There are Three Main Classes of Rock

1. Igneous
2. Metamorphic
3. Sedimentary

Igneous Rock

Formed from the solidification of magma or lava.  There are over 700 types of igneous rock but most of them were formed far below the earth’s surface.  This is a very hard rock with a melting point of over 1200 degrees.

Metamorphic Rock

Caused by the change of minerals in pre-existing rocks.  A softer material with a melting point of 850 degrees.  Used in early days as a sculpture or building material.  It is porous and this means it scratches and stains more easily than its counterparts.

Sedimentary Rock

Formed by layers of earth’s deposits of minerals and organic particles.  Melting point is more than 2000 degrees.

Countertop Choices

Granite (Igneous)

There seems to be a trend toward solid surfaces like granite but those with very large veins.  The speckled variety seems to be taking a backseat to these lately.  Granite is a very good material for both kitchen and bath.  It needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining but overall, maintains its beauty with lots of use.

Marble (Metamorphic)

Marble is a porous material and may not be the best choice for wet applications, especially kitchens and baths.  It will need more sealing than other materials and it may still stain or scratch.  If you are the type of homeowner who appreciates the beauty of natural wear over time, you will probably be happy with marble.  On the other hand, if you want your counters to looking pristine for years to come, consider a harder and more durable surface.

Quartz (not a rock, it’s a mineral)

There are many products containing quartz on the market today.  When used for countertops, the quartz is crushed and mixed with a polymer resin to form a sealed surface.  And because it is crushed, you have many many color and pattern options.  There is no need to seal this surface ever.  Make sure to check the manufacturer’s warrantee before selecting a brand.  Also, usually, this type of countertop can take up to 300 degrees before melting/harming it.

Sandstone and Limestone

Both are sedimentary rocks.  Can be used for kitchen and bath but sealing it often is recommended.

Soapstone

A metamorphic rock comprised mostly of Talc but when chosen for building materials, mixed with a high percentage of quartz to make it more durable.  A great surface for baking too!

Bella

Meet Bella.  She’s our Pride and Joy.  But even at a whopping 8-1/2 pounds, she can cause quite a stir!  Pets can create their own set of challenges in home design.  Well, rest easy.  Help is on the way!  Now, more than ever, you have plenty of choices in the fabrics you use for your home’s interiors.

The textile industry continues to produce beautiful fabrics which can be used both inside and out.  Some are made from solution dyed acrylic (such as Sunbrella) and are virtually, indestructible.  This is because the yarn is started as a liquid which is colored all the way through.  You can pour bleach on these types of fabrics and the color is not affected!  Most are machine washable/line dry.

There are also types of fabric treatments which help to make fabrics “pet friendly”  One of these is Crypton. Crypton is a process of creating a moisture seal on a fabric so that liquids will not penetrate and stains are resisted. Watch How Its Made

Nanotex is another type of protection that can be applied to your treasured fabrics.  Here’s Proof  Coffee, wine, grape juice, whatever you want to throw at it will not saturate this barrier.

So don’t worry.  We’ve got you covered!

What??

For more information, give us a call.  We’re here to help!

DID YOU KNOW…

Dust is the number one killer of fabric?  Here are a few simple tasks you can undertake to keep your upholstery and drapery looking like new for years to come.

MACHINE WASH your sheers.  Most sheers are made from washable fabrics such as polyester.  Simply remove the drapery pins and wash in your machine on the gentle cycle.  When finished, remove, re-pin and hang while still damp.  The wrinkles will fall out while they dry.  Your sheers will be bright and fresh and just as pretty as they were when they were new.  Do this once every year or two for the best results.

Note-Do not put your sheers in the dryer.  High heat can melt the fibers and your draperies will be lost forever.

DAMP DUST your upholstery by applying a tested solvent to a white rag and gently wiping the fabric. This is especially helpful on horizontal surfaces such as the backs of sofas and chairs.  Try to get into the habit of once or twice a month for this task.

VACUUM your hard window treatments like wood blinds and soft Roman Shades regularly.  If you can get into the habit of doing this once a month, you’ll be way ahead of the game.

1. Make a list of all the things you LOVE about your home.  Then make a list of all the things you DON’T.
2. Write a WISH LIST of everything you thought you would ever love to do to improve your home.  Don’t leave anything out.  Put it all down.  You never know what is really possible until you prioritize your list and start to form a concrete plan.
3. GET VERY CLEAR ON YOUR BUDGET.  This may not be easy but until you are sure about what you are comfortable spending,  you’ll be wasting valuable time.
4. SAVE PHOTOS from magazines, internet sites and anything else you have that inspires you.  These will prove to be invaluable when you begin the conversation with your designer.

Now…pick up the phone and call a few designers.  But before you dial, make sure you have checked their websites and you think their portfolios invoke the same feeling you may be after for your own project.  Be prepared with your questions and be ready to talk about your objectives and your budget.

All of this will help you to make sure the designer you choose is the right fit for you.

Jan 21, 2013

Houzz Unveils 2013 ‘Best of Houzz’ Winners

Annual Survey and Analysis of Community of 11 Million Monthly Users Reveals Top-Rated Professionals and Design Trends

Houzz, the leading online platform for residential remodeling and design, today announced the community’s 2013 picks for Best Of Houzz, a homeowner to homeowner guide to the top architects, interior designers, contractors and other residential remodeling professionals in the U.S. and around the world.

“Houzz is the top choice for homeowners seeking residential remodeling and design services, providing an in-depth, 360-degree view of each professional through images of their work, reviews and an opportunity to interact with them directly on Houzz,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of community. “The ‘Best of’ winners are professionals recognized by our community of homeowners and home design enthusiasts for delivering exceptional customer service and results, and for creating the most inspiring and innovative residential designs in the past year.”

