Welcome home! Your home is important, not only because it’s a major financial investment but also because it’s the place where your family gathers to share wonderful moments together. That’s why we’re pleased to bring you this edition of HomeStyle, your source for up-to-date, home-improvement information and creative decorating ideas that truly make your house a home.
4 Take it easy Turn recession-era dining on its head: Reinvent the dinner party with casual color.
• Bob Williams , publisher bob.williams@thesouthern.com
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6 Mission kitchen Nine affordable, easy ways to upgrade the kitchen this weekend.
8 Solution-based design Rachael Ray’s go-to interior designer forks over details on the new definition of luxury.
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On The Cover The right chord: Corduroy takes a surprising leap into home furnishings. COVER DESIGN RHONDA M. ETHRIDGE / THE SOUTHERN IMAGE COURTESY OF DESIGNERS GUILD
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Page 2 Thursday, February 18, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
The
right
chord Corduroy takes a surprising leap into home furnishings.
From runways to living rooms, there’s no denying it: Corduroy is in for 2010. Levi’s recently announced the launch of an all-corduroy line of clothing, and Sure Fit, a provider of ready-made slipcovers, now uses the textured fabric for its Stretch Stripe designs. Styles from the
‘60s and ‘70s are reappearing in both clothing and home décor trends — and corduroy is no exception. “The emergence of corduroy as a popular fabric again is not surprising, since other midcentury design has made, and is making, such a strong comeback,” says Kelley
comes down to the color and the thickness of the wale, or the ribs, in the fabric. “When I think about corduroy, I first see it used in a more casual application, such as a family room or den. I also have seen corduroy in bright colors and used in ways that are quite elegant and formal,” she says. “You can have vastly different effects depending on the color of the corduroy and what kind of furniture frame you upholster with it.” To try out the look in your own home, Proxmire suggests treating the fabric much like a velvet. Use it as upholstery, a pillow or drapery trim. Levin recommends starting out with a corduroy club chair. “A chair is a smaller dose of fabric, easy to move around and less of an investment than a sofa,” she says. If a bold color is outside of your comfort zone, opt for a neutral tone that will easily blend in with the surroundings.
Proxmire, owner of Kelley Interior Design, Bethesda, Md. “I still think of corduroy as a throwback to a retro style, but with anything that comes back in vogue again, it’s been tweaked and restyled with a modern update,” says Liz Levin, owner of Liz Levin Design and Liz Levin Nesting, Washington, D.C. “How you use it changes its effect dramatically. It can be dressed up and formal or cozy.” To keep corduroy from appearing outdated, choose an unexpected shade. “The color of the corduroy will make it special in a room,” Proxmire says. “Autumnal-colored corduroy conjures up the old preppy look of tan pants and a tweed blazer in a dark green library. A hot pink, pure white or orange wide-wale corduroy could create the look of now!” Corduroy complements contemporary and rustic design schemes, Levin says. Its impact
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To try out the look in your own home. Use fabric as upholstery, a pillow or drapery trim..
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Take it Easy
Turn recession-era dining on its head: Reinvent the dinner party with casual color. Some of the biggest names in fashion — Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Kate Spade, Calvin Klein — also design tableware. But it’s not haute couture that’s driving the latest trends in tabletop style; it’s the recession, and the fact people are dining at home more. At-home chefs want to recreate the restaurant experience, so elegant “tablescapes” are in. But at the same time, everyday chefs expect cleanup to be a snap, so fragile, fussy pieces that can’t survive the dishwasher have fallen out of fashion — even for special occasions. In fact, 2008 marked the first time that sales of quality casual dinnerware edged out fine china sales during bridal season, a trend that continued in 2009 and is expected to continue in 2010, according to NPD Group, Port Washington, N.Y., a global provider of consumer and retail market research information. “Stuffiness is out, but people still want a really beautiful table,” says interior designer, Laura Casey, Charlotte, N.C. The recession has revolutionized the simple act of setting the table. Today’s brides are much less likely than their
mothers and grandmothers to register for two sets of dishes — one for everyday use and one for formal dining. Instead, “they opt for one set of quality casual dinnerware that they can dress up for special occasions,” says Kathleen Cella, senior account manager for NPD’s housewares and home textiles divisions. Most people have less disposable income and are doing more picking and choosing, which is causing a shift in the market — particularly with dinnerware. “It used to be that you’d have brands competing with other brands or casual competing with formal,” Cella says. “Now, dinnerware competes with other housewares.” Instead of buying a new set of dishes, consumers are snatching up accessories like water pitchers and serving trays to freshen and enhance what they already own. Or they’ll purchase select pieces from high-end retailers, and then round out their tableware with flea market finds. Sales of serving dishes and cookware reflect the fact people are cooking at home more. “Serving pieces under $50 have been really successful this last quarter,” says Linda
Nangle, a senior buyer for the Seattle-based retail chain Sur La Table. Well-made, reasonably priced pieces that have the imprimatur of a famous designer or celebrity chef also are popular. Culinary superstar and Food Network face Giada De Laurentiis unveiled a line of cookware for Target in January, which includes snow-white and ruby-red ceramic bakeware that is elegant and functional. “Small things like placemats and napkins are another inexpensive way to bring in something trendy,” says Casey, owner of Laura Casey Interiors, LLC. She says that turquoise will be the “it” color of 2010, and that gold accent pieces will make a comeback. Bamboo and rattan placemats will fly off the shelves “because everyone likes natural fibers,” she predicts.
