Earth Day 2012…How Will You Help?

Earth Day is Sunday, April 22nd and we are reminded that each of us has the power to reduce our impact on the environment.  We encourage you to participate and make others aware of the environmental issues seen throughout the world.  Make a difference by taking part in these simple actions throughout the home:

• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth
• Wash your clothes in cold water and use the short cycle
• Turn down your water heater
• Recycle and reuse plastic grocery bags…better yet, bring your own cloth bag to the market!
• Convert your household light bulbs to LED
• Purchase a filter for the kitchen faucet and cut back on water bottle usage
• Use your laptop over your desktop computer
• Take shorter showers
• Turn the lights off when you leave a room

Let your friends and family know that the small changes they do will have a huge impact on this wonderful planet we all call home.

-Laura

Kitchen Appliances and Their Multimedia Makeover

In case you haven’t read the November 2011 issue of Life @ Home, I highly recommend you grab a copy today. This month the Times Union publication featured a fascinating article on kitchen appliances and their technological advances. Now I’ve been in the home renovation business for years, but the numerous advances in appliances over the past decade are extraordinary. Today, homeowners can purchase vents that are quieter, dishwashers that are Energy Star efficient, or even built-in WiFi right into the refrigerator. With all of these modern updates, I don’t even think the Jetsons are the family to keep up with any longer.

Checkout the latest Life @ Home issue, and see what our own chief cabinet guy, Evan Levey, had to say about how appliances are making life easier in the kitchen.

Read the November Issue of Life @ Home here!

-Laura

Ray’s Favorite Things for the Kitchen

When it comes to designing a kitchen, Ray loves bringing in the technical aspects that are needed to make the space functional for homeowners. Below, you’ll learn some of Ray’s favorite things that will make life in the kitchen enjoyable and convenient.

Wolf Dual Fuel Ranges

While offering a wide variety of top configurations and standard dual stacked surface burners, Wolf’s 48″ Dual Range is a great option for large families and those that like to entertain. The optional steel griddle, infrared charbroiler and French Top give you the freedom to customize your dual fuel range. The large electric oven features Wolf’s dual convection system that helps to deliver even temperature and airflow throughout.

Sub-Zero PRO 48 Refrigeration

Appliances have always been the bling of the kitchen when it comes to making a statement. With it’s bold stainless steel design, Sub-Zero’s PRO 48 Refrigeration is sure to have your neighbors talking. This model provides dual refrigeration that keeps foods fresher longer and prevents odor transfer.

Kohler HiRise Wall-Mount Kitchen Pot Filler

Ease and convenience are the two words that best describe Kohler’s HiRise Wall-Mount Pot Filler. You’ll love having its extensive 24″ reach capability for professional cooktops and ranges that will help you from leaning over the cooking area, or filling the pots at the sink. This model comes in two finishes, brushed and polished stainless, that will provide outstanding durability.

Radiant Floor Heating

For an efficient way to heat a room, radiant floor heating can help increase comfort and decrease your home’s energy bill. It’s a great option to help eliminate bulky radiators and baseboard heat, and to make your kitchen floor nice and warm to walk on.

Wood-Mode Roll-Out Trays

We’ll admit it, digging through you kitchen cabinets to find that pot or pan can be a major hassle. So, why not make life easier with the functional roll-out trays from Wood-Mode? They make much better use of the cabinets’ space and nothing gets lost in the back of the cabinet cave. Ray believes these are the best value for the money when you are selecting accessories for your kitchen.

Ali’s Favorite Things for the Bathroom

As a vital asset at CCW, our office manager, Ali, is consistently assisting our designers with the most efficient resources and keeping the comedy alive in the showroom. Below, Ali shares her favorite things that will bring convenience and fun into your bathroom.

Moen Destiny Hands-Free Faucet

For a convenient and functional tool in the bathroom, a hands-free faucet will be perfect for any day. The Moen Destiny Hands-Free Faucet is designed exclusively for the powder room. With its modern and minimalist design, the faucet features curves and hard angles that blend seamlessly with the benefits of touchless activation. Another plus, the faucet is temperature controlled!

