Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Portable Art
Vacuuming Up a Design Classic
A recent hunt for a handheld vacuum cleaner yielded not so much a piece of household equipment as a piece of art.
The Alessi handheld vacuum cleaner, designed by Stefano Giovannoni, is a swoosh of stainless steel classicism. Not something you’d want to stick in the back of the closet. In fact, it’s already found its way into design and contemporary art museums worldwide.
Constructed of 18/10 stainless and white polycarbonate, the rechargeable vacuum comes with a crevice tool and wet nozzle.
Posted by editor at 09:41 AM under furniture & accessories • green
Monday, October 06, 2008
Tap Tap
A Touchable Faucet
Here’s a good compromise between traditional taps and taps with sensors that might not work quite as well as we’d like.
The Pilar faucet from Delta can be turned on or off with just a touch. Using a finger, forearm or elbow, just tap it anywhere on the spout or the handle. The faucet can also help conserve water, as just a touch keeps water from running when you don’t need it.
Currently the technology is available in a low gooseneck pulldown kitchen faucet in chrome and steel finishes.
Posted by editor at 09:59 AM under kitchens & baths • green
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Seeing the Trees
Identifying eco-friendly wood furniture
Choosing eco-friendlier furniture just got a little easier.
The Sustainable Furniture Council has launched a new label to identify products that help maintain healthy forests. SFC members include furniture manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, and environmental groups. The new label signifies that the entire supply chain, from forest to showroom floor is environmentally and socially responsible.
Sustainably made furniture reduces carbon emissions through responsible forestry operations and manufacturing, combats deforestation through selective logging and replanting, and deters illegal logging by providing a market for sustainable raw materials.
Posted by editor at 10:31 AM under furniture & accessories • green
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Italian Hideaways
Discovering Enchanting Rooms and Private Villas
Just what we need. Another coffee-table book about gorgeous Italian interiors. Actually, yes.
This book is a welcome addition to anyone’s collection of I-want-to-go-there books. Author Meg Nolan takes us to out-of-the-way inns, villas and palazzi, which not only stand as inviting places to visit but where the interiors unleash a wealth of design ideas. From the modest to the grand, these destinations offer a bonus that you won’t find in the standard decorating book—you can stay in these locations and see them for yourself.
Part travel brochure, part decorating tome, the book features 30 properties throughout Italy.
Posted by editor at 02:46 PM under book reviews
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Built Green
Santa Barbara Expo Debuts
The first Built Green Expo and Conference in Santa Barbara last weekend was a huge success. The event took place at Santa Barbara City College, with exhibits on the lovely West Campus Lawn with its view of the ocean.
More than 70 exhibitors showed off products as diverse as solar, flooring, windows and accessories. Education sessions for both contractors and consumers covered topics from eco-remodeling of older homes to a discussion of how homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint and transform their home into energy efficient and healthy places to live.
Speakers included Ernst von Weizsäcker, Dean of the UCSB Donald Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, William E. Hayward, president & CEO of Hayward Lumber Company and Chairman of the Board of the US Forest Stewardship Council, and John Picard, Environmental Consultant and Founding Member of the US Green Building Council.
The event included a tour of some of the most innovative and beautiful green homes in Santa Barbara.
Posted by editor at 02:53 PM under green
Friday, June 06, 2008
The Heat is On
German Homes Go Renewable
As part of the EU commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by 20% by 2020, German homeowners have become part of the solution.
Beginning in 2009, all new homes built in Germany will be required to install renewable energy heating systems. Renewable sources must meet 14% of a household’s total energy consumption for heating and hot water.
Grants are available to remodel existing homes to meet the standard, which requires that 10% of the heating and hot water for old houses must come from renewable sources as of 2010. The government is allocating 350 million euros ($550 million) annually for homeowners to install renewable energy systems. There’s also a stick with the carrot—homeowners who fail to switch face fines of up to 500,000 euros ($786,000).
According to analysts, increasing energy efficiency in buildings could save 50 billion euros ($78 billion) in heating costs in Germany in the next 12 years. And the introduction of new energy ratings for all houses in 2008 will be a further incentive to German homeowners to invest in energy efficiency to protect the value of their homes.
Posted by editor at 10:24 AM under architecture & construction • green
Saturday, May 10, 2008
New World, New Problems
The "Old World" Shows the Way
Our households generate a lot of trash. And we are taking baby steps towards recycling. In Europe, we are astonished at the level of environmental awareness and commitment of ordinary people to mitigate their footprint. German consumer goods are not quite as over-packaged as in the U.S.—manufacturers have to pay higher fees for more product packaging.
But Germans also can, and do, recycle far more of their waste. The nation is a recycling champ. For example, 67% of paper products are recycled, the highest percentage in the world.
And not just in the home. Recycling containers are everywhere. In supermarkets, recycling counters just inside the entrance have slots for everything from batteries to plastic deli containers. Villages, towns and cities have large recycling containers in multiple locations for green, brown and white glass, PET and other plastics, paper, cartons, aluminum and composites, and more. Street trash receptacles are small and rarely full, because recycling receptacles are placed frequently on sidewalks. In Munich, even the subways have receptacles divided into slots for paper, glass, plastic and trash.
California is one of the most progressive states in the country, yet we still lag behind German villages. Let’s change that!
Posted by editor at 11:27 PM under green
Monday, April 21, 2008
Moor is Better
Peat -- Not Just for Whisky Anymore
Americans of Celtic heritage have probably heard family stories that included references to peat bogs. The Irish and Scots used peat or turf for heat in remote areas. They probably never thought about bathing in it.
One of the most important moorland areas in central Europe is in Bavaria. And thanks to a traditional interest in natural wellness, German spas have found a contemporary use for peat. Not to heat homes, but to heat humans.
Actually, it’s an ancient remedy given new life. Paracelsus recommended it for several illnesses. Napoleon’s soldiers were the first to utilize “moor baths” in Germany, after they had seen them in Egypt.
