Why are Countertops Needed?

Have you seen any kitchen, bathroom, or area where work is performed without any countertop? If you have, doesn’t it look too messy without it? Wherever some kind of work activity takes place, it is necessary to have a support so that the work can be done smoothly and after that, if there is any need, the place can be cleaned easily. So much is the requirement for the countertops these days that these rooms do not look complete without them.

Out of all the counterparts used, Quartz countertops are the most sought after countertops. Those who want to have an everlasting look of their kitchen, bath or work room like to go for Quartz countertops due to its durability and availability in different colours. Countertops are a fun to change too, should you want to do it yourself. The satisfaction that will come from seeing your own handwork is immeasurable. You can combine functionality with self-help while choosing quartz countertops.

Kitchen countertops also give an aesthetic appeal to your kitchen. You can buy a colour according to the flooring, tiles or paint colour of your walls. Some people also like to create a sitting space in the kitchen where family can get together informally and have food together or discuss their whole day events. They also serve as a table where generation X meet oldies and try to understand their values and principles.

If you like designer stuff, you can even experiment with a zigzag cutting where the edges can be moulded so that they don’t hurt anyone. This is one of the newest and revolutionary ideas and only people with innovative mindset would actually take a step to implement it. Only quartz gives you a chance to be creative and at the same time be wild in the way you wish to decorate your home.

CAESARSTONE, THE WORLD’S FIRST QUARTZ SURFACE, IS AVAILABLE ON iPHONE

Van Nuys, CA (December 10, 2009) CaesarStone, the original quartz surface manufacturer, launches a unique, free iPhone “MobileGallery™,” application that gives consumers, designers and dealers alike a pocket-sized tool to browse and order samples from the remarkable lineup of CaesarStone countertops & surfaces, it was announced today by Arik Tendler, CaesarStone President.

“iPhone technology is a unique cultural phenomenon,” says Tendler. “CaesarStone is proud to make our product line available to our customers, architects and designers in innovative new ways. Colors can be viewed using the iPhone as a portable sample chip, helping the consumer to make informed, on the spot purchase decisions. For designers and dealers, it specifies material and allows for instant referencing of the CaesarStone library.”

CaesarStone’s “MobileGallery” application, developed by Rumble Design, Inc., was designed around the way the company’s product is presented online and in the field. “CaesarStone is offering a brand experience beyond the showroom,” said Jake Rumble, President, Rumble Design. “The iPhone’s platform and features provide powerful mobile tools for a progressive audience.”

The special functions of the application include:

Surface Browser – Allows the user to see size/color accurate samples. The scrolling features allow for viewing that goes beyond the edges of the iPhone. Additionally, the user can toggle over each sample to see how that surface looks in an application.

Surface Calculator – Allows users to calculate how much product they will need for their installation.

Free Sample Ordering – Users can immediately order free samples with one click.

FREE downloads of this application are available for iPhone users via the Apple iTunes App Store or the direct link from www.CaesarStoneUS.com.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY, St. Louis, MO and Atlanta, GA. CaesarStone produces premium quartz surfaces that compliment any design from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a residential lifetime warranty, CaesarStone countertops are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance according to stringent international environmental standards including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety). A sustainable material, CaesarStone is GREENGUARD certified and is a member of The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

For more information about CaesarStone please visit: www.CaesarStoneUS.com or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Green Trends in Kitchen & Bath Design

A Recent Product Trend Report By Kitchen & Bath News Recently Visited The World Of Green Countertops. While Many People Claim To Want To Be More Conscious Of The Environment In Every Aspect Of Living, Not Everyone Is Willing To Spend For It. While The Green Trend May Not Have Fully Permeated The Kitchen And Bath Industry Yet, At Lesast In Terms Of Spending Patterns, In The World Of Countertops, Sustainable Design Seems To Be The Hottest Trend Around. At Least That’s What The Manufacturers Who Were Interviewed By Kitchen & Bath Design News Are Saying. They Maintain That The Future Of The Countertop Industry Will Be Defined By Durable, Sustainable Countertops With Plenty Of Design Appeal.

Indeed, Sustainable Countertops, New Colors And Patterns, Countertops Featuring A Sense Of Depth And Products Designed With Long-Term Cost Savings In Mind Are Clearly In Vogue Today, Manufacturers Agree.

“The Future Of Our Business Is In Creating Quality Products That Are Sustainable And Have High Performance, While Not Sacrificing Design,” States Lorenzo Marquez, Director Of Marketing For Cosentino North America, In Stafford, Tx.

Marquez, Like Many Others In The Field, Believes It Is Now More Important Than Ever For Manufacturers To Produce A Quality Product That Helps Preserve The Environment.

“Consumers Are Looking To Do Good And Feel Good About Their Countertop Choice.” Says Maureen Mcgeehan, Marketing Manager For Dupont Surfaces In Wilmington, De.

