NEWS | PRESS RELEASES

ARCLINEA, FROM ITALY, OPENS ITS FIRST US FLAGSHIP SHOWROOM
IN BOSTON'S DESIGN DISTRICT

Boston, MA, March 3, 2004 -- Arclinea, the acclaimed Italian manufacturer of luxury, contemporary kitchens, has opened its first showroom in the United States, in Boston's growing Design District on St. James Avenue.

Arclinea is a privately-owned company based in Caldogno, Italy and is known worldwide for its cutting-edge design, exquisite materials and innovative technology. The Arclinea Collection is designed and coordinated by the renowned Italian architect Antonio Citterio, designer of other exclusive products for Maxalto, B&B Italia and Flos, among others.

"We are very proud of the new Boston showroom," says Philip Guarino, President of Arclinea Boston. "The renaissance of Boston's Design District, where Arclinea is located alongside the acclaimed retailers, Montage and Kartell, attests to the growing appreciation of contemporary design in the Boston market."

In addition to their unique design and luxurious materials, the custom-designed kitchens in the Arclinea Collection are distinguished by a common thread: that the kitchen should be a living space, one that is functional and social. Arclinea kitchens embody a thoughtful way of contemplating and utilizing space: the kitchen is designed around the user's movements, with a keen eye towards ergonomics and space efficiency. This is evident in the materials, colors and the freedom of movement found in stainless steel drawers that fully open, with integrated recessed handles and depths to accommodate every kitchen accessory.

Arclinea kitchens add the functionality, organization and versatility of professional kitchens to everyday life. From the durability and resistance of a stainless steel sink combined with nickel fitted flush into a marble top, to the prestige and practicality of Carrara marble hand selected by the president of the company - the Arclinea collections offer a space for every item and a place for every activity.

The Arclinea Collection consists of several different kitchens which can be custom-designed in a variety of different design and material options. Its latest kitchen, launched in Milan is the Convivium. The Boston showroom is the first in the United States to showcase this award-winning member of the Arclinea Collection.

The concept of the Convivium reflects the "nesting" effect - the idea that the kitchen is the place in the home for a variety of activities, from preparing, storing and cooking to eating and conversing. The Convivium kitchen is delineated into three areas, each designed to follow a logical, consequential flow of activity in the kitchen.

It consists of a sub-kitchen, an "operative" area, which is contained in a separate space with an exquisite 2-centimeter stainless steel countertop and a back panel system in aluminum with an integrated lighting system to create a sense of order and privacy.

The second area, the cooking space, consists of a main island in stainless steel with a professional cook top, an integrated drip-catcher on all four sides and a chef's sink and faucets. An elegantly designed and almost silent hood floats above the island area, ensuring perfect lighting and excellent ventilation.

The island extends directly onto a 5.2cm thick teak table, representing the third area of the Convivium kitchen. This is the space where we eat, where we share and enjoy the company of others. Its linearity and length extend directly into the living area; the kitchen and living space are fluid and open.

"The Arclinea kitchen is one where a passionate chef would be delighted to work but also where a family has space to gather and spend quality time together," says Guarino. "Our collections inspire a way of life. They are technologically advanced, ergonomically friendly and, since the kitchen is the heart of the home, they're inviting and warm."

He adds, "The Arclinea product is not just a product which offers cutting-edge design but also the highest quality of materials and technology available."