Palm Desert Fashion Show Features Interior Designers Turned Fashion Designers

 

During Fashion Week El Paseo there were many high-fashion designs, but not all were from the top local fashion designers. Night number two saw a twist, giving interior designers the chance to expand their decorating talents into fashion pieces. Much like a Project Runway challenge, 23 of the desert’s leading interior designers were invited to create outfits based on pieces from the Palm Springs Art Museum exhibition The Passionate Pursuit: Gifts and Promised Works from Donna and Cargill Millan Jr. But there was a catch! Each look had to utilize home design materials to be judged by a panel including ex-catwalkers Beverly Johnson and Cheryl Tiegs.
Kimberly Swanson took home the grand prize for her 40-pound, 1960’s-style sheath dress laden with small squares of blue, red, yellow, and green CaesarStone quartz countertop tiling. The “CaesarStone Dress” was inspired by Andy Warhol’s 1967 work Portraits of the Artists (from Ten from Leo Castelli). “Understanding the weight of the quartz was very difficult,” said winning Palm Desert-based interior designer Kimberly Swanson, a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, the evening’s headlining partner.

Quartz countertops from CaesarStone and other big names can be very heavy – definitely not your average fashion material, nor a snap to work with. To buffer the immense weight of the tiles, Swanson added a layer of fabric underneath the white, shiny vinyl dress, aptly named “Edie” after Warhol’s infamous Factory-era muse, Edie Sedgewick. The tiles were adhered to the short, sleeveless garment with fashion tape and industrial glue. And surprisingly, not a single tile fell out of placecomeshowtime.
Swanson wasn’t the only creative jack-of-all-trades who chose to use commonly found countertop materials. Candice Knox, a representative for Cambria Quartz Surfaces, created a Cambria quartz cascade of black, gray and white tiles affixed to the skirt of a black sleeveless dress. Simply called “The Cambria Dress,” the look was inspired by artist Brice Marden’s minimalist abstract painting Cold Mountain Series (Zen Studies 1-6). The dress, which reportedly weighed 60 lbs., finished in the night’s top five looks. Incidentally, judge Cheryl Tiegs is a Cambria spokesperson.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz surface manufacturer. The company produces premium quartz countertops & 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, CaesarStone products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. A sustainable material, CaesarStone is GREENGUARD certified and the company is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). 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).

Tags: Quartz Countertops, countertops.

CAESARSTONE INTRODUCES THE “WHITEST WHITE” IN QUARTZ SURFACES, “PURE WHITE”

CaesarStone, the original quartz surface manufacturer, launches “Pure White” (1141) the “whitest white” in quartz countertops & surfaces, it was announced today by Arik Tendler, president of CaesarStone.

“Our CaesarStone international R&D team, with its pulse on the latest in trends, determined that ‘White is the new black;’ and is the hot new color choice for residential and commercial usage,”

said Tendler.

Pure White, the “Whitest White” in quartz surfaces, features a beautiful silk finish and is perfect for hospitality designs, smart office spaces, stunning kitchen countertops to match white lacquer cabinets, shower walls, bar tops, custom-made furniture and wherever your imagination takes you.

“Since our products are made from 93% natural quartz, naturally, there are varying shades and undertones even in the lightest of quartz,” continued Tendler. “Creating just the right consistency and pigment for Pure White was a challenge. We’re so proud to present this beautiful addition to our color line up.”

Pure White, like all CaesarStone surfaces, is scratch, stain, crack and heat resistant. It is also resistant to most household chemicals and is nonabsorbent, nonporous and mold and mildew resistant. Additionally, CaesarStone is the only quartz countertops and surfaces manufacturer that stands behind their products by offering a Lifetime Residential Warranty and a10-year Limited Commercial Warranty.

CaesarStone will support the launch of Pure White with a national print advertising campaign and a variety of online initiatives.