Ferron Dunham, Marketing Manager For Lg Surfaces In Peoria, Az, Concurs, Stating, “Surfaces That Give Back To Nature And Are On Target With The Color Trends Will Be The Best Sellers.”

Taly Dunevich, Director Of Marketing For The Van Nuys, Ca-Based Caesarstone, Sees That Trend Toward A More Contemporary Look, With Colors That Are “Consistent, Rich And Less ‘Noisy’ Than Granite.” Dunevich Also Notices A Movement Toward Surfaces That Have Some Kind Of Pattern Or Texture.

While Going Green And Adding New Colors And Patterns Are Popular, There Also Seems To Be A More Subtle Change As Consumers Look For Alternatives To Granite.

“Now That Granite Is Showing Up In Gas Station Bathrooms, I Think That People Are Really Looking For Something New And Different,” Says Karen Righthand, Director Of Marketing For Vetrazzo, In Richmond, Ca. “We’ve Seen This Trend In Countertops Before. Historically, Every 10 Years Or So, A New Material Kind Of Drives A Wedge In And Starts To Open The Door.”

This New Trend Is Seemingly Quartz Countertops, According To Dale Mandell, North America Sales Director For Samsung Staron. “Quartz Is Beginning To Rival Granite In A Big Way,” He Says. “Quartz Surfaces Use Mined, Natural Quartz (One Of The Hardest Minerals Found In Nature) That Are Blended With Technologically Advanced Polymers. The Result Is A Durable, Stain-Resistant, Scratch-Resistant Surface.”

CaesarStone Introduces MOTIVO™, World’s First Quartz Surface with Embossed Look and Feel

CaesarStone, the original quartz countertops and surfaces manufacturer, proudly presents Motivo, a new pattern-designed technique for its quartz surfaces. Launching in November of 2009, Motivo is another groundbreaking innovation from the company that pioneered the use of quartz in surfacing material over two decades ago.

To create Motivo, CaesarStone uses a unique patented polishing method to create contrasting gloss and matte finish on its quartz surfaces. The stunning, intricate motifs add character and style to any décor.

Motivo is the perfect material for a multitude of applications including kitchen backsplashes, shower walls, countertops, vanity tops, wall paneling, bar tops, custom-made furniture and more. Since there are no minimum order requirements for Motivo, it is a perfect option for projects of all sizes.

Motivo will be available in two patterns:

Lace 2116 – This delicate floral pattern adds elegance and grace to a room. The subtle design in brilliant white is traditional yet trendsetting and unique.

Crocodile 3117 – This dramatic and daring pattern adds a sense of adventure to any space. An exotic black surface, Crocodile adds depth, intrigue and excitement to interior designs.

The technique used to achieve Motivo’s signature looks has been carefully developed in order to maintain the integrity of CaesarStone’s high-quality standards and physical properties. As with all CaesarStone surfaces, Motivo in nonporous and low-maintenance; additionally, one of the biggest advantages of Motivo is that it remains in full compliance with CaesarStone’s global quality standards.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz surface manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; New York, NY and Atlanta, GA. CaesarStone produces premium quartz countertops and surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Offering a residential lifetime warranty, their products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance according to stringent international environmental standards including ISO 14001 (environmental management system), ISO 9002 (quality management standard), and NSF (public health and safety). A sustainable material, CaesarStone is GREENGUARD certified, a is a member of USGBC (The U.S. Green Building Council) certification.

For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Beautiful Modern San Francisco Home Built on a Steep Hill

Featured in this year’s American Institute of Architects Home Tour the other weekend, hundreds of people walked through Strachan Forgan's San Francisco, but few of them probably realized that the double-height living room, the dramatic open staircase and the luxurious Italian kitchen with quartz countertops could all be theirs - should they be in the market for a rather stunning modern home priced at around $1,479,000 price.

The two-bedroom residence at 1223 Bosworth St. was designed and built by Forgan, an architect at Sasaki, for him and his wife Melissa in 2007. Forgan said after buying the snug, nonconforming lot overlooking Glen Canyon Park in 2004, the site was "a gaping tooth on the neighborhood block" - but it represented just the sort of challenge he relished: how to create a sunlit, stylish home on a steep infill lot only 25 feet wide.

And for his efforts, the home won Forgan a Custom Home Design Award this year that described it as “a compact jewel of a house that packs a ton of sophisticated living on its speck of urban real estate.” This modern interpretation of a San Francisco row house with a multitude of green features also earned Forgan the respect of his neighbors. In order to ensure one neighbor retained his view, for example, he carved a corner out of the home's facade with its dramatic double-height bay window.

The house has been designed on four stories. The lowest level comprises a generous garage, a built-in wine cellar and storage space. The first floor combines the living and dining areas as well as the kitchen with its Arclinea cabinets, CaesarStone countertops and Italian Graniti Fiandre tile underfoot. Folding Nana-Wall doors open onto a small, beautifully designed rear garden with Ipe hardwood decking, tiled planters, natural gas barbecue and water fountain.

