Recycled-Content Tile for Kitchens and Baths

Now more than ever there are options for recycled-content products.  Even though there has been recycled content tile available for over a decade, although prospects for stylish options were quite dismal.  However thanks to the market demanding more options, manufacturers have stepped up and introduced lines that a designer can be proud of.

Contact us if you are looking for a remodeler who can provide sustainable, design-oriented solutions.

What’s below?

Although there are recycled-content floor tile options, this article will be focused on tile for kitchen and bath backsplashes and shower surrounds.

We have chosen to only show you tiles that are above 70% recycled content. Even though a product may be made from recycled material, keep in mind that it isn’t very sustainable for your project if you are shipping it from half way around the world.  We have called out the manufacturing location of these tiles so that you can make an informed decision based upon your location.  Since most of Gaspar’s remodeling clients are in the Seattle area, they are in order of those with the shortest travel distance to this area.

1.  Blazestone by Bedrock Industries

• Manufactured in:  Seattle, Washington
• Recycled Content:  100%, glass only
• Pictured above:  Glossy Forest, Meadow, Celery (Left)
• Online Gallery

2. Sandhill

• Manufactured in: Boise, ID
• Recycled Content:  100%, glass only
• Pictured above:  4″ Diamonds – Icicle, Pearl Fog, Mineral, Pebble, Sugar Matte (Left), 4″x4″ Honeydew, Wintergreen, Jalepeno, Sage Glossy (Right)
• Online Gallery

3. Glass Roots

• Manufactured in: Montana
• Recycled content:  100% post-consumer, glass only
• Pictured above:  Coke bottle clear, mix of grey, blue and green tint (left), Coke bottle clear – blue tint (right)
• Online Gallery

4. Tessera & Muse by Oceanside

• Manufactured in: Mexico (right outside San Diego – Distributed in California)
• Recycled content: 23%-85% depending on color / post-consumer glass from curbside recycling and post-industrial glass
• Pictured above:  Muse Midori – 94& (Left) (Click here to see other pictures from this Gaspar’s Built Green Kitchen Remodel), Tessera Moroccan Desert – 70% (Middle), Muse Spruce Matte – 95% (Right)
• Online Gallery

5. Viridian by ModWalls

• Manufactured in: Spain (US Distribution: California)
• Recycled content: 98% pre-consumer, glass from reclaimed windows and manufacturing waste from window/windshields
• Pictured above:  Brix Apple (Left), Moonlight (Right)
• Online Gallery

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Many manufacturers have different amounts of recycled content depending on the color/spec of the specific tile.  For example, Oceanside’s tile line can range anywhere from 23% to 85%.  Make sure to ask the content % of the actual color you are interested in when inquiring.

- Lauren

MASINS Furniture Sale Feb. 15th (Seattle, Bellevue)

It could be that the only thing missing from your fabulous newly remodeled home is new furniture to match.  What ever will you do?

Fear not!  Masins Fine Furnishings is having a sale on Monday, February 15th – 9am-5pm

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What is exceptional about this sale, you ask?  Most everything in the store is 1/3 off, with pictures, lamps and accessories at 15% off.  If you have been in Masins before, you already know that they deal in sophisticated furnishings that are built to last forever.

Location:

220 2nd Ave S. Seattle  /  206.622.5606

10708 Main Street, Bellevue  /  425.450.9999

700 110th Ave NE, St. 270, Bellevue / 425.453.1300

Happy Hunting!

On the Level: It’s all in the Details

People often ask me if Gaspar’s only does “high end” remodels.  I struggle with the answer to that because many of us have worked on those secret mega-mansions that you can’t even tell anyone the name of the project, or you’re not allowed to take any pictures.  We’ve seen the detail that goes into those places and know how to pull them off, how long they take and how much they cost.  But how do you take a project that most of us can afford and make it really stand out?  It’s all in the details.

So many of the projects that we work on are in those great old neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Madison Park, Montlake, and Admiral.  The guys who built most of these homes really had the time (and lumber) to put together some pretty amazing details.  When working on one of these homes, it is essential to preserve and replicate these details.  In these times of extremely tight budgets, conditions hidden under the old plaster, under rotting window sills and out of level floors often out-prioritize the details and finish work.  So the designer and remodeler have to be pretty creative to make it happen.

