New Home Decor: Axor LampShower by Nendo

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The lightness of the visual design, and the harmonization of water and light, presents a heightened sensual appeal on the shower. Adding to this effect is the generous-rimmed shower crest and the ambience of warm lighting. The result: a warm, cozier bathroom that contributes tremendously towards cooling down the pace of your increasingly hectic life.

Axor LampShower: An in-depth look

Axor LampShower is neither a shower nor a lamp. It is a hybrid. This new home decor comes in two versions: wall mounted and ceiling mounted. Both versions come with the standard chrome finish.

Besides the standard chrome variants, Axor LampShower also comes with various special finishes. Thus, this bathroom accessory can be tailored to suit your personal taste.

Axor LampShower offers a one-of-a-kind showering experience. Its meticulous design offers a magical experience: a carefully formed water jet, which wraps up the whole body, rains down from the rim of the lampshade. And the integrated lighting ambience creates a rejuvenating experience throughout your washroom.

Whether you opt for the wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted version, the Axor LampShower certainly eliminates the traditional barrier between spaces. The fixture integrates into the living space as though it were so. At the same time, it brings a relaxed feel to the bathroom and can be perfectly blended with other bathroom and shower products from a range of styles and collections.

Hansgrohe SE: The Axor Lampshower Manufacturer

Headed by Philippe Grohe, Axor is the designer brand of the German-based Hansgrohe SE.  Hansgrohe SE is an undisputed market leader in shower systems, showers, thermostats, and ceramic cartridges. It has won countless awards worldwide and continues to produce innovative products for homes and businesses.

In collaboration with the Axor brand, top product designers, interior designers and architects cultivate their vision for the bathroom as a living space. Axor collections offer a great range of unique and sustainable solutions that create personalized bathrooms with exceptional aesthetic and technological integrations. Axor collections are dedicated to making your life in and around the bathroom much more meaningful and rejuvenating.

Lamp and shower united in a thoughtfully designed accessory produce a soothing and cozy environment with a relaxing interplay of water and light. This new home décor has definitely succeeded in drawing the traditionally isolated bathroom towards the living room with its delicate yet magical mix of water with light.

For more bathroom ideas on Stagetecture, click here

If you have a small apartment, you might think that your décor options are limited. Actually, that’s not so much the case. You simply have to be a bit more creative when it comes to designing your space in a way that will not monopolize what “little” room that you have.

This definitely requires some forethought, but don’t fret. We have five great designing ideas that anyone with a tiny apartment should consider; ones that will have you ending up with a place that will be just as impressive as anyone in the finest mansion in town:

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Make the most of your walls.

Of course, walls serve a purpose. After all, apartments would not exist without them. However, sometimes we think that when it comes to the interior wall space, all we can pretty much do is hang a picture up. Nothing could be further from the truth. You can use your wall to put in a flat screen (which removes the need for a table for your television). You can use your wall to build a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf against. You can also use your wall to hang up a huge mirror that will provide the optical illusion that you actually have more space than you do (especially if it’s reflecting another room on the house).

Use lots of color.

In many cases, you have to get permission from your landlord first, but if s/he is OK with you painting your walls, don’t be coy about it. Purples, greens, blues and yellows are all shades that provide plenty of personality to an apartment and if you use them as accent walls, it can also make a room look large than it actually is.

Purchase multi-purpose furniture.

A sturdy futon can be a “couch” by day and a sleeper by night should you have a guest come and stay with you. An ottoman is perfect as a seat, a footstool and also a storage area for some of your magazines and other items. These are just two examples of how one piece of furniture can be used in more than one way. So, when you’re out shopping for a chair or desk, think of how you can use it for several purposes.

Create a washer/closet.

If you look at some London or Rome apartment rentals, you might see this particular idea: Some spaces, like studio apartments, are so small that you have to double-up the use of rooms; including storage closets. Take a closet that has washer/dryer hook-ups, for instance. Why not purchase a stackable to put in there on one side and on the other, build your own closet where you can put some of the out-of-season items that you don’t presently need? It’s not only a space-conscious option, but it’s also a really cute design as well.

Invest in your windows.

A beautiful window treatment work do wonders in any home whether it’s an apartment or a house. Therefore, make sure to spend some time looking at all of the ways that you can decorate your windows from curtains and drapes to blinds and shades. All you have to do is go to your favorite search engine and put “window treatment ideas” in the search field. The possibilities are (literally) endless. Have fun!

Image sources: 1, 2

For more small living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

“Reinvent Your Space” – this phrase best describes how Resource Furniture enhances small urban space into a stylish and impressive area. The collection is a combined creativity of excellent designers like Clei, Lisa Blecker, Randi Piccio / LRS Interior Design, and Original Works Studio. A perfect combination of talents, dedications and artistic quality can be found in one exhibit.

The customized space saving furnishings are the main attractions of this innovative idea. Each furniture has its excellent new features that can fit your limited space at home. You will be amazed at how these designers showcase their masterpiece for better living.

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Here are some features that you will certainly love in this innovative small space collection:

High quality materials.

