Kitchen Islands, More than meets the Eye

As a gathering place, it's a most popular destination.

To be sure, the kitchen island has a lot to offer. It bridges the gap between work and storage areas in a large space, saving steps. In a smaller footprint, it offers an always-welcome extra counter for chopping veggies, setting down pots and stacking plates.

It may be a hideaway, but one likely to be noticed. Hip kitchen islands have broken away from their plain, boxy roots. Once merely an extension of all-matching cabinets, perhaps topped by a butcher block for added function, the island today is a standout, a piece of furniture with its own personality, style, finish and details.

Consumers want something more distinctive, even elegant, and furniture manufacturers are obliging by adding islands, as they have bathroom vanities, to their lines.
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Happy Labor Day and Tips on Ceramic Tiles

While Labor Day has come and gone it's always great (for those of us that get the day off) to have a day off. I hope you all rest and enjoy this last day of summer. Also what is going on with the heat? Lets hope that fires don't do too much damage this year. Enjoy this brief insight to ceramic tiles.

Ceramic tiles are every homemaker’s friend that brings out the beauty in every house.

Ceramic tiles are regular shaped piece of material that is made of ceramic. They are purchased as materials for construction and interior decoration. Ceramic tiles are installed in the floors, walls, ceiling, and tables. The form of ceramic styles varies. The most common shape of a ceramic tile is square. However, other complex shapes used to make mosaic are also available at a higher premium. Ceramic tiles usually have a glossy finish to attain a glamorous finish.Other tiles are made of glass, marble, and granite.

Ceramic tiles are used to cover the roofs of houses. They are able to keep the rain from seeping into the house. They are perfect protection for the house from rain and extreme heat. Ceramic tiles for the roof come in different shapes. Some of these shapes are the flat tiles, Imbrex and tegula, Roman tiles, Pantiles, and barrel tiles. Flat tiles are the simplest type of ceramic tiles. Imbrex and tegula have curvatures. Roman tiles have flat, concave, and convex curves. Pantiles resembles letter S in shape.

Ceramic tiles are also used for floors. These tiles have glossy effect to increase the appeal of the house or building. Ceramic tiles are also painted for added effect. They are also arranged to make a mosaic art. When these tiles are installed, the spaces among the tiles are prone to dust and dirt. The gaps are filled with other materials to protect the floor from damage and dirt.

Tiles can be decorated with stencils or brushes. You can customize the look of your floor or wall by decorating it with paint. If you want a more sophisticated and grand effect, you can install the tiles by yourself and make a mosaic out of it. You can consult house magazines for design tips and inspiration. Aside from beautifying the tiles, you can also use paint to cover the damages and stained spots of the tiles.

If you intend to personally install your tiles, you will need the right tools to make it easy for you as much as possible. Some of the tools you may find handy are electric tile saw, ceramic tile cutter, ceramic tile nippers, notched trowel, notched spreader, and rubber float. The electric tile saw lets you cut the tiles into smaller pieces more conveniently. The ceramic tile cutter and ceramic tile nippers can aid in smoothing out the edges of your tiles. The notched trowel and notched spreader are tools for spreading the paste on the tile. The rubber float helps you put the tiles in place.

Today, the demand for ceramic tiles is increasing at a rapid rate. The introduction of new and high technology has made it possible to mass produce these materials to cater to the market.

Ceramic tiles are materials that can be installed and decorated by any ordinary person. To do this, one has to know some basic knowledge about it. When you gain enough knowledge, the next thing is to have fun making your house more beautiful. Your place will be the homiest place you’ll ever have.

Tips for an Earth Friendly bathroom remodel

You want your new bathroom to be easy on the eyes and the environment, but it’s tough to know which materials pass the green test. Follow these simple guidelines to earn an A from Mother Nature:

Do…

Help reduce air pollution by choosing the right paint. Look for labels that say low or zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) as you search for the perfect color.

Pick materials with a classic look. “You might want to think, ‘Can I pick a style that’s not super trendy?’” says Jennifer Roberts, author of “Good Green Homes” (Bibbs Smith, 2003). “So the next people who live in this house aren’t going to go ‘Yuck’ and rip it out.”

Choose FSC lumber. It’s certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as being harvested in a way that’s sustainable.... Read the rest.

Orange County New Home Sale

Browsing Youtube.com and I was amazed at how fast the real estate industry is adapting to using video as a part of their promotions. One such video, a quality single family home for sale by Michael D. Mattson of Century 21 All Stars in Dove Canyon is a prime example.We have a couple of new remodels coming to video next month so please keep checking back with us. Take a look and if you decide to buy, Ill take my commission in cash! ;). Enjoy!