Thermique Towel Warmer

The wall-mounted Thermique Towel Warmer is a work of art. The elegant glass heating surface is a stunning design element that can serve as an accent or centerpiece of your bathroom decor. With a wide range of metallic finishes to choose from, you’ll love how the heated-glass brings luxury to your room. It may not be a necessity for the bathroom, but it’s a great way to pamper yourself and allows you to create your own spa in your home – who wouldn’t want that?!

Kohler DTV II Custom Shower Interface

Create a spa-like environment next time you shower with Kohler’s DTV II Custom Shower interface. The interface allows you to combine shower, music, lights and steam. You’ll be amazed how your shower syncs with the lights and music. There are six user presets enabling for one-touch access for your custom showering experience. Even the shower experience alone is wonderful since you can set your own preferred temperature and choose between eight shower components with just a touch of a button. This would be amazing in any shower!

Robern M Series TViD Medicine Cabinet with Integrated TV

Whether you catching up with the news in the morning, or don’t want to miss part of the game, having a TV in the bathroom would be helpful for any homeowner. Electronics have come a long way in the home, and Robern introduces a stylish integrated TV within your bathroom’s medicine cabinet. The medicine cabinet also has electrical outlets and a hook up for a MP3 player and an interior with glass shelves. What a perfect option for busy mornings!

Evit Vetro Tile

When it comes to tiling the bathroom, it’s important to leave plenty of room for creativity. These glass tiles from Evit offer a stylish and interesting look to any bathroom.

Anna’s Favorite Things for the Bathroom

When it comes to renovating homes, Anna loves to bring her passion for fine arts and historic backgrounds to her designs. Below, Anna introduces you to some decadent pieces that will create a classic and cozy feel into your bathroom.

Gramercy Double Metal Washstand

Introduce simplicity into your bathroom with a classic metal washstand. The Gramercy Double Metal Washstand is perfect for “his and her” vanity sinks and brings a modern flair with its polished nickel finish. What is great about this washstand is that it includes the sink top, base and basin. Anna recommends pairing a Carrera marble countertop with the washstand.

Perrin and Rowe Edwardian Faucet in Polished Nickel

When it comes to the sink, consider the Perrin and Rowe Edwardian Faucet. Perrin and Rowe’s 3 hole widespread faucet allows for more room between the faucet handles and spout. Consider installing this beautiful faucet set for larger sink basins, or even for the master bathroom.

Victoria and Albert Shropshire Slipper Tub

With more homeowners choosing to separate the shower and the bath, add a little elegance into your space with a slipper tub. For a classic look, you’ll enjoy Victoria and Albert Shropshire Slipper Tub. This model is ergonomically comfortable with its compact dimensions making it great for smaller bathrooms, too!

Wesaunard Towel Warmer and Radiator

Pamper yourself when you dry off with a towel warmer that doubles as a radiator. The Wesaunard towel warmer and radiator provides extra heat and brings a Victorian Style luxury into your bathroom.

Walnut Toilet Seat

Bring style and contrast into your bathroom with a walnut toilet seat cover. Your toilet needs more consideration than you think. So, why not impress you and your guests with this eye-catching combination?

Saving Energy Around the Home

Save money and make a difference by taking part in these simple actions throughout the home:

• Make sure your water heater is set to 120 degrees. Some thermostats are preset to 140 degrees, which can cost you more money.
• Wash your clothes in cold water and use the short cycle.
• Move your refrigerator away from the stove, dishwasher, or heat vents. Make sure the door seals are airtight.
• Schedule an annual tune-up for your central air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace.
• Install water-saving shower heads that spray 2.2 to 2.5 gallons per minute, rather than 3.5 to 5.5 gpm.
• Convert your household light bulbs to LED.
• Purchase a filter for the kitchen faucet and cut back on water bottle usage.
• Match the water level and temperature settings on your washer to the size of your load. Don’t fill the machine for just a few items.
• Clean your dryer lint filter before you put in a new load.
• Use pots that fit the size of the burners on your stove. Use lids so you can cook at a lower temperature.
• Turn the lights off when you leave a room.