9 Useful and Lovely Alessi Girotondo Household Items
For those who don’t speak Italian, “Girotondo” is the word for a simple children’s game. You’ve no doubt seen the little paper cutouts that children have been making for generations. Designers with a delightful sense of humor adapted the design. The result? An entire series of household items that combine cheer and practicality like never before. Alessi Girotondo at its most basic.
In its simplicity, the Girotondo Keyring (AKK44) provides a perfect example. The section holding the keys forms a loop that resembles a child’s jump rope. The portion you hold with your hand looks like that little person. The result? Humor and that little shock of recognition. You see a familiar icon in an entirely new setting. Alessi Girotondo at its most basic.
Check out the Girotondo Magnet Set (AKK43). The little person stretches out to embrace all your important notes. Buy two and let them hold hands. Buy three and have a game of Girotondo. Buy six and imagine they’re a parachute team. There is no limit to the uses for this concept.
Now retire to the library with a good book. Take along your Girotondo Bookmark (AKK53). Yes, it will keep your place in a novel just fine. But it will also remind you to laugh a little every day.
Take Girotondo into the kitchen with you. Let it deliver the same joy and ease of a child in summer. The humble Breadstick Holder (AKK09) shows you how. Mirror-polished stainless steel pierced with that iconic shape is easy to clean. At the same time this item offers beauty and a sense of delight.
Extend the joy with a Fruit Holder (AKK05). The bowl is large enough to hold several apples, peaches or oranges but its functional value is only a small part of the package. Made of the same mirror-polished stainless steel as the Breadstick Holder, it creates synergy on your table.
Complete the design with a Girotondo Pepper Mill (KK48). The mill section is stainless steel polished to a high sheen. The rotor is in PA. Lovely. Simple. Top off the container with a Girotondo in blue or green and you have a work of art that does double duty as a spice dispenser.
Now relax in your home office after a fine meal. Girotondo follows you there, too. The Pencil Holder (AKK41) will bring a smile to your lips as you see it sitting on your desk. Look left and see your Girotondo Photo Frame (AKK22), with its little icons dancing around the border, just as your little one does in the photo. Use the Envelope Holder (AKK40) for all your correspondence and turn a dreary chore into a cheerful task, thanks to the row of Girotondo figures.
As you can see, there is no end to the uses to which this innovative design may be used. Let your imagination run wild and incorporate Alessi Girotondo products into your home decorating plans.
Energy Advancements Must be Sustainable
April 29, 2009 by Tal Potishman
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Recent years have seen noteworthy improvements in the UKs energy efficiency. Although the low carbon economy progress is significant, increased efforts and more solutions will be required for many years. Sustainable development in this area is expected from the gas and electricity markets, and this must be accomplished with a consideration towards the impact on consumers.
Gas and electricity projects related to energy conservation and lower greenhouse gas emissions must meet Government requirements year after year. Power stations combined with industries and residences contribute 66% of the UKs carbon dioxide emissions. Programs piloted by the gas and electricity sectors in 2006 and 2007 resulted in an emissions decrease of 4%. These programs concentrated on coal to gas conversion and renewable energy projects.
Total energy consumption in the UK has decreased each year since 2005, with a 3% reduction in 2007. A 3% drop in electricity usage and 4% drop in gas usage were reported. In order to meet Government guidelines, the gas and electricity sectors must continue to accomplish improved energy efficiency each year.
One of the most difficult challenges for the fuel markets is to balance the move toward greener energy with the financial burdens placed on customers. Fuel prices have reached some of their highest levels in recent years, and some consumers have struggled to keep up with the escalating costs. This comes in the midst of one of the shakiest economic periods in recent history. Statistics reveal that in 2006, 3.5 million UK households were in fuel poverty, and 2.75 million of these were classified as vulnerable households. Fuel poverty households spend greater than 10% of their total income on fuel to keep their homes warm. Final reports of fuel poverty households for 2007 and 2008 have not been finalised, but estimates are that the increases in fuel poverty households were .7 million in 2007 and .5 million in 2008.
Ofgem, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, works with the Government and the gas and electricity markets to achieve the sustainable development targets established by the Government. Ofgem regulates the gas and electricity sectors to ensure that consumers are protected from unfair practices. This agency is particularly interested in helping fuel poverty households and has a goal of eliminating fuel poverty by 2018. Ofgem drives low carbon initiatives and facilitates projects aimed at meeting carbon dioxide reduction.