About CaesarStone

CaesarStone is the original quartz surface manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Southern California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. CaesarStone produces premium quartz countertops & 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, CaesarStone products are nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant. CaesarStone has earned the respected Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and is in compliance with 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 and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.CaesarStoneUS.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Choosing the Right Countertop Surface for your Home

If you're remodeling or designing a kitchen from scratch, you can be sure countertops will eat up a healthy chunk of your budget. With so many options and price points, it is touch to decide on look alone. While some are shiny, heavy and pricey, including colorful granite, concrete can create a subdued impression that's more modern than glamorous. There are fragile performers and the almost indestructible laminates that should be the solution for busy kitchens that see a lot of wear and tear. Often, you can end up with a combination of countertop surfaces in one kitchen, meaning it's important to know what best suits your lifestyle and budget. The top kitchen-design companies already know the pros and cons of various surfaces.

 QUARTZ/ENGINEERED STONE

Engineered stone is composed of crushed quartz particles that have been combined with polymer resins and pigment. It's uniform in color and pattern, which is great for those looking for a clean finish. It's also available in a wide range of colors.

 "The look is different. It's more of a solid, speckled finish, versus some of the stones that have a grain," says co-owner Jim Deslaurier, of Ottawa's Deslaurier Custom Cabinets, adding it's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Some brands on the market include Cambria, Silestone and CaesarStone quartz countertops.

 Pros: It is stain-and scratch-resistant, easy to care for and manufacturers usually include a warranty.

Cons: Expensive to fix if chipped or cracked.

Cost: $50 to $100 per square foot, installed.

 GRANITE

Granite is right up there with quartz, and is the top material of choice if budget is not an issue. The popularity of this surface has skyrocketed, and the fact that it boosts a property's resale value doesn't hurt. This material is a rock with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern. While it does hold up to heat, experts suggest using a protector to avoid any problems. Some warn the counter may crack if a hot object is placed near a weakened area or hidden fissure, or if the countertop has not been installed properly.

 Pros: A wet cloth cleans this surface easily. It has the second-highest hardness rating after diamonds.

Cons: Requires some maintenance, including a sealer. Some stone absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it.

Cost: $55 to $200/sq. ft., installed.

 LAMINATES

Pros: Cost-efficient, easy to clean and available in a variety of colors

Cons: Scratches and chips are difficult to repair, seams show, end and front-edge finishes can be pricey.

Cost: $25 to $70/sq. ft., installed.

 WOOD OR BUTCHER BLOCK

Pros: Easy to clean and season with vegetable oil. It can be sanded and resealed as needed.

Cons: May stain over time. Can be damaged by water and heat.

Cost: $30 to $125/sq. ft., installed.

 MARBLE

Pros: Marble is elegant, waterproof and heatproof.

Cons: Porous, stains easily unless professionally sealed, can scratch.

Cost: $50 to $200/sq. ft., installed.

 STAINLESS STEEL

Pros: Easy to sanitize. Takes hot pans without marking.

Cons: It does scratch and may dent, adding to the industrial look.

Cost: $100 to $200/sq. ft.

 CONCRETE

Pros: Heat-and scratch-resistant, can be color-tinted, looks exotic. Additives reduce porosity; custom-formed with a modern appeal.

Cons: It can crack without proper treatment. It can appear cold and industrial. It is porous, but can be sealed.

Cost: $80 to $120/sq. ft., installed.

 Readtherestofthestoryhere: http://www.nationalpost.com/homes/story.html?id=2620472&p=1

Tags: countertop, quartz countertops, countertops

Quartz vs. Granite Countertops

Many homeowners involved in remodeling their kitchen or bathroom can attest, choosing the perfect countertops and other finishing materials can be tough. While the look and feel of the product is an important consideration, it is also essential to know the benefits and drawbacks of the surface, in order to make an informed decision.

What is Granite and what is Quartz?

Granite is a very hard type of stone found which is mined from deep within the earth. It is found in many places throughout the world, including here in the United States. The color and pattern of the stone is determined by the surrounding minerals found. Granite is composed of approximately 50% quartz; the remaining elements found within granite include softer minerals and impurities.

