Modern Midwestern Makes

All photos courtesy Room & Board.

​Room & Board​, the modern American-made retailer of furniture and home décor, today announced a collaboration with ​Cambria​, the nation’s leading provider of American-made natural quartz surfaces.

The two Minnesota-based brands, both with a reputation for timeless design, American craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainability, service and innovation, will debut the Pren Collection, a versatile series of tables, desks and storage cabinets, in January 2020. 

“We’re thrilled to bring together two iconic Midwestern brands,” says Gene Wilson, Room & Board Director of Vendor Management and Merchandising. “Because of our shared values, this partnership felt like a seamless alignment. Cambria’s signature design capabilities pair perfectly with our modern style and together we’ll raise the bar on livable luxury.”

The collection will be available online through ​Room & Board on January 4, 2020 and through Room & Board Business Interiors on February 4, 2020, and available at all 16 Room & Board retail locations after January 16th. 

Falper Vetro Integrated Cabinet Glass Top Basin. All photos courtesy Rogerseller.

‘Green’ design and products have historically found their classification in the product features themselves and not necessarily in the processes behind the production, or the facilities that produce them.

But that’s beginning to change, with more emphasis given to the green cogs that keep the green machine going.

Luckily, you don’t have to go green with envy at what others are doing; below, we’ve listed several firms working to contribute to the green movement.

Catalano

“Think Green” is the motto of Catalano, who has been pursuing sustainability and respect for the environment at all stages of its production cycle for years. The firm prides itself in using pure raw materials without any risk of toxicity, while cutting-edge technology has resulted in a new generation of products with reduced thicknesses that require less material.

Catalano pays great attention to environmental efficiency and operating conditions of machinery as well; the installation of solar panels at the production plant generates 1,625,000 KWh – about a quarter of its total energy requirements.

Catalano’s plant is characterized by a low-noise impact and features a closed-loop wastewater recycling system, while the production processes facilitate the maximum reduction of volatile fumes and pollutants released into the atmosphere. But its green efforts don’t stop there. 

When it comes to its products, Catalano is constantly innovating to ensure it stays at the forefront of technology and its impact on product design. For example, the company’s revolutionary glazing method, Cataglaze+, actively kills bacteria through Silver Titanium technology, eliminates the stagnation of water and reduces the amount of cleaning detergents and water required. The visibly superior aesthetic also guarantees anti-yellowing over time.

At left: Catalano Zero 55 Basin

Fantini

At its core, Fantini is all about water. Since 2012, its “100 Fontane: Fantini for Africa” project has succeeded in bringing clean water to 25,000 people in Masango, Burundi, through the construction of 12 collection wells, 27km of aqueducts and 100 water outlets.

Fantini products also adhere to the most stringent standards to safeguard consumer health. Its products are certified Lead free (containing less than 0.25 percent) whilst they’re also utilizing more stainless steel across all of its collections. A compact and solid material, stainless steel offers the highest resistance to corrosion and is particularly hard-wearing and durable, facilitating maximum hygiene. In addition, it’s also an eco-friendly and recyclable material.

At left: Fantini Mare Basin Mixer

Unique Homes sat down with the owner of Firefeatures, Elena Colombo, a sculptor whose biggest inspiration is nature, to discuss how this inspiration shines through in her one-of-a-kind designs.

Was there a particular moment when you knew you wanted to be an artist?

I believe I always knew I was an artist and designer — from the time I was a toddler, I was always making something. Making flower necklaces, building dollhouse furniture, making a background painting for my fish tank, making mobiles, etc. I studied architectural drafting in grade school and high school and went on to study art history and fine arts in college. Art has been with me since I was born.

I want to be clear; I’m not a fine artist in the true sense of the word. My art is not solely for art’s sake. I do not make things that are purely for looking at and pleasing the viewer, though that is integral to their success. I design sculptural yet functional gas appliances. I call it “art that works.” Everything I have done in my life for work and pleasure has been to put an idea or feeling into visual form. 

