February 17, 2010
The Luxury of a Greener Future
by Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
I’ll be the first to admit it. Green design hasn’t been the biggest focus for me. Most of my conversations with other professionals based outside of Texas go a little like this -
” Well, we are really excited about the work we are doing within the green movement. Is there a lot of interest in green design in Houston?”
Me: ” Umm, not really. We incorporate low-VOC type products, but we don’t get asked about green design very often.”
So because I am like you, when I don’t have the direct need for information, I don’t seek it out. But something has changed for me this year. It seems that more and more of our family and friends have been diagnosed with a variety of ailments and cancers. So in the back of my head, I’ve been thinking more about organic and unprocessed foods. In fact, I have 5 vegetable (small ones) beds in my yard so that we can grow some of our own vegetables this summer. But I also have thought about our exposure to the multitude of chemicals in our lives, and how we might live a bit cleaner.
But perhaps one event that has lit a fire in my soul was a seminar I went to at New Living, at 6111 Kirby.
New Living at 6111 Kirby Dr, near Rice Village
So what makes this business different? Number 1 – the people, Number 2 – the concept & Number 3 – the resources.
Let’s face it we all have a fair amount on our plates, so when someone is trying to make it easier for you, you take notice. According to New Living’s website:
” New Living is more than just a store. The idea behind what we are doing is to make the green building and green living movement accessible and affordable for everyone. We want New Living to be a community store that encourages new thinking, ideas, and helps foster a local green economy. We are open and look forward to the opportunity to listen and grow with Houston’s emerging green community.”
I’d have to say they are on track to fulfill that mission. The space has several work spaces, a great display system that explains the products, their eco-benefits and the investment level they require. But more than that, they have prices across the spectrum, enabling you & me to find a product that also fits our budget. The team at New Living has worked hard to also develop partnerships with installers who understand the products and their installation methods.
Let’s look at some of the products you can find here -
Solid Woven Bamboo - Sahara, available through New Living
Doesn’t look like the bamboo you are used to? You’re right. This is bamboo strands pressed together to create a softer look. I love the versatility of this product.  I love bamboo floors anyways, but they create a linear, almost modern or contemporary feel; where as this is a product I could use for a variety of styles and homes.
3form Ecoresin Panels - Capiz Shell
New Living also carries the “Organic” line of ecoresin panels from 3form USA. Just to be confusing, I am showing a style from the “Play” line because it was just too beautiful not to show. The resin panels are comprised of recycled materials, along with other materials such as shells and grasses. The uses for me extend past walls and cabinet doors, I can see end tables, backlit desks, coffee tables…oh the creativity that this product sparks. As a side note, I just figured out that 3form also manufacturer the Wovin Wall, a lovely focus I spotted at the new STRATA Restaurant in Vintage Park
Bear Grass Light, Organic Series by 3form USA, available through New Living
I am intrigued by how many Texas-based recycled products New Living has pulled together. Not only is there a locally-produced cabinet line, but there is also a locally-produced countertops. In fact, some of the recycled glass in these countertops has been collected from the Houston area. I find that many of my clients are interested in concrete countertops for their outdoor kitchens – this would be a great product to install for them.
Recycled Countertops by Texstone, available through New Living
So, I’m excited to say the least and am looking for opportunities to bring these new ideas into my home and your home. How important will the green movement be to you this year?
Luxury For The Home believes that true luxury is not about ostentation or expense. It is about simplicity. Sanctuary. Comfort. It’s the beauty that happens when everything, including you, has its own ideal space.
Are you ready to bring luxury into your home? For more ideas sign up for our newsletter, or to schedule a consultation, please call 281-701-2461.
February 10, 2010
The Luxury of Vintage Pieces
By Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
Well the unit is just about complete and the open house is on Thursday. My feet are exhausted, along with the rest of me. 
But it has been an exciting challenge to install the unit so quickly. It has also been fun to see all the other designers and their work. Really, if you haven’t decided to come yet, you should. There are 18 designers among the 6 units showcasing everything from Modern & Art Deco to Regency and Western – a feast for the eyes.
