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June 29, 2005
Double Wine Refrigerator
Maybe you've been considering one of those under-the-counter wine refrigerators but don't think it would provide enough space for your favorite vintages. On the other hand, you may not be ready to invest in the gargantuan GE Wine Vault. Marvel has a middle of the road model that may be of interest. The Chateau collection 6SMOD wine and beverage refrigerator is about twice the size of under-the-counter models with an upper and lower compartment. It can be configured as a 54 bottle wine cellar or a 24" wide dual-temperature-zone refrigerator at the top or bottom, or with two separate refrigerators top and bottom.
http://www.lifeluxurymarvel.com
Dyson Vacuum Cleaners: The Ball Vacuum
The Dyson Ball Vacuum Cleaner has been out for a while in the UK but is little known in the US. The vacuum tracks on a ball instead of wheels. This design is supposed to allow greater maneuverability around furniture and obstacles, making vacuuming easier and more effective. It also uses Dyson's "patented RootCyclone technology, a centrifugal force suction that is always constant, unlike other vacuums that can lose up to 50 percent suction while operating." The list price for the Ball Vacuum in the US is about $720, though you can find it at Amazon for under $600: Dyson Ball Vacuum
June 28, 2005
Classy Door Hardware
Just as new faucets and fixtures can spruce up the kitchen or bathroom, stylish glass or crystal doorknobs can perk up doors. Likewise, new hardware for kitchen and bathroom cabinets can add a unique look to those rooms. ER Butler & Co offers a wide selection of quality cabinet and door hardware. The crystal doorknob pictured below is from their E. & G.W. Robinson Collection.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops
Thinking about choosing quartz countertops for your kitchen? Here are a few of the benefits of quartz according to the May/June 2005 issue of Smart HomeOwner
Quartz countertops are stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, heat/scorch-resistant, and don't need to be sealed or polished.
Unlike granite, quartz countertops are available in hundreds of colors, and their color is consistent.
Quartz is stronger than granite and less susceptible to cracking or chipping. It has a diamond-like luster and is easy to clean with soap and water.
Lastly, quartz countertops are nonporous and nonabsorbent, so they are resistant to bacteria.
June 27, 2005
Waterproof TV For the Bathroom
If you've ever thought about catching the morning news while you're in the shower or relaxing in your whirlpool tub with a good movie, you may be interested in this product. The Aquavision LCD TV is designed specifically for use in the bathroom. Not only is it waterproof but it addresses something the bathroom mirror tv folks might not have thought of: steam. The Aquavision TV has a heated screen which ensures the picture doesn't steam up. It comes standard with a waterproof remote.
Garage Tile Flooring
Looking for garage flooring ideas? Want something a little more interesting than concrete? How about interlocking garage floor tiles? They come in multiple colors, are made from durable polypropylene, and are easy for the homeowner to install (you just use a rubber mallet to snap the tiles together). Typical sizes are one and two foot blocks.
Sharp Microwave Oven Drawer
If you're one of those people who wishes the microwave didn't take up counter space, you may be interested in Sharp's Microwave Drawer. This microwave goes under the counter and has, instead of a typical door, a drawer that slides out so you can put food inside. It's designed to handle loads as big as a regular microwave, and Sharp says the drawer slides in and out smoothly enough that food won't spill. The microwave's control panel and drawer can be locked so children can't fiddle with settings. You can buy the stainless steel model at Amazon for $800: Sharp Microwave Oven Drawer
June 26, 2005
Decorative Outdoor Lighting: Ivalo Exterior Sconces
Any old light fixture will do if you're just worried about brightening up the yard at night, but if you want decorative outdoor lighting that makes a statement, check out Ivalo Lighting's unique Aliante exterior sconce. This 5-foot steel shell with an elongated double-tapered shape is made from .060" thick steel with a polycarbonate shield. It uses an 80 watt fluorescent light to create a glow emanating from the shell. These decorative outdoor lights are available in silver, bronze, and custom colors. The fixtures are UL approved.
June 25, 2005
Smoker Grills Heat Up the Backyard
Smoker grills are popular backyard additions because they allow you not only to grill those chicken breasts, but to smoke the whole chicken if you want. One of the more unique looking smoker grills out there is the Big Green Egg which is adapted from an ancient Asian style cooker. The Big Green Egg company has been around for more than 30 years and is one of the acknowledged authorities on smokers and grills. (Their site has a forum where you can ask questions).
Big Green Egg Smoker Grill
(Picture from The Big Green Egg: Smoker Grill in Action)
Paper Lanterns or "Akari Lamps"
Paper lanterns can add a unique look to a room. They have a long history, but Isamu Noguchi is the one credited with redefining the lanterns and bringing them to Western awareness. Noguchi was a Japanese American designer who enjoyed fusing Eastern craftsmanship with Western modern design. In 1951, he was asked to help revive Japan's paper lantern industry, and he created his first Akari Lamp ("Akari" is Japanese for "light"), more of a light sculpture than a lamp. The Akari paper lanterns' delicate shapes seem to float above their thin wire legs. The bodies are made from a collapsible spiral bamboo frame and strips of mulberry bark paper. Of the original 100 paper lantern designs Noguchi came up with, over 70 designs are still in production. They cost between $80 and $850 today.
June 24, 2005
Foot Massagers
Foot massagers can feel great at the end of a long day of standing. One example is the Jentle Ped from MTI Whirlpools. It is an at-home foot massager that uses heat, massage, and whirlpool jets to sooth tired achy feet.
