Saturday, December 22, 2012

Happy Holidays!

Stream Music Wirelessly This Christmas With Bang & Olufsen's New Playmaker

With Bang & Olufsen's new Playmaker it has never been easier to enjoy superior sound quality at home. The new music system allows you to stream your favorite tunes right from your smartphone, tablet or computer to any active high end Bang & Olufsen speaker - wirelessly. Indulge your family this Christmas with the gift of superb wireless sound throughout your home.

[New York], December 22, 2012 - This holiday season, add stunning Bang & Olufsen sound to your family's favorite digital songs with our special new wireless surprise. Perfect for making a memorable impression on everyone on your list.

Globally, sales of digital music are expected to exceed physical sales in 2015, according to Strategy Analytics' latest "Global Recorded Music Forecast". Digital music - and especially online streaming - has become increasingly popular among music aficionados as they are looking for products and services that offer simplicity, flexibility and convenience. With Bang & Olufsen's new Playmaker, it has become very simple to stream digital music to your high-end loudspeakers - wirelessly.

Just add Playmaker to any set of Bang & Olufsen active loudspeakers, and within seconds you'll discover just how good digital music from a smartphone can sound. Whether you want to share a playlist or explore a new online station, Playmaker is a simple way for existing Bang & Olufsen owners to add digital music to their systems - wirelessly - and has the specs to handle even Bang & Olufsen's most demanding speakers, BeoLab 5.

Playmaker is ideal for homes where people enjoy different kinds of music in different ways. It works with both Apple AirPlay and Android DLNA devices so everyone in the family can stream from their own phone, tablet or other device. Volume and mute can be controlled either by the handheld device, by the Bang & Olufsen remote, or on Playmaker itself. Guests can easily link up and share a song. And by adding more Playmakers to more rooms with Bang & Olufsen speakers, you can sync sound throughout the house using Apple iTunes or listen to opera in one room and hip-hop in another - and create as many music zones as you like. So gather your friends and family this festive period and enjoy breath-taking, wireless Bang & Olufsen sound.

All of Bang & Olufsen's customers are invited to their wireless world in-store, to experience how the music on your mobile device sounds on a pair of great speakers.

A special promotion is running in Bang & Olufsen stores just in time for the festive period, where customers will receive a complimentary Playmaker with the purchase of any active Bang & Olufsen speaker, until the end of December.


Find more at Bang & Olufsen - www.bang-olufsen.com

Friday, December 21, 2012

Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2013

Artisan living room 1-walls: pittsfield buff (HC-24), accent walls: silhouette (AF-655), ceiling & trim: monterey white (HC-27). Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore & Co. - http://www.benjaminmoore.com

[New York], December 21, 2012 - Inspired by emerging trends in art, fashion and interior design from around the world, Benjamin Moore's color experts have created four exciting new color palettes to help you find the perfect colors for your home.

See before-and-after photos of room transformations using different paint color schemes… and get inspired!


Benjamin Moore & Co. Paint Company has been founded by Benjamin Moore in 1883. Since the beginning, the company is producing the highest-quality paints and finishes in the industry, and delivering them directly to their customers through their nationwide network of knowledgeable, customer-friendly retail store operators in the United States.

Please visit http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/color-trends-2013

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

HGTV Dream Home 2013 Giveaway House Certified for Environmentally-Sound Construction

Earns Platinum LEED Certification from U.S. Green Building Council


Photo Courtesy of Business Wire

[New York],
December 12, 2012 - In HGTV's ongoing commitment to responsible home development and eco-friendly building solutions, the HGTV Dream Home 2013 has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The custom-built, 3000 square-foot home, located alongside the tranquil tidal marshland and near pristine beaches in Indigo Park, is part of Kiawah Island, S.C.'s first sustainable neighborhood. Constructed with all eco-friendly alternatives, the HGTV Dream Home 2013 has the highest level of technology with the construction materials, building practices, clean indoor air-quality, energy efficiency, water consumption and geothermal heating and cooling.

According to HGTV professional home planner Jack Thommason, "Utilizing a comprehensive whole house approach, the design team was able to create a home qualifying as environmentally sound from top to bottom. The materials, components, and building techniques work together to form a complete system that is greater than the sum of its individual parts. To pursue and earn this first platinum level certification really speaks to the extra efforts our team took in building the most 'green' home possible."

LEED-certified buildings incorporate the latest green-building design and technology. These homes are designed to lower operating costs and increase asset value, reduce landfill waste, conserve energy and water, be healthier and safe for homeowners, and reduce harmful emissions.

"Our entire design/construction team had the goal of achieving Platinum LEED certification from the onset," said HGTV Dream Home's builder Craig Gentilin. "From the roof systems that create a water and air tight envelope to eliminate air infiltration; the super-efficient insulation materials; the geo-thermal HVAC system that utilizes the constant temperature of the earth for heating/cooling; keeping all duct work inside the insulated envelope to increase efficiencies; all the way to the LED lighting and Energy Star rated appliances, environmental aspects came into the play from the very beginning of construction. Everything partners together to create the greenest Dream Home ever."

