Was Choosing A Metal Roof For My Home A Good Idea ???????

The long awaited question "do I love my new metal roof?"  is about to be answered today, and I answer this question with an unalterable YES!  I say yes to the style, form and function of this beauty.  I never thought a clean, crisp roof could administer the butterflies as our new kitchen did, but it does. It gives my home a little pick me up.  It's a fetching protector of my home and has not only added to the numerical value, but a striking design element as well. You could say it gives my home that certain je-ne-sais-quio I had been looking for.As of today I don't have a single regret. I don't regret choosing this shinning beauty over a shingle roof.  I don't regret spending 20% more, because most of the cost will be recouped over the next several years.  Like I mentioned in my previous blog, "To Metal Or Not To Metal", I would like to reiterate all the reasons why it was the best choice for me...Metal is non-combustible and will never catch fire, i'm a big fan of this one!  It will protect my house against extreme weather conditions such as hurricane level winds. During heavy rain storms metal roofs can be noisy, "so I heard", but since installation the heavens have opened up several times and I've heard  nothing!  Not a pitter, not even a patter of sound against the metal . It won't crack, chip or warp, unlike all other common roofing materials. It's going to save us as much as 25% off our annual home energy bill.  It's cooling reflective surface reflects solar heat right back into the atmosphere. I cannot wait to see the savings on my electric bill this summer! My roof will certainly last past my lifetime and will remain 100% recyclable at the end of its service life. It will never end up in our landfills and for that reason alone the choice was a wise one for me!

Roof Before

     

Complete!

                                                                                              

The Inside Story- What Designers REALLY Do

WHAT DO YOU DO ALL DAY?

Back by popular demand we are reposting our "What Designers Really Do" blog today. We found  a deep interest in our design process and are happy to share it with you again.

I recently met with an intelligent reporter who focuses on architecture and engineering in the media.  We had a good conversation that eventually came around to the subject of interior designers.

Turns out that this well-meaning woman had almost no idea what interior designers actually do.  She knew about furniture and fabrics, which is great, but little else.As interior designers, we live and breathe our work, so it is always a surprise to us when people assume we spend every day picking paint colors and sofa fabrics.Most of our projects go on for more than a year. The important ‘furnishings and fabrics’ part takes place in the last 3-6 months of job. So what could we possibly be doing the rest of the time?  Here is a glimpse into a ‘day in the life’!1. The first stop for any project is a review of the architect’s Floor Plan. We work with good architects so we are always thrilled to get their good floor plans.  But designers and architect’s don’t look at spaces with the same eyes.  We start with a general furniture layout using typical features or even specifics (like, a client may say I need room for my Baby Grand or I have a huge collection of antique books).  We make sure things fit and that the floor plan flows per the furniture plan.  We make sure the doors swings won’t hit the furniture, the windows are aligned to the furniture layout, the walls make sense and are long enough for the client’s fantastic huge sofa or California King bed. We also look at the bathrooms and often make suggestions for changes there as well.TIP: The sooner we are involved in the floor plan the better.  It is a lot cheaper for the client to change things on paper and make sure they are built right, then to change things in the field where every alteration costs money and time. Cha-Ching!2. Lighting and Electrical.  We receive the lighting plan from the architect and make sure it works for what the client told us and how the house flows.  Again is easier to work out problems on paper then with the electrician standing there, waiting for decisions, charging by the hour. Lately, there is often an additional expert, the lighting consultant, on the project.3. Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP).  The RCP is the project’s ceiling details, beams, coffers and other interesting details. Usually the architect gives us the RCP with very little on it.  They know we will create the designs to match the other aspects of the interiors.  This is a huge part of the project and when we create it, we are also consulting with the mechanical, electrical, engineering and HVAC specialists, plus we make sure the new lighting plan works as well.4. Flooring Details. We determine what flooring will go where, like carpet, tile wood, etc. It may not be the exact tile, but at the early stages we determine the concept of what the material will be.  These are decisions that need to be made very early, even before the slab is poured, because the final flooring material will affect the thickness of the slab the builder needs.  And believe it or not, the Flooring Plan goes with the Electrical Plan, because floor outlet locations have to be decided before slab is poured to avoid a loud guy with a huge saw cutting concrete months later.

5. Wall Elevations and Details. At the same time the other design work is being done, we are also creating the details for the walls; creating special detailed features, niches, making sure walls meet up with proper, trim, baseboards, fireplace design and all built-ins and media centers.

