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August 31, 2005
Filtered Water Straight From Your Faucet
The PureTouch AquaSuite faucet from Moen dispenses filtered water without the need for any clunky above sink attachments (the filter installs under the sink). An electronic filter life indicator lets you know when it's time to change the water filter. Starting at $292, the price of the PureTouch faucet varies depending on the finish. It's available in chrome, polished brass, glacier, ivory, sand, copper, and stainless steel.
WaterCop Automatically Stops Water Leaks
Heading off on vacation or a business trip? If you've ever had water leaks and damage in the basement or other parts of the house, you may have trouble resting peacefully while you're gone. WaterCop is an emergency water shutoff system that utilizes sensors to detect water leakage. It then automatically cuts off the water supply before it can cause damage. You can also wire WaterCop to many home security systems in order to alert your monitoring company that there is a water problem.
August 30, 2005
Brew Express In-Wall Coffee Pot
The Brew Express is a 12 cup in-wall coffee pot, designed to replace your current counter-hogging model. It needs a water line hooked up to the back, but after that, it's self-filling and easy to use. The coffee system can be installed in a standard 2x4 wall stud cavity. The retail price for this built-in coffee system is $649.
The Brew Express from Lance Larkin
Peel & Stick Backsplash Mural
If you have a tile backsplash in the kitchen, you may have thought about having someone come in and paint a mural to perk it up. A company called IdeaStix sells removable vinyl squares that fit onto standard sized kitchen tiles, offering you the look of a custom mural without the expense. IdeaStix says their peel and stick squares will attach to many surfaces like ceramic tiles, mirrors, porcelain, glass, plastic, metal, and stainless steel, so you're not limited to the kitchen. Many styles are available through Amazon: IdeaStix
August 29, 2005
Corner Bathtub + Shower
Five piece master bathrooms with separate shower stalls and bathtubs are popular these days, but if you're remodeling an older, smaller home, you might not have room for both pieces. That's no reason to give up on luxury. The Maax Maximizer 6060 is a corner bathtub with integrated shower stall. When you're bathing, you have plenty of space and can relax with the tub's massage jets. When you're showering, there's a glass door to keep water from escaping, niches for your soap and shampoo, and a wooden seat incase you want to take a load off.
August 28, 2005
PowerSquid Replaces Your Clogged Power Strips
Maybe you weren't that impressed by the Power Strip Liberator. Well, the PowerSquid replaces your current power strips completely. Since most appliances seem to come with big blocky plugs these days, you're lucky to get three things plugged into a traditional power strip. The PowerSquid's squid-like shape offers plenty of room; each socket comes with its own cord so you don't have to worry about plugs blocking more than one outlet. The price for the power strip is $15: PowerSquid Outlet Multiplier
Custom Textured Glass Shower Door
Meltdown Glass is a "kiln-fired glass studio" that specializes in glass textures and colors. They do residential and commercial work. This shower door was custom designed for a home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Meltdown Glass does everything from furniture to bathroom sinks to unique kitchen range hoods. Their various styles include textures and colors such as tinted glass, opaque or transparent fused color, metallic colors, and countless specialty and custom hues.
August 27, 2005
Wavy Ceilings--Three Dimensional Ceiling Tiles
HGTV's I Want That took a look at a couple of cool new ceiling systems on their show this week, and let me say, the USG Ceilings Topo 3-D Ceiling System Panels are very unique. You need either a good sense of humor or an overriding desire to be different (maybe both) to install this wavy ceiling. The three-dimensional tiles are available in opaque and translucent styles in 5 colors. The company sells matching luminous panels (just in case you were wondering how you were going to hook your overhead lights to this thing).
http://www.usg.com/
http://www.hgtv.com/
Gas Logs
Many homeowners like the flip-on convenience of gas fireplaces, but prefer the look of an open hearth to the boxy shape of a gas fireplace insert or stove. These are the folks who might want to look into gas logs. Heatilator's Fireside Grand Oak Gas Logs won the 2005 Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Show's Vesta Award. The award recognizes innovation, quality, appearance and realism. In other words, these gas logs look like the real deal as they "burn" in your hearth.
August 26, 2005
Jentle Jet Laundry Sink
The Jentle Jet Laundry Sink was featured on HGTV's Kitchen Trends the other night (apparently laundry takes place close enough to the kitchen to warrant a mention on the show). Made by MTI Whirlpools, the folks who brought you the Jentle Ped Foot Massager, the sink is designed to be installed in laundry or mud rooms. It works sort of like a whirlpool to clean your delicates for you. The sink uses 3 micro-jets to gently wash your garments without the use of harsh agitators. A 3-speed air volume knob adjusts the whirlpool action from a soft swirl to a vigorous wash. The price starts at $650 and goes up depending on the finish you want.
http://mtiwhirlpools.com/
http://www.hgtv.com
All-in-One Washer & Dryer
If space is at a premium in your laundry room, you may appreciate LG Electronics' front loading All-in-One Washer and Dryer. Great for small homes and condominiums, the combination appliance comes with a number of features such as a child safety lock, numerous wash and dry programs, "TilTub" for easy reach into the drum, and intelligent electronic controls that sense how wet clothes are and determine a drying program based on their weight. The price for the combination washing machine and dryer is about $1,700.
Curved Shower Curtain Rod
We spend a lot of time talking about luxury multi-headed showers and $10,000 whirlpool bathtubs because... well, they're cool. But here's a low-tech (low-cost) gadget that can take your existing tub/shower combo and make the shower feel roomier. A curved shower rod works just like a regular shower rod except that it bows out in the middle to give you more arm space while you're washing. The price runs about $50. You can find curved shower rods at stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond or online from Smarthome: Curved Shower Curtain Rod
August 25, 2005
Convert Your Toilet into an Elizabethan Pull-chain Toilet
Here's another option for those looking to give their bathroom an antique feel. Vintage Tub sells a kit that allows you to convert your existing round front or elongated toilet into an Aberdeen Oak, classic Elizabethan Pull-chain Toilet. According to the company, the kit works with any 1.6 gallons per flush residential bowl. The price for the kit is $485 via their web site. Don't forget the matching freestanding Elizabethan toilet paper holder ($59).