Much consideration has been given to making the home as energy efficient as possible with its high-performance envelope, radiant heating under edge-grain amber bamboo floors, nonporous quartz countertops and Energy Star appliances.

The owners, who are moving on in order to build their next home - they already are scouting another infill site in the city on which to work their magic - say they have loved living in the Glen Park neighborhood with its library, restaurants and markets. Forgan added he will miss the "ping" of balls being hit in the baseball diamond across the street. "There's something very soothing about that sound," he said.

Readmore:http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/27/RE0G19RLLP.DTL#ixzz0SXJ5XkLP

Creativity Leads to Success in Economic Recession

The construction industry may arguably be the worst hit industry affected by the economic recession. Now small and mid-sized companies in the construction and remodeling business are looking to use innovative new ideas to survive and also strengthen their position for the upcoming years.

Being a strong competitor among a struggling market, innovation is an upside of any economic, according to Ed Rogers Director of Business Development for CaesarStone in Van Nuys, one of the largest producers of quartz countertops and surfacing the world.

The company, which has been rooted in innovation since its, is responding to the economic downturn by preparing to launch two new lines of products early next year that anticipate changes in the industry as a result of the recession.

“Houses will be smaller, people will be staying in them longer, the days of the “McMansion” are over;” he said. “Products will be used longer, hotels are not going to be remodeling their rooms every few months, they’re going to be looking for durable materials that can withstand the test of time,” he added. “And ‘recycled’ is a huge deal, it’s something consumers can really connect with.”

The company will be introducing new colors of quartz countertops and surfacing material made out of recycled glass, mirrors and scraps of quartz, that still maintains the overall integrity of quartz countertops surfacing.

CaesarStone will also be launching a limited option of colors at a lower price point, to help builders and consumers looking to lower costs in the short term as well as the long term through durable products. Along with a continued focus on greening their products and sustainability, these strategic efforts will hopefully allow the company to continue having a strong foothold in the countertops market as it recovers.

CAESARSTONE NAMES 30 WINNERS IN THEIR DREAM DESIGN CONTEST

$45,000 in Cash Prizes Awarded

One 1^st, 2^nd and 3rd Prize Winners Named

Six 4^th Place and Twenty-One 5th Place Winners Named

Van Nuys, CA (October 8, 2009) – CeasarStone, the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer, named 30 winners in their online Dream Design Contest which began April 1, 2009 and ended September 30, 2009.

CaesarStone president Arik Tendler announced the following winners:

1^st Place: $5,000

Stephanie Boldon, Environetics

2^nd Place: $4,000

Bruce Benning, Benning Design

3^rd Place: $3,000

Jorge A. Martinez, Designer Kitchens L.A.

4^th Place: $2,000

Karen Kassen, Kitchens Unlimited

Sandy Hayes, Hayes Designs LLC

Chris Donaghy, Kitchen Brokers

Mike Hui, M-Studio

Jerrid Greenbaum, Southland Kitchen Design Studio

Micky Yannay, Best of Italy Designer Kitchens

5^th Place: $1,000

Rochelle Silberman, McCutcheon Construction

Sol Quintana Wagoner, Jackson Design and Remodeling

Laurie Belinda Haefele, Haefele Design

Michael Borrelli, Borrelli Design + Cabinetry

Michel Embry & Jeff Mahon, Studio Snaidero Naples

Shimon Garibi, Elite Kitchens

Phyllis Paul, Phyllis Paul Interior Design ASID

Michael Stauffer, Excel Interior Concepts & Construction

David Ebers, Domus Ojai

Jason Landau and Susanne Mordoh, Amazing Spaces LLC

Susan Jay, Susan Jay Design

Daren Doss, Chadbourne + Doss Architects

Chet Basher, Sparta Trades Kitchens and Baths

Brittney Fischbeck, Abodwell

Cheryl Kees Clendenon, In Detail

Meghan Lewellyn, Kitchen and Bath Galleries of Wilmington

Lori Freeman, KDI Elements

Jo Ann Hartley, Hershon Hartley Design, Inc.

Lisa Wilson-Wirth, Arclinea San Diego

Judy A. McCaffrey, Etc. Kitchens and Baths

Carmina Dumitru, DMD Marble & Granite, Inc.

“We literally had hundreds of incredibly stunning entries in the Dream Design Contest,” said Tendler. “We sincerely thank all who entered the contest and shared their designs. I’m thrilled by the response and proud to see the many different applications of our beautiful product.”

CaesarStone created the Dream Design Contest to showcase the work of innovative designers using the versatile quartz countertops surface. For the competition, designers were asked to go to the CaesarStone website and enter their projects by uploading at least five photos and a brief description of their design in order to win cash prizes. The entries could be residential or commercial projects as long as CaesarStone was the sole material utilized.

The 30 winners were chosen for the quality and beauty of their designs by a panel of judges. A broad range of creative uses of CaesarStone were represented in the winning selections, from residential bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms, to commercial applications and even furniture design.

