Summer 2008

From the Manager

They say that necessity is the mother of invention but I think that it is actually the mothers that have the best inventions! While visiting a new home jobsite last week, I came across one of the best ideas I’ve seen in a long time. The home was designed with small children in mind but the client took the idea to the next level. The beautifully appointed new kitchen was stunning in every detail, but the best was hidden in a drawer. While I stood chatting with the client, her busy infant crawled into the kitchen and pulled open a bottom drawer. In my home, I would have been diving onto the floor to remove a scary barbeque tool from my toddler’s hand. Here, the drawer opened to a wonderful collection of toys. Children’s kitchen toys to be exact. The little one busied himself while mom finished with her conversation. An amazingly simple solution to a dinnertime dilemma; keeping the little hands busy while she makes dinner. “It works every night!” I was actually stunned at the simplicity. Leave it to the moms!

- Sean Bradley

---

Tips & Trends

Bath Design

One of the most popular fixture finishes today is oil rubbed bronze. Due to the relatively newness of this finish it tends to vary in color from manufacturer to manufacturer. Not only does the coloration seem to vary, but the way the product is made varies. The two types of oil rubbed bronze are a “living finish”, like Tuscan Brass, and a PVD finish.

A “living finish” will change or patina over time based on how the customer uses and maintains the fixture. It is important to know how to maintain your “living finish” before you purchase this type of product; it is not for everyone.

The other type of oil rubbed bronze is a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). This process ensures durability, longevity, and beauty. PVD finishes resist corrosion, tarnish, peeling, and permanent scratches. Thus the coloration will stay looking great many years after you have purchased it. So the next time you stop into our showroom please talk to one of our design professionals about what type of oil rubbed bronze is right for you.

- Craig Buckley
Plumbing Manager

Learn more:
Find Tuscan Brass and “Living Finishes” »
Find Physical Vapor Deposition »

---

Featured Project

This project was a designer's dream. Great clients and heavy dose of artistic freedom combined to create a fun, ultra contemporary condo overlooking Canal Park. Glass tile was used in almost every space to help create a crisp and colorful palette that focused on blues and greens.

- Brian Timm
Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer

---

Specials

Pre-inventory area rug and accessory sale - Up to 60% OFF!

Mannington hardwood sale- discounts on Cherry, Walnut, Maple, and more!

*items pictured may not be available

---

Lower Cost Option

One of the first places that I turn to with the intent to decrease cost in a project is lighting. In my opinion, you can spend as little or as much as you want on light fixtures for your home without dramatically changing the overall feel or attitude of the finished design. I have found that some of my favorite lighting collections come from Kenroy Lighting or Vaxcel International, both relatively inexpensive product lines. Because wall sconces, close to ceiling fixtures and chandeliers are not handled very often, we can easily forget what a bargain our lighting was. As long as it looks beautiful and does the trick why does anyone else need to know? Observe:

- Erica Rodriguez
Interior Designer

---

Green

Hansgrohe’s Eco Right Plumbing Fixtures– “Right” for the Environment

Many plumbing companies have jumped on the “green” movement by offering products that reduce water consumption. Hansgrohe has produced a line of plumbing products called “Eco Right” which uses air technology to reduce water consumption without sacrificing a powerful spray. Their showerheads only use 1.6 to 1.75 gpm, as opposed to the standard 2.5 gpm; which transfers into a savings of 8000 gallons of water a year for a family of three taking a 10 minute shower daily.

Another great option Hansgrohe offers is having a low flow aerator installed in their lavatory faucets. This adds up to 10% to 32% water savings by reducing the gallons per minute from the standard 2.2 gpm to 2 to 1.5 gpm. These technological improvements ensure excellent performance and a huge eco-friendly impact.

- Brian Timm
Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer

---

Designer’s Tip

Did you ever notice that hand towels hang funny on towel rings? A lot of effort can go into making that thing look right. Consider cutting a small towel bar down to 8”-10” in width. It looks interesting and a folded hand towel drapes naturally over the straight bar! Just double check that your bar can be cut and customize your look!

- Sean Bradley
General Manager

---

New @ FTC

Paula Deen Indoor/Outdoor Rugs
Kaleen has teamed up with Paula Deen to come out with great designed area rugs that are great not only indoors, but also on your patio or screened-in porch. Stop in the store to see the styles we stock—available in many sizes!

Sicis Glass Tile
Sicis makes innovative, artistic tile mosaics using glass, porcelain, metal and other material tiles. They are the only company with glass tile rated to withstand residential or light commercial floor traffic. Check out their website to see everything from their standard solid colors to complete custom murals.

---

HOURS