The designer in me is always intrigued by what is to come. What is the next trend. How do we improve upon what is available to us today. While I find the following kitchen fascinating due to its ingenuity, innovation, and what is defined as truly green (ecological…not just green-washing) its aesthetic needs improvement (of course). However, like all great ideas and prototypes it has to start somewhere. In concept this is brilliant and I am excited to see where it lands aesthetically in the kitchen of the future.

The Ekokook is a sustainable kitchen, and by sustainable it is more than just energy efficient and made of recycled products, that truly defines reuse and respect of our environment. The Ekokook kitchen from Faltazi uses three built-in microplants to recycle water and break down waste.  Based on its various compartments there is a zone for washing, food storage (both dry and cold), prep tables appear from what seems to be with George Jetson ease, a steam oven (yes you can cook with steam and I’m not talking the steamers of vegetables we currently nuke in the microwave), a gas burner, and there is a hood used for extraction. This kitchen by design is efficient, compact, and supports the concept of  cradle-to-cradle by reusing every resource.

Will the kitchen of the future look like this? Probably not. Will the kitchen of the future incorporate the concept and function of the Ekokook? I hope so and would like to say most definitely. While I’m not sure how quickly it will hit the mainstream you can bet on finding elements of this design in cutting edge European homes first and it will eventually find its way to the United States in homes that are “off-the-grid”. In time some of these elements, I hope, will find their way into everyday appliances, fixtures, and features of the modern day kitchen (of the future). Do I want my own kitchen to look like this? Absolutely not, though I would be more than open and willing to incorporate some of the same functionality.

I like the words that Faltazi uses to describe this kitchen as stated in the July/August/10  issue of icon (an ASID magazine and newsletter for those of you that are not familiar), “All the air, water, wind and sun that reach a habitat must be seen as scarce resources to be captured and used.” This is so true despite the fact that some live in areas that they may not feel the affects of our dwindling natural resources the fact is…they are dwindling, and quickly dwindling. Faltazi goes on to say, “Each drop of water must be collected and used to the utmost before being evacuated to external networks.” Quite insightful and highly interesting. If you are a bit of a gadget geek like me and you often find yourself with your eyes wide and mouth open in amazement at what technology can do today you really should check out more information on the Ekokook at www.ekokook.com (tip, select EN for English on the left toolbar of the website).

At the end of the day Faltazi has incorporated some of the elements we have available to us today, such as recycling and composting, and taken it a few steps further by making all components convenient, compact, and at hand. With the Ekokook concept and design no longer can a person say that recycling, reusing, and being environmentally responsible isn’t convenient.

In the process of transforming my home office I have thought a LOT about window coverings. What makes sense for the space? What helps to soften the room but doesn’t block the Western view of the mountains? Do I layer the look? etcetera etcetera etcetera

This brought me to the conclusion of a few tips about window coverings…

One: Typically it is smart to layer window covering to control the light level as well as insulation (i.e. keep heat in or out depending upon the time of the year). It is OKAY to have a cellular shade, wood blind, sheer, or flat roman shade layered underneath a drapery panel. This tip may seem basic to some of you but I do frequently get asked this question so I thought I would confirm it here. Visual example:

Two: Only have space for a shade or blind but want to soften the look or add a sense of design? I recommend a valence or cornice board. It is the opportunity to add color, print, and create a sense of richness to what can seem like a college dorm or rental unit.  If you are considering a valence (of which I’m not a HUGE fan) an option is the French Valence but this may be more traditional or feminine than needed for some spaces. Visual example:

Wondering what the heck is a cornice? A cornice is  essentially decorative framework (fabric, wood, molding, etc.) that is used to conceal the curtain fixtures at the top of a window casing. This option might sound rather formal but you can make them more casual and they are definitely a great way to polish the style for your space.  Visual examples:

Three: Curtains, panels, drapes, and such. Any one of these are a standard option but be creative and consider them the jewelry for the window. Depending on what you are hoping to achieve give an unusual texture a try, find a funky print, or simply add a pop of color. Rule of thumb…minimally your drapes or curtains should graze the floor (no highwaters please). You may also want to pool them somewhate for a more formal look. The more you pool or puddle the fabric on the floor the more romantic and formal.

One of my favorite curtain panels available at the moment are the Firenze Embroidered Panels from Ballard Designs. They are a nice balance of pattern and color that you won’t tire of nor will they become dated quickly due to the classic trefoil design that dates back to medieval times.

When considering a curtain panel there are various types that include tab-top, pole pocket, and such. You can even be creative and use clip rings. Do not over-think these options, first find the fabric and curtain panel you like then consider the options (if you have them) of how they are hung from the curtain rod. Keep in mind the more you expose the curtain rod the more casual the look. And whenever possible feel free to be creative with the finial…but only if it balances well with the style of the curtain. Sometimes things can just get too busy!

Four: Curtain rods come in all colors, lengths, and finial options. There is no steadfast rule here but when possible consider matching the curtain rod to the other fixtures in the room. If you have brushed nickel door handles then you might consider a brushed nickel rod. Stuck with the lovely bright brass of the 80′s … my best recommendation is black or rubbed bronze (the darker the better). 

Hang the curtain rod at the line of the ceiling or at least several inches above the window frame. This will heighten the room. Also, try extending the rod several inches out on either side of the window. When the drapes are open this will prevent the window from being blocked by the fabric of the curtain panel. If you must use tie-backs then they should be at chair rail height (i.e. 32″ off the floor) or just below. Visual Example (sans tie-back):

Five:  Still want to let in the light but need the visual privacy? In my last home I used inexpensive decorative window film (available at Lowes) on my bathroom window and the french door in my bedroom. This can also be accomplished with the frosted window paint that you can do yourself (it’s a spray paint). Visual Example:

There is so much more to share but these are the basics and hopefully enough to get you inspired to think about the options in the universe of window coverings. More to come as I work toward completing my home office!

Summer days and beaches…who wouldn’t be inspired?

So simple yet beautiful.

The white murals and white tables are quintessential beach bistro.

I love the color and layers of texture in this beach photo taken a few months ago…

Can you tell that all I am really doing today is daydreaming about the beach and attempting to hide the daydream behind the guise of the beach as design inspiration…much like my boyfriend is hiding behind the surfboard instead of smiling for a photo. 

Perhaps that is why I haven’t really gotten to the point of sharing inspirational design ideas today…

Back to the daydream!