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.
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
Filed under Bathroom
Comments Off
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.
The Bathroom Vanity is the Centerpiece
April 22, 2009 by Zaina Zidan
Filed under Bathroom
Comments Off
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.
Go Chic with Modern Bathroom Vanities
April 18, 2009 by Laila Armstrong
Filed under Bathroom
Comments Off
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’ve Bought Hot Bedding. How Do You Care For It?
April 2, 2009 by Peter Nowtoning
Filed under Bedroom
Comments Off
You really wanted a great looking bedroom with hot bedding on the bed. But once you’ve made your decision and bought your bedding how do you care for it and wash it to make sure it keeps looking good for many years to come?
There are different fabrics in different types of bedding, and different fabrics have different washing requirements. You won’t do your silk sheets any favors washing them on hot with spin.
Luckily the manufacturers provide us with labels that tell us the washing requirements. You should write this down and keep it handy in the laundry. There may come a time when you’ve forgotten. And if you have different types of bedding in the house it’s easy to mix it up.
And of course labels can fade, and when you need to remember the wash you can’t read it.
Basically there are a few tips that you should follow to get it right. You really don’t need to wash in really hot water. Use cool or lukewarm water. It is rare that the sheets are really dirty. And don’t use bleach, it harms the fabric.
You don’t need a lot of detergent to wash sheets, take it easy, and use a gently cycle.
And normally it’s fine to air dry sheets, no need for a dryer unless your climate doesn’t allow it. If you do use a dryer don’t over dry your sheets, it wrinkles them. Dry your sheets till just barely dry, and if you’ve over dried then throw a damp cloth into the dryer for a few minutes.
As soon as you take your sheets out of the dryer fold them up immediately.
A big question is whether or not you should try to wash your comforter yourself. Generally it isn’t advisable, most washing machines are too small and won’t do a good job, and you’ll be disappointed with the result. It also depends on the type of fill fabric in the comforter, read the washing instructions very carefully, do it wrong and damage the comforter and you’ll be disappointed. It is always safer to take it to the laundromat, especially if you have a down filled comforter on your bed. Remember that you don’t need to wash your comforter nearly as often as you need to wash your general bedding, especially if you have it in a cover.
But remember always, any questions about washing should always be answered by the instructions on the label. Read them and follow them.
Do that and you’ll be using your bedding for years to come, and it will still be looking good. You’ll still have that hot looking bedroom.
Are You Stuck Buying Bedding? Buy A Bed In A Bag.
March 24, 2009 by Peter Bulartic
Filed under Bedroom
Comments Off
Are you right in the middle of refurbishing your bedroom? Or perhaps you’ve just built and you’re starting out buying furnishings and bedding right now. Either way you may be finding that it’s not quite as easy as you’d think buying bedding and setting up a great looking bed and bedroom. In fact you may have decided that it’s all too hard and that you’re not going to make it as an interior designer. You need to consider a bed in a bag.
What is a bed in a bag? It’s a total bedding solution. EVERYTHING that you need in the way of bedding is all in there, color matched, and design matched. Easy.
Because it’s not easy to make your bedroom look great and choosing great looking color and design matched bedding. You may need some help, and a bed in a bag offers that help. It’s an easy, and very cheap, way to ensure that all your bedding is naturally matched and looks good, even though you aren’t going to make it as an interior decorator.
And of course your final bedroom design says a lot about you. You’ve got to get it right, first off. Are you the sort of person that likes bright colors? That may be so, but that doesn’t mean you can choose them well. Do you love to feel that your bedroom is your own special place? Maybe, but you may need help making it that way.
You may know what it is that you want to achieve, but translating that into a hot looking bedroom isn’t quite so easy. You may be finding that out right now. Buying bedding item by item and translating that to a great looking bedroom is harder than you think.
And you may well be surprised at how expensive it is to buy all your bedding item by item. Like many things it’s usually way more expensive to buy item by item than all at once.
And item by item it can be difficult choosing your bedding and getting the design, colors and motif right. You may love a flowers motif, but actually achieving a well matched flowers motif buying item by item isn’t as easy as it looks.
The best way to overcome these problems is a bed in a bag. At a price surprisingly lower than what you may pay otherwise. All the popular brands are there for you to choose from with a wide range of styles, colors and designs and once you’ve bought your bed bag you’re all done, bedding purchased.
