Lines of Perfection

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HOT NEW LINE

Arclinea has opened a showroom in Park West, at 2515 Fifth Avenue, one of just eight Arclinea kitchens distributors in the United States. The stunning storedesigned by Arclinea San Diegos Ryan Tharp, Associate AIA, together with local owner Lisa Wilson-Wirthis arranged to give idea shoppers an up-close view of the latest in Euro kitchen design, including snazzy innovations like a built-in ultraviolet light to grow herbs.

The showroom highlights the new Arclinea Collection, designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio, known for his designs for B&B Italia and Flos, among others. Hallmarks of the line are its modernist stainless-steel-and-wood design and step-saving functionality any chef can appreciate. The San Diego site is the first U.S. showroom to feature the newest Artusi kitchen, introduced at this years Eurocucina in Milan. Artusi is ultimately flexible, made of freestanding working units in steel and teak.

The local hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday; or by appointment. 619-564-7440; www.arclineasandiego.com

TIPS ON TRIMS

WindsorOne is in the niche business of providing architecturally and historically accurate period trims, essential for older-home remodels. Pictured is a recent remodel using Windsor- One S4SSE trim boards to complement the exterior of a Victorian bungalow. Smooth, knot-free surfaces and varying widths allow the boards to serve a variety of purposes, such as soffit, fascia, columns, pilasters, band boards and corner boards. www.windsorone.com

ON-THE-GO SEATING

Perfect for Summer Pops picnics or perusing the ponies at Del Mar, the stackable directors chair by California-based Summit Furniture is now available for the discerning spectator. Designed for Summits Sundeck line by British yacht and furniture designer John Munford, each chair is crafted using stainless steel and solid plantationgrown teak. summitfurniture.com

WE THE JURY

Six San Diegobased architects and designers have been chosen to serve as the jury for the annual design awards sponsored by the Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The jury members: Frank Wolden of Carrier Johnson; Jennifer Luce, AIA, of Luce et Studio; Eric Naslund, FAIA, of Studio E Architects; James Gabriel, AIA, of Architects Hanna Gabriel Wells; James Brown, AIA, of Public; and Sebastian Mariscal, Associate AIA, of Sebastian Mariscal Studio.

NEW IN TOWN

At Mixtures newly expanded showroomwhich triples the size of its retail space at 2210 Kettner Boulevardcheck out Italian kitchen line Scavolini. www.mixturedesigns.com

Simply Italian, 1646 India in Little Italy, has added a new series of mirrors created by Italian furniture maker Fiam and designed by Paolo Rizatto. The mirror frames use bent glass and hand applications to evoke the art of origami. This sophisticated retailer also has a Web site filled with design ideas for homeowners: simply-italian.com

Design Studio West, 7422 Girard Avenue, La Jolla, is now featuring Poggenpohls line of luxury kitchens in its showroom. designstudiowest.com

Borrelli Design + Cabinetry, 4411 Park Boulevard, University Heights, carries Crystal Cabinets, a high-end line of pre-fab custom kitchens that dovetail nicely with Borrellis inhouse expertise. borrellidesign.com
DNA European Design Studio has added Valcucine, an upscale kitchen line from Italy. 1990 Columbia Street, Little Italy; www.dna-sd.com

Nativa, 3806 Fourth Avenue, Hillcrest, and 765 South Coast Highway 101, Suite 101, Encinitas, exclusively distributes Gamma, a line of contemporary Italian leather-upholstered furniture. Gamma complements Nativas original Spanish and Mediterranean collections; www.nativa-online.com

GREEN, THE COLOR

Home-trend forecaster Michelle Lamb, whose Trendwatch column appears in Accessory Merchandising magazine, a widely read design trade, predicts green is back for 2007 and 2008. Todays greens are cooler and toned down from the yellow-greens of yesteryear, she says, and forecasts a trend this holiday season in the layering of greens. Also, look for color combinations of green and black, and olive and black, to stay trendy through 2008.

GREEN, THE MOVEMENT

As our world moves toward more environmental consciousness, a new enviro-speak has emerged, defining how we humans can help preserve the planets natural resources. Heres a quick primer:

"Green" is behaving as a society in such a way that we do not have a negative impact on the environment. Its a way of living that promotes conservation of the Earths resources by using less, using eco-friendly alternatives, advocating to others and being a model for others who share this common goal.

The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health and productivity. In the United States, buildings account for 36 percent of total energy use and 65 percent of electricity consumption; 30 percent of greenhouse-gas emissions; 30 percent of raw materials use; 30 percent of waste output (136 million tons annually); and 12 percent of potable water consumption.

Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that identifies energy-efficient products and homes. energystar.gov

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green-building rating system. Its a voluntary, consensus-based national standard established by the U.S. Green Building Council for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED was created to define green building by establishing a common standard of measurement and to educate design and architectural professionals on green issues through recognized accreditation programs.

At its most basic level, "sustainable" or "sustainability" means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

GREEN FOR DUMMIES

At last, a book for those of us who still reside in an energy hog of a home. Now in bookstores: Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House: Bringing Your Home into Harmony with Nature, by renowned architects Carol Venolia and Kelly Lerner (Lark Books, $24.95). This guide focuses on remodeling, rather than tearing down and starting over, as a better way for homeowners to go green. The natural way, the authors say, means being in touch with the Earth. The book has everything from easy fixes, such as adding plants for extra shade or trimming those that block the sun, to more advanced projects, such as building a solar water-heating system.