The gas and electricity sectors have achieved positive results from their efforts in the past several years to save energy, protect the nations supply of fuel, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and lower energy costs. Ofgem has played a large role in the energy sectors reaching and exceeding low carbon goals. Concentrated effort and further innovations are needed, however, in order to meet the Governments targets for continual improvement.
Alessi Kettles – Works of Art and Utility
Alessi offers a range of kettles that are works of art and utility. Combining both into a seamless blend of function and beauty isn’t easy. The company’s catalog offers a number of Alessi tea kettles that will convince anyone.
The Alessi 9091 kettle is a good example. A truly fine design can look contemporary, even though it might have been created in 1983. From the ergonomically designed black handle to the half-dome container to the superb brass spout, the 9091 is a work of functional art.
It was the first of Alessi’s designer kettles and they chose well for their debut, because even now this model is an outstanding pot. The polished stainless steel exterior holds a brass whistle that sings two notes – mi and si – when the water is boiling.
With a similar model number, but completely different design, the Alessi 9093 kettle is another superb example. First introduced in 1985, it has remained in the Alessi catalog because it continues to provide a contemporary style that never ages. Years from now it will look as up to date as the unimaginable designs of the future.
Designed by famed designer Michael Graves, the Alessi 9093 offers a magnetic stainless steel bottom for the ultimate in stability and perfect diffusing. You’ll get plenty of use, too, from its spacious 200 cl (2 liters). Yet, with its powder blue handle and volcano-shaped pot, it lends true style to the kitchen. That style is topped by a humorous touch, thanks to the little bird whistle at the spout.
For the ultimate in style, consider the magnificent Alessi Il Conico kettle (# 90017). It seems impossible that it should have joined the Alessi family so far back as 1986. The sharp cone-shaped pot made of mirror polished stainless steel seems to have emerged only yesterday from the designer Aldo Rossi’s drawing pad.
The handle – a sturdy L-shape seamlessly integrated into the cone – provides both easy lifting and a delicate touch that never detracts from the design. That makes the Il Conico something you’ll want to feature on the stove at all times. It will never be hidden away into the cabinet to be used only at preparation time.
Reach for the ultimate fashion statement with architect Frank Gehry’s Pito kettle. Characteristic of this architect’s unique work, the mirror-polished pot is asymmetric. This piece of art will generate many interesting conversations around the stove as you wait for the water to heat. It remains a highly useful kitchen tool, all the same.
With unique mahogany wood handles designed on a sea life motif, one whale forms the handle while the other provides a spout with a truly distinctive whistle. The Alessi catalog contains many distinctive designs, but the Alessi Pito kettle stands out even in that collection.
No one purchases a kettle based on an artist’s name alone, of course. But that name is recognized because of the many stylish and innovative products that hail from their imaginations. Alessi electric kettles demonstrate that with ease, even to the most severe critic.
Is it really important to have a new bathroom vanity?
April 27, 2009 by Zaina Zidan
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Have you ever stopped and wondered why your bathroom vanity is such an important element in your latrine? The biggest reason it has a higher value placed on it compared to all of the other fixtures in the bathroom is because you have total control over it. You choose where to put it and how large or small of one you need. There are just a few small things you might want to look into when you pick out a brand new vanity. The entire theme of your latrine may rest solely on the type of vanity you choose.
Many of your visitors will have the opportunity to check out your latrine during their visit. The two main items utilized in a bathroom are of course the toilet and the bathroom vanity. No matter how hard they try though they just can’t keep from looking at themselves in the mirror before they head out of the latrine. When the mirror is positioned properly (at eye level) on the wall directly above the vanity all your guests can use it when they feel the need to.
When you pay a visit to your friend’s latrine what do you pay the most attention to? Usually it’s the same thing you focus on in your latrine. You can always take their ideas home and use them for your own latrine design. The centerpiece of any latrine should be the bathroom vanity because it is in an area where the mirror hangs over the sink and where you wash your hands.
To show your guests that you really have a sense of style, you need to decide on the perfect piece for your bathroom, the bathroom vanity. This piece and the mirror which is hung above it are the two biggest and most notices things in any bathroom design because every guest uses this before leaving the room. Sometimes your guests are also thinking about doing some redecorating of their own bathrooms and they are out looking for decorating ideas. Just remember before you make any big decisions when embracing the notion of choosing a particular mirror above your elegant bathroom vanity that it needs to fit into your color scheme and also your decorating theme.
Various things while cross your mind when deciding on a new vanity. The amount of area it will take up and also will it go with the sink, shower and the toilet that are already installed. The bathroom vanity is located over the vanity so you decide exactly the right size of a mirror that will look best and the amount of room you would like it to take up on the bathroom wall.