So give yourself a surprise at how easy it is choosing great bedding with a bed in a bag. And how much money you can save. You won’t be disappointed.
Bedroom Furnishing And Decorating Explained In Simple Language
March 13, 2009 by Peter Nowtoning
Filed under Bedroom
Comments Off
Are you the sort who sees your bedroom as nothing more than a place where you put your bed and sleep, or do you see your bedroom as your own special space? For many a bedroom is a place that is theirs alone and has to reflect their sense of who they are. They take great delight in their bedroom decor and selection of bedroom furniture and in particular the bed they choose to sleep in, and great delight in the overall feel of their bedroom as an intimate place.
If you just see a bedroom as somewhere that you sleep and not much more then this article isn’t for you. If you really just view your bedroom as somewhere where you get undressed to go to bed, spend the night then get dressed again then you’ll be a little bored by bedroom decoration.
But for many people their bedroom is their own special space and they love lying in bed in their own room decorated just the way they like it, taking delight in how they have made that bedroom theirs. For you I write this article.
Redecorating is all the rage, and for many who undertake refurbishing the bedroom is the first place to start. So if you’re there, thinking of redesigning your bedroom to make it your own special space, here’s some things to help you get started on the refurbishing job.
1. Create a proper bedroom redecoration plan. So many people don’t, they just forge ahead and get started. They might find that perfect bed and buy it, then when it’s in the room start wondering what else they can get that goes with the bed. You need a proper plan with everything on it before you buy anything at all.
You have to think of your bedroom theme. Perhaps if you’re designing a bedroom for a child and it’s a Winnie the Pooh theme, or may as an adult it might be a color theme, or a period. But the theme has to fit in with your own personality and likes. Once you have a theme you can then set about deciding on the bed and the individual fittings, paint, design and so on to go with the theme. Once you have paint and carpet or floor covering worked out it’s so much easier. Write it all down on your plan.
2. Budget. You absolutely must know what everything will cost and whether you can afford it before you buy anything. You may go out and buy that wonderful four poster bed but if you can’t afford the duvet cover or pillows or anything else it won’t be a hot bedroom. Price everything before you buy anything, write it on your plan and see what it will all cost.
3. Size. You need to know exactly what size your bedroom is. This needs to be included in your plan. It’s no good deciding on that wonderful four poster bed (that fits within your budget) and that beautiful dressing table, and oh those blanket boxes that look so good in timber, and so on, then finding that it’s such a squeeze fitting it all in that it’s almost impossible to move around your bed. Many people have been caught in the trap of buying then finding that the wonderful bedroom they planned to have is almost unusable because there is so little space left after adding the bedroom furniture.
4. Getting it all into the bedroom. For many this isn’t an issue, but for some it is. If your bedroom is up the stairs, around the corner and through a narrow door then you have to consider how you are going to get all that bedroom furniture in. For most pieces of furniture such as dressers and tables, it’s usually possible, but it’s also possible to buy large items, like that wonderful four poster bed, and finding that you just can’t get it through the door. Before you buy the four poster bed make sure you take your measurements of things like widths of your bedroom doors and any other squeeze points that will need to be negotiated to get the bed in.
Find out how or if that four poster breaks down.
That’s how it’s done. Do your plan and your budget and get it right first time off, and you’ll love your new bedroom, just for you. You’ve earned that special bedroom.
Decorating your Restroom with a new bathroom vanity
March 2, 2009 by Alex J. Zidan
Filed under Bathroom
Comments Off
Most people work on other rooms in their house when the most important room in the entire house is the bathroom. All bathroom fixtures are usually a standard white which you can not do much to add color to those fixtures. There are accessories that can be changed though such as window treatments (blinds, roman shades, or curtains), shower curtain, bathroom vanity, mirror, and add some color through some bath towels.
The bathroom vanity is the first thing that people see when they walk into your bathroom, and because everybody is accustomed to checking their appearance while they was their hands, it is also the last thing they see as they exit the room. Therefore, the number one thing that people will notice in your bedroom is by default going to be the mirror.
You could say that the bathroom vanity mirror is the basic building block for creating a lavatory theme. You can trim it with any color. This is what makes this a very versatile feature in any lavatory scheme. A mirrors influence will not only be recognized by your guests but it also has a huge effect on the theme you are using for your lavatory. If you think you may have chosen the wrong style or design of mirror your lavatory probably won’t have as much balance as it should and it may even look somewhat cluttered or spotty.
