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Innovative, practical, and with a hint of futurism that would make Captain Kirk not look out of place, the Integra by Tonino Lamborghini is boldly going where Pedini first suggested with the signature Integra Hook Kitchen.
With leather paneling and doors, sleek curved worktops, and tasteful black and cream colours with a hint of Lamborghini’s signature yellow, to be at the helm of this kitchen one could expect to pay approximately $US103,000.
Faber’s Imago+ takes decorative hoods to a whole new level.
Your kitchen becomes a media room with this multimedia hood: it has a 19″ LCD TV analog and digital tuner with inbuilt recipes, Internet, video call, multimedia player and USB input. It also has web cam, allowing you to constantly monitor your home, an excellent feature for families with children (or the Nanny!).
Simon Turner
A luxurious home requires a luxurious…well, everything. Thus, with the bathroom certainly being no exception, Qin’s Persempre modern wall mount vanity unit fits ones requirements.
There is a choice of a free-standing basin or a glass covered unit. It is sumptuous, it is luxurious, and any Queen of Egypt, France or even Sydney (!) would appreciate such a bathroom.
Simon Turner
Having been unfurnished for 5 months on the market with a traditional suburban agency, this property in Cremorne on Sydney’s North Shore remained unsold.
Marquette Turner’s unique Concierge® service furnished the property from top-to-bottom, and within 5 weeks the property sold: yet another example of a fantastic result that Concierge®contributed to.
Our Concierge® service, and all its aspects, is entirely complimentary, and is just one of the reasons why Marquette Turner is setting new standards in real estate and has already achieved more Luxury credentials than any Australian agency.
If the sale of your home would benefit from Concierge®, please get in contact with us without delay.
Call: 1300 737 778
Or directly contact Michael Marquette on 0433 170 170 or via email michael@marquetteturner.com.au
The Vision washbasin would certainly impress guests to your home, with its crinkled paper-like appearance. With light shining through this modern design, it truly stands out as a modern and original feature of any bathroom.
Simon Turner
Camouflaging your hiding places seems to be a perfect technique to fool thieves from stealing your valuables.
There have been treasure chests all along history with huge key combination locks and handles on the outside that leave the robber very little to look for. Even burying money underground isn’t all that logical anymore since many people live in apartments and underground treasures are always in danger with blundering drainage systems.
The air vent safe will trick those who have the sense of not looking into the unthinkable places of hiding valuables. This one’s available for $260.
This is a serious, serious bathtub. The first thing you’ll notice are the two waterproof HDTVs that pop up out of concealed side panels. There’s also an integrated Champagne holder, fully electronic controls (including automatic temperature hold), solid gold highlighting, and a whole bunch of Swarovski crystals leaded amorphous solids.
The best part is it has a comfortable seating for two. It has four color LED mood lighting, an “electric self extracting hand-held shower unit,” variable intensity whirlpool and airpool jets, a continuous automatic water disinfection system and a GSM module that lets you call the bathtub (!) and order up a bath with the temperature and water level of your choice from anywhere in the world.
It’s often exciting to have guests visit your home, and without doubt you want them to feel welcome
For extended visits it’s especially important to create a space that will make them feel comfortable, and will be a memorable part of their trip. To ensure that happens, here’s a good checklist that will allow you to mix and match nicely.
The Bed
- Pillow Top A bed needs to be soft and plush
- Percale Sheets They must be crisp and perfect
- A Nice Throw It’s a great addition to create a homey feel; these are made from bamboo and soy fiber-good for the environment-and still as soft and luxurious as cashmere
The Welcome Tray – A gift set of essentials is a perfect way to make a great impression
- The Tray This sugar cane piece is just the right size and has a cool, natural look (and is inexpensive). Freedom or IKEA will have them aplenty.
- Toiletries Leave a travel size kit of essentials – whether your guest forgets to pack them or not, they’re sure to appreciate this touch.
- Reading Material Include local magazines and a guide book to the area to give them a sense of the place, as well as a few seasonal varieties.
- Fresh Flowers That’s a must, and you can go to town in mixing a few trendy vases.
- Towels Don’t forget these; Frette towels are some of my favorites
- Water Carafe Why not? A simple yet thoughtful touch.
Bedside Table
- The Start Exceedingly useful and easy to pick up from most furniture stores.
- Swing Arm Lamps These leave the bedside table clear, and makes reading in bed easier
- Bose iPod Dock It’s easy to use and allows your guests to bring along their own soundtrack, or you can welcome them with a “shuffle” of your favorite playlist
- As for a finishing touch, a hand written note welcoming them will get their stay off to a fantastic start.
A new concept for bringing builders, other tradespeople, designers and suppliers into contact with thegeneral public will be launched in Newcastle in late June or early July 2008.