   6. MEP (Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing). We also consult with the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing professionals to make sure things like AC chases and mechanical closets are detailed in. If not, we re-draw the plan and make them work.7.Wall textures and base paints.  Walls that are to be painted need a different treatment than those that will get wallpaper or faux or decorative treatments. All these details go on a spreadsheet and are sent to the builder and painter.8. Then comes the ‘Specifications’.  Such as, the exact plumbing fixtures in the project including toilets, showers, faucets etc.; the exact flooring materials and detailed patterns for them all drawn out so the installers can follow the plans; cabinetry and hardware in kitchens and baths are determined or custom designed; countertops decided on often after visits to the marble yard to select exact slabs; lighting fixtures, paint colors, wall textures, faux or decorative treatments; wall paper, etc etc, all set up on detailed spreadsheets for the builder, the client and anyone else who needs a copy.9. During all this,  an introductory color and furniture plan is presented to the client.  This way we know the colors and general style of the home. All the details, ‘specs’ and drawing are all geared toward the meshing with the final vision.10. Then we do furniture. :)THAT is what all the fuss is about.  That is why only a talented interior design firm with dedicated resources and a talented team of professionals aimed at completing all these important steps  should touch your design project!And that, is what we do all day!

4 Of The Best Reasons Why You Should Hire An Interior Designer

1.  YOU WILL HAVE HIRED A JACK OF ALL TRADES

Your designer will act as the liaison between you and your architect, vendors, contractor and spouse. While building a strong bridge between you and everyone else, designers have a trained eye and are always a head of the game. They address issues before problems arise and think about things that may have been overlooked.

2. RESALE VALUE

If you choose to sell your home the benefit to hiring an interior designer is two-fold. Not only will you have a faster turn-around, but it will bring more money to your pocket. An interior designer will add an increased appeal and beauty to your home that will attract your future buyer. They are trained to show your home in the best possible light.

3.  YOU WILL HAVE AVOIDED COSTLY MISTAKES

Scale and proportion can be a difficult subject for amateur decorators. Purchasing furniture that does not fit can be extremely costly. Things like plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, flooring, wall color and window treatments are just a few selections carefully thought out with the space and design in mind.

4.   YOU WILL HAVE AN EXORBITANT AMOUNT OF RESOURCES TO CHOOSE FROM:

Your designer has access to a vast variety of furnishings, fabrics, fixtures and accessories that’s only available to them. The look and feel to your home won’t be cookie cutter and will wow your friends and family!

Final Kitchen Reveal! Our Kitchen Remodel Is Complete!

 Hello There Beautiful... Is That Really You?

Drum roll please……..It’s been 43 days, six hours, seven minutes, 3 seconds (but who’s counting) since we started out kitchen remodel. With great relief and gratitude, I can finally say our kitchen is complete! I’ve earned my remodel wings this morning and will wear this pocket-sized badge of honor with pride. A ballerina’s pirouette has an uncanny similarity to this installation. It’s been a delicate dance of patience, dedication, balance and grace. I have to admit, the absence of a contractor was difficult and my graceful tactics may have wondered a bit, but the learning experience was priceless.

 Kitchen Before

 Kitchen After

The cool and calming effects of our kitchen have somehow placed all the trials and tribulations in a box, wrapped in a little red bow, far from my mind. (Except for the darn coffee pot debacle that continues to jump out of the box, from time to time.) As I walk through our kitchen I am elated with our tile selections and foyer layout. It makes a statement and reads our personalities in a desired fashion we were striving for, thanks to Troy Beasley. The decorative tiles delicate mixture of marble and stone mosaics serve as a stunning focal point. Did I mention it was fabricated in Italy? Why is it that I am naturally drawn to anything made in Italy?

 Foyer Before

  

Foyer After

 Adding square footage was not an option, so we opted for the removal of the soffits and the installation of white countertops. The combination created a magical illusion of statuesque ceilings and a feeling of openness our little galley-style kitchen has yearned for, all these years.