Farmers Markets in Orange County

Although my passion lies in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, as a family man I do my best to make sure that I treat myself well on both the inside and outside. I came across a list of farmers markets in the OC Register in Orange County and thought I should share:

ANAHEIM

Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers Market and Street Fair
• When: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursdays.
• Farmers: More than 50 vendors.
• Where: Center Street promenade and Lemon Street.
• Worth noting: Free live music 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Aug. 30. Food court. Arts and crafts. Participating in WIC (Women Infants and Children program).
• Information: (714) 956-3586.

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BREA

Brea Certified Farmers Market
• When: 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays.
• Where: 210 W. Birch St., Suite 206
• Information: (714) 329-6755, Joe Honescko.

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COSTA MESA

Costa Mesa Certified Farmers Market
• When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays.
• Farmers: About 50.
• Where: Parking lot of Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive.
• Worth noting: No charge to enter. One of Orange County's oldest, in operation more than 20 years.
• Information: (714) 573-0374, Orange County Farm Bureau.

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DANA POINT

Dana Point Certified Farmers Market
• When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays.
• Farmers: About 20.
• Where: Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Road.
• Information: (714) 573-0374, Orange County Farm Bureau.

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FULLERTON

Fullerton Certified Farmers Market
• When: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
• Farmers: 40-ish.
• Where: 450 W. Orangethorpe Ave. in Woodcrest Park.
• Worth noting: Celebrating 22nd-year anniversary.
• Information: (714) 526-5814, Kae Thomas.

Fullerton City Certified Farmers Market
• When: 4-8:30 p.m. Thursdays.
• Farmers: About 20.
• Where: Downtown Fullerton on Wilshire Avenue, between Harbor Boulevard and Pomona Avenue.
• Worth noting: Arts and crafts, food, entertainment, vendors; seasonal.
• Information: (714) 526-5814, Kae Thomas.

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HUNTINGTON BEACH

Huntington Beach Certified Farmers Market and Downtown Street Fair
• When: Fridays, 1-6 p.m. summer, 1 p.m.-sunset winter.
• Farmers: 25-40.
• Where: Pier Plaza, Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway.
• Worth noting: Arts and crafts available.
• Information: (714) 573-0374, Orange County Farm Bureau.

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IRVINE

Irvine Certified Farmers Market
• When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
• Farmers: About 70.
• Where: Parking lot of Marketplace, Bridge Road and Campus Drive.
• Worth noting: Arts and crafts fair.
• Information: (714) 573-0374, Orange County Farm Bureau.

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LAGUNA BEACH

Laguna Beach Certified Farmers Market
• When: 8-11 a.m. Saturdays in July and August, 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays the rest of the year.
• Farmers: About 30.
• Where: Lumberyard parking lot next to City Hall on Forest Avenue.
• Worth noting: Hours change in conjunction with the Laguna Beach Art Festival.
• Information: (714) 573-0374, Orange County Farm Bureau.

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LAGUNA HILLS

Laguna Hills Certified Farmers Market
• When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays.
• Farmers: About 30-40.
• Where: Laguna Hills Mall parking lot next to Sears, at El Toro Road and San Diego (I-5) Freeway.
• Information: (714) 573-0374, Orange County Farm Bureau.

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LAGUNA NIGUEL

Laguna Niguel Certified Farmers Market
• When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays.
• Farmers: About 35.
• Where: Plaza de la Paz Shopping Center, La Paz Road and Pacific Park Drive.
• Information: (714) 573-0374, Orange County Farm Bureau.

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MISSION VIEJO

Mission Viejo Certified Farmers Market
• When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays.
• Where: 13042 Old Myford Rd, Irvine.
• Information: (714) 573-0374, Jennifer Griffiths.

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NEWPORT BEACH

Corona del Mar Certified Farmers Market
• When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays.
• Farmers: About 30.
• Where: Pacific Coast Highway and Marguerite Avenue.
• Information: (949) 361-0735, Rick or Sandy Heil.

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ORANGE

Orange Certified Farmers Market
• When: 2-6 p.m. Thursdays during Pacific Daylight Time, 1-5 p.m. during Pacific Standard Time (end of October-end of March).
• Where: At Glassell Street and Almond Avenue.
• Information: (714) 744-1821, Dan Jensen.

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RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Rancho Santa Margarita Certified Farmers Market
• When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays.
• Where: Dove Canyon Drive & Plano Trabuco.
• Information: (909) 229-3329, Steven Crossen.

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SAN CLEMENTE

San Clemente Certified Farmers Market
• When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays.
• Farmers: About 45
• Where: 200 block Avenida del Mar.
• Information: (949) 361-0735, Rick or Sandy Heil.