The HIA Hunter Home Ideas Centre, a new complex in the industrial estate of Steel River at Mayfield West, is set to revolutionise the way the home building industry does its business in the surrounding region.
Well located alongside the Industrial Highway , just a few minutes’ drive from the central business district and within easy reach of Newcastle ’s satellite suburbs, the centre rejects traditional concepts of how building products and services should be displayed. HIA’s Home Ideas Centre Manager, Steve Jeffries, said its design resulted from extensive consultation with members and consumers.
Mr Jeffries said research indicates that kitchens and bathrooms are the current ‘hot’ items with consumers. “We will have eight kitchen displays in the centre, all by established cabinet-makers, so consumers will meet the people who will actually be doing the work,” he said. “The same goes for the bathroom exhibits.
This state of the art HIA Homes Ideas Centre showcases local construction industry services in addition to 15 display modules each two metres high by a metre wide, leased by local builders, architects and home designers.
If you ever wanted to have a balcony that overlooked the road below but have been denied one because of some pesky rules then here’s something to look forward to.
This cool Bloomframe is a smart way to have all your window-watching needs fulfilled. It appears to be just a window so that anyone who has a problem with you having a balcony, will be forced to believe that it’s just another ventilation option. You can make these windows customized based on the size of your house and other factors.
This is an artificial window that uses electricity to create a simulation of a video using electroluminescent sheets. The blinds are all set to blind you from reality. No more chirping birds or distant mountains for you anymore. However, for those who live in closed rooms, this may seem nothing short of redemption.
Ever had the problem of trying to fill oversized pots in tiny sinks? Well, the Kohler invention has a smart robotic arm that can move the faucet to any place that you wish to fill the liquid from.
And not only is this faucet practical, it’s also more stylish and has a trendy nozzle that is similar to a bathing shower.
Simon Turner
Save the planet and energy costs with these fantastic new outdoor must-have.
The Firewinder, also known as the Original Windlight, is a decorative and completely wind-powered outdoor light from the UK-based Firewinder Company that transforms the ebb and flow of the wind into an upwardly spiralling glowing light.
Wind from any direction spins a small turbine on the helix-shaped device, thereby lighting up LEDs along its outer edge. With light winds of at least 3 mph, the Firewinder emits a dim glow, but as winds increase, so too does the brilliance of its light. In variable winds, the result is a pulsing, twisting glow that appears to float in mid-air.
The Firewinder can be hung or mounted to a post or wall, and it’s made of recyclable materials; no batteries or wires are required. As the greening of the consumer world continues apace, the market for ecologically sustainable goods will only increase. There’s no end in sight to the benefits of thinking green!
Website: www.firewinder.com
Simon Turner
Even for those smaller outdoor spaces, the Marquette Turner team love this idea:
Paris-based D Garden Collection has its sights set squarely on terraces, balconies and patios with its textile banners, self-adhesive wallpaper and waterproof cushion covers.
Banner designs are individually produced to the customer’s size requirements from high-quality textiles and inks to ensure UV protection, resistance to the elements and machine washability.
The wallpaper can be adhered to any glass or plexi surface, outdoors or in; when outdoors, they’ll last at least 3 years.
No matter how tiny their terraces, consumers’ desire for individuality and personal style remains super-sized. Plenty of room here for urban young execs and others to make their mark on patios around the world!
Website: www.dgardencollection.com
Simon Turner
A light-hearted joke that will bring a smile to the face of even the most synical of property developers.
In the year 2008 the Lord came unto Noah and said:
‘Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans.’
He gave Noah the CAD drawings, saying: ‘You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights.’
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard, but no Ark.
‘Noah!’ He roared, ‘I’m about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?’
‘Forgive me, Lord,’ begged Noah, ‘but things have changed. I needed Building Regulations Approval and I’ve been arguing with the Fire Brigade about the need for a sprinkler system.
My neighbours claim that I should have obtained planning permission for building the Ark in my garden because it is development of the site, even though in my view it is a temporary structure.
Then the Transport Authorities demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions to clear the passage for the Ark’s move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.
Getting the wood was another problem. All the decent trees have Tree Preservation Orders on them and we live in a Site of Special Scientific Interest set up in order to protect the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls – but no go!
When I started gathering the animals, the RSPCA sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.
Then the Council, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Authority ruled that I couldn’t build the Ark until they’d conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.
I’m still trying to resolve a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission on how many disabled carpenters I’m supposed to hire for my building team. The trades unions say I can’t use my sons. They insist I have to hire only accredited workers with Ark-building experience.
To make matters worse, Customs seized all my assets, claiming I’m trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark.’
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.
Noah looked up in wonder and asked, ‘You mean you’re not going to destroy the world?’
‘No,’ said the Lord. ‘The government beat me to it.’