Quartz is one of the hardest minerals found on earth, second only to the diamond. Quartz countertops & surface slabs made by Caesarstone, Cambria, Zodiac and Silestone, are also comprised primarily of quartz. Unlike granite, quartz products are made of 93% quartz crystals, with resins and pigments making up the remaining composition.

Durability

Granite slabs create a very durable countertop, however since the materials are comprised of some softer minerals, there are some important things to keep in mind. Most granite countertops are scratch resistant, but not scratch proof. It will look good for years to come, considering the proper care is administered. It is recommended, nay, insisted that granite countertops are sealed once a year to deter bacteria growth, and as well as keep the surface relatively safe from scratches, burns, or stains. Using granite for countertops, especially on a kitchen island or peninsula, homeowners must take care in keeping countertop overhangs to a minimum. Most granite countertop installers will recommend that overhangs be no deeper than 12” from the edge of the cabinet. Support brackets should be installed about every 36” in width for best results.

Quartz countertops, are nearly twice as strong as natural granite. Quartz products are very dense, meaning the quartz crystals are very tightly packed. Because of the manufacturing process, they are also free of the invisible fissures (tiny cracks) that can be found in granite. Because of this extra strength, countertop overhangs can be deeper, and require fewer support brackets.

Both granite and quartz are resistant to both heat and scratching. However, any type of thermal shock, whether from extreme heat or cold, can cause damage to both granite and quartz. Although these products can resist heat from hot pans, it is always recommended that homeowners use trivets when setting a pot on the surface. Homeowners should also always use cutting boards when preparing food, as their knives will be dulled by the hard stone surfaces.

Food Safety and Staining

As mentioned before, since granite is a natural stone, it is porous. These microscopic holes in the surface of the stone allow liquids to penetrate it. This can lead to staining, as well as the growth of bacteria. Keeping the granite sealed is the best way to avoid stains, and keep the stone looking new. Sealers do not keep out bacteria; for this reason, granite is not allowed for use in commercial kitchens and restaurant countertops.

Quartz products are nonporous so they do not need to be sealed and are resistant to mostly all types of stains. The nonporous composition of these products also keeps them from harboring bacteria, making them suitable for commercial use. Homeowners like the low-maintenance benefits of quartz countertops.

Colors and Patterns

Quartz countertop materials have a drastically different look than granite, which comes in patterns ranging from the very consistent to the extremely wild. With veins, blotches and iridescent flecks, each slab of granite is unique. Granite colors range from white to blue and from red to black.

Quartz products, because they are manufactured, have a more regular pattern. Quartz products lack the depth of light that natural granite possesses, and can tend to look flat. Although newer quartz products include veins and inconsistencies, they still do not rival the unique look of natural granite.

On the other hand, quartz products do come in color combinations not found in nature. From bright red to warm tones of chocolate brown and green, quartz countertops offer colors that are impossible to find in natural granite. Although granite and quartz are similar in look and composition, they are very different products. In most areas of the country, even the pricing is similar. Knowing the maintenance and benefits of each type of countertop material is vital to making the best choice for each space.

Tags: countertops, quartz countertops

Confused about Granite or Quartz Countertops?

A countertop is the best way of adding some elegance into your kitchen. Many people, while buying countertops get confused in their types. The differences in quartz versus granite Kitchen countertops go beyond mere price. Quartz countertops, which are moulded according to their size, are the safest countertops available today.

While it is true that many homeowners prefer granite countertops, due to their cheap price and beauty, quartz countertops are also gaining popularity due to other major benefits that they offer. Quartz surfaces are easy to clean, non-porous and highly chip-resistant. This eliminates the need of using sealants for them. In addition to these features, quartz countertops are consistent in appearance, irrespective of the size of the surface covered.

