Product Design Research

Now I am no big shot furniture designer, but having lived in High Point for the last fifteen years has given me a great ability to spot comfy sofas at a glance. This happens to be one of them. The way the cushions are quilted really shows how soft it is. This element also provides a soft touch to the environment without even having to sit on the piece; put that in your game room and it's sure to make things a little more homey and relaxed. It is this visual appeal that I find so intriguing, you sit with your eyes first.


This kind of wall covering is so interesting to look at. Being comprised of many tiles that interlock to form various different customizable patterns provides so much versatility of use. Not just that but look at the photo, you could look at that for hours and not get bored; it provides so much depth and texture. I imagine this would be awesome as a small accent wall or something of the like. Too much use of it could be bad however, but get it to the right proportion... wow.


This tile by Ann Sacks has much the same appeal as the product by Wovin Wall Coverings pictured above. Both have intrigue, this one though has movement. When I look at this tile I feel as if I am looking at a very shallow reflecting pond. Maybe a half inch of water or so glimmering in the sunlight. The way this feel and image has been put into tile form is truly a remarkable design. Be able to walk on water... Step aside Jesus, the new kid is in town and her name is Ann Sacks!


I confess, I used this image for layout as well as for this product review. I just find both so cool. This product's strong point is more of a technical achievement. It blends ice into snow. Perfect flakes. It has been said by Esquire magazine that no man's blender is seeing enough use. With this in mind who doesn't need an appliance that will enable them to make a daiquiri with snow!? That guy using this blender by Breville is the master of all he surveys. If ever there was a kitchen appliance that would get his hot date's clothes off, this is the one.


This refrigerator made by Sub Zero refrigerators has a very remarkable feature. It blends in with the rest of the cabinets. In the average kitchen of today the refrigerator is very distinct and stands out as it's own piece. This approach integrates it into the flow of the rest of the room. Not only that, but it keeps separate compartments totally isolated from one another. This ensures there is no cross contamination of flavors between possibly sensitive foods. After all who wants ice cream that smells like your grandma's specialty meatloaf?


Casablanca fans sure got something right when they designed this. The ornate brass frame, with stretched cloth is not your ordinary ceiling fan. This exotic construction makes you feel almost as if you are being fanned by hand by a personal servant or something. It really ices the cake so to speak with this gazebo. It is a step away from the ordinary whirring fan of contemporary style.


Originally tomatoes were believed to be poisonous, when really it was just that the acid they contained leached the lead out of pewter flatware they were being eaten from, which in turn got into the food. Apparently Match has found a way around giving their customers heavy metal poisoning. This elegant style of pewter dish is very classic and clean, with a touch of ancient-ness to it. I would very much like to enjoy a rare steak on something like this, perhaps wearing a scarlet toga while watching a gladiatorial combat.


This Asko dishwasher shows something very important in it's design: an eye to the future, to that which hasn't been thought of. The average dishwasher is meant to cater to general fare: dishes, pots and pans, silverware, etc. What about those of us that entertain often and need a solution for specialty glassware? That's where this baby comes in. It rescues suburban moms to the hostess of a church ladies meeting alike from the perils of damaged crystal. Ingenious. Outside the home, the only place you might find something like this is in a bar or restaurant.


There are multitudes of kitchen designers out there, page through Interior Design magazine, you will probably see them all. But Snaidero Kitchens has set themselves apart I think with one element of this kitchen's design. The stove vent. The two cylindrical forms coming down from the ceiling is such an interesting approach. It is a very clean, platonic form in brushed metal, contrasted by the black cabinetry. I only hope my kitchen has something this cool one day.


The faucet at center was what really caught my attention. Designed by Lefroybrooks, they incorporate a sense of vintage refinement to otherwise contemporary style. The old style thermostat knob is very classy. Using a fixture like this is sure to make you feel older and more refined, as if your name were Arthur, Vincent, or the like; a crucial element for a bubble bath with Mr. Ducky.