heard it all, right?
May 19, 2005
Front Doors for Security and Style
You've heard of "curb appeal" right? A neat yard and a nicely maintained exterior can raise the value of your home before a would-be buyer even steps inside. One part of the equation is having a good front door. What's a "good" front door, you ask? Something that looks modern and stylish, but that is also solid and sports sturdy locks. If you've been thinking of replacing your ratty old door with something more impressive, or maybe just less dated, check out "Doorways to Grandeur," an article that offers a lot of design ideas for the front door, including many high end custom made doors.
Porch Swings with Spunk--This One Plays Music
Porch swings always bring to mind relaxed idyllic settings. If you're thinking about adding one to your deck or front porch, you may be interested in something more exotic than the traditional wood porch swing. Musical Furnishings is a company that takes regular furniture and makes it musical, allowing your kids (or you) to play songs on everything from trunks to coffee tables. One of their neater looking offerings is this musical porch swing which doubles as a real musical instrument (think large xylophone). You can sit on it of course, but it also comes with a songbook and a set of mallets. Visitors will get a kick out of playing your porch swing.
May 17, 2005
Warming Drawers in the Kitchen
Warming draws are becoming popular in new kitchens and in kitchen remodels. They typically fit under the counter, either a single or a stack of two, and are powered electrically. As you can guess from the name, warming drawers keep the food warm and moist until it's ready to serve. They're a good idea if some one is coming home late, or for big meals when you can't fit everything in the oven at once, so some dishes come out earlier than others. Depending on the style, size, and manufacturer, warming drawers can run from the mid hundreds into the thousands of dollars. You can find them both online and at home improvement stores like Home Depot. (Sometimes you can find discounts online and avoid taxes.)
Here are a couple examples of warming drawers on the market today:
Dacor PWO30SS Warming Drawer
70581 - DCS27 Inch Warming Drawer
Twin Eagles 42 Inch Built-in Warming Drawer
May 15, 2005
So, You Want to Buy an Island
You may have thought private islands were only for the extraordinarily wealthy. Well, they're not cheap by any means, but when I was browsing through a website listing Private Islands for Sale, I found a few listed in the hundreds of thousands rather than the millions you might expect. Of course, the really nice tropical islands are pricey, but if you don't mind a more temperate climate, you might find something in Washington's Puget Sound, in one of the Great Lakes, or off the coast of another country altogether. Keep in mind, transportation is via boat or plane, so if you're looking for an easy commute, an island probably isn't for you.
May 14, 2005
Gaggenau Teppanyaki Griddle--Restaurant Style Grilling in the Kitchen
The Gaggenau Teppanyaki Griddle, an optional add-on to Gaggenau cooktops, lets aspiring chefs grill meat and veggies at different temperatures. The griddle comes in stainless steel or aluminum and "individual units comprise electric, gas, and induction elements including the likes of an induction wok and versatile Japanese-style teppan yaki—a flat, griddle-like stainless steel element... with two individually controlled cooking zones."
Quote from MyHouse Magazine's New Products
More on the griddle and other Gaggenau products at http://www.gaggenau-usa.com/
Sound Proof Windows?
Moving back into the city is a big trend today, but the sound of a traffic whizzing by outside can make even your million dollar ultra-hip loft less peaceful than you'd like. To help deaden the sounds of traffic, noisy neighbors, airports and the like, some window manufacturers are working to come up with sound-proof glass for people's homes. While Old Castle Glass's laminated acoustical glass doesn't quite block out all sound, it could be a big improvement over what you have in your house now. Instead of using straight glass, the windows are sandwiches with glass on both sides and a layer of plastic in between.
May 12, 2005
Custom Furniture
Custom furniture may be the style of the future. According to a blurb in the May 11, 2005 edition of the Wall Street Journal (print version), U.S. furniture companies are starting to offer customization in order to compete against imports. Want a custom chair? L. & JG Stickley, Inc. is allowing customers to choose the style of the arm, base, and back in their chairs. Norwalk's Variations program offers customized loveseats and sofas, allowing shoppers to choose from different arms, backs, and fabrics.
For more on furniture trends, you can read Furniture Firms Court
Generation X, Y Buyers over at the real estate section of the Wall Street Journal Online.
May 08, 2005
International Luxury Real Estate
Coldwell Banker recently launched a site designed to help users find international luxury real estate. It is basically a search engine that gives you access to some 10,000 MLS properties in the United States and 26 other countries where Coldwell Banker keeps offices. The homes listed generally start at 1 million dollars and go up from there.