To make sure that everything coordinates well you need to match the trim on the bathroom vanity, the frame of the mirror and any type of artwork that is displayed on the bathroom walls. When looking for a warm atmosphere in your bathroom, add a wood framed mirror and some warm tone such as a dark green or an amber red. These colors can be used in the blinds or roman shades that are hung in the windows. The bath towels can also have a splash of the color scheme on them. A towel rack can be added to either side of the vanity mirror or you can add an elegant touch of candle light in matching candle holders.
On the other hand, if you are going for the popular aquatic look, with brightly covered fish adorning your shower curtain and window curtains, you might choose a silver frame and place a vinyl fish dcor on the side of the bathroom decor. However, if you want to really choose a bathroom vanity that is unique, you might turn online and by an actual fish shaped mirror which is bound to draw attention to your theme.
Keep in mind, that while every other large item in the restroom is there by default and lacks personal charm, (you can’t do much with a toilet, sink, and shower) the bathroom vanity is the one item you have full creative license over. This means it is your one opportunity to decorate the room with your personal flair without worrying about where the piping is.
Regardless of what theme you decide on you need to be sure that your sink and bathroom vanity remain balanced. The mirror should be proportionate to the wall and the vanity. You also need to be sure that your lavatory maintains a great balance throughout. In order to balance out the lavatory you need to add accessories that match the frame of the vanity as well as the frame on the mirror.
How to Pick the Right Shower Head
February 6, 2009 by Matthew Henage
Filed under Bathroom
Comments Off
The most popular and versatile shower heads are those that are adjustable. Adjustable shower heads can be set anywhere between ultra high pressure streams to relaxing massage to a soft mist. Just be sure that you buy a design that is easy to adjust with slippery hands covered in soap.
If you are looking for even more flexibility you can select a adjustable shower head that is handheld, providing the ability to move the shower spray around your body. Handheld shower heads are especially useful for the disabled and elderly using a shower seat, and they are also great for bathing children.
Water Pressure and Temperature
Adjustable shower heads are especially useful if you have low water pressure in your home because you can adjust the nozzle for stronger flow. If you don’t know your water pressure you can pick up a pressure gauge from your local hardware store for about $10. Or you can call your local water supplier to ask what the static water pressure is for your neighborhood, which will give you a pretty good idea. The average water pressure for homes is about 45 psi, which is a bit on the low side. The Uniform Plumbing Code calls for water to be delivered to homes for domestic use at 50 to 70 psi. If you are below 40 psi you have low water pressure.
Aerating shower heads are engineered to mix the water with air to increase the perceived strength of the flow, even up to painful skin-stinging levels. There is, however, a trade-off. The aerating function not only makes the pressure feel more substantial, but it also lowers the water’s temperature by up to 15 degrees before it hits your body. So if you like your showers hot and you don’t have the option of safely raising the temperature setting of your water heater, then you should read customer reviews and product descriptions to find a shower head that does well in maintaining a high water temperature.
Hard Water Considerations
White chalky residue on faucets, shower doors, and tiles is a sign of hard water. (If you aren’t sure if you have hard water, the local water company can tell you.) Hard water leaves mineral deposits that, over time, can clog your shower head and divert spray from its intended direction. Some shower heads are engineered with hard-water in mind and advertise anti-hard water features in their product descriptions. If you have hard water, one of the most important things to look for in a shower head is rubbery nozzles that make it easy to whisk away weeks worth of buildup with the tip of your finger. All-metal shower heads don’t usually stand up so well to hard water deposits, and may require disassembly to clean or the use of a straight pin to scrape buildup out of the nozzles.
Rain Shower Luxury
Rain showers mimic natural rainfall with over-sized heads and gentle raindrops falling directly downward. Rain shower heads also tend to come in more luxurious and stylish designs and finishes. Some people report that the rain showers don’t provide enough power with the flow spread out over such a wide head. Because the water falls from directly above, it can be difficult to target the flow where you need it, for example when you need to wash your body while keeping your hair dry. The lack of power and precision placement mean it takes more effort to wash off soap and shampoo. Rain shower heads also sometimes require special parts and are usually more difficult to install.
