Category: Green Design

Energy efficient shades

Take a green step and select energy efficient window treatments that will reduce your heating, air conditioning costs and energy consumption. You can save up to 40% in your energy bills. Insulation is one of the many benefits the proper window coverings will provide you. Window treatments can provide real insulation to keep a room warm during the winter or cool during the summer. Here are some popular choices: Cellular shades: their construction increases insulation and reduces the effect of cold and icy air. They come in a variety of fabrics, and can be lined for a room darkening effect to create a complete black out. This will also increase your insulation. These shades have a state-of-the-art, patented, honeycomb-within it- design offering the industry’s highest level of energy efficiency. The shades are so energy efficient they can reduce energy loss up to 50%.  More companies make them with...

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Green homes sell for 9% more in California

Is there more green for you when you go green? Economists from UC Berkeley and UCLA completed an analysis of  1.6 million single-family homes sold in California from 2007-2012, studying the effect of green building labels on property sale values. The results are in: approximately 4,000 green labeled homes with Energy Star, LEED for Homes, and GreenPoint Rated labels sold for 9% more (±4%) than comparable, non-labeled homes. The research indicates that the premium exists in hotter climates, where cooling costs are in much higher. This is combined with what is called “environmental ideology” which in most cases is measured by the rate of registration of hybrid vehicles. The two influences consumers’ buying choices. Green homes sell for 9% more than regular homes in California and their premium is highest in the most eco-oriented areas, says a report today. “We observed a phenomenon we’ve termed the ‘Prius effect’ — a...

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Select and eco-friendly carpet for your home

          Take a green step: Select the right eco-friendly carpet for your home. There are many choices on the market and it can be confusing. If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, you should be looking for a non -toxic and non-allergenic carpet. Carpet made from natural, renewable fibers tend to be the most environmentally friendly and include sisal, seagrass, coir, organic cotton, jute, organic wool and bamboo. A favorite of mine is 100%  organic wool. It is a natural, strong and durable fiber. It comes in different textures, from very fine to coarse. 100% organic wool is considered the finest fiber used for carpet. Drawback: wool can shed so you will need to vacuum more frequently, and it is more expensive. Make sure you select one with a natural backing, as it is as important as...

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Recycled Glass Tiles

Take a green step! Floor and wall covering options have increased in the last few years. Glass tiles are really popular these days. Recycled glass tiles have made a big entrance in the green design world. They can be elegant, sophisticated and good for the environment. A real win-win.     Here is a comprehensive view on what glass tiles are: Glass tiles as their name indicates are made from glass. They are mostly used in pools, spas, bathrooms, kitchen floors and walls and look great as a backsplash. Ice sticks tiles They come in a wide a variety of colors and shades: bold, vibrant, clear, opaque, milky, pearlescent, iridescent to name a few Sizes range from 1” x 1”   to 18” x18”. They have different shapes such as small round circles called “pennies”, mini, medium or large rectangles, mini, medium or large squares and sticks....

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San Francisco Green high rise design seminar at Millennium Tower

Millennium Tower, the 60-story, luxury residential tower in San Francisco has introduced ”La Vie”. It is a monthly events program designed to enhance the Millennium Tower lifestyle and showcase the amenities available to its residents. La Vie represents community living at its best. The exciting events have included a wine school seminar with renowned wine educator Karen MacNeil, an outing to watch a San Francisco Giants game from a private luxury box to name a few. Two vacant units were the back drop for a “ design seminar with an eco-friendly touch” we were privileged to lead.   Residents and VIP guests enjoyed themselves while sipping award winning wines and savoring exquisite hors d’oeuvres provided by Millennium Tower and delicious organic treats courtesy of Vital Choice Seafood.   Vivian Panou, Green expert and Director of Special Events for Earth Friendly Products who especially flew in...

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