Quartz countertops are generally made from a combination of resin and crushed quartz crystals. The work begins with pulverizing the quartz, which is then combined with resin, and other required materials, such as pigments. The mix thus made is placed in a mold the exact size and shape of countertops required by the customer. This prevents any need for cutting or sealing when they are installed in kitchens. This property gives a sleek look to the countertops even after years or decade of their installation.

On the other hand granite countertops are made from large piece of rock, which is cut using machines. The slices of granite are placed one by one on top of each other to form a countertop. This sometimes causes slight color mismatching between pieces and can be seen with the naked eye. In addition to this, granite countertops also need to be covered in sealant, which must be renewed every few years. A quartz countertop is chip-resistant and extremely durable. The way it is composed makes it very hard which reduces breakage to a great extent.

CaesarStone – Gaining Popularity in the South

CaesarStone is 93% crushed quartz, one of nature’s hardest minerals. The quartz is combined with high-quality polymer resins and pigments and then compacted under intense vibration, vacuum, and pressure into dense, non-porous slabs. The slabs are post cured, gauged to precise thickness, and polished to an enduring shine.

With its durability and lifetime warranty, CaesarStone is a perfect choice for a kitchen or bathroom countertop. A product that is very popular in the north is noticeably gaining traction here in the south.

Granite is always a great countertop choice, but never be afraid to mix things up a bit. And CaesarStone is definitely a product that is sure to mix things up!

Colors

CaesarStone offers an incredible product line with bold colors and matte-finish textures that are great for achieving that transitional look in your home. If you are looking for a soft muted look, than Misty Carrera from the Soft Blends texture would be beautiful with white European cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. And if you are looking for a pop of color, than Apple Martini would really make a statement in your modern kitchen.

ToviewCaesarStone’sonlinecatalogpleasevisit: http://www.caesarstoneus.com/catalog/collection.cfm

Careand Maintenance

Its hard, nonporous surface makes CaesarStone simple to clean. One of the most easy-to care-for choice for countertops on the market today. In most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent is all that is required to maintain its luster. If necessary, a non-abrasive cleanser such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel with Bleach or Comet Soft Cleanser Cream with Bleach can be used. Adhered materials like food, gum or nail polish can be scraped away with a plastic putty knife; any marks left by the blade can be removed with Soft Scrub Liquid Gel. Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water to remove residue.

Please understand that HONED, TEXTURED and MOTIVO finishes will require more daily maintenance than the polished finishes. Since there is more exposed surface area with honed finishes, metal marks, finger prints and other signs of daily living will show on honed material. Most of these marks can be easily removed with little effort and non-abrasive cleaning products such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel.

CaesarStone prides itself in providing our customers a virtually care-free surface, but as with any product, excessive abuse can harm its finish. With a small amount of care, your CaesarStone countertops will look as great as the day you bought it for years to come.

Old World Charm Meets Modern Convenience

(Picture: Originally listed as two separate units, 3159 Jackson Street actually has two kitchens. This one sits on the second level with the main dining area and living room, while the other is on the first level. Both include CaesarStone countertops.)

3159 Jackson St., Pacific Heights, San Francisco. The asking price: $3.653 million.

What to love about it: The combination of Old World aesthetics and modern convenience. This three-level Pacific Heights home was built in 1904, and in 2005, the owners began a top-to-bottom renovation that was recently completed.

The home has hardwood floors throughout and multiple custom fireplaces. The main dining area on the second floor has room for a table for eight and features a kitchen with wrap-around CaesarStone countertops.

On the main level, there's a second kitchen that also has CaesarStone countertops and a bedroom that opens to the rear patio/garden. The home also comes with a newly constructed two-car garage.

Hidden gem: The third-floor master bedroom features an alcove with that delivers a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Size: The home was originally listed as two units, but is now being offered as a single-family home. It has five bedrooms, an office/library and 4 1/2 baths.

Agent: Antoine Crumeyrolle of Vanguard Properties

Readmore:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgibin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/20/REFP1AHSCU.DTL#ixzz0bsbtji8Q

For more information on Caesarstone Quartz Countertops & Surfaces, please visit www.caesarstoneus.com.