October 15, 2010
In Good Taste – Luxury Eco-Living
by Leslie Hassler
One of my most favorite posts this week was Wednesday’s post about Your Style With A Side Of Green. While I was researching for our newsletter this week, I came across this home as featured in Veranda, the Eco-Manor. Click here for the article, or here for EcoManor. Enjoy these highlights –
EcoManor as featured on Veranda.com
EcoManor - Front Parlor as on Veranda.com
EcoManor Lively Living Room as from Veranda.com
EcoManor's princess bedroom as from Veranda.com
EcoManor's clean and fresh kitchen as from Veranda.com
Eco-Manor Veranda as from Veranda.com
Enjoy your home and your weekend. We will see you on Monday!
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October 14, 2010
Living Life Well- Fun Kitchen Hardware
by Ali Adams
Do you ever look at your kitchen and just think it is kind of boring? The easiest and most cost efficient way to revitalize your kitchen is to replace your hardware. You can go from super elegant to way quirky. I tend to be a little on the quirky side and as a matter of fact the last house I owned had forks and knives as the hardware which were always great conversation starters at all gatherings.
Here are a few that I think would really spice up a kitchen. I especially like the the Kitchen ID Series from Notting Hill. They would really make life easier when instructing my husband in the kitchen!
Notting Hill: Kitchen ID Series
- Atlas Homewares: Beaded Knobs, Image Copyrighted by Atlashomewares.com
Soko Studio: Manhandles
Kitchen hardware can make a huge statement.
Call Luxury For The Home to help you make a statement in your kitchen to live life well.
281-701-2461
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October 11, 2010
Monday Inspiration: Kitchens
by Ali Adams
As the holiday season starts peaking around the corner I tend to think of all of the holiday gatherings. As we all know the party always ends up in the kitchen. The ideal kitchen is different for everyone, but here are a few that have some wonderful entertaining and styling ideas.
1. Zen and Compact: This zen space is compact while still feeling roomy enough to entertain. I love the large island and breakfast bar because they allow for plenty of gathering space. Can’t you imagine throwing a party here??
A Zen Kitchen by Marguerite Rodgers
2. Clean and Modern: This is a large kitchen with an elegant feel. I love the streamlined marble counter tops that contrast with the dark wood table. I dream of lazy Saturday mornings at this breakfast table.
A Modern Oak Wood Kitchen in Los Angeles
3. White and Bright: If I could keep it clean this would be my bright white kitchen. It just feels subtly glamorous. I love the idea of a breakfast table built off of the island, it is such a great use of space.
New House, New Kitchen Traditional Home
4. Classic and Modern: This kitchen is so clean and neat with a pop. I love the way the blue island stands out creating an interesting focal point as well as gathering space.
A Fresh Florida Kitchen
October is National Kitchen & Bath Month, call Luxury For The Home to begin the kitchen of your dreams.
281-701-2461
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April 14, 2010
The Luxury of New Technologies
By Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
Well we’ve been busy and where last year our clients were interested in improving their bathrooms, it seems the hot project this year is improving their kitchens. We’ve just finished a quick cosmetic makeover of a kitchen and are set to start a bit larger of a makeover in the next few weeks.
When we begin working for a client, we research materials and products that really meet the need of that individual client. This client had laminate countertops to begin with, wanted to improve the look of her kitchen, but plans on moving within 3 years. That’s how we came to install the product I am going to share with you. For our project, the product easily came in 40-60% the cost of granite. The product is a granite-look laminate from Formica (www.formica.com) called Formica 180FX . This product is fairly new, I believed that it was launched within the last six months.
Formica 180 FX - Blue Storm
Simply put, Formica has taken high definition photographs of 9 granite slabs. The photography is reproduced in “slab” sized laminate (4′ x 8′) so that each 8′ run has one repeat, before, the repeats would run about 18″ or so. There is also a top finish that mimics the polish of granite slabs. They have also thinned out the thickness of the materials so that you can get more “granite-like” edges, such as an Ogee edge.
