Press Releases

Artful Interiors - Vail Daily July 3, 2010

When Frances Karsh’s client, Laurie Rounds, requested local art to hang in her new home in Breckenridge, Frances looked no further than Basalt-based artist, Sybill Hill.  Rounds, whose family helped develop Breckendridge back in the early 60s, loves to give back to the community as does Hill, so this was a perfect match.  After interviewing Rounds, Hill created a diptych of an angelic horse that would bring “new energy” to the brand new vacation home in the ski-in, ski-out Shock Hill development. 

“When I’m designing a home, it’s important to select art that will be a reflection of the homeowner,” Karsh said.  (Karsh is an Interior Designer for Slifer Designs).  “Art is so personal, you have to be very selective and make sure it goes with the rest of the house. Knowing that the Rounds family wanted their home to be less formal, very approachable, yet sophisticated, I thought Hill’s art was perfect.”

Aptly titled “White Star” for the star in the horse’s eye, Hill’s light touch of oil, charcoal, and a combination of papers (rice and old maps) is topped with a surfboard resin and sparkles into the dining room area.  “I’m a star gazer at night and I love to include stars in all of my horses’ eyes,” Hill shares.  In fact, on the back of all of her paintings are a star, appear a heart and a dollar sign for prosperity.   It’s Hill’s heart though, that encourages her to give back: with this painting, she donated part of the proceeds to Summit County’s Friends of Animals.  As important as it is for Rounds to give back to the community by buying local art, it’s equally important to Hill to donate to a local non-profit after she sells a piece.

Hill also paints a series of horse and American flag paintings, using remnants from old flags given by the American Legion in Carbondale.  She starts with a hand-made board and wood canvas that she makes with her father, who is also an artist, in his garage near Redstone.   The flag is layered in with the rice and old map paper and preserved– “giving it a certain integrity,” Hill believes.

 

 “The horse is a metaphor for beauty, freedom, mystical thoughts…and a timeless force of our own spirit,” states Hill.   Influenced by Robert Rauschenberg, who also employed American flag imagery and layered different papers in his paintings, Hill molds the flag pieces subtly so that the horse is the primary subject.  “The Freedom series combines stars, stripes and horses,” said Hill. “There are mystical qualities that I love about these paintings,” she continues.

Another local artist that Slifer Designs admires is landscape photographer George Schock.  “We are currently featuring his work framed and matted in our various showroom vignettes to demonstrate to customers how Schock’s pieces look with furniture,” said Susan Ferrari, Vice President of Retail Operations.  “The overall effect is stunning and an interesting juxtaposition.”

Schock’s crisp, beautiful mountain landscapes evoke a sense of endlessness and beckon one to reflect on the important things in life.  Since Slifer Designs interiors are also known to be timeless and place an importance on creating gathering places for loved ones, we think Schock’s art paired with our furniture makes a good match.

Amy Lee Casey, Slifer Designs Project Manager and Interior Designer, selected “Among the Aspens” for a master bathroom in a Hummingbird condominium in Bachelor Gulch.  “I wanted to create a bit of a window in the space, and the gold leaves in the photo look great with the stone in the bathroom,” Casey explains.  “The scale of the photograph also fits the space above the soaking tub perfectly.” Schock describes this photograph, which was shot on McClure Pass between Redstone and Paonia, as a relaxing scene that makes time stand still:  an apropos backdrop for a relaxing dip in a jetted tub.  Casey should know how to create relaxing and beautiful rooms, as another of her homes was recently voted Colorado Best Vacation Homes by the American Society of Interior Designers.

“Our favorite Schock photo is ‘Gore Range’ – a panoramic winter scene shot above Blue Sky Basin looking directly at the craggy peaks of Vail’s famous mountain vista.  Schock fondly remembers this “perfect bluebird powder day” skiing with friends.  He doubts if he’s ever seen a bluer sky and such perfect light powder. 

Both Schock’s and Hill’s art exemplify why so many second homeowners flock to Colorado’s mountains. It’s the majestic, mystical, stunning qualities outside that initiate the desire to keep coming back.  When a designer can help create a similar special environment inside the home, the wonderful memories continue to be made.  “Local art helps create the relaxed feeling of putting your feet up on the coffee table,” said Yvonne Jacobs, President of Slifer Designs. “We know we’ve done our job well when we hear back that they love their home.”