Clawfoot Massaging Bathtub
If you're remodeling an older house, you may not want to put some sleek ultra-modern tub in the bathroom. Clawfoot tubs are definitely back in style today, but with all the conveniences of the 21st Century. The Serenity from Aquatic Whirlpools uses warm air bubbles to massage you while you soak. The tub has 3 massage settings: constant bubble, wave action, and pulse action. Other features are variable speed controls, chromatherapy lighting, and contoured seats.
http://www.aquaticwhirlpools.com/
Scat Mat Keeps Pets Off Furniture
Let's face it. It's hard to show off your posh, elegantly decorated house when there are dog and cat hairs all over everything. Scat Mat is a battery-operated mat designed to teach pets to stay off the furniture. Your pet will receive a harmless tingling sensation akin to a static electricity shock. It won't hurt pets, but it will convince them to stay off the area they come to associate with the mat. Eventually you can remove the mat, and they'll continue to keep off the furniture. According to the manufacturer, Scat Mat works for both cats and dogs and can be used anywhere from beds to couches to kitchen counters. Different sizes are available depending on how much surface area you need to cover. Amazon has a number of sizes available: Scat Mat
August 24, 2005
Floating Glass Appliances
Jenn-Air's floating glass suite of appliances are warmer than straight stainless steel and blend into almost any kitchen color scheme. According to the company, the smooth, opaque glass finish is easy to clean. Jenn-Air offers everything from a refrigerator to a warming drawer to a double wall oven in their floating glass line. The durable high-gloss glass finishes come in black or white. They start at $700.
Coleman Backyard Party Cooler
Summer may be winding down, but if you live in a warm climate, there are still plenty of backyard entertaining days left in the year. Coleman's Backyard Party Cooler--a kettle-shaped, free-standing unit--is designed to keep your drinks cool while you're hosting a barbeque or just hanging out with friends. A steel stand elevates the cooler, so you don't have to stoop for your drinks. The stainless steel exterior resists condensation which reduces drips on patios and decks. The cooler holds up to 48 12-ounce cans, 5 2-liter bottles, or 10.5 gallons of punch or another beverage. The price is $170.
August 23, 2005
Venting Picture Windows
Marvin's Venting Picture Window is a new product that gives you unobstructed views as well as cross ventilation. A sash projects outward to reveal a screened opening to help vent stale air, reduce condensation, and keep insects out. The hidden window screen is made from fiberglass-wrapped reticulated foam designed to resist mold and mildew as well as UV rays. Because the screen surrounds the perimeter of the window instead of laying on top of the window, it allows air circulation without impeding the view. From the outside, the window appears closed at all times, so homeowners can feel secure even if they leave the windows open at night.
Headboard with Built-in Reading Lights
The Win Platform Bed is a piece from Italy that incorporates reading lights right into the headboard. Its lines are sleek and simple, and it comes in a number of finishes. You can order adjustable pillow rests in red or beige. For more color, you can get the headboard covered with an orange or red accent. Expect to pay about $3,000 for the Win Platform Bed.
http://www.advancefurniture.com/
August 22, 2005
Heated Windows
You've probably heard of radiant heat used in floors, but how about heated windows? The IQ Glass heating system is a double-pane glass unit with three components: an outer pane sporting an invisible coating to reflect heat in the summer and block cold in the winter, krypton (a nontoxic insulating gas) between the planes, and a thin coat of metal oxide on the inside window pane. An electrical current runs through the metal oxide, creating a resistance that produces radiant heat. According to the manufacturer, the IQ window system uses up to 35% less energy than other heating systems.
Heated windows have been popular in Europe for a decade, and IQ Glass is working toward making them trendy in the US, too. The windows can be installed in new homes or retrofitted into existing homes. The radiant heating element can also be incorporated into custom windows and even stained glass.
$80,000 Bronze Bathtub
The "Serenity" is a hand-crafted bronze bathtub from Elite Bath, Inc. It is signed, dated, and numbered by Joe Jumalon, an Oregon artist. There are images of herons, koi, and bamboo leaves carved on the outside. Since the tubs are custom made one at a time, they are available in different sizes to suit your needs. The price for this unique bathtub? $80,000.
August 21, 2005
Termite Blocker
Termites are native to 49 out of 50 US states with concentrations highest in California, Hawaii, and the deep south. Ok, it's not as fun to talk about pest control as cool new home products, but if you've ever suffered from termites in the house, you may appreciate Impasse's Termite Blocker. The device is made of polymer with a termiticide locked between the two outer layers. The Termite Blocker offers protection at the gaps in the foundation of your house, along pipes, and in bath traps; these are the home's most vulnerable entry points. According to the company, the device is 100% effective at keeping termites out of your home when installed per included instructions. Termite Blocker comes with a 5 year warranty.
Tabletop Jukebox
Not everyone has the space (or the desire) to have a full-sized home jukebox, but a tabletop jukebox with all the style and color of the original thing can be a fun addition. This miniature from the Home Marketplace is a reproduction of a 1940s jukebox, including play list and turntable under its glass dome. Unlike the original, it includes AM/FM radio and a CD player. Measurements are: 10 1/2" W x 15" H x 6 3/4" D and the price is $150.
http://www.thehomemarketplace.com
August 20, 2005
Stained Glass Dome Adds Drama to Your Home
These stained-glass domes from California-based Door Decors are handcrafted and come in a variety of styles and colors. Shown here is The Colonial Dome; it boasts more than 1600 pieces of hand-cut glass. You can choose your color options. The company offers 8 and 10-foot diameter domes as well as a 12 foot elongated size. Other styles they offer are Turn of the Century, Victorian, and Islam.
