Posted on Fri, Feb 19, 2010
I love the Olympics. There's such a magical feeling in the air and it's so nice to see the athletes have their day in the spotlight, some more than others, of course.
It reminds me of our own design team and of all the hospitality and residential projects that we choose to enter into the various award competitions in the world of interior design.
Currently, we are finalists for the private residence club, Dancing Bear Aspen, in the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) competition for the New Resort Unit category. We'll find out if we win at their annual Gala, taking place in Las Vegas in March, 2010.
And, we are patiently waiting to see what awards, if any, that we might receive at the upcoming ASID Annual Gala for the Colorado Chapter.
The bottom line is, just like all the Olympic athletes who are competing, I wish all of our designers could get recognized with an award. Like a dedicated athlete who strives to be the best at his or her discipline, our design team works passionately on each and every job, day in, and day out, throughout the year. Always looking for new inspirations, whether it's a new paisley fabric, or vinyl wallcovering, it's often a quest for perfection. Just like the Olympic athlete.
Speaking of the Olympics, Beth Slifer is enjoying time away in Vancouver with her family. I can't wait to hear about which events she liked best and how the magic of Whistler has inspired her.
In the meantime, I had the pleasure of traveling to the desert of California where I dined at the Viceroy Palm Springs and met with KSL Resorts. The Viceroy reminded me of the Spa at Balfour, a project we recently submitted to the ASID Colorado Chapter award competition.
The yellow, black and white color scheme in the Lafayette spa is mixed with a lot of lively patterns, sleek black lacquer, crystal clear Lucite and shiny white patent leather. It is definitely one of our favorite and most unique hospitality spaces designed to date. Our client, who vacations at the Viceroy frequently, was very inspired by the turn-of-the-century Draper effect. Armed with her vision, we had fun with our translation for an Assisted Living Center in the foothills of Colorado.
While I 'm on the topic of awards, though, I have to mention that our good friend and owner of RKD Architects, Jack Snow, has been recognized with an award from Sub-Zero/Wolf's kitchen competition for a project he designed in Canyon Point. Genesis Innovations, a partner with us on Dancing Bear Aspen, was also a winner along with Jack, as they worked together on the project. Kudos to them both! We are thrilled to be working with Jack on a home in Lake Tahoe.
Who knows? That could be our next year's submittal and with Jack's touch combined with ours, a winning entry! I'll keep you posted in between our design "workouts" as we strive for the top of the podium in the design world.
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Mon, Feb 01, 2010
With all the chatter about the iPad in the late night talkshows and blogosphere last week, this new gadget is simply on my mind. I already have an iPhone and a MacBook, and now have an email into our IT guy to see if an iPad is necessary to help me design "urPad."
(iPad photo credit: Apple)
All laughing aside, it is our internal systems and technology that helps us stay ahead of the competition. When we design a home, or a "pad," we approach it with a creative mindset combined with a business approach.
This strategy started over 25 years ago when Beth Slifer, armed with her MBA from the University of Chicago, created a mantra for her design firm to always be on-time, and on-budget.
Currently, we are upgrading our in-house custom software so that all of the information for our clients and vendors is one click away. Streamlining our internal communications will better enable us to select an item, with the Slifer Designs stamp of approval, at the best price available -- all for urPad. The softest faux fur? Click. The quickest and most reliable upholsterer? Click. The most dependable and talented trim carpenter? Click.
I hear that the feature most loved in the iPad is the touch interface. Similarly, what people love most about our homes is how they feel. This tactile approach to both technology and home living is an interesting connection. Perhaps we should start working on a custom design for the ideal iPad table? (See below for some ideas from our showroom).
I'm looking forward to hearing from you and how Slifer Designs can help with urPad.