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SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

San Juan Capistrano Certified Farmers Market
• When: 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, November-March; 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays, April-October
• Farmers: 20-25
• Where: Yorba Street at Camino Capistrano in Downtown San Juan
• Worth noting: Many specialty foods, great flowers
• Information: (858) 272-7054, Ron LaChance

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SANTA ANA

Santa Ana Certified Farmers Market
• When: 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays
• Farmers: about 20
• Where: corner of Bush and Third streets
• Worth noting: Accepts WIC vouchers. Celebrating 1-year anniversary in May.
• Information: (714) 542-9392 , Lara Montagne

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TUSTIN

Tustin Certified Farmers Market
• When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays.
• Farmers: 35-40.
• Where: El Camino Real and Third Street.
• Worth noting: Held on a dirt lot, so you'll get a real folksy, dusty feel.
• Information: (714) 573-0374, Orange County Farm Bureau.

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YORBA LINDA

Yorba Linda Certified Farmers Market
• When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays.
• Farmers: 20.
• Where: Main Street at Imperial Highway in Old Towne.
• Information: (714) 777-8377, Peggy Ann.

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OUTSIDE ORANGE COUNTY

Cerritos Market
• When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays.
• Farmers: 45.
• Where: Intersection of Park Plaza and Towne Center drives, near the intersection of Shoemaker Avenue and the Artesia (91) Freeway.
• Worth noting: A wide variety of specialty items.
• Information: (562) 433-3881, Dale Whitney.

Alamitos Bay Marina Farmers Market
• When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays.
• Farmers: 32.
• Where: Marina Drive just south of Second Street.
• Worth noting: Wide variety of specialty items.
• Information: (562) 433-3881, Dale Whitney.

Downtown Long Beach Market
• When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays.
• Farmers: 43.
• Where: Broadway at the Promenade.
• Worth noting: Arts and crafts, hot food, live music.
• Information: (562) 433-3881, Dale Whitney.

Signal Hill Farmers Market
• When: Thursdays, 3-8 p.m. April-October, 3-7 p.m. November-March.
• Farmers: 16.
• Where: 27th Street and Walnut Avenue.
• Worth noting: Hot food, live stage music, and arts and crafts.
• Information: (562) 433-3881, Dale Whitney.

Whittier Farmers Market
• When: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays.
• Farmers: 20-25.
• Where: Bailey Street and Greenleaf Avenue
• Information: (714) 526-5814, Kae Thomas.

OC residents decide to wait for new furniture

While reports of dire home sales are all over the news, its amazing to think how the average home owner can succumb to the media hype. Dont get me wrong if home sales are sliding, they are sliding, but if you purchase your home as a place for your family to live and not as a 14 month investment, time is historically on your side. A new article from the OC Register reports that home furnishings companies in Orange County are seeing foot traffic slow down, but most are looking for a swift recovery.

NEW BUSINESS MODEL

Cordova, the housekeeper, is skittish as she watches home sales and prices fall.

"We're spending less," she said. "We're buying just want we need."

She needs new window blinds and, on a recent afternoon, she stopped by the Home Depot in Santa Ana, and then at a nearby Anna's Linens, to compare prices.

"I go here and there looking for deals," she said.

She'll take the Anna's Linens blinds because they're cheaper. Aggressive pricing is one strategy Anna's is employing to offset the negative housing impact on its business. It also recently started expanding its merchandise mix by carrying the Veratex bedding and bath brand. The same Veratex comforter set that goes for $299 to $399 elsewhere sells for $99 at Anna's, said Scott Gladstone, chief operating officer.

That new Veratex ad ran on television, a marketing medium Anna's entered late last year to reach a broader audience, including Macy's and Pottery Barn shoppers who are pinched by the slowing housing market. The TV ads are working, including in Orange County where the Anna's brand awareness is low, Gladstone said. The 250-store chain only has five locations here.

"We're seeing a lot of south Orange County residents driving up to our store in Santa Ana," said Gladstone, explaining why the company will open its first south Orange County store.

Gladstone declined to give specific numbers for the privately held company, but said business is good. If the company didn't change its strategies, he said, "Anna's would face a difficult retail environment." Full article.

Crossville Decos Gallery

Below you will find a few Crossville Decos from their website:

What are Crossville Decos?

Crossville Design

From time to time, I will get a client that has a specific design in mind and really only needs me to cook the recipe. One such client had a great affection for Crossville Decos in their remodeling job, which got me to thinking I should incorporate certain questions on my blog as a knowledge base. Below you can read more about these special decos. Enjoy.

Crossville decos incorporate a technique in order to compensate for the ceramic tile's immediate susceptibility in terms of handling tension. When properly integrated, Crossville decos are strong and durable enough to sustain floors and major floorings longer than what an ordinary ceramic tile can give.

The process of manufacturing and production of Crossville decos are normally done in three ways:

a) Tensioned Crossville decos are bonded and integrated around tensioned tendons. This technique creates a strong and tough combination of tendon and Crossville decos. The tile is able to secure the tendon from unnecessary damage and tension is safely handled by the tendons.

b) Bonded Crossville decos use the technique of the integration of the process of compression after the tile is placed and secured. The Crossville decos are bonded with steel, and the tendons are tensioned by hydraulic jacks that react against the tile member itself.

c) Unbonded Crossville decos undergo a unique and revolutionized process where each tendon is able to move in accordance to the shape or structure of the tile. For this to happen, each tendon is applied with a specialized grease and protected by a sheathing formed in an extrusion process.