Laserpod LED Lamp
If novelty lamps are your thing, take a look at the Laserpod. Reminiscent of the classic lava lamp, this lamp incorporates lasers, LEDS, and optics to create a fun light show in your room. The Laserpod "splits three lasers and a load of ultraviolet LEDs through a Swarovski Crystal to generate random patterns of multicolored LED light." The lamp projects its swirling patterns on a translucent plastic dome, but you can also remove the dome, allowing the light to dance across the walls and ceiling. The price is $99.
August 19, 2005
Carved Ice Cube Lamp by Robert Kuo
This Carved Ice Cube Lamp is a part of the McGuire Furniture Collection from Kohler Interiors. The light glows upward through its Oyster Pongee shade, down the white bronze neck, and through its natural, hand-carved crystal base. The craftsmanship used to create the lamp comes from traditional Chinese techniques combined with a contemporary feel. The MSRP is $2,740.
Phantom Pool Cleaner Gets It All
Hayward's Phantom Pool Cleaner looks a bit like a shark skimming along the surface of the pool. But that's the point. It doesn't just remove the debris from the pool's bottom, sides, and steps like most pool cleaners do; it rises up and skims along the top, too, and collects leaves, pine needles, etc. before they end up in your skimmer basket where they'd need to be removed by you. Here's a blurb from the manufacturer: "In auto mode, Phantom cleans the bottom and sides for approximately 13 minutes, and then the surface for seven minutes – repeating the cycle until your pool is amazingly, totally clean. The average pool can be completely cleaned in under three hours." The price is about $800 for the Phantom pool cleaner with booster pump.
August 18, 2005
Concrete Counter Tiles
These counter tiles are precast kitchen countertop pieces made from concrete, and they are cheaper than having concrete countertops poured on at the job site (AKA your house). Sonoma Cast Stone offers them in four colors: riverstone, oat, smoke, and cream. The concrete tiles are also available in 40 semi-custom colors (expect to pay more). The price for the stock tiles is roughly $48 dollars per square foot or $200 per interior tile (has one finished edge) and $250 for corner tiles (two finished edges).
Decorative Grills for Your Heat Vents
You can cover your baseboard heaters, but it's a little harder to put a block of wood over your in-floor or in-ceiling heat registers. Liz's Antique Hardware offers cast aluminum grills to spice things up. Hey, if you can't get rid of it, make it look good. "Just because a piece of hardware is perfectly utilitarian, it doesn't have to be boring." The grills are available in 3 sizes and 4 styles. They sell for $125-$175.
August 17, 2005
Automatic Pet Feeder
It can be a pain finding someone to house sit your cats and dogs and hardly seems worth the effort if you're only going to be gone for a couple days. The answer may be an automatic pet feeder. Online retailer, A Trendy Home, offers the Auto Pet Dish, a food dispenser with a 96-hour timer that can store up to five meals. Two ice packs keep the food fresh. You can store 11 ounces of wet food or 1 3/4 cups of dry food in each of the five compartments. One AA battery operates the pet feeder. Expect to pay about $80 for this handy food dish.
Wine Storage 101
What's the best way to store wine? Here are a few helpful tips from the Summer 2005 issue of the Better Homes & Garden Kitchen & Bath Products Guide:
- The ideal storage temperatures for wines are: blush, rose, and white wines: 46°F-57°F, full-bodied red wines: 59°F-68°F, lighter red wines: 54°F-57°F, sparkling wines and Champagne: 45°F.
- The best location for a wine cooler is out of direct sunlight and away from appliances that vibrate.
- The best position for long-term storage of wine bottles is on their side.
- The ideal humidity level is about 70%; that keeps the inside of the cork moist and maintains the seal. If the humidity is too high, the labels might start peeling off or wine could seep out of the bottles.
Kabob Rack Makes Grilling Shish Kabobs Easier
If you've been grilling steaks and burgers all summer, your family may be ready for a change. Shish Kabobs are fun because everyone can choose what goes on their own stick (you can always tell the kids' kabobs because of the rows of pineapple and meat with a dearth of veggies). Shish kabobs can be a pain to grill though. It's hard to turn those sticks with the flames licking at your fingers. This stainless steel kabob rack from Outset aims to make things easier. It can handle 6 skewers at a time (included) and the non-stick metal is easy to clean.
Teuco Evolution Freestanding Glass Shower
Most showers get tucked into a corner of the bathroom, but Italian shower maker Teuco offers you a freestanding glass shower that's treated more like a sculpture on display. Their Evolution Round EO2 Shower with Sauna offers a vertical massage, a stereo radio, an aromatherapy dispenser, a steam sauna option, a hand-shower, and lots of other perks that make this a luxury shower. The cylinder shape is made entirely from glass and has sleek, clean-cut lines that give you a modernist look in the bathroom.
http://www.teucoevolution.com/
August 16, 2005
Man-made Islands for the Ultra Wealthy
Owning a private island has long been a sign of wealth (a whole lotta wealth), but there are a limited supply of islands on the planet, and they aren't always in the most desirable areas. Enter "The World," an ambitious project to create man-made islands off the coast of Dubai in the Arabian Gulf. 250-300 islands will make up the community which is divided into 4 categories: private homes, estate homes, community islands, and dream resorts. The islands range in size from 250,000-900,000 square feet and have 50-100 meters of water separating each one. They will cover an area about 9 kilometers long and 6 kilometers wide with an oval-shaped breakwater protecting the islands. The multi-billion dollar project is expected to be complete by the end of 2005, and you can reserve your island now. The downside to living on a private island? The only way off or on is by boat, so no pizza delivery.