Product Notes:
Built of durable Lucite cast acrylic, the Jentle Ped uses MTI's whirlpool technology to soothe and rejuvenate tired feet. The Jentle Ped features four directional mini-jets and has an ergonomically sloped floor so the user can stretch the plantar fascia (the ligament that forms the arch on the sole of the foot). Measuring 28" x 23" x 13" (at the deep end) or 10.5" (at the shallow end), the Jentle Ped is a convenient size for installation in the bathroom, home health spa, utility room or numerous other locations in your home.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete countertops are a tough yet attractive alternative to stone. Concrete is as durable as quartz and granite, but offers more flexibility in design. You can texturize and color it as well as applying custom edge details. Concrete countertops can be cast in a shop or made on site. The material gets sealed with epoxy and cleans up easily with non-abrasive, non-ammonia cleansers and soft pads. The costs for concrete countertops (installed) range from $65 to $125 per square foot.
Fore more information on concrete countertops, check out these books:
Concrete Countertops: Design, Form, and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath
Concrete at Home : Innovative Forms and Finishes: Countertops, Floors, Walls, and Fireplaces
Fire Stone Grill Island = Plug and Play Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity, but you may not be interested in a huge backyard renovation project. The St. Martin Fire Stone Grill Island is an easy to install backyard island that includes a premium grill, refrigerator, counter space, sound equipment, and lighting. The grill island is available in tile, stucco, or custom finishes to match any decor. MSRP is $7,339.
Rubber Flooring for Your Home Gym
Online fitness retailer Perform Better is offering roll-out rubber flooring in a wide variety of color combinations. You lay down the flooring under your home fitness equipment in order to prevent scuffing on your existing floor and also to give you better traction when you're working out. The rubber flooring is low maintenance and easy to install.
Microwave + Pizza Oven
Are you a pizza lover? Well Daewoo Electronics has recently released an appliance that might strike your fancy: a combination microwave and pizza oven. The microwave part is your standard 1,0000 watt 1.3 cubic feet programmable microwave. The non-stick pizza cooker is on top. Unlike with toaster ovens that only brown pizzas from the top, the Daewoo unit has heating elements on the top and the bottom to fully cook your pizza every time. It has settings for both fresh and frozen pizzas. And if you're not looking to replace your microwave at this time, Daewoo offers a stand-alone pizza unit.
Daewoo Combination Microwave and Pizza Oven
Folding Glass Walls
You've heard of sliding glass doors, but what about folding glass walls? With summer, it's nice to open windows and doors to let in the cool breezes, but how about opening a chunk of the wall? Nana Wall Systems creates folding glass panels that let you do just that. Nana Walls look like floor-to-ceiling glass windows, but when you open them, the glass panels fold back to reveal a wall opening up to thirty-six feet wide. The panels get connected in a train, and you can hook up to six hinged panels to each side (twelve panels total). The folding glass door systems come in aluminum, wood, or aluminum clad over wood frames. They are available in numerous colors, sizes, finishes, and panel widths. Nana Walls cost between $500 and $1,000 per square foot.
June 23, 2005
Solar Deck Lighting
Deck lighting is important if you're going to be doing any entertaining outside after the sun sets. Installing electrical can be a tedious do-it-yourself project, but using solar deck lighting can makes things easy since it runs off batteries charged by the sun. http://www.fencecaps.com/ offers nifty caps that snap onto existing deck or fence posts. The light caps come in 3.5" x 3.5", 4" x 4", and 5" x 5" so they should work on most wood or vinyl posts. They provide up to 10 hours of light a night.
Cork Flooring Gains Popularity with Homeowners
While hardwood floors aren't showing any decline in popularity, more homeowners are interested in floors made from more earth-friendly materials like bamboo and cork. Cork flooring has several benefits such as durability (cork lasts), natural insulation, resistance to rot (cork contains the natural waxy sealant Suberin that protects it from liquids), resistance to termites (unlike wood, cork isn't tastey to insects), a warmer feel than stone or hardwood, and the stuff is hypoallergenic (cork doesn't trap dust or mites like carpet).
You may be wondering if cork flooring has any cons. Well, all floor materials have their ups and downs and http://www.floorfacts.com/ reminds us "It is important to remember that cork is a natural product and will fade in direct sunlight. Cork will generally yellow with age and cork floors will react to changes in relative humidity and heat. Wet mopping is never recommended and may cause the seams to swell."
Articles with more information on cork floors:
Cork Flooring and Other Floor Options
Think Cork! Versatile, Natural Material Makes for Great Floors
Cork Flooring Basics
June 22, 2005
Concrete Sinks with Class
Looking for a concrete pedestal sink? Stonehenge Concrete Works in Bothell, Washington creates distinct custom countertops, tiles, fireplace surrounds, and sinks made from concrete. They have two styles of concrete: NeoLith and DuraLith. Neolith is especially high-strength and low-shrinkage. DuraLith is built to be stain-resistant. Their Arts & Craft style pedestal sink can be mounted on stainless steel or finished bamboo frames, or a matching concrete pedestal. They have numerous colors available (below is "Monte Cristo pewter" from the May/June 2005 issue of Custom Home
http://www.stonehengeconcreteworks.com/
How to Save Energy at Home with "Kill A Watt"
Whether your house is 1,000 square feet or 5,000, we're all looking for ways to save energy. Why pay more than you have to? It may come as a surprise to you to realize how many devices in your home are sucking up power 24/7. Some of of them are obvious: alarm clocks, VCRs and DVD players with clocks, cable modems, your computer if you leave it in stand-by instead of turning it off... Other devices are less obvious. For example, my cable box doesn't have a clock or any LED indicators that would suggest it's on even after I've flicked it off, but electronics like this continually use power in order to remain receptive to the remote control signal.