Crossville decos are known for their distinct characteristics that separate them from other ordinary ceramic tiles. These include:

A) Consistency

Crossville decos are able to take the shape of the mold easily without any significant effects on its consistency as compared to reinforced concrete. In ordinary ceramic decos a significant level of water has to be used for them to take the shape of their molds. Add the fact that it is often very hard to measure the appropriate amount of water that will make ordinary ceramic decos bond with the steel reinforcement.

B) Overall Strength and Durability

The overall strength of Crossville decos is determined through its water-cement ratio. Since Crossville decos have a lower water-ceramic ratio than ordinary ceramic decos, the former makes a stronger deco than the latter.

C) Elasticity

Due to the reduction of its tensile stress, Crossville decos are more elastic than ordinary ceramic decos.

The usage of Crossville decos translates to many advantages. First, there are minimal construction costs as compared to the usage of ordinary ceramic tiles. Second, since Crossville decos make use of thinner slabs, then the floor thickness savings can be transformed into additional floors. Third, the usage of Crossville decos often translates to an increased floor space in establishments. Lastly, since the usage of Crossville decos significantly reduces the number of joints, this translates to the reduction in maintenance costs over the design life of an establishment.

On the other hand, buildings and establishments made under the foundations of poorly constructed Crossville decos are susceptible to damages. Poorly constructed Crossville decos dry faster than usual. This leads to the possibility that the tile may shrink due to evaporation. When this happens, the foundations of the establishment are put under tremendous stress, resulting in the formation of cracks within the tendons leading to its collapse.

Berenson Hardware: More Information

Berenson Hardware
For all sized households and establishments, changes in the way they perceive cabinets and furniture will be a constant because of the emergence of Berenson hardware. Technological advances in Berenson hardware, including non-technical ones, are coming more quickly than ever before, thereby affecting all aspects of a typical cabinet or furniture.

As modern technological innovations in the manufacturing and designing of cabinets and furniture progresses, there are increasing pressures on Berenson to create a new type of hardware applicable to both. The current users of Berenson hardware will experience a transition that will fragment it into myriad on-site and off-site households and establishments. Not only will the cabinets and furniture change dramatically because of Berenson hardware, but there will also be a need for support systems to support the new innovations brought along by Berenson hardware.

More specifically, there will be a need for new types of housing designs that focus on discovering the purpose of Berenson hardware that responds to the changing environments in most households and establishments. Although past and current cabinet and furniture hardware have served the needs of most households and establishments, newer types of cabinet and furniture hardware are emerging, and Berenson hardware will be at the forefront of these newer types of cabinet and furniture hardware found in a typical household or establishment. An important goal of Berenson hardware is to provide superior comfort and pleasure to its users by giving people the necessary cabinet and furniture hardware patterns and trends that affect their lives.

Berenson hardware is capable of making comparisons of other cabinet and furniture hardware. This is because Berenson hardware was manufactured through the analysis of existing trends on what people want to see on their cabinets and furniture, and with further considerations on historical and current knowledge on cabinet and furniture technologies. But more importantly, the existence of Berenson hardware enables people to analyze and understand the cabinet and furniture patterns and designs quickly and identify the most significant trends based on their own preferences. As such, Berenson hardware offers an accurate predictive method for consumers.

For example, the Andante collection possesses the essential elements of an excellent cabinet and furniture hardware for the consumer’s pleasure, which is valuable in assessing whether or not the cabinet and furniture hardware are meeting their objectives and goals. On the other hand, the Encore collection can assist people in making better informed decisions concerning cost-effective cabinet and hardware that affect all aspects of a household or establishment’s operations.

Berenson hardware follows the same basic principles as traditional commerce that is, consumers come together to search for the best and quality cabinet and furniture hardware. In some cases, consumers can immediately obtain a cabinet and furniture hardware, only to become disappointed later on. In purchasing Berenson hardware, they offer a way to cut the costs of consumers and expand their markets. Because Berenson hardware is available all over the globe, consumers have the potential to freely choose their preferred Berenson hardware products or services globally and are not limited by the physical location of a store.

Ceiling Lights

Signature Design Center Original Content:

Ceiling Lights

Ceiling lights have the capability to provide sources of lighting across a given environment while being attached in a ceiling. Ceiling lights are very effective lighting sources over certain dim and dark places and diversifies the methods of illumination for a variety of purposes.

With these things in mind, the importance of efficient ceiling lights comes to the fore. This is because in order for the ceiling lights to give their best lighting, the proper positioning of the ceiling lights have to taken into consideration through the use of world-class ceiling light kits. Without the presence of proper distances and positioning of the ceiling lights the brightness of the lights will not be felt and the resulting environment will remain vague and dim.

