Everything But the (Stainless Steel) Kitchen Sink

Posted on 11. May, 2011 by Sesshu Design in Blog, Uncategorized

Tired of stainless steel sinks in the kitchen?  Maybe you are sick of hard water spots every time you use the faucet.  Or maybe you just want something that everyone else doesn’t have.  Whatever your reason, I have good news.  There are many alternatives to what has become the standard choice for most kitchens.

An oldie but still a goodie- the cast iron kitchen sink.  This has been around for decades, but the variety of colors now available makes it a nice choice for updating a traditional kitchen.  Numerous sizes and shapes with both single-, double- and triple-bowl options mean almost endless variety.

The Wheatland cast iron sink from Kohler is a new classic.  Photo courtesy of Kohler

If you like the soft glow of copper and don’t mind a little TLC application, then a copper farmhouse sink might be for you.  In hammered or smooth finishes, with or without extra decorative details, copper is a beautiful and unique option.  Mix it with oil-rubbed bronze finishes on faucets and cabinet hardware.

This double bowl sopper farmhouse sink is a stylish option to stainless steel. Photo courtesy of CopperSinks.com

For a super easy cleaning option, and a smaller environmental footprint at the same time, look for integrated concrete counters and sinks.  There are no limits beyond your own imagination here – size, shape, and color can be customized to suit your tastes.  For a greener option, look for recycled content in the concrete.

This integrated concrete sink is from Sonoma Cast Stone. Photo courtesy of Sonoma Cast Stone

A very durable option introduced a few years ago is the granite composite kitchen sink.  Usually only offered in a few basic colors, this is the choice for people who want function over form.

If you want more style and aren’t worried as much about durability, then the hand-painted Artist series from Kohler might appeal to you.  Multiple styles, colors, sizes and shapes are available to suit a variety of design styles.  Especially well-suited to a Spanish Mediterranean or Victorian style kitchen, these sinks are a conversation piece.

The Alcott artist series is unique and eye-catching. Photo courtesy of Kohler

If your kitchen is an Old World style and you want to keep it authentic, a hand-carved stone farmhouse sink makes an impact.  Available in travertine, marble or onyx they can be brand new replicas, or look for antiques imported from Europe.  You will want to use a rubber sink liner to avoid chipped and broken dishes, but these unique kitchen sinks are so worth it.

The apron of this travertine sink can be plain or carved. Photo courtesy of Treasures de Old Mexico

Recently many manufacturers have introduced some very interesting shapes that are great for entertaining.  Fill these sinks with ice for an ideal built-in drink cooler – easy clean-up and eye-catching style in one!

A fun option for entertaining - fill this sink with ice and drinks!

Triangles-The Key to a Great Kitchen

Posted on 09. May, 2011 by Sesshu Design in Blog, Uncategorized

The basic triangle shows the sink, refrigerator and cooktop as they realte to each other.

You may have heard of the work triangle but not understood what that really meant – is it something to do with too many cooks in the kitchen?  Not at all- in fact it makes it easier to have more cooks without spoiling the broth.

A well designed kitchen will have a work triangle that allows the cook to operate efficiently and easily.  Essentially, the work triangle is the relationship of the three major work areas in any kitchen: cooking, preparing, clean-up.  In kitchen design the components you typically see at the points of the triangle are the cooktop or range, the refrigerator/freezer, and the sink.

Sometimes a secondary triangle is also shown, which includes the veggie or prep sink and the other components.  A second triangle may also have other possible additional appliances like the oven or a beverage center.

For a more efficient layout, it is generally better to keep the distance (the “sides” of the triangle) shorter.  However, you want to be careful that if more than one person is working in the kitchen at any one time there won’t be a traffic jam.  It is also good to make sure that none of the sides are interrupted by an object like the island.  If the island does interrupt one side, try to let it be between the sink and the cooking area (less desirable), or the sink and the refrigerator (better).

The cooktop and refrigerator generally need to be close to each other to facilitate ease of food preparation.  Placing the island between the sink and the refrigerator makes washing, chopping and prepping food more convenient.  Adding a veggie sink in the island will do the same thing.  Ideally, that will be situated close to the cooktop to minimize the physical steps between chopping and cooking.

This mountain kitchen has plenty of room to move and work with a large island placed conveniently in the center.

