NEW PRODUCT!!!
This takes toilets to a whole new level...
The TOTO Washlet® S400 is the first Washlet seat that combines the convenience of a hands-free flush with an automatic open & close lid.
The Washlet S400, designed to work exclusively with select TOTO toilets, is our first intuitive Washlet. Experience the ultimate in clean comfort with an automatic, hands-free flushing system and a sensor-activated lid that automatically lifts as you approach the toilet and lowers as you walk away. A convenient, easy-to-use remote control affords you effortless operation of their most luxurious Washlet model to date. The S400 offers the following features:
Auto Flush Activated by Sensors or the Simple Touch of a Button
Automatic Open / Close Lid Activated by Sensors, or the Simple Touch of a Button on the Remote Control
Gentle Aerated Warm Water
Front and Rear Washing
Massage Feature
Warm Air Drying with Variable Three-Temperature Setting
Automatic Air Purifier
Heated Seat with Temperature Control
Convenient Wireless Remote Control with Large LCD Panel
Docking Station for Easy Cleaning & Installation
Cleaner, Sleeker Look
Reinforced Base Plate for Enhanced Durability
Click on the picture above to be linked to TOTO's website and to get more information on this high-tech toilet.
Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.
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I know that this has not been the most productive year for many of us, so as you sit around your Thanksgiving Table this year, you may find yourself straining to list all the wonderful things to be thankful for.
As I think about it, I think that we at Hicks have a lot to be thankful for...
Our customers have helped us grow as both a company and as individuals. Learning more and more about out fields has turned out to be fun rather than work. We have established relationships with our customers that are built on trust and loyalty, and for that we are very grateful.
Even though we are not as busy as we have been in the past several years, our customers have brought us very challenging and different projects that have kept us on our toes and up on our product knowledge.
We have even met new customers this year that have joined with us to grow both their companies and ours.
Looking forward I think it should be a fabulous 2010!!!
Thank you all again for your friendship, support and patronage throughout the year. We are truly thankful to have customers like you.
RIESLING: This Victorian kitchen takes you back to when times were simpler. Pairing it with a Riesling allows you a choice between appetizers and dinner. The open shelving combined with alternating colors givings you a broad spectrum of possibilities Somehow this kitchen manages to be both semi-sweet and off-dry. You know that it is a modern kitchen because of the appliances and lighting, but you almost wonder if they have a corded telephone...or 'gasp' any telephone at all!!
Wine Selection: Josmeyer Riesling Brand Vt White
OLD WORLD:
CLASSIC CHERRY:
Click on the picture above, to take a look at the home of Julianne Moore. I like the open shelving in the office, although, I could NEVER keep my books that neat. I also love the bathroom. The kitchen is beautiful, although a bit to modern for the overall asthetic of the room. That is only my opinion though. What do you think?
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With the increasing amount of news stories about living a 'greener', more 'eco-friendly' life, it is easy to get lost in all the information given about this topic. Fear not, it is easier than you think to become more 'green', and at the same time, save some extra cash to spend on the things that are worth spending money on.
By using simple steps, it is clear to see how you can save money on your heating, electric and water bills. The following steps will show you how you can join the increasing amount of people who are living a more 'greener', more 'eco-friendly' lifestyle.
Easy ways to save electricity:
Turn TV's, DVD players, games consoles off at the plug when not in use. Some appliances use up to 90% of their power when on standby, so switch them off at the plug to save electricity and money. Line dry clothes to save energy from your tumble drier. Tumble driers are the second biggest energy user in the home after the fridge.
If the weather is poor, you can always use a clotheshorse to dry your
clothes.
Use energy efficient lighting around the home. Although energy efficient lighting seems expensive at present, energy efficient light bulbs can last up to 10 times longer, and use only 25% of energy used by standard lighting. In the long run, the bulbs will pay for themselves.
Easy ways to save water:
By turning taps off when shaving and when brushing your teeth, you can save
at least 6 litres of water per minute. If your taps leak, you could be wasting
up to 5,500 litres of water per year, so always replaced your taps faulty
washers.
Storing water in the fridge will stop you running the tap for long periods to get cold water. Switch to watering the garden with a watering can. You can water your plants directly at the base so that the water goes straight to their roots, not on the leaves. Remember to water your plants in the evening to reduce evaporation.
Easy ways to save heat:
Turning your thermostat down by 1 degree, you can save up to 10% on your heating bill each year.
Use energy saving window blinds to help trap warm air inside the home in cold weather, and direct sunlight out during hot weather. These types of blinds are around the same price as standard blinds, and can help you save money on your heating bills. Why would anyone want to waste money on blinds that increase your heating bill?
