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Also seen in Vogue Australia Living was this rather interesting mirror-faceted island bench. A simple setting of white laminate joinery with mirrors (if I was attempting to do that myself I’d certainly not call it simple) makes for a focal point in this lovely white room. To see a close-up of the island, go here.

See the complete project here.

I’m not proud to admit it, but I’m a confirmed water-snob. I can tell the difference between spring, reverse osmosis (RO) , and tap water even by just smelling it. I can’t help it, but it’s hard for me to drink regular tap water, or even spring water for that matter. I get this talent/affliction from my mother, which means that even since I was a child, I’ve had two faucets at the kitchen sink: one for regular tap water, and one for Reverse Osmosis water. I’m currently working on remodeling my kitchen in Los Angeles (pictures to follow when it’s done, I promise) and I started to research my options for which faucet to get for my RO filter. There are usually some pretty good options available and it’s not too difficult to match an RO faucet with some of the more modern kitchen sink faucets out there. For instance, faucet 101 is a pretty good match for the Ikea Ringskar. But today while looking for a new RO filter faucet, I discovered something I’d never seen before: the 3 function faucet (faucet 208), which includes hot, cold and RO water all in one faucet. Something like this would really simplify the counter top area but still include the great function of fresh water right at the sink.

If you share my delicate palate, I really recommend that you get a home water filtration unit because it will save money and remove your need for bottled water. I completely recommend the nicest folks in the business, Pure Water Products — they’ve been doing this for over 20 years now.

This kitchen is fantastic. Obviously, the wood floors are nice and the layout is perfection, but I especially love the giant vent hood masquerading as a giant lamp fixture.

[posted by kris]

I’m loving these recycled glass mosaic tiles.

These environmentally friendly glass tiles are made of 100% recycled glass. The only truly “green” tile available, can be used on walls, backsplashes, countertops, floors and pools.

[posted by kris]

I’m seriously considering these solid steel plate counter tops for my kitchen remodel. I especially like the look of this island.

The Infinitos Countertops are modular and are fully sustainable and re-surfaceable. Constructed of solid ¼” steel, INFINITOS countertops will last virtually forever, are available in virtually any color, and can be stripped and re-surfaced again and again. At the end of its useful life, it can be given to another user, or can be fully recycled. This proves to be a strong element of sustainability that more businesses, institutions, and individuals are requesting. INFINITOS can contribute significantly to a LEED rating.

Additionally, you can choose from a standard palette, or from larger palette of specialized colors.

[posted by kris]

Creede over at Grassroots Modern is having a contest where you can vote on your favorite kitchen remodel. I particularly find the “Simple, Modern, Functional” kitchen to be inspirational. The owner, Summer, did a great job of taking a cramped space and making it much more open and usable.

[posted by kris]

Look closely at these floating cabinets. They’re not wall mounted as far as I can tell, but instead they have tall legs (about 9 inches off the ground) and there is a mirror installed at the toe-kick, in addition to a light behind the mirror which casts a light at ground level. Such a clever way to add light to the flooring which makes the space seem larger than it is.

[posted by kris]

Sometimes when dealing with tight-quarters, you may need to spend a little more to get the space-saving gadgets. In this case the space saving gadget is the combo washer/dryer by LG. It’s great for a closet or even under a counter because it doesn’t require an external venting source and runs on standard voltage, so no rewiring is required. So, if you don’t already have a standard laundry room, it may actually save you a little by not having to vent or rewire a closet.

[posted by kris]

I really want a Sub Zero refrigerator but I don’t want to pay $6000 when I can get one with similar dimensions and appearance for a lot less.

Here’s my plan: I’m going to get a Maytag or other rectilinear refrigerator for less than $1200 and then to give the refrigerator a built-in look, I’m going to have a vent custom made in stainless steel to dimensions that will equal the width of the refrigerator and so the height will match the height of the cabinets.
Additionally, I’m going to remove the curved handles of the refrigerator and replace them with straight line handles.

[posted by kris]

I love the openness of this Italian kitchen.

[posted by kris]

Admittedly, these look horrible at first glance. But if you have a little imagination, or even better, the February 2008 issue of Domino and turn to page 76, you will see that these can be customized and can actually look quite modern. What’s great about these is that they’re perfect for a tiny apartment and they are priced at $1200 and up. Additionally, they are somewhat customizable because you can specify the color of the base for a small upcharge and you can switch out the knobs with virtually anything.

[posted by kris]

Oh. My. Goodness.

Is it wrong that I really want this built in anthracite oven? I’m not even working on a kitchen remodel (other than the dream kitchen in my mind). Just as a starting place I can really picture the rest of the kitchen in the subtle tones that aren’t quite jet-black, but just a subdued dark grey color.

Outstanding.

[posted by kris]

Okay, so this isn’t the Vola faucet I’ve been coveting, but it IS almost 90% cheaper.

I probably played Tetris for hours on end in 6th grade. I have been reacquainted with Tetris recently while at a friend’s house who still has her old Nintendo, so it’s great to see it being used here in a home application. I’m not quite sure it would be a match in my home, but I do really love the idea. Perfect for a kids bath perhaps?

[posted by kris]

Here’s a great architectural piece by Jackson Clements Burrows. I’m especially drawn to the ‘black cube’ execution of the kitchen and it reminds me of the black cube at the FCET house.

[posted by kris]