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Tue, Jan 26, 2010
Besides the good news of 19 inches of new snow in the past two days on Vail Mountain, I keep hearing about positive action in the once stagnant real estate market. Homes that have been for sale for months are starting to sell, and homeowners are starting to buy new homes as a result. Light at the end of the tunnel is the first thing that comes to mind, something we've been waiting for (like the snow!) and are jumping on whatever opportunities come our way.
With all this movement of home sales occuring, our timing was ideal last week when we presented to a local group of realtors about the benefits of working with Slifer Designs. The theme of our PowerPoint focused on "three myths about Slifer Designs." The myths are that all of our homes look the same, we can't design modern interiors and that we are the most expensive firm in town.
Leading the presentation slide by slide to this powerful group of realtors, some of whom are the most succesful in the nation, I pointed out that we do design a variety of looks, can definitely design modern (see below) and are priced very competitively with other decorators our area.
The issue of cost is a sensitive topic for everyone (especially in this time of uncertainty), but our research shows that we are slightly less as when compared to a cost plus 25% job. But the bottom line is that cost should not be the only factor when choosing a designer. Reputation, experience and added value are more important factors, areas where Slifer Designs is poised to beat out the competition every time.
Since our main focus is customer service I can't help but applaud Rob Katz' presentation to the Vail Town Council last week communicating the virtues of Ever Vail. Sustainability and parking are probably the two most vital and helpful to our community. I applaud them for moving forward, even in a down economy, because companies that stand still will be left behind. Innovation is key during these times and it's tricky with limited budgets. But those that can rise to this occasion will do well.
Speaking of innovation, at the latest Colorado Council of the Arts meeting I attended, we brainstormed in break out session various action plans and strategies for growing Colorado's creative economy. The opportunities for growth are enormous and with our landscape's natural beauty and strong leadership nurturing this movement, I believe we'll see Colorado on the map in 3-5 years and known as the Creative Capital of our nation.
In the meantime, the ASID award submissions are due in two days and we are busy compiling various entries for the judges to consider. We chose a variety of projects to submit including a remodel in Vail Village, a two private residence clubs - one based in Alberta, Canada (right near picturesque Lake Louise) called Silver Tip, and the other in chic Aspen, called Dancing Bear (see photos below of deatils in one of the residential suites). Keep your fingers crossed!
Speaking of Aspen, I'm off to scheme a new interior for a long time client of mine who has made the move from Beaver Creek to Aspen. I love working with this client as she is fun, knows what she likes and dislikes, and is full of great ideas.
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Wed, Jan 06, 2010
The new Mountain Living magazine is fabulous. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out. I especially like the larger format, and the new sophisticated logo. One of our homes is fortunate enough to be featured in this Mountain Modern issue for Jan/Feb, 2010. The writer Norman Kolpas interviewed me at length, so it's fun to read the finished article and see what the end result reveals. Hans Berglund, owner of Berglund Architects, deserves all the credit he received in this piece.
The architecture, in my opinion, helped the interior design come alive, as Norman points out: "...the most unexpected details hang on the home's great expanses of wall, which have been smoothly finished in integral-colored plaster with an off-white linen tone. Here, a superb collection of contemporary art-each piece as both as the views from adjacent window-walls -- is displayed with all the drama of a world-class museum exhibit."
And, Ric Stovall's crisp and clear images tell a visual story beautifully. I look forward to future Mountain Living issues and what they might hold. But, until their next issue, it's easy to keep up with them on their blog, facebook and twitter. They've not only launched a new look for their magazine, but have also embraced the social media world - something Slifer Designs started in 2009 as well. (Have you become our fan yet?) What will the interactive world bring next? A walk-though of this home, where you lead the way? Stay tuned......
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Mon, Jan 04, 2010
I mentioned in an earlier blog that we entered USGBC's Sustainable Suite Competition, and although we didn't win, we learned a lot. Our entire team that worked on the project are LEED AP designers, so the wealth of knowledge was strong. The one thing we'd change for our entry next year, is to "tell the story."
