New from Ann Sacks Tile

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.email.kohler.com/AnnSacks/2013/001257/images/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.email.kohler.com/AnnSacks/2013/001257/images/13.jpg" /></a></div><br />Loving this new Pietra collection of porcelain tile from Ann Sacks which looks like natural Calacatta marble.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.email.kohler.com/AnnSacks/2013/001257/images/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.email.kohler.com/AnnSacks/2013/001257/images/14.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.annsacks.com/common/images/jpg384/Pietra_Field_30x30_CalacattaPolished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.annsacks.com/common/images/jpg384/Pietra_Field_30x30_CalacattaPolished.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Can't wait to use it in a project soon! If you'd be interested in pricing and purchasing options, please contact me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0albvYQfX5rLWG71HytA-54a9bFpirYu0vEeQTcVgz1N8h_6q9Rzb4t2pGvmP-uXhXkbKPlMj45Bs_4irXrL23qnK3Q0tOao7xVANzaUrSwrwbgiDe_-VhF2sSyzSWBlN9toVCnh8Vow/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0albvYQfX5rLWG71HytA-54a9bFpirYu0vEeQTcVgz1N8h_6q9Rzb4t2pGvmP-uXhXkbKPlMj45Bs_4irXrL23qnK3Q0tOao7xVANzaUrSwrwbgiDe_-VhF2sSyzSWBlN9toVCnh8Vow/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" /></a></div><br />

New from Ann Sacks Tile

Loving this new Pietra collection of porcelain tile from Ann Sacks which looks like natural Calacatta marble. Can't wait to use it in a ...

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Passport To Design Bloggers Tour - Great resources on the No. Shore!

