Monday, February 9, 2015

THERMADOR Expands The Limits On Cooktops!

During Design and Construction week in Las Vegas on January 20th, Thermador gave our #BlogTourVegas group a personal tour lead by Zach Elkin, Director of Brand Marketing. The brand offered a preview of its new Professional Grill, which will be featured on the Professional Rangetops, Pro Harmony® and Pro Grand® Ranges, along with a new trimless design option for the Freedom Induction Cooktop


Well hello gorgeous!!
Thermador Professional Grill
Photo via Thermador

This surface cooking feature boasts industry-leading design, featuring ceramic briquettes and grill grates that fully cover the heating elements to offer exceptional grilling performance and genuine smoky flavor. The Professional Grill features a wide variety of low to high temperature control for better taste, texture and quality – something not commonly offered on other indoor grilling products:

  • Two independently controlled heating elements that empower home cooks to place foods such as vegetables on one half of the grill at a lower setting, and meats or fish on the other half at a higher heat setting.


  • Intelligently designed grates that are placed in direct contact with the heating elements to produce fast preheat and excellent searing.


  • During each use, the ceramic briquettes collect juices that drip down from the grill plates to provide genuine smoke flavor, with excess drippings collected in a grease tray underneath.


  • The grill can easily be disassembled, with removable grill grates that are dishwasher safe and hinged heating elements that fold up so the dishwasher-safe ceramic briquettes can be removed for easy cleaning of the grease tray – a truly exceptional cleaning feature that is unmatched in the industry.


The Professional Grill is designed as an alternative to the existing Thermador electric grill and griddle plate currently featured on the Professional Rangetops, Pro Harmony and Pro Grand ranges. With its introduction, cooks now have more choices than ever when selecting their ideal cooking surface.
Seemless!
The Freedom Induction Cooktop 
Photo via Thermador

The first full-surface induction appliance with the flexibility of intelligently recognizing cookware size, shape and position to deliver heat without boundaries, allowing cooks to use pots and pans of any shape and size and place them anywhere on the surface. The cooktop boasts all the benefits of traditional induction technology, including instantaneous and precise temperature control, and also offers the PowerBoost™ feature that boils water faster than any other technology in its class. Maintaining a spotless surface is also effortless with the cooktop, as spills and boil-overs will not scorch onto the surface, and can be wiped off with just a damp cloth.  With more than 30 international patents, the Thermador Freedom Induction Cooktop is built with 48 individual 3-inch induction heating elements below the surface of the appliance. This translates to a 63-percent more effective cooking area on the surface by eliminating the conventional standard of predefined elements. Additional product highlights include:

  • A 6.5-inch, full-color touchscreen display that recognizes pot shape, size, and controls power setting and cooking time


  • Surface area to accommodate a 21-inch x 13-inch pan with the largest cooking surface in the industry


  • A range of 4,600-watt maximum power output with Boost feature and 15-watt minimum power output.

“Induction cooking continues to grow in popularity for many reasons, including its responsiveness and performance. We are proud that our Freedom Induction Cooktop is the most revolutionary of the induction cooktops on the market,” said Zach Elkin, director of brand marketing. “By adding a second design option, we are giving cooks more flexibility to select the style of this appliance that best fits their kitchen design preferences.”
Cheers to you Zach, for a wonderful lunch and making new friends! It was really great to go beyond the brand! Nothing beats making in real life and time connections!
Photo Decortizo
Las Vegas Country Club lunch hosted by Thermador.
Thank you so much!

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

THE BEST OF KBIS 2015 RESULTS! AND THE WINNER IS....



 Here is my lovely friend Pamela Copeman announcing the Modenus #BlogTourVegas  results for The Best Of The Kitchen and Bath Industry on January 20th 2O15. 
All eyes on Pamela as we wait! 

In the meantime, let me tell you about my new friend I met on tour who is sitting to the right of me.  My fellow blogger, Mal Corboy  (3rd row, second from the right) winner of the SBID International Award (Best KBB Project) wearing that fantastic shirt! The man is a genius! There must be something in that New Zealand water! BTW...he has an incredible book out on his life's work! It is truly an amazing collection of kitchens coupled with some of his favorite chefs that I'm sure you'll enjoy reading about! 
You can purchase it or just take a look...
Love your taste in shirts Mal! XO

Back to the winners of KBIS!

MY TOP PICK!
This was definitely the "Best In Show" for me! Can you imagine a wireless charger embedded into your surface material?? Amazing! There were so many wonderful products to see. It was truly very difficult to choose. I hope you enjoy the products listed below as much as we do. Click on the links below for more...



The People’s Choice Awards were voted on by attendees during all 3 days of the show using the KBIS Mobile App.