Related stories:
Huge Artifical Islands Destroy Dubai's Coral Reefs
Artificial Islands Arise off Dubai
Promotional Video of The World
Corner Drawers Eliminate Wasted Kitchen Space
It seems that no matter how you design your kitchen, you end up with dead space in the corners. Corner drawers offer an interesting and functional alternative to lazy susans. Cabinet and Furniture Manufacturer Blum makes corner drawer units that fully extend to make use of every inch of space. They can handle up to 110 pounds of weight, so almost anything you can think of to store can fit in these drawers. The company offers different drawer depths so you can get whatever works best for your kitchen.
http://www.blum.com/
via http://www.oldhouseweb.com/
Better-looking Residential Metal Roofs
Because of their durability and lifetime guarantees, residential metal roofs have a lot going for them. The main down side is their appearance. We like our roofs to have the look of slate shingles or Spanish tiles... not a solid slab of metal that blinds passersby on a sunny day. Tamko Roofing Products wants to give you the best of both worlds. Their residential metal roofs come in "steel shingles" that mimic your choice of wood, slate, or tile. They offer all the perks of metal roofs with a more traditional look. There's a gallery of pictures you can browse through on their site showing metal roofs they've installed.
Build Your Own... Water Tower?
When you think of water towers, you probably think of those metal municipal tanks that hover on the outskirts of most cities. http://www.water-towers.com wants to change your perceptions of them. They sell building plans for water towers meant for residential use... just in case you ever wanted a tower in your backyard. Well, why not? Maybe you want to get back that view you used to have before the neighbors added their second story. Maybe you've got a piece of land and want to build a cool vacation home. Maybe you want to stash extra water for emergencies. Or maybe you've always wanted a unique guest house. (Maybe you think this is a crazy idea and we're nuts for suggesting it.) Do check with local building codes before you decide to put a thirty foot tall structure on your property...
August 15, 2005
Fire Pits Floating on Water
Designers have been combining waterfalls and fireplaces for a few years now (i.e. Max Blank's combination wood-burning stove and waterfall), but Automated Fire and Water Effects, Inc. is exploring the possibilities of putting a fire pit in water. The company primarily does commercial work, but there are a few pictures of residential fire pits in their gallery. Some of the other things they do with fire are: firewalls, super-sized tiki torches, fire towers, fire urns, and various water features.
Sinks Made for Children
Well, we've seen toilets made just for kids, so why not sinks? Elkay's Scrub-a-Dub Sink line offers six styles in shapes such as footballs, fish, butterflies, and hearts. The sinks are made from a solid-surface composite material that's easy to clean and resistant to cracks, scratches, and dents. They fit into the same size hole as regular sinks, so when your kids outgrow them, it's easy to plop a new sink in. Expect to pay about $250 for a Scrub-a-Dub Sink.
Care of Granite Countertops
With so many people choosing granite countertops for their kitchens, I thought I'd hunt down some information on the stone and how to care for it. One of the endearing qualities of granite is that's it is fairly low maintenance. Here's a closer look:
Durability of Granite
Granite countertops can't be burned with regular use, and the stone is highly resistant to stains. Acidic spills (orange juice, soda pop, etc.) can leave spots or rings though, so it's important to clean those types of spills promptly. Because granite is one of the hardest stones available, it is almost impossible to scratch through normal use. It is also resistant to cracks and chipping.
Long-term Care of Granite Countertops
With proper care granite can stay looking nice for years. Though granite is resistant to stain, most installers recommend applying a stone sealer to extend the life of the countertops. If granite does become cracked (this usually takes some serious abuse), you can fix the crack by filing it with a granite dust and epoxy mixture. If you're not sure how to do it yourself, you can call a professional granite fabricator to polish and refinish the counter's surface.
Routine Maintenance/Daily Care of Granite Countertops
Your granite countertops do need routine care to stay looking their best. To clean granite, just use a soft cloth moistened with water and a mild dish soap. Avoid using acidic cleaners on any natural stone. Despite the fact that granite is resistant to stains, it is recommended that you blot spills immediately. Less frequently, you should use a stone cleaner; shop for one that is pH neutral and contains no harmful ingredients (i.e. ammonia).
With a proper sealant and routine care, your granite countertops should stay looking good for years to come.
Sites with further information:
http://www.stonesandgranite.com/faq.htm
http://www.pbase.com/weed30/cleaning_granite
Maytag JetClean Three Rack Dishwashers
Maytag's "JetClean" Three Rack Dishwashers are designed to get more dishes done at a time without using any extra soap or energy. The tall tub provides enough space for fourteen place settings, but it fits in the same size slot as your standard dishwasher. The racks are adjustable in order to offer more loading options. Strategically placed jets ensure all the dishes get clean despite the tight fit. The MSRP is $399-$829 depending on the model.
August 14, 2005
Home Ice Machine Pumps Out 35 Pounds of Ice a Day
The Viking Range undercounter or freestanding ice machine is only 15" wide, but it sure can pump out ice. If you have a large family or do a lot of entertaining (or just want to see exactly how much ice 35 pounds is), this may be the ice machine for you. Incase you're wondering what to do with the excess, Viking has you covered. The collection bin holds 35 pounds of ice, but old ice is allowed to melt and drain, thus ensuring a constant supply of fresh ice. The ice maker is available in a number of finishes such as stainless steel, cobalt blue, burgundy, mint julep, and lemonade (yup, those are colors, not drinks). Expect to pay $2,375 to $2,850 for this heavy duty ice machine.
ExerSwim Turns Your Backyard Pool into a Treadmill
Unless you built your backyard pool specifically with the thought of lap swimming in mind, it's probably not quite the right length and shape to offer a true workout. Enter ExerSwim. This swim machine hangs over the edge of your pool and generates a current for you to swim against. Adjustable speeds make it usable by both novices and pros (it tops out at 7mph or a sub-minute 100 yard pace). Since it's battery-operated (comes with plug-in charger), it's easy to move around your pool without worrying about power outlets.
