CUSTOM CLASSICS
Continued from Page 34
layer plastic laminate. Corian comes
in three shades of white in a shiny
finish, or in black, green or maroon
simulated granite. Occasionally, real
granite is also used for counter tops.
Top-of-the-line appliances are de
rigueur. Frequently, European appli-
ances and hardware are requested.
"The European market is bringing in
equipment that is built-in with a more
high-tech, clean look," according to
Oleg Michajlenko, store manager of
Hawthorne Appliance in Birm-
ingham. Lippsitt asserts that function
and appearance are priorities,
aspects certain European manufac-
turers seem to understand. She says
the top kitchen sink faucet, nylon
coated in a variety of colors and
featuring different spray modes, is by
Swiss manufacturer KWC, and "at
$425 list, we sell more of them than
Deltas. The demand is there."
New electronic features can take
a custom home into the realm of the
extraordinary. Electronic shutters can
be designed into the home. Like hur-
ricane shutters in Florida homes,
these automatically go down when
people are away. Collapsed into the
wall, they're invisible; in position, they
look like regular shutters, belying their
security features. Low voltage lighting
with a high intensity directional fea-
ture can pre-set moods in living
rooms and bedrooms.
And as for unwinding after a day
at work, forget the TV on a stand with
a remote control clicker. The wave of
the future is media centers, which
feature multiple TVs, large screens
and stereo systems.
•
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Sleep and decorative pillows
Medium to light weight white goose down comforter
210 S. Woodward
(Entrance on Merrill St.)
Birmingham, MI 48009
(313) 258-6670
M-Sat. 10-5:30, Th. 10-9
58
HOME
Scandia
Down
Sh
Come feel the Scandia difference.'"
Of course, multiple TVs on top of
one another and intricate stereos are
housed in custom-designed built-in
cabinetry. Besides the family room,
media centers are being designed for
bedrooms, where each person has
his/her own headphones and remote
control.
Elegant. Classic. Functional. For
those who can afford to live in and
build a custom home, the luxuries are
endless. But with so many from
which to choose, how do you know
which are the ones you can't live
without? II