Caesarstone USA Announces Supremo

Caesarstone USA, Inc. is pleased to announce their newest line of surfaces by the name of Supremo. This brand new stunning series of surfaces will be available to purchase in March of 2012, however Caesarstone is offering a sneak peak in anticipation of this launch.

Mirroring nature’s endless diversity, each of the exceptionally designed Caesarstone Supremo premium surfaces has its very own spectacular flow of color and pattern. This patented new technology is unique only to Caesarstone. With its natural look and feel, no two Supremo surfaces are alike. With a range of eight colors with names inspired by aristocracy and fantasy worlds each color carries meaning and beauty. From Swan Lake, a shimmering cream pattern which is both classic and refined; to Queen of Sheba a black surface with rich texture and subtle veining, Supremo’s palette of colors is sure to please. Translucent Supremo surfaces can be backlit creating a soft luxurious ambiance.

This new addition to the Caesarstone family of colors and collections gives endless options complementing any design. From Caesarstone Classico, a collection chocked full of fan favorites from Blizzard to Concrete; to Caesarstone Motivo, the brands line of edgy patterns derived from a patented polishing process to create lace and crocodile; and Caesarstone Concetto, a high end line of semi-precious stone surfaces that are truly works of art; Supremo is in good company. Caesarstone Supremo truly combines exceptional design with innovative technology. These new surfaces exemplify what makes Caesarstone so special, it is a beautiful ingredient in any home that can be used in various applications from countertops, to vanities, to wall paneling and custom-made furniture… as far as your imagination takes you.

• Like Caesarstone USA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaesarStoneUS
• Follow Caesarstone USA on Twitter: http://twitter.com/caesarstone • Find us on the web at http://www.caesarstoneus.com

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About Caesarstone USA

Caesarstone is the original quartz countertops & surfaces manufacturer. Caesarstone is headquartered in Southern California with sales divisions and major distribution centers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, Miami, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis and Dallas. Caesarstone’s Independent Distributors are located in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Philadelphia, North Carolina, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Arizona and Utah. Caesarstone’s premium quartz countertops & surfaces complement any design, from traditional to contemporary, for both home and commercial applications. Caesarstone products are available through kitchen and bath retailers, fabricators, architects, designers, builders and distributors nationwide. Offering a Residential Lifetime Warranty, Caesarstone countertops and surfaces 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).

Using only sustainable materials, 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 http://www.caesarstoneus.com, or call toll-free 877-9QUARTZ (877-978-2789).

Colour Confidence

by Janice Clements, Clement Interiors

Well, it seems like a simple concept.  You’ve heard from all the experts that a fresh coat of paint is the most economical and quickest solution to revitalizing any room.  How complicated can choosing a paint colour be, right?  No big deal.

Consider for a moment that Benjamin Moore alone has in excess of 3400 colours to select from!  Add in the colour palettes of Para, Farrow & Ball, Behr, and Pittsburgh to name just a few, and suddenly, finding a colour is kind of a big deal.

Like choosing baby names, colours can elicit strong reactions and emotions from people, potentially making the process of colour selection a painful endeavor.  Moreover, research shows the psychological responses to colour are numerous, from bringing up childhood memories (good or bad) or having an impact on one’s appetite, to affecting a person’s ability to sleep soundly.

From personal experience in helping clients select colours, I have learned over the years to avoid reference to the word “pink” when dealing particularly with males simply because the mere mention of this perceived feminine colour results in cringes more often associated with sucking lemons.  I worked for a newly married couple who ultimately chose a paint called “Maid of the Mist” because that was the place of their engagement.  Each of us has a distinct relationship with colour, but most do not approach it with much confidence.

So how do you improve your colour confidence?

Keep in mind that our eyes only recognize colour because it reflects light, so increase your chance of successfully selecting something appropriate by looking at colour options several times: in the morning, at midday, in the evening, on a bright day and on a day that’s overcast.  Each time, the appearance of the colours will change.  Be sure to make your selection while looking at the colour only on the surfaces on which it will be painted; do not make a final choice in another room or worse, at the paint store!  It can be difficult to make these choices in a room that is already painted, so open the blinds, turn on the lights and cover a small section of the walls with a couple of sheets of white printer paper.  Then place your paint chips on top of that paper so you can get an accurate view of the new colour options.

Emotions and lighting aside, most people do not consider is that colour is relative.  A colour only looks a certain way when it is placed next to another colour.  Put a pale blue paint chip beside a white one and the colour intensifies.  Place the same colour next to one more violet in tone and the blue may appear greener than when it is beside the white.  Colour comparisons are an important part of selecting colour and will help you eliminate what doesn’t work.  Knowing what doesn’t work is as important as knowing what does.

