From Milan with Love

One of the best finds we made at DesignEx was a new supplier of European Kitchens, wardrobes and Doors. The Doors are amazing. The price price comparison to building, installing and painting an oversized door is the same. Imagine our delight when we realised that not only were the doors solid and easy to install, you can clad them in a huge array of timbers and coloured glass. Security on these doors was huge too. Very classy!
The Kitchens come ready made to your specifications and they pump out an amazing 2000 kitchen a day in their factory. Friends in Eurpope have used them and love them. The products and finishes are the latest from Italy so why not have a look at their website.
On top of all this if you've ever wanted a wardrobe like Oprah Winfrey but on a tighter budget then have a look at their robe components. Glossy, sleek and they come to the project in a container ready to go. No hold ups with Cabinet makers and so on and so forth...I am just trying to find the extra space so I can have a robe like the one I saw. The supplier has a showroom in Melbourne which is via appointment only. If you are one of our clients we'd be more than happy to arrange it for you.

Designex 2011

Yesterday we attended the opening day of the new and slightly slimmed down version of DesignEx the Australian Trade Fair for Architects and Designers and Interior Designers.  We discovered some new directions and new ranges of finishes and fittings which we were impressed by.  The Porter Paint Stand was very colourful and the overall impression was that Bold Colours and Chunky prints on Fabrics and Wall Finishes are the winners.  I noticed Kitchen Fittings seem to be heading back towards a chunky commercial feel and that everyday furniture has a multipurpose use.

The show managed some live crosses to Milan and here are the updates courtesy of Artichoke and Architecture Media

Artichoke Cross - Fresh from Milan from Diversified Exhibitions on Vimeo.

Artichoke Cross - Fresh from Milan from Diversified Exhibitions on Vimeo.

Artichoke Cross - Fresh from Milan from Diversified Exhibitions on Vimeo.

Tiles that look like Timber!! Amazing

I love the warm earthy look of timber in Bathrooms but with the new waterproofing standards this is just no longer acceptable.  I was disappointed until I saw a picture which upon second glance made me smile.  Timber style tiles! Fantastic.  They are non slip and ceramic and very beautiful.  Unsurprisingly they are not cheap.  However I'm sure once more manufacturers hear of our joy they will all jump on board.  Meanwhile Check out the range of tiles through Earp Brothers Tiles at http://www.earp.com.au/ but if you wish to drool some more have a closer look at the European website http://www.porcelanosa.com/gb/pavimento/par-ker.php

Clever Pre stained Flooring

I love floorboards but even more I love a touch of colour in the form of floor stain to add a bit of zing to a room.  Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a bit of elbow grease in staining boards myself  - I still love the range of water based stains Quantum Wood Stain but these new pre stained boards take out all the hard work and the colours are beautiful.  Not only are they gorgoeus they are made from recycled timber.  Check out the link here for a full range of colours. Big River Timbers

Adding Colour

There are so many beautiful colours around us that is tempting to just go with the standard whites and creams, but why not incorporate a bit of colour and texture with fabrics and wall art.  There is something very attractive about mixing up the patterns and prints.  Our eyes can get so used to the monochromatic colours we forget to let our childlike mind enjoy the candy colours around us.  Haymes have a beautiful range of colour, after all its only paint...Have a look at their colours here at Haymes.

Future Directions of Kitchen Design

A & J Johnson Constructions has a direct dealer agreement with Miele. We can offer our clients the very latest and best kitchen appliances on the market. Here is a video interview with Dr Miele, who has just visited Australia & New Zealand to discuss the future direction of Kitchen Design and Appliance design. We are happy to arrange designs to suit your budget as well as your personal design preferences. Visit the Miele online show room Here to view the beautiful and clever cooking appliances.

Outdoor Furniture - Contemporary & Traditional

Its that time of year again. The days are longer and the outdoors are calling. Visit your local Hardware store for outdoor furniture and you are subjected to some pretty "daggy" looking settings. We need some new ranges that suit Contemporary Living as well as traditional. Have a look at iwood they have some great looking settings which look tough enough to handle the sun, wind and rain. For some quirky outdoor pieces visit Forme to find funky stools and benches for your deck area. Or for some fairly serious designer stuff visit B & B Italia which are stocked locally through Space Furniture. My personal favorite is a good old Butterfly chair. Its chic and comfy and when your on the deck, by the pool its just really cool. Visit MuuMuubutterlychairs to place an order.