Kitchenaid's new in-sink dishwasher for the urban kitchen

INAX Shower Box

Glass "paper" vases by Torufu Architects

Torafu Architects’ Delicate “Air” Vases Are Made Entirely From Paper

by Diane Pham, 04/28/11

filed under: Art, Decorative Objects, Milan Furniture Fair

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Torafu Architects unveiled a stunning line of shape-shifting paper tableware at this year’s Milan Furniture Fair that is almost as light and transparent as the air that inspired it. Constructed from exceptionally thin yet durable paper, the pieces can be molded into bowls or vases of almost any size without breaking. The paper is printed with two different colors on each side, so the final form has a dynamic appearance that changes as it is viewed from various angles. Check out a few videos of the vase in action after the jump!

Read more: Torafu Architects' Delicate "Air" Vases Are Made Entirely From Paper | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

Curved kitchen island

Italian kitchen company Pedini produces a sinuous wonder named Dune, which is modeled after “flowing forms found in nature.” The cabinet system uses no handles, which keeps the profile clean and smooth—much like the sandy waves of beachfront dunes. To open the base unit cabinets, simply reach into a groove on the edge of the extra thick 23mm front panel. To open the tall uni... read more

Good news for Real Estate resales!

Supply continues to fall and inventory is low. Active listings now at 27,050 compared to 43,000 last year at this time.
Pricing is stable or slightly weaker over $200,000 with $400,000 to $800,000 looking strongest.
New notices of foreclosures are at lowest levels since 2007. Rumors abound that there is a new tidal wave of foreclosures coming, in Phoenix there is no evidence to support this whatsoever. REOs constitute only 23% of supply.

Nelson light fixture

FLOAT coffee table

Fireplace or Bar B Que-Cool Designer item

New hanging relaxation POD for humans.!

Hanging pod from Dedon-

It turns out people are like cats and dogs and like to curl up to relax as well. check out this hanging cocoon!!! Latest thing!

Fridge and Car Combine to become the Fridgecouch by Adrian Johnson

The Fridgecouch, created by Canadian designer Adrian Johnson, take unwanted refrigerators and turns them into customized ultra-retro seats. Johnson takes vintage refrigerators and salvaged car seats that he rescues from local junkyards to source his designs. Each Fridgecouch is a unique item, which makes them numbered, single-issue designs. You can commission a Fridgecouch to be made, starting at about $3,500.

http://3rings.designerpages.com/2011/06/24/fridge-and-car-combine-to-become-the-fridgecouch-by-adrian-johnson/?utm_source=Product+Trends&utm_campaign=3f8f722549-green_trends&utm_medium=email

Up and Coming Kitchen Trends

An accomplished combination of natural materials that are guaranteed to stand the test of time. The trendy color and material mix, comprising natural rough-cut oak veneer and the finest ceramic surfaces, positively invites you to reach out and touch.

http://3rings.designerpages.com/2011/02/04/neos-and-cult-headline-these-rather-rational-kitchen-designs/

A Perfect Arrangement for Warmth and Entertainment

Beyond the amiable incorporation of a 37" LCD TV, Scenario features all the perks of MCZ's other fire units. You can choose between the wood burning or gas, and the piece incorporates MCZ's patented comfort air ducting system. This thermal innovation effectively turns these showpiece fireboxes into bonafide heating systems, as it ducts hot air throughout the house (up to 8 meters from the fireplace location).

http://3rings.designerpages.com/2011/04/25/fireplace-and-tv-side-by-side-mczs-scenario/

MINE Furniture by Marinemine Makes a Bang

Reuse has been taken to a whole new level by Estonian sculptor Mati Karmin, the creator of MINE-Furniture Design. Instead of scavenging through post-industrial waste or unwanted furniture and buildings, Karmin is tapping into an un-mined resource, a literal field of old sea mines found off the shores of Naissaar. His designs reuse exhausted mine casings for everything from fireplaces to baby cribs.

http://3rings.designerpages.com/2011/03/30/mine-furniture-by-marinemine-makes-a-bang/

Electronic Lavatory Faucet by Iqua

Fittings manufacturer Aqua relies on the comforts of hands-free faucets in designing their Iqua line of faucets. These infrared sensor-operated electronic faucets are equipped with "a special solenoid valve that is the heart of these high tech products." But Iqua goes beyond convenience. Their electronic lavatory faucet includes a display showing the water temperature and water consumption. By giving users a reminder of how much water they are using, the Iqua faucet may reduce water consumption.