Page 4 Thursday, February 18, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
Today’s consumer values durability, functionality, convenience and classic styling, Nangle says. Sur La Table’s Frutta dinnerware, featuring a bold fruit pattern, “was made to look and feel like an Italian heirloom passed down from nonna,” yet it’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe, according to its product description. Tracking sales, “One thing that comes out loud and clear is that people want dishwasher-safe,” Cella says. “It speaks to convenience.” While gorgeous linens help create a fine-dining atmosphere, it’s timeconsuming and
LC G, L N I S
EN
LA
GE
oftentimes futile to try to make napkins and tablecloths crisp after each use. Perhaps that’s why patterned tablecloths are in vogue. They’re a charming throwback to
AN
S AM AD
LIC
the past — and they hide stains. Trendex Home, Moira, N.Y., created a line of stain-resistant placemats that feel like soft,
Versatile hues reign supreme among dining room textiles. Tablecloths, placemats and napkins are a key part of the room’s décor. CHILEWICH
Add pops of color with patterned glasses, stemware, pitchers and bright seasonal dishes.
ordinary fabric, but the fibers are encapsulated in a patented stain barrier, so wine, coffee, red sauce and other tough spills bead up on the fabric or wipe off without a trace. Following the lead of inventive chefs, folks have decided it’s hip to be square — or triangular or teardrop-shaped. Seen as part of an overall presentation, plates come in all shapes and sizes to frame foods in an artistic way. Just try to imagine sushi served on a round plate. It doesn’t seem right. At-home cooks also have embraced the idea that a stark white plate is the most appropriate canvas for culinary creations. “Basic whiteware has always been a best-seller for us, and it’s on the rise,” says Sur La Table’s Nangle. “It can be formal or casual. It’s very versatile.” However, interior designer Joe Nye of West Hollywood, Calif., says its
popularity is waning. “It seems like a lot of people are interested in color,” he says. The trend even extends to stemware. “It used to be sort of taboo to serve wine in a colored glass because you couldn’t see the color of the wine,” Nye says. “But I think people have sort of gotten over that.” Overall, “The trends for 2010 address consumers’ need for optimism, with bright colors and pleasing patterns,” says Florence Chaix, a designer for Tommy Bahama Home, which offers tablecloths with orange, red and yellow stripes, along with placemats printed with tropical flowers. Together, “They achieve another trend of 2010 by showing mixed patterns on the table,” Chaix says. The retail chain Anthropologie also has popularized bold, busy, brightly colored linens, including the Flora & Fauna pattern featuring
folksy birds, rabbits, foxes and frogs. No tablescape is complete without thoughtful finishing touches. Flowers and unscented candles never go out of style, but centerpieces are passé, Casey says. “You don’t need that sort of focal point. Instead of one huge centerpiece, do maybe four smaller arrangements in a row down the middle of the table,” she suggests. Nye likes to place pretty cups and saucers at each place setting and then “scrunch” mini bouquets into them. For him, finishing touches include little luxuries, such as pressed linen napkins and salt cellars at each setting. “I’m a big advocate of using your best stuff every day,” Nye says. “If you have dishes that you only drag out twice a year for Thanksgiving and Christmas, why even own them?”