MR. STEAM AND TALA TAKE ME AWAY!


YES! It was a wonderful week but it required a lot of energy! We all fared rather well. However, regardless of who you are there's bound to be a few tired bodies in need of rejuvenation! Luckily for us, Mr.Steam took great care of us! We ended our tour on a dreamy note, filled with luxury and relaxation, the kind that only Mr.Steam could provide.
It all began with a beautiful lunch at the Aria Hotel's Cafe. Walking into the cafe your eyes were drawn to very long beautifully set table. Perfectly displayed at each place setting, there were luxurious gift boxes of TALA waiting for each of us. Our gracious host Martha Orellana , vice president of marketing and sales, made sure to make our day extraordinary...and it was! 

Martha whipped up the Rhassoul Lava Clay and applied it on each of our faces. Some of us relaxed others went for the Jacuzzi while we waited for the clay to harden. Then we all went for a eucalyptus steam! Heaven! Cold clothes were dispersed to wipe off the clay which began to soften and then we sweat and relaxed some more. It was an amazing...your entire body starts to breathe. Everything opens up...your skin, sinuses, chest, throat and mind. 
It is ethereal in feeling and I can't imagine anything more relaxing. All I can say is, "everyone should have Mr.Steam in their home! 
He knows what he's doing!

If you get the opportunity, try to experience the winner of multiple product award and the winner of the "2013 Good Design" award for stunning graphic interface and design. Mr.Steam is the first brand to perfect swipe touch simplicity in warm and humid environments. You can customize your spa experience by controlling the temperature, duration, aromatherapy and chromatherapy. 


“With the touch of a finger, iSteam 2.0 puts you in a different dimension with your own custom blend of steam, light, scent and music," said Martha Orellana, vice president of marketing and sales for Mr. Steam.  “There is nothing like this on the market.”

What are the benefits?
Mr.Steam says, that the therapeutic benefits of a steam shower are a perfect way to help manage stress, detoxify and hydrate your body. It is also beneficial when your not feeling great. Steam can help with colds, congestion, arthritis and sore muscles.

To learn more click on the video gallery below.




I enjoyed Mr.Steam and Tala so much I had to hurry up and make my own video about Tala. When everything is on high speed a great way to slow down is to reach for Tala.


I could not wait to get home and try it all over again! 


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TALA AND MR.STEAM


Thank you for all!

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE! #BLOGTOURVEGAS BABY!


Four ladies including myself, left from Boston's Logan airport on cold but sunny Sunday on January 18th. We were on our way to #KBIS2015 in Las Vegas via #BlogTourVegas presents by Modenus! If you missed how it all started you can read the prior post here!

On the plane sitting next to me is Linda of Linda Holt Interiors. Seated in front of me is Laurie of Laurie Gorlick Interiors and next to her Pamela of Pamela Copeman Designwho has me convinced that when I'm with her Hollywood isn't far away! Shes a movie star! I don't care if she's never made a film! 
Or maybe she has???
Linda and I spent much of our time going over the nominees for the Best Of KBIS 2015! Modenus Blog Tour Vegas!  Part of our job was to select the winners for best products for 2015. We had a lot of reading to do! Winners were selected based on functionality, quality/durability, flexibility, aesthetics/style and innovation and were to be announced on Wednesday, January 21st at NKBA's Center Stage. You can see who won here! 

The Boston crew arrives in Las Vegas! 
Laurie Gorelick, Linda Holt, Me, Pamela Copeman

I was the only one with a carry on bag. Believe me, that was not the case on the return flight!
First class all the way provided by Modenus and our sponsors
On our way to the Aria Hotel! 
Let the tweeting begin!!
The Aria hotel bedroom with a spectacular view!

We arrived at the Aria Hotel and had a few hours to freshen up before our opening night orientation with cocktails and dinner to follow! Looking forward to getting to know some new friends and reconnecting with a few old friends but for that we have to take a walk to The Cosmopolitan Hotel! 
The view from the "Comme Ca" Restaurant at The Cosmopolitan! The perfect place for a Cosmo! 
Is this Paris or Vegas?
The group is chatting it up and getting acquainted. 
Pamela Copeman and Joann Kandrac connect! Joann and I were sisters in another life...a pure delight! 
Veronika Miller and CEO of Modenus is getting everyone in gear for the exciting week ahead! Modenus Talks next! 
Chris Laumer-Giddens looks totally enthralled in his discussion with Jane Lockhart! Two very talented people.
Kelly Kole and Laurie Gorlick were at our fun table and all I can say is...there was a lot of laughter!! Love these women! 
Kelly! Get the Channel Shoes!
It was a great start, now off to rest up for a big week! 
Up at dawn before you know it!