Turf has excellent thermal mass; it holds heat for a long time. In a bath, it slowly gives off its heat to the body, more slowly than water. A thick mixture of turf and water works best for a bath, which can reach to 46 Celsius (114.8 F) although it feels less hot because of the medium. About 20 minutes in a moor bath allows the body temperature to rise about 2 C (3.6 F), in effect mimicking a fever. This helps the immune system and raises metabolism. Muscles relax in the warmth. Turf is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Posted by editor at 07:37 AM under spas and image enhancement
Moor is Better
Peat -- Not Just for Whisky Anymore
Americans of Celtic heritage have probably heard family stories that included references to peat bogs. The Irish and Scots used peat or turf for heat in remote areas. They probably never thought about bathing in it.
One of the most important moorland areas in central Europe is in Bavaria. And thanks to a traditional interest in natural wellness, German spas have found a contemporary use for peat. Not to heat homes, but to heat humans.
Actually, it’s an ancient remedy given new life. Paracelsus recommended it for several illnesses. Napoleon’s soldiers were the first to utilize “moor baths” in Germany, after they had seen them in Egypt.
Turf has excellent thermal mass; it holds heat for a long time. In a bath, it slowly gives off its heat to the body, more slowly than water. A thick mixture of turf and water works best for a bath, which can reach to 46 Celsius (114.8 F) although it feels less hot because of the medium. About 20 minutes in a moor bath allows the body temperature to rise about 2 C (3.6 F), in effect mimicking a fever. This helps the immune system and raises metabolism. Muscles relax in the warmth. Turf is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Posted by editor at 07:37 AM under spas and image enhancement
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Salty Solutions
Spa Therapy Shakes It Up
Germans have always maintained a strong interest in natural health. Herbal and other natural remedies coexist peacefully with the best modern medicine. (Savvy U.S. shoppers buying vitamins or herbal preparations know to look for a “Made in Germany” label, because those are regulated in Germany and must meet strict standards.)
One thing our intrepid team of Dream Spaces researchers has been enjoying in Germany is the variety of spa options. We described the hay cure a few posts ago. One of our latest discoveries is saline injections for aching joints or sore backs. The theory is that salt raises blood flow and softens the tissues. Metabolism of nerves, ligaments and muscles in the surrounding area is increased. This decreases inflammation, makes the tissues more elastic, helps nerve regeneration and thereby gets rid of pain.
The injections are paired with massage, sometimes also acupuncture and chiropractic. And since this is Germany, insurance pays for such treatments.
We’ll be investigating more in the world of wellness in future posts.
Posted by editor at 06:49 AM under spas and image enhancement
Monday, March 31, 2008
Classic English Interiors
Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill is the daughter of the Duke of Marlborough, whose family seat is Blenheim Palace. Few people are more qualified to discuss English style than someone who grew up in a classic Georgian manor and has become a successful interior designer.
In this book, Spencer-Churchill explores the origins of English design and the influences that have created what today is considered classic English style. She takes us into the colorful rooms of Blenheim Palace as she breaks down the elements that combine to create the unstructured, eminently comfortable look that defines English style.
This is not the country cottage England of chintz and china dogs. This is, as the title suggests, classic style. The author’s text, particularly where she explains the history of English style and how to recreate it, provides an excellent blueprint for reproducing the best of the English look.
Posted by editor at 08:52 AM under english • book reviews
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Greener, Faster
Germany Out in Front
Modern sustainable construction owes much of its current status to developments in Germany over the past 50 years. The country is in the forefront on matters of ecology and technology, and continues to innovate in the materials, construction and maintenance of green buildings.
Germany today has gone beyond the energy efficient approach just now becoming more widespread in the U.S. The movement in Germany is towards “Bio Bau,” or organic building. This entails not just energy efficiency, but use of local, sustainable materials that contain no harmful chemicals, careful site selection to maximize light, heating and cooling, and use of technology to either enhance or mitigate natural occurrences. For example, floating houses actually rise with flood waters.
Almost every farm in Bavaria has solar panels on the roof of the barn. When American consumers catch up with that awareness, perhaps the U.S. can begin to compete in the development and production of green technology.
Posted by editor at 05:36 AM under architecture & construction • green
Monday, March 17, 2008
It’s All About the Crema
Cappuccino Conquers the World
European kitchens have sprouted a new appliance. The cappuccino machine. Whether in city condominiums or farmhouses, grand villas or modest apartments, there’s a cappuccino maker on the counter.
Germany, Switzerland and Austria have really embraced the tradition. And even though the French have their own coffee traditions, they’ve also joined in. But unlike Italians, everyone drinks cappuccino throughout the day, not just in the morning.
Perhaps it’s part of globalization, or maybe it’s just all those George Clooney commercials-- his ads for a particular brand of espresso are ubiquitous in Europe. The Clooney coffee is a ready-to-brew version—one need only insert a small packet into the machine and presto, fresh espresso. The downside is that only that brand of coffee can be used. If you want to try a different bean or a different roast from what is offered, you’ll have to buy a different machine.
But not to worry, there are plenty to choose from!
Posted by editor at 02:40 AM under kitchens & baths • uncategorized
Monday, March 10, 2008
Egging Them On
Easter Traditions Go Oval
Have you put up your Easter tree yet?
German and other European families are visiting the Easter markets in town squares, shopping for goodies: twig baskets with feathered chicks hiding among daffodils and tulips; small wreaths holding greenery, tiny eggs and black speckled hens with bright red combs; and, of course, edible bunnies.
But the star of the show is the egg. Most families paint eggs at home, especially the children, but eggs of all sorts are available at the markets and in stores. One store in Salzburg specializes in Easter eggs—shoppers can choose from a mind-boggling assortment of offerings in two rooms. Sophisticated, traditional, glittery, appliqued, painted, patterned, freestyle, multicolored or painted to a theme, there are eggs to please everyone, each with a colored ribbon, ready to hang.
The “trees” themselves are usually small interestingly shaped twigs or some sort of catkin-bearing tree. You’ll see Easter trees in homes, bank lobbies, on stoops and in shop windows. In other words, everywhere. It’s a delightful tradition and one that deserves to travel!
Posted by editor at 03:33 AM under furniture & accessories • uncategorized
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Fire in the Hole
Where You Never Expected It
Don’t have a chimney? Have one chimney but want two fireplaces. More? No problem.