So, how can you save energy at home? Well, an easy way is flick off the power strip that controls your computer, home entertainment system, etc. at night, but who wants to reset clocks everytime you use them? It might be easier just to look for appliances and electronics that use less energy than others. How do you do that? That's where P3 International's Kill A Watt comes in.
By attaching your devices to the Kill A Watt, you can figure out how efficient (inefficient) they are. This will help you know which energy hogs to replace with more efficient models down the road. To work Kill A Watt, you just plug it into a wall outlet, then plug the device you want to test into the Kill A Watt meter. The LCD screen displays energy consumption by kilowatt-hour, much like the utility company does. It shows volts, amps, and watts. It also forecasts costs so you can figure out a device's electricity expenses by the hour, day, week, or year. Cost is about $40 for the Kill A Watt unit.
Kill A Watt
http://www.p3international.com/
George Foreman Grill Gets an Upgrade
I'm not sure a George Foreman Grill is exactly a luxury product, but it's one of those few kitchen appliances I've bought and actually continued to use year in and year out. Outdoor activities like grilling are somewhat (ok very much) limited by season up here in the Pacific Northwest, but the Foreman grill let's me grill any time. My only complaint has been that it can be a little awkward getting the top and bottom of the grill clean after doing something messy like teriyaki chicken (ok ok, it's only a pain if you let the juices harden before cleaning it, but who remembers to clean while it's still warm?). Anyway, the grill has gotten an upgrade. The George Foreman GRP99 "Next Generation Grill" has removable plates that you can just stick in the dishwasher.
"George Foreman GRP99 Next Generation Grill"
June 21, 2005
Hot Tub for Two
This year's Dimension One Spas' Dupree Bay model has a unique triangular look and is designed for two people to get cozy together. The "unique triangular shape effectively heightens the connection between bathers and accommodates a couple's need for privacy, intimacy and hydrotherapy." The spa has 44 jets, holds 225 gallons of water, and sports the "Dancing Wave"--a mood-setting fountain that can range from "babbling brook to majestic waterfall."
Quote from: http://www.americastophottubsandspas.com/
Also visit:
http://www.d1spas.com/featuredproducts.asp
http://www.hot-tub-reviews.com
Tubular Skylight
Tubular skylights (also known as light tubes, solar tubes, and sun tubes) perform the same function as traditional skylights (they let natural light into your home through the roof), but are designed to work in situations where there is an attic or crawl space above the room where you want the skylight. Through a roof-mounted skylight dome, elements designed to catch the sun filter it down a reflective tube and into the desired room. A tubular skylight can be more energy efficient than a regular skylight, according to http://www.sunpipe.com because their installation involves the removal of less roof insulation than a normal skylight which helps reduce heating and cooling costs.
Dishwasher Drawers Unobtrusively Fit into the Kitchen
Dishwasher drawers are an increasingly popular kitchen appliance, replacing the traditional dishwasher. Often coming in pairs, they allow you to economically choose between doing a small load (one drawer) or a large load (both). The double dishwasher drawers work separately, each with a different cycle. Some homeowners choose to rotate dirty and clean dishes between drawers, thus eliminating the need to spend time unloading the dishwasher into the cupboards. One popular model is the Fisher & Paykel Model DD603I Intergrated Double Drawer Dishwasher. It can handle both fragile crystal and heavily soiled pots (you choose the intensity of the load), and the drawers can be split up for your convenience (i.e. one on an island and one next to the sink, or one on either side of the sink).
Fisher & Paykel Model Intergrated Double Drawer Dishwasher
Unique Tiki Torches
If you're looking for some unique tiki torches for the backyard, check out John T. Unger's recycled steel garden torches. The flame design top parts are handcut from scrap oxygen tanks while the long stem is made from a natural gas pipe. Voltive candles set in the top make them flicker and light up the yard at night without the need to buy canisters of gas or other potentially hazardous fuels.
Flame Design Garden Torches In Recycled Steel
June 20, 2005
Remote Control Skylights?
Skylights are frequent additions when homeowners rennovate because they allow for the entry of natural light into a room. You also get a convenient window to the sky. Heat gain can be a problem with skylights, however, since some of them are exposed to the sun all day. Manufacturers like Velux have considered this problem and come up with motorized skylights that can be opened to let out the heat that naturally rises to the ceiling. Also, Velux offers Venetian blinds and roller shades for their skylights, which you can operate manually, via remote control, or through a wall-mounted keypad.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
Sure, you can pop open the lid to a gallon container of Dreyers and get your ice cream the easy way, but there's something intrinsically cool about making ice cream from scratch. The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker makes ice cream (of course), frozen yogurt, and sorbet in less than a half hour. It has a two quart capacity and the bowl can be tucked right into the freezer when you're done. The stainless steel exterior makes it handsome enough to reside next to your other stainless steel appliances (or the stainless steel appliances you're planning to buy after you get that raise and get to upgrade to the kitchen of your dreams).
Top 5 Bathroom Home Improvements That Add Value to Your Home
According to How to Increase the Value of Your Home
1. Install new countertops.
2. Replace the sink and faucet.
3. Install a new shower/bath tub. (As LHT mentioned in Home Improvement for Home Value: Which Improvements Pay Off?, luxury showers are more desired by homeowners today than fancy tubs.)