All the winning designs are featured on the CaesarStone website, www.CaesarStoneUS.com/dreamdesign.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz countertops manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Miami, New York and Atlanta. CaesarStone produces premium quartz surfaces, complementing any design application, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. CaesarStone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide.

Featuring a residential lifetime warranty, CaesarStone countertops are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from The Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is compliant with international environment standards ISO 14001 (environmental management system) and ISO 9002 (quality management standard). CaesarStone also has GREENGUARD and NSF (public health and safety) certification and is a member of The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

For more information about CaesarStone and its products, please visit www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Looking for the Perfect Countertop? Choose Quartz.

With the market flooded with hundreds of options, it is no easy task to pick an ideal material for your kitchen countertop. The material of a countertop determines its life, durability, usability and ease of cleaning because kitchen countertops often have sinks, stoves and chopping boards installed on them.

An ideal material for countertops would have to be non-porous, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant and versatile. It should not be prone to cracking, chipping and breakage. A material that absorbs organic fluids is a breeding ground for microorganisms and prone to stains that are difficult, if not impossible, to clean.

Conventionally, countertops come in various materials like wood, stainless steel, crafted glass, concrete, solid-surface plastic, laminates, tiles and natural stones like granite, limestone, marble, soapstone and gabbros. The latest and most popular material for countertops at the moment is natural or engineered quartz. While pure quartz countertops are made from slabs of natural quartz, engineered quartz has a certain percentage of polymer resin mixed in it. Engineered quartz fares better than natural quartz in terms of scratch resistance and non-porous properties. A quartz countertop enhances the look of the kitchen and is the most practical option in terms of cleaning and maintenance.

Since Quartz countertops are non-porous and scratch resistant, they make a better choice over wood and plastic. While marble and concrete and prone to staining owing to their porosity, keeping a quartz countertop flawlessly clean and scratch-free is a piece of cake. Moreover, quartz countertops come in a wide variety of patterns, textures and colors to suit your décor and personal tastes.

Georgia Hotel Indigo Seeks LEED Gold

I may be going out on a limb, but of all the real property types – whether multifamily, commercial, retail, etc – hotels probably have the most consistent focus on green operations. They’re always trying to find ways to save energy or water, and they know their footprint. When you add LEED certification, which in this case means (anticipated) LEED Gold certification for the new Hotel Indigo in Athens, there’s an interesting combination of the already existing concern for operations and the LEED emphasis on design and construction.

We all know that a green building is hard to define, but there’s more to the equation than energy and water. This hotel was designed by Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein and constructed with locally-sourced materials and recycled content products, like quartz countertops.

The rooms have a custom vanity made with Plyboo architectural plywood and Caesarstone countertops. They also have their own recycling centers and are outfitted with CFLs and energy efficient lighting. Don’t be surprised to find water-efficient Kohler Purist fixtures in the shower either.

The building itself was designed with sustainability in mind. It was oriented to allow maximum daylighting while still controlling interior heat gain. There’s a green roof, large windows with exterior shading, high efficiency HVAC, technology to collect HVAC condensation for irrigation and landscaping, enhanced bioswale, pervious paving, and regenerative elevator. Hotel Indigo was built using low-emitting materials, adhesives, and paints, too. You shouldn't smell a thing.

Barbara Corcoran Answers Questions about Kitchen Improvements

Here’s a roundup of the questions she’s most often asked about kitchen improvements. Whether you’re looking to buy or hoping to sell, the condition of the kitchen will have a big impact on the final price. A new kitchen, complete with fancy upgrades, will add thousands of dollars to the value of a home. On the other hand, an outdated kitchen will not only lower the value of a home but will also make it much more difficult to sell. What to do? If you’re looking to sell, Barbara’s got some great advice about where you should spend your money on kitchen upgrades. If you’re looking to buy, you’ll find great advice about what upgrades add real value to a home and which ones aren’t worth the money.

Q I purchased a two-bedroom apartment in Harlem two years ago. I plan to stay at least another 10 years. I’d like to replace the cheap countertops, but can’t decide between granite and Silestone. Will it make a big difference in resale value?

A As far as your return on your investment, you can get two bucks out for every dollar you spend on your kitchen — but spend your money wisely. Granite countertops are already out, and those new [quartz countertops], like Silestone or CaesarStone, are more popular for a few reasons. [Quartz countertops] offer the look and feel of real granite but are both stain- and scratch-resistant and, unlike granite, don’t need to be resealed every few years; that makes it almost maintenance-free. Silestone and CaesarStone countertops also come in a wide range of colors, but pick a neutral shade so your kitchen will still look fresh 10 years out.

