BlogTourNola Sponsor: Poggenpohl Kitchens since 1892

<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91CyiXawUo28Uvhsf-EnDD_r8N702SJ40lu59msyM7iYD1WSMmW15-RyIn0fwhduGAazcYsDWdd_9n_sLaoeUG56XT0pXQdsYA78IXCE_O2VAZvb_7y8_13WEMeN7EH7qKBuzVj9mOtM/s1600/IMG_2643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91CyiXawUo28Uvhsf-EnDD_r8N702SJ40lu59msyM7iYD1WSMmW15-RyIn0fwhduGAazcYsDWdd_9n_sLaoeUG56XT0pXQdsYA78IXCE_O2VAZvb_7y8_13WEMeN7EH7qKBuzVj9mOtM/s640/IMG_2643.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Poggenpohl Cabinetry at Nordic Kitchens and Baths - photo by Linda Merrill</span></div><br />Our last BlogTourNola evening in New Orleans was spent in the lovely <a href="http://www.nordickitchens.com/" target="_blank">Nordic Kitchens and Baths </a>showroom in Metairie, LA enjoying some tasty treats for dinner and the beautiful kitchen and bath displays, notably the gorgeous cabinetry by <a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/" target="_blank">Poggenpohl</a>. Founded in 1892 in the heart of Germany, Poggenpohl is the oldest and one of the best-known kitchen brands in the world - present in more than 70 countries around the globe. Since then, they have followed in the footsteps of founder, Friedemir Poggenpohl, with his vision to ‘improve the kitchen’.  For 120 years, Poggenpohl has been reinventing life in the kitchen one idea at a time.  Poggenpohl was the first to introduce many transformative innovations including white lacquer furniture,  the first wooden kitchen, and the first island kitchen. Can you imagine a time when islands weren't done in kitchens?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1892_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1892_01.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1892 Poggenpohl kitchen furniture</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1892_17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1892_17.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1892 - how cute is this? Timeless design is right</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1930_02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1930_02.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1930 - The Poggenpohl 'ten-layer polishing technique' </div><div style="text-align: center;">forms the corner-stone for the brand‘s lacquer expertise.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91CyiXawUo28Uvhsf-EnDD_r8N702SJ40lu59msyM7iYD1WSMmW15-RyIn0fwhduGAazcYsDWdd_9n_sLaoeUG56XT0pXQdsYA78IXCE_O2VAZvb_7y8_13WEMeN7EH7qKBuzVj9mOtM/s1600/IMG_2643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1950_04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1950_04.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1950 - the first "unit" kitchen. Love the built-in desk - all that seems missing is a laptop</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1962_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1962_01.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1962 - rrowr! Presenting a "fitted" kitchen</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1968_02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1968_02.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1968 - solid wood kitchen</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1982_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1982_01.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1982</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1995_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1995_01.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1995 - which feels like a call back to their 1892 styles</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/2004_14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/2004_14.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">2004</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmQhY2p-JQjkhNjOu8Mmh9KB8ec8s5016WmsHZActlYKoXNx485X1viGLxYNl0xG4WE2Lie3FTtPQ5Jdxg7WKWkBPEEiK6ZgMaUCgFdLZBX-KjnPAceu98luC9SPzaDRQjal6getqVI4/s1600/PoggenpohlTOH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmQhY2p-JQjkhNjOu8Mmh9KB8ec8s5016WmsHZActlYKoXNx485X1viGLxYNl0xG4WE2Lie3FTtPQ5Jdxg7WKWkBPEEiK6ZgMaUCgFdLZBX-KjnPAceu98luC9SPzaDRQjal6getqVI4/s640/PoggenpohlTOH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">2013 - This Old House</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>If you're a <i>This Old House </i>viewer, their most recent project, a <a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/house-project/overview/0,,20587082,00.html" target="_blank">cottage in rural Essex, Massachusetts</a>, features a <a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/startpage.html" target="_blank">Poggenpohl Kitchen</a> designed by friend and kitchen designer extraordinaire Rosemary Porto who is senior designer in their <a href="http://www.boston.poggenpohl.com/seite/home.html" target="_blank">Newbury Street, Boston, showroom</a>. Integrating state-of-the-art technology, the quiet country cottage was transformed into a universally accessible living space for aging parents.The homeowners desired a contemporary look for their kitchen with aging in place details and chose Poggenpohl cabinets for their high quality, timeless design and reputation for German engineering and ergonomics. The high gloss lacquered finish of the sleek cabinets is balanced against a traditional farmhouse soapstone sink and warm wood center island.<br /><br /> And, a few more <a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/" target="_blank">Poggenpohl</a> kitchens to share:<br /><br /> <div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3610040/Atlanta-Showroom-contemporary-kitchen-atlanta"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/9b11188501716354_8-5496/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/c/Fairfield--NJ" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Fairfield Kitchen and Bath</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlus/poggenpohl" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl</a></small></div><br /><br /> <div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3610016/Atlanta-Showroom-contemporary-family-room-atlanta"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/33816a110171630f_8-5427/contemporary-family-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/family-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Family Room</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/c/Fairfield--NJ" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Fairfield Kitchen and Bath</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlus/poggenpohl" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl</a></small></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3610012/Atlanta-Showroom-contemporary-kitchen-atlanta"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/e6a13e1f017162fb_8-5407/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/c/Fairfield--NJ" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Fairfield Kitchen and Bath</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlus/poggenpohl" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl</a></small></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3177544/Marks-contemporary-kitchen-philadelphia"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/c53131b2013e17ff_8-3874/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/c/Fairfield--NJ" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Fairfield Kitchen and Bath</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlus/poggenpohl" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl</a></small></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3177539/Marks-contemporary-kitchen-philadelphia"><img border="0" height="576" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/7801093a013e17f3_8-3862/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="459" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/c/Fairfield--NJ" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Fairfield Kitchen and Bath</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlus/poggenpohl" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl</a></small></div><br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