The HGTV Dream Home 2013 Giveaway opens for entries on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 at 9 a.m. Eastern time and runs through Feb. 15, 2013 at 5 p.m. Eastern. The fabulous HGTV Dream Home 2013 will make dreams come true for one winner, who'll claim a grand prize package that includes the home, a 2013 GMC© Acadia© Denali© and $500,000.

During the giveaway period, viewers can enter twice online per day: once at HGTV.com and once at FrontDoor.com. HGTV Facebook and Twitter fans can elect to receive ongoing updates and new details.

About Indigo Park
A collection of 16 green-conscious homes, Indigo Park aims to become the first community with all LEED certified homes within a residential resort. Located just beyond the second gate, Indigo Park is the vision of Dyal Compass, LLC -- DyalCompass.com. Along with Christopher Rose Architects and Royal Indigo Construction, Dyal Compass has developed a community that offers "building with a conscience" without sacrificing luxury, quality, or value. For more information on Indigo Park, visit http://www.kiawahisland.com/real-estate/neighborhoods/indigo-park/.


About HGTV
America's leading home and lifestyle brand, HGTV features a top-rated cable network that is distributed to more than 99 million U.S. households and the HGTV website,
HGTV.com, the nation's leading online home-and-garden destination that attracts an average of four million unique visitors per month. The brand also includes the HGTV HOME consumer products line which showcases exclusive collections of paint, flooring, soft goods and other home-oriented products, as well as HGTV Magazine, a new home and lifestyle publication published in partnership with Hearst Magazines.

Friday, December 7, 2012

PANTONE Reveals Color of the Year for 2013: PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald

 
Radiant, Jewel-toned Emerald Promotes Balance and Harmony

[CARLSTADT, N.J.], December 7, 2012 - Pantone LLC, the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, announced PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, a lively, radiant, lush green, as the Color of the Year for 2013.


The 2012 Color of the Year, PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (see more) , a spirited, reddish orange, provided the energy boost we needed to recharge and move forward. Emerald, a vivid, verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight, as well as promoting balance and harmony.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”



Emerald for Interiors
Enhance your sense of well-being at home by rejuvenating the interior with Emerald paint, accents and accessories. This jewel-like hue will create a luxurious feel in an entryway, powder room, dining room or study, and bring life to a living room as an accent wall. Add a splash of color to the kitchen and dining room areas with Emerald dinnerware, stemware and appliances.

Enliven your home with Pantone bedding, pillows, bath towels and accessories in Emerald available exclusively at jcpenney stores and on jcp.com beginning Feb. 1, 2013.

"As we re-energize our home department next spring, we are excited to partner with the leading authority on color to introduce the first-ever line of Pantone bedding and bath products," said Paul Rutenis, jcpenney general merchandise manager for home. "The cheerful array of on-trend pieces will make it easy for customers to infuse the perfect color into any home décor."

Emerald for Fashion
The prevalence of green has been steadily rising for several seasons, especially in the fashion and couture markets, and even on the red carpet. Appropriate for every occasion, Emerald’s classic elegance makes for striking and irresistible women’s formal and everyday wear as well as accessories. Emerald also makes a strong statement in men’s sportswear, knitwear and ties. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2013, including Tracy Reese, Nanette Lepore, Barbara Tfank, NAHM and Marimekko, are incorporating Emerald into their spring collections. Balanced yet sophisticated, Emerald enlivens all colors in the spectrum and will continue to make a statement beyond spring and summer into fall and winter.

Cross-Referencing to Other PANTONE Libraries
PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango can also be cross-referenced to all other PANTONE Libraries including PANTONE PLUS and PANTONE Goe for graphic design. For cross-referencing information, see www.pantone.com/COY2013.

About the PANTONE Color of the Year
The color of the year selection is a very thoughtful process. To arrive at the selection, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention. For more than a decade, Pantone's Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design.

Pantone
Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, has been the world's color authority for almost 50 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com

All images are courtesy of Pantone - www.pantone.com

Monday, November 5, 2012

Top 20 Trends in 2012 Forecast - TrendHunter.com's 2012 Trend Report

TrendHunter.com's 2012 Trend Report is now available at http://www.trendhunter.com/trendreports - This is their annual video, showcasing the hottest trends in 2012 as a forecast / prediction for what you'll see in 2012. If you want to learn more about TrendHunter.com's crowdsourced trend methodology, visit their trend research site: http://www.trendhunter.com/trendreports

Heimtextil Trends 2013/2014 "Being"

The Heimtextil Trends 2013/2014 offer you an in-depth view on influential developments in the area of home textiles. Reflecting the spirit of the times, they relate to the complex lifestyles of contemporary consumers. We present the current trend themes using four representative personalities, each with his or her own hopes, desires, aspirations and ideas:: the historian, the eccentric, the inventor, the geologist.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Italy Store Windows | September 2012

 [New York], October 27, 2012 - Trendsetter Interior's sister website Fashion Trendsetter is proud to share the following photo stories taken this September in Italy.

