I would say the first three months of any given year have always been my favorite in the world of design. It’s show season from KBIS to The AD Show. New products are being introduced and as a design writer & blogger I am trying to sort through it all. There have been so many game-changers introduced, but as someone who isn’t a big fan of trends (other than a few fashionable ones), I say let the games begin. Now that our huge project of last year is out of the way, it’s time to sift through the design quagmire of all the recent shows and showcase some of the introductions that were personal standouts for various reasons.
One of my favorite companies is La Cornue, and I will say that they continue to titillate us with oven “goddestry.” The first time I ever laid eyes on a La Cornue oven was years ago in France. I was on vacation with my roommate from D.C. who also happened to work for the French Consulate. One summer she asked me if I would like to spend a holiday in France at the countryside home of her Grand-mere’. So we took a train from Paris heading toward Bordeux across the gentle rolling hills to a converted monastery near the Dordogne River. Well…the two weeks ended up to be a culinary immersion into French cuisine, and homemade table wine. Her Grand-mere’ was a former French chef, and the rustic kitchen smelled of aging wood and herbs picked from small garden plots and unceremoniously hung from the ceiling beams. But inside the kitchen, was an oven. Not one that I think I could even properly describe from memory other than it was steel, porcelain and blue. It appeared in my “mind’s eye” to be massive and commandeered center stage in this quaint French country kitchen. Every inch lovingly polished. At the time, my friend lamented that her Grandmere’ loved “that oven” more than she did her family, and after spending some time there I would have to say I agree. Years later after my friend inherited the property, I found out that the oven was a La Cornue Palais 180. And so my love affair with La Cornue began…so it seems fitting that one of their newest introductions leads my list this week. In fact, all the product highlighted in this week’s “Objects of Desire” center around my favorite part of the home…the kitchen.
1// La Cornue – Cornue W. Line– A collaboration with the the French architect, Jean Michel Wilmotte “This contemporary innovative and spectacular approach to French lifestyle is truly a point of convergence between tradition & modernity.” While most of us couldn’t afford this perfect piece of form and function, we can all agree that it is simply a spectacular piece of kitchen artistry. www.lacornue.com
2// Dropout Spice Rack from Dropout Cabinets-A brilliant concept, allowing storage of up to 36 spice bottles which then can be brought down to cabinet level. www.dropoutcabinets.com
3// Wooden Serving Boards from Waterworks-I collect wooden serving boards, and these are some fine examples. We are lucky to have a showroom in Atlanta, and they just opened one in New York last year. Not only are they functional but I also leave them out as kitchen decor. www.waterworks.com
4// Malle W. Trosseau Kitchen Set- This set is fairly pricey but I positively love the concept. This 43 item kit is full of Japanese knives, a French frying pan and other kitchen neccessities. What a great idea for a gift, putting together a similar albeit less expensive version. www.momastore.org
5// The Roger Thomas Collection – Rocky Mountain Hardware does it again. A brillant colloboration between Roger Thomas and Rocky Mountain Hardware. This line of cabinet and door hardware is the perfect melding of architectural and modern detail. I think it would be positively stunning on kitchen cabinets…www.rockymountainhardware.com
6// Caesarstone – This pioneer of the natural quartz surfaces market came out with a new product this year which is a perfect concrete look alike. As you can see from the image…it’s pretty spectacular. www.caesarstone.com
7// Ann Sacks – I am madly in love with Pyrite tile, and Ann Sacks just introduced a new tile made from this natural stone. I see it as a back-splash in a kitchen with it’s reflective surface and the pure artistry that can only be found in nature’s artistry. www.annsacks.com
8// The Dalton Ceiling Light from Hudson Valley- If there was a way to get rid of can lights in a kitchen this may be an alternative. These flush mount lights are about 10″ in diameter…and the honeycomb optical lenses are impressive. I know that can lights may never go away, but maybe a grouping of these would do the trick? They also come in an array of finishes, Aged Brass, Polished Chrome, Old Bronze & Satin Nickel. www.hudsonvalleylighting.com
9// Cosentino – Cosentino launches a new brand collaboration with Monica Forster Design Studio during Stockholm Design Week. The material is Dekton, a hi-tech futuristic material resistant to heat and thermal shock, plus they are simply pieces of art for the table. www.cosentino.com
10// Enamel Canisters by Reiss –These adorable and functional canisters are made from a single piece of steel, sprayed in four layers of enamel and backed between coats in vast kilns. Made in Austria. www.joinerynyc.com
I do want to mention that some of these introductions highlighted above are either new or introduced over the past few years. Also, don’t forget to follow us on social media for all the lastest buzz in the world of interior design and entertaining.
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Until next time…
BE INSPIRED. BE AMAZED.