The Concept line from Planika will have flames dancing in any room you like. The secret is in an eco-friendly fuel based on ethyl alcohol. It’s smokeless and odor-free. Only water vapour and carbon dioxide are emitted - in proportions similar to those contained in the air exhaled from the lungs.
You can put a fire in your coffee table, in a wall unit, on the wall or in a sculptural form. The Coffee Fire Long is a sleek coffee table with aluminum legs into which is set a cyliner for your fire.
It’s easy to set up—the company promises that within 10 minutes, you’ll have a fire blazing!
Posted by editor at 07:17 AM under furniture & accessories • lighting & fire
Friday, February 22, 2008
A Roll in the Hay
Spas Find a New Medium
Europeans are hitting the hay in greater numbers as the popularity of the “hay cure” increases.
Found most prominently in the Alpine regions, the hay cure makes use of a plentiful local resource—the flower and herb-filled grass that grows on the surrounding Alpine meadows. The hay comes from meadows between 900 and 1000 meters (it’s the same hay that the famed Alpine milk cows eat in winter—a dried version of the fresh grass and plants they graze on throughout the summer.)
These high meadows are filled with wild herbs and flowers—on average there are 85 different medicinal herbs in one square meter of meadow! The ground cannot be chemically fertilized and modern harvesting technology is banned, largely because the machines cut the grass too short and the little plants can’t grow tall enough to seed. So farmers manually reap the hay with scythes.
Light and airy, medium green in color with a marvelous aroma, the hay is sewn into natural linen cloths. The spa guest wraps herself in the cloths while moist warm air frees the aromatic oils in the hay that are absorbed through the skin. And the aromatherapy from the hay is not only good for breathing problems, but is said to be helpful with depression.
In any case, it smells wonderful and feels wonderful. No wonder European spas are making hay!
Posted by editor at 09:28 AM under uncategorized
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Localizing the French Kitchen
The French Way
As promised, more on French kitchens. While contemporary reigns, you’ll find regional influences widespread. In Provence, you see lots of stone, both the material and the color, primarily a honey-colored limestone. In Alsace and Savoie, with ample forests, you’ll see wood for walls, floors and cabinets. In Brittany, stone again, but with the cooler colors prevalent in the region, including a silvery granite. Each region maintains the tradition of using local materials to create a unique and recognizable style.
Translating this approach to the Central Coast, means that even though we might have a contemporary, or Tuscan or Mission kitchen, we can localize it. Our local limestone resembles the stone of Provence, and would add a wonderfully warm accent to a kitchen—perhaps a backsplash, an accent around an archway or in a wall or floor. Oak, although not plentiful, is common on the Central Coast, so oak cabinets or accents would reflect the materials of our region. Iron cut-work celebrating our ranching heritage, a set of olivewood spoons or other kitchen accoutrements made from old vines would create a sense of place.
The French sense of style relies on confidence. Take a page from that stylebook and bring the region into your home in your own way!
Posted by editor at 10:34 AM under
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
New Europe
Contemporary Style Rules
Our reports for the next few months will be coming from France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy. The Dream Spaces editorial department spares no expense to bring the latest in home and lifestyle trends to the Central Coast. Well, okay, the editor is in Europe, so let’s make hay while the sun shines.
The twice-yearly sales are on in France until the end of next week. And the French are shopping! Even big-ticket items like entire kitchens are on sale, with up to 70% off. Kitchen design in France, as in most of Europe, tends toward contemporary (with a few regional exceptions).
Yet even though the lush spreads in design magazines show unadulterated surfaces and kitchens where surgery could safely be performed, in people’s homes, kitchens are invariably warm and welcoming. Regional influences work their way in, from the olive green and yellow pots of Provence to the linen and red color scheme of Alsace. And of course, everything is designed to maximize space, with innovative drawer arrangements, pull-out pantries, under-cabinet utilization and built-in appliances. Cooktops are computer-controlled electric (I confess that while visiting a friend in Switzerland, it took me a minute to figure out how to work, i.e., program, the stove!) Unlike American cooktops, European models have for many years used a seamless heating system from low to high, so that it’s possible to simmer a sauce on a very low heat with superb control.
You’ll still see stainless steel, but less so on refrigerators and dishwashers, where facing material is used to blend these with cabinets. Muted marble countertops are common and again, everything is designed for ease of cleanup, with no joins or overlapping edges where debris can get trapped. Contemporary design is as prized for its functionality as its style.
More on kitchens in our next post.
Posted by editor at 01:21 AM under kitchens & baths
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Rough and Ready
New Flooring Gets Banged Up
The latest trend in Southern California flooring is faux-old wood planks, according to the National Wood Flooring Association.
Hand scraped, brushed, punched and worn planks are the hottest thing in flooring. Some manufacturers even use a tumbler that swirls chains and bolts around smooth wood to distress it. Part of the appeal is the instant sense of history that comes with a distressed floor. The other part, of course, is the ease of care. You can’t hurt a distressed floor.
According to Chris Phillips of DeChateau Hardwood Flooring in San Diego, the trend started five years ago in California among owners of contemporary homes who wanted to contrast modern architecture and furniture with a casual floor. Crews used to do the work onsite; now the distressing is done by the supplier.
It might seem backwards, but distressed wood is more expensive than pristine planks. For a super-authentic look, hand-distressing is the way to go. Hand-distressing mimics real wear and tear better than machine-distressing, with prices starting around $14 a square foot. But much of the work can be done by machine instead of by hand, which makes it more affordable—around $5 a square foot.
Posted by editor at 12:45 PM under architecture & construction • flooring, tile & stone
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Capri Style
Imagine a villa on Capri—white and flower-bedecked, clinging to a hillside with sweeping views over a deep blue sea, cool interiors and interesting furniture. Now imagine that you’ve been invited inside.
Mariella Gardella has persuaded 23 Caprese villa owners to throw open their doors for this lush book. Superb photography captures the essence of Capri—its terraced gardens, sailboats, cliffs and coves and most of all, its color. As she tours these enchanting private villas, Gardella draws readers to the heart of the home, the kitchen, sprinkling traditional local recipes throughout the book.