Pull up a seat and embrace the traditional or just plain funky side of the dining room. When it comes to decorating, the dining room is often the area of a home least infused with an individual’s personal style. Since the room consists of little more than a giant table, this is not surprising. All the more reason, then, for dining room chairs to make a big design statement. “Each piece of furniture has a silhouette that defines its style and its contribution to that room. A dining room chair is a perfect example of how that’s done,” says Penny Law, owner of PCL Interiors, Charlotte, N.C. “Each element — including the legs, back, arms and fabric design — is important and helps to define the style.” Luckily, dining room chairs come in a vast array of shapes and styles to suit the needs of any design scheme. “They can be dramatic and colorful, sleek and architectural, clean and simple or elaborately ornate,” says Nora Murphy, executive vice president of style and advertising at Danbury, Conn.-based Ethan Allen. Here are a few striking new seats that are sure to elicit oohs and aahs. Refined minimalist: “People should be careful to invest in dining chairs that are well designed, well made and comfortable,” Murphy says. Elegant and graceful, yet barely there, Thomas Moser’s Pasadena Dining Chair is just that: expertly crafted, with a clean, curvaceous design that exudes style while remaining understated. Offbeat conversation-starters: Übermodern and ready to make a splash, these bold seats are perfect for the homeowner who isn’t afraid to stand out. Managing to blend historical elegance and futuristic glam, the transparent Philippe Starck Louis Ghost Chair follows classic 18th century French design. “With the creative use of new materials in traditional styles, it’s the perfect blend for any interior,” Law says. Also sure to get guests talking, the Very Good &
Proper Canteen Utility Chair puts an eye-catching spin on a schoolhouse classic. Updated old world: Contemporary takes on the classic Queen Anne chair suit a range of design schemes, from an updated farmhouse look to a more formal style. “It’s an adaptation of a traditional design from the very early 1700s,” Law says, whose clients are drawn to the style’s “uncomplicated, clean lines.” Rustic yet refined, Pottery Barn’s perfectly weathered Queen Anne Chairs will fool dinner guests into thinking you’re a flea market superstar. Ethan Allen’s take on a classic Queen Anne design can be customized with a wide range of seat coverings. Comfortable chameleon: If you switch style preferences as often as you change socks, try a chair that can be fitted with a slipcover. “Parsons chairs have a retro, vintage feel, but adding custom slipcovers to fit your room design could can put a whole new twist on [the] 1930s design,” Law says. Ethan Allen’s Thomas Side Chair offers a comfortable canvas for endless colors. Or, perhaps you’re ready for another change of socks. Pick up a pair of Charles & Marie’s Chair Personality Socks. Available in argyle, tube and striped patterns, these quirky accessories fit all styles of chairs and are a ready-made conversation starter — no wine needed.
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Affordable, easy ways to upgrade your space. Want to update the kitchen but don’t think you have enough time or money? Well, think again. Follow these designer tips for a quick kitchen facelift. You won’t believe your eyes (or your wallet). Plan and de-clutter: You only have one weekend, so develop a strategy. “Plan ahead so everything is onsite at your fingertips,” says Lou Ann Bauer, owner of Bauer Design, San Francisco. “Collect design ideas, make selections and get them to your house so they’re ready to go.”
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Once you’ve done that, tidy up. “Clean all the clutter off the countertops,” Bauer says. “Take everything out of the kitchen and just bring back essentials. The rest goes to the next garage sale.” Get organized: There are a host of kitchen organization accessories that can instantly and effortlessly update your space, says Mark White, owner of Kitchen Encounters, Annapolis, Md. He recommends utensil organizers, underthe-sink cleaning caddies
to store cleaning supplies and racks or a rotating carousel for spices. One of his favorites is the appliance garage — a retractable door installed beneath upper cabinets to cover up countertop appliances — which can be purchased from most cabinet companies. “It’s a great place to conceal a toaster, a blender or a food processor,” White says. “You don’t have to store them in a closet or pantry, but they’re out of sight.” Add some color: “Don’t overlook the power of
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paint,” says Kate Hart, owner of Hart & Associates Staging and Design, Wayne, Pa. If the kitchen is wallpapered, tear it down; Hart says it makes the room feel like it’s stuck in a “time warp.” She suggests a bright, fun color to make the space livelier, like yellow or orange. Lighten up: Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a big impact on a tight schedule, White says. “There are lots of very stylish fixtures available that can give you a really great accent.” He suggests hanging pendant lights for a contemporary look. Mount task lights on the underside of cabinets, he says, to shed additional light on food preparation. Make a splash: Let your creativity run wild by adding a fun backsplash, but skip the expensive tiles. “Consider alternatives like applying plates to the space between the bottom of the cabinets and the counters or tin tiles for a vintage feel,” Hart says. “Be creative. Use wine corks or matchbook covers to fill in the space,