* By following these simple steps, it is easy for anyone to save energy, and save some extra cash to buy the things that are actually worth buying. Easy Green Store is a UK based website specializing in energy saving, green products and energy saving tips. Please visit our website for other tips to help you save energy and money.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter at: http://www.easygreenstore.co.uk/newsletter.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luke_Reid
Article written by Luke Reid
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A TOUCH OF ITALY: One trend in kitchen design is to mix wood finishes or colors, using contrast to draw special attention to different zones in the kitchen. Here an Italian-inspired hutch outfitted with a microwave, coffee bar, and small sink defines a distinct breakfast area between the kitchen and the butler's pantry.... Painted a dark green that's nearly black and highlighted with silver leaf, the hutch anchors the kitchen's heirloom feeling, which results from a mix of woods and furniture-style cabinetry. Woods include cherry for the island, a mahogany "armoire" for the refrigerator (not seen), and butternut cabinetry around the perimeter.
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Kitchen and Fireplace Area designed by Kristin B. Filosa
Home built by Souder and Sounder Contracting
"Maplewood" Mary Flower:
Maple is a wood that offers the most versatility. Maple works well with almost everything, and is the go to wood choice for most remodels on a sensible budget. Maple can be both classic and contemporary, both light and dark, both structured and casual
"Fade to Black" Metallica...
Black cabinets have started to get more and more popular in the past few years, especially as accent pieces, though you'll sometimes see a whole kitchen in black. If you have wood cabinets that you really dislike, painting them black can be an easy, affordable update. Black even shines over oak. The graining and patten work well with black paint. Adding a glaze to a black painted oak cabinet can really add huge interest to an otherwise tempermental finish.
Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
CLEAR THE AIR: Use paint that is low in -- or free of -- volatile organic compounds. VOCs are gases, some of which can be toxic, that are emitted from products such as wall paint, paint stripper, cleaning supplies, and some building materials.
POP THE CORK: Natural flooring, such as wood, cork, or linoleum, doesn't contain the toxins found in many manufactured materials. Cork is roughly the same price as wood, but it's a sustainable material. Cork trees regenerate every nine years, while trees such as oak or maple can take 30 years or more.
GOLD STAR: Use energy-efficient appliances throughout the kitchen. Appliances with an Energy Star label have met strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency.
WATER SAVER: To conserve water, use a water-saving faucet with a flow rate around 2.2 gallons per minute.
NEW HARDWARE: Swapping out old hardware for new gives a kitchen a fresh, new look. Instead of junking the old hardware, save it for future use elsewhere.
BREATHE EASY: Potted plants act as natural air filters by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the kitchen.
For more specific ideas go to...http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/kitchen/gallery/eco-friendly-kitchen-ideas/?page=1
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Where style meets function, and design options are limitless...
Designed by St. Charles of New York, New York City.
Stainless steel can be found on just about every design element in the kitchen these days. On cabinets, it’s typically formed around an inner core material to give it substance and keep it from sounding tinny. While you can get a very sleek look from stainless steel, it does show fingerprints and scratches.
A durable and sanitary material, stainless steel cabinets qualify as a "green product," as they are non-toxic, recyclable and easy to clean without the use of harsh chemicals. Stainless steel is also a top pick for people with chemical sensitivities.As an added bonus, all-stainless cabinets are a great pick for outdoor kitchens, as they withstand the elements (humidity included) quite well.Don't write off the stylish material as purely the stuff of modern spaces. Consider combining it with a Transitional cabinet, like a cherry Arts & Crafts-style door, for a tempered contemporary look.
Once you settle on stainless, you'll find there are a few other considerations to keep in mind: Many cabinets are made of the same material as professional-grade appliances; for a stainless look at a lower cost, investigate stainless cabinets with MDF/wood parts. A good number of companies can accommodate custom requests; if that's a particular need of yours, be sure to inquire about the manufacturer's custom capabilities from the get go.To add a unique touch, consider alternatives to stainless steel. Copper moulding or brushed nickel finishes prevent a clinical feel, as does the occasional frosted glass insert.
For this article and more go to www.kitchens.com or click on the picture above to be connected.
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Where style meets function, and design options are limitless...
Bath Accessories & Hardware Offer Clean, Understated Design
While bath hardware and accessories are getting smaller in scale and
simpler in design, that doesn’t mean they are any less critical to the look or
functionality of the bath. In fact, these products are essential to creating a
clean, cohesive feeling while adding some luxury touches to help enhance the
spa-like feeling of the bath. Additionally, the green trend and the growing
interest in Universal Design are also impacting design trends, with sustainable
materials, decorative grab bars and easy-grasp hardware making inroads in the
market.
Below are some of the hottest trends in bath hardware and accessories:
Whether they favor traditional or contemporary styling, clean lines and
simple styles mark today’s bath hardware and accessories. Hardware choices in
particular tend to be simpler in design, and slightly smaller in scale than in
years past.