BlogTourNola Sponsor: Poggenpohl Kitchens since 1892

  Poggenpohl Cabinetry at Nordic Kitchens and Baths - photo by Linda Merrill Our last BlogTourNola evening in New Orleans was spent in the l...

Read more »

Toto - People Centered Design and a bathroom sneak peek

I wanted to share a neat little video from <a href="http://www.totousa.com/" target="_blank">Toto</a> - sort of their "Highlights from KBIS" reel. It's all about People Centered Design for them. <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7N4ySo7oxFU" width="640"></iframe><br /><br />And some of my photos from their booth:  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0JShXbuKQyDwD92aEbTI9bdHIZDZAjkInBIu3SixCVa9WTDJdX89yu3S78XO871udLT5GRNLUeLeChyphenhyphenFpxT4agLHbsN5AsgIqB9Mk53JJ0e_6KsfSdxbPq0hxvDPV7Up0r4n19TW4sg/s1600/IMG_2624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0JShXbuKQyDwD92aEbTI9bdHIZDZAjkInBIu3SixCVa9WTDJdX89yu3S78XO871udLT5GRNLUeLeChyphenhyphenFpxT4agLHbsN5AsgIqB9Mk53JJ0e_6KsfSdxbPq0hxvDPV7Up0r4n19TW4sg/s640/IMG_2624.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNO0PDlUYImaKXELlwhKXN43ar-PtIY7ZE1tvfpFkM7__ujDN1LO_NLzFjylzpC6F5Vs3mNnlhWQLECugjPOprHdfGDuFPaD9m2Q5yN54GexuZIVHKXn9CERU8cmNEhsX4f8Ub14HhHDk/s1600/IMG_2626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNO0PDlUYImaKXELlwhKXN43ar-PtIY7ZE1tvfpFkM7__ujDN1LO_NLzFjylzpC6F5Vs3mNnlhWQLECugjPOprHdfGDuFPaD9m2Q5yN54GexuZIVHKXn9CERU8cmNEhsX4f8Ub14HhHDk/s640/IMG_2626.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Toma, the <a href="http://antiquesdiva.com/" target="_blank">Antiques Diva</a> herself, just hanging around a tub in heels... as you do</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7LEvLoLASSTbIVtvC17pRXUi3qgiUfIZxEjBWxTIKJAS1-60jT7b9MXnU0SfQpsjJKO9Q9QVu4wn8PCkh8d5VFgYoWlHnBjQUuSSgs-dDN7EX4quTUQNNurTRTnqa58QhMcjgiUpopY/s1600/IMG_2778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7LEvLoLASSTbIVtvC17pRXUi3qgiUfIZxEjBWxTIKJAS1-60jT7b9MXnU0SfQpsjJKO9Q9QVu4wn8PCkh8d5VFgYoWlHnBjQUuSSgs-dDN7EX4quTUQNNurTRTnqa58QhMcjgiUpopY/s640/IMG_2778.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Totally loving my teeny tiny <a href="http://www.totousa.com/" target="_blank">Toto</a> toilet flashlight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.totousa.com/Portals/0/images/products/TL230SD_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.totousa.com/Portals/0/images/products/TL230SD_zoom.jpg" /></a></div><br />And a big thank to Toto for the gift of the Wyeth faucet to all BlogTourNola members. It's going to make a beautiful addition to the small facelift I'm giving my mother's master bathroom!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage10.ak.instagram.com/223598a4bef511e283fe22000a1faeaf_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage10.ak.instagram.com/223598a4bef511e283fe22000a1faeaf_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />And here's a sneak peek of the color palette and window/shower curtains that will be going up. As soon as I repaint the white trim, the floor, the walls, the mirror frame and vanity fronts, and do something with the seriously outdated lighting fixture...  Guess I know my weekend plans!<br /><br />Have a good one! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Toto - People Centered Design and a bathroom sneak peek