<br />I attended a wonderful design bloggers day yesterday courtesy of Boston Magazine's <a href="http://www.circlefurniture.com/promotions/12_pass.html" target="_blank">"Passport To Design"</a> program and organized by fellow blogger <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Yvonne Blacker</a>.  The Passport To Design event is a series of design seminars hosted by these five design industry stores and showrooms on the North Shore here in Massachusetts. The event has been going on for a couple of months, but there are still a couple of great seminars left on the schedule, <a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/passport/seminars.html" target="_blank">so check it out</a>. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.circlefurniture.com/" target="_blank">Circle Furniture</a> in Danvers hosted the first event with coffee and breakfast and a quick showroom tour by their Merchandiser Sean William Donovan. This spacious showroom is on Rte. 1. For those who have never been there, try not to miss the showroom as it took me 18 minutes to circle back since Rte 1 is a divided highway. There is a Costco just before it on the same side, so once you see Costco, pay close attention! I wanted to sink into the tufted green chair and a half - it is fabulous! Also comes in sofa size. The tables are made from reclaimed wood and were beautiful.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBIXYnEH6Aqs652luakMo93Da5uGK1zBsgNaWH6VFS79WsnTaXXF9Y7rND-9wyd0IUTOIEzmEwDATV8zapux8oJUm8AjpiOwq9B-GWCDrXRhwXXu4bYx4yLbCywLrkh-fNjskjkWsap0e/s1600/Circle+Furniture4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBIXYnEH6Aqs652luakMo93Da5uGK1zBsgNaWH6VFS79WsnTaXXF9Y7rND-9wyd0IUTOIEzmEwDATV8zapux8oJUm8AjpiOwq9B-GWCDrXRhwXXu4bYx4yLbCywLrkh-fNjskjkWsap0e/s640/Circle+Furniture4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Next on the tour was <a href="http://tile-by-design.com/" target="_blank">Tile By Design </a>in Danvers. After toasting the day with Mimosas (yes, we design bloggers are a boozy lot) we toured their beautiful tile showroom that was jammed packed with hardscape goodies. My new favorite (see bottom left) is a teak wood mosaic tile that is laid like ceramic moasic tile, in sheets. It does have its own grout compound, but the look is fabulous! But since it's wood, keep it away from fireplaces and stove tops! We were sent on our way with cute, and tasty, little cupcakes. Sweet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlEnWcg-M4slm0Mn5oDEUzL5-h46fwa22JvL-W8si4c2L34UFYIe57JnP68KiRMulmRtIee2N9BOSxEd9FLdzP-HrQepgEppI-ucA7Z4E_Px6WKeVz1YHxi5idWsD3h5DnZGxzBJfQcqR/s1600/Tile+by+Design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlEnWcg-M4slm0Mn5oDEUzL5-h46fwa22JvL-W8si4c2L34UFYIe57JnP68KiRMulmRtIee2N9BOSxEd9FLdzP-HrQepgEppI-ucA7Z4E_Px6WKeVz1YHxi5idWsD3h5DnZGxzBJfQcqR/s640/Tile+by+Design.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Next, we traveled to Beverly to visit the <a href="http://designerbath.com/" target="_blank">Designer Bath & Salem Plumbing Supply</a> showroom, where our tour guide Yvonne is marketing director. They were undergoing a showroom renovation, but that didn't dampen our spirits. (pun intended). Who doesn't love a lot of sparkle and shine?!? Okay, question: Would you want a tv embedded in your bath or shower? See top left photo... I admit in my much younger days I used to take hours long baths (yes, fill,hot, cool, drain, refill, hot, cool, do it all over) and sometimes I did drag my little 13" black & white tv in to the bathroom with me. But I'm not sure about having the newsman right inside the shower with me [insert joke here]. Thoughts? We had a lovely lunch of corn chowder and chicken sammies to restore our energy, tasty! And yes, that's me bottom right - why was I grimacing??<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vVVX7WduU-slxqGogEUfczvUuy0OUd_1mky0M2g18MA4G4krvIDiG5nQ0iDn8Zaxh4pV0gMbTqz8cDzqGZc0HmzGoKRrJxSK2sWPY8d3IkdlnAebznFDqFkXlOfFUQ20GUvg7jSn50aR/s1600/Designer+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vVVX7WduU-slxqGogEUfczvUuy0OUd_1mky0M2g18MA4G4krvIDiG5nQ0iDn8Zaxh4pV0gMbTqz8cDzqGZc0HmzGoKRrJxSK2sWPY8d3IkdlnAebznFDqFkXlOfFUQ20GUvg7jSn50aR/s640/Designer+Bath.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/" target="_blank">Our next stop was the venerable Landry & Arcari</a>'s Salem showroom. Okay, I love carpet, love it. But unfortunately, I am allergic to wool. So being in a carpet showroom can be a bit difficult for me -  the things we suffer for our art!. The L&A folks, which is a family run business, are so passionate about their rugs and it's infectious. We also got to visit their workroom where craftsman/woman were busy repairing client's rugs. Really fun to watch. I didn't know this, and I have purchased L&A rugs for clients, that they will buy back rugs from clients. Of course, they must be in good, unstained condition, but it's a great program. They mentioned that they had just bought a rug back from clients who purchased it 20 years ago at an excellent price. While these are not budget items, a good Oriental rug will last for decades and knowing it can be returned for a decent price if you want a change is great. Just as our energies were waning, we were treated to afternoon tea, cookies and salted caramels. Yum. A little shout out to the lovely<a href="http://design4seasons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Katherine Hawkins</a> (bottom right). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAJK4v9THXhLRct2gqhNjEqspfmiaqN6k3kAPfjGUbsz1ZXK_Ae6gUOE7POXPbIhHlBc9JlIt8S5tp5f4LZPgtglhIlX2qrJwpl3JBaYPGT830mG98OKC8bGvtkC3JPjgmMz2BB19chZ4/s1600/Landry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAJK4v9THXhLRct2gqhNjEqspfmiaqN6k3kAPfjGUbsz1ZXK_Ae6gUOE7POXPbIhHlBc9JlIt8S5tp5f4LZPgtglhIlX2qrJwpl3JBaYPGT830mG98OKC8bGvtkC3JPjgmMz2BB19chZ4/s640/Landry.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Our final stop was to the fabulous <a href="http://lucialighting.com/" target="_blank">Lucia Lighting</a> showroom in Lynn. Owner Lucy Dearborn was the perfect hostess for our final stop. As effervescent as the bubbly she generously poured upon our arrival (did I mention we're a boozy lot?), Lucy gave us a great tour of the showroom. That's her in the middle image below showing us these cute little fun pendant lights that I can't remember much about (I was pooped, I'll admit it!). Also, shout out to fellow blog tour member <a href="http://www.kristinacrestindesign.com/" target="_blank">Kristina Crestin</a>. I'm more partial to crystal and sparkles. Love, love the Studio Bel Vetro blow glass lighting (bottom). The colors and patterns are amazing. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5PFJMXamd2woj8bV2nejGMj4JPQn8AFeur7A63kx1mn2OYtXOT1I3Ba4NH9g9dJjREU7x6rdfEaJrdf0k4_Gze4qX-ul8vLA6xQdBkJlLBNAdDTny7GRWrGA6WqqVndtx86Ui_fCaIGB/s1600/Lucia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5PFJMXamd2woj8bV2nejGMj4JPQn8AFeur7A63kx1mn2OYtXOT1I3Ba4NH9g9dJjREU7x6rdfEaJrdf0k4_Gze4qX-ul8vLA6xQdBkJlLBNAdDTny7GRWrGA6WqqVndtx86Ui_fCaIGB/s640/Lucia.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Thanks for taking the tour with me. <a href="http://bostonmagazine.com/passport" target="_blank">Check out</a> the Passport to Design events still going on!<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>

