Sub-Zero / Wolf, Westye F. Bakke Center

(piece by Dale Chihuly)

I just returned from an amazing trip to Fitchburg, Wisconsin, where I was fortunate to spend a few days looking in depth at the Sub-Zero and Wolf products.  These really are superior appliances, which I knew before the trip, but everything I thought before was validated by this experience.  We toured the factories for the Sub-Zero BI series and the Wolf ranges, and I was amazed at how clean these facilities were, and how meticulous the process is.  Each of these units is tested before being shipped out, and nothing but perfection will pass the inspection.

We spent the majority of our time at the Westye F. Bakke Center, and I am still in awe of the beauty of this building.  It's a breathtaking display of design and function, and a perfect way to highlight the Sub-Zero and Wolf products.   Some of the highlights:

bar designed by Jamie Drake

lounge designed by Jamie Drake

Entrance into the art nouveau bar, designed by Bill Draper

The woodwork is incredible, as shown by the meticulous detail of these ceiling beams.

Formal Dining Room by Bill Draper

This presentation kitchen is designed by Mick De Giulio, who I've posted about a few times.  I truly love his work.

Wine and cheese bar

More Chihuly work

Another Mick De Giulio kitchen.  Beautiful.

Fun design style quiz!

So, Amana has unveiled some new options when it comes to my most often used kitchen appliance - the refrigerator. They even managed to pull in Thom Filicia on some of their designs. This quiz is actually really fun because they give you a little personality assessment after you've ordered 10 fridges from most favorite to least. So, what's your prognosis?

Go to http://www.amanacolor.com to take the quiz ...here's how easy it is to take it - just drag and drop:

Here are my results:


My first choice was the brocade fridge...to which I got the response:

"Impeccable taste. Rich, warm and welcoming – and sometimes a little nutty. You put home and hearth first, valuing what’s on the inside. Not wanting to be eaten up by other people’s needs, you hide your inner softness beneath a slightly rough exterior. Or we’ve confused you with a brownie. In which case your inside is fudgy, too."

This is pretty close to me...I'll have to confirm with my manfriend.

My second choice was "twilight," which means:
"Calm and soothing with a touch of grace and elegance. This perfectly describes both your personality and CD collection. Never a note or pair of socks out of place, you express yourself most vividly with a slightly raised eyebrow. Friends often wonder how you maintain your cool in all circumstances. We suspect large quantities of dark chocolate."

hmmm...this is how I wish I could be...

Oh yeah, it's not just the first fridge you pick that dictates your personality - I tested it!