Posted by editor at 03:35 PM under italian • book reviews
Monday, January 07, 2008
Fixing is Up
Remodeling Still Popular
Despite a depressed housing market, remodeling is hot.
A recent Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies noted that 2007 was the second-highest year on record for remodeling, with spending reaching $173.6 billion compared with $177.7 billion in 2006.
Dan Fritschen, author of “Remodel or Move? Make the Right Decision,” says that remodeling in a down market can make a lot of sense. His company, RemodelEstimates.com conducted a survey last fall among 5,000 homeowners and found that people are planning to spend about the same amount on home improvement this year as before.
One trend seems to be that homeowners plan to do at least some of the work themselves, a boon for DIY retailers like Home Depot. Surveys indicated that consumers seem to be remodeling with an eye toward comfort rather than enhancing resale value.
Posted by editor at 10:37 AM under architecture & construction
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Dry Grass
Bamboo Fiber Soaks It Up
The latest arrival in trendy bathrooms is bamboo. Not on the floors or in cabinets, but in the towels.
Pure Fiber’s 100% bamboo towels are plush and soft. But besides the softness and silkiness of cashmere, bamboo yarn gives you the absorbency of fine cotton. Even better, bamboo yarns are more environmentally friendly than cotton, which accounts for a quarter of all crop pesticide use worldwide. Bamboo fabric requires less dye than cotton, modal or viscose, and the color is much more vivid.
And when you’re ready for new towels, the old ones are biodegradable. As a natural cellulose fiber, bamboo can be 100% biodegraded in soil by microorganism and sunshine.
Pure Fiber’s towels come in a range of colors like midnight blue, coastal blue, zesty orange, sunny yellow and, of course, white and natural. A set of bathtowels retails for $42.
Locally, Bambu Batu stocks bamboo towels and other bamboo items.
Posted by editor at 08:37 PM under fabrics & linens • kitchens & baths • green
Sunday, December 23, 2007
California Romantica
For a glimpse inside some of the best examples of California Mission and Spanish Colonial homes, it’s hard to do better than California Romantica. This lushly illustrated book features homes by George Washington Smith, Wallace Neff, Richard Requa, Lilian Rice, and other noted architects.
From whitewashed stucco walls and cloistered patios to tile roofs and glorious gardens, each house is a rare masterpiece, splendidly appointed with authentic California furnishings, including Monterey furniture, California tile and Navajo rugs.
Among the magnificent seaside estates, canyon villas, and courtyard bungalows shown is Diane Keaton’s former home in Beverly Hills, which she thoughtfully restored with noted designer Stephen Shadley, and for which she has been recognized as a committed preservationist.
Posted by editor at 09:50 PM under architecture & construction • book reviews
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Thrown a Curve
A New Shape in Showers
A new shower from Italian design firm Aqvadesign was inspired by the use of wood in beautiful ships, where it withstands the action of sea and sun.
Suggesing the graceful curve of a ship’s hull, the 2-inch thick Aqvaplana shower panel is designed in solid marine Okumè type wood. It might seem counter-intuitive to use wood in a bathroom where it’s in direct contact with water for extended periods. But the idea of creating a shower panel of wood normally used in boat-building and further protecting it with special marine-type varnishes, actually brings the natural warmth and beauty of wood directly into your bathroom, without any problems related to mildew or deterioration.
Available in 6 wood colour variations (Zebrano, Ebony, Wenghe’, Teak, Oak and Paduk), the panel has an ultra-thin frame (5.5 cm at the base and 3.5 cm at the height of the shower head), that is entirely concealed (no connection between the faucet and shower head is visible externally). For even more wow factor, the fixture can be installed free-standing.
Posted by editor at 11:12 AM under kitchens & baths
Monday, December 10, 2007
More Door
Glass Becomes Sculpture
ClearCast Glass extends the traditions of specialty architectural glass. Impressed graphic lines carry the legacy of lead lines in stained glass. Bands of optical refraction recall the cut areas in beveled glass. An array of curved forms recalls conventional bent glass. Simple grid and patterned building blocks rejuvenate the concept of glass block.
ClearCast Glass doors are distinguished by a high degree of transparency and a deep, smooth, seductive texture. The panels create delightful atmospheric effects when light rays are bent through the curvatures of each design. The Echo panel represents the embodiment of sound, while Orbit suggests circles of light.
Thermal performance is enhanced by additional air space created in compartmentalized hollows, which can result in more than double the typical insulating air space used to make insulated glass. Increased air space also has a positive effect on reducing sound transmission levels.
ClearCast Glass doors are crafted using mortise and tenon construction and custom moldings are milled in the shop to give your door a truly distinct look. Choose from 16 styles framed in mahogany, fir and other woods. From Sculptural Glass Doors.
Posted by editor at 12:32 PM under architecture & construction
Monday, November 26, 2007
Hot Topic
Towel Warmers Go Designer
Just in time for chilly weather, Thermique’s glass towel warmers are creating buzz in design circles.
Say goodbye to those familiar chrome tubes and welcome a sleek, silent heated glass version. The electrically heated, energy-efficient glass panels are suspended between wall-mounted brackets. The glass can be customized with your monogram or other designs. Brackets are available in polished chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, brushed or polished nickel, and polished brass.
In addition to the wall-mounted panels, Thermique plans to add floor models soon.
Posted by editor at 10:46 AM under kitchens & baths
Monday, November 12, 2007
In Sink
Silgranit Sinks Clean Up
Silgranit sinks from Blanco give you the touch and feel of natural stone, with a little extra.
Made from 80% granite mixed with acrylic resin, the sinks are heat-, stain- and bacteria-resistant. They stand up to tough wear and tear—they’re unaffected by acids and alkalis, are non-porous and don’t absorb odors.
Unlike granite, Silgranit can be molded into variety of striking designs and functional features. Manufactured in four colors (white, biscuit, metallic gray and anthracite), the sinks accommodate extra deep bowls, large capacity and cutting board options.
They’re priced right too—you can get a double sink for under $400.