Additionally, they will notice if your bathroom vanity resembles a public restroom as it is just a sheet of glass, so you need to make sure you make an effort to slightly theme your restroom. If you have wooden floors for example you may want to choose a wooden trim for the mirror which can be purchased inexpensively if it is fake wood, but at least will match.
Your guests admire the amazing lighting that is placed above or beside the new bathroom vanity mirror because it will help them get the full feel of the room. With the matching trim and the new cabinet of the vanity matching it gives of the effect that you want in your newly themed bathroom. With all of the time and the effort you have invested in searching and seeking out the appropriate mirror you will want to showcase it like a masterpiece in a spotlight.
Bathroom Remodeling Tips To Make a Better Bathroom
April 25, 2009 by Jochan Slovert
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If you stop into a home improvement store in your area, you might be suprised to see a whole section devoted just to bathroom design ideas. In years past, bathrooms consisted of a shower, toilet, and sink and that was pretty much it. Now though, bathroom design is big business and you can make your bathroom as fancy as you want by adding any number of upgrades.
New gadgets from Japan such as toilet seats that are warm and mirrors that don’t fog are only a couple things you can put into your modern bathroom. There are new ideas coming out all the time for all rooms in the house and the bathroom is no different. Before you and sink your last dollars on upgrades though, you might remember the purpose of the bathroom remains the same: a place to take a shower and sit on the toilet!
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to redesign your bathroom and do a good job of it. Yes, iyou can spend a lot on buying the latest faucets, sinks, mirrors, and tubs but it is not a requirement to have a great looking bathroom. Although you can probably buy almost anything for the bathroom now days sometimes simplicity is the best choice. If you are creative, you can find a lot of inexpensive bathroom accessories that will do wonders for giving your bathroom a totally new look. Even if you don’t have the money to spend, you can update your bathroom by doing things like changing the paint color and adding a couple of new rugs.
The kitchen seems to be the most popular room to give a facelift to but the bathrooms are right behind. If you want to find some of the best bathroom design ideas, you can look for them in home improvement magazines or by going around your city and going in open houses. If you go to some of the higher end homes, you will see all sorts of cool bathroom designs as well as walk in showers and saunas.
Even if you don’t have the money to make that kind of high end upgrade, it is worth going to open houses just to get some of the unique ideas that you might be able to make a variation of. The best ideas are ones that you find in other homes where you can see how it all looks. The more time you spend planning things out before you start making changes to your existing bathroom, the better your chances will be that everything turns out great.
The Bathroom Vanity is the Centerpiece
April 22, 2009 by Zaina Zidan
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The single most important element in your bathroom is the vanity. It is considered the main piece of furniture in your restroom. It is also the main decorative item. The toilet and tub are also important but they are permanent fixtures due to pipe layout.
This is because the vanity is the one item that is most likely to get noticed inadvertently the most, because people love to check their images in the mirror before they leave. Even if you do not consider yourself vain, you probably take a glance up at yourself while washing your hands. This means that after the necessity items, the bathroom mirror garnishes the most attention from your guests.Now keep in mind that the bathroom is one of the most trafficked areas of your home, and you can see why you will want to take some time on the most important element of your home restroom.
After all, if you knew there was one place in your home that all your guests would have their undivided attention, wouldn’t you want to make sure it was perfect? Since you now know ironically that is in the bathroom at your vanity, you will want to make sure the mirror you pick exceeds expectations.
If the vanity is incorrect size then the layout of the entire bathroom will be off balance so when choosing a decorative mirror that is positioned over the vanity without any problems. The basic idea in figuring out what size your mirror needs to be, which can be made by measuring the sink. There is no reason to overpower the vanity or the mirror this why balance is important when design your bathroom.
If you choose a smaller bathroom vanity which has a large sink, it can allow a couple of accessories to help accent the trim of the cabinet. For instance, if you are interested in choosing a wood framed mirror, you may want to look into purchasing some wood potpourri containers which will enhance the wood accents and also add a delightful scent and sense of style throughout your bathroom.
If you have a smaller type of sink, you should not leave an entire bathroom wall blank. With a smaller bathroom vanity, it will make the bathroom look emptier than it really is because of the excess amount of space that is available on the walls. You may feel that you will need to select a style of mirror that is a couple of feet larger width wise than the vanity.
If you continue to match the items in your bathroom with the wood on your bathroom vanity and the towel colors, you will quickly watch the room start to come together. To further accent the room, you may choose either silver or gold etching on the glasswork of the vanity depending on what color your fixtures are.