You'll be able to find the "Jewelry & Fashion Accessories Store Windows" on "Part I" and "Womenswear, Menswear and Childrenswear Store Windows" on "Part II".


Thanks to their Contributing Editors Mina & Neco for their great effort for taking more than 2K images, while hundreds of tourists were passing around and in front of the stores.


Fashion Trendsetter
has selected the best store windows' photos, including the luxurious fashion brands to local designer boutiques, where traditional art meet contemporary style while creating a rich environment full of inspiration.


Wednesday, September 5, 2012

New Vision for Thames Airport Revealed


The world's largest floating airport would be faster and cheaper to build; London Britannia Airport could provide the UK with its first 24/7 airport within the next decade.


[London], September 5, 2012 - Today global design firm Gensler reveals its concept for a new London aviation hub. 

London Britannia Airport (LBA) would position the capital as the global gateway for Europe in what would be the world's most innovative infrastructure development this century - whilst reducing environmental impact, cost and disruption to London.

Providing a further endorsement to the Thames Estuary as the preferred location for London's new airport, Gensler have designed a unique solution creating an entirely new approach to modern airport design and construction with a clear focus on convenience and accessibility.


The proposals also envisage a new future for Heathrow as the largest urban expansion project in Europe with the development of an eco city - Heathrow Gardens - on the former airfield that can utilise the existing infrastructure to provide additional homes for 300,000 people and employment for over 200,000.


Chris Johnson, Gensler managing principal and the creative director for the airport said "This is a once in a century project that will build on the capital's reputation for innovation and creativity and provide a new symbol of national pride. This is a fantastic opportunity to rethink the problems created by a redundant 20th century airport model and provide a genuine 21st century airport that creates a new standard for the world, minimising nuisance and maximising environmental benefits."

Ian Mulcahey, Project Director "This will be a 'national' infrastructure project that can inject new pace and dynamism into our economy. The airport can be quickly manufactured in the ship yards and steel works across the UK and can be floated by sea and positioned in the Estuary. This isn't a London Airport it is a Global Airport, designed, manufactured and built in the UK."


Environmental Benefits

The relocation of a UK hub airport to the Thames Estuary will provide a state of the art facility that will transform the quality of life for millions of Londoners and will provide London with the space and infrastructure to grow and thrive over the next century. The marine location not only minimises noise disruption to existing communities whilst enabling 24hour passenger arrival and departure, but it also avoids any demolition of homes.

Building upon the UK's capability as a world leader in marine construction, London Britannia Airport includes four, five kilometre, floating runways. To minimise environmental disruption the runways are tethered to the sea bed and to the final departure concourse which provides access to the marine rail tunnels that connect directly to central London and the European High Speed Rail Networks.

The design's inherent flexibility creates a platform whereby runways can be floated in as required and taken away for maintenance in the future. The concept allows for future expansion to accommodate 6 runways when required.

By floating the runway and its associated hard standing it is possible to avoid the negative effects of land reclamation in the sensitive estuarine waters of the Thames. The location of the airport can then be optimised to avoid the key feeding and migration areas between high and low water.

London Britannia will have a sustainable access strategy with unparalleled accessibility to the UK and Europe through a combination of rail, ferry and jetfoil connections. Vehicular access will be dispersed to three new land based Departure/Arrival terminals, two located north and south of the estuary, and a third Central London terminal proposed between Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park.

The airport has also been designed to generate much of its own power from marine turbines situated within, and adjacent to the floating runways.


About Gensler
Gensler is a global design firm networked across 42 locations on five continents. Consistently ranked by international industry surveys as the leading architecture and interior design firm, Gensler leverages its deep resources and diverse expertise to develop design solutions for industries across the globe.

For more information, please visit www.gensler.com

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Great Reads: Restoration Hardware Source Books


[New York], August 19, 2012 - Restoration Hardware is one of the fastest growing and most innovative luxury brands in the home furnishings marketplace.

The brand stands alone and is redefining this highly fragmented and growing market. Restoration Hardware is positioned as a lifestyle brand and design authority, offering dominant assortments across a growing number of categories, including furniture, lighting, textiles, bathware, decor, outdoor and garden, as well as baby and child products.

Trendsetter Interiors recently visited this great site - RestorationHardware.com and their exact digital replicas of the Restoration Hardware catalogs and wanted to tell you all about it.

It's very easy to use and can be accessed whenever you are surfing the net.

