Design Style at the Summit

Surrounded By Healthy Homes and Lifestyles

I love to visit naturalhomemagazine.com to see what is new and different in the world of Green Home Design.  They cover stories that are a little more off the beaten path than traditional shelter publications, which is another reason I like to keep my eye on what they are reporting. Take this Fraser, Colorado home, for example:

At first glance, this home is not exactly what you would think of when you think of the type of design work that inspires the design staff at Slifer Designs - would you? Well, you'll be surprised to know that Natural Home Magazine's story - "Classy Trash: Recycled Paper Bale Colorado Home" does inspire us for it's cutting edge building method and innovative approach to home design.   It was built using 100% recycled paper bale - perhaps the first of it's kind.

Another unique home they recently featured, a little more our style, is the "Creative Crescendo: An Artistic Colorado Home" constructed of Cempo - environmentally friendly blocks made of recycled Styrofoam.

Based on the owner's vision, this home was built to resemble a shell replete with curves and swirls throughout. It reminds me of the Art Nouveau movement, and of Gaudi's work in particular. The outdoor seating area with it's use of native yellow Colorado sandstone is playful, inviting and warm. 

I am impressed with this architect/homeowner - Alice Starek - as there are no gadgets - not even a microwave or toaster.....I think I (and our client's included) might have a tough time with that, but nonetheless this is thought provoking for how to eliminate clutter. 

Speaking of depriving oneself of daily luxuries, I have a co-worker - Eric Pence at the Distribution Center - who spent a little over a day running in the recent Leadville 100 - "Race Across the Sky." No comfy bed to snuggle in at bedtime, no coffee in the morning. Run, run, run - for 27 hours, 5 minutes and 38 seconds!!! Don't feel bad for him though, because Eric loves to do this, as this is his 16th successful completion of the grueling race. Now that is what I call dedication to a passion.

Equally impressive is Cyndi Gershenoff, our Payroll Manager for the past 15 years. She has completed three triathalons this summer and is planning two more with the final one in Napa Valley. Wow!

Here's Cyndi finishing her most recent tri, with her daughters and cheering squad- Beka and Hannah. They ran the last few steps together in Leadville earlier this month. You go girls!

 

Cyndi is also spearheading our internal "Simply Well" program, which is encouraging all Slifer Designs employees to lead healthier lives. Just today, I received the "September Recipe of the Month" - Spanish-Style Brined Pork Tenderloin.   I'm sharing last month's recipe with you because I tried it and it was delcious, easy to make, and of course, healthy!!

In addition to improving our diet, Cyndi is motivating everyone to get out of the office during lunch time and stroll our local walking path along the Eagle River, which is behind our office in the Riverwalk in Edwards (hence, the name!). Several of our employees are taking advantage of these outings, led by Cyndi, and returning back to work energized and full of creativity! Below is a photo of the pretty scenery along the river.

Cyndi's inspirational health kick also includes a fun contest for all Slifer Designs employees.  The challenge is to increase the amount of steps you take a day each day, and try to reach 10,000 steps a day (5 miles). Participants simply attach the "Slifer red" pedometer to his/her clothes, and every step is counted. We are having fun even though we know Eric will win!

Here's Project Manager Kim Toms, LEED AP, wearing her pedometer. She's been logging a ton of steps recently walking up and down to our 3rd floor Resource Library for several different client's projects, one of which is a healthy eco-friendly home we've been hired to design.

So, we are busy looking at zero-VOC paint, natural fiber carpeting, organic fabrics, and furnishing made with sustainable practices.  This field has grown by leaps and bounds over the past several years, and the results really pay off for a healthier life. It helps that we have four LEED AP designers on staff who are experts in this field.  Since we are working with a talented local architectural firm, Berglund Architects, we know this home is going to be fantastic.  And, we're sure it will have both a toaster and a microwave! We'll be on the lookout for "green" versions of each of those.

Well, happy walking to you and drop me a line and let me know what you are doing to stay healthy and "green" your home!!! Maybe I can help you out....

Best,

Yvonne Jacobs

yvonne@sliferdesigns.com

Five Ways to Green Your Home

Sustainable design is not a trend, but a design movement that is here to stay.  Since building an entirely LEED certified home is only a reality a very special group of homeowners, I'd like to share some attainable goals for incorporating green elements into your home.

