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Posts Tagged ‘Green Flooring’

Malkus Residence, Encinitas CA

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

This contemporary and harmonious home is located in Encinitas CA. This house incorporates the best of contemporary design to create a informal, casual, comfortable and welcoming space. It’s the perfect place for relaxing and enjoying life. The house is designed in modern style and is both a quaint coastal property and a chic contemporary dwelling. I had the opportunity to work with the owner of this beautiful property one on one, together we meticulously hand selected every single surface in the home, from the porcelain used on the floors and walls, glass mosaic backsplahes, Compac Quartz Countertops, stainless steel & glass mosiacs, and the various light fixtures. We wanted to create a simple, streamline design in every space. The interior design is white and clean with subtle blue hues, which is pleasing to the eyes. There is a lot of natural light inside that in combination with a selective amount of furniture makes rooms very airy. We used modern materials, furniture and personal art to make this home a real urban oasis. I have to say it is great working with clients like these, who know exactly what they want but give you creative freedom as a designer. With a contemporary atmosphere that is refined yet down to earth, this property is one of the best projects I have been involved in. The result? A beautiful, modern, calm, contemporary space that is truly breathtaking! Enjoy!

*A second home of similar design is currently under construction on the same property in Encinitas on Neptune Avenue. The house is for sale with an estimated completion date of Spring 2012. For more details, please visit www.1501neptune.com

Mlakus Residence, Dining Room

Malkus Residence, Guest Bathroom (Sage Green 1x2 Glass / Broadway White Porcelain)

Malkus Residence, Jack & Jill Bathroom (Stainless Steel 1x2)

Malkus Residence, Master Bathroom (Otago Black Marble)

Malkus Residence, Kitchen (Ocean Grey 3x6 Subway)

Malkus Residence, Living Room

Malkus Residence, Fireplace (Linear Broadway White Porcelain)

Malkus Residence, Hall Bathroom (Otago Black Marble)

Malkus Residence, Hallway ( Linear Broadway White Porcelain)

Tags: Backsplash Tile, bathroom, compac quartz countertop, design ideas, DIY, Glass Backsplash, glass subway, Glass Tile, Green Flooring, Installation Photos, Kitchen Backsplash, Kitchen Remodel, kitchen tile, Linear Broadway White Porcelain, new products, ocean grey 3x6 glass subway, otago black marble, porcelain, recycled tiles, sage green glass, Shower Tile, slate linear tile, stainless steel 1x2, Stainless Steel Tile, Subway Tile, The Glass Mosaic Outlet, Tile Installation, Wall Tile
Posted in Ana's Design Tips | 1 Comment »

The Riviera Residence: Modern & Eco-Friendly!

Friday, September 9th, 2011

The Riviera Residence is modern, eco-friendly and so gorgeous! The home designed by Shubin + Donaldson, is located in Santa Barbara California. Situated on a ridge, the near-perfect location commands a 270-degree view of the Pacific Ocean, a dramatic canyon, and the Santa Ynez mountains. This relatively small house has all of the elements of a 5,000- or 6,000-square-foot house in a tidy, 3,200-square-foot package. The three-level home and two-car garage include open living/dining area, kitchen, master bedroom and bath, guest bedroom and bath, home gym, powder room, two home offices with office bath, outdoor dining area, outdoor lounge areas, lap pool, and 1,400 square feet of lower-level storage. Though not immediately obvious, this house embraces several characteristics of environmentally sustainable design. The basic design strategy is to site the house based on solar orientation, resulting in passive solar gains throughout the year. Photovoltaic power generates household electricity through a 2.8kw system (when power is not needed, it feeds back into the grid). A passive roof-top solar heating system provides for domestic hot water and a passive solar ground-level hot-water system is used to heat the pool. The natural flow of hot and cool air is fortified by the use of radiant hot-water floor heating and separate central air conditioning in the ceilings. Although these systems are in place, they are rarely used because of the solar orientation of the home and the natural ventilation. Shubin + Donaldson re-used the existing foundation and caissons. During construction, the existing house was taken apart piece-by-piece, with all usable elements donated to Habitat for Humanity. Other energy-saving systems include double-pane windows, UV-resistant glass, ample insulation, and energy-efficient appliances. Deep exterior overhangs are designed to provide shade in the summer, and let in sun during the winter. STUNNING!

