Tile Collection Combines Metals and Concrete - Beautiful

Ola,

Recently, I was reading my daily email from FRESH HOME and I came across an item that I thought was so BEAUTIFUL - THE FIRST TILE COLLECTION TO COMBINE METAL AND CONCREATE BY DECOTAL.

Decotal is the brainchild of its founder and creative director Adi Fainer, an award-winning industrial designer who envisioned the first collection of tiles to combine concrete and metals. The metals are laser cut into beautifully designed patterns that are cast in the engineered concrete making a seamless tile. Metal platings include chrome-nickel, silver, gold up to 24K gold and anodized in aluminum and titanium. The contrast between the metal cold shiny look and feel and the warm roughed concrete surface creates a special effect.

The tiles are hand made from engineered polymer concrete (EPC), require no maintenance and can be ordered in a large variety of colors. Metal graphics are unlimited and can be custom ordered to fit any required shape opening the way for unique designs and art works. 

I thought this would look as the bottom of a pool

EPC characteristics:

• Up to 3 times stronger than equivalent concrete surface.

• Outstanding durability and superb scratch resistance.

• Highly resistant to chemicals with anti-bacterial properties.

• Thermal and shock resistant. Excellent resistance to abrasion, impact and cracking.

• Seamless and impermeable. No need for sealers or any other protection systems.

• Highly resistant to UV light, weathering and temperatures up to 80°C .Color stable, can be installed outside, ideal for almost any environment.

• Anti-slip properties.

• Resistant to alkalies, acids, greases, oils, salts and other aggressive media.

• Easy maintenance, Easy to clean, hygienic.

• Bespoke installations and colors.

• Environmentally friendly.

How and where would you use these tiles? 





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Bamboo Products

Ola,

I have been in love with bamboo for a very long time.  I came across the plant while I was in a drug store in Los Angeles. They were selling 3 bamboo stalks in lovely little pots, which I later learned bring good luck to the owner.  From that moment, bamboo has intrigued me.

When I saw an article on HOUZZ entitled, 'BAMBOO PRODUCTS - EARTH FRIEND OR FOE?, it made me think about how I could use this material in my future projects.

"Bamboo was first found and used in China about 5,000 years ago. Technically classified as a grass, it grows faster than any other woody plant in the world. Since bamboo also needs few pesticides and fertilizers and little irrigation, it has become a popular environmentally friendly building solution."  

- Houzz.com

Here are some great things about Bamboo that I learned from the HOUZZ article:

• Bamboo can grow up to 3 or 4 feet per day and can reach maturity in five to eight ears — compared with 30 to 50 years for most trees.

• Bamboo reduces carbon dioxide gases; a grove can release 35 percent more oxygen into the air than a similar-sized plot of trees.

• Bamboo is an incredibly strong and durable wood. In some parts of Asia, it's used for sturdy scaffolding.

• Bamboo is durable and resistant to insects and moisture. 

• Timber bamboo can be grown successfully in the southern United States.

• The water-use efficiency of bamboo is estimated to be twice that of other trees, increasing its capability to handle harsh weather conditions such as droughts, floods and high temperatures.

• Bamboo grows quickly, can be harshly cut back with quick regrowth.

Here are some examples of uses of Bamboo 
in Interior Design:

LIVING ROOM WITH GOLDEN AROWANA BAMBOO FLOORING

I fell in love with this flooring:

ENGINEERED STRAND WOVEN BAMBOO TIGER

I also love BAMBOO in the kitchen:

WALNUT AND ZEBRAWOOD BAMBOO

Here is the article from HOUZZ.com that was inspiration for this blog post:

Bamboo Products — Earth Friend or Foe?

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After writing this article, I am so excited to find ways to incorporate BAMBOO in my future projects.  I am so in love with the ENERGY this material possesses!

Furniture Designers | Cisco Brothers

Ola,

I have decided to write about sustainable | eco-friendly furniture designers in my blog.

In today's blog, I would like to spot light John Derian's furniture line manufactured by the Cisco Brothers.

Cisco Brothers is an eco-friendly, family-run, California-based company. They use soy and petroleum-based foam, non-toxic glues and FSC certified domestic maple wood. 

Here are some of the pieces from the line that I liked:

TETE-A-TETE CHAIRS

The first item that caught my eye was the TETE-A-TETE CHAIRS.  They are a reproduction of a 19th century piece.  It would be a great to have a very good conversation in these. 

Thorntail Wingback Chair

This chair was inspired by an American piece dating back to 1870. The enormous proportions, indulging depth and large "wings" seem to envelop the sitter. I would love to sit in this chair with a good book and read for hours!!

Dromedary Loveseat

The Dromedary loveseat seems to be a timeless piece as far as style and period. I loved it because it just looks so comfortable.  Guests would love to sit on it for hours. For me, it would be another great place to curl up and read a good book (You can tell that I LOVE TO READ BOOKS!!!)

This line of furniture is very conservative and very different from my personal taste. Being that I am studying to become an Interior Designer, I feel it is very important to be knowledgable about different styles to help create pleasing designs for my clients.

To learn more about the Cisco Brothers, please go to the Cisco Brothers site.

SUSTAINABLE IN NEW ORLEANS AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA

Ola,

I received my weekly update from HOUZZ and I came across the article My Houzz: Newly Sustainable in New Orleans.  .  As you all already know by now, I AM CRAZY ABOUT HOUSES WITH SMALL FOOTPRINTS AND ARE ECOFRIENDLY | SUSTAINABLE!!!  This house marks a new beginning after HURRICANE KATRINA.