Prestige P-301 Cocktail Bar
Home cocktail bars are popular additions amongst homeowners who like to entertain. Sometimes you're lucky, and your house comes with one built in, but even if it didn't, that doesn't mean you can't add one with a minimum of effort. The Prestige P-301 Bar from Cal Spas is available in maple or oak and has a U-shape and detailed baseboards. It comes with a wine rack (10 bottles), cutting board, and stainless steel dry sink. The bar has an optional canopy and canopy lights, flip-down TV with DVD player, and a brass foot-rail.
http://www.calspas.com/bars/index.htm
Portable Generators
Gas-powered portable generators can come in handy during power outages. If you live in an area frequently hit by severe weather, or you're redoing the wiring in an older home anyway, you might to add a portable backup generator. This can keep your perishables cold during an emergency as well as keeping your lights on.
The 10,000 watt Porter-Cable H1000IS-W Generator should provide ample power during an outage. Its 7 gallon fuel tank offers 4 hours of run time (under a full load) as well as circuit breaker protection. According to the company, pneumatic wheels and handles make it no more difficult to move than a wheel barrow.
Porter-Cable H1000IS-W 10,000 Watt Generator
August 13, 2005
Buit-in Sushi Drawer for the Kitchen
Are you a sushi fan? Love to make it at home? If so, Studio Becker is ready to supply you with a drawer specifically designed to hold your sushi implements. "The Sushi Set Insert easily travels from drawer to table top. Serving eight and in keeping with the tradition of sushi serving, this set includes: beech trays, crystal wasabi saucers, stainless steel chopstick rests, and two crystal sake pitchers." Studio Becker offers a number of drawer inserts to make neat storage of everything from plates and mugs to knife blocks and cutting boards.
Kirei Board for Environmentally Friendly Kitchen Cabinets
Kirei is a Japanese word whose translation embodies the idea of clean and beautiful. Kirei Board is an environmentally friendly material made from the fiber of the sorghum plant grown in Northern China. It can replace wood in firniture, interior design elements, flooring, wall coverings, ceilings, and cabinets such as these. Kirei Board is strong, durable, and lightweight, and it also provides a unique look that wood can't offer.
Shirestone Stone Countertops Pour Over Your Existing Counters
Shirestone's custom countertops have a unique pour-on-surface made from solid stone and other materials. They are poured at the job site to give the counters a seamless finish. One of the perks is that while Shirestone has the feel of a stone surface, it can be laid right over your old countertops, whether tile or laminate. This cuts back on labor costs by eliminating the need to tear out old countertops. According to the company, the stone is twice as strong as concrete (which is also poured on) and lighter than granite or other stone that comes in slabs.
Boulder Sink from In Stone Gallery
Vessel sinks are in style these days, and these above-counter basins are being made with so many different materials that it's simply a matter of choosing what suits you best. A bathroom sink reminiscent of a boulder isn't for everyone, but it's hard to deny that In Stone Gallery's Ocean Blossom would make a statement in any bathroom. The company specializes in natural stone sinks, and they also have an interesting collection of sink stands for those who don't want the bulk of a vanity. Some even look like tree branches, just incase you're into that natural look in the bathroom.
http://www.instonegallery.com/
August 12, 2005
Interchangeable "JetPaks" Add Variety to Your Hot Tub
In most hot tubs, the jets are stationary. Usually there are enough seats and positions to add variety, but generally speaking you're stuck with the jet layout that originally comes with the tub. Bullfrog Spas has come up with a new idea to add customization to their line of spas. The JetPak is a removable jetted seat back designed to snap into any seat in a Bullfrog Spa. Currently, there are fifteen JetPaks (with more planned for the future) all with different features. The "Hurricane Shower" has 128 tiny jets that gently rain against your back. The "Bodywand" has one powerful handheld jet that vigorously massages your sore muscles with hot water. This system allows you to add new life to your spa at any time by purchasing a new JetPak. (Come to think of it, this sounds like a great marketing strategy. As a spa owner and lover, I can't tell you how appealing this sounds...)
Stone Range Hood Sure to Impress
Many homeowners remodeling their kitchens choose the sleek look of stainless steel range hoods, but the natural stone hoods from MetaStone add an elegant old-world feel that you can't get with stainless steel. The hood shown has been custom carved with a grape vine frieze panel, sculpted bottom, and adjustable returns. The natural stone look is available in Cameo, Tuscany, and Chateau Beige, colors you can preview on their site. The price for this hood starts at $1,645. MetaStone also does stone fireplace mantels and hearths.
Hardwood Floors in the Bathroom?
Hardwood floors are generally a no-no in the bathroom, because the inherent dampness makes the wood susceptible to warping. An alternative many homeowners are looking into today is laminate flooring made to look like hardwoods. Pictured here is "Caramel" from Pergo's Hardwood Series. According to the manufacturer, the laminate is so impervious to gapping and the moisture penetration it allows, the material is perfectly fine for use in bathrooms. The warm traditional look of hardwood complements a plethora of design styles.
Tapestries Aren't Just for Castles Any More...