Fortunately, we've had a second chance to get this story out. Recently, we were asked to present our green design ideas and our firm's capabilities to a developer that is hoping to build a huge green residential and hospitality neighborhood.
We were able to adapt our Sustainable Suite entry and tweak our in-house computer generated renderings for this presentation, so the initial sustainable ideas could be integrated into this project, should we be hired. We added a story line that describes moments in time, as if you were staying at the hotel.
For example, when you enter your new hotel room, the temperature is just as you requested, because it was asked ahead of time. There's a recycling area hidden in the bathroom, for your disposables throughout your stay. Your ski rental appointment has been scheduled, and the skis are made from bamboo. The taxi that will take you to the restaurant of your choice uses ethanol, and won the Green Business of the Year from it's local chamber. The artwork over the bed is made from discarded junk mail, and you can order one for your home. Other cool green features include:
1. All the bedding is made from organic cotton.
2. Low-emitting carpet conforms to Green Label Plus guidelines.
3. There is a lighting and temperature control system.
4. The floortile in the bathroom is made from a recycled glass product and all the furnishings are made from FSC woods.
5. The paint is Zero VOC made of 90% food ingredients with no harmful compounds, including acrylic.
6. The eco-TV uses 50% less energy with the latest technology HCFL, backlight technology.
7. Add decorative lighting and recessed cans use LED technology.
8. The low-flow vanity faucet uses 1.0 gpm in comparison with the 2.2 gpm baseline.
9. Toilet using pressure-light technology with 1.0 gpf compared to the 1.6 baseline.
10. Icemakers are not used in the guest refridgerators to reduce water consumption.
I am keeping my fingers crossed and I'll keep you posted! It's a dream job for Slifer Designs, and one that will really make a difference in the community it will be built. Those types of projects are rare, but will hopefully grow exponentially with the sudden burst of green design our country is undertaking.
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Mon, Dec 21, 2009
Spending time with friends and family during the holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. We're so busy here at Slifer Designs, helping to get our client's homes ready for the holidays, that this personal time becomes so important.
Looking back on this year I'm reminded of the ups and downs that the economy faced us all with and the hard decisions that followed. One of the best decisions we made was to launch Red Stag Rewards, a program that rewards frequent shoppers in our showroom.
I am very optimistic about 2010 and what it will bring to not only Slifer Designs, but my friends and family as well.
Five things I am looking forward to in 2010:
1. Watching Vail Resorts present Ever Vail to the Vail community.
2. My son, Reese, will attend a Gore Range Natural Science School camp this spring with his school. This is exciting for him to go on an outdoor field trip, but especially exciting to me because I am helping design a campus for the school.
3. My daughter is learning to ski - with the best ski school in the world - Vail Resorts.
4. As a new board member of the Bright Future Foundation, I look forward to learning how I can help them grow.
5. Helping the state of Colorado grow the creative industry by serving on an advisory panel.
Happy Holidays and see you next year!!
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Fri, Dec 04, 2009
I'm just back from Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, where I conducted an electrical walk-through for a bank I'm designing called Liberty Financial. Kim Toms, one of our Project Managers at Slifer Designs, joined me. Here we are reviewing our plans before we met with the builder and electrician. I'm reacting to the whole new set of rules for commercial buildings, while Kim is taking it all in stride! A little humor goes a long way on these long job-site walk-throughs.
Here's Kim explaining to the builder and electrician how our plan should be implemented. On-site visits are key to the success of any project.
I have worked with our client before, on his primary home in South Dakota and his vacation home in Vail. He is seeking a more personal banking experience for his customers. He loves what we've done for both of his homes, so working on the bank is a natural extension of our work for him.
Here are a couple of images from the Vail home.
Here's an image from the Dakota Dunes home, which is a little more traditional than his mountain rustic home in Vail.
We were able to make the Dakota Dunes visit a day trip because Kim and I were picked up at Eagle County Airport in a private jet. (Here's a photo from an earlier site trip I made this past summer).