4. Install new flooring.
5. Update the lighting to include necessary task lighting and accent lighting to give the room a warm ambiance.
Source: How to Increase the Value of Your Home
Related: Top 5 Kitchen Remodeling Improvements That Add Value to Your Home
June 19, 2005
Solar Roofs Get a New Look
Solar roofs are appealing to many homeowners both because they help the environment and you can cut the costs of heating your home (or in some cases eliminate energy bills altogether) using solar power. However, some homeowners balk at the idea of hanging a mishmash of solar panels on the roof (AKA eye-sore). Today's manufacturers are responding by making sleek less noticable solar panels. One example is a product called Sunslates, put out by Atlantis Energy Systems of Sacramento, California.
Sunslates glues conventional cyrstalline PV panels to the surface of a shingle. Then the shingles overlap as with a typical slate roof. The shingles are wired in strings of twenty four and connected to a junction box that goes in the attic. Sunslates can withstand snow and rain along with winds up to 125 mph. They're also designed to blend in; visitors just see what looks like a black slate roof.
Solar roofs aren't cheap (a typical system costs anywhere from $10,000 to $60,000 according to the Jul/Aug 2005 issue of Smart HomeOwner
June 18, 2005
Hansgrohe Rainmaker Shower
Today's showers and showerheads are bigger and better. There are a wide variety of spray effects availabe, everything from a vigorous massage to a tropical downpour. One of the current trends is showerheads that are flush to the ceiling, dropping water straight down. These sleek showers offer a modern, uncluttered look in the bathroom. One example is Hansgrohe's Rainmaker which sits flush to the ceiling and drops 46 liters of water a minute with a choice of spray patterns and even lighting effects.
Home Saunas
Home saunas are becoming more popular, whether custom built installations or do-it-yourself sauna kits. Some people swear by the soothing dry heat for promoting good health or just relaxing the body. One company that sells home sauna kits is Finlandia in Portland, Oregon. They offer both indoor and outdoor saunas in several types of woods, such as redwood, red cedar, and western hemlock. Prices of home saunas range depending on size and whether you order a precut or custom built package. Finlandia asks that you call them for specifics.
Fast Cook Ovens Speeds Up Kitchen Time
Fast cook ovens like the GE Advantium are becoming more popular in kitchens where homeowners are looking to save time (who isn't?). The Advantium uses halogen lights and microwaves to cook food up to eight times faster than a regular oven but with the same baked-in-the-oven taste. The microwaves cook the inside of the food at the same time as the super hot bulbs brown and crisp the outside. The oven does chocolate chip cookies in 4 minutes and a whole roasted chicken in 25 minutes. You can also use it in microwave only mode. GE's Advantium models cost between $750 and $2,000 and are designed to fit above a conventional single wall oven, above a warming drawer, or as a stand alone appliance.
http://www.geappliances.com/advantium/
June 17, 2005
Vetrazzo Glass Countertops
Looking for an environmentally friendly kitchen countertop option? LHT has mentioned recycled paper countertops, but how about recycled glass countertops? Vertrazzo countertops contain 80% recycled glass and use no polymers or resins that can be harmful to the environment. The material comes from post-consumer and post-industrial glass diverted from landfills, curbside recycling, old traffic lights, and factory scraps. The finished Vertrazzo product is as smooth as marble and four times stronger than concrete.
More information on Vetrazzo:
Counter Production: Vertrazzo Glass Manufacturers
Product Information and Pictures for Vetrazzo
Green Countertop Options
June 16, 2005
Want to Hide That TV When Not in Use?
Some people like to show off their sleek new flat screen tvs, but others hate to have that massive screen acting as a focal point in their otherwise handsomely decorated living rooms. Some hide tvs in armoirs, but what if you could make your plasma or lcd tv disappear into the ceiling? Auton Motorized Systems allows you to do just that.
You don't need a lot of room because the tv lies flat in the ceiling when not in use. Unsightly power cords are also hidden from view both when you're watching the tv and when it's tucked away. Auton also has swivel systems and sliding systems that allow you to hide your tv behind a painting or other wall decoration.
Fogless Bathroom Mirror Anyone?
So guys, you'd actually like to be able to shave when you get out of the shower, eh? I've seen a few little shaving mirrors out there that claim to be fogless, but ClearMirror's heating element that goes behind your regular bathroom mirror, may be the most convenient.
"Simply speaking, a ClearMirror® is a very thin heater that is adhered to the back of a mirror and wired to the same power supply as the bathroom light fixture, fan or separate switch. When turned on the pad heats up, preventing condensation on the surface of the mirror."
ClearMirror also has a version that works in the shower.
June 15, 2005
Granite vs. Corian Countertops
I found a little blurb comparing granite and Corian countertops in How to Increase the Value of Your Home
Granite contertops are definitely the in-thing for kitchens right now, and the cost runs about $5,000 for a 18x20 ft. kitchen (including island). This can be pricey, but since many of the highend granite alternatives are nearly as expensive, many kitchen designers just advise their clients to use granite. Corian, however, does have some perks. Besides being less expensive than granite, it comes in more colors and it is nonporous (liquids don't seep in). Granite, since it's porous, has to be covered with a sealer. Hot pots can leave scorch marks on Corian, but they can also damage the sealant coat used on granite, so neither material is perfect in that regard (hey, get a Trivet
All in all, it sounds like both countertop materials will do the job. Get granite if you like the colors and want to follow the current kitchen countertop trend; check out Corian if you're looking to get a solid material and save a few dollars.
Other cool countertop materials LHT has mentioned:
Lava Countertops
Limestone Countertop Tiles Sporting Fossilized Fish
Recycled Paper Countertops
Silestone's Germ Killing Quart Countertops
Source: How to Increase the Value of Your Home
Home Elevators
Home elevators can make sense for those with mobility issues or for anyone with a number of floors to navigate. The LEV home elvator can be installed in tight areas (requiring as little as 24 square feet) because it doesn't need a separate machine room. According to their site, the LEV can be installed in two days. They can also do custom cab configurations and car sizes.
