Copper Sinks Fight Germs

Germaphobes will be especially interested in a growing design trend that spreads cleanliness: There is now scientific evidence to show that copper kills 99 percent of bacteria, including super bugs like MRSA, within two hours of contact. Research also has shown that H1N1, commonly referred to as the swine flu virus, likewise does not survive on copper. Based on a review of the studies and its own independent lab tests, the United States Environmental Protection Agency earlier this year announced that copper has antimicrobial properties, capable of killing bacteria as well as viruses. And we thought they just looked good.

A copper sink has become a popular design choice for the home. Few customers were aware, though, of its germ fighting status as they chose one for its uniqueness, unusual color or handwrought texture. “The anti-microbial characteristic has come as a pleasant surprise benefit to consumers and designers alike,” says Naomi Howard, president of Native Trails, the country’s largest producer of hand-hammered sinks and tubs. “A copper sink is not a substitute for good hygienic practices, but it’s nice to know that the copper surface actually has a role in disinfecting your sink.”

Copper’s germ-fighting properties aren’t a new discovery, but rather a very old one that is being put to modern scientific tests and applications. In many ancient cultures, healers used copper and copper powder to remedy a variety of maladies. For example, ancient Egyptians used copper to sterilize drinking water and disinfect chest wounds. The Aztecs used it to cure sore throats, and Persians used it to treat infections.

Three US hospitals, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, are looking into the practical applications of copper’s antimicrobial qualities. A study is underway to determine whether the rates of hospital-acquired infections might be reduced by replacing high-contact surfaces in ICUs with items made from copper and copper alloys.

Flowers in the Kitchen

As if having a Snaidero kitchen wasn't wonderful enough, now you can dress it up with punchy floral designs -- thanks to Ken Scott's imagination and creativity!

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-- allie

Tags: modern kitchen, Snaidero, kitchen decor, colorful kitchen, Ken Scott

New from Nambé

Looking for some early Christmas gifts? Nambé introduces a few new home decor items for the modernist on your list.

-- allie

Tags: Nambé, modern gifts, modern kitchen, modern housewares, dining and entertaining

Fall kitchen and bath trends!

Give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh new look for fall – on a budget! Yes, I said budget! That previously ugly word is now a chic accessory.

Glass Tile Store offers tips to transform with tile (at 40-60% off!):

Fusion
Mixing up tiles made of glass, stone, metal and natural elements is an up and coming trend. The eclectic look is perfectly in sync with today’s home furnishings aesthetic.

Circle is the New Square
For years straight lines and boxed-in design was all the rage, but today’s home fashions are much more well-rounded. Touted as the one of the hottest kitchen and bath trends for fall, round and oval tiles will make your space pop.

New Neutrals
Traditional neutrals, like beiges and browns, are being replaced with modern grays and blues. Pair them with anything from chocolate brown to fall’s hot jewel tones. The new color combo creates a sleek, sophisticated look.

-- allie

Tags: modern kitchen, modern bath, glass tile, circular tile, fall design trends

Horizontal refrigerator

The refrigerator hasn't changed much over time. There have been so great additions -- water and ice tap, LCD TV, side-by-side doors, freezer on the bottom, stainless, bronze, etc. But the overall design has remained constant -- a vertical free-standing unit.

Wouldn't it be lovely (and practical) to have a fridge that could double as a buffet or extra counter space?

Bi-axis, a concept refrigerator/freezer designed by Eindhoven-based GRO Design for Samsung, can be utilized vertically or turned horizontal, “giving a stronger reference to furniture than a large domestic appliance," says GRO Design. Each shelf can be manipulated to accommodate a vertical or horizontal set-up, and the back of the refrigerator is smooth flat surface (instead of one covered in those dusty coils).

 

-- allie

Tags: modern refrigerator, horizontal refrigerator, modern kitchen, Samsung appliances, concept fridge, luxury kitchen

Baby dining

August is the biggest month for births, so it is only appropriate that we bring you some baby gear highlights.

The Zzapper and Moonlander highchairs from Compact Care. Their outlandish design is befitting of their names. Transparent food tray, seat cushion, and safety harness available for purchase as well.

My thoughts -- if I'm buying a highchair (especially a pricey one), the tray, cushion, AND safety harness better be part of the package. Second, I question the degree of comfort the design will provide to baby.

What do you think of the Zzapper and Moonlander?

-- allie

Tags: modern baby, modern highchair, Compact Care, trendy baby products, high-end baby

Round about

I just discovered this -- the Original Circle Kitchen, a revolving, compact, full-functional kitchen!

Nothing makes me, the hyper-organized, clutter-phobic, happier than a kitchen that can be closed up at the end of the day!

-- allie

Tags: modern kitchen, revolving kitchen, compact kitchen, modern loft kitchen

Wooden Tiles for Spas, Pools, Bathrooms

  

KUUPS uses the latest technology to bring the warmth of wood into high humidity installations with its new range of wooden tiles.

I have no idea how they accomplish this, although I've read the explanation. It includes  a lot of references to H2O eco hardwoods optimized through exposure to high temp HPL, phenolic resins, and celulose fibers.

The tiles have already been used in Spa installations in international hotel chains like the Hilton, Marriott and FourSeasons. They're avialable in a combination of 13 formats and 6 wood types, so customization for projects is easy. The woods used come from sustainable forests and are PEFC (Pan european Forest Council) certified.

Colorful concrete

This residential kitchen countertop was designed around the color pallet that a homeowner used throughout her kitchen. Abstract lines and patterning were apparent throughout the home and, while this process didn't exist at the time of the fabrication, she gave JM Lifestyles the artistic leisure to transform her discussions into functional art.

See more concrete creations from JM Lifestyles

-- allie

Tags: modern concrete, concrete counter tops, modern kitchen, JM Lifestyles

Fu Tung Cheng Modern Kitchen Cabinets

 

Fu Tung Cheng’s new kitchen cabinetry as displayed at Jenn-Air's KBIS booth this year. They're functional, attractive and, best of all, eco-friendly. The cabinets are low VOC and urea-formaldehyde-free. The bamboo is Forest Steward Council certified Plyboo(tm), which is the only FSC certified bamboo product on the market.