I wanted to share a neat little video from Toto - sort of their "Highlights from KBIS" reel. It's all about People Centered D...

Read more »

BlogTourNola Sponsor Spotlight: Blanco Sinks and Faucets - It's all in the details

A longtime <a href="http://www.modenus.com/blog/category/blogtour" target="_blank">BlogTour</a> sponsor is <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/" target="_blank">BLANCO</a>, the German manufacturer of finely crafted sinks and faucets, brings style and quality to a new level with their latest collection of faucets. <br /><div data-canvas-width="248.60000740885732" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; left: 99.6px; top: 453.6px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02897, 1);"></div><div data-canvas-width="481.0813476706743" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="left: 94.6667px; top: 521.067px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03816, 1);"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Our latest collection of faucets offer livable style,” stated Tim Maicher, Director of Marketing for BLANCO. “When we say livable style, we are referencing style that leads trends while integrating into any kitchen design. At the same time, we are talking about the faucets’ functionality. Faucets </span></span></div><div data-canvas-width="325.30667636156085" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="left: 94.6667px; top: 571.6px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00099, 1);"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">are the jewelry of the kitchen. They must be attractive, but they are also the most abused fixtures in the kitchen. That’s why we engineer BLANCO faucets to last, to use less water, to provide unmatched cleaning and to be as easy to use as they are to maintain.” </span></span></div><div data-canvas-width="325.30667636156085" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="left: 94.6667px; top: 571.6px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00099, 1);"></div><div data-canvas-width="325.30667636156085" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="left: 94.6667px; top: 571.6px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00099, 1);"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">B<span style="font-size: small;">LA<span style="font-size: small;">NCO <span style="font-size: small;">was one of the ho<span style="font-size: small;">sts of our final dinner together on BlogTourNola at the beautiful <a href="http://www.nordickitchens.com/" target="_blank">Nordic Kitchens & Baths </a><span style="font-size: small;">show<span style="font-size: small;">room in <span style="font-size: small;">Me<span style="font-size: small;"></span>t<span style="font-size: small;">air<span style="font-size: small;">ie</span></span>, LA<span style="font-size: small;">. They put together a fun video f<span style="font-size: small;">rom the evening, which was also ho<span style="font-size: small;">sted by <a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/startpage.html" target="_blank">Po</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/startpage.html" target="_blank">ggen</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/startpage.html" target="_blank">po</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/startpage.html" target="_blank">hl</a> and <a href="http://www.silestoneusa.com/" target="_blank">Silestone</a>. Keep your eyes peeled <span style="font-size: small;">for a quick pic of yours <span style="font-size: small;">truly. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div><div data-canvas-width="325.30667636156085" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; left: 94.6667px; top: 571.6px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00099, 1);"></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-GdgRqeGvdE?list=UUKdkCJF0so4IKcE4WsG8YDA" width="640"></iframe><br /><br />From BLANCO's newly released product lineup, I am loving the ALTA compact faucet (which is admittedly a little modern for my usual tastes, but I love the simplicity of this one) and the Napa faucet which is a beautiful piece of sculpture. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos-1.dropbox.com/t/0/AABXcMrjaVxy7viK1t_KuDswaSrMTvKqXJgE_fPwvAfrEw/12/15975197/jpeg/32x32/3/1368208800/0/2/441486_ALTA_SS.jpg/595mYeYB2QGdAXLzUSxEJ4VGsA7nsyWZBvv39LE9LaI?size=1280x960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://photos-1.dropbox.com/t/0/AABXcMrjaVxy7viK1t_KuDswaSrMTvKqXJgE_fPwvAfrEw/12/15975197/jpeg/32x32/3/1368208800/0/2/441486_ALTA_SS.jpg/595mYeYB2QGdAXLzUSxEJ4VGsA7nsyWZBvv39LE9LaI?size=1280x960" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos-1.dropbox.com/t/0/AABXA4w4RzlL7G23Mtp7vxm3MC_oQmitT9lS574Rth2dMw/12/15975197/jpeg/32x32/3/1368208800/0/2/441490_ALTA_COM_TR_CR.jpg/jluuiShIOduUhAsmzaUYISTQrGng3dpOpKKcBSCeIJM?size=1280x960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://photos-1.dropbox.com/t/0/AABXA4w4RzlL7G23Mtp7vxm3MC_oQmitT9lS574Rth2dMw/12/15975197/jpeg/32x32/3/1368208800/0/2/441490_ALTA_COM_TR_CR.jpg/jluuiShIOduUhAsmzaUYISTQrGng3dpOpKKcBSCeIJM?size=1280x960" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/c3/blanco_usa/_www/en/pub/products/product_portfolio/faucets1/portfolio_faucets.cfm?fuseaction=c.productdetail&startRow=1&endRow=2&strukturID=1354035835225" target="_blank">ALTA compact faucet</a> comes in wide range of SILGRANIT® II colors and metal finishes and is just the right size for smaller spaces. Features a 128° swivel spout, dual pull-out spray. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos-4.dropbox.com/t/0/AABoqsjaAmXHc7XutgT57TYvMP0j272MfLfCH4sq05U96g/12/15975197/jpeg/32x32/3/1368208800/0/2/441506_NAPA_PO_SS.jpg/lYuFPjp1uBKe4-3-yGVk2SGEV7gYsuaRyz-7hgGo6Kg?size=1280x960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://photos-4.dropbox.com/t/0/AABoqsjaAmXHc7XutgT57TYvMP0j272MfLfCH4sq05U96g/12/15975197/jpeg/32x32/3/1368208800/0/2/441506_NAPA_PO_SS.jpg/lYuFPjp1uBKe4-3-yGVk2SGEV7gYsuaRyz-7hgGo6Kg?size=1280x960" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">For more traditional tastes, there is the <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/c3/blanco_usa/_www/en/pub/products/product_portfolio/faucets1/portfolio_faucets.cfm?fuseaction=c.productdetail&startRow=1&endRow=4&strukturID=1354035835258" target="_blank">Napa faucet </a>which is sinuous and sleek at the same time - it has gentle curving lines, but with durability built in. Dual spray available in polished chrome and satin nickel. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/inter/kt/HeilerPPMKatalog/hlr-system/USA/Sinks_Bowls/BLANCOCERANA/FC_RD_SING_WH_GL_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.blancoamerica.com/inter/kt/HeilerPPMKatalog/hlr-system/USA/Sinks_Bowls/BLANCOCERANA/FC_RD_SING_WH_GL_640.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of my favorite products from BLANCO is the beautiful Fireclay apron front sink. The newest material in luxury is actually centuries old. Made of authentic fireclay, the exclusive <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/c3/blanco_usa/_www/en/pub/products/product_portfolio/portfolio_catalog_sinks.cfm?fuseaction=c.productdetail&startRow=1&endRow=3&strukturID=1326377546778" target="_blank">BLANCO CERANA™</a> is durable, beautiful, and versatile. This is a reversible sink is a perfect fit for both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Above is the more traditional rounded "farmhouse" style sink and below is the more integrated modern look. Two in one - a great idea! <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2013/03/the-before-and-after-my-kitchen.html" target="_blank">Boston blogger Erin Gates</a> just showed her BLANCO Gerana sink in her new kitchen remodel. It's a great look. And I'm thinking this is going to make a great addition to my virtual <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Linda%27s%20Dream%20House" target="_blank">Dream House design project</a> as well. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/inter/kt/HeilerPPMKatalog/hlr-system/USA/Sinks_Bowls/BLANCOCERANA/FC_SQ_SING_WH_WB_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.blancoamerica.com/inter/kt/HeilerPPMKatalog/hlr-system/USA/Sinks_Bowls/BLANCOCERANA/FC_SQ_SING_WH_WB_640.jpg" /></a></div><br />A huge thanks again to <a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/" target="_blank">BLANCO</a> for sponsoring BlogTourNola - it's been a great experience getting to know everyone involved!<br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

