Back By Popular Demand pix
We counted your votes to determine the top products of 2005
edited by Karen D. Singh -- Interior Design, 12/1/2005 12:00:00 AM
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The Gift of Glass Liven up interiors with walls or partitions of Vetroarredo's glass blocks, which come framed in one of 10 refreshing shades, including blue, aquamarine, pink, yellow, lilac, green, and brown. The blocks are available as squares of 12 or 18 inches and a 4-by-8-inch rectangle; the 18-inch-square size dramatically minimizes the appearance of mortar joints. Each style is offered in either wavy clear or frosted glass, and radiused corner pieces can be specified. |
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SensiTile Total internal refraction—the same principle that makes fiber optics possible—endows these weatherproof tiles with an inner glow. Colors and shadows hitting the surface ripple and blend into an internal light show that requires no additional power input and lasts the life of the tiles. |
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Malika A stroll along the beach gives a clue to the inspiration behind the Gastéropodes pendant and sconce series. Composed of seven plaster seashell shapes, each fixture is produced in a limited edition of 50 and signed by designer Malika Bensmaïa |
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Diamond Teak The legs of solid reforested teak on the Spirit Song bench undulate like wind chimes in the breeze. Fastened with stainless-steel bolts, the bench comes in lengths ranging from 50 to 132 inches, with seat depths ranging from 27 to 36 inches. |
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Maya Romanoff Glamorize walls with Mother of Pearl, a 1-by-2-foot tile that's been hand-laid with genuine shell. When the tiles themselves are laid, the seams, which are deliberately offset, blend and lose prominence, so the effect is one of continuous luster. Also available in Natural Gold and white. |
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Complete Tile Cover a floor with Metal Mosaic, 1-inch-diameter copper penny tiles. Companion Pewter, which includes 1- or 2-inch square tiles with dots or diamonds as well as cornices, comes in gunmetal, antiqued bronze, aged brass, and darkened copper. |
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Galbraith & Paul
Liz Galbraith's textiles and lighting studio has taken off in recent years. Ovals, her latest design, demonstrates why. With its repeat of organic circles and ovals in contrasting colors, this delicate hand-block print is available on shantung silk, cotton, rayon velvet, or linen—as are all her patterns. |
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Lucia Cassa
The four patterns composing the New Earth collection are inspired by those of vintage carriage blankets. Available in 20 saturated colors, these contemporary upholstery versions are made of biodegradable New Zealand wool that converts to compost in 28 days if disposed of properly. |
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Santa Barbara
The regatta-fabric "petals" on the Lilypond cover move with the wind—perfect for garden parties and sunbathing. Produced in kiwi green and corn-silk yellow, the hexagonal cover measures 9 feet across. It fits over a Paseo umbrella, which sits on an 8-foot-tall frame of aluminum and stainless steel. |
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Sicis
The Waterglass mosaic collection presents tiny wall and floor tiles in lightweight, shimmering glass. The series includes 29 mesh-mounted tonal palettes with names such as amber, plum, blackberry, cloud white, mint leaves, root beer, spring violet, topaz, kelp, and zinc. |
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Karl Andersson & Söner
Table, storage chest, fine art—Ulrika Liffner's Block is all three. A bold graphic is screen-printed onto the top, which is composed of individual panels that lift up to reveal storage. The natural-ash piece is mounted on wheels and comes in three sizes: 27 inches square (four compartments), 27 by 40 inches (six compartments), and 40 inches square (nine compartments). |
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Duravit
Sieger Design's Happy D collection includes ceramic tubs, basins, and vanities. Meanwhile, the Starck X, the minimalist ceramic sink in Philippe Starck's newest bath collection, comes in chrome, platinum, and sunny yellow finishes. |
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Max Longin
Dreams take flight in the innovative Float bed. Developed by a designer who's also a mathematician, the bed comprises a sleeping surface held by four suspended stainless-steel cords that are attached to a frame of wood and stainless steel. The tautness of the cords balances the mattress in the center of their pulling strengths yet also allows a gentle swaying. Tools and instructions for the bed's assembly are included, and components can be reconfigured to become a compact transport case when the piece is dismantled. Float comes in three standard sizes, including California king, and in oak, walnut, maple, and elm. Custom sizes and finishes are available. |
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Vitra
Is it a table? Is it a stool? You decide—any of Jasper Morrison's Cork Family pieces is suitable as either. Formed from large sections of pressed cork granulate, each stands at a stout 13 inches with a 12-inch diameter. |
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Svenskt Tenn