Unpaired Tips to Help you Improve your Shower
April 21, 2009 by Claudio Carbeni
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Most bathroom remodeling projects start by focusing on the bathtub and shower. By changing your shower you can actually change the look of the whole bathroom. Redesigning your bathroom shower does take a lot of planning, however there’s no reason that it can’t be done on a budget.
When you are deciding which bathroom shower you would like to install it is important to understand exactly what you are trying to achieve. You should have a plan in mind with accurate measurements so that you are sure everything will work. It’s always a good idea to locate your shower where the plumbing already exists, this will make the project much more reasonable.
There are a lot of things that you have to decide other than just choosing the shower and where you are going to put it. You should also choose the shower head that you want to use, you could opt for a traditional model or go for one of the multi-jet heads. You also need to decide on some tiles for the shower area, both floor and wall tiles will be needed. Alternatively you could use a premade unit which does not need tiling. Then you will decide if you will use a shower door or shower curtains.
Choosing a Shower Stall
When you are remodeling your bathroom you can make the project a huge success just by choosing the right shower to start off with. There are so many options available it is important you choose the right one. You will also have to choose toilets, tubs and vanities to tie in with this shower. You should bear in mind all of your other bathroom fixtures and fittings when deciding on your shower stall. Ideally you want to coordinate your shower with everything else in your bathroom so that it all fits together nicely.
Your shower will hopefully become the focal point of your bathroom, this is after all what will grab everyone’s attention. There are many popular shower designs including glass frameless doors, or even no doors. Glass doors without frames allow plenty of light in while also looking clean and modern. Many newly built homes have large showers which are tiled and have attractive glass doors.
Ultimately the decision about your bathroom shower is completely up to you, when you have decided you should make sure that it goes with everything else in your bathroom. Bathrooms work very well if everything matches and works together, otherwise you could end up with a mixed room. Creating a unified look will make your room much more attractive. It is possible to mix different colors of metal, however to be safe it’s probably best to stay with either gold or silver since everything will be uniform this way.
Go Chic with Modern Bathroom Vanities
April 18, 2009 by Laila Armstrong
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If you are looking into creating a modern look in your bathroom, consider looking at modern bathroom vanities. With so many styles on the market today you will surely find a vanity to your liking. Knowing what your needs are and choosing the perfect style to fit your personal taste is the first step in redecorating your bathroom dcor.
If you are planning on purchasing your vanity from a local store keep in mind that you will probably be seeing the same boring styles. Modern bathroom vanities have not yet become as popular as the basic traditional vanities available at your local hardware store. Having a unique vanity will drastically change the appearance of your bathroom as a whole.
The world-wide-web is filled with modern bathroom vanities. Think of how much time and effort you would be saving as appose to going in and out of hardware store, then finally having to choose something you really didn’t want. But end up settling with it because you are just so tired of looking. Online shopping can become a joyful and exciting shopping experience.
You will probably find yourself pleasantly surprised with the different types of modern bathroom vanities found on the web today. You will find all kinds of different sizes, finishes, and styles. Typically these vanities are separated into two different styles: wall-mounted and the traditional ones that sit on the floor. It is up to you to decide which better works for your bathroom and personal taste.
With the extensive selection of modern bathroom vanities on the market today, it can be fairly tricky finding the best deal with so many competitors fighting for your business. But, this actually works out to your advantage. It gives you the opportunity to choose the best vanity at the best rate.
A major factor in your bathroom dcor is the fixtures finish. While some include the fixtures shown with their modern bathroom vanities, other may be sold separately, and some may not offer the fixtures at all. If the fixtures are not included you will need to decide what finish for the fixtures most compliment your vanity and bathroom dcor. But if they just so happen to be included with your purchase this is a great deal for you not only saving you money but will also save you time!
Quality not only plays a major role when searching for modern bathroom vanities but may be the deal breaker in many cases. Oak wood is an excellent choice when purchasing bathroom furniture. It is not only a beautiful wood with elegant grain markings but is also a durable wood sure to stand the test of time.
Once you have chosen the perfect vanity pay special attention to the mirror. Many modern bathroom vanities come with a matching mirror while others don’t. If you end up choosing a vanity that does not include the mirror do not feel forced to purchase the mirror that is featured with the vanity.
If you decide to purchase a mirror separately pay special attention to the modern bathroom vanities that come with a mirror. This way you will be able to determine which mirror would most match your vanity. If you have chosen a more detailed vanity try to choose a simpler mirror and vice-versa if you have chosen a simple vanity, a more detailed mirror will probably add the missing special touch.
