Island Paradise

When it comes to kitchens most people have an island on their wish list. 

So here are some inspiring islands that I wish I had in my kitchen.

 

 

This multi-tiered island comes from McClurg Remodeling & Construction Services. 

Adding multiple tiers to an island adds both visual interest and establishes different work areas on the counter.  In this one there is plenty of space for the cook to chop or set pans he's using during the cooking process.  At the same time guests can either be sitting across from him enjoying an appitiser while others gather on the sides with a drink or glass of wine.

This island idea comes from another remodeling company in Lancaster, PA.

I know eating at an island is not a new idea but sitting with your back to the island is.  It combines the cozyness of bankett seating with the high style of the island.  I imagine this island being used to make breakfast every morning and the a easy twist to bring it to the table. 

For the lucky owners of this kitchen from Kitchen World.

A person would need a really large kitchen to have enough room to have two islands.  I really like that the center island uses a darker wood tone and the contrasting countertop.  It is kind of hard to tell in the picture but I believe there is a sink in every island for quick clean-up.  The closer island is perfect for casual dining with an curvered countertop and a stool with a back.  Don't forget to notice the details in the center island's turned legs and the front ones carved grape details on the corners.

This island set-up comes from Medallion Cabinetry. 

To be honest I am not entirely sure how this island is staying upright but I don't really care. So onto what I really love about this island.  The mixture of textures is intriquing going between solid wood and stainless steel to solid glass.  This is not a combination I would have thought would work but I think it blends the sleekness of modern design with the more laid back style of wood.  The simple country cabinets with stainless steel hardware helps to blend the styles also.

This island is a creation of Grapeseed Kitchen that even though it is in a purely country kitchen I can imagine something similar in all styles.  Imagine this being a statement in a clean white contemporary kitchen that would instantly attract your attention. Or maybe a sleeker stone with more detailed cabinetry around it.

Did you find your Island Paradise? 

I know I found a few!

Who says lights are only for illumination...

These lights exist in the land of art only.

This piece is known as Scheisse.  It is from Norway's Northern Lighting Company.
According to their website it symbolizes where the classic incandescent bulb is going in the future.  I can see that but is it just me or does anyone else see an abstract globe in the lower half?



This one from Kurt is of a gallery space.  To me, it looks like a ton of small alien space ships are descending from the ceiling.  I also like that it creates a totally new ceiling line and makes the ceiling what you look at instead of the walls.

 

Tim Grosch developed and designed this Light Wave 3D lighting platform.  That sounds really complicated and confusing but in plain English it is just multiple wavy squares connected together to make a hanging piece of art.  It is designed to have an unlimited size and shape.  My dumb question is why is it a platform if it hangs from the ceiling.  Despite that annoying word choice I am purely amazed at this piece.



I have to hand it to the Philips Lighting Headquarters in the Middle East, this is AMAZING.  When if first saw it I thought it was a lit fountain like they have in Las Vegas.  On the second look, I thought it was a roller coaster at night.  Turns out, its Philips Lighting showing off the attributes of LED lights and how they can be used in new ways.

 

This art installation known as "A Cloud of Bags Visit the Prado" This piece was sort of like a flash mob.  It was near the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain for only four hours.  The piece is comprised of 80 plastic bags that blew and inflated in the wind.  Who knew plastic  bags could make such a statement?



Who wants a GIANT LIGHT BRIGHT?
This is a design by Ben Rousseau that he calls a DIY modular lighting design or Light Brix.  It would be really cool as an interactive art piece but is really hard to imagine in any other space.