Of course, in making your selection, you want to get inspiration from other elements of your room, so look to a favorite sofa fabric or a much-loved piece of art and pull from them a colour you already love to get the ball rolling.  Remember if you think you will keep it simple by choosing white, whites also have subtle colour – some are cooler (bluer), some are warmer (yellower).  Be sure to compare them so you know what you’re getting.  Ask your paint supplier about the most popular whites available as they often work well with many colours.

While wall colour can be the one element that gives a room that wow factor, don’t feel it is your only option for establishing colour.  You can create a ‘blue’ room without putting a drop of blue paint on the walls, by introducing blue accessories and fabrics.  The paint colour you select can be more neutral in tone, creating a wonderful backdrop on which to highlight your fabrics, accessories and furniture.

I’m a firm believer that there is a right and wrong colour selection to be made, but colour preference is as individual as you are and is nothing if not subjective.  Your walls are likely the largest easel you will ever have to work with, so go ahead and have fun!  And remember, it’s just paint.

Cheers!

Janice

Some people just want to be popular!

by Kitchen Magic

Who wants to be popular? I guess everyone does!

This kitchen is remodeled in Kitchen Magics most popular door color as well as Corian® countertop color.

 

Scope of project:  Completely refaced kitchen and new Corian® countertops in Maui — And Kitchen Magic’s most popular engineered door color, Classic Cherry.

 

Utilizing the refacing process, the existing cabinets are covered in a matching classic cherry veneer using our double lamination process. The door is a classic Prestige style, with clean lines giving the whole room a much richer feeling. The red and brown tones in the cherry offer up a little more drama as you enter the room.

 

By refacing the existing cabinets, the homeowners saved up to fifty-percent over all new cabinets. And they still got that new kitchen that they’ve been dreaming of. You see, a new kitchen is affordable!   If the layout is the same and cabinets are sturdy, there’s really no reason to rip them out.

Refacing Process:  Double-lamination refacing process.

Step 1: Sand all exposed areas on the outside of the cabinets.

Step 2: Apply a wood substrate before refacing, to provide a sure seal for the laminate material.

Step 3: Installation of all new doors and drawers in matching material.

80% of what you see in your kitchen is doors and drawer fronts.

The door’s laminate material comes complete with all of the laminate benefits, including durability, beauty and easy clean.

It’s a classic

Currently, kitchen customers have been attracted to darker wood tones without a busy grain lately.  When it comes to trendy, yet a timeless material —  this kitchen has got it all!

Refaced Kitchen Description:

• Color: Classic Cherry
• Style:  Prestige style door

Countertops

• Corian Solid Surface
• Color: Maui

Before

Before 2

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This article was provided by Kitchen Magic. For more information visit KitchenMagic.com.

Color Confidence

Well, it seems like a simple concept. You’ve heard from all the experts that a fresh coat of paint is the most economical and quickest solution to revitalizing any room. How complicated can choosing a paint colour be, right? No big deal.

Consider for a moment that Benjamin Moore alone has in excess of 3400 colours to select from! Add in the colour palettes of Para, Farrow & Ball, Behr, and Pittsburgh to name just a few, and suddenly, finding a colour is kind of a big deal.

Like choosing baby names, colours can elicit strong reactions and emotions from people, potentially making the process of colour selection a painful endeavor. Moreover, research shows the psychological responses to colour are numerous, from bringing up childhood memories (good or bad) or having an impact on one’s appetite, to affecting a person’s ability to sleep soundly.

From personal experience in helping clients select colours, I have learned over the years to avoid reference to the word “pink” when dealing particularly with males simply because the mere mention of this perceived feminine colour results in cringes more often associated with sucking lemons. I worked for a newly married couple who ultimately chose a paint called “Maid of the Mist” because that was the place of their engagement. Each of us has a distinct relationship with colour, but most do not approach it with much confidence.

So how do you improve your colour confidence?

Keep in mind that our eyes only recognize colour because it reflects light, so increase your chance of successfully selecting something appropriate by looking at colour options several times: in the morning, at midday, in the evening, on a bright day and on a day that’s overcast. Each time, the appearance of the colours will change. Be sure to make your selection while looking at the colour only on the surfaces on which it will be painted; do not make a final choice in another room or worse, at the paint store! It can be difficult to make these choices in a room that is already painted, so open the blinds, turn on the lights and cover a small section of the walls with a couple of sheets of white printer paper. Then place your paint chips on top of that paper so you can get an accurate view of the new colour options.

