Creating Your Own Backyard Getaway

Summer is upon us! Do you have a yard or patio space calling out for a little sprucing up? Here are some inspirational images and products to get the ideas rolling for various budgets and project scales…

		Sunset Magazine Patios VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

courtesy Sunset Magazine

courtesy Jamie Durie

courtesy Jamie Durie

courtesy WoollyPocket

		Sunset Magazine Decks VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

courtesy Sunset Magazine

Tuuci

Tuuci parasols, lounges, pavilions, and cabanas are made here in the USA with marine grade aluminum components and fade resistant Sunbrella canopies.

“For over 10 years TUUCI has been creating innovative, unique and stylish shade platforms in the industry. Founded with a passion by Dougan Clarke, TUUCI was born from the marine industry. This means every single parasol, lounge and cabana we create has been meticulously engineered to perform without question, in any environment. But they don't just perform. They also turn heads with an unparalleled sense of style and design not seen anywhere else in the world.

But don't just take our word for it. We welcome you to check out our wide variety of product lines. You'll quickly see that our intention is to share natural comfort in its most basic form - a cool place in the shade. With incredibly durable, 100% replaceable parts and a design sense unlike any other, TUUCI's parasols, pavilions, and lounges is your ultimate shade experience. With a global presence throughout the US, Europe, the Far East and South America, our journey is simply to complement the shade that nature has already provided. Our products are handcrafted and inspired by all of nature's wondrous forms and raw beauty.
And from manufacturing to recycling, every action is made with the intent of minimizing our environmental footprint. We are also deeply committed to giving back to the community through support of dozens of non-profit community organizations.”

Marazzi Archaeology Collection

4 colors: Babylon, Chaco Canyon, Crystal River, and Troy

Sizes: 6 ½” x 6 ½”, 6 ½” x 13”, 20x20, 12x24, 13x13, and 3x13 bullnose

Indoor/outdoor commercial grade porcelain tile has the color, texture, and natural veining of travertine with a slightly chiseled edge. Manufactured in the USA by Marazzi, a USGBC member, that may contribute to LEED points and contains a minimum 21% pre-consumer recycled content. The tile utilizes a state-of-the-art 3d printing technique. Marazzi is the only manufacturer in the U.S. that can digitally print up to 360 dpi, directly to tile. At this maximum resolution and with the unique grayscale printing technique, Marazzi reaches finer, crisper and smoother definition for printed designs than other digital products. A stunning palette of more than 100 square feet with no repetition (allowing for substantial variation), at maximum resolution, can be achieved.

Improvements Collapsible Rain Barrel

Use a collapsible Rain Barrel to collect runoff water that you can use to water your garden or potted plants. Made from durable 3-layer polyester with PVC coating, this rain barrel offers water-saving convenience during the summer, then collapses flat for storage in the fall. The two-way zippered top of the Rain Barrel opens easily for filling watering cans, and there's a water tap at the bottom for hose attachment. This collapsible rain barrel also has a screen on top to keep out bugs and debris. Available in two sizes, the Rain Barrel includes an overflow tap and six heavy-duty resin legs; set on a solid even surface to prevent tipping. At the end of the season, the Rain Barrel folds flat for easy storage. Overflow tap can be used to connect two rainwater barrels together.

Dimensions: 74-Gallon: 23-1/2"Dia. x 39-1/2"H; 132-Gallon: 31-1/2"Dia. x 39-1/2"H

Living Walls VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

courtesy WoollyPockets and Quizcamp’s Minigarden

If short on space to bring in plants or a garden, why not consider a vertical wall garden? There are a lot of stylish product options to choose from that will work in any space. WoollyPockets and Quizcamps’s Minigarden are a couple of our favorites.

Trend Green Outdoor Fabrics

Comprised of 62 colorful and exhilarating outdoor fabrics, SOL ‘Y Luna has been used widely in all types of outdoor environments; from restaurant settings and outdoor ampitheatres to healthcare wellness and healing areas to corporate conference centers. Woven of a polyester and acrylic blend, each fabric performs to a minimum of 30,000 double rubs Wyzanbeek and is tested to a minimum of 1000 hours of UV light fastness. All fabrics are 54” wide and can be treated to pass NFPA 701 for vertical flame applications. SOL ‘Y Luna fabrics are bleach cleanable with a ratio of 1 part bleach to 5 parts water making it the perfect choice for hospitality and healthcare applications.

We hope that helps inspire some ideas for your own space. Let us know if we can be of any assistance in creating your own backyard sanctuary—we’d love to help no matter the budget or size.

What's Your Creative Outlet?

Food inspires me!

Several nights a week, I find myself sifting through my fridge and pantry looking for something that can spark my imagination. I love discovering and creating new recipes letting them unfold during the process, where I can conger up some kind of dish that is full of flavor, texture, shape and color. One that can be constructed through experimentation.