1. New Fireplace – If you currently don’t have a fireplace, or you want to add a fireplace in a bathroom or bedroom, The EcoSmart Fire is great alternative to a gas-burning device.  Distributed by Eco-Flame, an Australian innovation and an environmentally friendly open fireplace, it is flue less and does not require any installation or utility connection for fuel supply. This makes it ideal for just about any home environment. Fuelled by a renewable modern energy (Denatured Alcohol), it burns clean and is virtually maintenance free. Featuring remarkable design flexibility, the simplicity of the EcoSmart burner and the modular nature of its design grants consumers with significant versatility and choice.
2. New Paint – For the past 15 years, Benjamin Moore has been manufacturing Zero-VOC paint. Their most recent achievement – Natura – is the “greenest they have ever made.”  Within 30 minutes of application, it is dry to the touch.  Virtually odorless, highly washable, and available in 3,300 colors, you can’t go wrong. Available at The Paint Bucket.                        
3. New accessories --  Cute and chic, these small recycled aluminum beaded cocktail napkin boxes are the perfect entertaining accessory. Handcrafted in Mexico using reclaimed materials, the holders come with a variety of beautifully sculpted napkin weights including a pear, bunny, lobster, golf ball, horse, tennis racket and flag. Less traditional designs like the skull and cross bones appeal to the younger generation.  The napkins are even made from recycled paper.  Available at the Slifer Designs showroom for $49.
4. New carpet – Did you know that one in every four plastic bottles recycled in North America become luxuriously soft new carpet?  Made by Mohawk this new recycled carpet is drawing a lot of attention within the green industry and it’s consumers.  Mohawk recycles three billion plastic bottles each year, and since 1999, claim to have kept more than one billion pounds of plastic out of landfills.  The bottle cap and the label are also recycled and used to make their carpet cores around which the carpet is wrapped.  The actual bottle is used to make the PET (plyethylene terephthalate) carpet fiber. 30 plastic bottles are used to make one square yard of their everSTRAND carpet, so you do the math to figure out how much it will take to replace your old carpet. Or, better yet, I'd be happy to help you figure this out so you don't have to!
5. New floor – This is perhaps the most fun option in this list: Marmoleum.  You become the designer with this product, as there are 100 colors, insets and borders all with endless possibilities.  If the choices are overwhelming to you, let me help you decide.  Marmoleum is made with linseed oil, rosins, and wood flour, calendared onto a natural jute backing. This would be really fun in a mud or laundry room, in my opinion.

At Slifer Designs we have four LEED AP designers on staff, who are ready to help you design an entirely green home, or just make some small adjustments toward increased sustainability. Either way, you will be reap the rewards, and join the admirable group of homeowners who are embracing this movement known as "green design."

Best,

Yvonne Jacobs

yvonne@sliferdesigns.com

Stella's Picks - interiors are improved with good art

Stella's Picks

This week, Stella was drawn toward George Schock's photography currently seen throughout the Slifer Designs showroom in beautifully styled vignettes. The gorgeous Colorado landscapes remind Stella of her favorite hikes in this region that she frequently takes with her owner, Susan Ferrari, vice president of Retail Operations for Slifer Designs. 

Below are a few of Schock's "moment in time" images that are Stella's favorites.  From top to bottom, these are the titles:

Among the Aspens, Autumns Treasure, Gold Rush, Gore Range, Illunimation, San Juan Sunrise, Vail Back Bowls.

What better way to bring the outdoors inside with these gorgeous images. They all capture a singular moment of beauty, one that you will always remember. Stella feels as if she's there in each image.  Whew- she's tired after this outdoor journey. Time for a nap!!! Shouldn't be too hard to find a nice soft chair for her afternoon ritual.....

Best,

Yvonne Jacobs

yvonne@sliferdesigns.com

Few Interiors During Recent Vacation

I was lucky enough to get away to the beaches of Kona, Hawaii with my family a couple of weeks ago, and I am happy to report that I was outside more than inside!  Getting away from the hustle and bustle of our design studio usually takes me a few days to unwind...but this time, I immediately transitioned into vacation mode right away.

My son Reese and daughter Hudson, ages 8 and 5, had so much fun. They are such "mountain kids" that when they see the ocean, they are in awe of it's size and endlessness.  I know how my client's kids must feel when they first see Vail's Back Bowls.  

We visited an old church whose stone schmear exterior resembles a home's exterior that I am working on in Aspen. This is the fifth home I've designed for these clients, and I just love working with them.

In the meantime, I'm busy finishing up the creative phase for a client in Arrowhead. Right before I left for Hawaii, I joined my client on a private jet ride to Utah to look at some very unique Brazilian stones in order to choose a countertop for their new kitchen.  We found a gorgeous green toned quartz from European Marble and Granite in Salt Lake City.  My clients love it and it is going to look beautiful, and better yet, provide functionality in a busy kitchen.

Pictured above, this slab was on display and although we didn't select it, we were all in awe of it's beauty. It's iridescent qualities light up at night.  I'm keeping this in mind for a future client....perhaps a cool restaurant with an active bar scene.....