Images provided by Chasen West Photography and me.

Monday, February 2, 2015

The New American Home 2015 - A "Real World" Laboratory in Building Innovation and Technology.

Nestled on a hillside at 2256 Edgeridge Court in Henderson, Nevada, Tyler Jones of Blue Heron Construction has completed his latest answer to The New American Home. Jones and his team demonstrates that packaged, "pre-design custom" building is an efficient way to use the latest innovative design concepts while maintaining affordability. This luxurious 5,900 square foot home spares no amenities. It will serve as a model for one of 36 homes in the Sky Terrace Community featuring, intelligent design and sophistication representing the best of today's American luxury homes.  BlogtourVegas presented by Modenus had an opportunity to visit the stunning contemporary and experience the latest in technology in the home building industry. 

THE NEW AMERICAN HOME 2015
On approaching the site as we drove up the hill, it became 
apparent that we were about to see something very special. 
The main entry, landscaping and lighting are thoughtful and engaging as you enter the home. Sculptural drought tolerant plantings added texture, visual interest and efficiency.

First level living area is neutral and warm in tone. Beautiful, but careful not to distract from the stunning views. Reflective of the homes location and environment, it is evident in the selection of the textiles. 
Living area from the second level. 
The atrium of this home adds volume and fills the home with an abundance of light during the day. The kitchen and dining area share the space.
 Flooring by Mohawk Flooring.  
A variety of materials add dimension to the fireplace making it an undeniable focal point. Working within such and open space, I would imagine this was a way to add additional interest and dimension on this vast wall expanse. 
Carpeting by Karastan.
Layered earth tones creating a warm and inviting space.
Mixed metals and textures add interest and dimension.
View from the dining room area.

Who says green building can't be luxurious! Take a look at this kitchen and take note that, TNAH 2015 is expected to receive Emerald status, the highest of four levels of green building under the National Green Building Status.
Kitchen  counter tops  made of Dupont Zodiac Quartz
 and Walker Zanger Calacata Carrara Marble.
First level lounge and bar opens out into the courtyard.
A continuation of the indoor living space.
After sunset
Every amenity and convenience making night time entertaining a step away.

Let's take a peek at the Second level! 
Second level bar illuminates this entertainment space.
Multilevel bar area from a distance.
Artful, high performance carpeting helps to elevate the space.  Karastan added beauty, warm and depth with its graphic design.
I really appreciated the design and allocated use of this space. The half wall creating a cozy area for sleeping, while keeping the raised lounge open but separate, making this the perfect suite environment. Views fill the room and a nearby fireplace heightens and warms the experience.
The master may be calm but there's no lack of textural interest. 
You can lounge a drift away while admiring the view of Las Vegas. Your bedroom is your sanctuary and this home pays homage to the...stay haven!
Spa at home! 
Here is one more reason that I thought I would never want to leave this home, the master bath is a show stopper! When your tub is separated from the bedroom but remains in full view, like a destination, how could you not want to use it?! Prominently placed, the soaking tub conjurers thoughts of relaxation and rejuvenation. The flooring by Mohawk made me think of the desert sand, its reliance on water and our need for it. Perfection!

Pretty isn't enough! 

The home is smart and efficient!

Net zero electrical usage. 
Open cell spray foam insulation and passive solar power. 
Low VOC paints, stains and adhesives.
LED lighting fixtures.
Energy Star appliances.
Photovoltaic panels.
Formaldehyde-free wood cabinets.  
Low flow shower heads, faucets and dual flush water closets.
Whole house automation system.
Weather sensitive irrigation system.
Native and drought tolerant plants.
Tankless water heaters.
Hydronic air handlers.
Intelligent fireplaces.
Sustainable building materials.
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Special attention to integrating spaces.
Continuous use of Indoor and outdoor flooring.

Test kitchen 
Before our tour ended we gathered around in the kitchen and witnessed a demonstration of Karastan's SmartStrand Forever Clean carpet that blew me away! 
Forever Clean and never worry!
Yes, the carpet is being soaked in large glasses of wine! 
I know what your thinking! I was too!
I was wrong! I have never seen results like this before...amazing! The only carpet with built-in stain resistance and you don't have to sacrifice beauty. An innovative bio-based carpet that is eco-friendly and durable, SmartStrand in addition is luxurious and silky soft to the hand. I was impressed to say the least. Who wouldn't want Forever Clean?! I know I do!


THE NEW AMERICAN HOME 2015
Thank you to the team of TNAH 2015 and Mohawk for a great evening filled with the innovation of the homes of our future.

Images by Trent Bell Photography, Chasen West Photography and Michelle Cortizo.