L I V I N G
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2
A N D
M O R E
“ENERGY STAR products use less energy, save money on electric bills, and help protect the environment”
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CONTENTS JULY/AUGUST 2009
Windows & Treatment Improve your “Outlook” with new style
Intriguing Water Gardens A Babbling Brook in your little patch of green
The Living Room Is yours over lived in?
Making Science Fun Hands on for kids of all ages
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Choosing Paintings For Your Living Room
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A Crash Course in Camping
38
The only way to experience nature is outdoors
Home Owner Insurance How to save with Home Security
The Benefits of a Solar Powered Home Power companies paying you?
44 48
Imagine that!
15 Ways to Reduce your Carbon Footprint Small ways to conserve energy
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Every door a
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EDITOR’S NOTE
T
These days, everyone is talking about reducing your carbon footprint. It’s really not as scary as it sounds, and you don’t need to wear sandals, grow your hair long, wear beads, or become a hippy. This month we give you 15 ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Solar powered homes, the promise for the future. The future is now and solar power is being incorporated into new construction and retro-fitted to older homes. The savings are substantial. This month we explore the benefits of solar power. Unlike all other creatures on this planet, we humans tend to accumulate clutter. I’m not sure why, but we all do. The thought of removing clutter is often so overwhelming that we ignore it. Simply put, clutter causes stress. Your home should be a safe harbor from stress, so this month, we start to declutter your living room. In today’s economy, the vacation budget for many has been greatly effected. Camping trips however, are economical and make lasting memories. We’ll give you a crash course and camping and what you’ll need to have a great time. You might be surprised how easy it all comes together. The finishing touch for any room is a provocative window treatment. With so many different fabrics, textures, and designs, dressing up your windows no longer means having to call in a designer. This month we take you through the world of window treatment. The New York Hall of Science occupies one of the few remaining structures of the 1964 New York World’s Fair in Flushing Meadow-Corona Park. Today, it stands as New York City’s only hands-on science and technology center. With more than 400 hands-on exhibits, it’s the perfect destination for a family outing. Water gardens are becoming increasingly more popular and add beauty and tranquility to your backyard. This month, we explore the costs associated with creating your garden or pond. What materials to use, and how to plan your design. You might want to add Koi to your pond. Personally speaking, I like turtles.
Carole 6 INTERIOR NEW YORK I JULY/AUGUST 2009
living and more
PUBLISHER W MEDIA EDITOR IN-CHIEF CAROLE DELMONICO SENIOR EDITOR DAVID P. KAUFMAN GRAPHIC DESIGNER EFRAIM SCHNALL PHOTOGRAPHY W MEDIA DIRECTOR OF MENASHE SCHWARTZ OPERATIONS SALES RAIZY NEUFELD PRODUCTION ABE BERKOWITZ COORDINATOR CONTRIBUTING JULIA LISANTI WRITERS ZACHARY SCHLEE ADVERTISING 1227 60th Street OFFICE BROOKLYN NY 718.854.3773 www.interiornewyork.com
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Interior New York has openings in its sales department. Commissioned sales are offered at a competitive rate in a great work environment. Please contact Carole Delmonico at (718) 854-3773
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&
Stained Glass Design by Imperial Windows and Doors
WINDOWS TREATMENT M ention window treatments and thoughts of floral prints flooding your grandmother’s house might come to mind. Although floral prints can still be done successfully, window treatments have changed through the years. Now, window treatments are the key to dressing up, dressing down, or showcasing one of the most important features of your home – your windows. Window treatments serve two main purposes: 1) They allow you to create a comfortable amount of light and privacy into your home; and 2) You can enhance the look and feel of your space. There are many quick and simple window treatment techniques that can create illusions, hide window flaws or accentuate beautiful windows. If you have small windows (basement windows are a good example), add the illusion of height by mounting the curtain rods higher than the window. For an even grander look mount them just below the ceiling and use enough fabric so that the drapery panels puddle onto the floor, as demonstrated. For windows that are very narrow, visually enhance the width of the window by mounting a rod twice as wide atop so that it extends well beyond the window on either side; double your panel’s width and attach holdbacks close to the sides of the window. Window draperies that stop short of the floor look like they are floating—avoid this by adding 2 to 4 inches of extra length so that the panel