ASID Awards Slifer Designs Best Vacation Home in Colorado

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Carol F. Johnson, 970-766-8077, carolj@sliferdesigns.com

 

ASID AWARDS SLIFER DESIGNS BEST VACATION HOME IN COLORADO

           

EDWARDS, CO. – May 20, 2010 – Once a year the Colorado Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) vote on the best project from the previous year.  At this year’s Crystal Awards ceremony, which took place on May 13 in Denver, Slifer Designs walked away the proud recipients of First Place in the Vacation Home category. 

            “A fresh take on traditional luxury is the best way to describe this home,” said Amy Casey, Project Manager and the lead Interior Designer for this award-winning project.  “The overall design is very elegant and luxurious, but also very comfortable. My client wanted it to feel as though it was lived in year-round. With very specific goals in mind, the overall design direction benefitted from a clear vision at the start of the project,” Casey continues.

The Vail Chalet home is new construction as part of Vail’s New Dawn, and is located at the base of Vail Mountain in the Village.  Casey’s goal was to create a mountain home that did not have all the literal trappings, but rather have a feel of timelessness and Old World Romance.  Some of the highlights of the home include beautiful sheers in the diningroom, silk shades in the Master Bath, and a farmhouse sink in the kitchen.  A library was created at Casey’s suggestion in a small space adjacent to the second floor’s elevator landing, which was a nice bonus room.  Graceful patterns in the fabric and furniture evoke a charm that lends itself to the overall feeling of an earlier era.

Additional members of the design team include Sarah Carr, LEED AP, Project Manager and Amy Allison, LEED AP, Interior Designer. 

            “ASID Colorado is pleased that perennial Crystal Award winner, Slifer Designs of Vail Colorado, was again honored for their 2010 entry in the Vacation Home category.  The Vail Chalet residence stood out among the others in the category for its Old World Romance in a mountain setting” said Lynn Williamson, Chairman of the ASID Colorado Chapter 2010 Crystal Awards.

            For more information, visit www.sliferesigns.com or www.asid.org.           

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Dancing Bear Aspen Wins ARDA Gold for Interior Design

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Carol Johnson carolj@sliferdesigns.com

 

SLIFER DESIGNS WINS ARDA GOLD FOR DANCING BEAR ASPEN

            Edwards, CO. – March 18, 2010 – The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) bestowed one of the top hospitality industry honors to Slifer Designs at the 2010 Awards Gala for the ARDY awards.  Slifer Designs won in the New Resort Unit category for Dancing Bear Aspen, beating out three finalists for the Gold Award. (Below - Donna Figg, Director of Hospitality for Slifer Designs (left) and Frances Karsh, Interior Designer for Slifer Designs accept the award in Las Vegas.)

            “Dancing Bear’s eclectic elegance makes it a very unique project, and we are honored to be recognized for this award,” said Frances Karsh, Interior Designer for Slifer Designs. “Our design team set out to create a distinctly different private residence club. The interiors set a new standard in our industry for combining unusual materials with luxurious furnishings.”

            “It is thrilling to be chosen for this award by our peers,” said Yvonne Jacobs, President of Slifer Designs.  “Our inspiration is the vacation homeowner – and knowing who our client is creates the driving factor in our selection process.

            “We approached the design for Dancing Bear, as we do for every project, by thinking about who will be enjoying this and what memories they hope to take away with them. In this case, it is the sophisticated Aspen ski aficionado who is looking for a unique vacation experience,” Jacobs continued.”

            “The ARDA winner represents the ‘best of the best’ in the vacation ownership industry, “ said Howard Nusbaum, RRP, president and CEO of ARDA.  “Selected by their peers, they set an example of personal and professional excellence for us all.”

            Dancing Bear is a fusion of mountain modern design and eclectic elegance.  Elements such as mohair, faux fur, silk, velvet and leather are used throughout the living room and bedrooms.  Unusual finishes, such as acid washed copper inserts in the kitchen island built by Genesis Innovations, provide stunning accents.   The islands harmonize with the copper entry doors, and are also in keeping with the exterior architectural copper accents. 