or paint a favorite quote.” Hang out: “Show off pots and pans” says Sam Beall, resort owner and author of “The Blackberry Farm Cookbook: Four Seasons of Great Food and the Good Life” (Clarkson Potter, 2009). A hanging rack will provide extra cabinet space and give a modern look to any kitchen. An added bonus: it’s a great excuse to invest in some high-quality cookware. Roll out: Add rollout shelves, White suggests. “Any lower cabinet that has just a shelf behind the door is made much more functional if you put in a shelf that rolls out like a door.” For ambitious doit-yourselfers who are handy with power tools, White suggests giving the outside of at least one cabinet a makeover. A glass-front can help open up a kitchen and provide a focal point for the display of special glassware, dinnerware and accessories. Cut out the center panel of each door and replace it with a glass insert. Use frosted or reeded glass as classic
alternatives to clear, standard glass. For a rustic look, try chicken wire or punched tin metal inserts. Color in cabinets: While a fresh coat on the walls is a quick way to give your space a facelift, don’t forget about other surfaces that could use a new hue. “A new cabinet color can brighten the kitchen and make the entire space look more attractive and appealing,” says Erica Woelfel, director of color at BEHR Paints. She suggests a peach shade for a soft look or cornflower blue for a lighthearted feel. Warm yellows will bring a sense of comfort to the room. Show it off: Now that you’ve transformed your space, throw a dinner party to enjoy the fruits of your labor with friends and family. “Create a menu for the evening that can involve guests in some of the prep work and cooking,” Beall says. “Enjoy an appetizer or first course just standing around the beautiful new kitchen with a great wine.”
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Solution-based design Rachael Ray’s go-to interior designer forks over details on the new definition of luxury.
How did you decorate it? LL: I made all the usual mistakes — I painted the walls white and kept everything very plain and simple because I thought that would make the room look bigger. You mean it doesn’t? LL: No! It just makes it look boring. Ultimately, personality and pizzazz are more important than square footage. How important is color in a small space? LL: Very important. All-white walls tend to look very cold and impersonal. But a small room with a hit of color feels cozy and pulled together. How do you know if you’re overdoing it? LL: You probably don’t want all four walls painted chocolate brown. That’s a little too much. A better solution is to choose an accent wall — maybe it’s the wall your sofa or fireplace are on — and paint it a rich, bold color. The others you should keep a light tan or cream. That way, the colored wall recedes and the space feels larger. What colors are you liking these days? LL: A lot of blues, everything from peacock to cobalt to icy blue. Also gray and purple. I find a little shot of purple can go a long way. Are you a “less is more” or “more is more” kind of person? LL: I’m somewhere in the middle. I like to LIBBY LANGDON have enough stuff so that a room looks Choose one item in a room, like a treasured painting or an antique vase, to dictate the room’s design and color scheme. comfortable and lived in, but I also like to keep things slightly sleek and pared down. Too much stuff everywhere just makes me like in my own way I’m making a says. “It’s amazing how ibby Langdon’s timing is flawless. feel confused and overwhelmed. difference.” timely tips on smallThree years ago, well before the How is the recession affecting the way space living are right recession landed, she noticed that people decorate? now.” Langdon also the interior design community seemed What’s the upside of living in a small LL: It’s interesting. People are certainly appears regularly as a fixated on the McMansions of the rich, space? watching their money more carefully, but design consultant on leaving ordinary people in ordinary LIBBY LANGDON: Control. It’s just a lot they’re also spending more time at home “The Rachael Ray Show” homes pretty much on their own. easier to manage than a large space. You and are interested in the whole idea of and other programs. In The result was her book, “Libby feel like you’re running your house nesting and making their homes as Langdon addition, her design Langdon’s Small Space Solutions: rather than your house running you. comfortable and livable as possible. It’s firm, New York-based Libby Interiors, Secrets for Making Any Room Look What’s the smallest space you’ve actually a great period if you have some handles a variety of commercial and Elegant and Feel Spacious on Any ever lived in? imagination. residential commissions. Budget” (Knack/Globe Pequot Press, LL: I grew up in an old Tudor house in I keep reading that the luxury market is “What I do isn’t brain surgery,” she 2009), a step-by-step guide that builds High Point, N.C., where space was over. Is it? says. “But it sure can make people feel on the success of her hit HGTV reality never an issue. But one of my first LL: I think people are defining luxury a better when they come home from work apartments in New York was around show “Small Space, Big Style.” little differently. The reality is we all have and love where they live. There’s power “For many reasons, people are 500 square feet. Believe me, it took too much stuff. That was true before the and joy in designing small spaces. I feel interested in downsizing today,” she some getting used to. recession, and it’s still true. Having less
L
Page 8 Thursday, February 18, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
From
sea to sky
Tranquil yet invigorating; turquoise is the shade of a new decade.