Different factors are needed in the selection and installation of ceiling lights. These things include lighting and meters, the type of environment, lighting equipment and other lighting factors needed in the area. To install these ceiling lights one thing that must be put into consideration is the cost of these ceiling lights. In any household or establishment the cost of the ceiling lights they purchase and use are important. Households and establishments don’t want to incur high electricity or maintenance costs just because of ceiling lights. They will tend to do everything they can so that the cost on purchasing and using ceiling lights will be minimized.

There are various types of ceiling lights that can be used. These are:

1. Bathroom ceiling lights, used mostly to illuminate large bathrooms that require tremendous brightness to give a certain positive environment;
2. Kitchen ceiling lights, one of the most in demand ceiling lights because of its flexibility and durability that makes the illumination in the kitchen more brilliant and colorful; and
3. Fluorescent ceiling lights, the most common ceiling lights being used today because of they are rechargeable, and in case of power outage they give plain and simple lighting.

Because the lights are attached to the ceiling and thus they do not have complicated wiring systems, the household or establishment can choose the proper area for the installation of ceiling lights, whether to place them in the bathroom, in the kitchen, in the living room, in the conference room or anywhere suitable. Either way, the household or establishment can be assured of getting the same effectiveness and productivity while at the same time having a significantly greater satisfaction in terms of the level of brightness.

For many years ceiling lights were the domain of lighting systems, especially since they these ceiling lights were able to guarantee that any need for lighting inside a household or establishment would be satisfied. This worked well for most households and establishments, and they could all even afford savings in electricity and maintenance. However, in recent years ceiling lights have also become more difficult to maintain. As the number of lighting technologies grew in response to various lighting needs, a single flexible ceiling light proved to be very inefficient. Also, most ceiling light systems consist of a whole suite of wiring systems operating together, as opposed to a strict model where the single lighting source could handle the lighting process. Nevertheless, ceiling lights will significantly bolster the lighting needs of households and establishments when successfully installed.

Choose the Best Bathtubs for You!

In this age where the need for comfort and satisfaction is imminent and households and establishments are doing anything they can to attain this, bathtubs are used to make sure that comfort and satisfaction in the bathroom can be attained without any problems.

There are 2 possible bathtubs that households and establishments can use. Bathtubs vary and focus on different things. Fiberglass bathtubs focus only on the durability aspect of the bathtub. On the other hand, steel bathtubs concentrate more on making sure that the users are satisfied not only because of the bathtub’s stability but also to the comfort that they provide. The approach of choosing the perfect bathtubs depends according to the households and establishments that will use them and what problems they face concerning bathroom comfort.

Other benefits from using fiberglass or steel bathtubs include cost savings and improved bathroom performance and safety. Households and establishments get benefits and water usage saving resulting from their use of bathtubs instead of the traditional showers. Using bathtubs in bathroom landscaping applications results in significant cost savings from decreased maintenance and from the benefits related to improved bathroom performance (e.g. safety and/or suitability). Additional benefits from using fiberglass or steel bathtubs in bathroom landscaping applications include benefits related to avoided water waste disposal - space savings and reduced risks to human health from water-borne diseases. All these can be ventured into by households and establishments upon their usage of either fiberglass or steel bathtubs.

Maintenance of the cleanliness of bathtubs is important because they are supposed to help households and establishments achieve overall bathroom pleasure and satisfaction and not cause other problems to it. Bathtubs are supposed to create a feeling of comfort and soothing feeling that can help people in households and establishments release the stress that they have. To maintain the cleanliness and efficiency of bathtubs there are different things that can be done. These include constantly cleaning and unclogging to prevent the bathtub from accumulating too much dirt and filth; analyzing the bathroom environment to see if the said bathtub is still adaptable and relates to current trends; adding new features and designs to the bathtub; and determining and removing unnecessary things that makes the bathtub look crowded. To maintain the cleanliness and efficiency of bathtubs the methods to improve them should be upgraded. This should be done so that their users will not be left unsatisfied because of things like bad odor and poor water systems while using the bathtubs.

In this respect, it is illustrated that households and establishments from every part of the world do show the same level of appreciation on the kind of soothing comfort and pleasure that bathtubs can bring. Moreover, it is also attested that the user of these bathtubs have a variety of bathroom needs, wants and desires that only bathtubs can solve. Households and establishments install bathtubs and expect them not only to give their traditional bathroom function of providing comfort and pleasure to all users, but also to help them attain a well-balanced outlook and a stress-free life.

Designer Cabinet Pull Knobs Are In

A great way to customize your kitchen cabinets has always been with designer pull knobs. The clients that come into my showroom choose knobs that run the gauntlet. What has always been important with a great design in the kitchen is the attention to detail that is given. Knobs are surely a big portion of said detail. The Arizona Star Net featured a great article on the fashion of the knobs.

Today's fashionable kitchen has them everywhere, on average about 40. We're talking about pulls and knobs, what well-dressed cabinet doors and drawers are wearing these days.