When I explore with food, I don’t always follow a recipe- and that’s when the outcome or end result is like a surprise- I don’t want to always see it “done” . Comparing this to designing living and working environments, my intent is different. I visualize the space as “done”. Like Wayne Ruga says, “ask the space what it wants to be.” Then be open to the answers!

I believe that in the allowing of oneself to create with other forms of art, such as food, in unchartered ways without set boundaries, expands the creative process in all areas. (And in the allowing to falter every now and then also provides an opportunity for forgiveness!)



I think success and purposeful living comes when one can’t see the line between working and playing!



Taking this another step further, what about “sharing food” and the exploration of cooking together with others who enjoy the process- say, a Supper Club with wine paring? It doesn’t have to be elaborate or themed out- just good friends, food, and good times. I personally haven’t participated in one yet but maybe this might be something I will try!

In the meantime, celebrate life, and embrace that which nurtures your creativity!

~Judi Kieffer

Boise’s Local Creatives and Second Chance’s 4th Annual Recycled Art Show May 5th!

We have been working hard cleaning out our sample library here at KDG—talk about a long process! We’ve been cutting back to the bare necessities, keeping what we use often and need for tactile feel, while transitioning to a more digital approach for catalogs, brochures and updates.

Amidst our spring cleaning we have met some amazing people here in the Treasure Valley that have been helping us keep these various items out of the landfill by taking them for reuse. A HUGE thank you to them! Take a look at some of their work below and learn where these items are available for sale.

We are also VERY excited to be one of the locations that will be displaying artwork for Second Chance’s 4th Annual Recycled Art Show which will be kicking off during First Thursday on May 5th. Between 3:00 and 9:00 on May 5th, various artwork created from recycled materials will be displayed at various businesses here in the Linen District—Second Chance, Donnie Macs, Renew Appliance, and us! So if you’re going to be in the area for the Modern Hotel’s big, annual event, Modern Art 2011, be sure to sidetrack a block away and come visit us!

We love, love love what Trish Anderson did with this sample book of vinyl wallcovering! How cute are these? She makes everything from wallets to pins to pillows to journal covers…and on and on. Her products can be found at The White Pine in Nampa and Bricolage and Idaho Indie Works in Boise. Be sure to look at all of her other amazing products on her Facebook page!

Be sure to find their booth at the Idaho Green Expo (which is always free!) on May 14th and 15th where they will be selling some of their beautiful crafts. Their coaster sets are a lot of fun! They will also be hosting an interactive project where kids will be able to select from various fabrics to make two dimensional dolls in the image of themselves or who they would like to be. Pictured below is a quilt that volunteers and students of Artisans4Hope created that they are now stitching dolls of themselves onto—this will be on display in the lobby of the Green Expo.

To learn more about Artisans4Hope, donate, or volunteer—more information can be found on their website, or you can also connect with them on Facebook.

Marie Schutt and Chris Schutt

Marie Schutt, the Development Specialist for Second Chance Building Materials, made these adorable handbags utilizing fabric book samples. She then employed her mother who made the gorgeous flower pins made from fabric book samples. If you’re interested in the bags, they will be available to bid on during the auction being held during Second Chance’s 4th Annual Recycled Art Show (during First Thursday on May 5th) and then available for sale thereafter at Second Chance. The flower pins will be available for sale during the Recycled Art Show event, as well as, at the Idaho Green Expo on May 14th and 15th.

Thanks again to all the artists that have found fabulous uses for the materials from our library and participating with us in our passion for recycling and repurposing materials!

Wabi-Sabi, Feng Shui, and Sacred Vedic Architecture

Q:   I have heard about different design terms such as Wabi Sabi, Feng Shui and Sacred Vedic Space or Architecture, what is the real difference between them?

A:   Yes, great question. These terms are interior design philosophies that are a set of ideas or theories, relating to a field or activity of that work. They are not a “style” as much as they are a “Lifestyle.”

If you are considering either upgrading your home or office interior, or a specific area to refresh it, consider one of these design philosophies to create a well balanced, refreshing space. There is not a particular right or wrong option, just what ever resonates with you and your overall goals.

Wabi-Sabi

Let’s look at Wabi-Sabi first.  (Pronounced “wah-bee sah-bee”). This philosophy was formulated in India, and then made it to China around the 6^th Century and Japan by the 12^th Century.  The ideas are fairly simple: take time to appreciate the simple, natural design and the beauty of all things.  Objects do not need to be in perfect order, just less cluttered.  Beauty is defined by its natural imperfections.  Simplify! That’s one word to describe this aesthetic.  I think we could all use a little more Wabi- Sabi in all of our environments.  Clean up the clutter and provide great energy flow throughout your space.

