Tuesday, June 28, 2011

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…

courtesy Sunset Magazine

jamie1courtesy Jamie Durie

jamie2courtesy Jamie Durie

wooly pocketcourtesy WoollyPocket

courtesy Sunset Magazine

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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.”

babylon chaco canyon crystal river troy

Marazzi marazzi2

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.

rain-barrel-374985 MLB12942664

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

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.

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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.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

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