For a time, cabinets went bare on the outside as people relied on pulling on the edges of doors and drawers to open them up. Now decorative hardware is back in vogue. Full Story

Buy Low, Sell High, Get on TV

If you recall in the past I posted a casting call for house flippers.

TLC is currently holding another casting call for their hit show, Property Ladder.

Here are the details:

Attention Novice Real Estate Investors: The Learning Channel's hit series 'Property Ladder' is currently casting its third season! Our highly experienced host will work with you to provide priceless money-saving tips and tricks. If you are new to property rehabbing or "flipping" and interested in having your experiences documented on this exciting program, contact us as soon as possible!

Participant Requirements:

• Must be an amateur or novice property "flipper."
• Must be flipping with the intent to sell.
• You must have closed escrow on the property or be in the process of closing.

UPDATE (March '07-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA)

'Property Ladder' is currently looking in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA for energetic, exciting, amateur flippers for our upcoming third season. If you are from this area and think you fit the qualifications (or if you know someone!), please take a few minutes to fill out our application. Submit your completed application, along with a photo of yourself, your flipping partner(s), and an exterior shot of the house to casting@propertyladder.tv and a member of our casting team will get in touch with you about interviewing for the show.

I hope to see Orange County represented on one of these shows.

Renters as Remodelers in California

Lets face it, not everyone was born to own their own house. In fact there is a significant portion of the population that will never own their own home, this is by choice. I have no say in the matter one way or another, but I have received a good number of calls from renters seeking some improvements to their apartment homes. The SF Chronicle ran a great story covering this specific topic over the weekend.

But realizing that changes would have to be made before Hank's arrival, they converted a breakfast nook into a nursery.

"The idea and designs were Maggie's; the financial analysis and sweat equity were mine," said Bryan Mason.

"Sweat equity" is a term referring to labor invested in a property to increase its value. The Masons, however, are renters.

So why exert effort -- and spend money -- for a makeover? After all, any increased value goes into their landlord's pockets, not theirs.

The couple, who have been in their San Francisco apartment for five years, determined that staying put was more cost effective than moving and paying increased rent. After receiving their landlord's conditional blessing, they got to work.

"Paint, the right furniture and small home improvements don't take more than a few days," Bryan Mason said. "And they make our place a home, even if it is someone else's house."

The median price for a single-family dwelling in the Bay Area hit a record $720,000 last month, up from a year ago, according to a report released Wednesday by DataQuick Information Services. According to a California Association of Realtors report released last year, just 12 percent of Bay Area households can afford to purchase a median-price home.

Read More

Ty Pennington Set to Debut New Shelter Magazine

While Las Vegas went really well, it was very exhausting. The city that never sleeps should at least have people that sleep, but alas, they dont. However, I made great contacts and great business with coming lines and trends.

I also came across a great wire on the PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Ty Pennington At Home, a new decorating, remodeling and lifestyle magazine from the host of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Ty Pennington, and published by Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., is available on newsstands nationwide on May 15th. Ty Pennington At Home will offer Ty's solutions to the many and varied challenges that today's homeowners face, from developing a personal style to managing clutter to making a big impact with small design touches.

"I want to help people achieve their decorating and remodeling goals -- and have fun while doing it," says Pennington. "That's why every page in this magazine features realistic ideas and solutions that will inspire readers to infuse their homes with their own personal style."

Issue highlights: -- Ty's Rules (pg. 24) - Decorating guidelines to live by -- Ty Organizes (pg. 38) - Storage ideas to clean up your act -- Ty's Star Style (pg. 42) - A look at Rachael Ray's Manhattan office -- Come On In (pg. 48) - An up-close and personal look at Ty's California pad -- What Inspires Me (pg. 58) - How everyday things like sand, pine trees, and a bandanna have sparked Ty's imagination and become designs on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition -- Behind the Scenes (pg. 62) - All the details that go into an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition project -- 1 Room, 3 Ways (pg. 78) - Talk about versatile, Ty's furniture goes mod, safari, and botanical About Ty Pennington

Pennington has helped transform the lives of dozens, while inspiring millions more, as host and design team leader of the popular ABC series "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". The series is consistently rated in the Top 20 of all television programs ad has won two Emmys for Outstanding Reality Program as well as two People's Choice Awards. Pennington rose to national attention as the quirky creative carpenter on the groundbreaking home improvement series, Trading Spaces. Ty continues to develop products for the "Ty Pennington Style" line at Sears, ad is the ambassador for the Sears American Dream Campaign. In 2003, Ty put pen to paper and created Ty's Tricks (Hyperion) which became a New York Times bestseller. Ty is currently writing another book, to be released by Simon & Schuster this year.

Ty Pennington At Home

Off to the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference

It's time to Viva Las Vegas!