BlogTourNola Sponsor Spotlight: Blanco Sinks and Faucets - It's all in the details

A longtime BlogTour sponsor is BLANCO , the German manufacturer of finely crafted sinks and faucets, brings style and quality to a new leve...

Read more »

BlogTourNola Sponsor Spotlight: A Steamy Situation with Mr. Steam

First, a little entertainment:<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QeNBJrxiBQ4" width="640"></iframe><br /><br />So, it was pretty hot and steamy for part of our New Orleans adventure and I'll admit, the thought of a hot steam wasn't too overly appealing. Until I got home to New England and was reminded why the joys of a steamy experience would be well warranted for most of the year here!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.mrsteam.com/Portals/197381/images/ms_welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.mrsteam.com/Portals/197381/images/ms_welcome.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, a big thank you to Mr. Steam - and the effervescent  Martha Orellana (aka Mrs. Steam)  and Dan Reinert for hosting our amazing dinner at Chef Susan Spicer's Bayona Restaurant. The food, and the company, were amazing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mrsteam.com/index.html" target="_blank">Mr. Steam</a>, aka The Feel Good Company, is a premier source of upscale, and high quality steam products including towel warmers, shower speakers, shower seats, aromasteam and chromasteam™ systems. Their advanced technology, engineering, and design provides equipment that enhances lifestyles worldwide. The company has refined — and redefined — value and reliability, assuring the highest level of quality. In addition to providing private luxury enhancements for residential use, from smaller homes to estates, their products service a large roster of hotels, resorts, health clubs, spas, and professional team headquarters.</div><br />Plus, they enjoy a good time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrsteam.com/uploadedImages/Steam%20system-exp%20hi-wm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://mrsteam.com/uploadedImages/Steam%20system-exp%20hi-wm4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://mrsteam.com/products/residential-steambath.html" title="mr.steam© residential steambaths">Mr.Steam© residential steambaths</a> transform your shower into a personal home spa retreat.<em><br /></em><br />Adding <em>Mr.Steam</em> <a href="http://mrsteam.com/products/accessories_aromas.html" title="Aromasteam™">Aromasteam™</a> oils,  <a href="http://mrsteam.com/products/accessories_chromasteam.html">Chromasteam®</a> lights and MusicTherapy sounds to your steam shower will enhance your steam bathing experience. Steam may help relieve tired muscles as warmth penetrates the body. Warm moisture opens the pores of your skin, leaving it softer and more supple. Perspiration during steambathing may remove impurities from your body. Improved breathing and a sense of cleanliness contribute to a feeling of wellness and fitness.<br /><br />iSteam© is a new home steam shower experience that marks a new era in bathroom remodeling options. As easy to use as a smart phone, the beautiful grapics of the iSteam touch panel are unprecedented in steam controls. "We set out of create the best possibler user experience, integrating all the benefits of steam bathring and accessories into one highly intuitive control" says Mike Pinkus, Mr. Steam president and the lead industrial designer behind iSteam. "With swipe-touch simplicity, iSteam creates a near-magical transformation of your shower"  <br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/58179666?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/58179666">MrSteam: iSteam Control</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/mrsteam">Mr.Steam</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /> <br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

BlogTourNola Sponsor Spotlight: A Steamy Situation with Mr. Steam

First, a little entertainment: So, it was pretty hot and steamy for part of our New Orleans adventure and I'll admit, the thought of a h...