The Riviera Residence

Tags: design ideas, eco friendly, eco friendly construction, eco friendly home, Green Flooring, green home, modern architecture, modern home santa barbara, new products, Shubin + Donaldson Architects, the riviera residence
Posted in Ana's Design Tips, Pebble Tile | No Comments »

Cork Mosaic Tile….So cool!

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Cork Tile from Portugal is sustainable for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is rapidly renewable, being that the bark of the tree is peeled from the trunk, and then tree is left to regenerate. This provides an almost limitless supply of cork bark, assuming that once the tree is beyond its’ useful life, replacements are planted (which they are). This heavily protected species also carries with it tremendous mechanical and functional properties, most of which are related to the fact that the cork bark is made almost entirely of cellular pockets of air (200 million cells per cubic inch). These cells of trapped air inhibit the passage of sound (making it one of the best acoustic insulators known), and are known as a thermal insulator, separately an often cold floor from the warmth of your foot. In addition, cork is anti-microbial, has tremendous “bounce-back” properties and forgiveness, and offers one of the greatest slip resistances of any natural material. Despite common wine industry myths, cork availability increases every year (despite minor ups and downs related to weather), and is one of the true really sustainable raw materials in its unaltered state. Post-industrial wine corks are cut into 1/4″ pieces. The resulting discs are affixed to a durable and flexible paper backing, and are then ready for installation. As with tile and stone mosaics, Cork Tile is affixed to the substructure (subfloor or wall), with either a thin set or glue, and is then grouted.

Cork Tile is very versatile. Cork Tile comes either prefinished with 2 coats of a water-based urethane, or unfinished, which can then be stained any color. Not only can the color of the cork be customized to suit any aesthetic, but there are dozens of grout choices to create your unique look. Any standard “sanded” grout can be used with Cork Tile.

Cork Tile can be used in any traditional flooring application, as well as in “wet” applications such as in showers, saunas, and pool surrounds. Due to the stability of cork, its inherent impermeability, and the fact you are taking a resilient product and adding to its stability and durability with grout, the result is a product which is durable and versatile. It can be used in almost any interior finish application, however demanding the environment.

Technical Data:

Manufactured with rapidly renewable raw material

Minimum 30% rapidly renewable material in Coconut Tiles

Coconut Tiles are manufactured using wood from sustainably managed forests.

Dimensions: 12” x 24”
Sq. Ft. per tile: 1.82
LEED Pts:
- MR 4 (Recycled Content- 30% to 40% recycled, post-industrial)
- MR 6 (Rapidly Renewable Material)
- IEQ 4.4 (Low Emitting Material)
Also achievable with installation:
- IEQ 4.1 (Low Emitting Materials: Adhesives and Sealants)
- IEQ 4.2 (Low Emitting Materials: Paints and Coatings)

Cork Mosaic Tile

Cork Mosiac Tile

Cork Mosaic Tile Installation

Tags: bathroom, cork, cork flooring, cork mosaic tiles, design ideas, DIY, eco friendly tile, Green Flooring, new products, recycled cork, recycled tiles, Shower Tile, Wall Tile
Posted in Ana's Design Tips | No Comments »

Selecting the Right Bathroom Flooring

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

Check out this great article on “Selecting the Right Bathroom Flooring” by our friends at HGTV.