Emotions and lighting aside, most people do not consider is that colour is relative. A colour only looks a certain way when it is placed next to another colour. Put a pale blue paint chip beside a white one and the colour intensifies. Place the same colour next to one more violet in tone and the blue may appear greener than when it is beside the white. Colour comparisons are an important part of selecting colour and will help you eliminate what doesn’t work. Knowing what doesn’t work is as important as knowing what does.

Of course, in making your selection, you want to get inspiration from other elements of your room, so look to a favorite sofa fabric or a much-loved piece of art and pull from them a colour you already love to get the ball rolling. Remember if you think you will keep it simple by choosing white, whites also have subtle colour – some are cooler (bluer), some are warmer (yellower). Be sure to compare them so you know what you’re getting. Ask your paint supplier about the most popular whites available as they often work well with many colours.

While wall colour can be the one element that gives a room that wow factor, don’t feel it is your only option for establishing colour. You can create a ‘blue’ room without putting a drop of blue paint on the walls, by introducing blue accessories and fabrics. The paint colour you select can be more neutral in tone, creating a wonderful backdrop on which to highlight your fabrics, accessories and furniture.

I’m a firm believer that there is a right and wrong colour selection to be made, but colour preference is as individual as you are and is nothing if not subjective. Your walls are likely the largest easel you will ever have to work with, so go ahead and have fun! And remember, it’s just paint.

Cheers!

Universal Design Trends in the Kitchen and Bathroom

by MeCC Interiors

The demand for products that are both accessible and functional continues to rise as knowledge increases and the product range becomes more readily available and attractive.  With an aging population who will no doubt want to live comfortable, independent lives for as long as possible, universal design will only continue to grow in importance.

Kitchen

Electrolux 24" drawer refrigeration unit

Appliances, accessories, and lighting have all become more intuitive and easier to use.

Refrigerators and dishwashers can be built into lower drawer spaces, creating easier access and seamless blending with the rest of the space.

Induction cooktops, which are energy-efficient, do not feature an open flame, and provide a cooking surface which remains relatively temperature neutral during cooking, present a great accessible option!  Another benefit is that, because they are more shallow than standard cooktops, they provide additional space for access bo chefs in wheelchairs.

Pull-out faucets have become the norm in kitchens.  For added ease of use, consider a touch-activated or hands-free model which can be outfitted with an automatic shut-off feature.

Though some manufacturers offer adjustable height countertops – i.e. they can be raised or lowered depending on the use and the user – another option is to simply lower the countertops altogether.  This is valuable for those requiring access from a wheelchair or otherwise seated position.

Grab bar from Kohler, model K-10540 in vibrant brushed bronze, 1 of 6 finish options

Bathroom

Grab bars have been around for ages, but more and more manufacturers see the benefit in offering coordinating grab bar options and finishes to their faucet and shower fixtures.

Zero-threshold shower bases are more prevalent, especially when paired with a trench drain to keep water from flooding the rest of the bathroom floor.

Quartz shower drain by quartzbyaco.com

Walk-in tubs are being heavily promoted by some.  Others are offering things like removable flip-up benches.  They can be elevated or easily removed, which may prove a better bet when it come to re-sale value of the home.

Mr. Rooter Weekly Plumbing Tip: American Indoor Plumbing

March 8th, 2012  |  Published in green, heating and cooling, plumbing

Plumbing tips aren’t hard to come by, but plumbing tips from the experts are. Mr. Rooter^® Plumbing has dedicated the space below to answering your questions with knowledge that comes from years of experience.

WEEKLY TIP: American Indoor Plumbing

American indoor plumbing engineering has brought amazing advances in convenience for homeowners, but also created environmentally-friendly designs for sustainable living. The availability of tankless water heaters, water-efficient design and other technology have given thousands of new types of jobs for plumbers, as well as customized options for home improvement. A tankless water heater configuration can add value to a home placed on the market, and the presence of low flow technology can be very tempting to an environmentally-aware buyer.

American indoor plumbing is improving as the old infrastructure is gradually updated with new materials and modern plumbing design techniques. Today’s plumbing industry trends include plumbing technology aimed at sustainable living, water conservation, and energy efficiency. If you are examining jobs in plumbing, it’s a very good idea to pay close attention to evolving plumbing technology and how it addresses green living concerns.

 www.StoreForParts.com

For more information, visit the Mr. Rooter website www.mrrooter.com.