5 Most Innovative Lamps In 2010

Philippe Starck Designs His 1st Shower-Toilet Seat

Philippe Starck is no newcomer to the world of personal hygiene and care. He first got involved with the bathroom and cleansing arena in year 1994 when he joined forces with Duravit, the German manufacturer of bathroom and wellness products. The resulting “Edition 1” is a highlight of modern bathroom culture and has long since become a classic. With the Starck 2 (1998) and Starck 3 (2002) ranges, Starck and Duravit set new standards in terms of affordability by offering outstanding design at prices that had previously been the preserve of faceless, no-name products. So all that remained was to create a range for the luxury segment, and Starck did just that in year 2004. Drawing on abundant resources, always seeking things as yet unforeseen, he designed the Starck X range.

From the simple towel holder to the luxury whirl tub – all the bathroom furnishings bear Starck’s signature at different price levels. Always searching for new design dimensions, he is now combining his vision of “good design” with a new level of comfort for Europe in terms of hygiene and purity. On May 26, 2010, the designer presented his first shower-toilet seat, the SensoWash Starck, in Shanghai.

Sophisticated symbiosis of WC and bidet

His interpretation of “good design” resulted in a shower-toilet seat with an unusually flat and slim line design that curves gently up into the wall and that finishes in an elegant silver-coloured panel. To ensure the continuous flow of the clear lines, the technical components have been miniaturised so the entire technology fits between the ceramic body and the seat. It’s only when you actually look inside the WC that you see the stainless steel spray wand that is part of the bidet function.

There are three different types of wash to choose from:

• The Ladywash uses a water jet for a particularly gentle wash that is specially designed to meet the needs of female users.

• The Rearwash leaves you feeling fresh and clean.

• The Comfortwash offers a more attentive wash that cleanses with the forward and backward movement of the spray wand or with a pulsating water jet.

Water temperature, water volume and spray wand position can all be individually adjusted. After feeling clean and fresh, the next stage is the warm, drying air. The spray wand and nozzles are cleaned automatically before and after each use. As a preventative measure, both the stainless steel spray wand and the WC seat have anti-microbial properties. The entire unit can be easily removed for cleaning.

Starck attached particular importance to the design of the wireless, intuitive remote control, which can be used to operate all functions, ranging from the Comfortwash to the Warm Air Dryer.

The remote control as a design element

A silver-coloured, elegant cuboid no bigger than your hand, the remote control becomes a design element in everyday use. Thanks to a membrane keypad, the keys are extremely flat and feel pleasant to the touch. The three-dimensional alignment of the remote control enables a logical layout of the keys that, thanks to clear symbols, are operated intuitively – when selected, the symbols are briefly illuminated. The remote control can be used to open and close the lid of the WC at the push of a button.

The seat itself is heated and the temperature can be individually controlled; a sensor makes sure that it doesn’t get too hot. Once you’ve taken a seat, you can select the desired wash function or dryer by remote control. Use the arrow keys to change the position of the spray arm. Water pressure and dryer, seat and water temperature can be individually adjusted via the +/- keys. However, to facilitate things even more, personal preferences can be stored in two profiles, which can then be selected at a later date. There is also a central stop key to interrupt all functions. When the remote control is no longer needed, it can be returned to the cradle with magnetic holder where it is stored neatly until the next use.

The SensoWash (L-R): With the remote control, one can open and close the lid of the WC; The LED night-light function; When the remote control is no longer needed, it can be returned to the cradle with magnetic holder where it is stored.

Safety and power saving mode

Duravit paid particular attention to safety. An LED night-light function provides the necessary orientation without waking the body fully from sleep. In addition, the shower-toilet seat has a child safety feature which prevents unwanted splashing.

There is a sensor integrated in the seat that only allows the function to be used when it recognises a “real” user. Temperature sensors for water, water heating and the Warm Air Dryer offer triple protection. The electronics are waterproof-moulded and so are completely safe. An in-built fuse offers protection in the event of any electrical problems. SensoWash Starck also includes a standby mode and a power-saving mode.

Source: Star Property

Mini Retro Fridge

The retro-chic Smeg fridge, the Fab28, has been a kitchen style icon among design-conscious homeowners. Truth is, it's a tad bulky when a homeowner wants to put the refrigerator in the living room or bedroom.

Hence, Smeg has come up with a mini version of the popular retro-style fridge — the new Smeg FAB10.