Some people spice up bland walls with textured paint, pictures, and collections of knick knacks. Some people hang tapestries. Heirloom European Tapestries has a large collection of tapestry wall hangings that range from ancient and medieval depictions to serene gardens and waterfalls. They also do custom work to suit your whims, so if you think Fido needs to be immortalized in a tapestry, send them a picture.
http://www.tapestries-inc.com/
Burger Press Makes Grilling the Perfect Burger Easy
There's nothing like a good hamburger charbroiled to perfection on the old backyard barbecue. Unless you make them too fat and the insides are still pink when you bite into them. Or you make them too thin and they fall apart when you try to flip them. Come to think of it, grilling that perfect hamburger can be a pain. Along comes the burger press. This non-stick aluminum meat mold is designed to give you burgers of just the right shape and just the right thickness every time. The Burger Press will run you just under $20 through Amazon: Burger Press
August 11, 2005
SweepEze Electronic Vacuuming Dustpan
Technology is creeping into the house from all sides, and it's even changing the way we clean. The Westinghouse SweepEze Vacuuming Dustpan uses a 600 watt vacuum motor to suck up dust and debris that you sweep into its range. An infrared sensor tells it when to turn on, so it's always ready. The SweepEze is available in dark gray or beige and can be purchased via the web for about $60: SweepEze Electronic Dustpan
Outdoor Towel and Robe Warmer
If you've got a backyard swimming pool or hot tub, you probably just throw your towels over the back of a patio chair while you're in the water. Baltic Leisure offers another solution. Their outdoor towel and robe warmer is built from weather-resistant western red cedar. It keeps the inside of the cabinet a toasty 150 degrees that is suitable for drying and warming towels, swimming suits, and robes. An unheated lower cabinet provides room for storing pool or spa chemicals. The price for the towel warmer is $1899.
GE Profile Dishwasher Knows How Dirty Your Dishes Are, Responds Accordingly
The GE Profile "Smart Dispense" Dishwasher stores a whole bottle of liquid detergent in the door. It automatically determines the amount of detergent needed (according to GE, "detergent amounts are determined based on water hardness in the home, soil level of dishes, size of dish load, water temperature and cycle selection") and distributes it during the pre-wash and wash cycle as needed. When the detergent runs low, a LED goes on to let you know it's time for a refill (about once every 2-3 months). Available in October 2005, the GE Profile will be offered in white, black, stainless steel, or custom paneled options with prices starting at just over $1,000.
http://www.geconsumerproducts.com
Press Release for the "GE Profile Dishwasher with SmartDispense Technology."
August 10, 2005
Glass Stairs Underlit with LEDs
I'm not sure which is cooler: the glass stairs or the LED lighting coming up through them. The system was created by ThinkGlass, a company that makes everything from kitchen counters and sinks to floors and stairs out of glass. ThinkGlass promises that glass is more durable than people realize (at thicknesses above 1.5" it's "as strong as any stone") and will both last and make a lasting impression in your home.
Retractable Screen Doors and Windows
Sometimes you feel like a screen; sometimes you don't. Wizard Retractable Screen Products offers a range of screens for doors and windows that disappear into the housing when not in use. The rest of the time, they work as normal screens, allowing in air while keeping pests out. Wizard Retractable Screens are made from high-grade extruded aluminum and come in a number of colors.
http://www.wizardindustries.com/
Climbing Wall Meets Swimming Pool
AquaClimb is a climbing wall that attaches to the edge of the swimming pool. They offer models for commercial pools as well as indoor and outdoor residential pools of various shapes and sizes. Built-in safety features keep the walls kid friendly. The AquaClimb panels feature high quality fiberglass with a textured non-slip surface. The system is designed to hold up to UV rays, high winds, and salt and chlorinated water. The climbing wall incorporates real rock features with inset and protruding holds. The panels can be interchanged and rotated to offer variety and different levels of difficulty.
All I can say is where were these all those years I was on swim team growing up? They look like a great way to incorporate both fun and fitness into the swimming pool environment.
Do-It-Yourself Stone Floors
Island Stone offers a system of river stones embedded in mesh called "Pebble Tiles." You simply lay the tiles and fill in the gaps around the stones with grout. The interlocking mesh tiles come in 12" x 12" or 16" x 16" sizes with borders to add interest; both fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Designed to be used both indoors and out, the embedded stones come in a number of colors such as blue steel, tan, and white.
Xtend & Climb Telescopic Ladder
One of the privileges of being a homeowner is taking care of the maintenance around the house (hey, those leaves aren't going to pull themselves out of the gutter). Ladders come in different lengths and styles, but most of them end up taking a good chunk of wall space when not in use. If you've got a 5,000 square foot house and a four car garage, it might not matter, but if you're a little more pressed for space, a telescopic ladder is a way to save room. The Xtend & Climb Telescopic Ladder extends to 12.5 feet in height but compacts to 3 feet for storage purposes. It weights 25 pounds and is rated for 225 pounds. Expect to pay around $250 for this ladder (carrying case extra).
http://www.inspectortools.com/
August 09, 2005
Home Sauna from Cal Heat
Many people tout the health benefits of spending time in the dry heat of a sauna. The Outdoor OD200 Home Sauna from Cal Heat offers homeowners the sauna experience without a trip to a fitness club where you have to hang out with sweaty strangers. This sauna seats five and has an optional CD stereo system and inside LED lighting. Rather than closing users up in a wood box, it leaves a wall of windows so you can look out over your yard as you relax.
Put Your Own Design on Your Kitchen Cabinets
Have you ever thought about refinishing your kitchen cabinets or perhaps an old piece of furniture that still has life in it? Wood Icing is a product that allows you to create unique designs and textures on wood, metal, and plastic. According to the company, the stuff is water-based and applies in a "simple three-part process" that any homeowner or professional designer can handle. Wood Icing kits range from $34-$96, depending on the size of the job you want to take on.
Baseboard Heater Covers Hide Unsightly Heaters
So, you want to hide those old metal baseboard heat vents. Numerous companies make heater covers designed to do just that. They conceal the heaters but don't obscure their fuction. If you like the look of wood, Mission Woodworking offers "fully functional baseboard heat with the look of fine furniture." They use red oak and the price is $49 per linear foot.
http://www.missionwoodworking.com/
August 08, 2005
Stone "Bomber" Bathtub
The solid stone Bomber bathtub by Antonio Lupi is sure to make a statement in any bathroom. It's not going to fit in every bathroom, but if you have the room to spare and you've ever wanted a round tub, this may be the one... Available in Juta stone or Sinai stone, the tub measures 140 cm in length and width by 55cm in height. Make sure your bathroom floor can handle the weight before you consider an all stone tub like this one!
