You know how everybody hates those grab bars in the bathroom because they are so ugly. Healthcraft has created a new line of grab bars that takes the ugly duckling and turns it into a swan. They have incorporated the grab bar into the tissue holder, towel, holder, soap holder and more and they come in white or polished stainless. These grab bars look like they are part of the design of the fixture and can support up to 350 pounds. They also have a teak and stainless fold down shower seat that can hold 450 pounds.

To see the complete line Click Here

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Here in Chicago it's hard to imagine being able to have an outdoor kitchen with cabinets and having it last more than 2 years. Then I saw Lanai's outdoor cabinetry at the Kitchen and Bath Show. I was so excited and skeptical but I am now convinced this can happen. These cabinets have 5 different door front styles to choose from, 8 colors and are maintenance free. Waht more can you ask for?

They claim the panels will not deteriorate, fade, swell or erode, are 100% recyclable, are uv protected and have the color throughout. The hardware is stainless and the cabinets come with adjustable legs. This is a great looking cabinet and will give you years of outdoor enjoyment.

You can see images at their website Lanai

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PaperStone makes countertops out of 100% post-consumer recycled paper or cardboard and green PetroFree resins which are VOC free. These countertops are not paper floating in the resin as some that I have seen. They look and feel like solid surface material, seam like solid surface and can have a multitude of edge finishes.

The manufacture assures you of superior UV resistance and even color distribution and stability. The surface is abrasion resistant, non-porous and heat restant up to350 degrees and comes with a 15 year limited warranty. If you don't want quartz and want to be environmentally friendly while looking good, this is your product.

You can see the product and get more information by clicking on their name PaperStone

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I usually don't like solid surface countertops like quartz and Corian as I find them to be one dimensional or a poor replication of real stone. Well, not any more! HanStone Quartz is beautiful. I particularly liked the Ruscello Collection as it reminded me of fossilized stone.

It is available in over 40 colors and patterns, non-porous and is heat, bacteria and stain resistant. It is also GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality, children and schools.

HanStone is a natural quartz surface and is manufactured in a nature friendly facility here in North America. I saw the product at the Kitchen and Bath show here in Chicago and immediately asked for a sample kit. It doesn't require any sealing or special cleaning products and comes with a lifetime limited warranty.

If you want more information, you can go to their website by clicking  HanStone

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If you are looking for a unique bathroom sink, Alaskan Btronze may be your answer. Each sink is hand poured and sculpted by artist Shawn McDonald. You can order your sink with a smooth, dippled or textured interior to complement your interior. I saw these basins at the Kitchen and Bath show here in Chicago and they are beautiful!

Shawn also creates bronze sculptures, functional art and funerary urns. You can see his work at Alaskan Bronze or www.alaskanbronze.com.


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Jenn-Air now offers a duct-free downdraft cook top giving design flexibility to high-rise dwellers and those who are unable to run ductwork or vent smoke outside. Using a powerful filter to capture smoke and steam, the new system allows for an open kitchen layout and the ability to place cooktops on islands or peninsulas without installation constraints. The downdraft cooktop collection is available in 30- and 36-in. configurations in Euro-Style stainless finishes for both gas and electric models, and in floating glass and oiled bronze finishes for electric models. The cooktop line includes a touch control, electronic ignition for reliable lighting and automatic re-ignition in case gas flames are blown out, and a shallow downdraft chamber for easier cleanup.

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The last eco friendly cleaning item I saw at the International Housewares Show were these cleaning clothes by Pacific Dry Goods. They are micro fiber cloths that are made of natural fibers from trees grown in sustainable forests and not from petro chemicals. I've been using the EcoTowel for dusting and it is picking up all of the dust particles without any solvent applied to it. This cloth also absorbs 12 times it's weight in liquids, wipes like a towel and dries like a chamois. The EcoScrub has little abrasive dots on it for heavier cleaning jobs. When the towel gets dirty, throw it in the washing machine and use it again. You don't throw it out and let it become part of a landfill.

I also like the fact that Pacific Dry Goods donates a portion of it's branded sales to the Save the Earth Foundation. Saving the earth and helping a foundation to do the same. What's not to like?  You can go to pacificdrygoods.com for more information.

        

The other day I talked about cleaning cloths that don't need any chemicals used with them for them to work. If you feel you need a solution to clean with I saw EZ Brite at the Housewares show. Not only are the products they produce eco friendly their manufacturing plants are environmentally friendly. Their stainless steel cleaner that I saw demonstrated at the show leaves a streak free finish.

According to their website EZ Brite has been using the “cleanest” ingredients for our products since day one which was 61 years ago.  Their products are formulated with natural, vegetable oil-based soaps; food-grade based brightening agents and natural micro-abrasives that are specific for the cleaning application. They avoid any harsh acids and choose food grade citric acid instead. They blend our own soaps out of a variety of different vegetable oil bases and utilize natural micro abrasives to enhance the cleaning power of our products. They do not use bleach and their products are phosphate-free and gently return to the environment.

You can find EZ Brite products at their website www.ezbritebrands.com />
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“green” cleaning ... << MORE >>

Color Can Make the Ordinary Extraordinary

 

Color can change the mood of a room, the look of a piece of furnitureand highlight details that didn't stand out before. Take, for example, a built in bookcase.Paint the back wall of the bookcase an eye popping red and you have created anattention getting focal point in a room. Details such as decorative moldingsand ornate fireplace surrounds become more powerful when they are painted adifferent color than the walls around them. The stronger the contrast in color,the more the item will pop.

 

Contemporary interiors lack the ornate details found in traditionalconstruction so color becomes an excellent way to define particular areas andhighlight special items. A bold paint color can be used to accent a painting ort he wall can be the work of art by defining it with a different color. I havepainted each room in a small condo a different color and the entire condo becomes a Mondrian type of artwork. Around each corner was a new surprise.

 

There is color to suit any feeling you might want to create. Green is a calmer nature color where yellow is a vibrant nature color. Orange represents fun and we all know purple is a regal color. Red is a great way to evoke a sense of passion or increase stimulation. Many red dining rooms have stimulated conversation. If you aren't comfortable doing an entire room in red think about using it as an accent wall.Be careful of the trim color you select for a red room. You don't want it to look like a candy cane.

 

I like to see the color on the walls envelope the room and set the mood. The color on the wall does not have to be in any of the fabrics in the room. It needs to complete the room and accentuate the fabrics and furniture.It's the backdrop for the story you are telling with your furnishings.

Paint is such an easy way to change the look of a room but there are so many choices out there. I carry 4 different manufactures color decks with me and was just handed a new one Tuesday by one of my wallpaper and fabric suppliers. Yesterday I received a 25 page glossy brochure from another paint supplier touting their new paints and how to use them. For many people, choosing color can be a daunting task that can have disastrous results. Call us for an appointment today for a complete color makeover or even a simple color consultation.

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