For more information, visit Dancing Bear Aspen.

 

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Georgopolis is named in Top 20 Under 40

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Carol Johnson, carolj@sliferdesigns.com, 970-766-8077

 

GEORGOPOLIS IS TOP 20 UNDER 40

 

EDWARDS, CO. – July 20, 2009 – The July issue of Mountain Living Magazine recently named Andrea Georgopolis to a talented list of designers in the “Top 20 Under 40.”  According to Mountain Living, this list includes “the West’s next generation of design talent.”

 

Asked by the magazine to choose her “favorite pick,” Bradley Hughes tops Andrea’s personal favorite’s list: “I love this line of furniture because it allows you to mix and match all sorts of cool finishes, like iron with concrete or iron with mirror. It makes each piece almost a custom design.”

 

Overall, Andrea draws her inspiration from her clients.  Rather than steer her clients in a certain direction, she employs a thorough discovery process and listens closely to her their visions. The end results are always the same: many happy clients who return to her again and again for new projects in different locations.

 

Georgopolis has been designing homes for Slifer Designs clients since 1999. This journey has taken her to Malibu, Ponte Vedra, Telluride, Kona, Martha’s Vineyard, West Virginia, Aspen Highlands, Eagle and of course Vail, Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch. 

 

“I am thrilled to be included in this special group,” said Georgopolis.  “I have a lot of passion for what I do, and incredible clients who let me do what I love. I really need to share the credit for this honor with my clients.”

 

As quoted in the article, Andrea stated “It’s been a wild ride…I never expected to be designing projects all over the country, but it makes my job so much more fun. It would be boring to do the same old thing every single time.”

 

Prior to joining Slifer Designs, Andrea worked for Warren Lane Inc, Sagebrush Design and Wellesley Design Consultants.  Georgopolis received her Interior Design degree from Colorado State University.

 

To see a copy of the article, visit http://www.mountainliving.com/Mountain-Living/July-2009/The-Top-20-Under-40-Share-Their-Favorite-Picks/.

 

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Jacobs and Slifer join State Creative Economy Advisory Panel

EDWARDS, CO  (December 17, 2009) The Colorado Council of the Arts (a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade) recently convened a group of notable individuals who represent creative enterprises and creative occupations throughout the state. Among those invited to participate were Beth Slifer, CEO and Creative Director of Slifer Designs, and Yvonne Jacobs, President of Slifer Designs.

 

The purpose of forming this new advisory panel is to make sure that the creative industry continues to thrive; currently the creative industry is Colorado’s 5^th largest economic sector. Slifer and Jacobs, along with representatives from the Aspen Art Museum are the only mountain resort representatives on the panel; most other members on the 50 person panel are leaders from the Denver metropolitan area’s design, literary and publishing, film and media, heritage, and performing and visual arts industries.

 

The panel is co-hosted by Lt. Governor Barbara O’Brien and the Office of Economic Development Director Don Marostica.

 

“It is an honor to be included with this group of veteran creative industry leaders and have the chance to collaborate with them in working toward such an important goal,” said Jacobs, President, Slifer Designs. “Fostering new creative talent goes hand-in-hand with growing the overall creative sector,” Jacobs continues. “I especially enjoy the strategic planning that our panel is conducting, and look forward to being able to contribute my personal experience as a Colorado native, as well as what I’ve learned from working in a creative field with other creative people every day for the past 20 years,” Jacobs concluded.

 

Currently the Colorado creative sector represents over 122,000 jobs in almost 8,000 enterprises.  There are another 64,000 creative occupations that work in businesses not labeled as a “creative enterprise,” such as designers in manufacturing companies.  Other states have recently made the creative sector a priority; Oklahoma recently coined itself the “State of Creativity,” and Massachusetts and Hawaii have both established “Creative Industries” division in their state’s Office of Economic Development.

 

The next steps for the panel are to develop goals and specific policy recommendations for the Office of Economic Development. An online presence has been established at www.thecivicnetwork.org/creativeeconomy to provide background readings and meeting minutes, and to solicit ongoing feedback from the panel members and input from the broader public.

