Category Archives: New products / product reviews

What's New With Hunter Douglas

Posted on by
1

windowpishutters1I just took a field trip outside the blogoshpere (a.k.a away from the laptop) to spend some time at the Hunter Douglas Coffee Talk Training. WOW was it inspiring! Stations were set up demonstrating each product showing all of the new features, colors and offerings. Hunter Douglas really does a fantastic job of keeping up with trends in color, style, fabric and technology.

Some Notable New’s

  • Chalet Woods Wood Blinds have specialty finishes in 3 stylish motifs. Enhanced Grain Finish that resembles beautiful cherry wood grain, Antique Finish (my personal favorite) with an aged rub-thru look in colors like “toasted marshmallow” that would be perfect for a beach cottage, mountain home or shabby chic space and Distressed finishes are comprised of a stained base coat accented with gentle worm- hole distressing and a matte sheen. You can also now get the lite rise cordless feature for a cleaner look that is also safer for households with pets and children.
  • Silhouette and Nantucket Shadings have a new installation bracket that features a locking lever. The lever makes a click sound to indicate the shadings are properly installed and in the locked position.
  • Silhouette, Nantucket and Vingette Shadings have the new UltraGlide designer tassel that was introduced on Duette Honeycomb Shades in May 2009. This tassel features a clear, frosted base and a color coordinated cover. The tear drop design fits better in one hand, allowing for increased control when operating the shading or shade. Also, to improve the PowerRise with Platinum Technology, Hunter Douglas has implemented a software upgrade and hardware improvement that includes low battery detection, visible indication of reception and dry contact pins to accommodate harness connectors for input/output communications. This enables their usage with the advanced control systems used for home automation.
  • Designer Screen Shades, Designer Roller Shades and Provenance Woven Woods feature  great new motorization option with a proprietary new offering for residential hard-wired motorized shades.
  • Skyline Gliding Window Panels are now available with PowerGlide 2.0 with Platinum Technology!

Visit Hunter Douglas’ website for more information.

Avaire Interlocking Floating Porcelin Tiles

Posted on by
4

h_residentialThat’s right – you read it correctly….. interlocking floating porcelain tiles.

Avaire, made in Omaha Nebraska, began with a vision 5 years ago to provide consumers with a floor that is much easier to install than traditional, difficult and time consuming methods and a floor that will perform much better when faced with inevitable and natural structural shifts and environmental changes. After extensive research and testing, their vision because a reality with Avaire interlocking floating porcelain featuring their patent pending SnapSys Interloc technology. They are determined to provide the most user friendly, highest quality and best performing floor products.

These real porcelain tiles are designed utilizing the most advanced screen technologies available. What does this mean to you? A real, natural looking stone product at a remarkable price! Also, the installation process is faster and easier. The installation system floats rather than being fixed to the subfloor. (the tile is permanently bonded on an interlocking tray and rubberized base)  This eliminates the need to purchase thin set or backer board that can release dust into the air and allows for easy replacement of tiles should you damage a tile after it is installed. AND YOU CAN GROUT THE SAME DAY saving you time and getting your living conditions back to normal faster. You can even install over existing floors keeping your existing floors out of the landfill or remove it and reuse it later.

If that’s not enough, the tiles are less moisture absorbent than traditional tile which makes it easier to clean.

For those of you that didn’t stop reading at “….which makes it easier to clean.” to go purchase these tiles you may be wondering what the catch is. Are there different styles? Colors? Sizes?

There are different collections giving you a variety of colors,sizes and styles to choose from with 15 coordinating grout colors and transition and trim pieces to complete the job.

Interested in seeing the product? You can order samples here or locate a dealer here. To see what others are saying about Avaire, check out their testimonials. To learn more about their warranty, click here.

If you have used this product in your home or office, send us some pictures and let us know how easy the installation process was!

