Introducing the Teuco Swarovski crystal bathtub. Fiona Winter Studio have combined with luxury bath maker Teuco to produce this unusual bath tub. Certainly far more practical than the Swarovski-studded toilet we featured some time ago, this one actually looks functional as well as attractive. Winter has attempted create the appearance of crystals growing organically and they do seem to “flow.”

Each bathtub is made-to-order and no two are exactly the same. Teuco are well-known for the high quality of their products, and have an extensive downloadable catalog.

• Fiona Winter Studio Milano
• Teuco baths - PDF Download

The Vision Washbasin and Arne Bathtub by Rapsel

Clear concepts with high design impact: Futuristic forms exemplify this modern bathroom furniture presented by one of Italy’s leading interior design firms. The Arne bathtub has a retrospective edge, a tribute to the 1960’s chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen. The bathtub is made entirely from titanic resin; an inviting and iconic item to add to your bathroom.

The Vision washbasin is likewise bound to captivate your guests, who will be fascinated by the crinkled paper effect of the entire body of the vanity, whether you choose a round or oval shape. Light shines through from within, highlighting the unique material of the vanity and allowing it to function as a welcoming nightlight feature - cutting edge modern design with true originality.

Rapsel Interiors

Defining luxury is always difficult. One man’s luxury is another man’s necessity, but I have discovered the true meaning of the word.

Not only that, but this is the secret to long-lasting happiness, life, the universe and everything. Who knew it could be something as simple as…….A warm butt.

And no, I don’t mean the sort of butt you keep full of water to water the garden with, I mean the sort of butt we all have attached.

This company, Toto, make the ultimate luxury accessory – a toilet seat. And not just any old toilet seat, this one actually does all the work for you.

And they have a pretty spectacular website devoted entirely to this toilet seat. Worth a visit just to see how good a website can be. Their top-of-the-range S400 model sells for around $1,500 I believe, which is considerably less expensive than the swarovski-studded toilet we featured a little while back.

I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but I nearly pissed myself laughing. And when you have stopped, you will realise they are right - Laughter really is the best medicine.

 

iQ - Interiors Quotient, the turnkey interiors solution provider for corporate, commercial, retail and hospitality spaces, announced the formal forging of their association with leading Italian contract design & furniture entity Sintesi Solutions, on the sidelines of ‘The Office Exhibition’.

At a launch gathering organized at the Le Meridien , iQ threw light on their carefully structured business model , and highlighted the focused differentiation approach it seeks to follow through innovative strategic service and state of the art operational practices.

The three phased business plan is currently implementing four business units : Corporate Interiors ; Hospitality Interiors : Tower Fitouts and Kitchens. Headquartered out of a 30000 sft high street facility in Deira Dubai, Interiors Quotient exploits the strength of its in house resources , backed by the Royal Group of Companies which has over 16 years in contract furnishing, furniture manufacturing & turnkey fit out.  iQ now stands among the largest in the region capitalizing on its vision to passionately deliver excellence in execution. More on iQ Luxury Interiors signs with Italian designer in Dubai

Christie’s Auction House to Sell Queen of Mean’s Property

If you’re disappointed that you may not get your shot at Neverland, don’t distress. There’s plenty of celebrity property out there to covet. And if you have a few extra ducats, you may want to check out Christie’s sale of Leona Helmsley’s property (keyword search: helmsley).

Helmsley wanted her property sold and the proceeds to benefit her charitable trust — but not before $12 million went to her canine, Trouble. (Talk about going to the dogs.) But since we don’t care about doggie bones (unless they’re diamond-encrusted) or dog houses (unless they’re designed by Dior), let’s talk about the luxury items that are for sale. Get your credit cards ready, kids. We’re going shopping.

First we have a Napoleon III Mahogany Jewelry Casket. Estimates run around $4-6K. It has ivory pulls, which means some countries won’t even let you import it. I guess that’s no problem in the US, since it’s already here. It would make a nice little place to hold your bangles and baubles (and beads).

 

Moving on up the list a little, we have an Italian white marble garden bench (late 19th century). Why this is just perfect for collecting bird poop in your back yard, now isn’t it? It looks like the collection may have already started, too. Awesome. This baby will set you back around $25-35K.

 

Next we have a slightly more useful bit of Helmsley leftovers with a Royal Copenhagen ‘Floria Danica’ part dinner service. This will come in handy for all the high-falutin’ parties that you’ll be throwing this summer, right? Of course, my darlings. Only the best will do when your mother-in-law comes over. Try $70-90K for these prizes. Now we’re talking.

 

How about a two-for-one deal? You can buy a pair of French Ormolu-Mounted ebony and lacquered Commodes a Vantaux. It always sounds more expensive in French, doesn’t it? The aprons, feet and marble tops were added after 1959. Normally, adjustments like that would lower the value of the cases, which are circa 1882. But for some reason, it doesn’t seem to have affected them that much. Does the owner’s notoriety have something to do with it? We’re not sure. If you hear something from the Antiques Road Show, let us know will you? You can expect to drop around $150-250K on these lovelies.

 

But of course we saved the best for last, my pretties. Now this may just look like a sleeping bovine to some of you, but trust us, it’s not. That green color comes from jade, a highly sought-after stone. And that’s a water buffalo. Duh. Actually, this is supposed to be a rare figure from the 17th or 18th century. In China, the buffalo is associated with strength, prosperity and tranquility. And it represents one of the Chinese calendar years, the year of the ox. Hey, wait a minute, that’s MY birth year. I guess I’ll have to fight you for it. Oh wait, there’s that tiny detail of a price tag. We almost forgot. Let’s hope your American Express is truly unlimited because this puppy buffalo will set you back a cool $400-600K.