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A Time To Give

For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Carol Johnson, 970-766-8077

 

A TIME TO GIVE IS FINAL EVENT IN SLIFER DESIGNS 25^TH CELEBRATION

 

            November 10, 2009 –A Time To Give- the final event of Slifer Designs’ 25^th anniversary celebration - is on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 from 3 -7 pm.

 

“We chose this theme because we have received so much from everyone in the past 25 years,” said Yvonne Jacobs, President of Slifer Designs.  “Our clients, vendors, and local community have helped us reach this milestone, and we want to give back.

 

We chose the holiday ornament collection as the highlight of the event.  Profits from the sales of the ornaments will benefit the Bright Future Foundation (BFF), a local non profit whose board of directors I have recently joined,” Jacobs continued.  The Bright Future Foundation’s mission is to prevent domestic violence in Eagle County.

 

Slifer Designs has a lot to be thankful for when looking back on the past 25 years. Beth Slifer started the business in 1984 on Bridge Street in the heart of Vail Village.  Word quickly spread that her firm was service-driven and solution-oriented and could help sell properties in a saturated, post-oil-bust Vail real estate market.  Slifer Designs quickly grew to the point where a move to Edwards in the late 1990s was necessary to accommodate the growing staff and expanding list of projects that had become nationwide.  The original business model remains the same: providing superior interior design services and results to each and every Slifer Designs client.

 

A Time To Give is on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 from 3-7 p.m., and is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served in the showroom, located in Edwards next door to Starbucks in the Riverwalk.  This holiday ornament  donation program continues through December 25.

 

For more information, contact Slifer Designs at 970-926-8200 or visit www.sliferdesigns.com.

 

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Dress Your Table Up For The Holidays

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Carol Johnson, 970-926-8200, carolj@sliferdesigns.com

 

Dress Your Table Up For The Holidays

 

            EDWARDS, CO. –  October 12, 2009-- People dress up for the holidays, so why not dress up your dining room table – the heart of the holiday home.  Slifer Designs, the experts at designing homes to look their best, is excited to show you how to “dress and accessorize” your table for a beautiful look.

            Slifer Designs is showcasing the perfect items to “Dress Up Your Table” on Sunday, October 25 from noon-3 p.m.  This is great opportunity to view different styles and discover new ways to make your table come to life.  The following items will be highlighted at the event:

·      CE Corey- the Bordallo Deer ceramic dinnerware is handmade in Portugal, and is inspired by the china of 19^th century hunting lodges.    

·      Michael Aram- an internationally renowned artist, who designs tabletop accessories that are inspired by nature and many of which are mixed medium.

·      Juliska – “Berry and Thread” ceramic dinnerware artfully layers scallop and round shapes in five inviting colors. 

·      Mariposa – recycled aluminum items that are handcrafted in Mexico, stylish and original.

·      Arte Italica – hand crafted in Europe, each piece is elegant and innovative.

 

“We chose these lovely items for their eye catching qualities,” said Susan Ferrari, vice president of Retail Operations at Slifer Designs.  “Each week, our merchandising team changes the showroom.  For the week of October 25, there will be a special emphasis on dishes and tabletop accessories that a host or hostess needs when serving a gourmet meal,” Ferrari continued.

 

Light hors d’oeuvres will be served during this 25^th event celebration on October 25.  Dress Up Your Table is free and open to the public.  Red Stag Rewards members will receive double points for any purchases made the day of the event.  The 25 percent sale is for the day of the event only, October 25.  Lastly, this event is also part of the Sundays in Edwards free series.   The Slifer Designs showroom is located next door to Starbucks in the Riverwalk at Edwards.

 

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25th Anniversary continues on the 25th of June

EDWARDS, CO – June 15, 2009 – The silver celebration of 25 years of great design continues in the Slifer Designs showroom this June 25th, 2009. This month the event’s focus is on Kravet, one of the most respected manufacturers of fabrics in the world. Kravet will be on-hand to launch their brand new Barclay Butera Home line, which has a variety of looks including mountain, desert, beach and city.