Air Purifying Patio/Floor Tiles
Oxygena, by Gambarelli, is a floor tile designed to lessen the pollution around your home. How does it do this? According to their site:
"It is the only tile to contain titanium dioxide, an invaluable element which, through a totally natural process, reacts to and eliminates polluting gases thus rendering them harmless. Oxygena is designed for outdoor applications (buildings, balconies, walkways, squares and public works) where it cleans the air of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide produced by vehicle exhaust, central-heating systems and domestic cookers but it can also be laid indoors (bathrooms, kitchens and domestic environments)."
Remote Control Lights
Lighting control is one of the most popular home automation choices. Lutron's RadioRA wireless home-dimming system allows for one-button control of all the lights in your home via wall-mounted keypads or portable remotes. If you hate the idea of coming home to a dark house, you can keep a remote in you car and flip on your lights as your turn into the driveway.
June 14, 2005
Kohler Sok Bathtub
The Kohler Sok (pronounced "soak") is a large 41" by 75" bathtub that allows you to be submerged to your chin in water that never gets cold. The water continuously spills over the tub's edge into water channels that reheat and recirculate the water through small air jets that create small soothing bubbles. This luxury bathtub also has underwater LED light ports for chromatherapy. They gradually cycle through a progression of eight colors, or with a touch, you can choose to hold one color indefinitely.
Top 5 Kitchen Remodeling Improvements That Add Value to Your Home
The kitchen is the most frequently remodeled room in the house. According to How to Increase the Value of Your Home
1. Install New Cabinets
2. Install New Countertops
3. Replace Old Appliances ("nothing dates your kitchen quite like a harvest gold gas range with four burners on top and a two-rack oven below")
4. Install New Flooring
5. Update Your Lighting
I think lighting is one that quite a few people forget about. The book says, "Gone are the days when a single 100-watt fixture centered in the kitchen's ceiling is sufficient." That leaves shadows around the perimeter (where most of the work is done). Lighting is one of the least expensive things to upgrade and can dramatically improve the look of the kitchen, plus make it a more pleasant room to work in.
Source: How to Increase the Value of Your Home
Illuminated Glass Blocks Make for a Unique Design
Glass blocks aren't anything new and have long been used in home design, but what about glass blocks that double as lights? One of the newer home lighting trends is Fiberoptics. These glass blocks from Glass Block Innovations, Inc. come in a variety of colors and can be used anywhere from the bathroom to the bar to the front porch, anywhere you'd like to add a wall or column with a unique twist.
http://www.glassblockinnovations.com
http://www.arclighting.com
June 13, 2005
Lava Countertops...
I know what you're thinking. Lava countertops? Sounds crazy. Well Pyrolave countertops are indeed made from enameled volvic lava. They come in a variety of unique colors, ranging from soft oyster shell and white to vivid yellows and blues. According to the manufacturer, Pyrolave countertops are impact-resistant and easy to maintain.
Vacation Homes As Investments
More and more people are purchasing vacation homes. For some, it's just a way to make vacations easier and less hassle. But many are buying second homes with investment in mind. According to David Lereah in Are You Missing the Real Estate Boom?
Lereah goes on to talk about how vacation homes can be a good investment for families who can afford them because of their likelihood to appreciate more quickly than residential homes (especially in areas where there is limited buildable land, such as with beachfront properties). He also spends about a chapter talking about rental properties as investments; a vacation home can be both a place for your family to use and a way to earn rental income when you're not using it.
Sites he suggests are http://www.escapehomes.com/, a place for browsing vacation home listings, and http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/. Both sites have done articles on the fastest growing vacation home markets.
Source: Are You Missing the Real Estate Boom?
Remote Control Laundry?
Technology is everywhere in the house these days, and the laundry room is no exception. LG Electronics will soon be offering their Remote Laundry Monitoring System ($1349 for washer, $949 for dryer, $99 for the remote) which is designed to let homeowners monitor their laundry cycle from anywhere in the home using a remote device. You can check the cycle status of the washer and dryer and look at the remaining time. A buzzer on the remote lets you know when each cycle is finished. The system communicates using Power Line Communication (PLC) technology over standard electrical wiring.
June 12, 2005
Color Changing Sink
I saw an interesting sink mentioned on the Home and Garden Channel tonight. The Nymphaea bathroom sink from the Whitehaus Collection changes color from blue to red, depending on the temperature of the water. LEDS embedded in the glass basin make this possible. I'm not sure who actually needs a color changing sink, but if you're looking for something unique for the bathroom, maybe it's for you. Here's a blurb from the Whitehaus site:
"Nymphaea is the only glass basin, which changes color with the temperature of the water and creates a magnificent and relaxing atmosphere. This beautifully hand-crafted crystal glass basin line was designed around the concept of light and color, known as chromatherapy, to create a world of beauty and purity right in your own bathroom."
http://www.whitehauscollection.com/
The Best Dishwashers May Be the Quietest Dishwashers
Most dishwashers can get your dishes clean, but some of them sound like a jet engine taking off in the process. Today's appliance manufacturers are putting out quiet dishwashers, a must if you live in a condo where your living room is only a few steps away from the kitchen. And even if you have a sprawling house, you may not want to listen to the agitated churning of a loud dishwasher. The Bosch Integra Vision Dishwasher combines stainless steel with quiet operation for a stylish yet functional appliance. The manufacturer claims it's so quiet they had to include an "infolight"--a little red light that shines on the floor so you know when the dishwasher is operating.
http://www.boschappliances.com/
Spinning Showerhead Anyone?