Crossville Features the Americana Series

Posted on by
Reply

crossville2Crossville’s Americana Series Porcelain Stone tile is as American as apple pie – and at a most competitive price. “Reminiscent of our country’s rich history, Americana’s six earth tones include Monticello, Gold Rush, Alamo, Grand Canyon, Rushmore and Plymouth Rock.  These deep hues go all the way through the tile, making the body an integral part of the overall color,” says Barbara Schirmeister, color and design consultant for Crossville.

“Americana is one of Crossville’s most popular lines among consumers and specifiers because it is both an exceptional value and extremely versatile,” says Laurie Lyza, Crossville’s director of marketing. Available in two sizes – 12″ x 12″ and 18″ x 18″, with a matching 4″ x 12″ Single Bullnose and 6″ x 12″ Cove Base – Americana is suitable for both commercial and residential use.  The Americana Series features a CROSS-SHEEN® finish, which imparts a subtle glow that enhances the color and allows stains and scuff marks to simply wipe away.

Who is Crossville, Inc?

Located in Crossville, Tennessee, at the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau, Crossville, Inc. began manufacturing porcelain stone at its newly constructed plant in August 1986. Today, Crossville, Inc., is the largest domestic manufacturer of porcelain stone, and operates the first U.S. tile plant designed to manufacture large-unit porcelain tiles. Planned and equipped to be state-of-the-art facilities, Crossville’s plants manufacture tiles ranging in size from 3″ x 3″ to 18″ x 18″.

Walker Zanger Unveils New "Green" Tile Collection

Posted on by
Reply

wz_kesh_palm_wink-winkWALKER ZANGER UNVEILS NEW “GREEN” TILE COLLECTION -New “Kesh” Tiles Continue Company’s Hand-Crafted Tradition Within the Context of Eco-Friendly Materials.

The new Kesh Collection from Walker Zanger, the world’s most comprehensive stone and tile company, re-imagines the traditional art of cement tile, creating a bold statement for floors, walls and outdoor spaces. The fresh and graphic designs blend the influences of many styles, but finds its primary muse in Mid-Century Modern and Hollywood Regency. Yet Kesh is also in harmony with the planet as the eco-friendly tiles are made with “green” materials such as cement and marble dust, and hand-crafted with the aid of low-energy manufacturing processes.

Borrowing from the traditional artisanship of Moroccan cement tile-making (the collection traces its name to the last syllable of “Marrakesh”), Kesh updates this traditional look in what has become a hallmark of Walker Zanger design reinvention. The Kesh Collection is available in a variety of motifs, including eight-by-eight inch field tiles, squares, hexagons, and four-piece Plus Plus
and round Wink Wink patterns. A traditional arabesque field is also available. The colors in this collection invoke old-world influence:
Kesh is available in tasteful combinations of Khaki, Palm, Crimson, Olive, Cream and Chocolate.

The beauty of the Kesh Collection is matched only by its eco-friendliness. Each tile is hand-made by master craftsmen, who combine cement with pigmented marble dust to achieve a matte finish that is subtly lustrous. Individual tiles are sun-cured, as opposed to
kiln-fired, which, by its nature, is considered a low-energy production method. So while the playful all-over-pattern designs of Kesh combine with its durability to make it applicable virtually anywhere, its “green” attributes support Walker Zanger’s commitment
to environmental responsibility—as well as the discriminating homeowner who employs it.

The Kesh Collection is now available through all Walker Zanger showrooms and authorized dealers.

About Walker Zanger Walker Zanger, the world’s most comprehensive stone and tile company, combines traditional tile-making techniques with a modern sophistication that transcends any singular design style. A leading choice for design professionals and consumers, Walker Zanger natural stone and tile products, as well as exquisite bathroom vanities, can be found in luxury homes, trendy boutiques, lavish spas and resorts, famed museums and fine restaurants around the globe.

Walker Zanger is available through 17 beautiful showrooms and authorized dealers nationwide. To learn more about Walker Zanger and its line of products visit www.walkerzanger.com.