We suggest you to explore these great Source Books:

Home Source Book - Spring 2012 Catalog
http://catalogs.restorationhardware.com/spring

Big Style, Small Spaces Source Book
http://catalogs.restorationhardware.com/smallspaces

Outdoor Source Book
http://catalogs.restorationhardware.com/outdoor

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Kitchen Designs by KitchenAid® Architect® Series



Exclusive Kitchen Design solutions with KitchenAid® Architect® Series. Surround yourself with bold, commercial-style appliances and elevate the heart of your home. For more information please visit http://www.kitchenaid.com/~kitchen-gallery/




All photos courtesy of KitchenAid®

Superb Coffee, with Flair!

Siemens EQ5 Macchiato (TE503201RW)

Voluptuous coffee flavour and gorgeous design are a barista-beating duo in new bean-to-cup coffee centres from Siemens.

[New York], August 14, 2012 -
The fully-automatic machines - the EQ5 Macchiato (TE503201RW) and EQ5 Macchiato Plus (TE506209RW) - are beautiful on the outside, and marvels of engineering on the inside.

Both models have a 1.7litre water, 300g bean hopper and 15 bar pressure, plus an impressive range of features including adjustable coffee strength and double-shot setting; grind-setting, nozzle-height and drink-size adjustment; a two-cup function, and they will even make a perfect brew from ready-ground coffee rather than beans. The Macchiato Plus offers an extra one touch setting for perfect latte or cappuccino style.

Both models use Siemens' unique Aroma Pressure system, which has a specially-shaped tamper to ensure consistent compression of the ground coffee and perfectly reproducible flavour with every cup. Water is forced through this at 15 times atmospheric pressure - enough to produce a cup within 30 seconds. Siemens' special Senso-Flow heating element keeps the water at the ideal temperature during the brewing process, for great taste without over-brewing.

Siemens EQ5 Macchiato Plus (TE506209RW


The EQ5 Macchiato ­- in super-cool silver - has a graphical display for easy use, digital controls, a timer, an independent milk system with a separate nozzle, a removable drip tray with a mechanical sensor to warn when it is full (the Plus model has an electric sensor), as well as cleaning and de-scaling programmes, including a separate milk-cleaning programme. The tray, drip plate, milk nozzle and bean container lid are all dishwasher safe.

The EQ5 Macchiato Plus ­- in a gorgeous, deep-lacquered piano black - offers all these facilities, plus lighting.

Both machines offer an optional separate milk container and Brita's Intenza cartridge for consistently perfect water - a major ingredient in the making of any truly delicious cup of coffee.

With the EQ5s, Siemens' briliant technology and beautiful design combine to offer the headiest coffee aroma, the perfect crema, the frothiest milk and the finest bean-to-cup experience you can buy.

For more information please visit www.siemens-home.co.uk

HBA Designs the Living Room – a Bar & Lounge Exclusively for Grand Hyatt Dubai

Reflecting the Energy and Vibrancy of Dubai, the Newly Designed Lounge Provides Guests with Living Rooms of Unique Culture and Ambiance

[New York], August 14, 2012 - HBA / Hirsch Bedner Associates, the global leader in interior design, announces the completion of their renovation of Grand Hyatt Dubai including the Living Room Lounge & Bar.

Dubai, known as the "City of Life,' has become one of the most vibrant, young and dynamic cities today. The harmonious mix of diverse cultures spanning the Middle East, Europe and Asia living and working together in Dubai inspired the Living Room concept. HBA, using their expertise in restaurant and bar design, drew from Dubai's local tradition of luxury to create the Living Room Lounge & Bar which plays off the city's rich, local culture.

Majestically towering over Dubai's historic creek, Grand Hyatt Dubai sets the standard for excellence in a city known for extravagance. The Living Room Lounge & Bar combines cultural interplay, artistry and unique spatial planning creating an energetic and alive environment that could only exist in a city such as Dubai.

"Dubai is such a vibrant and culturally rich city that we did not have to look far for inspiration for the Living Room," says HBA Dubai Managing Associate, Michelle Evans. "In order to design a bar and lounge that offers the ultimate guest experience, we took cues from Arabic rhythms and patterns and fused them with luxurious materials while always maintaining the high quality standards of the Grand Hyatt brand."

With lounge, chill-out, soul and funk music evoking a sensation of relaxation, the Living Room Lounge & Bar is a trendy and stylish venue offering an eclectic and original cocktails and drinks list with an accompanying menu of light bites. The space incorporates elements from local cultures and unites them in a melting pot of styles creating a soothing and exotic atmosphere. The space is made up of four distinct lounges linked together by a series of portals that play into Dubai's see-and-be-seen tradition by offering glimpses between rooms. Each lounge has a different color scheme, although all are bold and harmonious through the use of luxe velvets and leathers to finish the space. The "live kitchen" is a stand out feature, showcasing chefs in their working environment, turning food into art.