When choosing the right flooring for a bathroom, there’s more to keep in mind than personal style. Some very specific factors come into play: Is your flooring, for instance, impervious to water? Will it stain easily when makeup takes a spill? Is it safe when walking across with wet feet? Given those considerations, here are some of the top contenders in bathroom floor surfaces:

Ceramic Tile: Ceramic floor tile differs from, say, wall tile in that it’s designed with more of a texture to prevent slippage. It is typically between 1/2-inch to 3/4-inches thick, and measures anywhere from 4 x 4 inches to 2-feet-square. In addition to squares, other shapes are available, including octagonal and hexagonal. And mosaic tiles (2 inches square or smaller) come in pre-mounted fabric mesh sheets. Ceramic tile is available in a vast variety of colors and patterns; plus, you can take your creativity to yet another level with colored grouts. This type of flooring is durable and hygienic, but make sure that you pay close attention to the porosity rating; it’s critical in a space such as a bathroom that requires something that’s moisture-proof. The porosity classifications range from impervious (the least absorbent) to vitreous, semivitreous and, finally, nonvitreous (the most absorbent).

Ceramic

Laminate: Made of layers of materials literally bonded together for strength — resin, wood fiber and Kraft paper, for example — laminate flooring is compacted under pressure to create the final product, which is then transformed into planks. In fact, the surface of a laminate plank is actually a photographic image, printed from film onto a thin decorative layer, which is in turn protected with a wear layer. The high resolution of the film results in a realistic appearance, so laminates may appear to be a variety of other materials; wood grain is one of the most popular. And because it’s durable and easy to clean, laminate flooring a logical choice for bathrooms.

Laminate

Hardwood: Part of hardwood flooring’s charm is that it lends a sense of warmth to your bathroom. Plus, if hardwood is your flooring of choice throughout the rest of the house, you’ll create a cohesive look. What’s more, even worse-for-the-wear hardwood floors can be given a fresh outlook; you can stain or paint to complement the rest of the room’s decor.

Hardwood

Natural Stone: Cut into tiles, typically 12 inches square or larger, stone is easy to care for and durable, but it does require a strong subfloor. It also has the potential to be slippery when wet, especially in a polished form. As an alternative, however, stone can be honed (ground flat but not polished) or textured (by sandblasting); keep in mind, though, that unpolished forms may require a sealant to prevent stains. And one more word to the wise if you opt for a stone floor: Keep a pair of slippers handy as it tends to be cold underfoot.

Natural Stone

Vinyl: Long one of the most popular choices for bathroom applications, vinyl comes in sheets or tiles. Sheet vinyl comes in rolls that are 6- or 12-feet wide, providing a seamless look. Vinyl tiles, on the other hand, are typically 12 to 18 inches square and lend themselves to a variety of different patterns. Tiles are usually easier to install, and it’s simple to replace just one, if need be. On the downside, though, a vinyl tile installation has many more seams, which creates more places for germs to grow. Both options, however, are easy to clean and effectively resist stains and moisture.

Vinyl

Tags: bathrom flooring, bathroom, Bathroom Flooring, Bathroom Tile, Bathrooms, Carpet, ceramic tile, Ceramic Tiles, design ideas, DIY, Flooring, Green Flooring, hardwood, HGTV, laminte, natural stone, Shower Tile, Stone
Posted in Ana's Design Tips | No Comments »

Fabulous Cork!

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

Cork tile has quickly become one of my favorite items! It is not only unique but eco friendly as well. Cork Tile is a wood based mosaic made from cork harvested from the cork oak trees in Portugal. Cork Tiles are made from 100% post industrial cork; they come either prefinished with 2 coats of a water-based urethane, or unfinished, which can then be stained any color. Its not only eco friendly but a natural thermal insulator with great acoustic properties! Cork Tile can be used in any traditional flooring application, as well as in “wet” applications such as in showers, saunas, and pool surrounds. Can’t wait to use this on one of my projects! Check out these cool installations:

Cork Floor: Bathroom

Cork Floor: Restaurant

Cork Tile: Stairwell

Cork Tile: Bar

Tags: cork flooring, cork mosaic tiles, cork tile, design ideas, eco friendly, Eco Products, Green Flooring, new products, recycled tiles
Posted in Ana's Design Tips, Pebble Tile | No Comments »

Recycled Leather For Your Floors by Ana Morales

Friday, January 14th, 2011

While it is unusual to conceive of leather for flooring, recycled leather tiles are gaining popularity in the interior design world. The look and feel of a recycled leather floor is remarkable, and it adds a unique touch of luxury to any environment. There is extensive options in regards to colors, textures, and finishes to suit your particular installation. In a home you can use recycled leather in closets, powder rooms, offices, theaters, bedrooms, dining rooms, ceilings, kitchens, backsplashes and even stair cases!