Other crucial aspects on consider when designing the layout of your kitchen are the width of walkways, the counter space near cooking and prepping areas, and the location of the refrigerator and pantry in relation to the entrance the family most commonly uses.  All of these contribute to the ease of moving and working in the space, which makes preparing delicious meals more enjoyable.

When designing the kitchen cabinet layout you must also consider the space between them.  A general rule of thumb for walkways is no less than 40”, but not usually more than 48” wide.  Spaces closer than 40” are a tight squeeze – especially if you have two or more people working at the same time.  Too far from the island or other surface for staging food is not good either. Iif it requires more than one step, you risk dropping hot pans or just wasting energy unpacking groceries.

The ideal distance in most cases is about 42” from the front of one cabinet or appliance to the other directly across from it.  Some exceptions might be in front of the dishwasher, refrigerator or ovens, where a little more space makes reaching what’s inside easier.

Some good and not so good kitchen triangle layout options.

When it comes to counter space, everyone will agree that more is better.  That is very true in the areas immediately next to your cooktop, the refrigerator and the oven.  A kitchen designed with a small triangle is good, but not if it sacrifices surfaces to set things like heavy pots, hot dishes, or bags of groceries.  Avoid putting the cooktop right beside the fridge without any space between – especially if there is not an abundance of space on the other side either.  Try to allow a minimum of 18” on either side of each triangle point.

If possible, plan to locate the refrigerator and freezer nearest to the path from the garage or door your family uses most often.  The shorter trip carrying armfuls of shopping bags will be much appreciated.  Same goes for the pantry.  If it isn’t possible, then a landing area like an island or large stretch of counter close to the kitchen entrance which can serve as a staging spot to work from on grocery day is the next best option.  Anyone who has ever lived in a small apartment without such a surface will know what I mean!

A bright and cheerful Mediterranean style kitchen in Santa Barbara

An attractive kitchen is nice to have, but if it doesn’t function easily or well then it won’t be enjoyed.  Let the form of your most used room follow the function guidelines here.  You will enjoy the necessary tasks of daily food preparation so much more.  Good kitchen design is about having both – beauty and function.

If all this seems too confusing, a qualified interior designer or certified kitchen designer may be the answer you are looking for.  Many cabinetry showrooms have them on staff.  If you are doing more than just the kitchen, then working with a professional interior designer can make your life so much easier.  Contact us for more information about how we can help you create the kitchen  of your dreams.

Brighten Your Day with Eco-Fabulous Dinnerware

Posted on 04. May, 2011 by Sesshu Design in Blog, Uncategorized

Viva Sol Dinnerware -eco-friendly in bright colors. Photo coutesy of Viva Terra

Made from recycled glass, VivaTerra’s Festival Sol Dinnerware will brighten your Cinco de Mayo (or any other day) in shades of lime, turquoise, orange and red.  Glossy interiors make cleaning easy, and ribbed undersides keep them from slipping out of your fingers.  All pieces are dishwasher safe.

Viva Sol Dinnerware bowls. Photo coutesy of Viva Terra

Viva Sol Mini-bowls, set of 4. Photo coutesy of Viva Terra

 

 

Save Energy With New Appliances

Posted on 02. May, 2011 by Sesshu Design in Blog, Uncategorized

Just because your appliances are still working doesn’t mean you don’t want to consider replacing them. Older appliances, especially the refrigerator, often use far more energy than newer models.  Using more energy also means increasing your electric bills, so updating an older appliance could pay for itself in a matter of a few years.  For instance, purchasing a new Energy Star rated refrigerator to replace a non-Energy Star model that is older than 1993 could pay for itself in about two years.  According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), efficient appliances use ten to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models.

Appliances use about 20 percent of the total energy in your home, with the biggest energy hogs being the refrigerator and the clothes dryer.  If you are ready to buy new appliances, look for the most energy efficient Energy Star model you can find.  Upgrading to all Energy Star models can save 12 percent or more on your electricity usage.  Introduced in 1992, the Energy Star label means that a product meets or exceeds strict energy-efficiency guidelines established by the EPA and DOE—so you’ll always find it on the most efficient washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and heating and cooling units.  Not all Energy Star models are the same, so be sure to compare the energy usage information shown on each model.  Aim to buy appliances that reduce sage by at least 25 percent over your current unit.