There are lots of new options for showers out there including a variety of showerheads with unique features. The Danze Spinning Showerhead 7 appropriately has 7 jets that revolve to give you an invigorating shower experience (or it works for just getting you clean, too). The 9 inch adjustable extension arm attachs to your showerarm to make this showerhead easy to position. It's available in brushed nickel, chrome, PVD, and polished brash finishes.
June 11, 2005
Over-sized Screens Protect Porches from Mosquitos, etc.
Phantom Screens provide screens not only for doors and windows, but for larger areas, too. Examples are balconies, porches, patios, galleries, and garage openings. They are designed to keep out bugs as well as providing shade on hot days. Their line of Executive Oversized Power Screens retract or slide into place with the push of a button. You can use either wall-mounted control panels or remote controls. With this technology, it's easy to extend your living space to the outdoors.
http://www.phantomscreens.com/
June 10, 2005
Toilets for Toddlers?
Move over plastic potty--the toddlers of today's well-off parents are learning to do their business on toilets designed just for them. These child-sized toilets are a little more expensive than regular models, but usually work fine with existing house plumbing (though the switch can take some work). They can be replaced once the kids grow out of them.
The Gerber PeeWee toilet (MSPR $350) has a seat about 10 inches high, which is 4 inches shorter than a typical toilet.
Source: "Toilets for Tots" in the print version of the 6/9/05 edition of the Wall Street Journal
Fossils in Your Countertops?
Looking for something unique for your bathroom or kitchen countertops? One of today's trends is to use ancient stone cut to display fossilized fish. Both imitation fossils and the real deal are available for homeowners looking for the exotic. One vendor is the Green River Stone Co. whose freshwater limestone tiles feature fossil fish in 16x24 or 24x36 formats. They come from a 50-million-year-old fossil quarry that was the bottom of an inland sea during the Eocene period. The tiles come in either a smooth honed finish or a honed finish with the fossils partially excavated. Aside from countertops, the company does murals, tabletops, and floor tiles that feature the fish fossils.
Speaking of Steam Showers...
In Which Home Improvements Add Value, I mentioned steam showers as being very desirable with homebuyers right now. The Tylette Mono Steamroom from Tylo of Sweden is one example. The steam showers come in one or two person models with lots of upgrades available. The basic model starts at a little over $5,000.
Here's a blurb from their site...
The built-in steam generator has automatic water filling, emptying and flushing functions and comes complete with a built-in fragrance dispenser. Also included is an exclusive thermostatically controlled mixer and shower set with adjustable sprinkler head. All visible plumbing fittings have a chrome-plated finish.The TyletteTM Mono Standard Steamroom includes all of the above plus recessed halogen lighting, eight massage jet nozzles, waterfall and tropical rain features.
Available options also include a choice of hinged or sliding doors, and colors of either white or marble.
Tylette Personal Home Steamrooms
Home Improvement for Home Value: Which Improvements Pay Off?
The main reason people remodel or rennovate is to update their homes to suit their family's tastes or needs, but many people are also thinking forward about the day they sell their home and wondering what home improvements can also increase the value of their property. David Lereah, in his recent book Are You Missing the Real Estate Boom?
In the bathroom...
"It used to be that bathroom Jacuzzis were the order of the day. But gradually home owners realized they rarely used them and they were not worth the cost. Today, luxury showers with multiple showerheads are much more in fashion--and likely to add to the value of your home."
In the kitchen...
"The kitchen features that buyers consider most valuable are a built-in refrigerator, a kitchen island, and a double oven."
He also mentions some exterior home improvements that can convince possible homebuyers to up their bids:
"Exterior features that affect selling price the most include a patio, a deck, a sprinkler system, and a tennis court; any location on the water, or having a water view, adds value to a house."
The whole book is worth checking out if you're at all interested in getting involved with the real estate market.
Are You Missing the Real Estate Boom?
Microwave / Toaster Saves Space
For people living in the city, space can be at a premium. If you're looking for a way to cut down on the number of appliances on your kitchen countertops, a combination microwave toaster may do the trick. The LG LTRM1240S Microwave/Toaster Oven has nine browning levels for your toast or bagel and eliminates the need for a separate microwave and toaster.
LG LTRM1240S Microwave/Toaster Oven
June 09, 2005
Kosmic Shower Cabin Brings New Life to the Bathroom
How's this for a snazzy looking shower stall? The Kosmic Shower Cabin from Kos provides a full hydroptherary experience with body jets, steam, massage, and chromatherapy. Fiber optic lighting, available in a variety of basic colors depending on your mood, makes the whole shower cabin seem to glow.
June 08, 2005
Mosquito Control Made Easy
There's nothing like a swarm of mosquitos lurking around the swimming pool to turn you off from outdoor living. There are lots of mosquito repellents and sprays on the market, but if you're sticking to one area, something like the Mega-Catch Outdoor Mosquito Trap might be a good bet. It's cheaper (and has more positive reviews) than highly advertised competitor the Mosquito Magnet, and it's small enough that you can tuck it into your RV for camping trips but powerful enough to keep your backyard mosquito free. According to the manufacturer's site: "In testing Premier traps have caught up to 7,500 mosquitoes in one night." (One wonders what South American jungle they set up camp in to test it.)
How mosquito control works with the trap: "Mosquitoes attracted to the Premeir by visual and other cues seek to land on and probe specially designed surfaces and enter the Trap where they are collected in the Catch Bag or Liquid Catch Container."