The new 60cm wide frame is a contemporary creation that retains the retro good looks of the original model.

It shares all the design features of larger models including soft, curved lines and the SMEG chrome lettering emblazoned on it.

Smeg FAB10 has all the features expected of a high-end manufacturer — auto-defrost, thermostat control and convenient lighting.

Just one metre tall, this new fridge is ideal for single people, small kitchens, offices, or simply for storing drinks in a compact space.

The 120-litre capacity interior is split between a 107-litre capacity fresh food compartment and a 13-litre capacity, ''four-star'' frozen food compartment with ice cube trays.

The illuminated interior houses two adjustable shelves, a fruit and vegetable drawer, an egg shelf and additional storage compartments.

With a decibel rating of 37dB(A), the FAB 10 is practically silent and is A-rated for energy efficiency. It is also highly economical to operate.

Both left- and right-hinged versions are available. The Fab10 comes in cream FAB10P, orange FAB10O, black FAB10NE and red FAB10R colour options.

Smeg appliances are available from leading department stores, kitchen studios and retailers of electrical appliances.

Source: The Star

Household Clearance Sale @ Carrefour Mid Valley, Wangsa Maju & Subang Jaya

BJ Warehouse Sale Now @

Carrefour Mid Valley From 24 June 2009 To 28 June 2009, 10AM - 10PM

Carrefour Wangsa Maju From 02 July 2009 To 05 July 2009, 10AM - 10PM

Carrefour Subang Jaya From 30 July 2009 To 02 August 2009, 10AM - 10PM

Branded Household Items At Clearance Price Up To 70% Discount!

Crazy Markdown During Happy Hour, Daily @ 1PM - 2PM & 5PM - 6PM

La Gourmet, WMF, Meyer, Maxim, RCR, Luminarc, Di Venezz And More...

Easing Home Renovation Hassles

Finally, some sense emerges from the chaos that usually surrounds the building or major renovation of a home.

Anyone who has ever renovated a home or had one built will know how frustrating the experience can be.

If you’re particular about the materials that will be used in your dream house, you have to run around different parts of town to hunt for products, enduring traffic jams and parking woes. And this is before a single brick is laid or wall demolished!

Stephen Tew is all too familiar with home renovation hassles.

The founding shareholder and current director of Malaysia’s first real estate investment trust, Axis Reit, has carried out the hands-on renovations of three bungalows and numerous commercial projects.

“I believe it’s important for us to examine and select building materials like tiles and sanitary ware personally, but it is so bothersome having to go to industrial areas like Selayang, Balakong, Klang, and Segambut just to check them out,” he says, referring to areas in the Klang Valley.

“In Australia and New Zealand, one-stop centres for building materials are popular. As a developer I was and am always interested in new products so I frequently visit such centres. I always wondered why there were none in Malaysia.

“We have beautiful products but why are we not showcasing them? The showrooms or shops are located in industrial areas, far from city centres and commercial and residential areas, and they rarely advertise or promote their products.”

And so, earlier this year, Tew opened the Segambut Tile and Interior Decoration Centre (Stadec).

It is Malaysia’s first one-stop centre offering “choices, solutions, and convenience in one place” for anyone thinking of renovating or building a house – or, as he calls it, “a platform and a meeting point to connect manufacturers with buyers”.

And even more than that, “Stadec offers a shopping centre environment for home renovation products,” explains Tew.
Tenants at Stadec have ample space to display their products.

“You can shop here in air-conditioned comfort, and there’s free parking, 24-hour security, a children’s room with TV, and a café to sit down and discuss and contemplate your ideas.”

Some 56 shops and booths are spread across almost 6,000 sq m (or 64,000 sq feet) in Stadec.

Having been through my own nightmarish home renovation experience, to me, what is attractive about the centre is the level of comfort offered. You can browse, touch, and experience the products personally, and at leisure, as most of the showrooms have ample display space.

For example, German-designed Hansa bathroom accessories, like its luxurious Jacuzzis and very tempting showers, can actually be tested on site.

Stadec’s anchor tenants are tile, terracotta, and mosaic manufacturers that include Swiss brand Niro Granite and Cotto Tiles from Thailand, whose products are currently hugely popular for their blend of quirkiness, creativity, and affordability.

On the first floor is a mix of established brands from other construction and interior decor specialities – everything from Scott’s bedding and sofas and an European wallpaper shop to an art gallery and kitchen cabinet specialists.
A seminar room provides space for talks that range from technical level lectures to consumer- and layperson-friendly talks; fees from all these talks are donated to charity homes.