Posted by editor at 09:09 AM under kitchens & baths
Monday, November 05, 2007
In the Hood
TV Finds a New Home in the Kitchen
If cooking dinner is interfering with your watching the latest “Jeopardy,” then Siemens has the answer (or is that the question?).
The avantGarde multiMedia ventilation hood has a built-in 17-inch LED TV screen. It also plays DVDs and CDs.
And you don’t have to shout over the noise of your fan, or turn the volume up to hear your favorite song. The multiMedia hood is a quiet 54 dB. The hood comes with a powerful 600 cfm fan, halogen surface lights and can be used as a ducting or recirculating fan.
Posted by editor at 09:49 AM under kitchens & baths
Friday, October 26, 2007
Contractors State License Board Helps Fire Victims
Protects homeowners trying to rebuild
The California Contractors State License Board is taking an aggressive stand against illegal contractors in the southern California fire zones.
CSLB staff is working at disaster assistance centers and in the burned neighborhoods, offering help and advice to fire victims and coordinating enforcement efforts with other local, state and federal agencies. “We have learned from past experience that it helps to take a proactive approach in disaster zones,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “We do everything we can to help disaster victims while letting the illegal operators know they’re being watched.”
The CSLB is warning residents to beware of unscrupulous or unlicensed operators who will try to take advantage of their situation. The board is also warning illegal operators that they face serious prison time if caught working or trying to get contracting work over $500 in a declared disaster area.
Homeowners are receiving information on how to protect themselves by using CSLB’s resources to check a contractor’s license status and history, and by following a series of important tips. “Avoid the urge to rush into repairs with the first contractor you meet, especially if they just show up without an invitation,” said Sands. “Spend just a few minutes checking the contractor out with CSLB to make sure they’re licensed.”
The CSLB is also reminding contractors who want to get work in the disaster area that they must hold a valid California contractors license, in the appropriate classification, in order to perform most work on homes and other structures damaged or destroyed by the wildfires. They must have the proper business license to work in the fire zone. Some out-of-state contractors and unlicensed operators may want to help with rebuilding. However, it is illegal and punishable as a felony to perform contracting work in a state or federally declared disaster area without a valid California contractor’s license. Punishment may include a fine of up to $10,000 or up to 16 months in state prison. In the days and weeks ahead, CSLB will partner with local, state and other government agencies to conduct enforcement stings and sweeps in and around the disaster areas.
Contractors working on any job—from debris removal to roof repair to rebuilding—totaling $500 or more for labor and materials must be licensed by the CSLB. To become licensed, a contractor must pass a licensing examination, verify at least four years of journey-level experience and pass a criminal background check. California contractors must carry a license bond, and provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. A homeowner could be at risk if workers who aren’t covered have an accident while on their property.
Homeowners should look closely at any paperwork or contracts they are handed. A standard home improvement contract is required to have a 7-day “Right-To-Cancel” notification for repairs or restoration of residential structures in an area for which a state of emergency has been declared. It is also important to note that repairs cannot be broken up into smaller projects to avoid the $500 threshold for licensing.
Consumers can verify a contractor’s license status through the CSLB’s Website or through its toll-free automated telephone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). Find out if the contractor’s license is active and in the right classification for the work to be done. Consumers can also see if there are any legal complaints against the contractor, if the business name and address are correct, and if there is workers’ compensation insurance coverage for employees. Consumers can download tips and publications on topics like disaster scams, hiring a contractor and home improvement contracts from the CSLB Website.
The CSLB has also activated its Disaster Hotline. The line is open for disaster victims to call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1-800-962-1125.
The CSLB urges consumers to follow these tips when dealing with a building contractor:
Posted by editor at 05:07 PM under architecture & construction
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
French Home
The Japanese art of Wabi Sabi, or finding beauty in imperfection, is given a French twist in this lavishly illustrated book. Author Josephine Ryan is a London antiques dealer and stylist who shares her knack for decorating with the often less-than-perfect items found in French antiques and brocante shops.
She reminds us of the other tenet of wabi sabi, the impermanence of things. Here a tattered chair brings the texture of age to a smooth new wall, a foxed mirror fragment creates an air of smoky mystery, and a rust-spattered bench matches the autumn leaves swirling around a courtyard. And it’s not just objects, but homes themselves that are celebrated: the graceful imperfection of a rough stone wall, the irregular lines of handmade tiles, and the comforting traces of years, sometimes centuries, of use on floors or counters.
The French make it look easy, the seemingly effortless blending of old and new. Ryan shows us how we can begin to develop the self-assurance that informs this more relaxed attitude toward decorating. The book contains sections on elements such as textiles, ceramics, color, lighting and furniture, and on rooms, including work spaces. She includes a chapter on sourcing antiques with tips on attending auctions and how to find the right dealers. And there’s lots of solid information on the history of French furnishings.
You’ll see the local flea market with a whole new eye once you’ve read this book.
Posted by editor at 10:53 AM under book reviews
Thursday, October 04, 2007
California Native Plants for the Garden
Here’s a book we can all use. The title is a bit misleading—this is an authoritative reference not only to plants, but to landscape design and maintenance, including, watering, pruning, and pest control.
Filled with wonderful color photographs of individual plants, it’s a resource for neophytes and experts alike. The authors provide crucial details on plant siting, color, seasonal appearance and a lot more. If you’ve been considering forsaking the English country garden for one that’s more authentic to our region (and one that’s more ecologically sound), this book could just tip the scales. It’s a volume you’ll return to again and again.
Posted by editor at 04:16 PM under green • book reviews
Saturday, September 29, 2007
If You Can’t Stand the Heat …
Get the Lift Oven
Everyone who has scorched their hands—or just gotten an uncomfortable blast of heat—when reaching into a hot oven will appreciate the Gaggenau lift oven.
Just push a button and the lift oven’s glass ceramic base lowers directly from the oven to the countertop, where dishes can be easily loaded and then raised into the cooking cavity. Since heat rises, the heat remains in the oven cavity, resulting in minimal energy loss.