just “breaks” when it reaches the floor. If you have windows with nice architectural features such as moldings or sills, draw the eye into the window with a beautiful wooden blind, keeping the exterior portion of the window clean of any treatment (photo 2). Blinds are a clean modern way to control the light in your environment. Wider slats, and specialized slat shapes will work to increase your view from the inside out. Take a look at new wood alloy blinds that are anti-static. They repel dust- so they look great and clean themselves! Similar to blinds, shades will also bring the eye to the window while leaving the exterior portion clean and fresh. Shades come in an endless variety of organic materials and natural grasses that will add interest and warmth to a space while still giving you options from black out to a sheer quality. You can install warm organic grass shades (Photo 3), or tailored mesh roller shades with or without printed images (photo 4). Both options give you complete control of the lighting, while adding interest to the space and keeping the window as simple as possible. Roman shades are another option to attain this sleek tailored look. For windows with a less than desirable view, let the light shine through, while keeping the privacy within, with a sheer drape. Sheers are a viewless window’s best friend. Both sheers and shades now have the option of opening from the top and
ABOVE AND BELOW: EMERSON HOTEL & SPA, MT. TREMPER, NY, SENIOR DESIGNER: JARED EPPS, FIRM: DIGUISEPPE ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
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the bottom. This is perfect if you have a terrific view at the top but want to maintain your privacy below. To bring more interest into the space hang your sheers on a unique curtain rod; bamboo rods add a great contrast of texture, if you’re looking for a clean modern look conceal the hardware with a wood valance (photo 5). Today’s sheers are a big step up from the ones you may be used to and are available in a number of textures and colors with varying degrees of shimmer. Sheers offer a great option for those looking for a simple, almost minimalist, chic effect. We look forward to all the great new technology and products that are becoming more available and, more importantly, more affordable in 2009. Window treatment manufacturers are motorizing nearly all styles of window shades on the market now and innovations in materials is happening everyday, be it in UV protection or eco friendly materials. Window treatments are no longer just a piece of fabric that hangs over your windows. They are an opportunity to add an accent, hide a flaw and most important, create the feel and mood of your space. Window treatments are essential room décor that can change the look of your space altogether. Find the right treatment for your windows, and know, they will transform you and your home.
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WOODEN OR PVC WINDOW? Here the new generation timber window gains an advantage over the PVC one. The aluminum highcapacity thermal water bar assuring the draining has the following advantages:
• New swirl chamber The insulation of water bar guarantees protection and weather resistance for the most critical part of the timber window and meanwhile it’s additional insulation bridge is a serious water barrier. It will take time to persuade consumers that PVC is damaging our planet. But the idea is slowly catching on: a wooden window frame saves energy7 both in use and production, uses a minimal amount of finite resources, is reasonably easy to maintain and repair, lasts longer than any product currently available and biodegrades or can be recycled at the end of it’s usual life. No other material meets these requirements and has hundresds of years of use to prove it.
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Information and picture by Imperial Windows and Doors.
• 40% larger water chamber • Elastic closure caps • PVC free insulation bridge • 25% larger soakers • Enlarged backing ventilation area
KK
K & K Renovation Inc. 8670 20th Avenue 3rd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11214 347-538-4969 917-554-8519 Website: www.kandkrenovation.net
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INTRIGUING WATER GARDENS There is nothing quite like the peace and tranquility of a garden pond. Picture It- the beauty of the water lilies, the gentle cascading of the water over the waterfall, the single frog floating around on a lily pad, a glimpse of a goldfish as it swims by, and the stunning natural beauty of the garden that surrounds it. Water gardens can range in size from a single water lily floating in a ceramic dish to the most elaborate series of ponds interconnected by a multiple streams and waterfalls. The kind of the water feature that you can create is limited more by the amount of space that you have than any other factor, but even the humblest deck or patio can accommodate a simple water feature. Best of all, most water gardens can be reasonably inexpensive do-it-yourself projects, many of which can be installed in a single weekend. Are you intrigued? Read on! Container Gardens The simplest type of water feature is a container garden. They can be made from almost any container that can be made waterproof,
