Marc Thee's Top Product Picks

If anyone knows luxury design, it's Marc Thee, co-CEO of Marc-Michaels interior Design in Winter Park, FL. Not only did he speak about over-the-top luxury trends at this year's International Builders' Show, but his firm is currently involved with designing a pair of upscale, Mediterranean-style villas in Hangzhou, China, as well as parts of the Doha Convention Center and Tower in Doha, Qatar, which, when built, will be one of the tallest buildings in the world. Not surprisingly, Thee has been twice named to Architectural Digest's list of top 100 designers, and equally notable, his company currently ranks as the country's second largest residential design firm with billings of more than $14,000,000 in 2007, according to Interior Design magazine.

So what accounts for the firm's success? Certainly Thee's vision is one important factor. Blending "classical references with redefined scale and proportion," his is a sensibility that continuously seeks to create anew. "I always strive for a fresh and personalized interpretation incorporating a touch of the unexpected and user-friendly function function." To this end, Thee likes to instill his designs with a sense of the client's personal style, as well as a bit of reflectivity and sparkle. This he does with products like Lumicor's decorative resin panels (3), whose translucence makes them ideal for everything from storage applications to partitions and swinging and sliding doors.

Thermador's Freedom Collection (5) also gets Thee's nod for the flexibility it provides in kitchen design. The columns allow just the right amount of refrigeration to be located where needed and, integrate flush with surrounding cabinetry to create a clean, seamless appearance.

For a well-designed "touch of luxury" in the bathroom, Thee turns to Thermique's towel warmers (2). The heated glass panes offer a sleek alternative to rack-style designs, while a variety of finishes and a choice of freestanding and wall-mounted models lend the units to just about any bath interior.

While he may draw inspiration from the past, Thee is no slouch when it comes to technology, especially the kind that adds convenience and comfort to a client's life. Product selections, if not specifically requested by clients, are often "space-and gadget-driven," he said. Consequently, Thee appreciates the many advanced features integrated into TOTO's Washlet (4), such as the self cleaning nozzle, heated seat, automatic flushing capability and remote control.

Another bath fave is Kohler's Express vanity series (1), which features four models and a special hinge system that takes the sweat out of transportation and assembly. Convenient and versatile, the vanities epitomize practically, which, said Thee, is always "first and foremost."