Before you sell: Kitchen improvements to make now:

• Refinish the backsplash. You can add color and contrast above the counter with inexpensive paint, tile, glass or ceramic. The area you need to cover is small, but changing it makes a big difference.
• Buy old, not new. You can buy new or slightly used countertops, flooring, cabinets and appliances at salvage shops like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores. You can even get them free at freecycle.org and freesharing.org.
• Revamp, don’t replace, cabinets. You can give cabinets a fresh coat of paint, or sand and stain them. If the cabinet doors are old-fashioned or worn, you can keep the cabinet boxes and replace just the doors for about half what it would cost to put in new cabinets. Adding new knobs or drawer pulls can also update your kitchen.
• Add or update your island. Built-in and free-wheeling islands add both workspace and storage space to your kitchen, and most buyers love them. If you want the island to look like permanent furniture, add a baseboard.
• Upgrade your appliances. One fancy appliance can make an entire kitchen look modern. Appliances with the Energy Star label use the least energy, and you’ll usually recoup the cost of the appliance through lower energy bills in less than five years.
• Resurface your countertops. Laminating your countertops can cost as little as $500 for an entire kitchen. No need to pull up your countertops, just apply the laminate on top. And today’s new laminates look high-end.
• Replace floor covering. Bamboo or engineered wood floors are inexpensive, long-lasting and sustainable, and the cheapest tile flooring has a lot more appeal than the most expensive linoleum.

View the entire article here.

Seattle Homes & Lifestyles Featured Home: Global Fusion

The Goncharenkos are a well-traveled family. Galina and Vadim, who are originally from Russia, moved to the United States nine years ago & frequently travel overseas. Though they have seen much of the world, home is where their heart is.
The Goncharenkos’ home is a 1,850-square-foot condo in downtown Bellevue—a simple and stylish space with perfect European flair. It was purchased in 2005 by Galina and Vadim, who needed a designer who could bring their worldly ideas into one cohesive design. That is when they found Lena Fomichev of LF Interior Design.

“I tried to unify every single area to have the same feeling,” says interior designer Lena Fomichev, who made several changes in the kitchen to achieve this goal. To allow more light into the room, she removed a row of hanging cabinets that blocked views out the windows. She also incorporated colors and materials used in the rest of the condo: sand-colored CaesarStone quartz countertops, teak cabinets and drawers, and blue glass tile for a watery shimmer on the backsplash.

The entire home gives a very earthy feel, inspired by three elements of fire, water, and air. Tan floors, sandy countertops, warm wooden surfaces and ice blue ceilings create a pleasant beach-like feeling.

“We are so happy that this was made into reality with Lena’s help,” Vadim says. “All of our friends and guests feel so comfortable here—when we invite someone over for tea, they end up staying three or four hours.” The Goncharenkos enjoy their home so much that sometimes they too find it hard to leave. After moving in, Galina told Fomichev, “I don’t want to go anywhere. This place is heaven for me.”

For more information on this design visit the original article here. For more information on CaesarStone Quartz Countertops please visit here.

Sneak Peek at the 2009 Showtime House

Metropolitan Home and Showtime have teamed up again this year, following the success of last year’s Showtime House with even bigger and better plans for this year’s installation. This time, 14 renowned designers will transform not one, but two New York penthouses into the ultimate multimedia showhouse with rooms inspired by Showtime's 6 Original Series; Californication, Dexter, Nurse Jackie, The Tudors, United States of Tara and Weeds. Each piece of the rooms, from flooring to countertops to furniture to window treatments, will be inspired by elements of the 6 shows.

One local blogger gave the public a sneak peek at the designer’s sketches and intended designs straight from Metropolitan Home. While last year’s centerpiece muse was Dexter, this year’s seems to be Hank Moody (character played by David Duchovny) of Californication. The hit show fuses Hank’s hometown of NYC with his latest place of residence, Hollywood, and all the sinful temptations that come with it. With Hank, Hollywood, sex, and bad habits as their inspiration, designers Markus Dochantschi, Susannah Drake, and Joannah Kornak for Holly Hunt each interpreted the sinful plotline as fuel for their stunning spaces.

For Dexter, who’s been leading a much different and conflicted lifestyle in recent plotlines of the show, designer and former TV Producer Marie Aiello created a Foyer/Gallery, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen and Terrace to capture the many sides of this complex character played by Michael C. Hall. Whether Dexter is passing through the foyer, hanging out in the living room with the kids, or thoughtfully cutting vegetables on the kitchen countertops with a newly sharpened knife, Marie Aiello has designed a space to accommodate the many sides of Dexter. “I want my space to speak to Dexter’s conflict and inner torment but be rendered in not so obvious ways. Each room is sophisticated and seductive but not too pretty,” says Aiello.

From Showtime’s Press Release: Building on last year's success, Showtime is incredibly excited to once again partner with Metropolitan Home for this one-of-a-kind experience," says Len Fogge, Showtime Executive VP, Creative & Marketing. "The combination of the latest in innovative modern design and Showtime's cutting-edge programming forms an organic environment where consumers can physically experience and explore the Showtime brand. The house allows visitors to get a deeper insight into the characters and storylines that solidify Showtime as the premiere destination for compelling programming.”