Passport To Design Bloggers Tour - Great resources on the No. Shore!

I attended a wonderful design bloggers day yesterday courtesy of Boston Magazine's "Passport To Design" program and organized...

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Tile of Spain: Designs With Designs

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHFGE0OgddtrGoBpPscHJEpGW2rAhX7jjP0XPnLWHxKOpETVa9aph6v5um-3gSDknPrgth2CLiJdo42-eoEqK5XIxzqFQ3m7gMMxxo-LckyomtiFt8PEF9y0s193U65jX-RCPaHgZiSwd/s1600/video-300x169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHFGE0OgddtrGoBpPscHJEpGW2rAhX7jjP0XPnLWHxKOpETVa9aph6v5um-3gSDknPrgth2CLiJdo42-eoEqK5XIxzqFQ3m7gMMxxo-LckyomtiFt8PEF9y0s193U65jX-RCPaHgZiSwd/s1600/video-300x169.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />By ::Surroundings:: Guest Blogger Lori Dolnick<br /><br />According to Tile expert, <a href="http://www.patti-tile.com/" target="_blank">Ryan Fasan</a> the tile industry - especially the <a href="http://www.tileofspainusa.com/" target="_blank">Tile of Spain</a> manufacturers - are in a renaissance period. Spanish technology is driving innovation from every facet. For instance, ink jet printing is providing limitless opportunity for design customization and to reinvent organic themes such as wood and marble. Thin tile offers large wall and floor formats and new dimensional shapes. Eco-friendly advances include recycled tile, tile that absorbs pollution or tile that provides an energy efficient surface that’s warm to the touch. <br /><br />Last week's two hour event was packed with information not only from the manufacturers themselves – but also award winning architecture from Spanish architect Ángela García de Paredes – Principal, Paredes Pedrosa Arquitectos, Madrid, Spain that demonstrated how material and nature are important design considerations. Dr. Martin Bechthold – Professor of Architectural Technology/ Group Head, Graduate School of Design, Harvard University shed light on integrating robotic technology into fabrication and construction processes, developing advanced material systems and understanding problems of lifecycle design. Andie Day, local designer/blogger moderated a lively design forum where architects and designers could ask the speakers specific questions regarding their projects. The well-attended CEU event was sponsored by the Tile of Spain and held in the new BSA (Boston Society of Architects) Space in Boston. <br /><br />To experience the entire evening in about 2 minutes, watch this fun video recap:<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bPyKTmIejGY" width="853"></iframe><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>

Tile of Spain: Designs With Designs

By ::Surroundings:: Guest Blogger Lori Dolnick According to Tile expert, Ryan Fasan the tile industry - especially the Tile of Spain manuf...