What consumers might find especially reassuring is Tew’s assurance: “Stadec is not dominated by one single brand; rather, we offer a good mix of companies and products.

“As landlord, we do not own nor are we involved with any of the shops. As such, we select our tenants carefully to ensure they offer quality products, and we offer unbiased advice and consultation.

“We have all been ‘victims’ of the market’s shortcomings, the way various brands are scattered all over the Klang Valley. Here, they are all under one roof!”

With over 20 successful years in the real estate business that required frequent visits to building material shops, Tew is confident his experience will ensure Stadec offers a real solution.

He had the idea for Stadec in 1997 but that year’s Asian economic crisis delayed making it a reality. Well, what of the current rather gloomy economic picture? Tew remains positive: “We are in this business for the long haul,” he says.

In fact, so positive is Tew that he is planning to open a second one-stop centre in Klang beside the royal town’s local landmark, the Hokkien Association centre.

“We are going to provide free interior decorating consultation, and arrange ‘matchmaking’ sessions for contractors and home owners,” he says with a smile.

Stadec is open daily from 10am to 6pm at No. 144, Jalan Segambut, Kuala Lumpur (near the Segambut roundabout, off Jalan Duta).

For more information, call 03-6251 4000 .

Source: The Star

Maxim Cookware @ 60% Discount In Tesco

Exclusive Promotion: With any purchase in Tesco, customers are entitled to redeem limited edition Maxim "Infinity Floral" Teflon coated non-stick cookware at discounted price up to 60%. Promotion starts 29 October 2008 - 25 December 2008. Available in all Tesco stores (household department). While stocks last!

Enjoying Life

Bareno designs bathroom equipment and supplies the construction industry with a range of high quality bathroom and kitchen fixtures.

The 4,000sq ft showroom in Puchong displays the Bareno full range of taps, mixers for basin and kitchen sink, rain shower, hand bidet, bathroom accessories, Jacuzzi, bathtub, steambath, sanitary wares, kitchen sinks, cooker hood, hob, oven, pump, and stainless steel products, among others.

Kitchen sinks, for example, come in various sizes and range from contemporary square types to traditional big bowl types made of 304 stainless steel and they come with 10 years warranty.

For bathtub and Jacuzzi lovers, the special pearl white finishing is patented and about the only one in the market. It provides for a more elegant sensation.

Every series of Bareno tap fittings are available as a complete set, allowing you to re-create and personalise your bathroom space.

Great Bargain @ Carrefour

With any purchase of RM30 and above in Carrefour, customers are entitled to redeem an exclusive Bon Chef non-stick cookware at discounted price up to 60%. Promotion ends 31 October 2008. All items available while stocks last.

Bon Chef cookware is coated with high quality Teflon coating from Dupont USA. What are the benefits?

- Hygienic (inert and non-corosive)

- Healthy cooking (cook with less or no oil)

- User friendly and efficient (easy cooking and easy cleaning)

- Lower gas consumption and save time (fast and even heat distribution)

- Phenolic handle and knob (withstands higher temperature)

- Tempered glass lid (stronger and safer)

- Silkscreen + spiral bottom (better grip on stove)


Participating outlets: Carrefour Mid Valley, Carrefour Wangsa Maju, Carrefour Kepong, Carrefour Ampang, Carrefour Sri Petaling, Carrefour Subang, Carrefour Cheras, Carrefour Putrajaya, Carrefour Klang, Carrefour Batu Pahat, Carrefour Kuantan and Carrefour Johor Bahru.

Brighten The Night With The Light From The Sun

We have all heard of environmental-friendly solar power but have no idea where to get it, or how to personally tap this unlimited source of clean energy.

Get one of these from Borid Energy and paying for electricty will be a thing of the past!

With the new Borid Solar Powered Light, you can now harness sunlight to illuminate gardens, compounds or walkways every single night : without digging the ground to lay cables or fork out money to pay for electricity!

These lights turn on at dusk and off themselves at dawn automatically, providing continuous power even during blackouts. All this is now possible, while playing our part in reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. These panels even come with a 20-year manufacturer's warranty!

For the month of September, purchase the entire set for a promotional price of only RM 3,000.

To know more, please call Freddie at 03-5569 4618 or write to fchungboridenergy.com

Source: The Star