This year's line-up of incredible design talent includes Marie Aiello, James Biber, Christopher Coleman and Angel Sanchez, Markus Dochantschi at Studio MDA, Susannah Drake, Francine Gardner, Holly Hunt and Joannah Kornak for Holly Hunt, Andrew Kotchen and Matthew Berman of Workshop/apd, Paul Latham, Piero Lissoni, Kara Mann, Richard Mishaan, and Surfacedesign. Each designer has been assigned a room and an inspiring Showtime series, such as Californication, Dexter, Nurse Jackie, The Tudors, United States of Tara, and Weeds. Interior designers from the Savannah College of Art & Design are also creating an innovative entryway for the showhome.

Today’s top brands will integrate their products within the house including premier sponsor Time Warner Cable and preferred partners AKO, Alessi, Benjamin Moore, Blanco, CaesarStone Quartz Countertops, Crystallized - Swarovski Elements, Elica, Flou, Kraftmaid, Miele, Molteni & C, Napoleon, and Swarovski Crystal Palace.

Original blog post: http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2009/08/sneak-peek-of-2009-metropolitan-home.html

Austin Home Achieves Top Ratings in Three Green Building Programs

House earned LEED-Platinum, NAHB-Gold, and Austin Energy Green Building 5-Star Certification, plus Energy Star qualification.

EcoHome Magazine’s latest Case Study is about as green as you can get - a home in Austin, Texas that was designed and constructed from head to toe, from roofing, to countertops, to windows, to flooring, in such a way that earned top-level certification in four different green building programs.

For such an incredibly complicated project, it’s no wonder that the home’s verifier Chip Henderson compiled a simple three-page spreadsheet that included the mandatory requirements of each program to help him get organized.

“We took a look at the four programs and folded them into one to-do list,” recalls Henderson, of San Antonio-based Contects Consultants and Architects. “We realized that if we stuck to this one to-do list, at the end of the day we’d cross the finish line with all four of the programs.”

And so it seems, Henderson’s organizational skills paid off: The 3,266-square-foot home obtained top ratings by the three most widely accepted green building programs in Austin: LEED-Platinum, NAHB Model Green Home Building Gold, and Austin Energy Green Building 5-Star. The house is also Energy Star-qualified.

Designed by Austin-based Barley & Pfeiffer Architects, the home features advanced framing techniques, spray-foam insulation, high-efficiency air conditioning, energy-efficient windows, low-VOC interior finishes, a tankless hot water heater, CaesarStone quartz countertops, dual-flush toilets, and compact fluorescent light fixtures. A 3-kW solar photovoltaic array on the southeast roofline of the home offsets energy consumption by 25%.

The open kitchen features integrated Miele stainless steel appliances and Caesarstone quartz countertops.

While certifying a home in three major green building programs plus Energy Star may seem like overkill, Henderson says there are marketing benefits to the approach.

“You’re supporting the regional program for the local recognition that your consumers may be familiar with and at the same time combining that with at least one national program,” he says. “Depending on how you’re marketing your company, it has some advantages.”

Those involved in the project said they learned a lot about the programs’ similarities and differences.

“All of the programs have a lot of commonality because the building science community’s consensus of what we need to be doing to really call a house high-performance is very similar,” Henderson says. “So it wasn’t like comparing apples to oranges, it was more like a Fuji compared to Pink Lady--just variations but not radically different.”

Dwyane Wade’s New Chicago Townhouse features CaesarStone Countertops

Dwyane Wade’s New Chicago Townhouse features CaesarStone Countertops, a rooftop terrace, and views of the river.

According to Chicago Magazine, Dwyane Wade, who has always embraced his hometown of Chicago, got a sweet deal on a newly remodeled towhome in Kinzie Park. For those who don’t know, Dwyane Wade, US Basketball Olympic gold medalist and all-star guard for the Miami Heat, played his college ball just up Interstate 94 in Milwaukee and he’s made his South Side roots the cornerstone of his public persona. In fact, rumors fly every year about Wade potentially getting traded to the Bulls. For most people, this kind of trade would make sense.

And so it seems that this new home will serve as the celebrity Chicago native’s (and apparent housing expert) swinging bachelor pad for the times Wade is back in his hometown. What’s more, this townhome had a list price of $1.7 million, but Wade apparently got a great deal, only paying $1.4 million. Find the listing below.

Fabulous 3900+ square foot luxury riverfront, newly remodeled townhome in Kinzie Park. Hardwood Floors in Living room, dining room, kitchen, stairs; slate floors in foyer & family room - opens to fenced yard on river’s edge. Fireplaces in living room and master bedroom; kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, wine cooler & custom wet bar. Balcony with gas grill adjacent to kitchen, river view Master Suite and CaesarStone Quartz Countertops, marble floors, steam shower & soaking tub, closet organizers. Rooftop terrace w/great views. 2 car garage + 2 additional spaces at $40,000 each.