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Congrats to the Best of the South Shore Winners

<a href="http://www.ssliving.com/ssl_july_09001012.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.ssliving.com/ssl_july_09001012.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 262px;" /></a><br />A big congrats to the winners of the 2009 <a href="http://www.ssliving.com/index.html">South Shore Magazine</a>'s Best of the South Shore winners.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Antique Shop</span>: <a href="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/">Dillon and Company</a>, Plymouth. They have won this award for the last several years, which almost makes it seem like they are the only Antique Shop, which isn't true. But, they are one of the best!<br /><a href="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/images/accessory4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/images/accessory4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 505px; height: 378px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/lamps/lamps-Images/0.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/lamps/lamps-Images/0.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 513px; height: 685px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/drawers/drawers-Images/28.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.dillonandcompany.com/drawers/drawers-Images/28.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 360px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Lighting Shop</span>: <a href="http://www.flemingslighting.com/pages/1/index.htm">Fleming</a>'s (website under construction), Cohasset. They are pretty much the only lighting only shop here on the South Shore, but they'd be winners even with more competition. Not only do the stock a wide array of lamps and decorative lampshades and finials - they also do rewire and repair work as well. A real old-fashioned type of specialty store with the kind of knowledge that one will never find in a big box store.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Rug Merchant</span>: <a href="http://www.hassanrugs.com/">Hassan Oriental Rug</a>, Hanover, MA<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hassanrugs.com/images-new/menu1/homepage-bottom2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.hassanrugs.com/images-new/menu1/homepage-bottom2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 536px; height: 212px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.hassanrugs.com/images-rugs/Uzbek%20MFZ1001.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.hassanrugs.com/images-rugs/Uzbek%20MFZ1001.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 359px; height: 625px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.hassanrugs.com/images-rugs/Heriz%20MFZ700.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.hassanrugs.com/images-rugs/Heriz%20MFZ700.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 350px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Tile Store</span>:<a href="http://www.classictile-stone.com/"> Classic Stone & Tile</a>, Hingham, MA. The shop is owned by sisters Julie Ryan and Kristin Henaghan who know everything about tile and stone. They can answer questions on installation issues and create your design plus, they have the most beautiful showroom with so many gorgeous samples, it's hard to know where to look first. From elegant marbles to fun and funky recycled glass mosaics, the cover the gamut of design styles. I've used them in my work and have always been thrilled with the selection and customer service.<br /><a href="http://www.classictile-stone.com/images/tiles/MG_1070.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.classictile-stone.com/images/tiles/MG_1070.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 462px; height: 633px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqxKOCzPix9yr85pL-vwL3kNN7DtcgiLJQdv8WEplbyUHNotpF49jfUNJogrwU2Co8HD1noDSnuXSxmRrOG8HvjVM0E_KG__59YYf6pu5O97a7vcBnJSfTF9hIYup0PLAevGeaa71c8O4/s1600-h/mg1075.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364066991931706130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqxKOCzPix9yr85pL-vwL3kNN7DtcgiLJQdv8WEplbyUHNotpF49jfUNJogrwU2Co8HD1noDSnuXSxmRrOG8HvjVM0E_KG__59YYf6pu5O97a7vcBnJSfTF9hIYup0PLAevGeaa71c8O4/s400/mg1075.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 457px; height: 624px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.classictile-stone.com/images/slideshow/home/sonoma021.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.classictile-stone.com/images/slideshow/home/sonoma021.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 441px; height: 604px;" /></a>There were other categories in home furnishings, however, all those winners were large chain stores and I'd rather focus on the small businesses where customer service and high quality go hand in hand.<br /><br />Congrats to all!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><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: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

Congrats to the Best of the South Shore Winners

A big congrats to the winners of the 2009 South Shore Magazine 's Best of the South Shore winners. Best Antique Shop : Dillon and Compan...

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