Marble Bathtub
Gregory Muller Associates Inc. are artists and designers who create "natural stone environments and custom stone pieces." They do custom work using onyx, marble, and granite and make everything from sculptural furniture to fireplace surrounds to the marble bathtub shown here.
http://www.gregorymullerassoc.com/gma_inc_studios.htm
Granite Wine Opener
Opening a bottle of wine with a corkscrew is an art that takes a bit of experience and finesse to master. If you're one of those people who frequently finds pieces of cork floating around in your glass, maybe it's time to try a more user friendly wine opener. Frontgate's Granite Wine Opener is designed to match those trendy granite countertops and make corking and recorking your favorite vintages a little easier. It retails for $179 via their web site.
August 07, 2005
Vertispa Shower System
Many homeowners sigh longingly at the new luxury showers coming on the market, the ones with multiple shower heads. The problem is installing them; typically you have to redo some of the plumbing which means you've got a big home improvement project on your hands. If you're looking for the relaxation of multiple shower heads with a simple installation, American Standard's Vertispa Shower System may do the trick. According to the manufacturer, it installs in "as little as 30 minutes" and doesn't require replumbing the bathroom.
http://www.americanstandard-us.com
Chalkboard Refrigerators
For some "luxury" means modern-looking stainless steel appliances, but for others it means having a home that's designed to go hand in glove with the people who live there (the people of all ages). If you've got kids who like to scribble on things, or maybe you're just looking for an easy way to leave messages where other family members will see them, you might want to take a look at Frigo Designs' Chalkboard Refrigerator Panels. Designed to attach to your current refrigerator, the chalkboard panels come in charcoal or green. They are also magnetic, so no need to give up your magnet collection.
Frigo Design: Chalkboard Refrigerator Panels
August 06, 2005
Color Blox for Truly Unique Wall Decor
The Color Blox system from Crossville, Inc allows you choose your own unique colors and patterns for your walls. "Available in 20 distinctive colors, the Color Blox palette includes sophisticated shades of red, blue, green, yellow, brown and gray. Each color easily stands alone and also coordinates with at least two or three other colors in the palette, thereby multiplying the mix-and-match possibilities. Subtle differences in texture and shading give each piece of Color Blox tile its own unique appearance." They are available in 6" 12" and 18" squares or 12" x 18" rectangles. Prices run $4.60-$5.50 per square foot.
August 05, 2005
QuietZone Acoustyle Wood Ceiling System Cuts Noise
The QuietZone Acoustyle Wood Ceiling System from Owens Corning is designed to look good and keep noise down. It's also relatively easy to install. There's an installation video on their site if you want to see more details. The ceiling system comes in prefinished pieces of kiln-dried hardwood that is more cost-effective than custom millwork. It is available in a variety of designs and finishes.
QuietZone Acoustyle Wood Coffered Ceiling System
Spanish Floor Tiles Made from Concrete
One of the problems with Spanish clay tiles is they're fragile and can break on floors that see heavy traffic. Smith-Laredo's Casa Monterey line has a similar look but is made from a proprietary concrete-based material rather than clay. According to the manufacturer, the tiles are virtually maintenance free and designed to stand the high-traffic demands of kitchens or entryways. The tiles can also be used outdoors.
Decorate Your Deck with Glass Balusters
Deckorators Scenic Glass Deck Balusters are a decorative alternative to plain old wood or metal balusters. I've seen glass panels placed in decks before, but these look like they'd be a little easier to clean (insofar as you could reach the backside without leaning over the railing) while providing a similar window effect out to the backyard. The glass balusters are made of 5/16" thick safety glass and come in 4" x 32" pieces that fit a standard 36" railing. The glass is available in three tints: clear, autumn, and dusk.
Deckorators: Glass Deck Balusters
August 04, 2005
Delta's "Hidden Faucet" or Look Ma, It Goes Up and Down
Last night on HGTV's Kitchen Trends, they showed a snazzy faucet that disappears into the countertop. I'm sure I need a faucet that retracts, but the kid in me wants to play with it anyway. Controlled by hydraulics, it requires no electricity. A small joystick next to the sink moves the faucet in and out of position and controls the temperature of the water.
The Delta Hidden Faucet is slated for release in 2006. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find many pictures of it since it's not out yet, and none of it in the "down" position.
Delta Disappearing Faucet on Kitchen Trends
http://deltacom.deltafaucet.com/wps/portal
A Portable Hot Tub That's Actually Portable
"Portable hot tub" usually just means the hot tub sits above ground instead of in the ground and it's possible to move it if you leave the house (and can lift the 500 pound beast onto a flatbed truck...). The SplashTub from Splash SuperPools is actually designed to be movable. The tub weighs 90 pounds and can be flipped on its side and fit through doors. It works indoors or out. It plugs into a regular 110v outlet, and according to the manufacturer, the cost of running it averages $9-$15 a month. The SplashTub is available in several colors including forest moss, autumn mist, granite, onyx, and wine. The portable tub runs roughly $3,000-$4,000 depending on the model you purchase.
Removable Pool Fence Keeps Toddlers Safe
A swimming pool is a fun upgrade to the backyard, especially in warmer climates, but parents with young children need to be concerned about their little ones wandering out to the pool unsupervised. Baby-Loc Removable Fencing keeps toddlers from gaining access to the swimming pool, and unlike many other fencing solutions, it isn't necessarily a permanent fixture in your yard. When the kids get older and have learned to swim on their own, you can take it down without damage to the deck.