I wore my North Face ski jacket for this trip as South Dakota was colder than Denver - it was 10 degrees before we took off!
After the walk-through, we enjoyed wonderful homemade soup and red velvet cupcakes. We felt like royalty.
Good things come in threes and this experience is no different. This is my first bank design, the first time a client has made me homemade soup, and my first private jet experience. All are to my liking, and more in the future would be something I would welcome!
As I ponder the new luxury and what it means to my clients and to Slifer Designs I realize it falls somewhere between homemade soup and a private jet ride. Let me know what the new meaning of luxury is to you!
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Thu, Dec 03, 2009
I recently returned from San Francisco where I attended the 2009 ULI (Urban Land Institute) Fall Meeting and Urban Land Expo: Gateway to the Future. ULI's mission is to provide
leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and
sustaining thriving communities worldwide.
As President of Slifer Designs, I will be attending ULI events more frequently, meeting with experts in this field, and gleaning as much information to share with our clients. One of my favorite sessions was The New Consumer Part I: Resorts and Leisure. It examined what is happening to the psyche of the resort, the second home, and the hospitality consumer. I learned that despite the recession, the second home market is holding it's own. The main difference is that it is displaying less conspicuous consumption with downsizing as the major trend.
That reminds me of a recent remodel we did for a long-time devoted client of ours in the heart of Vail. In 2007, she contemplated moving to avoid the mess of a remodel, but she loved her cozy three bedroom, ski-in, ski-out, under 2000 square foot condo. We had already refurnished this same home in both the 80s and the 90s. So, in early 2008, she was again ready for a change and came to us for advice. After a few meetings discussing all of her options, she hired us to gut and re-design her vacation home to fit her needs for the 21st century. As a result, she is in love with it all over again. She certainly could have upgraded to a larger home, but she chose to stay and modernize instead. She couldn't be more thrilled with the results. I think this story is more reflective of today's second homeowner compared to those who increased their investment by "flipping" every 2-3 years. What today's homeowners are realizing is that it's not the size, but rather the experiences that take place inside that matter most: connecting with family and friends.
After the ULI session, I mingled with fellow ULI conference attendees and speakers at the Contemporary Jewish Musuem for a buffet dinner and viewed one of San Francisco's most unique cultural venues.
It wouldn't have been a complete trip without the wine tasting event I enjoyed with Beth and Rod Slifer.
The following day's The Not So Big Life by Sarah Susanka relates well to our Vail remodel story above and to second homeowners moving away from conspicuous consumption. Susanka's message to everyone is to engage in life's everyday experiences rather than developing preferences for being one way or another.
Here are five ways to incorporate the Not So Big Life into the design of your home:
1. Keep your coffee table clear of clutter. This way, when the moment arises, you can easily play a board game with your family.
2. Mismatch on purpose - it creates interest.
3. Choose the Italian tile for your powder room, rather than your master bath. Enjoy what you love and live for you.
4. When building a new home, consider the duality that furniture can play in your life which then can make the spaces smaller. For example, a 1000 square foot living room vs. a 2000 square foot living room forgoes the game table space, but you can use your coffee table for games.
5. If you are building a new home, approach it as a second home - it will turn out to be more relaxed with plenty of open spaces. That is good for creating your home community. For example, forgoe the formal dining room in favor of an open eating space between your living room and kitchen.
Best,
Yvonne
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Mon, Nov 09, 2009
On November 25, we are hosting our final event in a year-long monthly series that has celebrated Slifer Designs' 25th anniversary. The culimination of this celebration is met with trepidation on our part for several reasons - the biggest one being our contemporary styled 25th logo that we have grown very fond of this year! 
With the event coming up, it's a good time to reflect what the last 25 years have meant to us and why we have so much to be thankful for. Who knew 25 years ago that we would be selling faux fur blankets on-line?
