Sure there are a lot of quick and easy coffee makers out there, but the Chambord French press by Bodum is a back to the basics approach that has a good look too. The Chambord made in Normandy, France where any respectable French press should be, has made its way to a very affordable price at $40 as a result of Bodum's acquisition of the manufacturing facility. Thanks to Bodum and thanks to the increasing need for better coffee, the French press coffee maker became one of the most popular coffee makers in the world, still made to the exact design of the original. In addition to the Chambord, Bodum makes a line of coffee and tea accessories like milk frothers, coffee grinders, tea presses, mugs, and travel presses and mugs.
I am often amazed by the fine examples of architecture I see in kitchens today. Here is a great design from Bulthaup featuring an island as its centerpiece. It seems that you can never have enough storage for dishes, pots, pans and other accessories. This piece attempts to reduce counter clutter by offering six large drawers for storage. The bar is a nice change from your regular dining room and invites other people to sit and converse while a meal is prepared. The spacing is great in this example, with ample room between the sink and the kitchen island. I always like the fact that you can approach the island from any side giving you easy access. Another attractive feature with Bulthaup is their willingness to create designs in any living space.
Kitchens remain one of the most important rooms in both residential and commercial interior design. In a commercial setting, the efficiency of operating a food dependent business is largely related to the work flow in the kitchen. Poggenpohl is a German company that brings its innovative designs into commercial kitchen settings. It is easy to under spend on a kitchen to find out later that it is the heart and soul of a food oriented business. Here you see perfect form and function in the picture. Every element of the kitchen has its place and purpose. I picture a white tablecloth restaurant, a trendy eatery, or a nice hotel associated with this design. You have to imagine that the beauty of this kitchen would also touch the employees and make them feel that they are working for the best in the business.
At Furniture Fashion, we are big fans of modernism and enjoy the simplicity, form, and function offered by this style of design. I was moved when read a statement from Poggenpohl about its thoughts on modern purism.
"Derived from cubism by Le Corbusier, purism is the art movement oriented towards the severe form and clear structure of composition which also found its expression in the Bauhaus school of design. Modern purism from Poggenpohl is based on this tradition, applying it to the design and functionality of the modern kitchen. "
There is truth in that statement when I look at pictures of their work. There is little left to waste and a push to get to the core of the purpose of each component in the overall design. Everything belongs, fits together, and yet provides its own unique look and overall blend. Though they are a German based company, there are showrooms and dealers all over the world where you can see their creations up close and personal.
In 2007 Furniture Fashion reviewed some really outstanding kitchens in the traditional and modern categories, and the great designs will keep coming in 2008. Here is an awesome design from Italian based Aster Cucine that is perfect for a high end home interior. "Aster is the ideal target for people looking for a unique and luxurious design, where every detail fits perfectly in the harmonic project of their own kitchen, but at the same time they ask for quality and care of the finished product." Established in 1893, this young and dynamic company stands ready to interpret new trends including outlets with competent staff making a whole world of design possibilities available. The Modula represents the most modern approach in today's kitchens with made-to-measure articles, and colors produced to match customer samples for a custom aspect you won't find in most quality oriented manufacturers. For the more consumer looking for traditional kitchens, Aster Cucine has an equally impressive line of offerings.
