2009 Color of the Year: Mimosa

Pantone has officially named color 14-0848, Mimosa, as it’s 2009 color of the year.

During this time of economic uncertainty and political uncertainty, no other color expresses hope and optimism more than yellow.

“The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation.”

Pantone said the flowers of the mimosa tree, as well as “the sparkle of the brilliantly hued cocktail” are key to this color that “coordinates with any other color, has appeal for men and women, and translates to both fashion and interiors.”

 

 Goodbye Blue!  Hello Mimosa!

 

 

Versace Palace Stone Tile

A  new collaborative effort between Versace Ceramic Design and tile manufacturer Gardenia-Orchidea brings a beautiful collection called Palace Stone.

This powerful collection delivers  textured or semi-polished geometric tiles for both walls and floors.  Tile sizes range from small mosaics to large format tiles.  Exquisite details include metal inlays and relief patterns that look hand crafted.

The back of each tile is engraved with the Versce Logo to prevent counterfeiting.

Jaclo Luxury Outdoor Shower Collection

JACLO, a decorative plumbing products manufacturer, known for their decadent shower systems, including the Dream Light Rain Canopy and illuminated Lumiere showerhead, has introduced a luxury outdoor shower collection.

The Arch Column and AquaBambu shower columns are perfect complements to modern pools.

Both can be outfitted with a mixing valve for hot water use,  are available in polished or matte stainless steel and can be fitted with a port/valve to drain, which is ideal for cold climates to protect against freezing.

The Arch Column  features two spray functions, which can be operated from side-mounted controls. Spray functions include an adjustable angle rain tile showerhead and foot wash outlet.

The AquaBambu shower column features a round, waterfall spray as well as a foot wash outlet.

These sleek shower columns can easily be added to your existing pool deck without having to trench for plumbing lines. An external water inlet can be used with a garden pipe or external water connection.

Can Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Make You Sick?

Concerns over health risks from Electromagnetic Field (EMF) sources is not new.  Scientists have been studying EMFs since 1985.

We are surrounded by sources of EMF daily.  They include power lines, computers, fax machines, video monitors and cell phones.

For years, some people have reported health problems they attribute to exposure to EMF.  Their condition is referred to as “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” or EHS.

According to a World Health Organization  (WHO) study EHS symptoms commonly include dermatological symptoms (redness, tingling) ad well as neurasthanic and vegetative (fatigue, concentration difficulties, dizziness, heart palpitations and digestive disturbances).

While the WHO states EHS is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms that vary from individual to individual, many believe it is related to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Recently, the Globe investigated CFLs and “Dirty Electricity” stating that there is a link between CFLs and migraines.

 Watch Globe TV Video 

Here’s an excerpt from an Austrailian government report that refutes health claims tied to CFLs.

“While light sources with a detectable flicker can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals, CFLs ‘flicker’ at a rate well above that detectable by the human brain and so should not affect migraine sufferers,”

From what I’ve read, these reports remind me of the granite Radon scare recently in the news and on this blog.  Is this really the LED industry trying to get consumers over the high price objection with fear?  I’ll keep watching this and let you know if there are any updates.

How to Select Wine

If you are at the wine store and want to purchase something to put in your new wine cooler what do you do when all you have to go by is the label?

The Wall Street Journal recently wrote a wonder guide on what a wine label can tell you.

I find the follow tips to be very helpful.

Vintage: Most stores stock wine that is meant to be drunk right away.  So if you see a 5 year old Pinot Grigio you should move on to the next bin.

Alcohol Content: Look for wines with an alcohol content of 14% or less.  Wines with higher alcohol content tend to be unbalanced.

Cute Critters: Inexpensive wines with cute animals should also be avoided – especially if the critter has a long story.  There are some exceptions to this rule such as Stag’s Leap or Iron Horse.

Estate Bottled: It’s generally a good sign when the people who made the wine also had a hand in growing the grapes on their own land.

Phone Number: A highly personal winery will print their phone number on the label with an invitation to call.  Be mindful that you may have to search some very fine print to find it.

Other Details: If the winery adds extra information such as harvest date or when the wine was disgorged then you know that they are trying to communicate with the consumer.

Bosch and Siemens Dishwashers Recalled

BSH Home Appliance Corp. has recalled almost 476,500 Bosch and Siemens dishwashers due to a fire hazard. 

30 fires have been reported from an electrical component overheating.

The models in the recall were sold between May 1999 and December 2006. 

To find your model and serial number look on the side of the door. 

If you have one of the models listed, stop using it immediately and call 1-800-856-9226 to schedule your free repair.

The New White House Designer

The Obamas have named Michael S. Smith as their Interior Designer for the White House interiors.

Smith is known for his inventive style of mixing Old World classicism with very contemporary settings.

His style can be called a blend of European tradition and American modernism. The result is a comfortable elegance, a non-theatrical look that is ultimately very understated in its presentation.           Congratulations Michael!

  
 

Via Domino

Viking Toaster Recall

Viking Range Corp. is recalling its VT400 series toaster due to a shock hazard to consumers.  Wiring inside the unit can become loose and make contact with the toaster body shocking anyone who touches the outside.

If you own the 4-slot toaster with the following model numbers VT400WH, VT400BK, VT400GG, VT400SG, VT400BR and VT400CB, contact Viking for a free replacement.

Viking will send you a padded mailing envelope with further instructions.  Once they get your toaster they will send you the replacement.

For additional information contact Viking directly at 1-888-267-4460.

Electrolux Aurora Induction Cooktop

I think Australians have a different idea of low-profile design than we do here.  The new Aurora Induction cooktop from Electrolux is called low-profile but it stands two inches tall.  I think this makes cleaning more difficult but many people are excited about the look of the Aurora.

The  Aurora cooktop stands out from other cooktops with it’s LED perimeter lighting and case of white Corian.  The unit is controlled by a touch pad on the white patterned glass top.

The cooktop received an Australian Design Mark. It retails (in Australia only) for $10,000 AUD or approximately $7,050 USD.

Many descriptions I have read describe the Aurora as an appliance that is ideal for open design plans.  Even though the unit has a child safety lock, the installation shown is not considered safe for people walking past the rear of the island.  They could potentially be burned by steam or grease.

 

 

Another thing to consider before splurging on this cooktop is that Corian is not heat resistant. 

While induction cooktops are known for not putting out heat; you should be aware that after the food gets hot it will radiate heat to the pot. If the pot is warm enough and comes in contact with the Corian base, you could scorch it.

More Recycled Chandeliers

I have had many readers tell me they really like the chandelier from a previous post made from coffee stirrers .  So in response, I have hunted down a few more recycled chandeliers that I think are also beautiful and inspiring.

This light of pop art flowers is made from recycled soda bottle bottoms.  

Artist Michelle Brand says her Cascade Chandelier can be seen two ways, as a grim comment on a throw away culture or an homage to the beauty found in mass produced items. I can see this as being a fun family project when the weather outside is too cold or wet.

 

 

 
 Don’t let the color fool you on this next light by Stuart Haygarth.  

This light is crafted from 416 disposable plastic wine glasses.  A pink fluorescent light inside creates the striking color.  If this light is too big he also makes one from 280 glasses.  I want to know who is drinking all that wine.

Stuart Haygarth has made many chandeliers from found objects.  My new favorite of his is made from water bottles confiscated at the airport.  It replaces my previous favorite, the Tide chandelier, made from trash that washed up on the shores of the Kent coast line. 

 

 

    

        

For smaller lights, I admire the work of Johanna Keimeyer.  She carves up plastic bottles to create interesting and whimsical pendants.