Read more »

East or West: Home is Best

Contrary to what many of us realize, many residents who lost their homes in New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina - which was in 2005! - are still struggling to rebuild. Our BlogTourNola trip a couple of weeks ago wasn't all about beignet's and bubby, we were on a mission to learn more about all of New Orleans, not just the fancy parts. <br /><br />As a wrap up to our trip to New Orleans, we're holding a tweetday TODAY at 4:00EST to talk about the trends and themes we saw in New Orleans, the Kitchen & Bath Industry show, and most importantly, our meetings with the homeowners affected by the storms and where they are today.  To view the chat, please click here. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA32lEub1GdtT35HRjY1c4h4011PLtt5bB-fi5t6RnFqbbZI_jtPUSDhgz9Vgy3c28wJoHtjrFOv-Yho4QIhgnf1reE1x684PhSK8npoIkB5xyH31XFolHQt71Q3rqfwLcnsZEShATqo/s1600/IMG_2868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="718" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA32lEub1GdtT35HRjY1c4h4011PLtt5bB-fi5t6RnFqbbZI_jtPUSDhgz9Vgy3c28wJoHtjrFOv-Yho4QIhgnf1reE1x684PhSK8npoIkB5xyH31XFolHQt71Q3rqfwLcnsZEShATqo/s640/IMG_2868.JPG" width="539" /></a></div> Brad Pitt's <a href="http://makeitright.org/" target="_blank">Make it Right</a> Foundation is the largest LEED Platinum building project in the world. To date 90 homes have been built, with 5 more currently in construction. Pitt selected the Lower Ninth Ward for his project, one of the most devastated during the storm. These new houses are environmentally friendly, yet seek to maintain the local "front porch" culture of the area.  Homeowners have a choice of design plan, color schemes and finishes. Those who wish to participate are provided with the tools for financial planning and the team to make their new homes a reality. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoe-XbWHY7vk2-bkL3RuCNsCf2UsNZjr7nuP8ONMGQSFUfCtYJCfVkOElDdBGuDUm8zURZmNayO3RNi7ZUPRpqOQTEGLI8545ndYIJRYioK8dgkjEUmNeEJ9Pbzc2cZmJZGX7i8AslfM/s1600/IMG_2870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="718" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoe-XbWHY7vk2-bkL3RuCNsCf2UsNZjr7nuP8ONMGQSFUfCtYJCfVkOElDdBGuDUm8zURZmNayO3RNi7ZUPRpqOQTEGLI8545ndYIJRYioK8dgkjEUmNeEJ9Pbzc2cZmJZGX7i8AslfM/s640/IMG_2870.JPG" width="538" /></a></div>Grassroots organizations are still on the ground working hard with their neighbors to get them back in their homes. We visited three homes and met the homeowners, volunteers and donors who are still working tirelessly (okay, they must be tired, they're human after all!) to get their lives back. <br /><br /><br /> Meet Joe and Gloria: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4Vh7KAUnX40d8llJ577HKJnQ7UVdPs52QTbNhcqrq1ZYg_JqrvQdIsfDpwkxbsxgReqj7xxLcZ_fVRvZpidP4CgPENH6H_Z8mfOw4iZ7iVglxXAyaQcPF0Qr0nhFsm5A1CX7Y-Y-PHI/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="727" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4Vh7KAUnX40d8llJ577HKJnQ7UVdPs52QTbNhcqrq1ZYg_JqrvQdIsfDpwkxbsxgReqj7xxLcZ_fVRvZpidP4CgPENH6H_Z8mfOw4iZ7iVglxXAyaQcPF0Qr0nhFsm5A1CX7Y-Y-PHI/s640/IMG_2871.JPG" width="545" /></a></div>Joe and Gloria Robert of New Orleans were newlyweds looking forward to a bright future together when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in August 2005.<br /><br />Residing in their new house for just one month before Katrina slammed the city, the couple lost everything when the levee behind their house was destroyed - one of 53 levees in the city breached by the storm surge – and canal water swallowed the home. The Roberts evacuated the city, staying with various friends and relatives. When the flood waters receded weeks later, Joe and Gloria moved into a pop-up camper in their driveway for a while, but they’ve also been staying with Joe’s daughter from a previous marriage. <br /><br />Nearly eight years later, Joe and Gloria’s house is still uninhabitable. While a new house has been framed out, the building lacks essentials including electrical, drywall, flooring and plumbing.  Because Joe is a contractor by trade, he has the skills to work on his house, but he has generously donated much of his free time to volunteering with St. Paul’s Homecoming Center helping to rebuild other people’s houses. <br /><br />Joe works on his home little by little, but is often derailed by setbacks such as having his house broken into and his tools stolen. Even though Joe was forced to save up until he could replenish his tool supply, he has not lost his faith in humanity. <br /><br />Fortunately, Joe and Gloria received some good news recently when Storehouse of World Vision selected the couple and their house for a rehab project. A few weeks ago Storehouse joined forces with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and <a href="http://www.stpaulshomecomingcenter.org/" target="_blank">St. Paul’s Homecoming Center</a> to help rehab kitchens and baths in three houses as a lead-in to NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) held April 19-21 in New Orleans. <br /><br />While Storehouse and NKBA partners have donated materials, appliances and labor for a new kitchen and bath in the Robert’s house, the rest of the unfinished home still needs lots of TLC.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stpaulshomecomingcenter.org/sites/default/files/29906170001_1815653610001_0831dv-la-flood-braithwaite%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.stpaulshomecomingcenter.org/sites/default/files/29906170001_1815653610001_0831dv-la-flood-braithwaite%20copy.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.worldvisionusprograms.org/nolaprojects.php" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT1K1rmU4ADprBhqdue6YfYgmx9xjE4WKNHeKiPeNOkmAYoxNNHXGMe-XPUVwgQs_7oV3yHgArRXfdOB_RvDDNkZb1C9pOGR3qcccQFFQxVxVrc8ThVlCRaPuqQZKY6_zMSyozOaf-TQ/s640/Storehouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.worldvisionusprograms.org/nolaprojects.php" target="_blank">Learn More and Donate Here</a></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=blogtournola&src=typd#" target="_blank">Join me on Twitter!</a></span></div>