Mega-Catch Outddor Mosquito Trap Premier - MCP400
ShowerARC by Hansgrohe
Thinking of remodeling the bathroom and jazzing up the shower stall? The ShowerARC from Hansgrohe provides a new way to install a multi-jet shower without worrying about complicated plumbing issues. Its versatile design means it can be tucked into an alcove, enclosure, or wetroom. The unique arch design means water can reach the body from three sides at the same time.
June 07, 2005
Kohler Riverbath Bathtub
The Kohler Riverbath has jets designed to mimick the rhythm of a river, either soothing or vigorously massaging, depending on your mood. The luxury bathtub has four whirlpool options that can be changed with the touch of a button: Whirlpool, Rapids, White Water, and (grab a barrel) Waterfall. It's available in rectangular or circular shapes. Both styles are big enough for more than one bather and allow you to customize by choosing your tile, marble, texture, and color.
Crown Molding Installation Gets Easier
Adding crown molding has long been a low cost and relatively low effort way to add value to a home. "Easy Crown Molding" from James Christopher Design, Inc. has come up with a way to make it a snap to install, no hammer needed. Their kits have sticky backs, so all you have to do is peel off the backside and stick to the crown molding to the joint where the wall and ceiling meets.
"Installation is easier than any prefabbed trim we have seen. It's peel and stick simple. All you do is peel back the peel-and-stick cover and press each piece in place. There aren't any fancy miter cuts to make. Each piece comes with one end that is coped (precut to fit against the opposing piece in an inside corner connection). The other end is square. You install around the room from left to right. Each piece is less than 4 feet long, and overlap connections are made with double-sided tape. Outside corners are ready-made and peel and stick in place."
The Easy Crown Molding is made of plastic, however, so it might not be the best bet in a high-end home, but if you're just looking for a quick way to impress potential buyers at your open house, it might do the trick.
http://www.easycrownmolding.com
Quote from On the House: Home Improvement/Repair Tips
Update 7/26/05: It's also available (cheaper) here: Peel & Stick Crown Molding. Thanks, Shannon, for the link.
Recycled Paper Countertops for the Kitchen?
Granite countertops are all the rage, and you've probably heard of quartz, formica, tile, and the other common countertop materials, but what about a countertop made out of paper? That's what goes into Richlite Countertops, making them environmentally sound choices.
"Richlite® orders a customized paper produced from suppliers who harvest wood pulp from managed forests within North America. The company goes to great lengths to ensure no old growth or other rare trees are used in its materials. The paper is treated with resin then cut to size and baked. Richlite sheets are inventoried by size, color and thickness in the company’s warehouse in Tacoma, Washington."
The end result is an attractive and surprisingly durable material. The surfaces are scratch, stain, and heat-resistant as well as easy to clean.
http://www.richlite.com/countertop/
June 06, 2005
Outdoor Electric Grill with Small Footprint
A lot of people are moving back into the city these days, trading suburban homes for lofts and condos. That means space is at a premium, however, even in nicer buildings. Just because you have a small patio instead of a big yard, doesn't mean you don't want to grill. Masterbuilt's Electric Veranda Grill was designed for use where space is an issue. Its petite footprint lets it be placed in the corner of even tiny patios or decks. Despite it's size, it delivers plenty of heat. The grill has a 1,650 watt heating element that has enough oomph to sear your steak. The cooking surface is 200 square inches, so plenty of room to cook for the family. And when you're done, just unplug it to clean. No need to worry about bulky gas tanks.
Masterbuilt Veranda Electric Pedestal Grill
Grass Roof Anyone?
Grass roofs have been popular for a while in Europe, and now they're beginning to catch on in the US. If you live in a condo that's a ways from the nearest lawn but has roof access, adding a grass roof could give you a relaxing place to lay out in the sun or a chance for your puppies to play without worrying about traffic.
There are environmental reasons for adding a grass roof as well. Not only do they provide a refuge for birds and butterflies surrounded by concrete and tarmac, they reduce storm-water runoff and create a weather buffer which helps your roof last up to twice as long as regular roofs. A grass roof also has the ability to cool ambient air temperatures and reduce energy requirements.
How one condo owner installed a grass roof:
"First, he laid down 2-inch-thick high-compression foam, slicing grooves to direct water runoff and cutting channels in it for an irrigation hose and sprinkler heads, which are on a timer. Then he unfurled black fabric weed block, followed by 2 inches of dirt topped by Zoysia sod."
(snippet from "Install Grass on a Roof" in the Feb/Mar 05 issue of Remodeling Ideas).
More information on grass roofs:
Grass is Greener on the Roof
Green Roofs Could Cut Heating Costs
June 05, 2005
Themed Home Theater Seating
The popularity of home theaters has got people shopping for more than DLP projectors. First Impressions creates home theater seating (and then some) based on themes from "futuristic to classical to art deco, contemporary, western and more."
Their CineBikerLounger reminds me of the episode of Home Improvement based on the "Man's Bedroom." Maybe suitable for a bachelor pad, but guys, good luck getting your wife to agree to a room full of these:
June 04, 2005
Chocolate Fondue Fountain
Chocolate drenched strawberries, cake, apples, pineapple, and more have long been desirable treats. However, they can be a mess and a pain to make yourselves. And buying those treats from the local chocolate shop, while tastey, just isn't the same if they're not still warm and dripping chocolate all over your fingers.
Chocolate Fountains in California offers an easier way to dip your favorite foods in chocolate without making a mess. Liquid chocolate gets heated in the base of the fountain, pumped to the top, and then it flows down the sides where you can dip your treats in the melty chocolate. You can rent them for parties or buy one to keep if you're a die-hard chocolate fan.