Now, the product does have some limitations, you can only get the formed edge on 2 sides, so installations such as islands will have some choices to make. Also because the material is thinner, you won’t be able to wrap a cove up for a backsplash, The material just doesn’t have the stability to not crack in that situation. But really that’s the least of my concerns. I’d want to mask the fact that it is a laminate as much as possible. For the backsplash, you can laminate a 1″ x 4″ to create a 4″ backsplash or lay the material flat, butting the countertop.
Formica 180fx - Golden Mascarello
So who is this material for? Really it is for everyone. For a minor remodel where the countertops are already laminate – this is a great lower cost option for a lot of look; for a commercial business – imagine the look this could give to your office breakroom; For higher end homes or new construction – well, we all know that if choices are going to be made to lose granite in a craft room or utility room – this is a great option.
Formica 180FX - Red Montana
If your kitchen needs a face lift or even a complete makeover, Luxury For The Home will create a kitchen of your dreams.
Luxury For The Home believes that true luxury is not about ostentation or expense. It is about simplicity. Sanctuary. Comfort. It’s the beauty that happens when everything, including you, has its own ideal space.
Are you ready to bring luxury into your home? For more ideas sign up for our newsletter, or to schedule a consultation, please call me at 281-701-2461.
March 9, 2010
Luxury: The Hunt for Beauty in Composting
By Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
We all hear, “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.” Today I have some ideas on the recycle concept. I’ve spoken to you about the new focus for us this year, incorporating more environmentally friendly products and practices into our life, like eating less processed foods (which is hard for a busy family of 4!) So, less processed foods means an increase in our organic waste. Since we are also planting a huge amount of vegetables this year, wouldn’t it be nice to have some compost to feed those garden beds?
With that in mind, I’ve been searching for compost pails for the kitchen. Not too surprising, there isn’t a plethora to choose from. I, of course, want ones that have charcoal filters, but if it is going to sit on my counter, I’d like it to be attractive too. Here are three that offer some style for you.
The mega stainless steel compost pail from Williams Sonoma, represents the most prevalent style available. It does come in a 1 gallon capacity and the extra-large 1-1/2 gallon capacity. Not a bad choice if you’re cooking for an army!
- Stainless Steel Compost Crock – Williams Sonoma
This green glazed ceramic would work perfect in any traditional kitchen, especially with a French or Tuscan flair. This crock is so attractive, your guests wouldn’t guess it’s true purpose.
Green Stoneware Compost Crock from The Gardeners Supply
I LOVE the last version. The bamboo crock is made from a renewable source (another eco-philosophy) and is an attractive addition to any transitional or modern kitchen. This may be the choice for me.
Bamboo Compost Crock from The Gardeners Supply
What is your favorite one? Have you found one that works and brings luxury to your kitchen – Share with me!
Luxury For The Home believes that true luxury is not about ostentation or expense. It is about simplicity. Sanctuary. Comfort. It’s the beauty that happens when everything, including you, has its own ideal space.
Are you ready to bring luxury into your home? For more ideas sign up for our newsletter, or to schedule a consultation, please call 281-701-2461.
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February 17, 2010
The Luxury of a Greener Future
by Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
I’ll be the first to admit it. Green design hasn’t been the biggest focus for me. Most of my conversations with other professionals based outside of Texas go a little like this –
” Well, we are really excited about the work we are doing within the green movement. Is there a lot of interest in green design in Houston?”
Me: ” Umm, not really. We incorporate low-VOC type products, but we don’t get asked about green design very often.”
So because I am like you, when I don’t have the direct need for information, I don’t seek it out. But something has changed for me this year. It seems that more and more of our family and friends have been diagnosed with a variety of ailments and cancers. So in the back of my head, I’ve been thinking more about organic and unprocessed foods. In fact, I have 5 vegetable (small ones) beds in my yard so that we can grow some of our own vegetables this summer. But I also have thought about our exposure to the multitude of chemicals in our lives, and how we might live a bit cleaner.