New refrigerators and freezers use about 50 percent less energy than models built before 1993.  New efficient models have highly efficient compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms to lower energy consumption.  If your current fridge is older than 1993, replace it as soon as possible.  A typical new refrigerator uses less than 500 kWh per year, whereas a typical model sold in 1973 used over 1,800 kWh per year, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.  Replacing your old refrigerator with an efficient model will also keep 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere each year.

Energy-Star-qualified dishwashers need 25 percent less energy than federal minimum standard dishwashers and save $100 over their lifetimes.  Dishwashers should be replaced approximately every 10–15 years—sooner if your family cooks at home and runs the dishwasher daily.

Using your dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes can save water, but using the heat dry cycle can really add to the energy consumed and waste money.  Turn off the drying cycle, and let them air dry.  Whenever possible, don’t use the heat-dry, rinse-hold, or pre-rinse features.  Newer models are both more effective and efficient.  They eliminate the need for pre-rinsing dishes, which further reduces water usage.  Most of the energy that dishwashers consume comes from heating water, so turn down the temperature of your water heater to 120°F.  Running the dishwasher (and clothes dryer) at night or during off-peak hours will reduce the drain on the power grid.  It is peak demand that determines the country’s expansion of dirty coal-powered plants.

In all cases, make sure you recycle, rather than donate, your old appliances, so you retire energy guzzling models. Stores that sell and install new appliances often have recycling services. Or, contact the Steel Recycling Institute or enter your zip code at Earth911.com to find a recycling site near you.   Old appliances such as refrigerators and freezers can contain ozone-layer depleting chemicals.

Remember to service and maintain your appliances, which can save you an additional three to ten percent on your annual energy bills.  If you do decide to buy new appliances, take advantage of tax rebates for energy efficient appliances.

Fix a Leaky Faucet

Posted on 18. Mar, 2011 by Sesshu Design in Blog, Uncategorized

Leaking water faucets waste gallons of water each day, costing you money and depleting one of our most precious commodities.  Not to mention the irritation of the constant drip, drip, drip and the stains they often create in your sink.  The good news is that a leaky faucet is usually easy to fix.  Most leaky faucets are caused by loose nuts and worn out washers.

If water is leaking at the base of the handle, it is most likely just a loose connection.  Use an adjustable wrench and tighten the nut located below the handle.

Most leaks are caused by bad washers.  Symptoms of a worn-out washer is a slow leak coming from the faucet, water dripping out of the handles, and water that collects around the back of the handle area.  These can easily be replaced by a handy-man or plumber for a very minimal charge.  If you want to attempt to replace the washer yourself, here are some basic steps.

1. Turn off the water. Before you start, turn the water off to your faucet. Look underneath your sink for the pipes that run up to your faucet- you will see handles that you can turn to shut off the water to your sink.  Turn the handles clockwise to turn off the water. Remember the saying “Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey”. Turning the handle right turns your water off.
2. Plug up the sink drain once the water has been turned off. Use either the sink’s in-built mechanism for plugging the drain, or plug it yourself with a rag to avoid having a screw or a washer accidentally go down the drain.
3. Take the faucet handles off. Take out the screw that is holding them on.  Some faucet handles might hide their screws behind plastic or metal caps. You might have to pry the cap off with a flathead screwdriver to get at the screws holding the handles on, or unscrew a cap. Once you’ve removed the screws, pry the handles off with a flathead screwdriver. Some handles might come off easily without the need for prying.

   

4. Once you have the faucet handle off, remove the old washer that was behind the handle. If there is no washer behind the handle, you will need to add one.
5. Simply place the new washer where the old washer was. Basically the hole in the washer should be just slightly bigger than the post that the handle turns.

   

    

6. Put the faucet handle back on the post and put the screw back in. Tighten the handle until it is “hand tight”. That means tighten the screw until it feels tight without you having to use extra strength to tighten it. don’t over-tighten or you won’t be able to turn the handle to turn water on.
7. Turn your water back on by turning the water supply handles under the sink counter-clockwise (remember, “Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey”).
8. Check it. If everything went well you shouldn’t have a leaky faucet any longer. If your faucet continues to leak, try tightening the screws on the faucet handles just a bit more. If the faucet still leaks, then it really is time to call a plumber.