Markus Johansson’s Cirrata Lamp

The large lamp's name refers to a suborder of octopi characterized by an internal skeleton and a set of two fins - unusual qualities in an octopus and ones which actually make it more vulnerable to predators. Perhaps designer Markus Johansson chose the name for this reason, because Cirrata's increased vulnerability prompts it to favor deep, dark spaces.

http://3rings.designerpages.com/2011/06/03/markus-johanssons-cirrata-lamp/?utm_source=Product+Trends&utm_campaign=f79b2e8c6b-lighting_trends&utm_medium=email

New York City's First Bike Powered Music Festival!

Using stationary bicycles and volunteers looking to put their legs to some use, Pedal Power NYC is able to power up some awesome concerts that are completely off the grid with The Natural Ass Session, a fantastic idea that merges natural, renewable energy (just add some food and water) with awesome music. They are currently seeking volunteers to help power the city's first bike-powered concert series happening on June 26th.

http://inhabitat.com/nyc/new-york-citys-first-bike-powered-music-festival-coming-to-union-square/

Bathe in Comfort and Save Water with the Sozo Tub

Diamond Spas has constructed this particular tub with an inclined back, giving it a profile very like an outdoor chaise. Not only does this intriguing approach deed the piece a unique aesthetic - it resembles the hull of a boat momentarily kicked up out of the water by gently lapping waves - it conserves water too at an average of 60 gallons per bath consumption per user.

http://3rings.designerpages.com/2011/05/26/the-sozo-tub-by-diamond-spa/

Stunning Crystal Chandelier Installation by WHITEvoid

The chandelier is comprised of distinct, prismatic elements that are constructed of lightweight plastic foil with internal strips of highly versatile LEDs. The lightweight foil allows easy manipulation of each individual element and the LEDs facilitate the Crystal Chandelier's multiple personalities. Each element can take any color in the spectrum and can also be moved independently along the vertical axis through a seven-meter range.

http://3rings.designerpages.com/2011/05/26/stunning-crystal-chandelier-installation-by-whitevoid/

MIT Presents Powered SOFT Rockers to Charge Your Gadgets

MIT professor Sheila Kennedy and a group of MIT architecture students developed the SOFT Rocker, which is a rocking chair/lounge chair for the great outdoors. The SOFT Rocker uses the human power of balance to create an interactive 1.5 axis, 35 watt solar tracking system. During daylight hours, the lounger captures solar power in a 12-ampere hour battery.

http://3rings.designerpages.com/2011/05/14/mit-presents-powered-soft-rockers-to-charge-your-gadgets/

Organic Textures of the New Varia Ecoresin Surfaces by 3Form

Made from 40% pre-recycled consumer products, the translucent sheets are designed for custom jobs given their 48"x 96" and 8"x 8" size options. In addition to the standard lengths and widths, the Varia Ecoresin panels also come in up to eight different gauge choices from 1/16" to 1", depending on the thickness desired.

http://3rings.designerpages.com/2011/05/23/organic-textures-of-the-new-varia-ecoresin-surfaces-by-3form/

Top 5 Ways to "Greenify" Your Consumption

1. Learn the Source of the Products You Buy


2. Get to Know Your Eco Labels and Certifications
3. Buy Less, Borrow More
4. Eat Local With Smart Apps

http://mylifescoop.com/featured-stories/2011/05/top-5-ways-to-greenify-your-consumption.html

How to Build a Water-Efficient Home

Historically, water shortages were thought to only be a concern for dry regions of the country. But with rising population growth, accelerated climate change, and even boundary wars, the concerns have quickly spread to other areas. In fact, as many as 36 states are expected to have water shortages in the coming decades. Unlike energy, there are no water sources to supplement our supply. This means that reducing waste and using less are our best-and only-options.

Click the link to read on!

http://www.ecohomemagazine.com/water-conservation/the-water-efficient-home.aspx?cid=ECOH110525002

Aqualet by New Line Italia is a wall mounted number that's easy on your floor space. Its many programmable hygiene modes will give you a daily dose of hygienic harmony. Aqualet's true innovation is its hidden, subtly intergrated bidet. A side mounted control panel allows you to oscillate it for easy cleaning needs as well as set it at different angles for personal preferences.