Photo Caption: Wink Wink in Palm from the Kesh Collection
Photo Credit: Walker Zanger

Walker Zanger Unveils New "Green" Tile Collection

Posted on by
Reply

wz_kesh_palm_wink-winkWALKER ZANGER UNVEILS NEW “GREEN” TILE COLLECTION -New “Kesh” Tiles Continue Company’s Hand-Crafted Tradition Within the Context of Eco-Friendly Materials.

The new Kesh Collection from Walker Zanger, the world’s most comprehensive stone and tile company, re-imagines the traditional art of cement tile, creating a bold statement for floors, walls and outdoor spaces. The fresh and graphic designs blend the influences of many styles, but finds its primary muse in Mid-Century Modern and Hollywood Regency. Yet Kesh is also in harmony with the planet as the eco-friendly tiles are made with “green” materials such as cement and marble dust, and hand-crafted with the aid of low-energy manufacturing processes.

Borrowing from the traditional artisanship of Moroccan cement tile-making (the collection traces its name to the last syllable of “Marrakesh”), Kesh updates this traditional look in what has become a hallmark of Walker Zanger design reinvention. The Kesh Collection is available in a variety of motifs, including eight-by-eight inch field tiles, squares, hexagons, and four-piece Plus Plus
and round Wink Wink patterns. A traditional arabesque field is also available. The colors in this collection invoke old-world influence:
Kesh is available in tasteful combinations of Khaki, Palm, Crimson, Olive, Cream and Chocolate.

The beauty of the Kesh Collection is matched only by its eco-friendliness. Each tile is hand-made by master craftsmen, who combine cement with pigmented marble dust to achieve a matte finish that is subtly lustrous. Individual tiles are sun-cured, as opposed to
kiln-fired, which, by its nature, is considered a low-energy production method. So while the playful all-over-pattern designs of Kesh combine with its durability to make it applicable virtually anywhere, its “green” attributes support Walker Zanger’s commitment
to environmental responsibility—as well as the discriminating homeowner who employs it.

The Kesh Collection is now available through all Walker Zanger showrooms and authorized dealers.

About Walker Zanger Walker Zanger, the world’s most comprehensive stone and tile company, combines traditional tile-making techniques with a modern sophistication that transcends any singular design style. A leading choice for design professionals and consumers, Walker Zanger natural stone and tile products, as well as exquisite bathroom vanities, can be found in luxury homes, trendy boutiques, lavish spas and resorts, famed museums and fine restaurants around the globe.

Walker Zanger is available through 17 beautiful showrooms and authorized dealers nationwide. To learn more about Walker Zanger and its line of products visit www.walkerzanger.com.

Photo Caption: Wink Wink in Palm from the Kesh Collection
Photo Credit: Walker Zanger

What is PortStone – Reader Question

Posted on by
Reply

windsor-promenade-brick-paver-flooring

Reader Question: I was wondering if you had any information, reviews, or firsthand knowledge of Portstone flooring?

Answer: PORTSTONE is an innovative, patent pending flooring product that is made from a specially modified cementitious material enhanced with co-polymers, industrial grade aggregates, acrylic resins, and other proprietary components all reinforced with a woven fiberglass mesh. It is made to resemble brick, stone, slate, and tile. PORTSTONE is only 1/4″ thick, yet it has more impact resistance than ceramic tile or even full sized brick.

PORTSTONE has the look and feel of brick and stone, but it is much easier and faster to install. It is installed much like ceramic tile onto thin-set mortar, but instead of installing one brick at the time, with PORTSTONE PAVER SHEETS, as many as 16 bricks can be laid in one motion. Click here to see pattern ideas for PORTSTONE. (custom colors are available on a case by case basis)

USES:

1. PortStone may be used for residential and light commercial flooring.

2. PortStone may be used on interior vertical surfaces.

3. If used on exterior vertical surfaces, waterproofing shall be accomplished by means and material other than PortStone.

