Surface iQ

Kitchens can be dirty rooms.  There are spills, cooking splatter and sometimes no matter what you do there are hand prints everywhere.  All these things are why I like Surface iQ.

Surface iQ from Len-Texis a wallpaper alternative. It looks and performs like vinyl wallpapers but is actually engineered polyethylene film laminated to a fabric backing.  This means no plasticizers, no pvc and no formaldehyde.

Surface iQ has earned the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certification at the Silver tier for healthy and sustainable product design.  It is the only printed commercial grade wallcovering to hold this certification.

Since 2004 Surface iQ has been a choice product where indoor air quality is critical.

Surface iQ is available in 17 patterns with various color choices in 54″ widths.

Alternative Mirror Designs

Narcisse Mirrors from Domestic are not typical mirrors.   In fact, the shapes are quite unusual.  The purpose of these designs was to free the mirrors from traditional frame.

With these extraordinary designs and shapes from various artists you can make a lonely wall more interesting or you can use a mirror such as the “I Love Me” to make a statement.

 

 

Books for the Bathtub

DuraBooks™ were first made for scuba divers but their waterproof pages soon made them popular with beach goers and people who like to read while soaking in the tub.

Originally created in the late 90’s from polypropylene film, Melcher Media was forward thinking in creating a product that can be “upcycled” in perpetuity.

While paper is recyclable, it is considered “downcyclable” because with each recycling process the fibers loose quality and virgin pulp has to be added.  Furthermore, since ink can not be lifted from the pages, toxic chemicals remain part of the pulp.

The synthetic pages feel like quality card stock but are made from plastic resins and inorganic fibers.  No wood pulp or cotton fiber is used.  The bindings are more sturdy than any paper or hardcover book spine.  The pages are also stain and tear resistant.

Durabooks are considered Green because they can be melted down and reused as other products multiple times, thus sparing trees and reducing toxin emissions.

I always like to pass a book I’ve read on to another person for them to enjoy.  I like the idea that these books are durable and can be read over and over again.

Hunter Fan Illumi-Heat

This might look like an typical ceiling mounted light fixture, but this new light fixture from Hunter Fan Company actually contains a heating element.

The Illumi-Heat Fixture has a 700-watt ceramic heating element that can be used in bathrooms, mudroom, or any small room that could use some extra heat. 

Operated by remote control, the heating element can raise the temperature of a 215 sq. ft. room 5 degrees in an hour.  When you don’t need the extra heat, the fixture operates as a any other normal light fixture.

This is such a great product.  I’ve been in many homes that could use this very fixture.

GE Recalls Gas Dryer

GE is recalling about 2,100 gas dryers that may pose a shock hazard due to faulty wiring.

The model numbers for this recall is DWXR463GGWW with serial numbers starting with AM, TL, SL, VL, and ZL.

 To find the model and serial numbers, open the dryer door and look in the lower right corner, in the area that was covered by the door.

If you have a recalled model, stop using it and unplug it.  Contact GE directly for further instructions and to schedule an inspection at (866) 324-3732.

New Twist on Bathroom Tile

Gold leaf is usually not thought of as an everyday indulgence – especially in a bathroom.

Now you can have Gold, Silver or Copper leaf in smooth or antique finish in water resistant 12″ x 24″ tiles. Artistic Tile applies the leaf to the underside of glass tile and then seals it making it suitable for wet areas such as showers.  The La Leaf tile is also available in 3″x24″ liners as shown in the picture. 

We are all familiar with Mother of Pearl and it’s beautiful qualities. 

This natural and renewable resource has long been thought to enhance the appearance of skin.

While fiberglass backed Mother of Pearl sheets have been available for a while, new resin backed tiles make installtion of this pearlescent shell to adorn your bathroom or kitchen walls simple.

Hand crafted tiles are available in various shades of grey, cream and brown from Maybury Home.  They offer two collections Plain, with 5cm x 5cm natural shell tiles and Decorative, with small pieces of Mother of Pearl laid into resin.

 

Via: BlinkDecor

Green Websites You Might Not Have Visited

Womenandenviroment.org
This is the site for Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE).  This group advocates women as agents for social change with a focus on reducing toxic agents and educating the public on links between human health and the health of the environment.

You can currently get a Green Cleaning Party Kit from WVE.  This kit will help you and your friends learn how to make your own non-toxic cleaning supplies.  This kit contains recipes, a video and hosting ideas. Check it out for your Spring cleaning.

Greendaily.com
Green Daily is a member of Weblogs, Inc.  Their focus is on all things green from activism to quick tips.

I found their recent post about organic dry cleaning interesting – especially since I’d never heard of it before.  I will definitely take my clothes out the plastic bags when I get them home.

Greenopolis.com
This site is the social networking site for Eco-conscious people.  Think Myspace with a Conscience.  Greenopolis has the usual blogs, event listings and messaging service most social networking sites have. What really sets Greenopolis apart is it’s effort to help members put their green plans into action by earning “green points.”  Check out their rewards program for members.

Vance Publishing Launches Closet Website

Vance Publishings Corp. has created a new Web site to aid homeowners seeking information on home organization and closet solutions.

ClosetsGuru.com offers a wide variety of information for organizing all the places homeowners tend to stuff their belongings. They include tips on organizing various types of spaces from a small hall closet to a craft room.

Many readers will find the Frequently Asked Questions area helpful. Topics range from how to hire the right designer to how long installation might take.

The online photo gallery has some very nice images but many categories have no photos at all. Hopefully this will change soon.

Vance indicates that they will soon be adding links to help consumer’s find closet design professionals.

Example of ClosetsGuru.com tip:
*Use pull-out shelves for easy access. Otherwise, narrow depth shelves should be used so things are not hiding in the back. You will never use them!

For many of my clients the closet is no longer a dark cluttered area behind closed doors.  It’s a showplace.

Thermador Pro Harmony Range

If you like cooking on a pro-style range but hate the bulky size then the Thermador Pro Harmony Dual Fuel Range may be ideal for your kitchen.

The flush mount design will fit between standard 24″ deep cabinetry.  The new front design is clean with easy to read stainless steel knobs.

The 12″ and 24″ titanium griddles are a popular choice due to even heat distribution and easy clean-up.

Another note on easy clean-up, Thermador states that the Pro Harmony range has the fastest self-clean cycle on the market.  In less than 2 hours both ovens in the 48″ range can finish cleaning and cool down.