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including most planters. Just make sure that whatever planter you choose, you plug the drainage holes using either a rubber gasketed stainless steel bolt, or a piece of flexible liner spread with caulk. Ceramic bowls, or planters, work particularly well, but be careful to seal any minor cracks with caulk or brush on a water garden sealant. Another great choice is a half whiskey barrel lined with flexible black rubber liner (which can be found at most home and garden stores). Lay the liner inside the barrel and smooth out any wrinkles. Trim the excess, but leave about a three or four inch margin to accommodate the weight of the water. Fill the barrel two-thirds of the way, then fold the excess liner in on itself and staple the edge to the barrel. Before adding fish or plants, install an aquarium filter or a small spitter fountain to oxygenate the water. If you are unsure of the pump size you will need, measure the container volume by filling it with a gallon water jug. After filling the container, wait five to seven days before adding plants or fish to allow the chlorine to dissipate, or add a chloramine remover according to the manufacturer’s directions. Now the fun part begins. It’s time to add your plants and fish. Choose plants with a variety of shapes, textures and colors, including those like parrot’s feather, which are good for trailing over the edge of the container and concealing the filter cord. Other plants that work well in container gardens include blue or wild flag iris, cattail, and both tropical and hardy water lilies. Just keep in mind that if you want to plant tropical water lilies in a temperate
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climate like New York, you will have to overwinter them indoors, as the water temperature should not drop below 70 degrees. Smaller fish are obviously more appropriate for a garden container, so choose goldfish, calico fantails or shubunkins. The general rule of thumb here is to have one inch of fish for each gallon of water. In other words, if you have a five gallon container, you should not have more than two 2-inch fish. Before adding your fish, allow them to gradually acclimate to the water temperature by tying the bag they came in to the side of the container. Allow the bag to float on the water for about ten to fifteen minutes before releasing the fish. Planning For anything larger than a container garden, it’s a good idea to give some serious thought to exactly what kind of water garden you would like to have, and what would best work with your existing garden or yard. There are two basic styles of water garden- formal and informal. Formal water gardens include both above ground and inground ponds of a definite geometric shape like a circle, rectangle, or square. They work well in gardens which are symmetrical and landscapes designed into grids, or in the center of a rectangular yard. Informal water gardens, by contrast, are generally in-ground ponds made of abstract or asymmetrical shapes and designed to fit naturally into your existing garden. After you’ve decided on the style of water garden that interests you, you’re next decision is between an
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above ground or in-ground pond. In-ground ponds are a much easier selection for first time water gardeners, and those with little construction expertise. Building an in-ground pond is really pretty simple; you just have to dig the hole, lay down the liner, and fill it up. The sides of an above ground pond are usually made of brick, stone or wood, so it is not advisable to do-it-yourself if you have no experience with these building these materials. The other major decision you have to make is between a preformed liner, which are usually made of a rigid material like plastic, or flexible liner, which is usually made of rubber. Preformed liners are easy to install and very durable, but are best suited to small garden ponds. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including circles, rectangles, ovals, as well as more abstract designs like kidney or pear shapes. The size of preformed liners maxes out at about 6 feet by 4 feet, and they can cost anywhere between $50-$200. They can be used both in-ground and above ground, but will need a support structure to contain the weight of the water if installed above ground. Flexible liner, on the other hand, is best suited to large ponds and more complex designs. Its primary advantage is that any design you envision is possible with flexible liner. A simple waterfall can be included in a pond using a preformed liner, but if you would like to include a stream, or have a complex design that includes a series of ponds interconnected by streams and waterfalls, it’s best to go with flexible liner. No matter what kind of design or layout you have in mind, it is of vital importance that you have a definite plan before you dig a single spade of dirt. Draw a scale map of the yard, including features like trees, bushes, existing plants, fences, and your home itself. Consider whether you want to be able to look out on the pond from a particular window or deck. If you are adding the pond to an existing garden, include the plants you have now in your drawing. This will help you decide how best to work around them or if some of them will have to be moved. If you are including a stream or streams, take into account the natural slope of the landscape because if there isn’t a natural slope in your yard, you may have to create one. Keep in mind that your drawing is the guide you will use when you begin to excavate your pond. Draw the design in pencil until you are sure of precisely what you want and where. Keep the general shapes simple, and avoid creating bottlenecks where leaves and debris can gather. If you are using a preformed liner, bring it out into the yard and test it in various positions to see what looks best. To get precise measurements for the size of your water garden, redraw your design to scale on graph paper. If you are using flexible liner the graph paper will be very helpful in determining how much liner you will need to buy.