I'm also putting the finishing touches on a vacation home in picturesque Adam's Ranch, just outside of Eagle, Colorado.  Together, with my colleague Sarah Carr, we installed this home in one week and the clients have already moved in and are enjoying their new home.  Here's a view from their living room into dining room...

Stay tuned for my post tomorrow about our long awaited Loading Dock sale......it starts on Thursday and ends on Saturday. You don't want to miss 60-90% off an amazing array of items....

Best,

Yvonne Jacobs

yvonne@sliferdesigns.com

Stella Loves Red, White and Blue Luxury Items

INTRODUCING STELLA'S PICKS

Meet Stella - she's our showroom's mascot of good taste.  Her owner, Susan Ferrari, Vice President of Retail Operations, approves of all her "picks," and we hope you do too! 

Today she searched our showroom for things red, white and blue in the true American spirit of the 4th of July. She found some amazing items starting with this beautiful off-white tufted Baker ottoman (pictured above). It is currently marked down in our Red Room. Stella finds it very comfortable.....

Above, is a framed American Flag. You can't get more patriotic than that....here it is in the entire room:

Here's a detail of the Daniel Stuart "Dahlia" pillow in the middle of the bed. Stella loves the detail on this accessory:

Next, Stella found another bedroom vignette, that she dared not jump up on, because it is in all white:

The sheets were custom designed in a snowflake pattern, exclusively for Slifer Designs.  In addition, the matching ivory sable blanket and pillows extend pure luxury in the bedroom and make this queen tufted bed fit for royalty.   And, the tray is set for breakfast in bed - maybe a little strawberries and cream for watching the Gentlemen's Final at Wimbledon??? (Stella loves watching tennis on TV).

Now for some blue.....

This cute "Tini" topped with lizard is just the conversation piece needed for your living room.  And, the perfect size for a treat for Stella.....

 

Happy 4th of July!!!

Best,

Yvonne Jacobs

yvonne@sliferdesigns.com

Interior Finishes Aim to Add Luxury in Colorado Vacation Homes

I recently attended a fun event at Decorative Materials in Edwards. I love visiting their showroom, which is conveniently located right across the street from our studio.  Not only is their staff friendly, informative and helpful, but they also have gorgeous kitchen and bath displays.

Here I am with Marilyn Smith Heaney (she's been with Slifer Designs since 1985 and is one of our top designers) and Tab Bonidy of TAB Architects. 

Barbara from Decorative Materials, who hosted the event in conjunction with Smart Shop, has helped me design many kitchens and bathrooms over the years. She is a valuable resource to my team at Slifer Designs.

Earlier this year at their showroom, I was in a more serious mode, perusing selections to consider for a client's home. There were so many beautiful choices and new products I discovered, that I couldn't go wrong with my decisions. Barb's advice was invaluable.

Many homeowners find the task of re-doing a kitchen or bathroom daunting, but by working closely with knowledgeable professionals, the end result is something you can be proud of.

We'd love to help you with your kitchen or bathroom remodel, and with resources nearby like Decorative Materials, I am confident we can design a new room that would make you proud.  

Best,

Yvonne Jacobs

yvonne@sliferdesigns.com

Quality, Comfort and Style in Hickory Chair Furniture

Since I am off-site on an install this week, I've invited my colleague  Marilyn Smith Heaney to guest blog.  Marilyn has been with Slifer Designs since 1986 and has many wonderful insights into the world of interior design. I've asked her to share her recent experience at Hickory Chair University, which just sounds amazing!

Marilyn Smith Heaney, veteran Slifer Designs Project Manager and Interior Designer

Interior designers select and place beautiful items in client's homes every day. We spend a lot of time looking at color, pattern, style,  scale, comfort and quality.  (Price is also always a factor, but I'll save that topic for another guest blog). At Slifer Designs, we have our favorite vendors, and of course Hickory Chair is at the top of our list. We like and trust them because we know they produce gorgeous furniture of excellent quality. 

Now that I've attended Hickory Chair University, I have a new appreciation for their extremely high level of quality. There is a story and amazing employees behind every piece they make. The leader of the tour was Hickory Chair's Director of Marketing Services, Laura Holland, who was very informative and engaging.  

 

(I am in the back row, third from the left. Sarah Carr, fellow Slifer Designs Project Manager is in the second row, first on the left).

 

Below is Hickory Chair President Jay Reardon holding up notes from a recent problem solving meeting with two members of his staff who worked on a particular issue. Problem solving and encouraging excellence in every employee is the driving force of the Hickory Chair culture.  This daily philosophy increases productivity and has kept them very competitive in a down-economy. 

 

I love their saying about stress (see below)...I think I'll post that in our studio!