Characteristics of the wabi-sabi aesthetic include:  asymmetry, asperity, simplicity, economy, austerity, modesty, intimacy and appreciation of the ingenuous integrity of natural objects and processes.

This is my favorite book that is easy to follow, great photos and examples.

I really like how John Stark describes Wabi Sabi; “…celebrating the beauty of imperfection and change.” Here is a link to his article from the Body & Soul magazine.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui, or the art or practice of positioning objects that promote positive energy (chi) flow in a space. All energy has either a negative or positive effect.  All things, not just human beings, are made of energy.  Therefore,  careful balance, the placement of yin and yang objects is important to understand and respond to in both interior, exterior and architecturally as well.

Here are a five ways color can improve the Chi energy of your environment right away.


1. Red symbolizes the energizing element of Fire.  It’s the most Yang color in the spectrum.  Although red can easily become overwhelming, if not antagonistic. Use Red when you want to lift the energy in your space, keeping an eye on the overall effect.  For example, in your home, Red can make a kitchen feel warmer, but since the kitchen already has a lot of Yang Fire because of the stove burners, use Red sparingly in accessories and artwork, rather than on walls and cabinets.
2. Green, the color of new wood is all about growth, vitality and upward movement.  Green also creates a warm atmosphere because this is the color that nourishes the Fire element.
3. Black and Dark Blue, representing Water, enhance your communication skills and connection with spirituality and truth. These colors make special sense in an office where it’s important to communicate clearly with associates, vendors and clients.
4. Whites and Light Pastels symbolize Metal, the element of structure and focus. White can make you feel rigid or tightly controlled so if your space is dominated by white, loosen it up with the vitality of the other elements, especially Fire and Wood.
5. Yellows and Earth Tones. Yellow and all its variants are the colors of Earth,  the element of stability. Use these colors to calm the atmosphere in your space.  The yellow family also helps improve your memory and strengthens your ability to be attentive and alert.

Color can make all the difference in the way you feel in your space. If you’re looking to create a new feeling, I invite you to make some changes in your color scheme and see what happens.

I read an article last week by “The Office Master’ on how to Feng Shui your cubical.  I think it applies very well to almost any work space, home or office space - you might like it too.

Sacred Vedic Architecture

Sacred Vedic Architecture is a little bit deeper of a design aesthetic, and the oldest architectural philosophy.  It has been practiced in India for over 5000 years and is said that Feng Shui sprung from this tradition.  Practitioners design and build living environments in harmony with the physical forces and flow of energy as well as appropriate alignment with the natural surroundings.  East and North are the most favorable, which is where the red doors on homes facing East have been popular.

Drew Lawrence posted a great Vedic Consultation on his sight that is fascinating to read and explains a great deal more on this topic.

http://www.drewlawrence.com/articles/VastuArticle.php

I hope this has been insightful and helped answer your question on these various design aesthetics or philosophies. All are good to incorporate, whichever suits your goals and appropriateness of the design dilemma!

…ADDED NOTE: THIS IS A COOL GADGET!  http://theofficemaster.com/category/green-office/ 

It is so cool! Its an Eco-Button for your computer.

M_A_T_E_R_I_A_L_I_T_Y______x4

O ecoTextiles

Luxurious textiles company headquartered in Seattle, WA but manufactured in various countries around the world. A driving force in the textiles industry for utilizing ethical and sustainable methods or sourcing and production. Collection includes fibers, such as, bamboo, hemp, ramie, linen, silk, hemp, and abaca. Featured on InteriorDesign.com:

“O Ecotextiles, a new company fiercely committed to producing fabrics that are indulgent yet responsible, opulent yet organic, sensuous yet sustainable. Yes, those are its taglines, but there’s a lot of legitimacy behind the clever phrasing.

O Ecotextile’s founders Patty Grossman and Leigh Ann Van Dusen have extensively studied textiles and their production. Many of their conclusions are collected in an essay, “Make Your Textile Choices Greener for Your Company, Home and Store,” published on the Sustainable Furniture Council’s website.

The paper is a model for how to evaluate the greenness of all sorts of products. It includes definitions, ecological concerns and impacts on human health while examining the entire life cycle of fabrics. Water, for example, is used in every stage of textile production and its impact can be profound. One of the best quotes in the essay: “There is not a ‘no peeing’ part of the swimming pool. We’re all downstream.”

The authors also present the case against our most two commonly used fabrics: conventionally grown cotton and petroleum based synthetics. Not all are bad choices but it’s useful to know what to look for – antimony-free recycled polyester – and what to avoid and why.