One of the last sponsors I wanted to share with you is Metro Retro, a retailer with an amazing inventory of vintage modern pieces. You can also find them on 1st Dibs and Ebay.
So did you ever fall in love with a piece of furniture at first sight? This chair was one of many loves for me. The design is stellar, the finish is exquisite. By Danish designer, Poul Jensen Selig, the Teak Z Lounge Chair is one of those designs that endure. I really would love a pair of these.
Danish Poul Jensen Selig Teak Z Lounge Chair - Metro Retro
What about this beautiful credenza from Thomasville? It is timeless and a great value, plus vintage furniture is a great way to make environmentally friendly choices. It has often been said that “Good design is timeless”.  Many of the pieces classified as Mid-Century Modern are the basis for so many designs in furniture today. If you can have an original, why not?
Vintage Renzo Buffet - Metro Retro
Ok, a sneak peek to one of the pieces in our unit. This slate blue suede settee is the perfect size for the breakfast area. Our space is a bit challenging, only having 8′ in width to work with, so this small-scale piece foot the bill. Since there is a dining room directly next to the breakfast area, we felt free to be more casual and playful with our table setting.
Vintage Italian Settee - Metro Retro
I do hope you make it to the Opening Night Party or the show, for ASID Showrise tickets, go here.
Luxury For The Home believes that true luxury is not about ostentation or expense. It is about simplicity. Sanctuary. Comfort. It’s the beauty that happens when everything, including you, has its own ideal space.
Are you ready to bring luxury into your home? For more ideas sign up for our newsletter, or to schedule a consultation, please call 281-701-2461.
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February 4, 2010
The Luxury of Quality Pieces
by Leslie Hassler, Houston Interior Designer
We are a little over one week away from our ASID Showrise project opening night and we are getting all the details finalized to install on Monday. I’ve mentioned one of our sponsors, Laura Rathe Fine Art in The Luxury of Urban Living last week. Today, I want to highlight another sponsor, Bo Concept Houston at 4302 Westheimer Road, 77027 (713-877-1900).
Quality of line, texture and form defines good contemporary design; much more so than traditional design. Contemporary design, since it is not a widely popular as traditional design (in Houston at least), is also not as widely available either. It’s not like you can pop into a Hobby Lobby store and pick up great contemporary accessories. You really have to set out to find those pieces. Bo Concept Houston is one of those retailers who showcases luxurious contemporary furnishings at an outstanding value.
Room Divider, Bo Concepts Houston
This is one of the pieces we have selected for the Showrise. This room divider in a chocolate-brown is truly a versatile piece. I love the asymmetry here and that we can style it to look stunning from any view in the room. Often times, we need pieces of furniture like this to help divide a large space into two different areas, like a living room & dining room.
Another group of furniture that Bo Concepts is great for is wall systems. Sometimes, hi-rise homes and condos come with their unique set of challenges, soaring ceilings, but no storage. It is up to me to find ways to accent the positive in a way that adds usefulness. This line, Volani, is one of several styles Bo Concepts has. I love that the pieces are modular and that you can use the pop of color to have a great impact on the space.
Volani Wall System, Bo Concepts Houston
I’d be doing you an injustice if I didn’t mention the lighting that they have to offer. Since our unit and the show is temporary, we needed to improve the lighting, but were not able to make any permanent changes. What a better way to add style and lighting than with this fixture? This image doesn’t show the true size of this floor lamp, the fixture is 73″ H with a 24″ diameter shade. What you also can’t see is the quality of the shade. There is a warm golden glow that comes through with this black shade. This is one of those things you just need to see for your self to truly appreciate.
Empire Floor Lamp, Bo Concepts Houston
We’d love to see you at the show! Our unit at The Commerce Towers (914 Main – downtown) is “Modern Sophistication”, and the show is open 11am to 5pm – Feb. 13-14 & Feb. 20-21.
Luxury For The Home believes that true luxury is not about ostentation or expense. It is about simplicity. Sanctuary. Comfort. It’s the beauty that happens when everything, including you, has its own ideal space.
Are you ready to bring luxury into your home? For more ideas sign up for our newsletter, or to schedule a consultation, please call 281-701-2461.
