Tartan Style Countertops


Check out these crazy cool Tartan pattern countertops, by Lechner, that I saw while at IMM Cologne during #BlogTourCGN.  


Check out my pick and other great Design Blogger's Top Picks from IMM Cologne 2013 over on Freshome (click here)



My World | My Time2Design | My #BlogTourCGN

I feel like I have expanded My World, my design world, my Time2Design World.  I just returned from my #BlogTourCGN  adventure, (That's short for Blog Tour Cologne Germany & Netherlands), and I am sorting thru the thousands of photo's I took, the business cards I collected and in general just trying to wrap my head around where to even begin.  I am searching for a way that will help express to you everything that I saw, learned and experienced on my #BlogTour.  I know there will be multiple posts over the next few days, weeks and even months, filled with fabulous friends, new and old, spectacular history and design inspiration at every turn.  I would like to start by first saying thank you to Modenus for your coordination and masterminding this event and thank you to our sponsors for making it possible.

I have so much to share but before I go on I thought I would start off with sharing with you what I felt/saw/experienced -  a sort of recurring impression I had throughout my time spent in Cologne Germany at the IMM Cologne International Furniture Fair and the whirlwind day we spent in Amsterdam.  With that I give you these words and pictures as a visual glimpse into My #BlogTourCGN, My Time2Design, My World...
 COLOR

FORM

FUNCTION

AUTOMATION
 TEXTURE
 LIGHT
& TRANSPORTATION 
 
Super shout out to our #BlogTourCGN Sponsors and more to follow about them and all they do!



 

Steam Luxury at Home & Abroad

To have a steam room in your home is the ultimate luxury and Mr. Steam makes it possible to do just that ~ a Luxury Spa in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

As part of the Blog Tour Cologne Itinerary we will be treated to a Spa Night at Claudius Therme compliments of Mr. Steam.
I am confident after a few days of non-stop walking at the IMM International Furniture Fair it will be greatly appreciated.  Also if will give us an opportunity to experience first hand the benefits of steam therapy and how it can be a luxurious addition to any home.

Thank you in advance Mr. Steam,
my feet thank you and
my traveling body thanks you!


Living with Sculpture

Gone are the days of just the same ole same ole bathroom fixtures.  We spend a good portion of time in our bathroom and more and more the bathroom is becoming a space that represents and reflects the essence and style of a homeowner.  Less utilitarian, a more sophisticated and stylish environment that welcomes you as you begin your day and greets you as you walk thru life in your home.  So what if your bathroom fixtures were more like works of art? Sculptures even?  Well Hansgrohe has done exactly that and their Axor Starck Organic Collection truly is like living with sculpture!

A new, sensual water experience combined with a powerful, sculptural design: Axor Starck Organic is stripped of anything unnecessary and completely harmonious in its design concept. The intelligent operating concept revolutionises the use of water and is also economical to use. The organic minimalist collection integrates quite naturally into a variety of bathroom environments.


As an official BlogTour Cologne Sponsor I will have an opportunity to see and learn first hand, during my visit to IMM Cologne Furniture Fair, how this collection was created.
Photo credit ~ Hansgrohe US

Steam Cooking the "IT" Appliance!


An appliance that is becoming a standard "IT" appliance when making appliance selections in kitchen design is quickly becoming the Steam Oven - taking on as much importance as a standard oven.  Over a decade ago Miele lead the way in designing and manufacturing a built-in steam oven for residential use, giving consumers a smarter, healthier way to prepare, cook or reheat food.   Pairing the Miele steam oven with Miele's wall oven is the prefect solution for a "double oven" configuration in any new kitchen design.  The triple crown combination for me would consist of Miele's Steam Oven, Wall Oven and Coffee System ~ it doesn't get much better than that...and the Steam Oven really is the "IT" appliance!
Miele is one of the #BlogTourCGN sponsors and I will have the pleasure of meeting with Miele executives during my trip to IMM Cologne International Furniture Fair as a member of the #BlogTourCGN Team.  I look forward to learning as much as I can about the Miele Steam Oven and all of their other amazing products that I have grown to love over the last 20 plus years I have spent in the Kitchen and Bath industry as a Kitchen Specialist.

I digress, lets get back to Miele's crowning glory ~ 
The Miele Steam Oven!

Unlike conventional ovens, which use hot air to cook, the Miele Steam Oven uses "fresh steam" to cook, displacing the oxygen responsible for chemical reactions which dissipates nutrients in food.  In the Miele Steam Oven, steam is generated in water outside the oven.   Steaming with an external steam generator not only provides gentle cooking, but will not dehydrate the outer layers of food. Steam ovens which generate steam inside the oven can cause overheating within the oven atmosphere. Additionally a dry, aggressive heat often emerges during the preheating phase. The Miele Steam Oven features a powerful steam generator which delivers a superior balance of heat and
moisture. This combination delivers evenness and consistent results on all shelf levels.
 
The Miele exact temperature control system measures and controls the temperature in the oven assuring the right combination of time and temperature, regardless of the amount of food being prepared. For instance the required steam setting for peas is 212°F for five minutes – whether fresh, frozen or a mix of both, in 2 or 10 ounces. This electronically controlled steaming process virtually eliminates the possibility of overcooking.
The Miele Steam Oven is ideal for cooking more than just vegetables. “Steaming is a fabulous way to retain vital nutrients,” explained Christine Avanti, nutritionist and author.  “The benefit of steaming is the ability to gently cook food at a low heat thus retaining nutrients and palatability, whether cooking meats, poultry, fish – even desserts.”

Featuring four shelves that fit a variety of stainless steel trays, the Miele Steam Oven allows users to easily prepare an entire meal – from appetizers to desserts in one oven.  Flavor transfer is eliminated as pressurized convection steam creates a protective layer around the food, ensuring your salmon tastes like salmon and desserts stay sweet and delicious, all while cooking simultaneously.
No matter what your cooking style, if you are cooking for a crowd or cooking for yourself the Miele Steam Oven is a wonderful way to cook and also has amazing nutritional benefits.  If you have to select one appliance that will be your "IT" appliance it is worth learning more about how the Miele Steam Oven and how it can fit into your Kitchen.
~photo credit Miele



Style Pairing Winner | CompanyC

In October I attended #HPMkt, High Point Market, and I visited CompanyC's showroom to hear guest speaker Gretchen Aubuchon speak to customers and design bloggers about fashion’s influence on home décor.  It was during this visit to CompanyC 's showroom that I heard about their StylePairing contest.   (About my entry in the CompanyC Style Pairing Contest click here to read)

I am thrilled to say that I was the winner!!
And this week I received my prize~
my prize - CompanyC Gretchen Bedding

I won CompanyC's Gretchen bedding and Madeline sheet set - all in my favorite color, Capri Blue.   Thank you ComapanyC for my amazing prize!  I am looking forward to putting a room together with this beautiful new bedding!
photo credit companyc

My Winning Entry
photo credit fashion decor website & companyc



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