Dwell on Design 2012 - Recap

I just got back from Dwell on Design, the West Coast’s top design show for both consumers and industry pros, produced by the folks who bring you Dwell Magazine. Here are the best things I spotted at this annual Los Angeles-based event. 


Luxe Lav #1 


Regular Gold Notes readers know I like Brizo faucets and am part of the Blogger 19 group they put together in 2010. So if they’re at a show, you know I’ll be stopping by their booth.  Dwell didn’t disappoint! Their new Charlotte sensor lav tap is a true charmer. You’d expect style from this fashion faucet brand and the cocoa bronze cladding with metallic accents delivers that big time. But smart is sexy, too, and Charlotte’s hands-free control is super-smart (and water-saving). There are matching accessories but this faucet is the real star. 

Luxe Lav #2


I wasn’t familiar with Maestro Bath before this show and had pretty much written off vessel sinks as a bygone trend. These beauties are another story altogether. They’re elegant, upscale and sleek. I would definitely consider spec’g one of these sexy Italians for a high drama powder room. 

Bath Blast 


Axor came out with a really cool series called Bouroullec Composer that combines sinks, shower wall and tub deck components that can be configured pretty much any way you want in terms of where your faucets and controls will be placed. They’re cute but they’re also very clever. 

Techno Style 


David Van Wert introduced me to the Trufig brand in his technology guest post last year, so when I saw they were at the show, too, I had to stop by. Trufig doesn’t create technology. It camouflages it. We all love our creature comforts and the talented team at this innovative brand blends all of your tech controls and vents into the wall for a minimalist look where you want and need it. Think James Bond style for your home. 

Porcelain Princess 


A Los Angeles-based firm had my favorite new countertop material on display. This stunning porcelain slab from Italian manufacturer, Iris, has all of the beauty of the marble it honors but none of its staining or chipping shortfalls. Iris can clad your work tops or your shower walls. It can go on your floors or backsplash. It can also go into your outdoor kitchen. Iris is heat, scratch and stain resistant. 

Fab Fake 


Sonite looks like tile and grouts like it, but it’s much lighter and can wrap around curves like a sports coupe. I spotted it at a San Diego showroom a few months ago and thought it was pretty cool. So far, it’s not rated for heat so putting it behind a gas cooktop is not yet an approved use. They say they’re getting that rating soon. It’s worth considering, in my opinion.

 

Wood Ya #1? 


If the idea of reclaimed wood appeals to your inner green child and you’ve got a cowboy jones, too, Stikwood has an interesting material to consider. It’s called Snofence and it’s from wood that’s been weathered on the high prairies of the American West. It's designed for walls and is super-easy to apply.  Peel, stick, enjoy.  

Wood Ya #2 


Maybe you like the rustic look but don’t want to deal with cracking, splitting and all the other potential issues that come with reclaimed wood. Time Line has a creative alternative: wood that looks reclaimed but is color-treated and new.  Great concept and great looks!

 

Sink Winks


I really liked the new kitchen and bath sinks Jonathan Adler designed for Kohler.  They were on my must-see list at the show and they didn't disappoint.  The shapes show off the fun lines for which Adler is known and the colors are delicious!  

Photos:  I took all of the photos except the yellow bathroom sink by Jonathan Adler, which is courtesy of Kohler.