Kitchen Before

 Kitchen After

   The interplay of light and shadow reflects the profound depth of our iridescent glass backsplash tiles. Their reflective properties are brought to their highest level with the help of our under cabinet lighting. Their bowtie like qualities and wall space in which they lay, are a match made in heaven.It was important for me to incorporate a pendant light into our kitchen design. This little piece of art brings a pop of color and dazzling charm to the space. The first time it was turned on I instantly fell in love!   Finding the Lock Ness Monster has nothing on trying to find two banquets and a table to fit our small space. With that said, we asked our cabinet fabricators to custom make them. The tones and fabric choices were selected with the idea of bringing warmth to the space. I adore the idea of being able to sit and read the morning paper in a comfy, but very stylish space. The custom banquette, table and cabinetry were fabricated by JC Restorations.  

I have learned a lot during this remodel. As for my next remodel I raise my right hand and swear to:

1:   Ask the cost of any tile being imported from Italy, before the order is placed.

2:   Be as specific as possible when telling my workmen what I want. Sometimes I felt as though we were speaking two different languages. Having them repeat it back to me, may not be the worst idea

3:  Be more present during the install. A lot more gets done when you are there.

4:   Remember installation costs are always more than you think.

5. Remember to practice patience.

6:  Not to make judgments until the project is finished. It was a slow process, but totally worth the wait!

7: Never make quick decisions without fully thinking it through. Design takes time and a lot of thought.

8: Think of marriage counseling before the next remodel, or have Troy Beasley continue to help us with any disagreements.

9: Be more resourceful during a remodel. Eating out 43 days in a row was tumultuous.

10: Never make coffee in my bathroom again. That was a really bad idea!

 Till We Meet Again…

WOW- A 3D Printed House!

First there were miniature handheld sculptures, then heart valves and now sprawling homes that have all been created by using 3D printing. Through 3D printing technology they all possess the same anatomical architecture as the real thing.  The Chinese company WinSun developed a 12,000sq ft. mansion and a five story apartment building using 3D printed layers. The layers were made of mixed concrete and recycled waste materials, such as glass and steel.Not only are these structures eco friendly, but the cost is a fraction of what the going market asks today. This awe inspiring technology can shorten production times up to 60 percent and save up to 50 percent of building materials.  In the future,  different architectural design software applications can be used to build bridges and skyscrapers. Advancements will eventually  lead them to be built right on site. Who knows what the future holds for 3D technological advancements, but it's exciting to think of all the possibilities.

Luxurious 12,000 square foot mansion built by WinSun, using 3D printing. The home was reinforced with steel and filled with installation.

In order to  build this mansion, they needed a 20 feet high printer with a span of over 4,000 feet.  The substantial printer squeezes out one layer at a time, in a diagonal fashion.  They use recycled materials and quick dry cement in the process.

A computer controls a mechanical extruder arm to lay down the concrete. It is then treated with special hardeners so each layer is strong enough to support the next.

Here you have the final product. It's simply amazing to see!

 http://www.beasleyandhenley.com

Interior Design: Tile Me Beautiful, Luxury Tile

TILE ME BEAUTIFUL

Did you know tile has the ability to make you feel welcomed, calm, safe, luxurious and captivated? Did you know tile has been made by man for over 4000 years?Beautiful tiled surfaces have been found in the oldest pyramids and ancient ruins ofGreek cities. It’s a manufactured piece of hard-wearing material such as glass, metal, stone, metal or ceramic.  I love to see tile on unexpected places. Tile can transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary, with careful placement and thought. Shape, color, texture and patterns all play a significant role in the design process.

Mosaic tiles can be highly customizable and the tile options are endless. A few of my favorites are glass, natural stone, unglazed porcelain and prism glass. I love to see elaborate mosaic tiles used in bathrooms. They immediately bring the room  to life. This design idea can withstand the test of time, in both practicality and style. They make their own statement, they are a one man show. Their charm and presence can impress any homebuyer.  I enjoy looking at the reflective light properties of the glass mosaics.

Clay tile roofs are strong and durable. I love how it gives an  aesthetic appeal to French Provincial, Spanish or American Colonial style of homes. Clay tiled roofs evoke a feeling of craftsmanship. Their ability to withstand the test of time with a little tender loving care,  is appealing to me. Clay tiles contain excellent insulating properties and on top of it all, did you know they are fireproof?

 

With all the tile choices out there you can create a multitude of looks. I think the interlocking patio tiles by Ezy are great! You don’t have the hassle of laying tiles the traditional way. You just clip the tiles together, automatically guaranteeing precise spacing, perfect alignment and securely locked in position.