 

This innovative employee (below) found a way to decrease the sanding time on hundreds of spooled pieces from three weeks to two days - now that's efficiency! 

 

Below, two Hickory Chair employees are hand sanding furniture pieces. The vented table allows sand dust to fall through. Not only does this create a cleaner work environment, but the saved sawdust is collected and burned for recycled on-site energy.  They won an award for this innovation.

 

This display case is home to all the important tools for specific tasks. Not only does it help avoid lost tools, but it also maximizes productivity.

 

This Hickory Chair employee is demonstrating an eight-way hand-tied spring.

 

Here's an employee applying glue to the veneer which will then be applied to a piece of wood.

 

 

And the next step in the process is to apply the freshly glued veneer to wood.

 

I'm a huge fan of nail head trim, so it was wonderful to watch this employee demonstrating the art of the nail head application. The speed at which he works is impressive.

 

And, this employee is meticulously applying welt and back fabric to a dining chair.

 

Finally, we toured some lovely finished pieces, many of which the Slifer Designs showroom carries.

 

I have a new appreciation for all of the Hickory Chair pieces I have selected over the years, and looking back over my portfolio, the rooms start to take on new meaning. One of my favorites is a desk I chose for the Gary Player Offices in The Cliffs, South Carolina (see below). This room takes on a whole new meaning of integrity in design having attended Hickory Chair University.

 

Here's another Hickory Chair piece I chose for a model I recently designed for East West Partners at Manor Vail.  It's a lovely table that I placed behind the sofa in the left of the photo below. Hickory Chair refers to it as the Country Hepplewhite sideboard from their Archive Collection.

Thank you Hickory Chair for allowing me the opportunity to learn and grow as a designer. I really enjoyed learning about your process and culture.

And, I hope to guest blog for Yvonne again soon!

I'd love to hear any "back to school" experiences you've recently had and how it's changed how you do your job.  Or, please comment on what you think about Hickory Chair.

Have a great summer--

Marilyn

marilyn@sliferdesigns.com

 

Thank you again Marilyn! 

Best,

Yvonne Jacobs

yvonne@sliferdesigns.com

Inspiring Design Inspires Social Media

Yesterday, I attended the Roth Distributing "Inspiring Design" conference in Denver.  In partnership with Colorado Homes and Lifestyles magazine, Roth gathered several notable experts in the field of interior design, real estate, publishing and marketing. Below is Roth's Culinary Room, where Elaine St. Louis, Art Director at Colorado Homes and Lifestyles, presented a seminar called "Think Like an Editor."

 

I especially enjoyed Adam Japko's seminar which was geared to helping designers embrace socia media into the day-to-day marketing mix.  It was reassuring to hear Adam's suggestions, some of which we are already doing here at Slifer Designs.   He referred to a designer who recently saw a 25% increase in business as a result of a social media campaign. That's impressive!

 

 

The Roth Distribution Center is amazing. The pull-out ironing board is genius! Our clients are going to appreciate the convenience of this design.

Love the round sinks and cabinets going all the way to the counter in the corner.  It's a great use of space. 

Sleek hood designs--

Commercial Sub Zero is a very cool industrial look. I can't wait to show some of our developer clients this new line.

Check out the handsome stainless steel cabinets with leather wrapped hardware. I really like this juxtaposition - very original!

So, while I was thinking like an editor and learning about the importance of social media, I was surrounded by Roth's beautiful kitchen displays.  

Back at home, I received great news: Vail will host the 2015 Winter Alpine Championships. Having previously hosted this event in 1989 and 1999, I can't wait for all the excitement to begin.  Hundreds of international media will attend to write about and photograph the best ski racers from all over the world, as well as our lovely valley. Now that I am thinking like an editor, thanks to Elaine, I'm looking forward to the opportunity.

 

Best,

Yvonne Jacobs

yvonne@sliferdesigns.com

Happy New Year and Happy Interiors

I just listened to a voice mail from a happy client who was calling to thank us for our interior design work. I had a big smile on my face as I listened to her first impressions: “the house looks amazing...we’re astonished...it looks better than I imagined..this is incredible...and it is so nice to see two years of work come to fruition.”

Of course we love it when our clients gush about our services, but honestly, what is most validating is the emphasis we place on attention to detail and providing a high level of service. I’ve received a few of these phone calls over the last few days, which is our busiest time of the year. Getting a home ready in time for the holidays is not without it’s challenges. What we all want, now more than ever, is a place to call home, and I’m happy to say there are a few more around town as a result of our work.

I better sign off, because my line is ringing again!

Happy New Year!
Yvonne Jacobs

Best,

Yvonne Jacobs

yvonne@sliferdesigns.com