PLOV ER O RGAN IC
Both calming and rejuvenating, the many shades and tones of turquoise are the new faces of a new year. In fact, international color authority, Pantone, Inc., Carlstadt, N.J., recently named turquoise the color of the year for 2010. “After a recessionary year that left many with a feeling of gloom and doom, a color that restores zest and motivation was needed,” says Laurie Pressman, vice president of fashion, home and interiors at Pantone. “In many cultures, turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color. It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth inspired by water and sky.” Beautiful and eye-catching as an accent or bold as an allover tone, turquoise can make a stunning addition to any home. If figuring out a way
to incorporate a shade has you feeling anxious, take baby steps. “Turquoise is an incredibly flexible color, finding easy company with a wide range of hues,” says Erika Woelfel, director of color at BEHR Paints. “Try small doses of it at first, to see if it is compatible with your taste and senses.” Seattle-based interior designer Sara Eizen, owner of Nest Seattle, suggests trying the shade on an unexpected surface. “In a room, you may have four walls, but you have six surfaces,” she says, including ceiling and floor. A hesitant decorator might paint just the ceiling or try a turquoise rug. Be sure to consider
PANTONE
Shades of turquoise are leading the parade of cheerful colors that are zapping our recession blues. Its calming qualities restore hope and offer decorating versatility.
which shade works best with your personal aesthetic. Turquoise is versatile, and each hue creates a different mood within the home. “Grayed versions of turquoise lend a historic, sophisticated feel to rooms. Brighter [shades] have more energy and are great for places where people might entertain,” Woelfel says. “A soft, bird’s egg blue is wonderfully relaxing for a bedroom. A strong, vibrant,
T SE EU CR LE
isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Great design comes in all shapes and sizes. Again, space is less important than what you do with it. What inspires you? LL: My springboards are mainly objects — a beautiful scarf or a gorgeous photograph with amazing colors in it. I’m not a big antiques person. What I do like, however, is incorporating a special piece here and there into a room. It’s more fun and more personal than buying everything new. How has your style evolved over the years? LL: When I first became aware of design, I wanted everything to be modern and contemporary. But as I’ve gotten older and have started entertaining at home more, my style has softened a little bit. Today, my goal is comfort. I want to create warm and inviting environments. You’re a designer and you also play one on TV. Which is harder? LL: I’m pretty wacky and not that different off camera than I am on. The part I do like about TV is the end of the show when the homeowners come in and see what I’ve done and they’re surprised and excited. It’s a big happy moment. The process is different in real life. It all takes longer and is a lot more complicated. How long does it take you to size up a room? LL: About 20 minutes. Whether they know it or not — and many of them don’t — people leave clues about what they actually want. I remember this one woman, I went to her house and the only thing she had on her wall was a gorgeous Moroccan platter. The rest of the house was just kind of a mishmash and not that interesting. But the platter was lovely. I realized that the platter was actually a cry for help. It was her way of saying “I want this style but I’m too scared to do it myself.” So I designed a Moroccanthemed room for her and she was thrilled.
lagoon blue gives a tropical vibe to sitting rooms or kitchens.” If you decide to paint an entire room in your preferred shade, remember to balance bold color on the walls with subtle touches, like wooden furniture or a neutral-colored sofa or rug, Eizen says. Don’t feel as if grays and creams are your only options, however. “Cool turquoise and aqua are at their best when combined with warm, rich colors like olive, ochre, amber and coral,” Woelfel says. For a sense of whimsy, Pressman suggests pairing it with bright cobalts, spring greens or lemon yellows. Of course, paint is just one way to bring the blue hue into a home. Accent pieces can add a surprising, sophisticated pop of color to most spaces. “Think of using turquoise as an easy way to dramatize any décor,” Pressman says. The kitchen is a great room to accessorize. “Look for countertop appliances such as toasters, coffee makers and blenders as well as dinnerware and glassware to help a kitchen or dining area come alive,” Pressman says. In the living room, add throw pillows, lampshades or a vase. When incorporating this elemental color into a home, the sky truly is the limit. Let creativity be your guide as this striking blue transports you to a soothing tropical paradise.