Well, if I can’t go to the spa everyday I can replicate the feeling at home. Hand me a cup of warm tea, wrap myself in a fluffy white robe and I'm there. Just thinking about New Ravana's latest series of outdoor flooring brings me into a state of tranquility. The 33” x 33” tiles resemble smooth, natural pebbles with the help of the latest inkjet digital technology.

My patio is an instrumental part of my home. It’s a place where I enjoy my morning cup of coffee.  It’s my sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I don’t think your outdoor space should be an afterthought. Its significance boarders my indoor décor. My outdoor space adds comfort, beauty and value to my home.

 

A Modern Glass Farmhouse?! What's Old is New Again.

Modern, glass and farm house.  Three words you probably weren't expecting to see next to each other today.

From afar, this building may look like a traditional Dutch farmhouse, but up close you’ll notice it’s actually a building made of glass.  Glass farm is a new mixed-use retail and office building in the heart of Schijndel in The Netherlands designed by Dutch Architect Winy Maas.It’s a redevelopment of Schijndel’s market square, which was heavily damaged during WWII.  Using the concept of a traditional farmhouse, the architects of MVRDV worked with artist Frank van der Salm to photograph the remaining farms and average them together to create a stereotypical farmhouse.  How did he do this?  The morphed image was then printed onto glass using fritting technology to create the building. At 1.6 times the size of the average farmhouse, Glass Farm is a scaled up version that reflects how the town has grown up over the years.

Glass Farm illuminated at night

The glass allows day lighting into the interior, which minimizes heat gain while at night the interior lights shine out through the form and show off the building’s printed farmhouse façade.

View from inside Cafe looking outAnother view from the inside out of Glass Farm

I can see how Glass Farm was designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, and may remind adults of their childhood and how things were bigger when they were smaller.  This inspirational building may have to be added to my bucket list of things to see!

Are you in love with your home?

We welcome our guest blogger, Michael Spreckelmeier, president of Progressive Builders in Naples, FL. He is a state certified general contractor and building inspector, a member of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), the Remodelers Council, the Remodelers Advantage and has studied design and architecture with the Institute of Classical Architecture.  Are you in love with your home? I mean, when you come home do you say, “Wow I can’t believe I live here!”In my opinion, your home should give you a nice, warm hug when you walk through the door, but if it doesn’t, you’re not alone! A lot of people admit that they just aren’t in love with their home anymore and feel it may be time to part ways.You may be thinking that since remodeling seems expensive, moving would be a safer bet. But the truth is that in moving there is no payback, it’s just pure expense. On average, people end up writing about $30,000 worth of checks during the moving process and that money does not increase your net worth, it’s just gone!Creating a space that you love doesn’t have to be complicated. Maybe the only thing standing between you and the home of your dreams is a wall that needs to be knocked down! If you are happy with the area that you live in, but wish your home added more joy to your life, here are a few tips that might help you determine whether you should move or remodel.

Create a Dream List

Start by imagining everything it would take to make your home perfect and create your “Dream List” based on that. Next to each item label whether it is a NEED or simply WANT. Consider your lifestyle to help you identify which things are truly going to add the most value to your life. For example, turning your closed off kitchen into an open and inviting place to entertain family and friends might be more rewarding to you than creating a spa-like master bathroom where you can relax and recharge at the end of the day. Everyone’s list will look different depending on what they truly value in life.

Create a Budget

Consider how much you are willing and able to spend to make the most out of your home. When you’re developing a budget, keep in mind how much the return on your investment will be on your project. Remember the money you spend will not only benefit your life, from an enjoyment stand-point, but it will also raise the value of your property. Research what types of improvements make the biggest impact to your bottom line. This can vary depending on where you live.

Get Professional Help

No, not the kind that wants to talk about your feelings! Seek professional help from a licensed remodeling contractor. Ideally, one who’s familiar with your type of home and even the community or development that you live in. This can be helpful because they may be aware of association rules that could affect the scale of your project. An expert remodeler will review your Dream List and let you know if your expectations are in alignment with your budget, and if they’re really good, they’ll also present some ideas you would have never dreamed of on your own. Interview several contractors and don’t be afraid to ask to see their license. Anyone who has one, should be happy to present it to you.Deciding whether the relationship you have with your home is worth saving, or whether you need to move on isn’t easy, but if you do some research and base your decision on that, you’ll be able to move forward worry free! Life is too short not to enjoy your home to the fullest, so don’t be afraid to make a change and create the lifestyle you deserve!