Chris Haslam, journalist & author

Another feature by me recently posted on MSN Innovation , this time looking at the future of home appliances .

Another new commission for me, this time from MSN.co.uk. They have recently launched the Innovation channel which concentrates on design, the environment and future technology. My first feature for them looked at ways technology is helping to solve the global water crisis . Hugely interesting to research, but I'm glad I don't have to rely on my sweaty gym kit for hydration...

To kick off the new look Beautiful Kitchens magazine I was asked to write an in depth guide to luxury cooking appliances. From designer ranges and hi-tech hobs to iPhone inspired ovens and chandelier extractors the choice is incredible. As are the price tags.

Congratulations to the team at Beautiful Kitchens  for a fantastic relaunch, the magazine looks superb. It is never easy to take a successful format and improve on it but the new editor Helen Stone has done a great job.

If you were sensible enough to pick up a copy of Grand Designs July you will have been treated to a 36 page mini magazine, written by me, all about choosing windows and doors for your renovation projects. Packed with design ideas, practical information, expert help and truly inspirational homes please take time to read it as it almost killed me.

So I did it again. No sooner do I promise to update this blog on a regular basis and I ignore it for months. It has not been an idle summer though with new commissions from a number of titles including MSN.co.uk, Good Housekeeping and Wired magazine. Typically random, but interesting never the less. I've also been to Amsterdam checking out the latest designer televisions from Philips, Slovenia for an update from appliance brand Gorenje and the 02 Arena to test fly paper airplanes. As I said, random.