My father was a builder and contractor while my mother was a naturalist and placemaker. They both built/created places where people and families could thrive, whether it was building a library, planting a garden, or choosing a comfortable yet beautiful chair to sit and read in. I grew up in a nurturing environment where we were encouraged to create and solve problems. I want my work to create a beautiful place where people gather to commune with each other and fire is the medium — and it’s second to none in that regard.

How would you describe your style?

I hope, at its best, it is a clear abstraction of nature. Because I make a product that is specifically a gas appliance, I am bound by requirements and restrictions that pure fine art is not. The form follows function in my case, so the style has to be clear, pure, and functional.

How has your style changed over the years?

It’s gotten more focused, so I imagine it’s become more minimalist.

If you had to describe your works in three words, what would they be?

Clear, pure, and functional.

How does fire influence your projects?

It is the thing for which I create. My work is essentially a vessel to contain the fire and allow it to burn safely. The shape of the vessel can dictate how the fire moves, or the movement of the fire can dictate the shape of the vessel. The bowl was my first choice to hold fire as it is the simplest shape, and allows the fire to be the star.

How do you begin a project?

With a small quick sketch on paper, then translate it into 3 dimensions with Nic Spitler, our Head of Design. We work in Rhino which is a 3D modeling program and a very lithe program. It allows you to create, change and morph easily as you work out the ideas. I couldn’t do it without Nic — he’s extremely fluid with Rhino and our instincts are similar.

What is your favorite project and why?

The Bethlehem Bridge Project. It was a commission awarded by ArtsQuest and the National Endowment for the Arts in response to an RFQ for the Bethlehem placemaking initiative. And I just feel like I got it right. I am proud of it and it functions for the people of Bethlehem and for visitors from around the world.

What is your dream project?

A large-scale civic project in Manhattan perhaps, and to get further into design for end of life memorials and reliquaries. 

Can you tell us what you’re working on right now?

Right now are two big jobs with multiple fireplaces, both interior and exterior, for 2 residences, one in Southampton and one in Greenwich, CT. The Southampton house will have a series of cast bronze pieces I’m really excited about — one has a log cradle made from a singular piece of tree bark we cast in bronze, with an entire driftwood looking surround cast in concrete. It’s an intricate mold process we will be beginning in the new year.

What is the biggest challenge when it comes to sculpting?

Coming up with a good idea and then executing it!

Actually, sometimes it’s just moving these heavy objects around — you tend to forget about that when you’re in the creative process — moving big metal things encompasses a lot of shipping and installation details you have to consider when designing the piece.

https://www.firefeatures.com/

Photos courtesy of c/o Firefeatures

Photo courtesy Procook.

Reformation 

Living in rural Mid Wales, designer Craig Anthony is surrounded by the shifting patterns and colors of the country’s multiple landscapes, from open moorlands and mountains, to the woods surrounding lakes and rivers. All of this landscape inspires his creativity, which in turn helped him to launch his decorative arts company Reformations, an online gallery of handmade glass clocks and modern glass wall art. 

His pieces that boast functional elements combined with highly decorative and abstract attributes. Additionally, many of his works also feature ambient lighting that creates a dramatic display when seen in darkness.

“My work develops organically, a reciprocal relationship between the materials and my imagination,” Anthony says. “Every piece I create feeds the design of the next. Created using paints with a high pigment content on specially prepared glass, and embracing a sense of natural chaos, my work is guaranteed to make a bold statement in any, contemporary setting.”

Photo courtesy Shekåbba The Danish Home.

Starting January 25, 2020 is this year’s Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rat, associated with such characteristics as wealth, cleverness, creativity and midnight hours.

If your looking to freshen up your interior style, perhaps its time to ring in the new year with some Chinese New Year-inspired design tips and tricks. From oriental furniture and art to luxurious fine finishes, you can find all the inspiration you need to start this new year right!

At Left: Markus Multi-Functional table.

Photo courtesy Go Modern Furniture.

Above: Urban Chic nest of tables.

Photo courtesy Wooden Furniture Store.

