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Design Dilemma: Retro Refrigerators to the Rescue

The last decade has been one of stainless steel appliances. The ubiquity of the look has caused a backlash. A growing contingent of folks are looking for something quirkier and less uniform. Enter the retro-look fridge. The retro, 50’s style fridge has become something of a classic. It’s rare enough in kitchens to seem really unique but classic enough that no one is likely to dismiss it as just another trend in a few years time. Smeg, Big Chill are Elmira are three appliance makers who sell the look but there are others.

Here’s an example of the Smeg:

And here’s an example of the Big Chill:

What’s cool about these refrigerators is that they so seamlessly fit into any type of decor, whether it be modern, retro or traditional. For instance:

The kitchen above is a sort of classic transitional, and the blue retro refrigerator makes a perfect focal point that fits in beautifully.

Here, on the other hand, is a retro style refrigerator in a retro kitchen:

And the below kitchen is an example of a modern kitchen with retro fridge:

Here’s another modern kitchen incorporating the retro fridge:

See how well the retro fridge works in all types of design styles? From industrial to modern, to traditional, classic and funky, the retro fridge can hold its own. There’s only one problem —  the price. One of these babies will set you back a minimum of $2,000 or more. Prices are usually closer to $3-$5,000. In fact, we’re pretty sure it’s the price point that keeps these appliances “unique”. Not many people can afford that price for just a fridge. GE has come up with a compromise for those who love the retro look but not the price tag. It’s called the GE Artistry line, and its a blend of retro styling and modern clean lines. Take a look:

The GE version of the retro look starts around $1,000, making it much more affordable than the true retro fridges. It retains just enough of the 50s look with the stainless steel handles, that it is sure to up the style quotient of your kitchen, and will give you a look other than the ubiquitous stainless steel monstrosities out there.

So if you’re tired of stainless steel and wondering what to do, know that you’ve got options!

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Friendly Minimalism in Sunny Caribbean offers Luxury Sun Therapy

The simplest of facades brings the friendly sun in to scour every wall of this cheerful Barbados vacation idyll.

Who could wake up miserable when you’d greet the day with breakfast in what must be the biggest sunroom in the world?

In this great room, even high up where the walls are not awash in the morning sunshine, reflected light from the pool is dancing high into its gigantic ceiling.

The use of sunlight as an architectural element is really delicious, here making a courtyard that perfectly frames a small piece of sky for a perfect outdoor shower.

An intriguing deep balcony off the master bedroom offers a cutout of sunshine and shade in equal measure.

Surprisingly, the creators of the joyous Atelier House are based in London; architect Alistair Downie of Harper Downie, and interior designer Amanda Snow.

What a real joy it must have been for sun-starved Londoners to create such a truly magical place. Read the rest of this entry »

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Tall Columns Pace a Stately Minimalist Mansion in Portugal

The double-height columns of the mansions of yesteryear are given a very elegant and contemporary facelift in this stunner from de Blacam and Meagher Architects.

The San Lorenzo North House takes classical proportioning to the nth degree, in creating a box within a box that has been hollowed out leaving a rhythmic series of columns.

Stone slabs offer a refined contrast to the surrounding white stucco and slabs of white couches, offset by the most subtle natural hemp cushions.

The columns draw the dreaming eye up to the sky and its wonderful unobstructed immensity.

Gracious living at its finest is represented in the long wooden table echoing the shape of the cool blue pool.

Alongside the pool on the other side is an equally long wooden table for indoor eating.

This kitchen is the ultimate in the spacious workspace, being entirely a bench along one very long wall. Read the rest of this entry »