Each Living Room has a unique concept and cultural identity, while blending together seamlessly. The Sunken Lounge is the heart of the space. Each of the rooms emanate from this central entry point. The Velvet Lounge takes inspiration from the Middle East's love of color. The space incorporates vivid hues of purples and magenta with a hint of gold along with velvets and richly patterned fabrics. Every detail is thought through, down to the junction from floor to walls - the transition is curved in order to emphasize softness.

The European Lounge has Louis VX chairs upholstered in modern day fabrics and pearlized leathers with black lacquer frames. The architectural colors are white on white, which is carried through in the large oil paintings on aluminum metal by Julia Brooker. The room is punctuated by tones of grey and vivid orange. As guests enter the room through a glowing burnt orange portal constructed in high gloss lacquer, it creates a grand sense of entry. In line with the Louis XIV chair, an entire wall is clad in antiqued mirror and through the wall is the portal that glimpses into the Velvet Lounge.

The Chinese Lounge is bold and strong with vibrant reds and blacks that create a real sense of drama. The space is punctuated with oversized heavily adorned chandeliers in crystal and velvet. The chandeliers were sourced from a local supplier, Petals, known for their flamboyant designs. One wall is attributed to a photographic scene from a Chinese nightclub where the dress of the central figure was colored to match the silk fabrics and panels around the room. The well-choreographed art and interior design program provide a focal point seen from all around the room and create a unique atmosphere unlike anything found in Dubai.

In addition to the The Living Room Lounge & Bar, HBA also renovated two other spaces in Grand Hyatt Dubai - the Ahasees Spa & Club and Al Manzil Residence. All three brand-new lifestyle experiences are set to enhance and complement the luxurious facilities the hotel is synonymous with.

For more information, please visit www.dubai.grand.hyatt.com.

About Grand Hyatt Dubai
Located in the heart of the city, Grand Hyatt Dubai is a perfect blend of a city conference and resort set within a lush oasis of 37 acres of landscaped gardens. Featuring a combination of resort facilities, luxury hotel guestrooms and suites, residential apartments, 14 food and beverage outlets and one of the largest and advanced conference facilities in the Middle East, the hotel is just minutes away from Dubai's shopping, entertainment and business districts and within easy access of the international airport. The hotel also welcomes a new way to meet, mingle and motivate at Al Manzil, a brand-new residential style multi-event venue. This intimately designed space embraces the style elements of Arabic hospitality and architecture, inviting guests into "The Home" for an event of exciting possibilities. Relax and enjoy world-class leisure facilities at Ahasees Spa and Club and connect with the spirit of Dubai through our Trade, Flourish and Evolve treatment programs.

AIA Consensus Construction Forecast



Nonresidential Construction Spending Expected to Increase through 2012 with Stronger Growth Projected for 2013

[New York], August 14, 2012 - The American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation's leading construction forecasters, projects a 6.2% increase of spending in 2013.


Even with the myriad of obstacles preventing a full scale recovery for the overall U.S. economy, the design and construction industry appears to have reasons to be at least modestly optimistic in the coming months and into next year.

A sharp spike in demand for industrial facilities so far this year, along with sustained demand for hotels and retail projects factors into what projects to be a 4.4% rise in spending this year for nonresidential construction projects - up from a projection of a 2.1% increase in the January Consensus Forecast.

"With companies looking to bring back manufacturing jobs from overseas, there has been a sharp rise in demand for industrial facilities, which is leading to an upward revision in projections for future construction spending," commented AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. "Continued budget shortfalls at the state and local level, along with a depressed municipal bond market are holding the institutional market back from seeing similar upticks in spending.

Federal tax and spending changes - the so-called fiscal cliff - that may come into play in early 2013 could upset the economic applecart and prove detrimental to recovery possibilities. We will likely have a better sense after the presidential election what will happen with regards to the Bush-era tax cuts, Social Security payroll tax, extended unemployment, and deficit reduction plans that will have a ripple effect that will extend to the construction industry."


About AIA
Since 1857, the AIA has represented the professional interests of America's architects. As AIA members, over 74,000 licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners express their commitment to excellence in design and livability in our nation's buildings and communities.

For more information please visit AIA - http://www.aia.org/

Phone: 202.626.7300 | Fax:202.626.7547
Address: 1735 New York Ave., NW Washington DC 20006-5292 United States

Westin Hotels & Resorts Unveils New Nature-Inspired Public Space Concept

(Photo: Business Wire)
Westin Brings the Outdoors In with Innovative Vertical Gardens

New Sensory Arrival, Re-Imagined Zoning and Activating Elements Create Haven for Travelers



[Stamford, Conn.], August 14, 2012 - Today, Westin Hotels & Resorts announces that it is applying its industry leading, design-driven approach to the new public space design, allowing travelers to stay balanced, refreshed and connected on the road.