You May Already Know about Shower Curtains, But Read its True Benefits
April 14, 2009 by Diana Wilkenson
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If you are currently redecorating your bathroom, just picked up a new bathtub or simply realized that you might need a shower curtain, you need to look at the benefits that this item can offer. Some people don’t realize how useful can this accessory be. At first, you might think that you can simply go to a store and buy the first one you see. In fact, only after you find out exactly what are the benefits of using a show curtain, you will be able to pick the best one for your bathroom.
1. Keep Water in Your Tub
You know it more than I do, the shower can get the bathroom floor wet. But, there are ways to prevent this from happening. The moisture and the water on the floor can damage the bathroom floor and walls. Eventually, mold will start to grow damaging the bathroom even more.
Besides this, wet floors are the last thing you would want in your bathroom. You might slip and hit your head. In this case, no one will hear you and it will be long until someone realizes that something is wrong. Besides this, you might want to dry your hair or use an electric appliance and this is always a bad idea on wet floor. If you are not careful, you might electrocute yourself.
This is where the benefits of shower curtains can help save your from the wet floors. you can take showers and know that the water is staying in your tub and it won’t end up on your floor where potential problems can occur.
2. People Who Care about The Design
Decorating your bathroom involves some minor steps. One of which involves luxury shower curtains that will help make your bathroom look elegant. There are many options for this process, from contemporary shower curtains to luxury kids shower curtains, and so on. The possibilities are endless. Take a look at the variety of designs and fabric choices. And not to mention different colors. You can transfer your bathroom with a simple addition of a luxury shower curtain.
3. Maybe a Little Privacy
Here is a basic idea that appeals to everyone. Shower curtains are used for privacy. Most people typically do not want to be seen showering so the idea of a shower curtain is to maintain the privacy during a shower. The idea is to also allow other members of your household to use the bathroom while you are in the shower. The right shower curtain can help you save the embarrassment and maintain the privacy you are after.
Shower curtains are beneficial as you can tell, but there are ways to make them even more beneficial by using it to your advantage. Curtains can be colorful, elegant, stylish, luxury, contemporary and above all, they can help keep your bathroom from damaging. All shower curtains will offer the basic benefits that will help keep your bathrooms unique to your style.
Gas Safety Rules You Need to Know
April 12, 2009 by Tal Potishman
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There are many dangers associated with gas appliances and flues, but an alarming number of UK residents do not know this. Two of the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning are gas appliances or flues that are not installed or ventilated properly.
Since carbon monoxide (CO) does not have a smell, colour, or taste, it cannot be identified easily. People exposed to carbon monoxide may experience fatigue, pains in the chest or stomach, and vomiting, and sometimes the carbon monoxide can cause death. Tests that detect CO in the bloodstream need to be performed within four hours of exposure to the poisonous gas for an accurate diagnosis.
HSE (Heath and Safety Executive) commissioned carbon monoxide research at the University of London and received disturbing results. Almost one-fourth of homes surveyed had at least one defective gas appliance, and nearly ten percent of the homes were at high risk for deadly levels for carbon monoxide. About half of the residents were not aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Without knowledge of the safety rules for gas appliances, consumers put themselves, family members, and any visitors to the home at risk for illness, paralysis, and even death. Over 60% of fatalities from incidents involving carbon monoxoide poisoning are caused by residents taking an inappropriate action or not taking any action.
One of the most important gas safety rules is to use a CORGI-registered technician for any gas appliance installation, repair, maintenance, and safety check. A CORGI-registered technician will have the skills, competency and knowledge to safely perform any gas appliance work. Your gas appliances need to be checked every year by a CORGI-registered installer, and your flue needs to be cleaned thoroughly by a professional chimney sweep annually.
The area around the gas appliance or flue must be well ventilated so the gas can burn completely. Keep objects off the appliances, do not block vents, and make sure there is plenty of fresh air circulating through the room. Poor ventilation is one of the most prevalent causes of residential carbon monoxide poisoning.
Any gas appliance that is not working properly should be turned off promptly. To bring fresh air into the area, open all windows and doors. If you know how to turn off the gas supply line, do so. Indications that a gas appliance needs to be checked are pilot lights that do not stay on, a yellow-orange flame, and noticeable soot and stains on and near the appliance. The National Grid on the Gas Emergency (0800 111 999) and HSE Gas Safety Advice Line (0800 300 363) can answer your questions about gas safety.