It’s not only the style that matters in this collection but also the quality of materials. The designers choose the best materials like hardwood, plastic, metal and even the fabric that will suit the functionality of the furniture. This will ensure that beauty is not only on the exterior but also in the interior.

Flexibility

As Lisa Blecker of Resource Furniture explained, “Look at the big picture of how you want to live…. Every square foot should be thought about and used to its fullest potential.” This statement says it all. The collection makes certain that every inch of space you have at home counts without compromising the elegance and sophistication.

Multipurpose

This is one of the smartest ways to maximize the limited space you have at home. In this collection, you will see a wall cabinet in the morning that can be pulled down to the floor to be converted into bed in the evening. There’s also a console table that can be transformed into a 9.6 feet dining table.

Indeed, you will never run out of appreciations with this innovative small space collection. Take some time to look at these creative ideas and consider having them in your home.

Eric Blair writes about interior design and spicing up any room with the proper use of unique mirrors from Oval and Round Mirrors.

For more small living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

You needn’t do all the running around.  Unnecessary investment in professional cleaning supplies isn’t necessary either. That’s because technology has streamlined the scheme of cleaning by unleashing a plethora of gadgets and techno-savvy cleaning tools for your home. Without having to break your back and prepare for a day’s deal with fatigue, some of the exotically structured cleaning means help you trim up your home easily and without wear and tear on your body. With these latest cleaning techniques it has really become easy to clean your home in a limited amount of time.

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High-end products give professional results

Vacuum cleaners with an effective filter can help you squeeze out the streaks and patches of dust and dirt. Rather than using cloth dusters, use lint free dusters of microfiber. Vacuuming helps rid your carpet and floors of dirt and grime. as well as cleaning up your upholstery, ceilings and carpets; some of the recently devised means of vacuuming, help achieve dust-free living.

Photonic methods of cleaning

It is often correlated to the cleansing technique of the forthcoming generation. Delicate pieces of crystals, mirror, optics, besides phase masks; are not only cleaned but rendered free from contamination. The recently developed technique takes a toxic free approach to cleaning. When it comes to cleaning of optics and surfaces of meticulousness, the polymer based cleaning means can create a cleaner home.

Digital cleaning facilities

It happens to be one of the variations of ultrasonic cleaning facility. As suggested by the implication of ‘ultra-sonic’ the mechanism works on the frequency of ultrasonic sound. This device works by vibration which does away with dust particles and microbes. Household goods including valuables, gold articles, and silverware, can be cleaned by means of this ultrasonic tool.

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Specialized ultrasonic tools 

This mechanism with its digital display has been relevantly devised to clean up your compact discs, VCDs and other instances of hardware. Apart from these, a wide plethora of household items including things as expensive as jewelry and ink cartridge of your printer can be cleansed with the help of this technology. The range of application helps you spruce up items of common use including comb, glasses, dentures and brush.

Besides the realm of industrial cleaning, technology with its focus on ultrasonic frequency has helped minimize the labor quotient of household cleaning. Whether you choose to cleanse veggies and fruits or household items that are more intricate like contact lens, the technology driven prospect has undoubtedly will save you time and energy.

Technology based household cleaning tools help optimize your time and effort. Just check out some great ultrasonic cleaners that can help you at home and make the chore of cleaning a much better experience.

Sachin is a tech enthusiast and loves writing about gadgets and devices used at home. He had recently written for products such as ultrasonic cleaning devices which are used for cleaning expensive items at home.

For more home cleaning tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Today, Lisa showcases her highlights of what she saw at this year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry show which I couldn’t attend, as I was in NYC for the Sandra Lee event. So I was excited to hear that Lisa wanted to share some of her great finds with my readers!

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A couple of weeks ago while attending the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) I nearly tripped over myself as my body was cruising the aisles and my eyes felt the magnetic pull of a new product at the Formica booth.  As a designer my search for innovative, new and cool was complete but unexpected, in a booth about laminate countertops.

Solid granite or stone countertops are not inexpensive and can be too costly for many homes and downright inappropriate for others.  However, with the new Ideal Edge from Formica the look is now available at a fraction of the cost.

Ideal Edge eliminates the dreaded brown line so often the key identifier of a laminate countertop.  Plus, contractors can finally achieve an attractive finished edge on all sides.  By using either the Ogee or Bullnose edge, laminate has just been elevated to a whole new level.

But wait there’s more…

Homeowners have often balked when contractors use a mitered corner. So Formica also introduced 5 new colors to their 180FX line of laminates, available only through contractors, (seen in the first pic and below) which mimic the visual graining and life of a full granite slab.  Yep, this means they come in sizes up to 5’ x 12’.

Dolce Vita 180FX Bullnose

Visually one can’t tell the difference unless you are up close and personal and looking for it.  These new options bring laminate into the current century and allow homeowners options beyond what was once unaffordable.

Blanca Luna 180FX Bullnose

Silver Travertine with Ogee edge

Formica has provided stylish and upscale options for the homeowner on a limited budget looking to update their kitchen or bath for their own use or resale.  Now one can do a respectable remodel at a fraction of the cost.