4. PortStone shall not be used for or considered as a waterproofing material for any application.

5. PortStone shall not be used inside a fireplace or firebox. PortStone may be used as a facing around a fireplace or firebox

only as a surround and not on any surface directly exposed or subject to extreme heat.

6. PortStone may be used on properly prepared horizontal exterior surfaces. When used on exterior surfaces such as porches, patios, walkways, pool decks, etc. an approved slip-resistant additive shall be used in an approved manner in conjunction with the sealer applied after grouting.

Click here for some customer testimonials about PORTSTONE flooring.

You should also know: All PortStone products are factory pre-sealed with a minimum of 2 coats of sealer. Another coat of sealer is required to be placed after the product has been grouted and sufficient time for the grout to properly cure, after which a minimum of 2 coats of PortStone approved floor finish shall be applied on all interior surfaces.


Window Coverings Design Scenario: What to Do!?!

Posted on by
3

dsc04344In this situation, a homeowner needed some guidance about which type of window covering would be best for his contemporary downtown loft.

Here’s how it went down. The customer called and asked for a price on Silhouette window coverings for his home. He also asked for samples of other vertical products or products that would be good choices for large windows also keeping in mind that he would like some shading from the sun without completely blocking his city view.

Having  already seen the space, Skyline gliding window panels from Hunter Douglas were an immediate consideration. Skyline has plenty of designer fabrics to choose from (187 color/material combinations), has the option of 11″ or 17″ veins and can cover the wide span of windows he has across the front of his home. Skyline also offers heights up to 168″ for his tall ceilings. (note: widths can go up to 384″)

After seeing the Skyline product, he fell in love. Skyline gave him a more contemporary feel for his loft than the Silhouette and the fabric and color choices left plenty of options for the accent wall he wanted to coordinate with.

Next came the details. He wondered whether the hardware could match the dark fabric he liked. The answer: YES! He wondered if the shadings offered any UV light protection for his fine furniture and artwork. The answer: YES! He then asked about the warranty only to be pleased to learn that like all Hunter Douglas window coverings, they are backed by Hunter Douglas’ exclusive lifetime guarantee. The best part – when he learned that he could operate the whole wall of windows with one single remote control. A bachelor’s dream!

Once again, Hunter Douglas was able to meet the needs of a client with multiple issues. Stay tuned for photos of the product installation!

New Product: Mannington Adura Zebra Wood

Posted on by
2

alp082_large

New Product: Mannington Adura Zebra Wood

Exotic and beautifully styled, Zebra Wood is Mannington’s first wood pattern to feature V² technology. The realism of the dramatic graining found in the Andean Pecan wood species is enchanced in this pattern. Each 5”x48” plank has intense color variation that ranges from light to dark, in three exotic colorways. This pattern is available in Adura® LOCnGO™ with TACFAST® technology.

Colorways:

  • Arid Plains
  • Safari Trail
  • Smoking Gun

Adura Flooring offers the following advantages:

Enduring Beauty

Our Adura® luxury flooring features award-winning patterns as varied as they are distinctive.

Style

Adura® luxury floors offers looks for every customer. Classic stone designs like slate and travertine. Contemporary styles like polished marble or burnished metallics and totally unique floors like sisal, pebble, and baked earth. And now, we offer a realistic wood plank design in both a 4″ width and our new 5″ width, found in our Distinctive Collection.

Color

The shades of the Adura® line represent perennial favorites as well as the latest trends. Warm golds, cool blues, soft greens, and a wide range of versatile earth tones. And let’s not forget both lighter and darker wood tones for our luxury planks.

Size

Our Adura® luxury planks come in two sizes, a 4″x36″ plank, and the more realistic 5″x48″ size usually associated with a traditional wood plank. All Adura® luxury tiles are 16″x16″. Some have realistic grout lines along the edges. Others are subdivided to mimic smaller tiles. And still others create a seamless look with no grout or edging.