FROSTY BERRY Scottsdale Grand Opening

JOe Curry, opened his new yogurt store, FROSTY BERRY, which we helped him with. The Yogurt is delicious and you should stop by. Located 100 yards from Notre Dame Prep High School in North Scottsdale.

Fabulous Velocity Real Estate-Judi Butterworth event

http://blog.velocityretail.com/?p=950

Check out this link for a commercial real estate event we participated in with Judi Butterworth!
Great successful event for SOONER INVESTMENTS!

finally. Detroit got the message.

Transportation
GM Shows Off Their EN-V Car of the Future at the Detroit Auto Show
by Jessica Dailey, 01/12/11
filed under: Detroit Auto Show,Green Transportation,Greener Gadgets,automotive



Sometimes, we think it’s awesome when things look like they’re from the Jetsons. Or Battlestar Gallactica. Which is why we’re completely swooning over GM’s EN-V crazy-looking electric concept cars. The EN-V (Electric Networked Vehicle) comes in three different pod-like designs that function like a Segway-Smart car mash up. Click through for details and exclusive pictures from the Detroit Auto Show!


Transportation
GM Shows Off Their EN-V Car of the Future at the Detroit Auto Show
by Jessica Dailey, 01/12/11
filed under: Detroit Auto Show,Green Transportation,Greener Gadgets,automotive



Sometimes, we think it’s awesome when things look like they’re from the Jetsons. Or Battlestar Gallactica. Which is why we’re completely swooning over GM’s EN-V crazy-looking electric concept cars. The EN-V (Electric Networked Vehicle) comes in three different pod-like designs that function like a Segway-Smart car mash up. Click through for details and exclusive pictures from the Detroit Auto Show!

Green Products that Homeowners Looking for

6 Trends That Will Shape Green Homes
From energy efficiency to water conservation to density, here are the issues that will matter most to sustainable builders and consumers in 2011.
GREEN PRODUCTS
Low-VOC, Dry-Erase Paint From IdeaPaint
FSC-Certified, Recycled-Content VanityFrom Native Trails
Solar-Powered Attic Fan From U.S. SUNLIGHT CORP



6 Trends That Will Shape Green Homes
From energy efficiency to water conservation to density, here are the issues that will matter most to sustainable builders and consumers in 2011.

GREEN PRODUCTS
Low-VOC, Dry-Erase Paint From IdeaPaint
FSC-Certified, Recycled-Content VanityFrom Native Trails
Solar-Powered Attic Fan From U.S. SUNLIGHT CORP

The mugshot seen around the world

The mugshot seen around the world
There are worries that alleged Tucson shooter Jared Loughner and his distressing mugshot could be a lasting image for tourists and businesses that might consider coming to Arizona. And, that Loughner fits into a negative narrative of the state that includes illegal immigration and angry politics and could discourage some visitors and investment, according to the PBJ's Mike Sunnucks.

Lotus shaped Marina Bay building by Safdie photo

Lotus shapped building Singapore-Safdie

The newly opened over-the-top Marina Bay Sands Casino and Resort in Singapore will soon host a slightly more down-to-earth museum focused on the fusion of art and science. Renowned Architect Moshie Safadie, who has been tickling the edge of green design for decades, designed the mega resort to grab the world’s attention — but the soon-to-open ArtScience Museum is certainly the most environmentally-sensitive building in the development. Interpreted as a lotus flower or outreached hand, the roof deftly collects water and light for the museum’s use.Read more: Lotus-Shaped Singapore Museum Collects Rain and Light Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

Twisted Italian Ristorante-Peoria

Congrats to the Grand opening of Twisted Italian in Peoria-our lastest permitted restaurant. I dined there last night and enjoyed a delightful chicken Piccata and grilled vegetable medley. Others in my party had the Penne Fra Diavolo-also luscious and a fresh Caesar salad. The cozy bistro was full and lively. The food is great and we know that Mike and Franco will do great at this new Location.

Standing room ONLy at BLU AGAVE-Peoria!

Last night was a spectacular opening the new BLU AGAVE at Vistancia Marketplace in Peoria!
Innovative appetizers, Sangria and Skinny Margaritas were offerings at the happening. Live entertainment added to the hopping crowd!!! Thumbs up to Chris and Jeff Ricke-Managers and Charles Schwerde, Executive Chef (Arrowhead Grill) for a fabulous event at their new Southwest Grill!