Making A Statement

Drop-Down Door Microwave

4. “We think of the consumer as our chief product designer,” says John Swenson, director of marketing at Electrolux Home Products in Augusta, GA. “Consumers have told us that they want appliances with a more universal design that bridges the aesthetic gap between ultra modern and commercial, and they want this design available across an entire suite of appliances.
“That’s why the Electrolux ICON Drop-Down Door Convection Microwave is designed with features that make cooking faster, easier and better.”
Featuring a stainless steel exterior, the Electrolux ICON Drop-Down Door Convection Microwave has a pull-down door designed for easy opening and increased placement options. Automatic settings include 40 cooking selections and pre-programmed recipes.
Indicate #133 on e-Inquiry.

Blown-Glass Hardware

5. Cast in durable pewter hardware, the customized drawer knobs from Tracy Glover Studio are a natural complement to the company’s collection of hand-blown glass lamps and vases.
“I think people are more interested in seeing fresh ideas than a rehashing of an old one,” says Tracy Glover, president/owner of the Cranston, RI-based firm. “The proliferation of decorating TV shows has taught the mainstream a new way of seeing. Buyers are taking more chances on design than they have in the past; they want something of quality that will make their décor unique from their neighbor’s.”
The 1.5" round, multi-colored, transparent striped glass spheres are backed by standard-thread, pewter hardware, and are available in colors such as aurora, berry, citrus and celery.
Indicate #134 on e-Inquiry.

Patina Copper Tiles

6. (TIE) “Specialty metals are extremely popular now in home decorating, especially in the kitchen,” says Alan Isaacs, v.p./marketing and sales at Frigo Design, in Brewerton, NY, which has added Seared Patina Copper Tiles to its collection of real metal wall and floor tiles. “Vivid colors in the kitchen are making a huge comeback, as well. The rainbow-like appearance of these Seared Patina Copper Tiles makes them an ideal complement for many colorful decors.”
The tiles are mounted on a 1/4", water-resistant, non-combustible fiber-cemented backer/filler. The controlled seared/burn technique is hand applied and alters the finish of the copper, producing random colors, light and dark hues, and the “rainbow-like” iridescent effects. They bond to any surface with mastic or latex thinset, and are designed for grouted or non-grouted installation.
Indicate #135 on e-Inquiry.

Miniature Tile Border And Field Tile Line

6. (TIE) Oceanside Glasstile offers Facets, a collection of custom-made detailed borders and field tile patterns. “[The line] is made to order, hand-crafted from molten glass in a choice or combination of more than 40 colors,” says Donna Greenbush, director of marketing at the Carlsbad, CA-based firm.
Facets borders come in six symmetrical repeating design patterns in various sizes, with the average running 3"Hx12"W. Three Facets field patterns feature mini accent pieces that contrast with 1"x1", 1"x2" and 2"x2" mosaic tiles. Shown is the Running Bond field pattern. “Facets is not only versatile, but also sustainable, using recycled glass and silica sand, an abundant natural resource,” she adds.
Indicate #136 on e-Inquiry.

Exotic Hardware

7. “The high-end consumer [often wants a] rare, unique look not available in the mass market,” notes Bob Schaub, owner and president of Schaub & Co. in Grand Rapids, MI. “Our Symphony Design Group uses exotic materials including Mother of Pearl inlaid in solid brass with a polished nickel finish, borrowing some looks of jewelry, and Penshell with solid brass bronze finishes.” Schaub & Co.’s other featured collections include Kelmscott Manor, Arcadia and Montcalm.
Indicate #137 on e-Inquiry.

Drawer Inserts