Here is some information on HURRICANE KATRINA:

"Hurricane Katrina was the deadliest and most destructive Atlantic hurricane of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. It was thecostliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recordedAtlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall. At least 1,833 people died in the hurricane and subsequent floods, making it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane; total property damage was estimated at $81 billion (2005 USD),^[1] nearly triple the damage brought by Hurricane Andrew in 1992." - Wikipedia.org

Jared Zeller and Jennifer Pearl had to begin again after Hurricane Katrinia.  They got their  inspiration for the new house from the MAKE IT RIGHT houses in the Ninth Ward of
New Orleans.

MAKE IT RIGHT was founded by Brad Pitt in 2007, Make It Right builds healthy homes, buildings and communities for people in need. All Make It Right projects are LEED Platinum certified and Cradle to Cradle inspired – meeting the highest standards of green building.

Make It Right Homes - New Orleans

With the inspiration from the MAKE IT RIGHT homes, Jared and Jennifer started by building their new home 8 feet (2.4384 meters) from the ground to make the house safer from flood water.  They have included so many eco-friendly and sustainable items in their new home, but my favorite piece in their home is the hanging Fireorb fireplace.  It burns denatured alcohol instead of gas or wood and it's modern design fits in perfectly with their new home.  

Other by New Orleans Architect Adam Breaux

To learn more about Jared and Jennifer's new home, here is the link to the article on HOUZZ:

My Houzz: Newly Sustainable in New Orleans

Jared and Jennifer's decision to build a new home after so much destruction is a true definition of RESILIANCE - 

"Resilience is the ability to work with adversity in such a way that one comes through it unharmed or even better for the experience. Resilience means facing life’s difficulties with courage and patience – refusing to give up. It is the quality of character that allows a person or group of people rebound from misfortune, hardships and traumas.

Resilience is rooted in a tenacity of spirit—a determination to embrace all that makes life worth living even in the face of overwhelming odds. When we have a clear sense of identity and purpose, we are more resilient, because we can hold fast to our vision of a better future.

Much of our resilience comes from community—from the relationships that allow us to lean on each other for support when we need it." 

- Wisdom Commons.org 

 May Jarod and Jennifer always have the LIGHT protect their new home!!!

Sustainable Bamboo Prototype Home in Nicaragua

Ola!!!!

As you all know by now, I am in love with eco-friendly/sustainable houses with a small footprint.
Today, I came across an article on HOUZZ.COM entitled - Sustainable Bamboo for a Prototype Home in Nicaragua. 
When I saw the front door screen that was made from bamboo rings, I immediately knew that I would have to learn more about this house!!!!  Would it be great for life here in Hawai'i?

Here is the link to the article:

My Houzz: Sustainable Bamboo for a Prototype Home in Nicaragua

Hourglass LED Lamp Powered By Falling Sand

Ola!!!

While having my second cup of coffee and reading my emails, I came across an article entitled - Danielle Trofe’s LED Hourglass Lamps Are Powered by Falling Sand.

The article said:

"After the debut of her Live Screen hydroponic garden during NY Design Week 2012, Brooklyn-based designer Danielle Trofe is returning this year with a new series of off-the-grid LED lighting fixtures that are illuminated using the power of falling sand. Based on the shape of the hourglass, the new lamps need to be flipped to continue working and require the user’s involvement to stimulate awareness of the finite nature of lighting energy sources."

And this is what I fell in LOVE with: 

Danielle Trofe's Hourglass Floor Lamp

Danielle Trofe's Hourglass Table Lamp

I read more about Danielle Trofe's work on the Wanted Design website and the first paragraph in her writeup struck a deep cord with me:

"Danielle Trofe Design promotes a function-forward, sustainable and socially responsible approach to furniture and lighting design.  Keeping mindful of the philosophy that with creation comes the responsibility to not only bring beauty into the world, but to do so with little environmental impact, while serving a functional need within society."

After seeing the photos of Ms. Trofe's latest work, I can most definitely say that she is bringing to the forefront lighting design that is function-forward, sustainable and socially responsible. 

What do you think about these lamps?

What are your opinions about being sustainable and socially responsible?

Green Design Principles

Ola!!!!

My most important goal is to incorporate GREEN DESIGN PRINCIPLES into my future design projects.

I read a very interesting article on WILLIAMS SONOMA MARKET PLACE entitled GREEN DECORATING FACTS EVERY INTERIOR DESIGNER SHOULD KNOW by Jay Johnson.

"If you know the facts, it's a systematic approach to help your clients stay healthy, lessen their impact on the environment, and save money."  

- Jay Johnson, Williams and Sonoma Market Place

The Five Principles of Green Design: 

• Energy efficiency
• Use of low-impact materials
• Use of high-quality, durable materials
• Design for reuse or recycling, and the use of recycled materials
• Conservation of water.

FSC CERTIFIED - West Elm WOOD-SLAT EXPANDABLE
DINING COLLECTION

I am sure you are wondering what is FSC CERTIFIED?  I was too, so here is some information on The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC):

• FSC is an independent, non-profit organization that protects forests for future generations. 

• They are an open, membership-led organization that sets standards under which forests and companies are certified. Their membership consists of three equally weighted chambers -- environmental, economic, and social -- to ensure the balance and the highest level of integrity.

• FSC US is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and operates as a National Office of FSC International, which is based in Bonn, Germany. 

Pottery Barn HASTINGS RECLAIMED WOOD COFFEE TABLE

Here are a few green design elements that every designer should keep in mind:

• Higher Home Resale Value
• Energy Savings
• Green Is Easy
• Brighter Ideas
• Reuse, Recycle
• Product Lifecycles
• Support Green Vendors

Do you use Green Design Principles in your projects?

Do you feel that being 'GREEN' is a fad that is no longer popular?