According to Chicago Magazine, the townhouse was built in 2000 and “newly remodeled.” Seems pretty nice for a place to crash in between seasons.

Original Story: http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/dwyane-wades-new-17m-chicago-townhouse-25513

Build a Green Home for Practically Nothing

A recent LA Times Article reported on sponsors occasionally donating thousands of dollars in high-end goods to home builders and designers. In exchange, manufacturers expect owners to open the homes for occasional public touring.

Some savvy Southern Californians have figured out how to get new green homes for practically nothing. An increasing number of entrepreneurs have persuaded companies such as bathroom fixture maker Kohler, quartz countertops manufacturer CaesarStone, appliance manufacturer Dacor and cabinet designer Bazzeo to provide free or discounted materials for newly built or remodeled homes. Nearly a dozen such houses have sprouted around Southern California. Virtually all are in the $1 million-to-$2 million range, though the freebies enabled owners to spend significantly less.

Why would a manufacturer be willing to donate as much as $100,000 worth of products to a home owner? This story is a hint to the answer: publicity. Think of it as swag on a grand scale. Just as a fashion house may give away its latest handbag so it can be seen attached to the arm of a much-photographed starlet, manufacturers of home appliances, countertops, fixtures and finishes are giving away their goods in hopes of being noticed in high-profile modern homes.

The catch: The homes have to showcase environmentally friendly design. Some manufacturers are going after projects with the U.S. Green Building Council's highest rating for sustainable design and building practices. Others go for green homes with celebrities attached to them. Regardless of who owns the place, manufacturers expect the homes to open for occasional public touring -- sometimes for a whole year -- and owners to discuss the virtues of the products in question, be it a CaesarStone countertop or General Electric appliance.

Such arrangements are nothing new. Traditional show houses, often sponsored by a magazine or a nonprofit organization raising money for charity, call for designers to make over a residence for free, often using products that are donated in exchange for a promotional push. What makes the new green show houses different is not only the emphasis on sustainability, but also the fact that they often are, first and foremost, private residences owned and inhabited by the builders themselves, whose living space essentially becomes a billboard for sponsors.

One recent house like this sponsored by House Beautiful magazine was the Kitchen of the Year, which showcased CaesarStone quartz countertops, Kohler & Viking appliances, and KraftMaid cabinets and boasted celebrity designers Christopher Peacock and Ina Garten. This kitchen had a large opening in New York City’s Rockefeller Center. The publicity was amazing, and it even made appearances on Good Morning America. So if you don’t mind opening your home up to the world, then cruising for sponsors to help build your dream green home may be right up your alley.

Highlights from the 2009 Kitchen of the Year with Ina Garten

Finally, it’s time for the unveiling of this year’s Kitchen of the Year! House Beautiful rebuilt famous chef Ina Garten's kitchen in the middle of Manhattan's Rockefeller Center. Here are some highlights from the most talked about kitchen in America, with tips from the designer Robert Stilin.

Kitchen Island: "I like an island you can work on but that can also be a gathering place for coffee or a casual dinner," says Kitchen of the Year designer Robert Stilin. The kitchen features KraftMaid cabinets, Viking range and hood, CaesarStone countertops, Kohler faucet and sink.

Useful Space: "Bar stools at the island are a must," says Stilin. "I love to have my breakfast and read the paper at the island. And my son, Dylan, and I eat a casual dinner at our island every night. I think this is how most people want to live today."

Simple Kitchen: "People who really cook, like Ina, prefer their kitchens to be simple and efficient," says Stilin. "It's back to basics!" Open shelves keep everything within reach near the stove range and eco-friendly, easy to care for quartz countertops by CaesarStone.

Dishware on Display: "We couldn't do it at Kitchen of the Year because of space, but nothing beats a walk-in pantry," says Stilin. Seen on display are simple and elegant white plates and dishes from Crate & Barrel with beautifully shining Hotel Silver bowls, tray, and coffeepots.

Organized Drawers: "Function, function, function," says Stilin. "Kitchens have to look good, but things have to work." A two-tiered cutlery drawer in KraftMaid cabinets saves space and keeps flatware organized.

Kitchen Sitting Area: "Kitchens are the new living space," says Stilin. "They should have room for cooking, dining, and a comfortable seating area." Seen in the sitting area are a beautiful fireplace and large comfy chairs and ottomans.

Computer Desk: "Don't forget a spot for the computer," says Stilin. Here we have a simple desk with Toshiba laptop.

Dine-in Kitchen: "Today, kitchens are the core of the house," says Stilin. "You have to be able to cook in them, but you also have to be able to live in them." A bright and cheery dining area features Restoration Hardware trestle table, and slipcovered chairs from Lee Industries.

Spice Drawer: The Kitchen of the Year doesn't need a lot of gadgets to keep things organized. "Kitchens are about function, not about all the bells and whistles," says Stilin. Spices are organized and within reach.

Sideboard: Antique console with celadon bowls, platter, and vase from Lucca.