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The Living Room
What’s in a name? Well, if the term you are referring to is “living room,” then it is an uninspired but apt description of the place that most of us spend much of our waking life. Living rooms can run the gambit from neat and comfortable places to unwind after a long day’s work to barely tolerable messes that make it a bit hard to relax. If the latter sounds more familiar then rest assured that there is a neat and tidy room just waiting to be unearthed from beneath all those piles of junk. Because we spend so much time in our living rooms virtually everything we use in our daily lives- glasses, dishes, clothes, magazines, books, CD’s, DVD’s, video games, hair brushes, toenail clippers, work related papers, and weeks-old (but still unopened) mail - tends to occupy space in our living rooms at one time or another. Iff 20 INTERIOR NEW YORK I JULY/AUGUST 2009
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Photo Credits: Accentuations By Design
you have children then your living room may more closely resemble the ruins of a bombed out toy store. But no matter what end of cleanliness spectrum your living room falls on, there are a few simple steps you can take to make your living room more livable. The first step is simply to stay on top of things. Television shows always have commercial breaks and those give you the perfect opportunity to tidy up a bit. These commercial breaks give you a few minutes in which to take your dishes to the kitchen, run the vacuum over the rug, throw out those empty snack packages, get out the glass cleaner and give the television or coffee table a quick wipe-down, or put away those video games that are cluttering up the floor. And let’s face it- most television shows don’t or shouldn’t need to occupy our full attention. There are things you can do while watching TV, like sorting through the mail or dusting, that likewise don’t require all your brain’s capacity. The only excuse not to stay on top of your living room’s cleanliness is that you are too tired. Believe me, I understand. But you could at least make a concerted effort to make up for it on the weekends. Beyond that, there’s no excuse- it’s pure laziness! Besides getting into the habit of routinely straightening up, there are other ways to ensure that living room messes don’t get out of hand. A good deal of what tends to clutter up our living rooms does so because we don’t have adequate storage. Small items like pens, pencils, post-it notes, rubber bands, keys, and grooming items like toenail clippers or barrettes can pile up on the coffee table because we use them frequently and it’s easier to keep them out then go and get them every time we need them. The solution to this problem is to get a small decorative box or basket (preferably with a lid) in which to keep them. Keep the box in an inconspicuous place but one that is close at hand. Paper is another one of those items that tends to gather on the flat surfaces in our living rooms. Whether it’s work-related, mail, or simply small scraps of paper phone numbers or shopping lists written 22 INTERIOR NEW YORK I JULY/AUGUST 2009
Photo Credits: Accentuations By Design
on them, this stuff could stand a bit of organization. First, lets start with the mail. To begin with, get rid of the junk mail every day. Keep a small in-box for the bills and other important mail if you don’t plan to deal with it right away. If you are like me and tend to procrastinate when dealing with your mail, then it’s doubly important to make sure your mail box is small, so that when the box is full you will be forced to go through the mail. You can also use this box to store other small scraps of paper, like shopping lists, so they don’t get lost. If you have a lot of work related papers floating around, then get a separate box or filing cabinet for these. But if you have enough work related papers floating around to fill a filing cabinet, it’s probably best if you can find a location other than your living room in which to store them. Larger items, like collections of books, magazines, CDs, DVD’s, video games, etc., require a bit more organization. The first thing to do with all of these items is to sort though them. Pull them all out of their current storage spaces and sort through them one by one. If you come across a movie that you didn’t really enjoy the first time around and aren’t likely to watch again, get rid of it. Either give it away, or sell it on Ebay. The same rule holds true for CDs, books, and video games. There are also plenty of stores around (especially in Manhattan) that will buy all of these items second hand and are a quick way to make a little extra cash. Once you have removed all of your unwanted items, sort through the rest before replacing them in their designated storage space. For example, if you have 24 INTERIOR NEW YORK I JULY/AUGUST 2009
a cabinet or shelf on which you keep your video tapes or DVD’s, give some thought to how frequently you are likely to want to view each movie. Put the movies you rarely watch on the back of the shelf and work your way outward, putting your most frequently viewed movies in the front. If your storage space is only deep enough to allow for one layer, them consider organizing your movies alphabetically, or by genre. Arranging CDs alphabetically is an especially good idea. Depending on the size of your music collection it may take some time initially, but it will save you time and aggravation in the long run. If you find that you still don’t have enough storage space after sorting through everything, there are plenty of options out there. There are ottomans, benches, and tables that have a storage space concealed inside them, and open-faced decorative bins designed to fit underneath your coffee table. These types of storage containers are also a good idea if you have children. Their toys can be stored out of sight when they are not in use so you don’t find yourself tripping over them on a daily basis. If your living room is large enough, you might also consider moving your furniture away from the walls to create additional storage areas. By grouping your couch, coffee table, love seat and/or chairs together in the center of your room, you can create a more intimate feel in your living room as well as creating additional storage space. In most cases, this strategy will also make your living room appear larger. Just make sure you have enough room to get around your storage items and have access to them.