Austrian architect Josef Frank developed an array of vibrant textiles in the 1940's, and they're available today through this supplier. Among the collection of more than 40 patterns is linen Terrazzo. |
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Luceplan
Take a dip with Ross Lovegrove's elliptical Goggle sconce, made of opaline polycarbonate. When the fixture's on, its iridescent shade shifts from blue to pink, depending on the viewing angle; when off, the surface becomes a mirror. |
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Chista
Whichever way you slice it, there's no denying that the Slice side table is a character to contend with. Hand-carved from solid teak, the table contrasts a smooth exterior with a rough-hewn cutout—revealing the very nature of the tree. The piece is approximately 20 inches square and weighs in at a hefty 45 pounds. |
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Hinson & Company
Part of the Hinson Lighting collection, Top Secret is a shaggy composition of heatproof nylon and polyester netting. The pendant is 14 inches in diameter and hangs from an adjustable rod. |
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Pachamama
This collection marks the collaboration of Italian tannery Conceria Priante with Dutch fashion designer Catherina van Vonderen. What began as a way to reuse leftover leather trimmings has evolved into floor cushions, wall tiles, and rugs such as the Lotus, which can also be hung on the wall. |
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Ceramica Flaminia
The Work in Progress line, which includes Miniwash, made a splash at this year's Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. Offered in 15-inch-square, 10-by-16-inch, and 14-by-19-inch sizes, the wall- mounted washbasin is available in blue indigo, chestnut, milky white, anthracite, black, white, sand, and Edelweiss. Kilometer |
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Gandia Blasco
Jose A. Gandia's Modulo Outdoor Spaces is a system of all-weather beach cabanas. The anodized-aluminum framework supports hanging panels of durable shade fabric, threaded up and across the top. As the sun shifts, the panels can be raised or lowered. |
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Sculptured Homes
Frameless aqua, clear, or charcoal-tinted glass encloses the Simplify wet spa. This hydrotherapeutic sanctuaryintegrates a showerhead with body-spray nozzles, hydro-massage jets, chroma-therapy lights, steam-producing units, and marine-grade stereo speakers. |
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Sawaya & Moroni
Meaning resurrected beauty, the Bella Rifatta stacking armchair is the product of William Sawaya's three-year experiment with reused plastics and injection-molding technology. Offered in five colors as well as a colorless version, the transparent polycarbonate chair is made of eco-friendly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), fiberglass, and French chalk. Three recycled-plastic opaques also available. |
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Oluce
Rugged and innovative came together to yield the weatherproof Stones of Glass. The polycarbonate light fixture comes in three sizes and requires an electrical outlet. The indoor glass version has a dimming function. |
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L'Artigiani International
Designer Mark Zeff is outfitting Jeffrey Chodorow's new L.A. restaurant Social Hollywood with 40 of the jewellike Grappa light fixtures. |
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Graham & Brown
If the kids are itching to scribble on the wall, why not impose a little structure on their art? Created by British artists Craig Wood and Chris Taylor, Frames, a wall covering in paper and vinyl, brings interactive fun to children's interiors. (And maybe a bit of whimsy to grown-up ones, too.) |
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Carini Lang
These hand-knotted Corduroy carpets from Nepal are composed of high-grade Chinese silk that's been dyed organically. The ridged effect comes from trimming the pile, which creates stripes that are up to a chunky 1/2 inch wide. Wall-to-wall sizes and wool or mohair blends are available. |
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Sonoma Cast Stone
Bamboo Stone 6-inch-square concrete tiles are molded with the abstracted imprint of Asian bamboo. For backsplash trims or full walls, the 1/2-inch-thick tiles are dramatic in deep black. Natural bamboo tones are among the hundreds of other colors offered. |
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Flexform
Woven leather cord contrasts with the cool metal frame of Antonio Citterio's Peter chair and ottoman, providing a handsome alternative to rattan. The crisscross metal frame is available in a nickel-stained or chrome finish. The set is also offered in leather in colors ranging from white to black to Russian red. |
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Cienporcientodiseño
Young designer Batti's oversize white-fiberglass Placentero chair owes a heavy debt to Arne Jacobsen—and weighs in at nearly 100 pounds. The seat's leather comes in eight colors. |
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TableArt
The Duo lacquered salad bowl is almost too pretty to eat from. Its two-toned color combinations include cream and white, latte and cream, and aqua and orange. |
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Building Materials
May 31, 2005 -
Kitchen & Bath
May 31, 2005
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