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European Union Phases Out Energy-Wasting Bulbs
As of today, it's going to be a whole lot harder to get your hands on a standard incandescent bulb in Europe. In an effort to improve energy efficiency by 20 percent by the year 2020, the European Union has mandated that factories must cease the production of frosted incandescents and 100-watt clear bulbs. The new, more energy-efficient bulbs consume up to 80 percent less energy.
Tord Boontje Named Head of Design Products at the Royal College of Art
Dutch-born, London-based product designer Tord Boontje is no doubt a force in the design world (and even influences tattoo choices). But, he's about to become a direct influence on a group of budding artists, already talented in their own right. He's been named the successor to Israeli industrial designer and architect Ron Arad as head of Design Products at his alma mater, the Royal College of Art in London.
Michelle Kaufmann Designs Closing Doors
I am very sad to report that Michelle Kaufmann Designs is closing, due in part to the credit crisis and the closing of factories used to manufacture MKD homes. The green prefab firm, located in Oakland, CA, designed homes guaranteed to achieve either gold or platinum LEED ratings, the two highest ratings from the US Green Building Council. Homes such as the Glidehouse and mkLotus won MKD international acclaim, and were proof that prefab and green were a natural fit.
Andrew Wagner Named Editor in Chief of Readymade
Andrew Wagner, soon-to-be former editor in chief of American Craft and a founding editor of Dwell, has been named the editor in chief of ReadyMade. The magazine recently relocated from San Francisco to Des Moines, the headquarters of Meredith Corp., so he'll start fresh there May 4. Wagner expects the magazine's website to pick up major steam thanks to his plans to broaden its online presence with a DIY project archive, some exclusive stories online, blogs, and photo galleries.
In the News: Country Living Forges Ahead
While the shelter magazine category is having a hard time across the board, Country Living seems to be toughing it out best. When O at Home folded, its former editor, Sarah Gray Miller, took charge of Country Living and put its spine tagline of "Come home to comfort" on the cover, shining a spotlight on the relevancy of its crafting and home entertaining focus in this economy.
The magazine also got a boost from a contemporary face-lift, including new fonts, more product information, and the reappearance of the personal essay.
Swiss Architect Peter Zumthor Wins Pritzker Prize
Swiss architect Peter Zumthor has been named as the winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the architecture world's most prestigious annual award. Zumthor, 65, will receive his honor — which is often described as the Nobel of Architecture — at a ceremony in Buenos Aires on May 29, along with a $100,000 grant.
Zumthor's work is noted for its austerity, and his most famous buildings include the Therme Vals in Vals, Switzerland, and his St.
In the News: Celebs Losing Big Bucks on Their Dubai Digs
As you know, the effects of the credit crunch are being experienced worldwide. Even some of the world's wealthiest celebs are being hit hard. Celebrities like the Beckhams, Michael Jackson, and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are losing $110,000 a week as the value of their luxury Dubai villas crashes.
International Chair Design Competition Looking For Entries
Calling all aspiring designers! Suddenly "getting the chair" is a fruitful, not fatal, sentence. The 13th Annual Promosedia International Design Competition is asking architecture or design students under 40 for original, unpublished chair design submissions.
Fresh Home Hits News Stands Today
Fresh Home, a new home improvement magazine launched through Reader's Digest, hits newsstands today, and if you're a new homeowner or someone who's keen on improving their living space with minimal expenditure, I recommend picking up a copy. With a wide range of content aimed at homeowners on a budget, this is the right magazine for the right time.
The magazine will initially launch as a quarterly aimed at the DIY inclined — which is why it's also available at Home Depot and Lowe's as well as stores like CVS, Borders, and Barnes & Noble.
In the News: Versace Launches New Home E-Boutique
It's practically a sin not to have an online shop, and Versace is well aware of this. The luxury Italian fashion label has launched its first online store, complete with a new housewares boutique, exclusive to the US. The shop features a range of accessories and furnishings for the home, including silk cushions and duvets, crystal and porcelain gifts, fine hand-painted china, lamps, and fabric.
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