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Making Science Fun:
The New York Hall of Science
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE EXTERIOR. PHOTO CREDITS ©JEFF GOLDBERG/ESTO
Alright, I will admit it. Call me a geek, a nerd, whatever you like, but I love science! I’m the type of person who will spend hours on end watching Discovery channel documentaries about things like black holes, quantum physics, string theory, geology, archeology, crypto zoology, you name it. I even watch the NASA channel. (I bet most of you didn’t even know there was a NASA channel.) This being the case, I can hardly describe myself as unbiased when it comes to the subject of the city’s only interactive museum dedicated exclusively to science and technology. Nor can I claim to be unbiased about a place that I personally think is so much fun. I remember the first and only time I went to the New York Hall of Science as a kid. I must have been about ten or eleven years old and I absolutely loved the place. There were exhibits where you could manipulate light, see
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optical illusions, create giant bubbles, and a rope that you could swing from that measured the force of your tug. Going back to the Hall of Science as an adult, I was surprised to see that much of what I loved about the place as a kid was still there, and then some. The museum has been renovated and expanded upon several times over the (now many) years since I was last there, and the newer exhibits are far more sophisticated and technologically advanced than anything that they had in my day. Newer exhibits at the museum include giant television screens that you can manipulate to fly over the surface of the earth or mars, a model mars rover that you can command to drive around a simulated mars landscape, interactive biology video games, and a screen that creates music out of your movements. A $13 million expansion in 1996 allowed for the creation of a new Technology Gallery linking the museum
LOOKING THROUGH A MICROSCOPE AT THE NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE. ©NY HALL OF SCIENCE
to the Internet, a 16-screen video wall, called Windows on the Universe, which projects an endless display of images from on-line observatories and live NASA missions, and a 300-seat auditorium. Another new exhibit, called Sound Sensations: The Inside Story of Audio, allows visitors to create free-form jazz compositions, electronically manipulate the sound of their voice, and learn how sounds are produced and recorded. One of the museums newest attractions, the Sports Challenge, features rock climbing, a batting cage in which you can time your fastball, simulated race cars and racing wheelchairs, and a surfboard simulator ride to test your balance. Granted, I doubt the children care much about the scientific principles being demonstrated in the Sports Challenge exhibits, but who cares? These exhibits are a lot of fun, not to mention a bit of exercise (and we all stand a bit more of that).
This brings me to my second confession- I am really just a big kid. I like to have fun and to play games, and I don’t mind being silly. Admittedly, much of the Hall of Science is geared towards children. The vast majority of the museum’s visitors are children on school trips, or parents with children. However, I do not think that this, in any way, precludes adults from visiting the museum. That is, unless you are a fuddy-duddy. If you are the stoic type, the type of adult who is easily embarrassed or afraid to make a fool of yourself, this might not be the museum for you. Go to the Met or MoMA. If you are, like me, a child at heart, then find a like-minded friend and prepare for a rollicking good time. Which brings me to my next point- the Hall of Science is not really the kind of museum that you should visit on your own. I made this mistake when I went last month, only to find out that some of the exhibits require
THE NEW ROCKET PARK MINI GOLF AT THE NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE. ŠNY HALL OF SCIENCE
two people to be viewed effectively. This is especially true of the exhibits involving optical illusions. For example, there is a really cool slanted room which demonstrates forcedperspective. One person looks through a small window while their friend walks into the room and appears to shrink as they do so. Obviously, you need two people for this experiment to work. The same is true of other exhibits where two people have to sit or stand across from each other in order to see the principles being demonstrated. This one point aside, the greatest asset of the New York Hall of Science is its interactive nature. While most museum experiences are passive, demanding that visitors stay behind a velvet rope and simply observe the exhibits on display, exhibits at the Hall of Science demand a handson approach. In fact, they may be more rightly called experiments rather than exhibits, owing to their need for visitor participation.