Well I wish I were headed there to have fun, but this week will be filled with lectures, networking and note taking of Future Trends. I am headed to the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, with the chief goal of meeting some interesting people and companies that can serve the demand level of the clients that I serve.

The conference is very large, see the layout yourself. Annual attendance is a requisite in this business as the speed at which my company adapts translates into the relevance I can discuss my expertise with my clients.

In the mean time, please enjoy a recent completed job.

Good Kitchen Design Books for Orange County

Kitchen and Bath Design News features 5 great design books aimed at everyone from the rookie to the veteran designer. Here is a quick summary of this great review. I am constantly reading and discussing new concepts with professionals in the industry. I can recommend Contemporary Asian Design especially considering the strong Asian design influences found in California homes.

Style To Go: Bed & Bath: "...aims to show an effective symbiosis between the two sanctuary rooms in the home... with helpful sidebars including tips and tricks to overcome style challenges such as limited space and storage issues."

Contemporary Asian Bathrooms: "...includes photos from private homes and luxurious Southeast Asian spas and resorts that any designer charged with creating 'a temple dedicated to body worship' would do well to take note of during the design process."

50 Great Bathrooms by Architects: "...shows how architects interpret differently the traditional notions of the bathroom as the haven of the home for it occupants. As its editor says, it is a place for 'relaxation, grooming and total privacy.'"

Great Kitchens by Architects: "The sister book to 50 Great Bathrooms. Includes detailed layout and renderings of each kitchen. Every trend and style is represented here, from a Modernist look with straight lines and splashes of color in the details to experimental kitchens with unusual use of natural light and window placement.

Ultimate Guide to Kitchens: Plan, Remodel, Build: "...designing a kitchen with special needs can be more complicated, [requiring] specialized knowledge and skills.... In keeping with this idea, Ultimate Guide covers a wide range of topics that kitchen designers might not have a specialty in, but could use to enhance their designs and expand their profit centers."

Country Sink Demand Increases in Orange County

Demand for Country Sinks on the Rise in Orange County

Stainless steel or country sink A few years ago there was hardly a mention of the later. But today based on inquiries to the showroom, the demand of garden sinks is on the rise. I'd say about 20% of my new clients have expressed an interest in replacing their old sinks with the deep, ultra white and trendy country sink.

I contribute the rise in demand to these five factors:

1. Country sinks are usually deeper affording the kitchen to have more storage for washing dishes and other sink related projects.

2. Families are eating at home more now than ever before. I am not saying the restaurant business is in trouble, but rather with the internet, food channels and the Rachel Ray effect, more people have a desire to cook in their own homes.


3. Home owners are seeking to spot the new trend. If stainless steel is mainstream, there will always be those that want to go against the grain.

4. Organic vegetables and fruits. Organic produce usually requires more washing and the country sink seems a perfect match.

5. Finishing improvements. Today's country sink comes with a variety of finishes that scratch resistant and easy to clean.

If you are in the market for a country sink and are in the Orange County area, stop by the showroom and lets discuss some options.

New Home Builder selects Signature Design Center

Signature Design recently teamed up with Bowlus Pacific Venture Corp (951.784.4811 ) to completely outfit 179 new and model home's kitchens and bathrooms in Orange County and Riverside. I am really excited about the opportunity to work with a very talented and focused builder whose homes are in great locations. All homes will feature upgraded cabinets and granite counter tops standard throughout the house. In addition buyers can expect to receive great views and a great location close to shopping, schools and University of Riverside.

Future owners in Creekside Terrace Villas or Courtyards that mention Signature Design will receive a special upgrade allowance. Prices ranging from mid 400's to the mid 500,000.

I will shortly submit pictures and pricing specifics so keep checking in.

New granite countertop style

We have been working hard to import many hard to find granite and exptic stones for our clients. Below we have a black stallion color that looks great with a darker countertop. Take a look at some of our images from a recent March 2007 project in Orange County.







Give us a call to discuss some of our newest options and imports.

We're pulling for you Mike Rouse!

We here at Signature Design Center are pulling for one of OC's own, Mike Rouse #15 to make it with the Cleveland Indians opening day roster. In case you don't know Mike made a name for himself as a Titan at Cal State Fullerton and still has familial roots here in Orange County. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike on my "home field" the interior design world and this young man is an even better man off the field. We want to wish the Rouse family and their budding star the very best. However when Cleveland comes to Anaheim, I will have to cheer for Mike silently as Signature Design Center is a big part of Angel Nation!


Image courtsey of AP, (Gene J. Puskar).

Colorful Kitchen Ideas from This Old House

Remember Bob Villa and This Old House? I took many a design idea from that Saturday morning television show. These were the days before HGTV, TLC and A&E. I was browsing cnnmoney.com today when I came across a nice look at how kitchens across the country are designed. Take a look at some of these beauties.