Coldwell Banker's Internal Luxury Real Estate Search
Want Exotic Hardwood Floors? Go Wide...
It seems like everyone is going with hardwood floors today, and there's nothing wrong with that, but if you want to set your home apart, you might be looking for a more exotic look. One way to diverge from the mainstream is to go with wider planks. These can work especially well in older houses or in log homes.
Carlisle Wide Plank Floors specializes in hardwood floors of a different bent.
If you fancy doing your own floors, you may want to check out Don Bollinger's Hardwood Floors: Laying, Sanding and Finishing
May 07, 2005
Ceiling Mounted Showerhead, Like Standing Under a Waterfall
Changing out fixtures and faucets is a good way to add elegance to a bathroom, but changing out your old showerhead could add a whole new element to your shower experience. Danze's 6" Ceiling Mount Showerhead (search for D461503 in their product catalog) has three seperate heads that rain down water on the user, like standing under a gentle waterfall. And if the waterfall bit doesn't sell you, at least ceiling mounted showerheads get rid of the need for taller folks to crook their necks sideways to rinse the shampoo out.
May 06, 2005
Candles Get Extra Light from Embedded LEDs
Candles are nothing new, but how about candles with embedded LEDs? These candles glow not only from their flame but from the LED (light emitting diode--these are now being used in some types of lighting because they last so much longer than tradtional bulbs) within the wax. You can get candles with rainbow LEDs that alternate through a spectrum of colors.
Sellers:
Rainbow Color Changing Candles
Lumenae from Design Ideas, Ltd.
Source: HGTV's I Want That!
May 05, 2005
Wine Refrigerator? Naw... Wine Vault!
Been waxing nostalgic about old houses with giant wine cellars? Thinking of installing a wine refrigerator under the counter in the kitchen or bar? Well, GE's new wine vault presents an inbetween alternative with hot technology to boot.
The General Electric wine vault is a 8x9 ft stainless steel structure that can go anywhere in your home. It holds up to 975 bottles and comes with a built-in computer that tracks your inventory for you as well as printing out wine tags. The price for this high end wine chiller? $30,000. But if you can afford 975 bottles of wine, this should be no problem. In vino veritas!
More on the GE Wine Vault:
The New GE Monogram Walk-In Wine Vault
Minding the Wine, at Home
May 03, 2005
New Toilet Technology
Who has the most innovative toilets? According to the New Bathroom Idea Book
- Toilets with selectable soundtracks that include such sounds as chirping birds, wind chimes, and Japanese harps
- Toilet seats with built-in electrodes that apply an electric probe to the buttocks to measure the sitter's body fat percentage
- Toilets that measure sugar levels in the urine
- Toilets with air conditioning and heating controls to easily set the temperature in the bathroom at a preprogrammed time
May 01, 2005
Kitchens and Bathrooms Are the Remodeling Projects That Create Most Value
If you're thinking of remodeling with the hopes of increasing the value of your home, Arizona Republic article "Kitchen, Bathroom Upgrades Key" suggests those are the rooms worth sinking time and money into. "There are areas in the home where you should concentrate your remodeling dollars if you want to increase the home's value. 'The kitchen and bathroom are the areas to upgrade,' says Thomas Stevens, president-elect of the National Association of Realtors."
Cobblestone, the New Do It Yourself Driveway Paving Stones
Cobblestone has long been a popular look, but the expense + hours it takes to install it (not to mention digging up your old cement driveway) hasn't always made it a popular choice with do-it-yourself homeowners. Cobble Systems is prepared to change that. They create an interlocking carpet of stone that installs almost instantly and looks like real cobblestone. You can lay it down over your existing driveway, and it's even available in different patterns that vary from straight lines to fans to circular patterns.
Decorative Ceiling Planks
Decorative ceiling planks may be the answer to your ceiling woes, whether you have a drab ceiling that lacks interest or you want to cover up that 70s popcorn ceiling without calling out an inspector to test for asbestos. Much like wood flooring, Armstrong's WoodHaven Ceiling Planks are a fairly low key do-it-yourself install and add a lot of personality and interest to the ceiling. With a tongue and groove fit, the planks are easy to attach and provide a nice alternative to paint or stucco. The decorative ceiling planks are available in a number of different shades (everything from white to a dark knotty pine) and unlike heavily-trod floors require no maintenance after installation.