There’s an emphasis on certifications, including a handy table listing all that are applicable to textiles. Some are familiar such as Cradle-to-Cradle and Greenguard, while others are less well known. GOTS (The Global Organic Textile Standard), for example, is an emerging effort to clarify the confusion caused by various existing standards.

Holistic thinking – taking into account the economic, environmental and health effects of products – is a process that should apply to all your product selections. Ms. Grossman and Van Dusen have shown us how.”

They’re company blog is also very insightful to understanding the textile industry and the processes that their company strives to avoid—we highly encourage taking a look! We also learned that they have a fabulous price point for such luxurious natural fibers. Ranging from $19-$80 per yard between the various collections. They understand the need to create affordable options and are working on launching a collection called Two Sisters that will range between $19 and $34 per yard.

International Art Properties

Based out of San Francisco and Oakland, CA. IAP's blog just featured a prototype for a retrofit part to add on to IAP planters for a self watering system. We currently have International Art Properties planters at our front entry, and I think we all are looking forward to not having to drag a house up to the front as often…

“We have been working on a new self watering container design. This option will be available in 2011 as an add on to any of our existing designs. This design is a very simple and proven method for self watering, there are no moving components or wick systems that can clog. The green grating that you see is suspended about 3 to 4 inches from the base of the container. The supporting structure is glassed in the wall of the planter to provide a strong and dependable support. The grating is a heavy duty fiberglass industrial quality that far exceeds any load that may be put on it.

The idea is that you first place a screening material over the grating, second fill with soil and plant material. After planting fill the reservoir at the bottom via. the fill tube (white tubing, will be black in the future), moisten soil. The water in the reservoir will evaporate over time and keep the soil moist. If the container is placed outdoors and it either rains or you over fill the excess water will drain via. the overflow.

The prototype you see in the image has been planted and is undergoing testing, so be sure to check back next month for availability.”

RUBBiSH by Minarc

Created by the architecture and design group, Minarc, based out of Santa Monica, CA. A sink, being developed for commercial distribution, that utilizes less than one pound of recycled rubber from old tires. A great idea that will reduce landfill waste, as well as, reduce transportation loads. Can’t wait to see what the final products will look like when reach the distribution market!

Given an R + D Award by Architect Magazine: "The rubber from the tires is melted down and cleansed of debris, and the tiny inherent metal fibers that give a tire its road resistance are then formed into a sheet. This sheet is stretched over a base frame—made of wood, metal, or any other material out of which bathroom furniture can be fashioned—and anchored down by the drain collar. This creates a shallow-sloped surface for water to be siphoned away, but not a clunky profile; in fact, the material used is so minimal that, the manufacturer claims, the sinks use less than one pound of rubber. Two options are available, the most basic being the 1/8-inch-thick sheet of rubber adhered directly to the cabinet underneath. The other is a framed option, in which the sheet of rubber is sandwiched between two sheets of aluminum around the edges. The firm is in the process of developing two standard sizes for commercial distribution: a single sink at 36 inches wide and a double basin measuring 5 feet across."

Arte by Koroseal

Contract and high end residential wallcovering company based out of Zonhoven, Belgium that began in 1981. Creation and production both occur at Arte’s factory that follows Europe’s strictest environmental standards. All of Arte’s products are permanently in stock to ensure quick delivery. Arte uses a variety of materials: paper, woven paper, metallics, non-woven, vinyl, silk, textile, linen, fil-a-fil, chenille, sisal, abaca, bamboo, suede, velour, wood, tree bark, leather, sand grains, etc. A lot of time and effort is put into new collections—sometimes taking up to a year in development.

Fireclay Tile and Sandhill Glass Industries

We just got our February 2011 update from Fireclay tile and learned some interesting news. If you’re familiar with Sandhill Glass Industries you may not yet know they have a new headquarters. With KDG being in Boise, we loved that Sandhill, a recycled glass tile company, was headquartered in our city due to the area being limited on local manufacturers. While it’s great for Sandhill’s growth, we sadly share the news that they have left their Boise headquarters and partnered with another great company—Fireclay Tile. Based in San Jose, California, Fireclay has added Sandhill’s recycled glass tile to their growing product line. The tile will essentially be the same—the formulation has just been tweaked to account for a different material source with new colors and sizes. And like most Fireclay products, the raw material is being sourced locally—this glass only being 20 miles away! Fireclay has just been featured in Sunset magazine for their porcelain recycling efforts and in Architect magazine for their series called Claymonde. They were also featured in NPR’s The Picture Show at the end of 2010. We’ve had experience seeing these products installed and can attest to their quality and beauty. We’re happy to see these great products gaining momentum and attention. Fireclay has a lot of product options but we suggest you check out their Debris series tile line which is handcrafted with over 60% recycled materials and coated with their own lead free glaze which start at $24 per square foot, and the recycled glass tile line which starts at $20 per square foot.