Designed with guests' well-being in mind, the new lobby concept serves as a modern-day oasis for today's demanding travelers by incorporating natural design elements, flexible and functional zoning and conveniently-located retail and grab & go areas. Westin's new public space concept is currently on display at Westin Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego and will continue to roll out at participating properties worldwide throughout 2013. Five additional hotels are slated to feature the new concept this year including Westin Indianapolis, Westin Boston Waterfront, Westin Birmingham, Westin Georgetown and Westin Bethesda.

Vertical Gardens Offer a Breath of Fresh Air

The Vertical Garden is a unique focal element of the new Westin lobby concept and was designed not only to improve indoor air quality, but also to create a calming, more natural environment. Although vertical gardens exist in other boutique hotel properties, Westin is the first global brand to incorporate these structures in the lobby space throughout its global portfolio. The brand's in-house design team, led by Erin Hoover, Vice President of Design, was inspired by research conducted by NASA scientists who discovered that growing plants indoors relieves stress while also helping to clean the air. The design team was also motivated by multiple studies of biophilia which indicate that the integration of nature into design results in a range of health benefits, including lower blood pressure, enhanced mental stamina and elevated moods. As the first international hotel brand to go smoke-free in 2006, Westin decided to partner with Ambius, the premier global interior landscaping provider, to create these "living walls" that function operationally in the hospitality environment and further the brand's commitment to ensuring that guests leave feeling better than when they arrived.

Ranging from 100 to 300 square feet, each Vertical Garden is custom-designed and integrates wall-mounted plant modules with infill panels of unique textured materials inspired by the interior architecture and the location's regional identity. Experts from Ambius work with Westin's Brand Design Team and the individual properties to determine which plants are best suited for their lobby space, depending on the amount of natural and artificial light, as well as the location's natural climate. These range from low- and mid-light plants including Variegated Philodendron, Golden Pothos and Dallas Ferns, to high-light plants such as English Ivy and the Purple Waffle Plant, all selected by the design team for their detoxifying, high-oxygen producing properties that improve overall air quality. Some of the systems are also designed with a UV filter, allowing for the use of grey water and therefore providing an even further positive impact to the environment over the life-span of the Vertical Garden.

Sensory Welcome = Energizing Haven

Upon arrival in the new lobbies, guests are transported from the everyday and are greeted with a unique balance of calm and energy, beginning with a more customized experience at the new Westin check-in pods. These free-standing structures replace the outdated hotel check-in desk and are ergonomically designed with work surfaces at optimum heights and a more spacious, personal guest interaction area. Westin's signature white tea scent, combined with custom music, calming tonal colors and soft, atmospheric lighting creates a fresh and soothing ambiance. A new back-lit feature wall, on display behind the check-in pods, was created by transferring one of Westin's 28 X-ray nature images onto a solid core material, creating soft visual texture and subtle movement. This new relaxing arrival zone allows travelers to let go of their stress and enter an inviting, uplifting space that helps them stay balanced, refreshed and ready to achieve.

Re-Imagined Zoning Creates Opportunities for Working and Playing Well


Whether enjoying downtime with friends and family or conducting an impromptu meeting with colleagues, Westin's new lobby concept provides guests opportunities to both work and play well through new zoning. The Dock is an active, adaptive space ideal for meetings, browsing the internet or engaging in conversation. Consisting of meeting tables designed with connectivity in mind, The Dock features conveniently located power outlets, integrated lighting and easy access to computers and printers. Thoughtfully designed seating zones have also been created to meet the needs of modern travelers, with power panels built into side tables for easy accessibility. Flexible spaces can easily transform in order to accommodate varying levels of interaction and intimacy, from semi-private meetings to casual gatherings with friends. New acoustic and architectural screens have also been added to improve sound control and help create a more intimate setting.

Grab & Go Café and Westin Retail Store Create Natural Flow of Activity

Conveniently located in the Westin lobby adjacent to the new seating zones, the Westin Grab & Go Café and the signature Westin retail store make it easy for guests to grab a quick bite or finish up their last-minute shopping. The Westin Grab & Go Café will vary at each property, ranging from an enclosed café space with a heavenly sky light and a central communal table to a transitional café/bar experience that adjusts to a lively, engaging lobby bar experience in the evening. Taking a page from its sister brand W Hotels & Resorts, credited for innovating the hotel retail experience, Westin will also debut a signature retail store, offering a curated selection of Westin innovations, including Heavenly bedding, bath products and white tea scented products for the home.

Westin Continues to Innovate

The brand's innovative new public space concept joins a host of initiatives recently introduced by Westin Hotels & Resorts that have been designed with the guests' well-being in mind. Most recently, Westin announced its revolutionary new workspace concept, Project Hive, to meet the changing needs of today's mobile business travelers. In early 2012, Westin refreshed its WestinWORKOUT program to match the evolving fitness trends among guests and further enhance the brand's goal of promoting well-being in travel. In September 2011, Westin launched a brand-wide Associate Enrichment program, introducing the brand's "Elements of Well Being Platform" to more than 25,000 associates around the world through key touch points. In May 2011, the brand unveiled its groundbreaking "For a Better You" ad campaign that uses artistic imagery to depict the "Elements of Well Being" that help Westin guests leave feeling better than when they arrived. In December 2010, Westin announced an exclusive partnership with New Balance, helping hotel guests overcome the hurdles of exercising on the road by providing New Balance footwear, apparel and fitness program content to its guests to borrow.