This kitchen was built into the 2003-2004 This Old House TV project, a small converted barn in Concord, Massachusetts. Because of its size, TOH general contractor Tom Silva had the luxury to build custom cabinets, including an ingenious angled drawer (inset) created to clear the oven door handle. more

European Kitchen Design

As an American designer, it is mandated that I have a sound understanding of what is popular design in other countries, with a special interest given to European and Asian influences. While many US designers have the skills to use international influences, rarely do clients ask for such looks. The Wall Street Journal has a great article that feaures specific designs asked of various European kitchen designers for a masterpiece showroom.

The kitchen has always been the center of activity. Ready to make it the centerpiece?

We asked three of Europe's top design firms -- Universal Design Studio in London, Matteo Thun & Partners in Milan and Svenskt Tenn in Stockholm -- to spend €100,000 to create a stylish, functional and unique kitchen.

"Today's kitchen is more expensive than the living room," says Christian Witt-Dörring, the Viennese decorative-arts curator and cultural historian. "You used to sit and work in the kitchen. Today, you put the kitchen in the living room so you can be with your guests."

Read More...

Signature Design goes Hollywood!

During the midst of our major showroom expansion at 1010 Batavia I still had time to sit down for my first video shoot. For anyone that does television for a living my hat goes off to you. It is amazing what the camera can do for you in so many ways. I also have some videos of some of my recent clients which I have uploaded to youtube. Take a look at some of the videos yourself and send some feedback as you like.

Orange County's Luxury Granite & Tile Installer

The California State Contractor's board issues very few C54 – Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor Licenses. Why? Because anyone can go to the local Home Depot, ask 20 questions and throw down some tiles. In fact in Orange County you can ask around and find a few guys that will even do an entire bathroom for a nice meal. But the state of California, strictly mandates to whom they will designate as professional cermaic and mosaic tile contractors, complete with a license, insurance and years of experience.

From the state of California's website: A ceramic and mosaic tile contractor prepares surfaces as necessary and installs glazed wall, ceramic, mosaic, quarry, paver, faience, glass mosaic and stone tiles; thin tile that resembles full brick, natural or simulated stone slabs for bathtubs, showers and horizontal surfaces inside of buildings, or any tile units set in the traditional or innovative tile methods, excluding hollow or structural partition tile.

Orange County Cabinet Refacing Project

I recently completed several projects where the clients were comfortable with their pre-existing cabinets and wanted to have their cabinets refaced rather than new cabinets. This can be a cost effective method of remodeling depending on your goals and cabinet quality selection. In other words adding a new engine to an older BMW may be a wiser investment than adding a new engine to an older model Chevy, no disrespect to Chevy. The same holds true in kitchen and or bathroom remodeling. In the meantime, please enjoy the images.

Before:
Notice the cabinets are in ok shape, but they do not represent the client's personality. These were refaced. The tile countertops are a bit dated and the cooktop was old. However the kitchen was highly funcitonal just not very "Orange County".



After:
We added refaced cabinets and granite countertops. the island update adds character and depth. Older homes use cooktops that are less funcitonal and dated. Notice the luxury stove and vent.

Tips for Hardwood Floor Decorating in Orange County

I recently have seen many homes that are using hardwood floors in Orange County as wood often communicates simplicity, boldness, luxury and power without saying a word. However there are some tips that I believe will help remodelers make the most of their expensive flooring investment.

1. Balance of Design: The correct balance of colors, textures and shapes can make all the difference when designing your dream room. Be sure to include both lights and darks, large and small pieces of furniture and fixtures. This helps to promote harmony.

2. Display the best qualities: If you decide to use a bold or vivid color as a foundation, be sure to utilize equally bold textures, patten rs and furniture arrangements to match the tone of your color palette. Many Orange County residents live near the ocean and like the use of traditional white. White works well when it is complimented by bold wood flooring selections.

3. Avoid trying to please everyone: It may seem like a safe bet to place neutral colors all around your home. Sometimes, trying to be a crowd pleaser is just a bad as trying to be a color radical. Have you ever been inside of an all pink home? Or a new Pulte home, painted with Pulte Mist? I need a Tylenol!

4. Hit the local second hand shops: Thrift stores can be an excellent place to find great deals on antique furniture. Antiques often compliment wood flooring with a natural look and feel.

5. Be true to who you are: No matter what, design is a personal matter. Do not allow anyone to influence you into selecting a design that compromises your true self. Remember, you will have to live with your color selections for the long haul.

I hope this helps you in your quest to make your wood flooring look great.

2007 and the Trends keep coming

It has been some time since I last posted, partly due to holidays, projects and end of the year accounting. But now I am back. I came across this very interesting video I thought you should view. As technology gets easier to use I assume we will see the remodeling industry begin to use more and more technology to reach new clients.

As I was traveling to a clients house in Monarch Beach I came across a beautiful home that also made note of having a Youtube page. The realtors are the Immel Team.



I find it amazing that real estate is not sleep at the wheel when it comes to technology. I expect much more of the same as the year continues.