But perhaps one event that has lit a fire in my soul was a seminar I went to at New Living, at 6111 Kirby.
New Living at 6111 Kirby Dr, near Rice Village
So what makes this business different? Number 1 – the people, Number 2 – the concept & Number 3 – the resources.
Let’s face it we all have a fair amount on our plates, so when someone is trying to make it easier for you, you take notice. According to New Living’s website:
” New Living is more than just a store. The idea behind what we are doing is to make the green building and green living movement accessible and affordable for everyone. We want New Living to be a community store that encourages new thinking, ideas, and helps foster a local green economy. We are open and look forward to the opportunity to listen and grow with Houston’s emerging green community.”
I’d have to say they are on track to fulfill that mission. The space has several work spaces, a great display system that explains the products, their eco-benefits and the investment level they require. But more than that, they have prices across the spectrum, enabling you & me to find a product that also fits our budget. The team at New Living has worked hard to also develop partnerships with installers who understand the products and their installation methods.
Let’s look at some of the products you can find here –
Solid Woven Bamboo - Sahara, available through New Living
Doesn’t look like the bamboo you are used to? You’re right. This is bamboo strands pressed together to create a softer look. I love the versatility of this product. I love bamboo floors anyways, but they create a linear, almost modern or contemporary feel; where as this is a product I could use for a variety of styles and homes.
3form Ecoresin Panels - Capiz Shell
New Living also carries the “Organic” line of ecoresin panels from 3form USA. Just to be confusing, I am showing a style from the “Play” line because it was just too beautiful not to show. The resin panels are comprised of recycled materials, along with other materials such as shells and grasses. The uses for me extend past walls and cabinet doors, I can see end tables, backlit desks, coffee tables…oh the creativity that this product sparks. As a side note, I just figured out that 3form also manufacturer the Wovin Wall, a lovely focus I spotted at the new STRATA Restaurant in Vintage Park
Bear Grass Light, Organic Series by 3form USA, available through New Living
I am intrigued by how many Texas-based recycled products New Living has pulled together. Not only is there a locally-produced cabinet line, but there is also a locally-produced countertops. In fact, some of the recycled glass in these countertops has been collected from the Houston area. I find that many of my clients are interested in concrete countertops for their outdoor kitchens – this would be a great product to install for them.
Recycled Countertops by Texstone, available through New Living
So, I’m excited to say the least and am looking for opportunities to bring these new ideas into my home and your home. How important will the green movement be to you this year?
Luxury For The Home believes that true luxury is not about ostentation or expense. It is about simplicity. Sanctuary. Comfort. It’s the beauty that happens when everything, including you, has its own ideal space.
Are you ready to bring luxury into your home? For more ideas sign up for our newsletter, or to schedule a consultation, please call 281-701-2461.
September 2, 2009
Guest Room Luxury: Making the Most of out small spaces
Very small bedroom area, Highlights on Decorati.com
Ottoman Sleeper from TLS by Design
Linea Line of Boone Wallbeds
Open Linea Line from Boone Wallbeds
Century Sleeper Chair & Ottoman
Guest Room Double Duty - Better Homes & Garden - Sept. 2009 issue
August 26, 2009
Kitchen Luxury: Jewelry For Your Cabinets
By Leslie Hassler – Allied Member, ASID; AKBD
I’m known to say, “Every girl deserves a little sparkle.” Well I also believe that every cabinet needs its jewelry too. Most cabinets can benefit from the addition of pulls and knobs, helping to complete the overall effect. There are also areas that call for extra special hardware. These are some of the luxuries you can find for your cabinets.
Schaub & Co - Estate Dover Tiger Penshell with Yellow Mother of Pearl
Schaub & Company Symphony series plays with semi-precious stones that make me think of my grandmother’s jewelry. Lucky for them, I like antique jewelry. These pieces have intricacy and would be beautful on cabinetry in a woman’s dressing area.