Rather than calling attention to themselves, accessories are being
called on more to follow the overall design of the space to create a cohesive
look and feel.
Popular hardware finishes mirror those seen on faucets, including
polished chrome, polished and satin nickel and oil-rubbed bronze. Distressed
finishes are also gaining some ground.
As the green trend continues to impact product choices in all categories,
consumers are showing more interest in products that have lasting appeal, as
well as sustainable choices such as stainless steel.
The aging Baby Boomer population is driving increased interest in products
that promote Universal Design. However, whether it’s grab bars or pulls instead
of knobs, these pieces are designed to be stylish and upscale.
Despite the challenging economy, there is still demand for luxury
amenities in the bath, such as heated towel bars and floor warming systems which
create a high-end, hotel-style elegance.
Kitchen and Bath Design News
Janice Costa Editor
631-963-6233
janice.costa@cygnuspub.com
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Where style meets function, and design options are limitless...
All IceStone slabs are manufactured in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
IceStone durable surfaces do not contain any petrochemicals and therefore will not fade from direct sun exposure. IceStone products are a healthy and safe choice for your surface needs, as they are chemically benign and 99.5% inorganic.
The fabrication, installation, and maintenance of IceStone surfaces follow similar standards used with natural stone. Due to its high recycled content and Cradle to Cradle Gold Certification,IceStone materials can contribute to LEED points.
For this & more information on IceStone go to...www.icestone.biz
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Where style meets function, and design options are limitless...
Did you know that October is National Kitchen and Bath Month? I am embarrassed to say, I didn't either. A quick search of the Internet informed me that The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) started this program in 1982 to raise awareness of the kitchen and bath industry.
Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom earns the best return on your investment when selling your house. Even if you plan on living in your home for years to come, wouldn't it be nice to have the kitchen and bath that you ALWAYS wanted. With major cabinet manufactures offering loads of discounts and promotions, now is the time to make your dream a reality. Check out 10 things to know about your kitchen remodel below!
Happy Kitchen and Bath Month!!!
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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
It's human instinct to seek the safety of the tribe. In today's complicated world, there's something deeply satisfying about re-exploring the world's oldest, most enduring cultures. African, Aboriginal and Native American influences are converging to create a new tribal style with a drumbeat all its own. The colors are rich and earthy, with a hint of mystery. The appeal is as natural as the elements.
A throwaway society? That's so yesterday. We're now making savvy, resourceful use of what we have, discovering untold stories in exposed, painted layers. From flea-market finds to artisan-made pieces, imperfections can lend rich character to our environments. The palette reflects the beauty of natural aging, mellowing and weathering, evoking quality materials that have stood the test of time and become heirlooms.
1. Patience. Patience. Patience. Sometimes things take longer to be delivered. Sometimes a part is missing and the contractor needs to come back another day with it to finish. Sometimes you run out of wood and can't finish the floors! Patience.
2. Little adjustments are important. And take time. Once countertops were set, I thought the finish would be fast & easy but there were so many little adjustments. Lowering and raising the cabinets doors was easy but took some time.
3. Nothing is
perfect. Working with the parameters of an old house, a small kitchen and a
limited budget, you have to accept somethings as they are. For example, I chose
not to take out the subfloor and rebuild to level so now there is a transition b/w the kitchen and living room. Not noticeable to most but still, it's not perfect! That's ok, I am not really level and perfect either!
4. Contractors have their own schedule! Your house is not the only
project they have going on. Contractors need to treat all of their customers the
same way. If it was respect and quality that got you to choose that contractor,
that is what he is most likely showing to all of his customers, so sometimes an emergency on another job will pull him off your job, but you know they same courtesy will be shown to you. It's all part of the balance.
5. Don't sweat the small stuff. There were 6 different options for countertop edges i.e. rounded, square, squared round, etc. Who cares! At the end of the day, it was not the end all, be all decision.
6. Get a backsplash! Now that the kitchen is finished, it seems naked without one. That will be next on the list.
7. Plan and budget: Make a plan and budget and stick to it. Make trade offs accordingly. Do what you can afford AND makes you happy. Shop around, read about products and ask for recommendations.
8. Be home! You really need to supervise the work and coordinate deliveries. Be there to approve decisions, after a countertop is installed and plumbing hooked up is not the time to tell someone you don't like the edge!
9. Have lots of dinner invitations!! I have a lot of IOUs once the oven is
operational! Make sure you follow through on them too. Weather you think so or
not there are many things that a good contractor will do at an expense to them
that you don't even realize. Make sure to say thanks.
10. Trust the process, in the end, you will have a nice new kitchen and a few good
stories!
