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