Matching existing details and choosing authentic materials can make a project look like it’s been there forever.  The modern home has so many new standard features that our grandparents did not even dream of 90 years ago.  A great example is aluminum gutters.  We know we have to have gutters and aluminum continuous gutters are something that we need and can afford, but when installing them, think about the details.  Wrap the gutters around the roof returns and use round downspouts on a stand off bracket.

On two of our current projects, the Gaspar’s craftsmen have duplicated some pretty simple forms in an outstanding way to create a seamless addition.  One project replicated the rafter ends by tracing an old one on the new material.  It took them only a half day to cut them out.  Finishing it off with bead board eave sheathing was the final touch in making the new dormer fit right in with the original construction.  On another Tudor style home, we added a new dormer for an enlarged stairway.  Rather than just “popping up” the roof, we took a couple extra days to fabricate matching curved rafters from layers of ¾” plywood.  The look is simple but dramatic.

Don’t have the money to do everything?  That’s okay.  I always suggest foregoing interior frills and gadgets that you can buy later in favor of the things that will be with your home forever.  And when you build these details, build them in a way that they’ll last forever.  Don’t skimp on the flashing (remember that the builders from a century ago did not have caulking!)  Back prime all the back sides and end cuts of your exterior boards and trim.  On the inside, match the millwork; don’t substitute for MDF that you get off the rack at the home center.  A good millwork company will match the mouldings and cost you no more than $250 extra.  Yes this all adds up but it is less than you think and the value of your home will continue to increase as your neighbor’s boxy addition is being remodeled again in 10 years.  Spending a boat load of money is not how you build “high end”.  Matching the details and using the right products is. 

Stay tuned for more about these project on our Project Spotlight Page and check out the “On the Level” archive

Gaspar’s Handyman Special – Extended to February!

Our January Handyman special was well received and we were delighted to see so many of you take advantage of the great deal.  Due to the great response,  we have decided to extend the rates into February.  For those of you who may have missed the announcement, handyman rates will be at a special rate of $65 per hour for the whole month!

Have a project list that is growing?  Take action.  Call us.  Maybe you’ve been thinking about new countertops and don’t know where to start?  Or perhaps you’ve been longing for updates to your kitchen or bath?

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We can pull out the old and put in the new, taking careful measures to protect your home from dust and debris.  Our handyman will take care of your home maintenance needs and then do a meticulous clean up, leaving you with a home you can love.

Call Jen or Jason today at 206.324.8199 to schedule your project.

So you think you want a wine cellar?

The dream of every wine lover or connoisseur is to have his or her very own cellar within arm’s reach.  We completed this Capitol Hill wine cellar remodel (pictured above) for a client of ours who frequently entertained in her home and wanted the wine cellar to be easily seen from the adjacent entertaining room.

For the racking system, we installed APEX modular wine racking.  This modular line worked well and we were able to achieve a custom racking look.  As a finishing touch, an original painting by Warren Knapp was framed in the center of the room.

Foor a cooling system, we went with a through-the-wall cooling unit and humidifier.  One of the quietest cooler on the market is the Wine Guardian 2160 Unit.  Remember that in order for wine to age optimally, you must keep the temperature steady, with an extremely low fluctuation kept within a couple of degrees.  It should never fluctuate more than 3°F in one day.  Wine storage also should never go over 75° because your wine will begin to oxidize.  A general temperature to shoot for is 54°-60°. However you don’t want to go below 54° because you will slow the aging process.  You are probably getting the idea that mastering wine temperature is really more of an art than a science!

Do you have the dream of your own wine cellar?  You can see more pictures of this project on our website here.

Sleek Sinks for 2010

When you are remodeling your bathroom,  a well-designed sink gives an elegant finishing touch to your retreat.  These days design meets function in a harmonious union that gives homeowners a well-deserved bang for their buck.

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1. Petra Double Sink from MTI Whirlpool

Designed to be simple and polished, the Petra Double Sink is made from a composite blend of natural materials and resins and resembles natural stone.  It measures 47.5″ x 14″ x 5.12″.  This non-porous surface is durable, easily cleaned and stain-resistant.  It is available in White and Biscuit in either a matte or gloss finish.

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2. Ryohan ® Lavatory from TOTO

There’s no question where this unique sink gets its inspiration from.  Like the tranquil Japanese rock gardens from which it was derived, the Ryohan lavatory is a peaceful addition to any bathroom sanctuary.  SanaGloss (R) technology provides super smooth glazing which helps keep it clean.  It comes in Cotton White or Sedona Beige.