About Westin Hotels & Resorts

Westin Hotels & Resorts offers innovative programs that transform every aspect of a stay into a revitalizing experience. All Westin signature services - like the Heavenly Bed, delicious SuperFoods and WestinWorkout studio - have been designed with the guests' well-being in mind. Westin hotels, with more than 186 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT). Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,112 properties in nearly 100 countries and 154,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft, and ElementSM. The Company boasts one of the industry's leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands.
For more information on Westin Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.westin.com or www.facebook.com/westin. Follow Westin on Twitter, @Westin.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Marcus® Hotels & Resorts Completes Renovation of Lobby Lounge at the Historic Hilton Milwaukee

The Monarch Lounge provides guests with comfortable seating for work or relaxation, with furnishings that reflect the hotel's elegant history. (Photo: marcushotels.com)

Restoration Creates Art Deco-style Monarch Lounge Reminiscent of Hotel’s Original Bar Design; Marks Final Stage in Multi-million Dollar Renovation


[Milwaukee], August 10, 2012 - Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation, today announced that extensive renovations of the lobby lounge in the historic, AAA Four Diamond Hilton Milwaukee in Milwaukee, Wis. have been completed. The company restored the hotel's lobby lounge, which once housed one of the longest bars in Wisconsin - an ornate, 82-foot-long serpentine bar - to be reminiscent of the classic, old-school lobby cocktail lounge. Now open, the new Monarch Lounge, with its art deco-style bar design is spacious, welcoming and a place to connect socially within the community.

In addition to the art deco lounge, the renovation covers 3,800 square feet and includes spacious seating areas, workstations and a media center. A stone and metal fireplace was added to the south wall, while an interactive media work area anchors the north end with touch-screens, iPads, a magazine stand and printer. The Monarch Lounge provides guests with comfortable seating for work or relaxation, with furnishings that reflect the hotel's elegant history.

The Monarch Lounge provides guests with comfortable seating for work or relaxation, with furnishings that reflect the hotel's elegant history. (Photo: marcushotels.com)
"The renovation and expansion of the lobby offers our guests additional space to work, relax and congregate," said Steve Magnuson, Hilton Milwaukee's vice president and general manager. "We hope visitors enjoy the many upgrades we've added, and that they find the new lobby area a comfortable and inviting place to spend their time."Featuring live jazz piano music in the evenings, the lounge offers a global wine list and bar-style menu featuring creative small plates of Mediterranean and classic American selections, paired with signature cocktails.

A stone and metal fireplace on the south end of the lounge creates a cozy environment for work or play. (Photo: marcushotels.com)

The culinary staff is working closely with local farmers and artisan food purveyors to put a local twist on internationally inspired flavors. "From calamari with basil dipping sauce and prosciutto bruschetta to chicken pot stickers and shaved tuna crudo, the Monarch Lounge offers plates to please every taste," said Chef Robert Fedorko, market executive chef for Marcus Hotels & Resorts of Milwaukee. "The extensive drink menu features signature cocktails and seasonal drink specialties to please a variety of palates."

As part of the renovation, several large windows on the east side of the building, which were covered for decades, have been opened to overlook 5th Street and offer a unique view of Wisconsin Avenue and downtown. Openings have also been created to overlook the upper and lower lobbies. Design elements of the renovated lounge include rich wood architecture, comfortable leather furniture, new floor covering and fixtures to reflect the hotel's original 1920s style.

The Monarch Room transformation marks one of the final phases in a multi-million dollar renovation of the hotel's guestrooms, lobby area, public spaces, fitness center and more. The elegant hotel has been extensively restored to reflect its original grandeur and renovated to incorporate modern technology to accommodate guests' present-day needs.

Built in 1927, the Hilton Milwaukee is a classic art deco hotel with rich furnishings and distinctive architecture. Originally named The Schroeder Hotel, today the Hilton Milwaukee is recognized as the city's largest hotel with a tradition of excellence spanning nearly 85 years. The gracious style of the hotel is reflected in the impeccable service and attention to every detail provided by a tenured team of hospitality professionals.
The lounge features live jazz piano music in the evenings. (Photo: marcushotels.com)
About Hilton Milwaukee

Located in the heart of downtown, the AAA Four Diamond Hilton Milwaukee City Center is a true Milwaukee landmark. In 2011, it became a member of Historic Hotels of America. As Milwaukee's convention headquarters hotel of choice, Hilton Milwaukee offers the most meeting and event space of any hotel in the city-more than 34,000 square feet-including three ballrooms and 18 well-appointed meeting rooms of various sizes. The hotel's ballrooms, with their vaulted ceilings and period fabrics, echo the magnificence evident throughout this showpiece.