So – for those of you in despair, don’t give up and best of luck! And keep smiling 
Simon
THE LOOK
Kitchens are being integrated into living areas. Rather than using one dominant surface, grey, black, dark timber or veneer is teamed with a contrasting shade or texture, including gloss or dark mirror glass, to simulate the feel of a living room. The preparation area might be stainless steel with an integrated sink and the central bench elongated for dining.
Upmarket kitchens have a second pantry – effectively a mini kitchen – so that preparation is out of sight. The pantry houses the dishwasher, coffee machine, kettle, toaster, microwave and big sink, with a smaller sink in the main kitchen.
The interest in plain glass splashbacks is on the wane, with pale glass is being replaced by stronger colours. Patterned wallpaper is also being placed behind glass, using mirror or black glass. Textured splashbacks in oversize tiles reflect textures in doors and drawers.
APPLIANCES
Steam ovens are nudging microwaves aside, which can come built-in or freestanding. Combi ovens can be used with or without steam. A Gaggenau in-bench steamer costs $3800 and a combi steam oven $4500.
Must-have bench-top appliances are a steamer, gas wok burner and a two-burner induction hob. Extras include a barbecue, deep fryer and a teppanyaki plate. Coffee machines are also increasingly popular.
Another modern component is St George appliances’ Cool Touch technology, which ensures their quadruple-glazed oven doors are always cool.
OUTDOOR KITCHEN
The outdoor kitchen is the new must-have and almost as glamorous as its indoor counterpart. Defining features include the trusty barbecue, sinks, stainless steel benches, cupboards, drawers, overhanging rails, char grills, wok burners, kegs, wine coolers, deep fryers, fish smokers and pizza ovens. Warmth is added through a patio gas heater, chiminea or brazier.
COOLROOM
How about being the definition of “cool” by replacing your refrigerator with a walk-in coolroom.
The coolroom, which some designers say is a growing trend for large families and keen entertainers, will run in an L-shape under the stairs. Most-used items, such as milk and butter, will go in door shelves and the walls will be fitted with pull-out drawers and shelves for everything from wine to fruit and vegetables.
Benchtop Facts:
Granite and Carrara marble have to be sealed:
No. The sealer is toxic, shows marks and has to be re-done. Leave them honed and matt and scrub with a cream cleaner and scourer.
Stainless steel looks too commercial.
Who cares It’s practical for hot pots and can be teamed with something organic such as timber to integrate it with the living area.
Reconstituted stone has to be sealed and is hard to clean.
No, it doesn’t – and it scrubs up with cream cleanser. Just don’t put super-hot pots on it.
Laminate doesn’t wear well
Yes, it does if you look after it.
Concrete is the toughest option.
It’s unpredictable. You can’t be sure of the colour, finish or texture and it needs sealing.
Timber doesn’t stand up to wear
Keep it away from water, oil it three times a year and it will last for years.
The nature-lovers and simplicity-dwellers are sure to like this. An unusual and stylish bath, the Rainforest bath is the first to have a hand-made wooden bath.
Hundreds of caringly curved timbers are crafted to make this unique boat bath. Each of these are made in natural Teak hardwood which are waxed for smooth hard-waring finish.
The taps must be wall-mounted or floor mounted. Please note that the bath is without over flow and also the colors may vary as each bath is individual. Each of these retail for $25,105.
Via – Loadedshopper
Share the heat with everyone and be the envy of Australian homes, with this Diva Gas Rotating Fireplace, produced by Spartherm.
Control the gas pressure through a remote control and comfort yourself to get heated with the fireplace that rotates as per your convenience.
A glowing sphere of warmth sliced open on two sides to reveal the inner splendor this contemporary fireplace can rotate at your will. This handy function likewise allows you to directly feel the cozy heat of the Diva fireplace wherever you may be in the room. Running on gas, the Diva is easy to use and functions at the touch of a button.
Simon Turner
Pool tables typically dig a huge hole in our pockets resulting into their own marketing pitfalls. Hence, they’re out with new ways to justify their huge expense and massive real estate usage.
Moreover, they need recuperate from their downside caused by all the whacko games offered by Nintendo Wii.
To save their shrinking markets, the Pool table manufacturers are out with a new mantra, the “Fusion” Pool table/dining room table created by Aramith, our long-time leading manufacturer in the billiard industry. The multi-functionality Fusion table combines a dining table, a pool table and a game table all in one. How about a good game of pool after dinner?
This exclusively designed chandelier breaks all the design barriers and revitalizes the concept of the chandelier, whilst celebrating the rich traditions of this evocative and emotive expression of cut crystal. Vertical Glitterbox Chandelier is designed by George Beadle for Swarovski. Completely out-of-the-box concept, this stands tall. It includes 80 ‘twinkling’ 1 watt LED lights.
You can opt from clear, golden teak and peridot and for $US52,000, these glittering columns are sure to add uber-glamor to your décor.
Dimension – 98.5″ h a 8″w x 8″d
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