Television Mirror Brings TV to the Bathroom in a Subtle Way
Television in the bathroom isn't a new concept--people have been dragging in their sets to watch from the tub for some time--and today you can even get jetted tubs with popup LCD TVS. But how about a television embedded in your bathroom mirror? The Seura TV Mirror is fully incorporated into the bathroom mirror. When you turn off the TV, it disappears. When you turn it on, you can watch the news while you brush your teeth in the morning.
The Séura television mirror provides a convenient viewing location when it is on, and a non-obtrusive way to hide the television when it is off. When the LCD is activated, the screen is conveniently visible as a window within the mirror. When it is turned off, the LCD is completely hidden from view to allow for a complete mirror reflection.
The MSRP is between $2800 and $5000, depending of the size of the TV.
June 03, 2005
Patio Umbrella Stand Heater
The first I heard (or rather felt) of patio umbrella stand heaters was at a local wine cafe in Woodinville, WA (a land of frequent rains and temperate wewather) where patrons were sipping from their glasses outside on the patio even though it was late evening and in the 50s. When I walked past on the way to the entrance, I realized why. Their umbrellas (or rather heaters doubling as umbrella stands under the table) were giving off a cozy warmth.
Outdoor living is big, but in cooler climates the weather can limit the number of months it's a viable option. Outdoor Leisure's patio umbrella stand heater can add to your outdoor entertaining hours. The heater increases the surrounding temperature by 10 to 15 degrees and warms up your feet and lower body. You can use the heater with or without the umbrella. You do need a power outlet to plug it into (the heater comes with a 6 foot power cord), so make sure you've got a spot nearby before thinking of purchasing. MSRP is $99.
VX-2c Projection System (Home Theater System)
Retrofitting current rooms to make dedicated home theaters is increasingly popular amongst homeowners. Though it can be done on the cheap (sort of), expect to pay tens of thousands for a quality system. One example is the VX-2c Projection System from Runco International. The MSRP is $39,995. This Digital Light Processing projector offers 16:9 native resolution which means superb high-definition pictures.
Also of interest...
Articles on buying and installing home theaters:
How-to Information on Home Theaters
How to Set Up a Basic Home Theater
How Home Theater Works (from How Stuff Works)
June 02, 2005
Now That's a Kitchen Sink
The Elkay 48 inch long (yes, that's right, four feet) cascading undermount kitchen sink is a truly unique piece. If you fill it with ice, you can keep lots of drinks chilled when it's entertaining time. The faucet and the drain are at opposite ends to create a stream effect in the middle of your counter (it looks sharp in the middle of a kitchen island). I'm not sure if it's the longest sink available for residential homes, but it's the longest I've seen and one of the more interesting.
Bamboo Flooring, Why It's Increasing in Popularity
Bamboo flooring is replacing hardwood flooring for some homeowners who are upgrading. One of the primary reasons is that bamboo, unlike trees, is a quickly renewable resource. Some types of bamboo grow ten feet a day. Where it takes a hundred years to grow a tree, you can grow a new bamboo plant to maturity in a few years.
Other than environmental concerns, are bamboo floors better than hardwood? It really depends on the homeowner's tastes. Because bamboo is a grass and not a wood, it has a different look (some say more interesting). It comes in vertical or flat-grain patterns and the following colors: light, honey or natural color, and a darker amber.
Interestingly, bamboo flooring is actually more durable than many hardwoods. It resists dents well, and since it comes from a tropical climate, it tends to resist moisture damage and warping as well.
Bamboo flooring costs are fairly competitive with hardwoods. For prefinished flooring, expect to pay between $4 and $8 per square foot.
Sources:
Bamboo Flooring Features and Benefits
Bamboo Flooring FAQ
Bamboo Flooring
June 01, 2005
Scrabble Table + Monopoly + Chess and More
If you think a coffee table should be for more than large picture books and magazines, you may want to check out the 6 in 1 Coffee Table from Game-Table.com. Boards swap in and out to provide play for Scrabble, Monopoly, Chess, Checkers, and Backgammon, and there's a plain coffee table look for when you're not playing. The cherry finish makes it more handsome than some other game tables I've seen. All in all, a good choice for inflicting family togetherness nights on the kids.
Kitchen TV and Then Some
Kitchen TVS or LCD TVs are becoming quite popular. A TV in the kitchen gives the kids something to watch while you're cooking, thus ensuring you can keep an eye on them. No kids? Well, adults like them, too. After all, how are you supposed to follow along with a cooking show when the TV is in the living room?
Today's luxury kitchen appliance market is providing more than just TVs. The Icebox Flipscreen 04 is a "kitchen entertainment unit" that fits under your standard kitchen cabinet. The 12.1" LCD monitor stays hidden until you want to use it, then it swivels into the down position. You can watch TV, a DVD, or listen to the radio through the unit's three-way speaker system. It also hooks up to the Internet, allowing you to surf the web or email friends and family (Help Mom, my souffle is burning!) via a keyboard or touchscreen.
Icebox Flipscreen 04 Kitchen Entertainment Unit
Garage Refrigerator/Freezer Gets Overhaul: Meet the Freezerator
Concerned about keeping a freezer or refrigerator in the garage? In some climates, subzero temperatures can be a problem. But the Whirlpool Freezerator (part of the Gladiator Garageworks collection) takes the worry out of durability issues. The Freezerator has both refrigerator and freezer sections (although throwing a switch can turn the whole thing into a freezer) with the smaller top section designated the fridge part. It has a built-in heater to keep your beverages from freezing during the winter while keeping them cool in the warmer months.
The outside of the Freezerator has a durable garage-style design as well. Rubber casters make it easy to swivel or move, and the graphite tread-plate doors say this isn't some sissy kitchen model.