The Best of Houzz award is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction award winners are based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with remodelers and designers in categories ranging from landscape contractors to kitchen & bath designers. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 11 million monthly users, known as “Houzzers,” who saved more than 124 million professional images of home interiors and exteriors to their personal ideabooks via the Houzz site, iPad/iPhone app and Android app. With Houzz, homeowners can identify top-rated vendors as well as those whose work is a match with their own design goals. Homeowners can also evaluate professionals by contacting them directly on the Houzz platform, asking questions about their work and evaluating their responses to questions from others in the Houzz community.

By analyzing professional images added to the most ideabooks on Houzz over the past year, Best of Houzz 2013 also serves as barometer for decorating and remodeling trends across the U.S. and around the world:

• Houzzers want to make a statement from the moment you open their front door. Popular entryways feature elaborate wall treatments such as stone, board and batten and creative storage for shoes and coats.
• Kitchen favorites include bold pendant lighting over islands and specialized built-ins to help keep cooking essentials (like spatulas and baking pans) neat and tidy. Houzzers are also drawn to architectural details like crown molding, trim and breadboard, tray and coffered ceilings, as well as neutral color palettes and shaker-style cabinetry.
• Must-haves for the bathroom are open shower spaces with glass doors, an abundance of natural light and bold tiles that are either very large or very small in size.
• Laundry rooms are getting a makeover with bright, bold hues and special touches to make the room feel less industrial and more homey such as stained glass and wallpaper.
• Firepits and outdoor fireplaces top wish lists for outdoor spaces. Stone and paver pathways and patios are also favorites. Houzzers are maximizing outdoor spaces for entertaining.
• Garages are no longer just for cars and storage. Houzzers are finding inspiration in garages transformed into a potting shed, playspace, man-cave or home office.

About Houzz

Houzz (www.houzz.com) is a leading online platform for home remodeling, providing inspiration, information, ‘advice and support for homeowners and home improvement professionals through its website and mobile applications. Houzz features the largest residential design database in the world, articles written by design experts, product recommendations, a vibrant community powered by social tools, and information on more than 1.5 million remodeling and design professionals worldwide who can help turn ideas into reality. @houzz_inc

Depending on how you want to set up your faucets will dictate the types of valves that will be needed to operate the new system.  Shower valves can be either Thermostatic or Manual (Pressure) systems.  Thermostatic valves have a device that turns off the flow of water when the water temperature goes above a certain degree. This makes it impossible to scald oneself in the shower.  This valve also solves the problem of the shower losing cold water when the toilet is simultaneously flushed, (causing the shower temp. to increase).  Newer homes with newer plumbing may not be susceptible to this problem so be sure to check with your builder.

In a shower with a thermostatic system, one valve will control the temperature of each water outlet. This may include the shower head, tub spout, any body sprays, hand held showers, rain heads, etc., will have its own volume control.  You then have access to a customized shower experience; all or one water outlet can be turned on at one time with a specific temperature pre-set Manual (Pressure) valves regulate the output of water but the control of hot and cold is done manually by the user. The pressure balancing valve system consists of a single control and handle and the user turns the handle left or right to control the temperature.

As you can see, it is always best to start with function and then move onto form.  Who uses the room? How often?  What are their individual requirements for the room? What’s on your wish list?

And of course, it’s always best to plan it out and set a budget before you spend a dime!

Here’s a shot up the street to give you the full flavor of the town.

This year, we moved our office to this quiet little town in the “Old City Hall Building”.  Built in 1927, it housed the city offices, the police station and the jail.  There are still bullet marks in the brick interior walls.  The jail cell now serves as a bed and breakfast.  You actually sleep in the cell!

Here’s the new office.  We’re right in the center of the town.  Our interior space is shown below.

I’d like to welcome Gary Lee and Hannah Tringham to Talianko Design Group!

Merry Christmas from my home in this sleepy little town of Sierra Madre to yours.

May 2013 be a happy and prosperous one!

You’re All Invited!  

Here is a link for more information.  I hope you will join us.  It promises to be lots of fun.

(Click Here For More Info and to Order Tickets.)

P.S.  I am looking for a show house for next year.  Are you interested?  Please call me soon so we can get started!  

Click Here to Receive our eBook

People sometimes think a designer can just “whip up something beautiful” with little or no effort. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Design is a process and there are tried and true steps that must be taken to ensure things happen the way they should.

Even before you call a designer, a great deal of thought should be given to the way you’d like your home to feel when it is finished. What inspires you?  Collect some room photos that you like.  Jot down a few adjectives that describe how you want to feel when you are living in your new space.  Your designer will take the time to probe into the way you live and the way you want to live in the new space and if you’ve thought about this ahead of time, it will help your designer get familiar with you and your desires for the project more quickly

Here are the five “Phases of Design” that your professional designer will follow:

1. “Programming”.  This phase is also where we get up and running and your project is organized.  We’ll want to define the scope of your project, how you use each room and your goals for each space.  A budget will also be created to keep everyone on track.
2.  The next step is called “Schematics”  during which, we create your space plans, finishes are chosen, etc.
3.  Third comes “Design Development”. Drawings and formal presentations are put together.
4.  Next will be the “Contract Documents”. Construction plans are completed and include schedules of all elements in the design like electrical and plumbing, etc. Jobs are put to bid, suppliers and contractors are chosen.
5.  When all plans are settled upon, we move into the fifth phase known as “Contract Administration” which means the implementation of all planning. Procurement schedules are created, orders are placed, construction begins.

All of these phases in the process play a part in the bigger picture. Each should be executed carefully with the end result in mind. So, although it would be nice to “whip up something beautiful”, it really takes a skilled professional to guide the client and the project to a successful conclusion.