3.  Ciottolo®  Wash Bowl from Duravit

Duravit has knocked it out of the park with this modern organic form.  Essentially a work of art in its own right, this sink can beautifully rest on a console, wall-mounted or free standing vanity.  Created from ceramic, it is available in White.

4. Epic Round Above-Counter Basin by Porcher

This is a sophisticated and versatile wash basin that will integrate gracefully with both modern and traditional bathroom designs.  It is made in Italy by fire clay construction and is available in White.

Free Remodeling Seminar for Homeowners January 26th 6:30pm

Between the tax credits, rising energy costs and the decision for many homeowners that they will stay in their current home for longer than anticipated due to economic struggles, there has been an increased demand for energy efficient products and systems.  You could say it is on just about everyone’s mind.

Home Savvi, a local home remodeling resource for homeowners, is hosting a FREE seminar on Tuesday January 26th, where local experts will talk with you about the top 10 ways you can save money on heating, lighting and green building in 2010.

Our own Sarah Gaspar Henry from Gaspar’s will be there to represent the building genre.  This is a fun opportunity to connect with other homeowners and share remodeling stories or tips.  Plus the panel of local experts will share the real scoop on energy efficiency, green building and other ways to save money while adding value to your home.

Location

Lighting Universe, Seattle Design Center

5701 6th Ave South, Seattle, WA 98108

Event Agenda

*6:30-7:00pm – Registration/Networking/Showroom visit (light drinks and appetizers will be served)

*7:00-8:00pm – Panel Discussion

*8:00-8:30pm – Q&A Session / Prize Drawing

Registration

Admission is entirely free, but is limited to 30 people, so don’t delay in registration! You can register online HERE.  If you have questions, you can call Home Savvi at 206.965.9686.

Prizes

Home Savvi has a reputation for their useful seminars and great prizes.  This seminar’s prizes will include a $1200 bath vanity, sink and mirror from Fairmont Designs, a $375 Viking Continuous Feed Food Waste Disposer, A 2-Hour Complimentary Handyman Service from Gaspar’s, and 10% off any purchase from the Lighting Universe family of stores.  Considering there is a 30 person limit at the event, the odds of winning something are stellar!

Seattle Home Remodeling Expo January 15th-17th

Thanks to all the people who came out to see us at the annual Remodeling Expo at the Washington State Convention Center.  We were thrilled to see many new faces and a few familiar ones too.  For all those that are looking to do that next project, we’re ready to help and it was great that you got to see some of our new products at this year’s updated show booth.

The Remodeling Expo was a great way for everyone who is interested in learning more about remodeling and home design.  The floor was full of exhibitors of new products and local remodeling experts.  Gaspar’s had the booth right inside the front door so just about everyone that came to the show walked through our new display.  We hope to be talking to all of you very soon.

Del-Teet Furniture SALE in Bellevue (Nov 27th-Dec 27th)

Attention condo owners:  If you have a cozy space or small living area and you have not visited Del-Teet in Bellevue then you might be missing out on that perfect piece of furniture!

This is a great go-to store for furniture items that are well suited to smaller spaces and they will be having a month long SALE on some of their accessories such as rugs, lamps, gifts and art.  One of my favorite sofas is one that Cathy Gaspar got from this store about a year ago that now sits in her living room.

From their website:

What is Right-Size Furniture?
Simply put, it is furniture that you can sit comfortably on, but will not overpower you, or your room. Your feet will rest easily on the floor and your back will have will have ample, comfortable support.

How Small is “Right-Size” Furniture?
Average sizes for all seating pieces are: front to back is 33”-36”: seat depth from front of sofa to the back pillow is 20”-22”: height of seat cushion from the floor is 18”.
As the furniture industry does not yet produce quality furniture in this scale, a majority of our small scaled furniture is made just for Del-Teet.

Their store is located at 10308 NE 10th Street in Downtown Bellevue.  Enjoy!

 

- Lauren

Laminate Flooring by Wilsonart is first to achieve FSC Certification

Wilsonart has long been in the laminate game and now they are the first  to have their laminate products FSC certified.  Go Wilsonart!

Laminate flooring is made from different component layers that are bonded together. Wilsonart laminate flooring is high pressure laminate (HPL) which means that it is harder and more resistant to scuffing due to the higher pressure used in the manufacturing process.  High pressure laminate flooring also has better impact resistance (no denting) and is stronger so the corners don’t chip.

With this FSC certificatioin, builders will now be able to use this product towards getting their project LEED or Built Green certified.