Here is an original design made by U.K. based Windsor Glass. Custom glass shops such as Windsor allow the designer total freedom of expression providing stunning artistic results.

Another project from Windsor is shown here. Notice how absolutely crisp and clean this laminated glass application looks. Truly a perfect match for this contemporary kitchen design. Imagine the future as technology progresses; perhaps custom scrolling graphics might be possible. Slide show photos of your last vacation or even TV right on the wall behind your range.

This bright red laminated glass backsplash is from the Australian custom glass maker Celsius. What a great way to warm up any kitchen. Because each piece is custom made the color possibilities are endless. Let your imagination run wild and make a bold statement.

Here is a very cool idea from U.K. based Splashback Glass. This particular application will actually change colors via a remote control unit. Owners can run color programs so a plain sheet of glass will fade from one shade to the next using low energy L.E.D. lighting.

Also from Splashback Glass is this lime green backsplash. This color really looks great with the a dark cabinet stain color. It manages to be hot and cool at the same time.

I can’t say I’m wild about all the outlets showing here. In fact, to make the most of these backsplashes I’d opt for an under cabinet outlet system.

The logical progression of this trend leads to the bathroom. Multicolor and texture glass panels can really make a statement in a shower wall application or as the primary shower enclosure.

Wherever these glass panels are utilized there is no doubt that they are a great look. They offer an excellent alternative to wall tiles that have been the norm in most kitchen and bath projects.

These London home owners really got it right when designing the stairway to their loft. By using shelving on both sides of the stairs as well as under each stair tread they created the perfect storage space for their large book collection.

Exposed rafters and tight quarters come together to offer this unique approach on book storage. All that’s required is to secure shelving to the bottom of the rafters and voila! Instant book storage.

This idea really works for small spaces by combining furniture and book storage. These interlocking bed halves stand on end and out of the way when not in use. When it’s time for some rest simply fold them down to the floor and grab a book. What a great space saver!

This seating slinky is the brain child of Chishen Chiu and is available in 20, 18 and 8 person seating lengths. This system is ideally suited for commercial applications where instant seating for groups of people is required. When not in use the FlexibleLove seating  simply contracts to its compact profile for easy storage.

Much is made of indoor air quality these days.  More low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) finishes on cabinetry and wall paint are being specified. Low VOC resins are more widely used in manufacturing particle and fiber board panels. Indoor air quality issues are important to those with asthma, allergies or children. One has to wonder if this piece of furniture makes the grade on that scale.

1. Use a plunger possibly causing plumbing leaks and definitely messy.
2. Dump toxic drain cleaning products down the sink which is not ideal for the environment.
3. Call a plumber and spend a minimum $100.00 for a service call.
4. Remove the trap and clean it yourself. A dirty, fairly nasty process.
5. Rent a snake and clean it out. See dirty, nasty above.

Enter PermaFlow with their “self cleaning drain system”. A simple, clean and effective solution for drain clogs. For a one time cost of less than $50.00 the problem is solved for good.

This unit replaces the standard P trap found under most sinks and is made of transparent ABS plastic so you can actually see what the problem is. The design allows for water to flow around a foreign object lost down the drain or with a simple turn of the paddle you can break up and move debris down the line.

The PermaFlow trap works with standard 1 1/2″ or 1 1/4″ plumbing configurations. All moving parts are sealed by a total of 6 gaskets to ensure there will be no leaks.

See it in action here:

Kitchen Design Series – Part 1.4 Drawing a Turned Column from Gerry Snapke on Vimeo.

Watch the methods I use to create a custom turned decorative column using AutoCAD 2010.

The seating on the back side of the unit is designed for those of limited ability to sit and monitor cooking activities. It will also accommodate standard seating for up to four or can be used for semi reclined lounging.

The sink is a double compartment style with the smaller sink offering a designated opening to discard biodegradables directly into a composter. In all there are 5 integrated containers for household and cooking waste. General household waste, recyclable paper, recyclable cans, recyclable glass and compost waste are all accommodated directly under the sink.

The Nexus offers an ultrasonic dishwasher designed to clean dishes by using ultrasonic waves to create bubbles that in turn scrub pots and pans. This method will reduce water consumption and cut back on the need for harsh detergents. The utrasonic cleaning system can also be used to wash fruits and vegetables. This will eliminate up to 99% pesticide residue on fresh produce.

Grocery store purchased vegetables will be kept fresher longer by placing them in the kitchen garden system. Or you can actually grow small herbs and veggies from seeds right in the door. The system is designed to provide grow lighting and proper moisture for plants. All you need to do is harvest what you like at mealtime. Imagine the freshness!

Apparently not all of the details of exactly how this revolutionary appliance might function have been worked out yet. If this concept makes it to production it could be an excellent way for urban dwellers or small scale gardeners to go green.

The coconut shells are glued to FSC certified plywood. A sustainably harvested wood backer uses low VOC resins to reduce harmful pollutants in your ambient atmosphere. The tiles come in 12″ X 12″ tile or 4′ X 4′ wall panel dimensions.

Kerie offers a fairly broad array of designs and textures. The tiles and panels can be used in numerous interior design and furniture applications making them perfect for cutting edge designers.

The tiles and panels obviously provide a very unique look and because they are LEED certified they are a great way to soak up some LEED credits for your next green building project.

“The kitchen represents a space in the home where you need to communicate some level of energy and inspiration” said Rashid. He’s certainly done that with these eye popping new designer options.

The Scavolini Crystal collection features glass cabinet fonts and countertops and provides the perfect medium to convey the artistic flair presented by Rashid. Cabinetry is trimmed in aluminum and offers all the high quality hardware functionality Scavolini  has become noted for.

There’s no question that this look isn’t for everyone. But if you are looking to add color, whimsy and make a statement in your kitchen this might just be the perfect fit.

Kitchen Design Series – Part 1.3 Changing Width & Adding a Face Frame from Gerry Snapke on Vimeo.

Watch the methods I use to modify the cabinet I built in video 1.2. Things can get a bit cumbersome here as AutoCAD 2010 does not offer true parametric modeling. But follow along and I’ll get you through it just fine.