Use greens, yellows and grays to balance out a punch of turquoise in the bedroom. Add splashes of turquoise to the kitchen with colorful dinnerware, small appliances and glassware.
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, February 18, 2010 Page 9
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Not everybody wants what happens in Vegas to stay there — especially when it comes to exciting new products and trends for the home. January was a busy time for home news coming out of Las Vegas, with both the International Builders’ Show and the Consumer Electronics Show wrapping up just before people had to start worrying about finding the right Valentine’s Day present. Keeping things convenient, underbudget and as ecofriendly as possible were key points of the shows, and it never hurts to have some fun, either. Judging from the CES turnout, if you are comfortable wearing 3D glasses at the movies, get ready to start wearing them at home. “By far and away, two entries into the 3D television space left the most lasting impression: Toshiba’s ZX900 Series Cell TVs and Samsung’s LED 9000 series,” says Scott Steinberg, publisher and lead technology analyst for industry news source Digital Trends. Due out later this year, the Cell TV not only promises superior picture quality, Steinberg says, “it also aims to convert 2D images to 3D.” Like the Cell TV, Samsung’s LED 9000
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series also carries 2D-to3D conversion capabilities and some additional features that should raise eyebrows, Steinberg says. An LCD remote control can play live TV while the viewer watches a Blu-ray or other content on the actual set. At IBS, Kenmore introduced a new line of Elite high-efficiency front-load laundry products. Lighting control manufacturer Lutron Electronics, Coopersburg, Pa., introduced its new Maestro Dimmer with Occupancy/Vacancy Sensor, which aims to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Skype is partnering with Panasonic and LG to bring videoconferencing
technology to consumer living rooms TV. John Ross, the president of IPG Emerging Media Lab, Atlanta, says this has the potential to transform Internet-connected television into a “portal to endless ways to socialize, entertain and conduct business.” Ostensibly, it could allow grandparents to connect with bouncing babies across the country, friends and family to catch up with loved ones overseas and small businesses to conduct meetings and Webinars out of their owners’ homes. “Suddenly, the concept of hanging out on the couch begins to take on a whole new dimension,” he says.
Water world
Get the faucet you never knew you always wanted.
No longer satisfied with a straightforward description of a full or half bath, today’s savvy homeowners pay attention to the particulars. Modern and minimalist have replaced classical and ornate as inspirations for the bathroom faucet. Never one to be impressed with plumbing in the past, Kathy Gillespie, Albany, N.Y., says her local hair salon’s recent restroom renovation transformed her expectations. “I had never seen such a faucet before,” she says. “The top was exposed. The water flowed out like a stream.” Sara Maduscha, senior product manager of bath and faucets for Kohler Co., Kohler, Wis., isn’t surprised by the salon’s shift. “Water is soothing, and today’s faucets bring a peace and tranquility to the user by incorporating water delivery into their design,” she says. According to Maduscha,
as new technology delivers a wider array of aerators, faucet designers now aspire to be contemporary artists working with a liquid medium. Kohler’s Margaux line produces a laminar flow, or a solid stream of water. “The water looks natural and pure when it comes out of the faucet head,” she says. Nature’s imprint also can be found on the Fluid line from Sustainable Solutions International, Burnaby, British Columbia. The movement to bring the outside in was inevitable, says Russ Wheeler, president of Hansgrohe’s North American division, based in Alpharetta, Ga. With the modernization of faucet styles has come greater functionality. “The whole industry has gone to using levers. No one designs with knobs anymore,” says Gray Uhl, director of design for American
Standard, Piscataway, N.J. “Our PuraVida line is designed to create the appearance of one cohesive look,” Wheeler says. “Instead of just placing it on top of a sink, the faucet becomes one with the rest of the bathroom.” Sheargold believes contemporary faucet designs possess staying power. “A modern bathroom stands the test of time ... A contemporary bathroom works well in a traditionally decorated home,” he says. Classic hotels that upgrade outmoded bathrooms are a prime example of the power and adaptability of contemporary design, he says, proving that it can augment and not undermine old-school charm. The lesson is not lost on guests such as Kathy Gillespie in her New York salon. “People ... return home saying, ‘I want that for my bathroom,’” Sheargold says.
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