With 729 renovated guest rooms, Hilton Milwaukee can accommodate nearly any group. Its central location means guests are just moments away from the city's theater district, the lakefront and Summerfest grounds, Bradley Center sports complex, and Historic Third Ward. Hilton Milwaukee is located at 509 W. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. For more information on the hotel, visit www.HiltonMilwaukee.com, find the hotel on Facebook (Facebook.com/hiltonmilwaukee), or follow it on Twitter (@HiltonMilwaukee).

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation, owns or manages 18 hotels, resorts and other properties in nine states. A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historical renovations. The company's portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels. For more information, please visit www.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Form Us With Love Haberdash Store Interior Design

[Stockholm], August 11, 2012 - Haberdash is the contemporary dandy store in Stockholm.

Form Us With Love designed the interior for the newly opened shop at Upplandsgatan 50 in Stockholm. FUWL approached the project by researching and selecting materials reflecting the level of detail and quality of Haberdash's fashion.

The results is an interior with products from materials used in a new way, including Silestone quarts slabs for display wall and counter, Kährs ash flooring for display stands and leather remnants from tannery Tärnsjö for seating.

The newly launched pendant glass lamps designed by FUWL for Design House Stockholm frames the setting.

Form Us With Love is a design studio operating from Stockholm. The internationally acclaimed studio was started in 2005 and has since pushed to challenge the conventional through design initiatives. FUWL partners with companies involved in the development and production of everyday objects, furniture and lighting.

For more information please visit www.formuswithlove.se | All Photos: Jonas Lindström, Courtesy of FUWL.





Tuesday, July 17, 2012

New Colors for Kitchenaid® Professional 600™ Series Stand Mixer

[Benton Harbor, Mich.], July 17, 2012 - KitchenAid, the forerunner in bringing color to kitchen appliances, has introduced six eye-catching new colors to its lineup of Professional 600 Series stand mixers. These latest additions to the KitchenAid color palette are Cobalt Blue, Espresso, Gloss Cinnamon, Green Apple, Pink, Majestic Yellow and Tangerine.

"Beyond well-crafted products for those who love to cook, KitchenAid is committed to offering consumers new ways to accent their kitchens and express their personalities," says Beth Robinson, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid. "It's amazing how even relatively small splashes of color can enliven a kitchen."

Made for cooks who think big, the Professional 600 Series stand mixer is equipped with a high-performance, professional-level motor and a 6-quart polished stainless steel wide-mouth bowl. The mixer includes a pouring shield, dough hook, flat beater and wire whip, and is currently available at a suggested retail price of $569.99.

KitchenAid pioneered color in the kitchen over five decades ago when it introduced Petal Pink, Sunny Yellow, Island Green and Satin Chrome appliances at Atlantic City's International Housewares Show in 1955. The latest color offerings add to the more than 40 colors and finishes currently available for its stand mixers. Color also is found throughout the KitchenAid collection in both electric and nonelectric offerings such as gadgets and utensils, cutlery, bakeware and cookware.

Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for cooks. Today, the KitchenAid brand offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen with a collection that includes everything from countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars. Cook for the Cure, the brand's partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is now in its eleventh year and has raised over $8 million to help find a cure for breast cancer.

To learn why chefs choose KitchenAid for their homes more than any other brand*, visit www.KitchenAid.com, facebook.com/KitchenAid and twitter.com/KitchenAidUSA.

* Based on a 2012 survey, KitchenAid was found to be the home kitchen appliance brand chosen most often by members of the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Scoop International Fashion Show Spring/Summer 2013

A Spectacular Fourth Edition | Celebrating Another Record Season in Visitors, Buyers and Leading Retail Stores
[London], July 14, 2012 - Scoop International Fashion Show, Europe's most dynamic and creative fashion industry event revealed over 240 UK and International premium, directional and contemporary labels at its fourth edition at the iconic Saatchi Gallery between 8 - 10 July 2012.


The move to an earlier date has proven to be a successful move, putting Scoop International firmly at the forefront of the industry fashion tradeshow calendar with buyer footfall numbers up by 10% from the last edition in February 2012 (read more). The fact that the show was the first on the UK fashion calendar was seen as a positive by both buyers and exhibitors, with many designer labels opening a large number of new accounts at the show from both the UK and overseas. 





Karen Radley, Founder and Managing Director of Scoop International says, "the fourth edition of Scoop International has been the busiet yet, with an increase of over 240 labels showcasing, proving that Scoop International is firmly on the International fashion industry's calendar. Visitor numbers have risen year on year with buyer attendance from department stores, multi-brand and independent boutiques. We hope to see you at Scoop International for the fifth edition on 10-12th February 2013"... read more