Outdoor Grill: Herbs, vegetables, and flowers on the deck next to the Viking grill.

Rockefeller Center: Overlooking the Rockefeller Center Rink Bar, Sunbrella awnings cover the deck by Trex at the site of the 2009 Kitchen of the Year. Thousands of people are flocking over to see America’s most beautiful kitchen with eco-friendly and elegant yet affordable features such as KraftMaid cabinets, a Viking range and hood, CaesarStone countertops, and a Kohler faucet and sink.

Baja Fresh Testing ‘Future’ Chain Concept in O.C.

July 14th, 2009, 6:47 am · Nancy Luna, Staff Writer

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill is testing consumer reaction to a more upscale restaurant in Irvine – a prototype eatery that offers bolder food flavors, a more intimate dining experience – featuring quartz countertops - and cocktails.

The restaurant, which underwent a massive remodel last winter, will soon add margaritas and Mexican beer to the menu — a first for corporate restaurants run by the Cypress-based fast-casual chain. (A Baja Fresh franchisee in Huntington Beach recently received a permit to serve margaritas.)

The alcohol is expected to compliment new food additions at the prototype restaurant, which features dishes such as Kogi Korean BBQ tacos, cilantro lime rice and spicier salsa bar offerings.

Also new:

• Wooden chairs and tables with CaesarStone countertops have replaced bar stools and metal tables at the remodeled restaurant, located in the same center as Gelson’s market.

• The Irvine restaurant expects to get its permit to serve margaritas and Mexican-branded beer by next month. The margarita will be served in a 12-oz. tumbler on the rocks. Dine-in only! If the test is successful, “we would consider rolling out margaritas and beer in more locations,” said Baja Fresh President Chuck Rink. In fact, “in preparation for this, we have applied for (permits at) 13 more locations.” Stay tuned.

• Food and drinks are no longer served in paper ‘boats’ and cups for dine-in customers. Instead, the restaurant uses real silverware, plastic cups and melamine plates. Tortilla chips are also brought to your table in a basket.

• The salsa bar features 7 salsas, including two new spicier salsas. It has also added fresh, pickled carrots — a common table offering at many authentic Mexican restaurants. A new fresh tomatillo salsa has been so well received that the chain plans to debut it soon in all Baja locations, Rink said.

• A redesigned menu board promotes customization of Baja Classics such as burritos and salads. It recommends a “step by step” ordering process that is similar to how you order at Chipotle Mexican Grill.

• The Irvine eatery is also testing new meals such as Baja Kogi tacos and burritos. It is also serving cilantro-lime white rice as a side dish. (Later this week, look out for a review of the new Kogi tacos)

The redesign and menu makeover is a test only concept – one that could dictate what the “Baja Fresh of the future” might look like, said Rink.

Irvine Baja address: 5633 Alton Pkwy. (949) 551-2252

For more information about CaesarStone quartz countertops please visit: www.caesarstoneus.com.

Original story: http://fastfood.freedomblogging.com/2009/07/14/baja-fresh-testing-restaurant-of-the-future-in-oc/27993/

Disclaimer:This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

BAZZEO’S ECO-FRIENDLY KITCHEN COLLECTION A HIT AT DWELL ON DESIGN 2009

Bazzèo, known for manufacturing Eco-Centric & sustainable kitchen products, launched its new kitchen collection at DWELL ON DESIGN (DOD). Dwell on Design is the premiere Modern Design Show on the West Coast and was located at the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 26th through June 28th, 2009.

The main showpiece of Bazzèo’s DOD presentation was the award winning GAIA in “Gunmetal” Grey, Oak Eco-Veneer. Some key eco-sensitive design features highlighted Bazzèo’s partnerships with such companies as FAGOR, energy-efficient appliances manufacturer, and CaesarStone, quartz countertops manufacturer. This partnership also featured the first US showing of CaesarStone’s new countertop material made from 45% post-fabrication, recycled quartz.

“We were very pleased with the response to Bazzèo from both the consumer as well as the residential design professional,” remarked Iko Aviv, founder and chief designer of Bazzèo, “the reception to our earth-friendly cabinetry has far exceeded our expectations”. He went on to say “It was very clear to us that the American home owner is ready for a clean and modern, earth-friendly kitchen.”

The GAIA collection, as well as all Bazzèo products, meet, and in most cases, exceed LEED guidelines without compromising quality, flexibility and finishing options. All Bazzèo products are manufactured in the USA to a strict quality control standard with certified recycled and recovered wood materials. Bazzèo cabinets, countertops, and other kitchen & bath products may contribute towards specific LEED credits under the US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) criteria. Through their products, designs, and worthwhile partnerships, Bazzèo has continued to show America that green design can be sleek, modern, and sustainable, if it combines all the right features.

For more information regarding Bazzèo Kitchens, other Bazzèo products as well as high resolution photography, please visit www.bazzeo.com. And for more information about CaesarStone quartz countertops visit www.caesarstoneus.com.

Disclaimer:This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.