Sherle Wagner - Molecule Knob
This one is just pure fun! I must admit, I still hold a girlish fascination with bubbles. This one speaks to me, but it is also has a contemporary feel to it.
Atlas Homewares - Primitive Collection
Atlas Homewares has a great line of hardware that has a wonderful variety to it. This piece has an animal print feel, but is still extremely masculine in its design.
Amerock - Revitalize Pull
With the popularity of brands such as Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel and Restoration Hardware. This cabinet pull from Amerock, would blend seamlessly. The styling is simple and yet the rib detail keeps it from being boring. I especially like the depth, enabling easy use for people with larger hands.
Spectra Decor, Variation Series - Eco-resin & Lead-free Pewter
Having a green kitchen, gets easier by each day. The line from Spectra Decor is made using Eco-Resin and Lead-free Pewter. I especially love the airy graphic quality to the variation series.
Sherle Wagner - Aurora
I saved the best one for last. This one is my favorite of all that I have here for you. It is simply beautiful in its design and styling. The added benefit is the quality of Sherle Wagner hardware last. This is one of those designs that will transcend the years and the trends.
For more information on how we can help you define your Kitchen Luxury, go to: www.luxuryforthehome.com.
August 20, 2009
Kitchen Luxury: The Entertainment Sink
With the kitchen being one of the most used rooms in the home, it is no wonder that we talk so much about it. The purposes of the kitchen transcend meal prep and cooking to a gathering and entertaining area where guests and family naturally gather. Outside of work zones and work triangles, there are LUXURIES that need to be built in to the modern kitchen. One such luxury is the entertainment/bar sink. This sink is in addition to the main sink. Usually 16″ or smaller, this sink serves as an station to wash veggies, fill pots or even chill beverages. There is even the added benefit of freeing up the main sink for clean up. Many of the sinks available come or have available accessories such as cutting boards and basin racks. These accessories serve to give you the most use of your sink and help to protect the sink finish.
- Barcelona Entertainment Sink from Purple Sage Collections – A Perfect Option for Traditional Kitchen Designs.
The Poise (Kohler), shown here in the mirror finish is modern luxury at its finest. The sink comes with a bamboo cutting board and bottom basin rack, but that's not the most stunning feature. This sink also features SilentShield, a technology that dampens the sounds created by disposals, dishwashers and running water.
This Luna sink from Native Trails as a curved design which brings fun to the entertainment sink. This sink, also available in a Nickel finish would work in a transitional or contemporary kitchen design.
This Lager Sink from the Hammerwerks series would shine in any rustic kitchen design.
If your planning a Kitchen redesign for your home, I would love to help you. Please feel free to email @ leslie@luxuryforthehome.com or call at 281-701-2461.
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March 12, 2009
How to Choose Your Kitchen Appliances
When we start a project, the first run at the budget generally represents an “ideal” situation. From there, we work together with our clients to come to a more “realistic” budget. But, hey, that is why they call it planning.
The air purification system, my favorite, helps to purify the internal compartment of various items such as ethylene. What is ethylene you may ask? It is the off gas from fruits and vegetable that promotes ripening. One of the worst producers is apples. Do you have an apple in your refrigerator? Well it is helping all the other fruits and veggies to ripen along with it.
Sub Zeros also last FOREVER! I’m sure there are cases where they don’t, but I can’t tell you how many kitchens were we update the Sub Zero not because it doesn’t work, but because it is over 20 years old and just needs to be updated to fit with the rest of the kitchen. For most people it is a fight to get them to update them because they love the one they have.
Sub Zero is also making several new product and design introductions over the next couple of years. So when it is your turn to remodel your kitchen, think hard about your appliances. Buy the best you can and you’ll be glad you did down the road.Permalink Comments off
Luxury For The Home~ Houston Interior Design 