Eco-friendly Spa-like Master Baths

Posted on 22. Feb, 2011 by Sesshu Design in Blog, Uncategorized

The good news is that bathroom remodels are still considered a good investment to make when remodeling your home.  Done properly, they will deliver big rewards in both your return on investment as well as the look and feel of the space.  Creating an eco-friendly bathroom that delivers on luxury is an even better investment.

Many homeowners say their number one home remodeling desire is a spa-like feeling in their master bath.  For most, it’s all about the shower.  No longer just functional, showers have become an indulgent experience.  With the latest fixtures you can even have an eco-friendly shower without sacrificing luxury.

The exciting innovations out on the market mean you can turn your shower into a spa without tearing out the walls.  New fixtures are available that can add body sprays, rain massage and a nebulizing mist function without the need to bring in a contractor.  These products work with your existing plumbing, so an experienced do-it-yourselfer may even be able to tackle this job.

If you want to be eco-friendly and conserve water, you will want to upgrade to a low flow showerhead.  Improvements have been made there as well, and new technology means that you can save water while still enjoying the power of a strong stream of water.  Look for fixtures that are made with a flow regulator not a flow restrictor.  The regulator maintains a constant flow rate regardless of water pressure which allows them to provide a consistently good shower experience.

Multi-function showerheads are all the rage these days.  They flip, rotate, spin and deliver a range of streams to provide numerous showering experiences.  Some allow you to convert them to a rainhead for a soothing soak, or spin them around for a pounding massage spray.

Rainheads that incorporate LED lighting are also a recent trend that makes sense for an eco-friendly bathroom.  The energy efficient LED lighting can be changed to suit your mood- white for everyday or blue for quiet times.

Your master bathroom is a personal sanctuary from the stress of your hectic life- making it a soothing spa is not only a sound investment for your home, it is a smart investment in yourself.

Color Palettes for 2011

Posted on 21. Feb, 2011 by Sesshu Design in Blog, Uncategorized

Interior design color trends for 2011 range from vibrant pinks and yellows to subdued grays and browns, and even a few in between. The spirit of adventure and self-discovery, as well as a playful and sassy style are evident in the vibrant hues. A calming, soothing feeling of shelter, solace and harmony are evoked in the muted palettes os grays, beiges and browns that make up the opposite end of the color trend spectrum.

Pittsburg Paint’s Pink City Palette for interiors highlights vibrant Indian Pinks and spicy oranges reminiscent of the Indian city of Jaipur, also know as the Pink City.  The scheme literally vibrates with life and the spirit of adventure, representing the journey of self-discovery.  The allure of warm, saturated colors and a sense of creativity are played out in deep pink and rusty orange juxtaposed against off-white, stone gray and chocolate brown to reflect an urban look.

Textures of crushed velvet, leather, and chenille layered with dark woods, rattan and tortoise shell help to create the exotic and adventurous style of this interior color palette.

For those wanting a playful, spirited and sassy style the Zest Palette of high energy yellow contrasted with crisp white is just the thing.  A color scheme of concentrated happiness that will punch up the decor of fashionistas who are not afraid of bold statements, this palette is glamorous and fun-loving at the same time.  Pair these with steel gray or pale gray and sleek black for a sophisticated room that is anything but boring.

This scheme looks best with geometric forms, high-gloss finishes  and funky shapes.

The southwest Hacienda Palette blends wonderfully with Mexican style furnishings, either traditional or modern.  Warm, rich reds, oranges, yellows and deep browns are mixed with soft off whites and touches of green or cobalt blue.  This color scheme is timeless and well-tested.  It can be either vibrant and playful, or more rich and authentic depending on your application and style.

Hand-crafted finishes, rustic designs and ethnic accessories play off the casual nature of this palette.

The Canvas Palette from Pittsburg Paint uses subdued shades of gray, brown and blue to create a calm minimalist feeling.  This scheme allows your space to be a strong, peaceful shelter which you can think, create and dream in.  The colors evoke a deep sense of quiet, with soulful dark gray-browns and gray-blues to convey a sense of calm.  The harmony of minimalism that chalk white, muted beiges and warm beige tones lend to the palette also serve to maximize space.

