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.

•

100% cotton comforter covers and fine bed linens
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