Those of you with an environmental conscience will appreciate the fact that recycled leather tile is LEED certified. It is made by collecting real leather scraps from furniture, shoe, car and other factories. It’s not only cool looking, but it’s great for the environment as well. One great advantage of using recycled leather tile is that it is easy to install. Leather tiles come with a pre – glued backing. The pre- glued backing allows the tiles to install directly over drywall, primed concrete, or plywood with no further adhesive application. You simply remove the liner and apply the tiles directly to the surface. Installation is hassle-free and completed in minutes.

Leather Floors will wear in a manner similar to a linoleum floor and have indentations comparable to that of a high quality cork floor. These tiles are practical and made with the user in mind while being of uncompromising beauty and texture. Leather floors over time will develop a rich patina. Their look will improve with age –in a manner similar to the patina developed by a leather sofa. Leather floors will take on the characteristics of their environment, creating a truly unique and personal floor. The care required for a leather floor is similar to what you need to do for a wood floor. Normal maintenance includes, vacuuming with a soft brush, damp mopping with a very well wrung out mop.

Recycled leather tile is attractive, unique and durable, it is an excellent choice for flooring that will add to the value to your home. The look and feel of a leather floor is remarkable…Try it for yourself!

Nocturno Croc Leather Tile

Tags: Backsplash Tile, design ideas, Green Flooring, Kitchen Backsplash, leather floor, leather tile, Leather Tiles, recycled tiles, The Glass Mosaic Outlet, Wall Tile
Posted in Ana's Design Tips, Leather Tiles | No Comments »

Tips For Amazing Wall & Floor Textures by Ana Morales

Friday, July 30th, 2010

There are many ways to add textural interest to any room on both floors and walls. With all the amazing tile finishes now available, the possibilities are endless! Here a a few looks to inspire your next project!

Un-Neutralize the Neutral

Neutrals are undeniably serene and soothing. To avoid looking bland, neutrals require a design imperative for their survival: texture. In this room the contrast between the neutral porcelain and the dark cabinetry offers a touch of sophisticated style and texture without being overbearing. By using the same porcelain in a different pattern behind the vanity, the color scheme remains neutral but great visual texture is achieved.

Limestone Grey Porcelain Installation

The Layered Look

Texture can be added from top to bottom in a room for dramatic effect. The trick to layering is to stick to the same color scheme when combining different finishes. To achieve this effect, mix smooth finishes with patterned finishes to achieve a unique look. In this bathroom the uniting background color is white, but the sage green flower patterned porcelain on the wall adds amazing texture without being overwhelming.

Deco Silk Porcelain Tile Installation

Get Floored

If you’re a fan of hardwood floors, a wood grain that boasts a lot of gorgeous grain, brings instant texture. The variations in the wood’s natural color will add a lot of personality to a neutral room, while providing a stunning foundation to the room’s furnishings.

Block Wenge Porcelain Tile Installation

Textural Walls

Texture lovers will revel in the effect created by installing woven finish porcelain. The woven porcelain finish is very earthy and natural, and looks amazing on any surface. This is a great product that can be installed on any wall or floor to add textural interest.

Yakarta Wenge Porcealin Tile Installation

Faux Stone Finishes

Bathrooms can be a showcase for texture. If you are looking for something that will be classic but with a modern twist, consider using one of the many faux stone porcelain options that are available. Using a porcelain that is made to look like natural stone in a neutral tone, brings installations from flat to fabulous. This option will give you that same visual pop, without breaking the bank.