This new Formica gives granite a run for its money without running away with yours!

Other than the first and third image, all images are courtesy of Formica Corporation.

Lisa M. Smith is an interior designer, color maven and artist shares the design world with you. Interiors involve textures and layers, so does her blog – The Decor Girl.  Join her there where she talks about color, interiors, architecture, art, cars, fashion, travel and what ever else seems interesting at the moment. You can follow Lisa on Twitter – @TheDecorGirl

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

After coming from Madison, Wisconsin last week visiting Sub-Zero/Wolf kitchen appliances, I am all about finding cutting edge technology for the home. While I was flipping through the latest Florida Design magazine I ran across an innovative plumbing fixture manufacturer called Toto out of Morrow, Georgia.

Their line is gorgeous and they have a beautiful 3D animated program to showcase each of the plumbing fixtures.

They have an innovative line out called the Toto Neorest Suite line. It encompasses

Toilet:

• Automatic Open and Close Lid
• Washlet Cleansing with Three Modes
• Hands-Free Automatic Flush
• Integrated Warm Air Dryer
• Built-In Air Purifying System
• Oscillating and Pulsating Comfort Washing
• Easy-to-Read Remote Control
• Adjustable Spray with Precision Positioning
• Energy-Saver Timer
• Manual Override Function

Air Bath:

• LCD Control Panel with Audio Response
• Intelligent Auto-Fill Function
• Three Personal Settings, Presets and Memory
• Settings for Water Temperature, Volume and Depth
• Soothing Waterfall Cascade
• A Hand Spray
• Accommodates Two Users at Once
• Two Warm-Water Shoulder Cascades at Either End

Shower Tower:

• Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Thermostatic Mixing Valve
• Polished Chrome Finish
• Simple Push-Button Operation for Water Functions
• Body Sprays
• Rain Shower
• Hand Shower
• Sleek, One-Piece “Tower” Design

Lavatory (Sink):

• State-of-the-Art, Hands-Free Technology
• Cascade Water Flow
• 1.7 gpm Flow Rate
• Integrated Automatic Sensor Faucet
• Automatic and Manual Control
• LED Button for Hot or Cold Temperature
• LED Button for Manual Off/On
• Automatic Shut-Off Function
• Easy-to-Clean SanaGloss Ionic Glaze

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For more plumbing and maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Last week I had a guest blogger on from EZ Slide Cabinet Hardware, and this week I thought I’d have a guest blogger on that

showcases kitchen cabinetry. Not just any kitchen cabinetry, but bamboo – that is eco-friendly, renews quickly in nature and is gorgeous to the touch and eye.

Guest blogger Joseph Freenor from CFT411 – Cabinet and Furniture and Information, shows us how a California cabinetry maker utilizes eco-friendly bamboo in their beautiful cabinetry. By the way, Joseph is a wonderful cabinet maker too!

I don’t normally write about other cabinetmakers, and I extra especially do not write about cabinetmakers in Southern California who aren’t named Joe, but every now and again, something comes along that makes a firm rule develop a bit of flexibility. And Laguna Bamboo is very much a case in point. What first piques my interest in them is their use of bamboo, as my partner uses this material whenever he can, such as in his bamboo shoe benches—and does so for the same reason that Laguna Bamboo does so. It is environmentally sound, by which we mean that the use of it does little or no damage to the environment.

Any forest, once cut, requires replenishment, and under the right circumstances, this can be arranged. A hardwood forest of oak, for example, once harvested is not forever lost. It can be re-grown. The problem, though, is that it takes many decades for this forest to re-grow, and if it is to be characterized as “old growth,” it must be left alone until the growth is old—several centuries. Bamboo, by way of distinct contrast, reaches full growth in four years! That is not a misprint, not a forty or four hundred that somehow became a four. It is four years.

Laguna Bamboo 3 The other part of the equation that makes bamboo particularly attractive is that it is both very hard and very capable of being shaped into a product that is usable by woodworkers. When we first started this website I wrote a lengthy nine-blog dissertation on the need for bamboo plywood and its many uses, but let me just summarize that here by saying that it is now possible to get plywood sheets that are not plywood at all in the traditional sense of the word. They are made up of bamboo that has been sliced into strips and glued into sheets. These sheets are then glued together just as traditional plywood would be—each sheet positioned at 90° to the preceding sheet—and the result is actually stronger than regular plywood because bamboo is so hard. It can be milled like wood, finished like wood, and used like wood, but it does not grow like wood. At four years of age bamboo is harvested. The mighty oak tree at that age, by way of distinct contrast, is mostly just thinking about becoming an oak one day. You might also check out my partner Joe Dusel’s discussion on bamboo plywood.

These pictures, as I indicated earlier, are from Laguna Bamboo, and those of our readers who are in the Orange County area may want to check out this company for their kitchen projects. But I cannot close this blog without urging my San Diego area readers to check out Woodistry, as my partner has also done a lot of innovative work with this product. That’s the thing with an idea whose time has come. No one ever corners the market on it!

For more echo-friendly ideas on Stagetecture, click here.