Natural fabrics and textures of linen, hemp, cotton mixed with bleached woods in simple shapes, casual finishes and rugged surfaces create the look of natural harmony this palette demands.

Purples, both deep and soft, continue to be seen in fabrics, paints and accessories.  Mixed with metals, grays and white this regal color is stunning and strong.

Of course, interior design color trends are just that- a trend.  Your home should always reflect your personality and style more than just the latest fad.  If you need help understanding what your color style is, we can help.  We offer color consultations as well as complete room makeovers to help you achieve the updated look you want.  Just contact our office for an appointment.

DONGHIA President on Design Trends

Posted on 26. Oct, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, fabrics, furnishings, home decoration, luxury design, scottsdale interior design, Uncategorized, wallcoverings, wallpaper

DONGHIA

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Crans Baldwin, President of Donghia and Bergamo – two very beautiful fabric lines that I always enjoy using on my client’s projects.  He was at the John Brooks showroom in Scottsdale, presenting an exclusive sneak peek at the new Fall collections from both lines, as well as the new collection from Armani Casa textiles.  The fabrics were stunning, as always, but what I found even more intriguing were his comments on what he sees as interior design trends happening right now.

In these tough economic times, people have turned back to value and quality in the items they purchase.  People have begun to do those interior design or redecorating projects again, but they are very conscous of using products that are of high quality.  They want things that will last, that are authentic.  Understanding this, the Rubelli company (which is the parent company of Donghia, Bergamo and Armani Casa) have created interior textiles that use beautiful and luxurious fibers which are authentic.  Durability, known in the interior design industry as “double-rubs” or “rub count”, is a key design factor in the new collections.  The pricing is also kept in a very reasonable range, allowing interior designers to use these very special fabrics in more areas.

Another feature that has become more important to many people in these uncertain times is buying things that are made in America.  Donghia has a fabric mill in Pennsylvania which produces amazing textiles, and all of their furniture is hand made in America.  (They still make some furniture in Europe, but that is only sold to customers in Europe.)

Color palettes are always a big interior design trend people are curious about.  This season colors are darker, bolder and saturated with deep aubergine, navy, chocolate, and gray mixed with crimson, copper and brights.  One color scheme even combined orange and purple in varying degrees – from Phoenix Suns team colors, to a slightly more subdued copper paired with dusty plum.  Black is also big this season, sometimes mixed with white or cream, sometimes alone as in a luscious, rich, patterned velvet.

Texture is important – soft and luxurious velvets or chenille-like wovens, fil coupe’ (literally ‘cut yarn’) sheers, nubby terry cloth for outdoors, and a super heavy cotton sateen that will outlast many commercial grade fabrics.

The patterns are unique, and often hand made by artisans all over the world.  Many new patterns are recreated from old “documents” – fabrics that are in the company archives from the past – now done in fresh modern color palettes, or maybe at a different scale, but still the authentic old pattern.  This was especially true in the Armani Casa collection, which uses European and French Art Deco patterns, fabrics and even a dress form the 1920’s and 30’s as inspiration.

Some of the latest patterns take a traditional design and then enlarge it to a giant scale, weave it in contemporary color schemes, and create a very fresh and modern new look.  Damasks, stripes and tapestry patterns all receive this fresh treatment to great effect. 

An interesting use of an authentic material is the horsehair sheer and wall covering shown in natural colors which is quite beautiful in its subtle shading of browns, blacks, creams and taupes.  Horsehair was often used as stuffing in upholstery and as a stiffener in the 19th century.  It is slightly scratchy, and somewhat stiff, but in the right application is stunning.  Donghia is the only manufacturer to create a wall covering by paper backing the horsehair fabric.  It looks similar to a grasscloth, but more unusual and refined.

I am personally looking forward to helping my clients find the stunning statement fabric or wall covering they love which will make their home incredible.  With the new direction taken by the Rubelli’s, I know it will be a joy.

