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High Tech

For you, does high technology conjure up images of a hostile universe of cold steel and odd-looking buttons? Fear not! Getting to grips with high-tech equipment that is now tactile, fun and designer has become a pleasure.

Hi-fi, television, and computer equipment clearly offer increasing performances, but are above all more attractive. After decades of embarrassing looks, these appliances are now displayed as works of art and are part of the decor.LCD televisions, in the eternal quest for slenderness (some only 9 mm thick), are hung on the wall like paintings. Speakers, which are just as flat, are adorned with customisable images. With paintings and photos printed on textile that lets the sound through, sound quality is not affected by such stylishness. Loudspeakers become sculptures, such as the Hi-Fido ceramic dog designed by Matteo Cibic.

To add some style to productions, manufacturers partner with famous designers. Starck designed Zikmu. A little technological gem, this speaker seems to twirl round like a dancer. Seemingly less glamorous computer equipment has also undergone a make-over. Hard drives are given sleeker curves. Made of silver by Starck, or gold by Ora-Ito, they are the objects of everyone&rsquos desire. The USB keys by 5.5 designers, shaped like door keys or coins, play tricks on us. Digital photo frames, the number one Christmas gift idea, are increasing in style with the work of Andrée Putman and Martin Szekely.

Designer High-tech, high-tech design. Their influence is mutual. New furniture is created to house the latest equipment. The Tam Tam, the cult stool of the 1970s, now exists asloud speakers and mp3 docking stations. A source of inspiration for designers, the beauty of technology is used for different purposes. The coffee table designed by Mirko Ginepro is a take on a famous mp3 player with an instantly recognisable shape. The Asian architect James Law has made this his specialty. On the heels of the Pixel Tower, the Shuffle Tower is coming soon to Dubai. This tower stands on 129 metre-high stilts and will look like a computer chip. Tomorrow we&rsquoll be living in MP3 players!

Turning our gaze to office equipment, computers are hidden behind attractive and ingenious cases. A genuine modern-day lady&rsquos writing desk, the I-trunk by designer Fred Pinel boasts leather dressing in 51 different colours.

Surrounded by hi-fis since their childhood, Guillaume and Thimothée Cagniard have designed a single-unit multimedia cabinet. Their aim was to put an end to the need for a number of unsightly pieces of equipment, adaptors and extension leads strewn over the floor and tangles of wires. The Boite concept, with no visible cables, is plugged into only one mains socket. Don&rsquot be taken in by its retro style reminiscent of arcade game consoles of the 70s and 80s. This piece of furniture is at the cutting edge of technology. It houses a television, computer, CD player, MP3 station, record player and video projector &hellipall with high-fidelity sound and compact dimensions.

High-tech still has many surprises in store. 2010 is the year of the 3D revolution in the home. Video games, films and matches can be experienced in 3D with full-HD 3D plasma or LCD 3D screens. The first models are on the shelves. Time to don those glasses and enjoy future home cinema evenings!
 

News...

| Bonton, the place to go for children&rsquos items, occupies 800 square metres at 5 boulevard des Filles du Calvaire Paris, 3rd arrondissement. In the attractive spaces of the former premises of Zuber (wallpaper shop), you can find the brand&rsquos entire range: furniture, off the peg clothes, the Papillon clothing line, hairdressing salon, café, library...much more than a store. | Puiforcat, subsidiary of the Hermès Group since 1991, has partnered with designer Patrick Jouin to create "Zermatt" cutlery. The knife&rsquos blade does not touch the tablecloth, the forks have three prongs and the spoons have clean lines. Selling price per item: 50&euro. | The chair christened "Radiation"  by Nocc is a fun design with an extra-large armrest. It has not yet been  produced.
www.nooc.fr

The 6th Jardins Jardin is soon to be held. This year, four events are planned. A collection of short-term gardens will be presented by experienced landscape gardeners and new talents will work on the theme "Terre, Terrain, Territoire" (earth, land, territory). The challenges of sustainable development are essential for all who will take part in the event. Each participant undertakes to carry out actions that respect the environment and will protect our planet. Outdoor design trends are the focus of this year&rsquos event and combine latest creations and eco-responsible approaches. Uniting vegetable patches and fine dining, the harvests are always a pleasure for the gardener and add variety to the kitchen.

www.jardinsjardin.com