Continuing its long time partnership with the Santa Fe based Museum of New Mexico, Kravet will also be introducing at this event its fourth fabric collection inspired by textiles from three of the four state museums. Reflecting the artistic and cultural diversity for which Santa Fe is so well known, this eclectic and elegant fabric collection represents designs from five continents – Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America.

“We are thrilled to be able to introduce to the public two brand new lines of fabric by our longtime industry friend, Kravet,” said Yvonne Jacobs, President of Slifer Designs.  “Their superior quality and our clients’ discerning tastes are synonymous with one another, so this is a natural partnership for us,” continued Jacobs.

Both of these collections are fabulous and will appeal to many different tastes. Slifer Designs interior designers will be on hand to help you choose fabrics for recovering pieces already in your home, or to add a personal touch to pieces available through our showroom.  Many fabrics are also suitable for window covering and other upholstery.

Kravet offers the widest range of fabrics in the decorative fabrics industry, with designs that range from traditional to the newest in contemporary colors and patterns.  In 2009, Kravet celebrates its 91st year in business. The company continues to focus its efforts on introductions of designer inspired collections, fabric, furniture, trimmings, as well as new categories of carpet, lighting, and decorative hardware.

Slifer Designs, started in Vail in 1984, is celebrating their silver anniversary with a series of events held each month on the 25th of each month. An award winning firm, Slifer Designs is based in Edwards, Colorado at the Riverwalk at Edwards.  The showroom is open seven days a week.

To learn more, please visit www.sliferdesigns.com.  If you are interested in attending this special event, please rsvp to 970-766-8061.

ARDA Awards Recognize Slifer Designs - again!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

TWO GOLD MEDALS FOR INTERIOR DESIGN BY SLIFER DESIGNS

FROM ARDA’S NATIONAL RESORT DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EDWARDS, CO – April 6, 2009 – Slifer Designs was recently awarded two Gold Awards and four Silver Awards for excellence in resort design.  Taking the coveted Gold Awards, given by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) at their annual gala, are Slifer Designs’ Spa at Arrabelle, Vail, Colorado for the Common Area category, and the Player Design Group office headquarters in Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina for the Sales Center category.  The Silver awards were given to the Vail Mountain Club, Centre V restaurant, Arrabelle’s hotel rooms and the Arrabelle lobby and Great Room, all part of Vail’s New Dawn. 

 

ARDA is a national organization representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries and bestows these awards to designers, architects and developers. The competition for ARDA’s design excellence awards is very tight in all categories, according to Yvonne Jacobs, President of Slifer Designs.

 

“It is such an honor to receive this recognition from our peers,” said Jacobs.  “Equally exciting is that our Gold Awards are for projects that have a distinctly contemporary look and feel, which is not what some people expect from us,” Jacobs continued.

 

The Spa at Arrabelle’s organic design includes sculptural wooden skis, iridescent recycled glass mosaic tile, beaded glass wallpaper and a soothing color pallet. “Because there was no natural light, one of our main focuses was to create the feeling of light through the finish selections,” said Sarah Carr, Project Manager for the interior architecture of the Spa at Arrabelle. According to American Spa magazine, “Rock Resorts….is wooing spa-goers with a lavish spa that reflects the picturesque town’s alpine heritage.”  Donna Figg, Director of Hospitality and Sarah Carr, Project Manager led the Slifer Designs team for this project.

 

“Reflective of the style and products offered by Player Real Estate, ‘A Taste of Africa’ is the central theme of the office interior,” said Marc Player.  The Slifer Designs team included veteran designer and Project Manager Marilyn Smith Heaney and Project Manager Sarah Carr, who collaborated closely with Mr. Player to bring his vision to life.  Jenny Hathaway was also part of the design team.  A neutral color pallet, combined with clean lines and sculptural lighting, create an exceptional interior.  “Working with Gary Player and his group was a tremendous opportunity for Slifer Designs,” reflects Smith Heaney.  “Their standards for excellence were a good match with our firm’s capabilities.”

 

For more information about Slifer Designs, visit sliferdesigns.com, or call for a complimentary three-hour design consultation at 970-926-8200.

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WESTERN INTERIORS - Style update - Before and after in a Bachelor Gulch condominium.

March Issue, 2009

western_interiors_march_2009.pdf