Or, better yet, who would've ever dreamed that we would be designing the interiors of the Buck Creek Campus for the Gore Range Natural Science School? Either way, we have so much to give that our last event's theme is titled "A Time to Give." The beneficiary of the event is the Bright Future Foundation, of which I am a new and proud board member. Their mission, which is dedicated to the prevention and intervention of domestic violence, is one that we take seriously. Our new partnership with BFF recently has also involved remodeling their safehouse. So, consider coming to our last 25th event - A Time To Give - and you will also be helping out a lot of women (and their children) in need here in Eagle County.
I hope to see you at our event where we can enjoy a sip of champagne together. If you can't make it, A Time To Give will last from November 25-December 25 with a month-long promotion benefitting BFF; We will donate 5% proceeds from all of our holiday ornament sales to the BFF. Thanks for your support! And, here's looking to Slifer Designs' 26th year.
Best,
Yvonne
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Fri, Oct 23, 2009
“Style and Snow”
As I woke up this morning and saw the fresh snow at the top of the mountains, I knew Rob Katz President of Vail Resorts, must have a smile on his face. With ski season right around the corner, early snow is always welcome.
It makes me think about what Slifer Designs can do to be ready for our customers and clients. That leads me to our fabulous Buying Team who is at High Point right now purchasing items that we think you might like. Susan Ferrari, Vice President of Retail Operations, has been reporting “live” from the aisles of booths at the largest furniture trade show of the year and posting to our Facebook page.
So far, Thom Filicia for Vanguard , and the Bill Sofield Collection for Baker have really stuck a chord. So keep your eyes peeled in our showroom for these new items in the coming months.
Our design staff has been busy meeting with vendors here at our studio, which is the ultimate convenience for us. Marvin from John Brooks was here recently showing us some very cool “green” vinyl wallcoverings by Maya Romanoff (It’s true – vinyl can be green). And last week, Beth Adami from Waterworks displayed her fun and colorful tiles that we can visualize in one of our client’s new bathrooms, or as a kitchen backsplash. And another favorite new item we’ve seen recently is the new, exquisite Nest collection from Schumacher which Kevin Koritza presented to us. Kevin knows our clients will appreciate the high-end quality and uniqueness of this product so he had to “sneak” these out of his home base operation in Denver to show us. Thank you Kevin!
Other news in our design studio headquarter’s in Edwards, Colorado, is that The Closet Factory has created a display of their various products right here. They’ve installed a Murphy Bed with corner desk attached, and a closet example as well. Many of our clients love these organization items for their functionality. Who can’t benefit from a little straightening up? The Murphy Bed is a perfect solution for a small space, or a room that needs dual purpose. Saving space can possibly help you be more creative with what you have, instead of adding on, thus being green. Speaking of green…..
We recently submitted an entry to the Sustainable Suite Competition hosted by the USGBC and ASID. Although we were not chosen for the winning design, our Green Team, created a beautiful and viable “green” hotel room, which places sustainability top of mind for every design element in the room – even the items you can’t see. The ideal Slifer Designs Sustainable Suite re-uses water, promotes education and features intelligent, forward-thinking green design elements. We are confident these ideas will not go to waste, but rather incorporate into a future green project for a client, yet to be named. Could it be you?
In other green design news, Janet O’Grady’s letter to her readers as Editor-in-Chief of Aspen Magazine in their Fall issue is all about luxury and sustainability. I had the pleasure of speaking with one her talented writers, Linda Hayes, about this topic and we were fortunate to be published in their award winning magazine. Check it out – it’s called Bringing the Outdoors In .
Now I need to go and check out some skis for the season. Elan’s Black Magic skis feature beautiful new graphics, which will match my ski outfit. The black background embedded with flecks of color and a small crystal embellishment reminds me of some of the Waterwork tile samples. How’s that for reversing the Slifer Designs trend and bringing the indoors out? That’s style that puts a smile on my face!
Best,
Yvonne
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com