East or West: Home is Best

Contrary to what many of us realize, many residents who lost their homes in New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina - which was in 2005! - are ...

Read more »

BlogTourNola Sponsor: Silestone by Cosentino and an important message

<p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8718989508/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1367963240688.77" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/8718989508_42acaf29a1_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> BlogTourNola sponsor <a href="http://www.silestoneusa.com" target="_self" title="">Silestone</a> by Cosentino showcased some gorgeous new quartz surfaces at KBIS and I am just in love - and I'm not just saying that because they are super nice people, sponsored our trip and treated us to delicious food! In other words, my thoughts and opinions are my own!</p> <p>The above montage shows some of my favorite new product releases. I have to say that I am pretty sick and tire of the ubiquitous granite countertop. Are they "over"? No, not over. But there are many natural stone alternatives that are both unique and beautiful. And, unlike many earlier iterations of quartz countertops that had very regular and repetitive patterning, they are now able to vary the surface patterns to look even more like natural stone as its removed from the earth. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>Nebula</u></strong></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8717872065/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="100" id="blogsy-1367963240696.691" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/8717872065_c47418ab3e.jpg" width="713"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8718990980/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="432" id="blogsy-1367963240744.5833" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/8718990980_0e16632585.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8717873917/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="812" id="blogsy-1367963240760.1716" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/8717873917_2d65397508_z.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8717874675/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="579" id="blogsy-1367963240771.3235" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/8717874675_a0f808536e.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <strong><u>Suede</u></strong></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8718992928/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="197" id="blogsy-1367963240684.3052" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/8718992928_66b7974337.jpg" width="703"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8717876101/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="413" id="blogsy-1367963240723.487" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7361/8717876101_b60197885e.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8717877603/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="428" id="blogsy-1367963240730.5608" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/8717877603_9b6afe0a9d.jpg" width="644"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8717879543/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="812" id="blogsy-1367963240730.4954" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/8717879543_b22a5234ea_z.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><u> White Zeus Extreme</u></strong></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8718998144/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="185" id="blogsy-1367963240747.628" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/8718998144_65b219fc46.jpg" width="701"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8717881221/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="431" id="blogsy-1367963240737.3923" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/8717881221_6f313f6a8d.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8717882123/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="812" id="blogsy-1367963240756.2542" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/8717882123_3d9995bbba_z.jpg" width="650"></a> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8717883377/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="431" id="blogsy-1367963240739.0813" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/8717883377_6b0b004e04.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">For more detail, visit </span><a href="http://www.silestoneusa.com" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); " target="_self" title="">Silestone</a><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">.</span></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8717884893/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="484" id="blogsy-1367963240720.4045" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/8717884893_4b24e843a8.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p style="text-align: center;"> Photo of Eco by Cosentino countertop by Linda Merrill at a Make It Right Foundation house, Lower 9th Ward, New Orleans. </p> <p> </p> <p>The folks at Silestone's sister brand Eco by Cosentino have also been heavily involved in the rebuilding of New Orleans, providing the countertops to Brad Pitt's <a href="http://www.makeitright.org" target="_self" title="">Make It Right Foundation</a>. <a href="http://ECObyCosentino" target="_self" title="">ECO by Cosentino</a>, an innovative line of eco-friendly surfaces made of 75 percent recycled materials, was specified for the kitchens and bathrooms of the Make It Right homes based upon its unique green attributes, C2C (Cradle to Cradle) and GREENGUARD certifications.