Ferroker Laton Porcelain Installation

Tags: bathroom, design ideas, Discount Tile, Green Flooring, porcelain, recycled tiles, Shower Tile, Tile Installation
Posted in Ana's Design Tips | No Comments »

Recycled Leather Tiles

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Who would have thought? Leather on the walls and even leather on the floor?! We like to keep you updated on all the new and unique tile options out there and the recycled leather tiles are at the top of that list. Eco-friendly and luxurious they are a great option to make your design project stand out.

Leather Flooring Installation in Honey

Installation
All Design for Less recycled leather tiles come with a pre-glued backing. Just like sticking a stamp on a letter the sticky backing allows you to easily place the tiles on your wall or floor. When we installed a leather wall in our offices our contractor said and I quote, “These tiles are going to put me out of business”. He knows we are more loyal than that! But basically you can have a 70 square foot wall up in 2 hours. Which if you are doing it yourself is easier on you and your back. And if you are having an installer do it, it is much easier on your wallet.

How are leather tiles a green product?
Living green and using Eco products is about making choices. And it should be about choices that are easy on your mind and your eyes. The leather tiles are manufactured with a commitment to “high design, highly ecological and renewable products”.

Post-Industrial Recycled Leather (65%)
Renewable natural rubber
Natural fillers and binding agents
Excellent Air Quality
Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
Certified “none detected”-ISO 14814-Wather Method
Low Volatile Organic Compound Adhesive Option for installation
Cordova Leather Wall Tiles use Greenguard® certified leather

Leed Credits
Materials and Resources – Credits 4.1/ 4.2 Recycled (Recycled Content)
Indoor Environmental Quality – Credits 4.1 / 4.3 (Low emission adhesives and materials – Recycled)
Rapidly Renewable Re-sourse Material – Credits 6 (Rapidly renewable construction material)
Innovation and Design – Possibly a special credit given for use of innovative material.

What sizes are available?
We carry the standard 12×12 and 18×18. If you are looking for another size please do not hesitate to contact us because there are other sizes available for special order 1-888-848-4537.

Where can I use leather tiles?
You can use leather tiles in closets, powder rooms, home offices, home theaters, bed rooms, dining rooms or where ever your creative mind takes you. They stand up to light commercial and residential wear. High moisture areas like bathrooms are not recommend.

Office Installation in Nocturno Crocodile Leather Tile

Leather Floor Installation in Chocolate

How will a leather floor wear?
The Recycled Leather Floors will wear in a manner similar to a linoleum floor and have indentations comparable to that of a high quality cork floor.

The care required for a leather floor is similar to what you need to do for a wood floor. Normal maintenance includes, vacuuming with a soft brush, damp mopping with a very well wrung out mop. We recommend using Carnauba-based wax.

- Never place a rubber backed or non-ventilated rug or mats on top of tiles
- Wax floor tiles as needed
- Wipe up spills immediately with damp (not wet) mop or cloth
- Recycled Leather walls don’t require special maintenance once properly installed.

Starbucks Installation in Custom Color Leather Tile

How is Recycled Leather produced?
The leather tiles are recycled just like paper – it’s pulped and bonded again together.
Step One – Real leather scraps are collected from furniture, shoes, and other factories.
Step Two – Stones grinds the leather to shreds. This process is similar to what tree fibers go through for paper-making
Step Three – The leather pieces and water are mixed with natural binding material and other ingredients. The majority of the binding product includes natural rubber and acacia wood bark. Acacia wood bark has natural binding properties. The Acacia tree is rapidly renewable specie. Rubber is tapped from rubber trees, in a process akin to maple-sap.

View all our colors here

If you have any other questions please feel free to call us at 1-888-848-4537.

Tags: Green Flooring, leather floor, Leather Tiles, recycled tiles
Posted in Leather Tiles | 4 Comments »