This fully integrated 24-inch oven features 11 heating methods, including convection. Self-cleaning, the oven also provides automatic temperature recommendation and precise temperature control. Styled in sleek stainless steel with a tinted glass front and internal halogen lighting, the oven also makes cleanup easier—the sliding base is reachable from three sides and from the top. Now that’s even better!
Posted by editor at 08:43 AM under kitchens & baths
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Sizzling Sales
Solar Hot in Cool Real Estate Market
The one bright spot in the current real estate market is the pace of solar home sales, according to the Los Angeles Times. The paper reports that solar homes are starting to outsell traditionally electrified homes in several markets, and developers are stepping up their use of the technology.
“They sell like hot cakes,” said Bernadette del Chiaro, energy specialist at the advocacy group Environmental California. Julie Blumden, a vice-president at SunPower Corp., a San Jose-based manufacturer of solar roof tiles, said builders using solar were selling homes faster than nonsolar competitors. “The increase in sales velocity is actually paying for the solar systems,” she said.
The boom is helped by California’s Million Solar Roofs rebate program, federal tax credits and growing public and political support for renewable power.
Click here for the full story.
Posted by editor at 11:46 AM under architecture & construction • green
Monday, September 24, 2007
Can Do
Aluminum Chairs Go Stylish
Aluminum chairs have been making a statement indoors for a while. For a broad selection of sophisticated styles, check out Emeco, which also manufactures stools and tables.
You’ll find rocking chairs, stacking chairs, even upholstered swivel chairs. There’s a nice selection of Philipe Starck designs, including the oval-back Kong chair and the stackable Icon chair.
All chairs are made from 80% recycled aluminum and are available hand-polished or hand-brushed. They’re almost infinitely stackable and come with lifetime warranty. And don’t forget to recycle them when you’re ready to replace!
Posted by editor at 07:31 AM under furniture & accessories • green
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
On the Rocks
Putting Pebbles Underfoot
Quick—what’s the latest variation on stone floors? It’s pebblestone, a mix of natural rock and epoxy that originally for outdoor use, is increasingly found indoors.
Washed pebbles of varying sizes and colors are mixed with epoxy and installed in a layer between 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch thick. Borders and designs are easy to accommodate. Installed in one continuous sheet, it creates a large, seamless area. Pebblestone can be laid over expansion joints and cracks because its elasticity allows for expansion.
The real surprise is the price—it’s less expensive than many other hard surfaces such as flagstone or tile. Installation is just over $5 a square foot. And a Pebblestone floor can be laid quickly—a 3,000 square foot space can be completed in about two days.
Two regional sources for pebblestone are Pebblestone and Mountainstone.
Posted by editor at 08:35 AM under architecture & construction • flooring, tile & stone
Thursday, September 13, 2007
califoria country style
Here in California, a country home can be a log cabin in the mountains, a beach cottage, a getaway among the vines or a myriad other possibilities. Our geographic diversity makes for a fascinating diversity in style, and this book documents some of the unique ways homeowners have expressed it.
Many of the homes are in Napa Valley, giving us here on the Central Coast an opportunity to compare wine country styles. The homes featured range from grand villas to intimate cottages, all designed and decorated to create a strong sense of place. Californians’ penchant for mixing the old and the new, the formal and the casual are on display. French antiques coexist happily with wine country modern, sophisticated with rustic.
Author Diane Dorrans Saeks doesn’t neglect the outdoors, leading us through a selection of colorful, inviting country gardens.
Posted by editor at 07:26 AM under book reviews
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Down to the Wire
Customize Cabinets with Wire Grilles
Cabinets with wire insets, either with or without glass, are a quick way to make a statement. A touch of Provence? The standard “chicken wire” will take care of that. Something suggestive of Tudor? How about a diamond pattern. Whatever the period, there’s a wire grille that can help evoke the ambiance. Outwater Plastics has about 24 basic shapes, all available in several finishes including brass, antique pewter and silver.
Posted by editor at 07:56 AM under architecture & construction • furniture & accessories • kitchens & baths
Friday, September 07, 2007
Walk-ins Welcome
Italian Storage Does Double Duty
Italian furniture design firm Porro has applied its signature clean lines, regular forms and functionality to the storage dilemma.
Designed by Piero Lissoni and appropriately called “Storage,” the system can hold and display different items by changing from cupboard to walk-in closet. Coplanar electric leaves make the opening movement faster and easier while transparent glass leaves enclosed in a thin iron profile allow for a clear view of the interior while satisfying those who prefer a walk-in closet.
Posted by editor at 08:05 AM under architecture & construction • furniture & accessories • italian
Monday, September 03, 2007
Sun-Drenched Gardens
The Mediterranean Style
For those of us on the Central Coast, a Mediterranean garden is a no-brainer. It suits our dry, sunny climate perfectly. In “Sun-Drenched Gardens,” author Jan Smithen visits stunning examples of the style in Italy, France, Spain and California.
Central Cost gardeners can learn a lot from this book, not just about design and appearance, but about the benefits of the plant species that make up a Mediterranean garden—their love of sun, their drought-tolerance, their classic shapes and inimitable fragrances. She also delves into the hardscape and the structure—the fountains, terraces, statuary, topiary, pergolas and terra-cotta pots that are the fundamental elements of Mediterranean style.
This beautifully illustrated book is an inspiration to local gardeners considering a change to a more eco-friendly landscape while retaining color and density. Our fortunate climate allow us to enjoy Mediterranean gardens to their fullest, whether, as in this book, in intimate courtyards or grand estates.
Posted by editor at 08:42 AM under outdoor living • book reviews
Monday, August 27, 2007
(Re)claim to Fame
Old Wood Shines Once More
Using reclaimed timber is a great way to go green while benefiting from the unparalleled beauty and depth of old wood.
California company TerraMai offers flooring, decking, paneling, siding and beams taken from old buildings and structures, such as bridges, tunnels, and railroad ties. Reclaimed wood also includes wood from orchards that are being replaced or replanted and wood from cut logs abandoned many decades or even centuries ago during wasteful logging operations.