</p> <p><strong><font size="5">And, breaking news</font></strong>! Tune in on Thursday, May 9th, for a tweetchat #Blogtournola as we all chat about our experiences in New Orleans and in particular the people and places we visited in the zones affected by Hurricane Katrina. Big headline news stories come and go, but that doesn't mean that the story is over. Many, many people are still struggling to rebuild their homes and lives, even while helping others in need. One such hero is Mr. Joe Roberts. </p> <p class="s5" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">Joe and Gloria Robert of New Orleans were newlyweds</span><span class="s4" style="font-weight: bold; "> </span><span class="s3">looking forward to a bright future together when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in August 2005. </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Residing in their new house for just one month before Katrina slammed the city, the couple lost everything when the levee behind their house was destroyed - one of 53 levees in the city breached by the storm surge – and canal water swallowed the home. The Roberts evacuated the city, staying with various friends and relatives. When the flood waters receded weeks later, Joe and Gloria moved into a pop-up camper in their driveway for a while, but they’ve also been staying with Joe’s daughter from a previous marriage.</span></p> <p class="s5" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></span></p> <p class="s5" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p> <p class="s5" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s4" style="font-weight: bold; ">Nearly eight years later, Joe and Gloria’s house is still uninhabitable.</span><span class="s3"> While a new house has been framed out, the building lacks essentials including electrical, drywall, flooring and plumbing. Because Joe is a contractor by trade, he has the skills to work on his house, but he has generously donated much of his free time to volunteering with St. Paul’s Homecoming Center helping to rebuild </span><span class="s6" style="font-style: italic; ">other</span><span class="s3"> people’s houses.</span></span></p> <p class="s5" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p> <p class="s5" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Joe works on his home little by little, but is often derailed by setbacks such as having his house broken into and his tools stolen. Even though Joe was forced to save up until he could replenish his tool supply, he has not lost his faith in humanity. </span>Fortunately, Joe and Gloria received some good news recently when Storehouse of World Vision selected the couple and their house for a rehab project. A few weeks ago Storehouse joined forces with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and St. Paul’s Homecoming Center to help rehab kitchens and baths in three houses as a lead-in to NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) held April 19-21 in New Orleans.</p> <p class="s5" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p> <p class="s5" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; margin-bottom: 0px; ">While Storehouse and NKBA partners have donated materials, appliances and labor for a new kitchen and bath in the Robert’s house, the rest of the unfinished home still needs lots of TLC.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8717885767/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="332" id="blogsy-1367963240770.2578" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/8717885767_26014868f3.jpg" width="844"></a></div> <p style="text-align: center;">Above - Joe and Gloria Roberts house, April 2013. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8719005082/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="484" id="blogsy-1367963240698.9111" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/8719005082_b958610d9a.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> Joe speaking with us in another home he is rebuilding for the St. Paul's Homecoming Center. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8719006892/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="484" id="blogsy-1367963240780.1414" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/8719006892_5a83f2d75e.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p style="text-align: center;"> Doves released at a building site in Gentilly, New Orleans. </p> <p> We're holding a fundraiser, so please visit this link http<a href="http://www.worldvision.org/nolaprojects">://www.worldvision.org/nolaprojects</a> to learn more. (It should be live later today). There are many worthwhile places for our money in this world, but these people have been working hard for eight years, it would be nice to see their labors rewarded and for them to know that they are not forgotten. </p> <p> </p> <p>Thank you. </p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

BlogTourNola Sponsor: Silestone by Cosentino and an important message

  BlogTourNola sponsor Silestone by Cosentino showcased some gorgeous new quartz surfaces at KBIS and I am just in love - and I'm no...

Read more »