At left photo courtesy Maison Valentina.

Above photo courtesy Orchid Furniture.

At left photo courtesy Orchid Furniture.

Above photo courtesy Artisanti.

In a quiet, gated community in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, this grand home offers 24-hour security. Inside, the welcoming stairway at the entry leads to the great room and main living, which open to the pool area.

“As you walk down the stairway entrance you feel like you are walking into a grand ballroom,” says listing agent Jaime Gould of Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty.

The home also features three bedrooms, three full and one half baths, a one-bedroom apartment and a two-car garage.

“This home is good for people who like to entertain and have guests stay with them,” says Gould. “Each bedroom has its own area, so if you need to get away or have peaceful quiet time you can.”

This property was featured in the Fall 2019 edition of Homes & Estates magazine.

To see the full digital version, click here.

All photos courtesy Bosch.

On the heels of its new counter-depth refrigeration collection launch, Bosch home appliances recently unveiled the results of a new study examining the food waste habits of Americans. In the survey of 2,000 respondents, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Bosch, Americans opened up about their weekly food waste habits and revealed staggering numbers at the household level.

With $102 worth of product in their refrigerator at any given time, the average American tosses nearly $54 in spoiled food a week, or $2,798 every year. As part of that waste, Americans toss four spoiled items from their refrigerator every week, equating to 103 pounds a year and 6,180 over the average adult lifetime. 77 percent of respondents attribute tossed items to forgetting they are in their refrigerator or losing them among the clutter. Further, 65 percent agree this waste is due to lack of organization or space in the fridge, with one in four admitting their refrigerator is unorganized.  

Bosch French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator – FlexBar

Bosch French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator

FarmFresh System’s VitaFreshPro

Photo courtesy of  Idyll Home

Terrazzo is a favorite in design, graphics, and architecture, and it’s likely going to last. 

While the real historical terrazzo consists of a mix of really small pieces of scraps scattered in the concrete, the terrazzo we see at present in design and interiors is a mix of different marbles with bigger sizes, less density, and a more striking graphical look.

Going together with the rising popularity of pattern decor, terrazzo gives you several different possibilities for decor, and to add color in original shapes.

Photo courtesy of  einrichten-design.de

Rugs, Curtains, Tablecloths and More

Terrazzo, an Italian flooring composite, is one of the biggest current trends in fashion and interior design, thanks to its bespoke and unreplicable look. Rug’Society is proud of bringing this craze to the tapestry world with our Terrazzo Rug, one of the most trendy choices to bring any ambiance together.

Photo courtesy of Rug’Society

Wall Decor that’s Functional

Karlsson Tom Terrazzo Wall Clock Pink

The Karlsson wall clock Tom Terrazzo in pretty pink adds a chic industrial touch to your walls. It is finished with black hands, a red second hand and a high-quality quartz movement.

Photo courtesy of The Design Gift Shop

Throw Pillows and Wallpaper

Eye-catching terrazzo works as a decorative display, whether it’s on an elegant throw pillow or covering the walls.

Photo courtesy of  Patricia Braune Textile & Surface Designer

Photo courtesy of  einrichten-design.de

Featured image courtesy of  Maison Valentina

“Since our conception, we’ve made colorful finish offerings our priority,” comments Big Chill Founder, Orion Creamer. “In offering two new tiers of paint finishes, in addition to our over 200 custom color options, we are aiming to assist in the design process, providing an accessible method for pairing each collection with paint finishes that make a mark.” 

Photos courtesy of Big Chill

It seemed as if the interior designing industry has exhausted all of the various designs used in kitchens — until the new trend of all-black kitchens became the new fad and shifted the paradigm. Here’s how designers are getting into the trend and making blacked-out kitchens feel warm and inviting at the same time.

Photo courtesy of Original BTC

Another perfect way of styling blacked-out kitchens is adding gold accents. Not only do they add the perfect contrast, but they vary the textures used, making a refined and finished look. The reflective material of the gold cabinets create an open and war atmosphere.

Photo courtesy of PullCast