Their flooring is gorgeous and full of character—for example, plantation-grown teak can’t compare to the old-growth Asian teak used to create this flooring. Each floor comes with its own distinctive story and visual character, and a wide range of colors, species and prices, both prefinished and unfinished. Whether you like deep amber and cinammon, or warm rose and burgundy, cool gold and nut brown, you’ll find the mix for you.
All flooring is milled from reclaimed or salvaged, chemical free, untreated wood. Installation of TerraMai floors is easily achieved using the same techniques as other tongue and groove flooring, resulting in a one-of-a kind, solid wood floor.
Posted by editor at 08:54 AM under flooring, tile & stone • green
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Conventional Wisdom Wrong
Green Building Not More Expensive
There is no statistically significant difference between the cost of green and non-green buildings, according to a recent report.
The July 2007 “Cost of Green Revisited” report updated an influential 2004 study of the cost of green building by Lisa Fay Matthiessen and Peter Morris of Davis Langdon. The authors concluded that there are so many huge cost factors in construction that it is not possible to detect any cost difference between sustainably constructed and conventional buildings.
Based on an analysis of the budgets for 221 projects, the report concludes that “buildings cannot be budgeted based on averages,” leaving open the question of whether a green approach affects cost.
Posted by editor at 06:37 AM under green • book reviews
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Go With the Flow
Hands-Free Faucet Saves More Than Water
With this faucet you can be hands-free and conserve water and energy. The SOLIS solar powered, sensor activated electronic faucet from Sloan has pre-tempered or hot and cold water options, an aerator to regulate water flow, and an integrated side mix for temperature control and sensor comfort.
The first solar-powered electronic faucet can use any light source. And if the lights go out, the battery backup can last up to 10 years. With no moving parts, the faucet is almost maintenance-free. And it’s good-looking!
Posted by editor at 09:34 AM under kitchens & baths • green
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Green Remodeling
Changing the World One Room at a Time
This is deservedly one of the most popular books on remodeling using sustainable resources. It treats the home holistically, showing how one element affects the others and how it affects the environment at large. We see how our choices for door or window materials for example, affects not only our health and well-being inside the home, but the home’s systems and the impact on the environnment from logging to transportation.
Room-by-room, with the aid of checklists, anecdotes and advice from other experts, author David Johnston shows us how to achieve healthier, more energy-efficient living spaces.
Posted by editor at 02:55 PM under green • book reviews
Monday, August 13, 2007
Breathe Easier
Formaldehyde-Free Plywood
Columbia has converted all of its hardwood plywood and particleboard facilities to a proprietary formaldehyde-free manufacturing system called PureBond. Cost-competitive with the similar urea formaldehyde (UF)-made hardwood plywood, Columbia’s PureBond formula is derived from soybeans, then enhanced with a proprietary resin, giving it particularly strong bonding and water-resistance qualities. It enables Columbia to completely eliminate formaldehyde from its standard veneer-core decorative panel production.
The panels are also compliant with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
Posted by editor at 10:15 AM under architecture & construction • green
Monday, August 06, 2007
Beyond Bamboo
Japanese Artists Live an Ancient Art
Approximately 600 varieties of bamboo grow in Japan but bamboo artists use only a few select types. TAI Gallery/Textile Arts in Santa Fe exhibits these unique bamboo baskets and sculpture. More locally, the gallery participates in art fairs in San Francisco.
There are now less than 100 working bamboo artists in Japan. Artists in training spend their first 10 years learning the basic techniques of cutting, dyeing, and plaiting bamboo. Another one or two decades are spent developing as an artist. Artists begin to gain full recognition as they come into their fifties and sixties. A number of basket makers are still working in their eighties.
Posted by editor at 10:18 AM under furniture & accessories
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Crossing Boundaries
A Global Vision of Design
Famed interior designer Vicente Wolf combines travel and design in this delightful book celebrating the design inspirations of exotic locales like Madagascar, Borneo and Syria. He takes cues from the colors, textiles and architecture of these cultures and incorporates them into his work. He shows us how to mix those ethnic influences to spice up our own environments, using pattern and color and proportion.
Posted by editor at 09:56 AM under book reviews
Monday, July 30, 2007
Life’s a Beach
A Store with Shoreline Style
Beach Dwelling is a site to delight lovers of breezy beach style. With furniture, bedding, lighting and accessories, this is the place to find all the elements of summery casual living.
You can pick up a chandelier in the colors of beach glass, a white-painted armoire, slip-covered sofas, lacy wrought iron beds and, of course, lots of beach-inspired accessories (check out the sea urchin candleholders). The store also carries a full range of Rachel Ashwell Shabby chic furniture, currently available with free shipping.
Posted by editor at 07:31 AM under furniture & accessories
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
California Mediterranean
Although its roots are elsewhere, California Mediterranean architecture is one of our few modern indigenous forms. This book, by Melva Levick and Marc Appleton, celebrates the best examples built during its heyday in the early part of the 20th Century. Architects like Addison Mizner, Wallace Neff and Julia Morgan (of Hearst Castle fame) contributed to some of the grandest and most pure expressions of the form.
California Mediterranean architecture flourished primarily along the coastal strip from Santa Barbara to San Diego, and this book includes several examples in Santa Barbara. It’s not only a celebration of an exuberant tradition, it’s a primer on the details that make up the form.
This is one coffee table book that won’t lie on the coffee table for long!
Posted by editor at 09:46 AM under book reviews
Monday, July 23, 2007
Standing Room Only
Gel Takes the Ache out of Cooking
You’ve finally got the kitchen floor you’ve been dreaming of—terracotta tile, smooth hardwood, stone. It looks gorgeous. But it’s literally hard to stand on for any length of time.
Gel Pro Chef mats can take the ache out of cooking on hard flooring. Filled with soft gel that absorbs shock and reduces pressure, the mats are stain resistant and easy to clean. According to the manufacturer, the gel will not leak if punctured and remains soft and resilient unlike foam kitchen floor mats.
The gel is covered with a woven synthetic leather available in several colors, including truffle, chestnut and khaki. Non-slip bottoms keeps the mats in place and an anti-microbial additive helps eliminate mold and mildew. Available online in two sizes, 20x36 and 20x72, from Let’s Gel, Inc.
