THE KONSORTIUM

Planet Brooklyn's Prague Kolektiv

It's not easy to improve on a classic, which helps explain the latest initiative from Brooklyn's Prague Kolektiv, America's foremost—okay, only—Czech Modern design specialty store. Starting today at its 3,000-square-foot showroom in DUMBO, the retailer will begin selling new pieces reproduced from classic Czech designs. The line will initially include five items: a Cubist beechwood side chair; a reverse cantilevered armchair (left); a hand-polished lacquer and tubular steel desk (in single- or double-pedestal options); and a "knee swimmer" lounge chair by celebrated architect Adolf Loos. (You've heard "Form follows function"? That was him.) While they may be repros, they're hardly low-quality: Each piece is handmade to order—from the same materials used in the ur-designs—by a team of Czech craftsmen. "It's a chapter in modernism that has been unexplored, so these objects are a refreshing surprise for people," says co-owner Barton Quillen. "Nobody has paid any attention to Czech design." Now seems like a good time to play catch-up.

Prague Kolektiv, prices from $1,700 to $4,200, 143B Front St., Brooklyn, NY, (718) 260-8013, www.praguekolektiv.com.

— Peter Hyman

Hyatt Gets Into The Home Decor Biz

It started with boutique hotels and moved on to larger chains like the Westin, now Hyatt becomes the latest to take part in the trend of hotels offering beds, furnishings and other home decor items for sale. Hyatt has lauched HyattAtHome, an online store with Hyatt and partner-branded luxury products ranging from Eames chairs to exercise equipment. Those who buy the Hyatt's Grand Bed (prices start at $900) receive the White Glove Delivery service which includes red bow wrapping around the mattress, complete assembly and removal of old mattress upon request.

Philippe Starck rediscovers his form in L.A.

For a town where supposedly no one ever eats, L.A. has a surprisingly robust restaurant scene, and this Monday two notable newcomers are joining the fray. First, there's Katsuya, a Brentwood sushi joint with decor by one Philippe Starck. Does the world really need another Starck-designed restaurant? Er, no, but in this case the Frenchman seems to have reined his ego in a bit. The space, patterned after a bento box, is relatively minimal with dramatic bursts of punctuation courtesy of the oversized photographic blowups of a geisha's eyes and lips. The result is a harder-edged, more disciplined form of whimsy than we've seen from Starck lately. Even better, the food should live up to the scene. Decorated sushi chef Katsuya Uechi (Katsu-Ya sushi bar) is centering the cuisine around the (literally and no doubt figuratively) smoking-hot Japanese robata grill. Expect char-grilled duck breast rubbed with yuzu pepper, and beef-rolled asparagus with spicy teriyaki. By the way, whether the world is ready or not, more Starck eateries are on the way: This is the first of a series of projects the designer is working on for Sam Nazarian's SBE Restaurant Group.

Over in West Hollywood, meanwhile, Kerry Simon, another chef with experience at bringing better-than-needed food to the trendy masses, is making his West Coast debut. His Simon Kitchen and Bar in Las Vegas's Hard Rock Hotel was pegged as one of the country's best eateries by Gourmet a couple of years back, and he has big ambitions for his L.A. outpost. Located on the ground floor of the newly refurbished Sofitel, the place will serve "comfort food with flair"—think linguine carbonara studded with lobster, or Tater Tots stuffed with Camembert—at lime-green booths concealed by cocoonlike screens designed by Yabu Pushelberg. "People can think what they want, but there's a serious food scene in L.A.," says the chef. "There's fertile ground here for building a loyal clientele." At least until that poser Kutcher opens another joint.

Katsuya, 11777 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, (310) 207-8744, www.sbeent.com; Simon, 8555 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, (800) 763-4835, www.sofitella.com.

Luxury Home Must-Haves

When shopping for a million dollar home, buyers are looking for luxury and luxury perks can tip the scales on the sale, but they are not actually what set the baseline for buyers. According to a new survey of people who currently live in luxury homes - classified as over $1 million ($2 million in California) for survey purposes - nearly two thirds have designer kitchens, entertainment rooms, and wet bars. More than 30% have wine cellars and 24% have theater seating. Outdoors, almost 40% of the homes have in-ground pools. Security systems were in place in 87% of homes and 67% had landscapers come in to care for the grounds.
The most popular way to furnish a luxury home? Nordstrom topped the most-shopped-at list, but other frequented stores were Neiman Marcus, Saks, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Talbots and Pottery Barn.

Ultra-luxury items, like heated floors, tennis courts and backyard putting greens were found in significantly fewer homes, since the homeowners were likely (35%) to own a second home for recreational purposes.

The Xten Chair From Pininfarina

Need a reason to drag yourself into the office? The sexy new Xten chair could have you racing to get to work. The chair was designed by Pininfarina, the same people responsible for the Ferrari. It has an egonomic design that includes a molded seat frame, shock absorbers and uses gel with mesh for a cushy seat. It sells for $2,995 and comes in four colors including Ferrari red.

Vipp Towels

The Danish company is famed for their simple enamel wastebaskets and toliet brushes which come in a rainbow of colors. Now the company has ventured into the textile market with a new line of Vipp towels. The towels come in small, medium and large and feature rubber tag for hanging. No bright colors here though. The towels, which will be available next month, only come in black, gray, white and cream.

Vipp is also taking over an exhibition room at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris from April 25 to May 2. Industrial designer Mauricio Clavero will be teaming up with Swarovski, Sicis’ mosaic, B&O and Kvadratto create "an artistic luxury universe." The exhibition will travel to luxury shops and design hotels in Europe until the end of 2006 and travel to America in 2007.

Viking Pro 24" Range

If you love to cook but find that your condo or apartment isn't large enough for a massive chef's kitchen complete with walk-in refrigerators, I have the perfect thing for you. It's time to ditch that old electric stove and start cooking with gas, on the Viking Pro 24" that is. With many of the same features of its larger brethren that stretch to as much as 60", the 24" is the perfect solution for those that demand the best, but have limited space. This little stove packs an oven, 4 burners, and a whole lot of style. And although you might not be able to cook the entire Thanksgiving feast with this stove, you'll rest in the knowledge that your Viking is really what your company came to see. Available in 14 different finishes, including Eggplant and Mint Julep.

Starck Icon Chair

The spare and bare chair shown here is the latest Philippe Starck creation. It's the new Icon chair designed for Emeco, the Aluminum Chair Company. The new chair will be launched at Milan’s 2006 Salone Internazionale del Mobile this April and it is handmade of 100% aluminum. The stacking chairs have an estimated lifespan of 150 years and a lifetime guarantee. In the press release, Gregg Buchbinder, Emeco’s Chairman says that: “Working with Starck is like making love. I don’t know why it feels so good or works so well, I just follow my heart." Ah, Starck, he's so irresistible. Retails prices for the chairs start at $350 and there is also an Icon barstool (shown after the jump).

emeco

Hansgrohe Giant Showerhead

How big should a showerhead be? The folks at Trendir suggest this Hansgrohe Downpour Air Royale that is as wide as your shoulders. The showerhead is a 14-inch circle with 225 spray channel. It also has an air injection feature that makes the shower feel more like a gentle rain than a water assault. And it even self-cleans. The showerhead sells for around $980 and is available next month.

Colorful Thermoses

The thermos is stainless steel with a cover of gloss-coated baked enamel. The thermoses hold 16 oz. of hot or cold beverages and sell for $44 at Flax.

Flax