Greenwashing – How to Avoid Being BAMBOOzled by Green Labels

Posted on 05. Oct, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, eco tips, eco-friendly, eco-friendly design, eco-friendly interior design, energy efficient design, energy-star, environmentally friendly tips, green building products, green design, green living tips, healthy homes, indoor air quality, innovation, LEED, new technology, recyclable, recycle, recycling, resources, sustainable, sustainable design, sustainable interior design, Uncategorized, water saving tips, WaterSense, zero-VOC

Green-wash | green’wash’ | verb: The act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service

If you look around, you’ll see that companies left and right are all jumping on the “GREEN” bandwagon.  Unfortunately, this has become a case of buyer beware, because too often they are just slapping on an ‘ECO-FRIENDLY’ label and that does NOT mean the product is actually environmentally responsible.  To add to this confusion, there is often no consensus on what ‘GREEN’ means.  This ‘Greenwashing’ has become a real problem for consumers looking for products and materials that are eco-friendly, sustainable and responsible.

The best defense against this type of deception is doing your homework, and looking for third-party certification seals.  These show that a process of independent, reliable testing has been applied to the green building material or product in question.  Even here there have been a number of imposters who try to make something look official when it isn’t.  Learn to recognize the following green labels on products and services which are truly ‘Green’.

ENERGY STAR

A joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy which is dedicated to helping consumers compare and buy energy efficient products.  Energy efficiency is an important first step in protecting the environment.  The ENERGY STAR mark is the national symbol for energy efficiency.   www.energystar.gov

Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label and Green Label Plus

You have probably never heard of the Carpet and Rug Institute, much less their green labels. Your designer probably has – if they are educated about green interior design.  The labels refer to a carpet’s VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and other chemical emissions. The carpet, adhesives, cushions and even vacuums are tested by an independent laboratory using a methodology developed with the help of the EPA.

Unfortunately, indoor air quality is usually considered a small (and very under-emphasized) component of the environmentally sound life. Things like sustainable material sourcing, durability, and green company practices are too often seen as being more important to green living.

WaterSense

Launched in 2006, WaterSense is an EPA-sponsored partnership program designed to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by promoting water efficiency and water-efficient products, programs, and practices.

WaterSense helps consumers identify water-efficient products and programs that meet WaterSense water efficiency and performance criteria. Products carrying the WaterSense label perform well, help save money, and encourage innovation in manufacturing.  www.epa/gov/watersense

Green Seal

Green Seal is a non-profit independent agency that uses science-based environmental standards to certify green design products, materials and services.  Green Seal works with the manufacturers, purchasing groups, industry sectors and the government to improve the ‘green-ness” of the production and supply chain.  Only after undergoing a strict evaluation beginning with product creation and through recycling and disposal can a product be Green Seal Certified.  www.greenseal.org

Cradle to Cradle

Cradle to Cradle certification evaluates products using a series of environmental and social criteria based on the principles of Cradle to Cradle design, developed by design and consulting firm McDonough and Braungart and detailed in their book by the same name. Their basic principle is that a product should be designed such that it can be used for something else at the end of its original life – nylon carpet into fuel, for example.

Cradle to Cradle is one of the most rigorous of the green labels for certification of eco-friendly design products. Their standards are publicly available, and they get at the heart of the problem of sustainability for a culture of consumption.

UL Environment

UL Environment is a subsidiary of Underwriters Laboratories which helps to support sustainable  products by assisting businesses in standards development, education, as well as third-party assessment and certification.  www.ulenvironment.com

Forest Stewardship Council

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies timber and wood products as well as forest management. An international organization founded in 1993, FSC provides certification other agencies which label products and companies as green certified according to the FSC’s standards. Standards for wood include: no genetic engineering, no harvesting in conservation areas, and no harvesting from conversion of natural forests.

The FSC green label has been criticized for conflicts of interest because anyone can join the General Assembly that sets the rules, even if they have allegiances elsewhere. The certification has also been accused of not making clear distinctions between natural forests and managed forests, which are seen as little more than plantations, and standards that change too frequently.

LEED

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council is rigorous and thorough. It is still constantly being refined and updated, although professional builders often find faults with the system. To get LEED-certification on a home you must focus on things like energy efficiency, water conservation and indoor air quality. There are four levels to the LEED certification point system– Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with each one increasingly elite.

Although government buildings have been required to achieve LEED Silver or better and the USGBC works closely with the government on legislation, USGBC is a non-profit not affiliated with the federal government.