Posted by editor at 08:40 AM under furniture & accessories • kitchens & baths
Friday, July 20, 2007
“Clean Your Room!”
Stackable Drawers Make it Easier
For kids who tend to collect “stuff,” these mini stackables might the answer to the ongoing storage question.
Designed to be customizable, all cabinets and drawers are modular so you can add on over time as your storage needs grow. Although designed for offices and craft rooms, they’re perfect for kids’ rooms.
Modules are available in maple wood with white drawers or walnut with black drawers, and the mini unit has casters. Drawers are offered in several depths. From bestcraftorganizer.com.
Posted by editor at 07:30 AM under furniture & accessories
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Perfect Neutrals
Color You Can Live With
Stone, grey, cream, taupe. Been there, done that. The new neutrals is a soft palette of greens, pinks, blues and other earth- and watercolors.
Stephanie Hoppen shows us how to bring color into our homes without losing the calm and soothing qualities of a neutral scheme. Author of several books on decorating with color, she brings her clear eye and dead-on sense of style to the art of building on a unified palette: how to layer colors, introduce textiles and mix patterns.
Under chapter headings like “Celadon to Pistachio,” “Lilac to Heather” and “Topaz to Terracotta,” Hoppen take us through the steps of tone, texture and pattern that create a pleasing whole. She helpfully names names, pointing readers toward designers, paint manufacturers, textile makers and others who meet her criteria. Gorgeous photography illustrates just how lush and warm a neutral room can be.
Posted by editor at 08:31 AM under book reviews
Monday, July 16, 2007
Off the Wall
Panels Help Keep Mold at Bay
Molds like to munch on paper. So one way to prevent mold is to remove that tasty snack from your walls.
DensArmor Plus paperless interior drywall is a mold-resistant interior gypsum panel featuring a glass-mat surface on both the front and back for interior protection from moisture.
For areas of high humidity, DensArmor Plus provides the added benefit of a moisture-resistant core. According to the manufacturer, the wallboard panels scored the highest level of performance for mold resistance under a standard test method, indicating no mold growth in a 4-week controlled laboratory test.
The paperless drywall panels cut and fasten like traditional gypsum drywall and carry a three-month in-place exposure warranty. They have received GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality Certifications, which recognize indoor products that have low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Posted by editor at 07:32 AM under architecture & construction
Friday, July 13, 2007
Fan Favorite
Where Do They Put the Blades?
Now that environmental and economic concerns are making us more conscious of our energy use, fans are getting hot again.
But we don’t always want to see those giant blades hanging about in every room. Enter the Air Shadow from Fanimation , which features retractable blades. When the fan is not in use, it presents a sleeker profile that doesn’t dominate the space.
Air Shadow fans are available from local retailers including Glow in San Luis Obispo, and Tri County Lighting and Everything Electric in Santa Barbara.
Posted by editor at 08:45 AM under lighting & fire
Monday, July 09, 2007
Bargain Bamboo
Saving Pennies While Saving the Planet
If you like the look and the green rating of bamboo floors but think it’s beyond your budget, Ikea has come to the rescue.
The company’s Kvist flooring is just $2.88 per square foot. It can be laid on concrete or over any existing flooring except wall-to-wall carpet. It’s easy to install, the 5-inch wide planks joined together with plastic strips for a visible or invisible joint. The flooring is surface treated for easy cleaning.
Posted by editor at 07:30 AM under flooring, tile & stone • green
Friday, July 06, 2007
Provençal Escapes
Inspirational Homes in Provençe and the Côte d'Azur
This is a book that makes you want to run for the hills—the hills above Nice. Caroline Clifton-Mogg has gathered a selection of wonderfully individual and authentic homes across the south of France, decorated with verve and clarity. Photographer Christopher Drake captures the essential spirit of these homes in stunning detail.
This is not the Provençe of roosters and primary colored prints. This is a much more subdued Provençe, yet as lively and full of warmth as a Riviera summer’s day. There are grand chateaux, airy bastides and tiny village houses. They range from classically sophisticated to casual and rustic. Yet they all share a regional legacy that is satisfyingly brought to life in these pages.
Posted by editor at 08:00 AM under book reviews
Monday, July 02, 2007
In the Clear
Glass Lights Up Lamps
Juliska Glass’s line of pendant lamps, like their other glassware, really shows off the craftsmanship of their glassblowers. The clear cylinders sport decorative touches that emphasize their natural shape and don’t interfere with the clarity of the lines. These are striking yet uncomplicated pieces. Alone or in a group, these pendants make a strong statement.
Juliska glass is mouth blown by artisans in the hills outside Prague. The techniques they use have been passed down through generations of skilled glassmakers. The unique composition of Juliska glass allows it to be blown especially thin, making the glass unexpectedly light and pleasurable to handle. No two pieces are identical and each is individually signed. All Juliska glass is lead-free.
Posted by editor at 07:09 AM under furniture & accessories • lighting & fire
Friday, June 29, 2007
Roll Out the Barrel
Metal Roofs Hit the Beach
If you love metal roofs but didn’t think your oceanfront home was a candidate, there’s good news from Follansbee. Their TCS II coated stainless steel is armored with a patented alloy, an electrochemically bonded coating of tin and zinc applied to both sides of stainless steel.
According to the company, TCS II exposed for five years at an oceanside test stand showed no signs of red rust. Researchers at California State University exposed samples to a 5% salt spray for over 12,500 hours with no evidence of corrosion. Other metal roof materials showed signs of corrosion in less than 1,200 hours, and no other has reached anywhere close to the 5,000-hour mark.
The metal develops a soft patina after exposure to the elements but is not degraded by heat or UV light and never needs to be painted. TCS II can be adapted to use in barrel roof applications, as shingles, and as specially constructed sections in flat or spherical shapes.
Posted by editor at 08:30 AM under architecture & construction
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House
Bringing Your Home into Harmony with Nature
Have you thought about making your next home safer, healthier, greener?
No need to wait! “Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House” makes clear that you don’t have to build new in order to enjoy a green home. You can reap many of the benefits through a remodel.