Extraordinary Strength

Trust Mannington to take the time to get it right. Adura® is one luxury flooring product that delivers performance as well as appearance. We’re so confident in the superior durability of Adura® it carries a 20-year residential limited warranty against wear, fade, stain and delamination.

Easy Maintenance

Adura® luxury floors are incredibly easy to maintain, featuring ScratchResist™ technology, which improves resistance to everyday household scratches that can make floors look old before their time.

Disney Carpet from Shaw

Posted on by
2

bridgeway_microsite

Does your child’s room need a special touch? Something different and unique? Check out the Disney collection from Tuftex and Shaw Industries.

Inspired by the worlds of favorite Disney friends, The Disney Collection weaves the warmth and soft durability of Shaw carpet with the magic and fun of Disney. The collection is designed around six Disney and Disney-Pixar favorites: Hannah Montana, Cars, Toy Story, Disney Princesses, Disney Fairies and Winnie the Pooh. These beloved stories have inspired signature designs, patterns and color pallets that showcase the quality craftsmanship from Tuftex of California as well as the unique style of Disney storytelling. Each carpet can compliment other Disney home products so you can create the happiest rooms on earth.

The beautifully designed, masterfully manufactured carpets of the Disney collection from Shaw incorporate several pattented technologies to unsure products that are soil and stain resistant, long lasting and environmentally friendly:

Softness: Revolutionary carpet fibers are tough and resilient without compromising softness.

R2X stain resistance: Exclusive soil and stain repellent protects carpet fibers from dirt and spills.

SoftBac Platinum: An exclusive, patented backing system keeps carpet flexible and wrinkle free.

5 Star Shaw Warranty: 10 year limited quality assurance warranty from the worlds largest producer of carpet.

Eco Friendly: To learn more about Shaw’s eco friendly carpet and manufacturing process visit www.shaw.carpet.com.

To visit the Disney site directly, click here.

Did You Know That Window Coverings Can Be Green?

Posted on by
Reply

commercial_linkAnd no…..we don’t mean the color green although you can get many Hunter Douglas window covering products in shades of green!

Hunter Douglas is the worldwide leader in creating innovative, energy-efficient window fashions that save valuable energy resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Significant energy efficiency improvements at the window began for Hunter Douglas with the invention of the Duette Honeycomb shades back in 1985. Air contained within the honeycomb cells proved to be an effective insulator, keeping heat inside in the winter and keeping it out in the summer. The huge success of the Duette brand has spawned other energy saving innovations including Silhouette window shadings, Vignette Modern Roman Shades, Luminette Privacy Sheers and Pirouette window shadings.

A new creation called Duette Architella honeycomb shades takes energy conservation to a whole new level. The patented honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design forms 3 air pockets to dramatically reduce heat flow at the window. If installed in every window of every American home, these shades have the potential to cut our annual energy consumption by 2 1/2%! That may not sound like much, but it’s the equivalent of a 33% increase in fuel mileage for all passenger cars on US Roads – which would save about 450 million barrels of oil annually and reduce CO2 emissions by almost 200 million tons.

Hunter Douglas also has a corporate commitment to minimizing their own impact on the environment through an aggressive plan to reduce energy consumption by 15%, water usage by 40% and overall carbon emissions by 20% over a three year period.

Other green efforts from Hunter Douglas include financial support of the Arbor Day Foundation in its efforts to replant trees lost in US fires and to preserve dwindling rain forest lands. Their investment is expected to result in 15,000 new trees and help save over a million square feet of rainforest.

From products to processes to philanthropy, environmental responsibility is a core Hunter Douglas value. For the future of our children and our children’s children, they are indeed “Hunter Green”!

Call your local retailer today to find out how you can have Hunter Douglas “green” products in your home!