The LEED program legitimacy is well-established and the standards are strict. The program certainly encourages green design, especially the provision that awards credits for innovation.  www.usgbc.org

These are just some of the many legitimate certified green label programs.  I’ll be continuing this listing in future posts, so check back to keep learning what you need to look for and shield yourself against unscrupulous businesses.  (Subscribe to our RSS feed with the orange button on the top of the page to get them delivered directly.)

Please share your thoughts, questions and comments- I’d love to address them.

12 Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Green Design Material

Posted on 28. Sep, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, carbon footprint, eco-friendly interior design, energy efficient design, green building products, green design, healthy homes, innovation, LEED, luxury design, new technology, scottsdale interior design, sustainable design, sustainable interior design, Uncategorized

A green interior design material, finish or fixture must first be a good product. Here’s what to look for even before considering a product’s green claims.

Selecting the right eco-friendly materials is one of the most important challenges you will face in building your green home. Real progress has been made by manufacturers in developing green design products and backing up their performance claims, but the question still remains – what is right for my home?

This is something I deal with on a daily basis as an interior designer committed to green interior design. There is a huge gray area between cutting edge technology and risk. You might feel you have to choose between building an eco-friendly home and wanting to ensure that your home will be comfortable and function well – without problems or extra expense.

“Green interior design is always about making choices, compromise, and setting priorities,” is what I tell my clients.  “It’s never going to be ‘perfectly green’, so you have to decide what matters to you.”  You want to feel confidence in your decisions and have the information you need to weigh the trade-offs associated with them.  Still, how do you know what is the best choice for you?

Adapted from EcoHome Magazine’s recommendations for builders and designers, here are 12 questions you should ask about any green design product you’re considering—before you make your selection:

1. How will it perform its basic function as a building material or product?
2. How does it compare with products I am considering or have used before?
3. Is it code approved for my intended use? (Ask your builder, architect or interior designer about this)
4. Is it third-party certified, or is it just a claim by the manufacturer of being eco-friendly?
5. Will it contribute toward project certification, i.e. LEED, Green Build, etc?
6. Is it available now (or will it be when I need it)?
7. How will it affect my budget?
8. Is there any uncertainty about it’s safety or performance?
9. How will it improve the level of energy efficiency, water conservation or indoor air quality of my home?
10. How will it contribute toward sustainability?
11. Will it require special installation skills or adaptations?
12. Is it worth the investment for the benefits?

After answering these 12 questions, talk with your building team to determine if the material or fixture fits within your comfort zone and meets the goals of your project.  You should also ask, “What makes this a green design product?” and “Can you verify the manufacturers’ performance claims?”  Then you can focus on the product’s green attributes and how they will integrate with the other elements of your green home.

Building a green home can be very rewarding, once you work through the layers of documentation and research to determine the best solutions.  Working with a knowledgeable, experienced design and building team will make it much easier and more enjoyable.

Good Design Helping Haiti & Chile Recover

Posted on 11. Jun, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, Uncategorized

One of our longtime favorite causes to support is Habitat for Humanity because of their philosphy of helping families get decent affordable housing that they have a part in building and paying for.  After the recent earthquakes in both Haiti and Chile this year, they went into action immediately, working with established partners in the affected areas to get help to the residents.  In the aftermath of disasters, they work to put families in permanent, durable housing.

Recovery is slow in earthquake devasted Haiti

With experience in Sri Lanka after the tsunami in 2006, and in New Orleans after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, they “have learned that people will only return to a sense of normalcy when they have a place they can call home,” according to Habitat CEO Johnathan Reckford.

The cornerstone of rebuilding efforts in Haiti are what they call Core Houses- small, sturdy structures which are designed to be added on to and expanded as the family needs and when their circumstance allow.  The concept has been tested in Asia/Pacific and in Chile, and proved effective.  The buildings in Haiti are earthquake resistant with steel bars embedded in concrete block walls and reinforced footings, columns, and beams.  Designs are region specific – in Haiti they are one room with a seperate latrine area, while in Chile they are two rooms and a bathroom.  The wooden structure of the homes in Chile are set on concrete foundations with insulated “sandwich” roof and wall systems.

We are proud to contribute to this important work.  If you would like to help, visit Habitat for Humanity.  You can also learn more about Habitat’s efforts to build sustainable and energy-efficient homes to protect both people and planet.