Let’s not all stampede at once, darlings. Oh, and each sale has a different date, so check closely. And have fun shopping!

Having spent a little time in Venice (Italy) I have to say this bed would not be out of place amongst the Doge’s furniture collection., although I pity the delivery drivers.

Hand crafted and decorated with your choice of silver or gold leaf, the Phyllis Morris Grande Venetian is the West Hollywood luxury furniture makers best seller. The bed measures a stately 12 foot by 10 foot, with Corinthian columns at each corner. Phyllis Morris has been creating furniture for over fifty years in their Los Angeles workshop. All furniture is made by hand to your specifications, and they describe themselves as “Furniture Couture.”

The company’s motto is “Live well.”

Phyllis Morris

 

You have just spent $80 million on that luxury property you have always desired. Now it’s time to fit the interior out in a suitable fashion. Where to start ? A sauna just isn’t going to cut it so here are a few ideas to get you started:

Walk in Cigar Humidor

Swiss manufacturer Michel Perrenoud, S.A. have developed a compact walk in cigar humidor. Originally designed for hotels and cigar bars, but easily adaptable for a private residence. The first installation was in the Lausanne Palace hotel. The modular walk-in interior has complete humidity control and will hold up to 10,000 cigars.

Price – a bargain at just $83,000 – plus shipping and installation.

Coffee Table by David Lloyd Thompson

David Lloyd Thompson creates one-of-a-kind coffee tables, amongst other furniture art and his tagline is “expect the very best.” No question they are unique, but I have a feeling these will come down to personal preference and I suspect Elvis Presley would have been a big fan.

Price – this particular table is cast in epoxy with 20 coats of finish with Mono-printed oil on canvas laminated on the table base and top panel - $50,000

Glass fireplace by Bloch Design

Bloch design make custom glass fireplaces and contemporary furniture made from a variety of materials including tinted or colorless glass and with over 3200 different colors of metal along with Brass, steel, stainless steel, titanium, corten, stone, granite, marbles, corian, seashells and wood. Gas or wood burning options. I have a feeling the wood burning version will keep the maid busy.

Price – From $20,000 upwards depending on specifications.

Digital Picture Frame by Hyundai

Of course, there are digital picture frames, and there are digital picture frames. This particular model by Korean manufacturer Hyundai could more appropriately be called a room divider and features a crane flying between panels.
Price – an estimated $70,000

Panic Room

For the rich and scared, GMS UK install panic rooms constructed with reinforced steel sheeting, eight-inch concrete walls and only one opening with a steel door and special locking systems, equipped with a video monitor, separate telephone line or mobile phone, communication system, fresh air supply and heating, first aid kit, fire extinguishers and alarm keypad all powered by a small generator and emergency lighting in the event of disconnection of power supply and many more.

Price – they are a little cagey about the price because specifications vary so widely, and my thinking is “If you have to ask………”

Hi-Fi system

No self respecting luxury home would be without a decent Hi-Fi system. Kharma will be happy to fulfill your needs. Amongst other products, Kharma sell possibly the most expensive speakers ever built.

Price – a whopping $1,000,000

Bathroom

Baths

Limestone gallery in London offer bespoke bathrooms and other interior décor made from a variety of natural materials. This particular bathroom features a solid Ivory Stone bathtub carved from a single piece of stone. Possibly the most exceptional bathroom fittings I have ever seen.

Price – this one is at the lower end of their range and sells for around $70,000 for the entire bathroom. A single bath tub can cost as much as $140,000 – just for the bath tub.

Toilet

I am not sure this particular toilet will match the baths, but this Swarovski crystal studded toilet is certainly an eye catcher. Designed by Jemal Wright, this is from the “Isis” range of bathroom fittings and is either fully or partially handset with Swarovski crystals – “the epitome of bathroom couture,” according to the designer. Looks a little cold to me and I can only imagine how much fun this will be to clean.

Price - $75,000

 

Kitchens

Fridge

Yes, you have guessed – another Swarovski crystal studded appliance – this time - a fridge. Perhaps a little more taste and a little less “couture,” with this one – and, thank goodness, not entirely covered in crystals. Available in limited numbers from Harrods of London.

Price - $20,000

Barbeque

BeefEater offer a modular approach to BBQs, with possibly the most expensive barbeque in the world. According to the website, the Ivis outdoor kitchen centre is the ultimate in outdoor entertaining.

Price – around $50,000

Home Theater System

 

  

Of course, like the digital photo frames, there are Home Theater systems and there are Home Theater Systems. This particular model is offered by Frankentek and comes in as one of the most expensive home theater systems. Seven of Nine has never looked so good.

Price – around $800,000 depending on specifications

 

Designer Washing Machine

This Samsung washing machine has apparently been styled by a Korean fashion designer - Andre Kim. Far be it for me to cast aspersions, but it’s fair to say, Mr. Kim designs a better wedding gown than he does washing machine. And would you really want this level of "luxury," in the laundry room - very nice gold, ah what the hey…… I just can’t continue - It’s horrible and I cannot imagine why anyone would buy one. But, rather than leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, here is one of Mr. Kim’s spectacular wedding gowns.

Washing Macine price - $  This one seems to have been swept under Samsung’s corporate rug before I could ascertain that, but I have a feeling it doesn’t matter. 27 cents is 26 cents too much as far as I’m concerned.