August 03, 2005
Choosing a Central Vacuum System
Central vacuum systems are among the latest luxury upgrades for homeowners who don't have time to spend hours cleaning. They can be installed in any home, new or old. There are numerous tools and attachments available for them, so they can handle everything from loose pet hair to dirt on window screens.
Central vacuum systems consist of:
- a hose, usually about 30 feet long
- tools that attach to said hose
- wall inlets the hose connects to
- a network of plastic tubes for transporting the sucked up dirt
- a receptacle that stores the dirt until it's dumped
Central vacuum systems are relatively uncomplicated to install, and it's possible for a fearless do-it-yourselfer to handle it alone, but most people opt for professional installation since it involves cutting into walls and floors.
What to Know Before You Buy a Central Vacuum System
While we predominantly associate vacuums with floors, central vacuum systems can also be used to clean your car, the inside of bathroom and kitchen cabinets, bedroom closets, draperies and furniture. Basically, anywhere the hose can reach, you can clean. Many people also choose to add kickplate inlets (between the bottom of the cabinets and the floor) in the kitchen. This means you don't need to get out the hose; you simply sweep dust and debris toward the inlet, and it sucks it up.
A 2,500 square foot house typically needs four inlets where the hose can attach, but before you commit yourself, you should use a 30 ft length of string to test the reach. This will help you figure out the best places to put the inlets and also to determine if you need an extra inlet.
You will need a power source to run things. The vacuum system usually gets plugged in where the storage receptacle is placed (the garage is a popular choice). For houses larger than 5,000 square feet, you may need a 30-amp circuit for systems running on 110 volts or a 20-amp circuit for 240 volts.
For more information on purchasing a central vac, consult your local home improvement store or look online for manufacturers who specialize in central vacuum systems. You may find some of these links helpful as well:
How Central Vacuum Systems Work
The Benefits of Central Vacuum Systems
Source: "Central Vacuum Systems Make Cleaning a Snap" from the August 2005 issue of Electronic House
Bookworm, the "Flexible" Bookshelf
Luminaire, Inc. has a number of interesting pieces in their collection of wall-based storage solutions, but as a book lover, it was the "Bookworm" shelf that caught my attention. Made of flexible thermoplastic polymer and batch dyed fire retardant PVC, the unique shelf can be molded to fit your tastes. Supports across the length are designed to be used as bookends. The Bookworm shelf is available in bottle green, cobalt blue, red wine, tea yellow, and opaline.
August 02, 2005
Ayoura Hydro-thermo Massage Bathtub
The BainUltra Ayoura hydro-thermo massage bathtub is designed to give bathers a full body massage via 63 strategically placed air jets. Inspired by the egg, the Ayoura is available in freestanding or drop-in models. Some of the tub's features are: chromatherapy (LED lights that change color to fit your mood), heated backrest, heated headrest, two armrests, two grab bars, and an optional massage table.
Bathroom Side Table or... Ah, Finally Some Place to Put the Book
I love reading in the bathtub, but at some point you have to set the book down and get to washing. Then you face the question of where to put your book. Porcelain ledges, toilet seats, and the like tend to get steamy and damp, and you're relegated to tossing your treasured paperback on the floor (where it'll probably get wet anyway when you climb out). The answer? Dornbracht's Melt table, a part of their Interiors collection, might do the trick. I'm not sure if the Melt side table is specifically designed for the bathroom (although Interiors is slated as a furniture collection dedicated to bath and living areas), but it looks like a handy spot to hang your towel and set a book or magazine. At the very least, the natural maple finish shouldn't collect condensation as badly as most bathroom surfaces.
Fireplace Andirons with Personality
Technically, andirons are just for keeping the logs from falling out of the fireplace when a fire is burning, but metalsmiths and designers have long been adding style to functionality in order to make andirons that suit the personality of the homeowners. If you're looking for elegant and stately, these cat andirons from ShoppersChoice may not be it, but if having a pair of critters peering out of the fireplace sounds cool, read on. The cat andirons are made from black cast iron and have reflective glass eyes. They are 17 inches tall and weigh just over 18 pounds. They cost about $60 (not including shipping). ShoppersChoice also features andirons shaped like cacti and owls, along with more basic antique and modern styles.
August 01, 2005
Goodbye Showerhead; Hello Kohler WaterTiles
Luxury showers with multiple spray angles are more popular than jetted tubs these days, and the trend is toward a sleek style that eliminates visual clutter and protrusions. Kohler's WaterTiles are brass 5" x 5" showerheads designed to blend in with the rest of the tiles. You can install as many as you want. They sit almost flush with the ceiling, wall, or intersections between those places. Once installed, you can still adjust the spray to target you whereever you wish. They're relatiavely inexpensive at $119-$199, but expect to redo the plumbing in your shower to install these body sprays.
Recycled Glass Drawer & Cabinet Hardware
If installing new kitchen cabinets or resurfacing the olds ones isn't in the cards now, you can give your kitchen a new look by installing new cabinet hardware for a relatively low price. Stores like Home Depot have the basics, but for something unique (and environmentally friendly), try visiting Green Sage; they specialize in "sustainable building materials and furnishings." These recycled glass drawer pulls run about $12 a piece and are available in numerous colors and styles. They even have cabinet hardware shaped like fish, gears, shells, and stars for those looking for the whimsical.
Egg and Muffin Toaster
For those who enjoy McDonald's egg and English muffin breakfast sandwiches, a new toaster from Back to Basics allows you to make them at home. The Egg & Muffin Toaster can simultaneously toast your bread or English muffin, cook an egg (poached or steam-scrambled), and warm a pre-cooked slice of ham or sausage, all in about 4 minutes. The toaster will be available at major retailers starting in September. MSRP is $49.95.