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The exhibits at the Hall of Science really are a feast for all of your scenes. There things to see, touch, hear, and even smell. Whether you are turning the dial on a microscope to observe microorganisms, creating music through the movement of your body, feeling the heat of a simulated ocean-floor vent, or catching the scent of a mud pit, the Hall of Science is designed to be a fully immersive experience. Among the 400 interactive exhibits are a scale model of Mars that is cold to the touch and a model of Earth that feels cold at the North Pole but warm at the equator. Another exhibit allows you to create a laser light show by rotating dials to change a light wave’s voltage and frequency. The museum even features a motion simulator ride to take you on an Indiana Jones style mine cart journey. (Unfortunately, there is an additional $6.00 fee to ride this ride.) Another great aspect of the museum is its accessibility.
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VISITORS MAKE COLORFUL SHADOWS AT THE SEEING THE LIGHT EXHIBITION.
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Because the museum is geared towards children, the scientific principles being demonstrated are not excessively complicated. They are simple enough to be understood by a child, but not so simplistic that the average lay-person is necessarily aware of them. There is something for everyone to learn, and the museum does make education a priority. Each exhibit is accompanied by a plaque describing not only how to interact with it, but the scientific principles at work. Other features of the museum include an outdoor science playground, Rocket Park, which is home to the museum’s two iconic life-sized rockets, a science and technology library, and a lunchroom. There is also reasonably-priced gift shop full to the brim with science related games and toys. Mixed in with the ubiquitous dinosaur and space related toys, the gift shop actually includes a few unique and interesting items, not the least of which being live Venus fly-trap plants. The New York Hall of Science is located at 4701 111th street Flushing Meadows Corona Park, NY 11368. To reach it by train, take the 7 line to 111th street and follow the signs (you can’t miss it). The museum is open Through August 30: Monday-Friday 9:30 am - 5 pm; Saturday, Sunday & holidays 10 am - 6 pm. Admission is $11 for adults and $8 for children (ages 2-17) & adults (ages 62 and older). The museum also offers free admission on Fridays 2pm-5pm and Sundays 10-11 am (free hours are suspended in July & August). More information can be found at the New York Hall of Science website: nyscience.org.
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Choosing Paintings for your Living Room
T
he discovery of the existence of the so-called Lascaux cave paintings in France in 1940 has proven that man’s need to express himself through art has long been with us since the ancient times. A passion for painting has been imprinted into the human soul even at that early stage of our development. It is therefore unsurprising that our fascination for paintings has not waned over the years. Part of this cultural evolution includes the ever growing demand to hang paintings on our walls as an integral part of our home decor. If you would like to buy a painting for your living room but have never tried it before, and you have no idea where to start, consider the three basic tips below to help you
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make the right choice. Identify your personal taste- Definitely, this is the most important thing you have to consider when buying a painting. You are in fact expressing yourself through the design pieces that you choose for your home. Thus, when buying a painting, you have to choose one which is in sync with your taste. If you are the romantic, traditional type, then you may prefer paintings that adhere to the realist style. Typical examples include still life paintings, landscapes, and portraits. If you are the type who prefers modern wall art, you can opt to buy abstract paintings. Some of these artworks come in the form of multi-set paintings that you can hang as a group to accentuate your living room.
Top left & righit show details of a series of landscapes created in limited palette. The purpose of avoiding realistic colors is keeping the painting low-key, sort of a back-ground effect, so while it enhances the space, complimenting and harmonizing with everything. The painted gold grill over the finely executed landscapes coordinates with the brass metalwork nearby. Bottom Left - This was especially designed for a family of music-lovers, situated on the ceiling over the piano. It is reminiscent of the King’s Palaces of Europe, where music was cultivated in a designated “music-room”. Bottom right - This room has a soothing, low-key and understated elegance. The color-scheme is almost monochromatic, all within the range of beige, cream and golds. The crown-molding has a subtle color-washing overlaid with gold, and antiquing - emphasizing the the character and details of the carving. The walls are dressed in a low contrast stripe with a bit of pearl and gold shimmer to increase the feeling of high elegance. The tree plays on the motif of the drapery fabric in the room, softening the hard edges of the corner of the walls, all done in gold-tones. Design and artwork: Ani Brieger 212-724-0621.
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Set your budget- In order to prevent you from making an impulsive purchase at each seemingly good buy you encounter, try to set your budget. Ask yourself if you are willing to settle for prints or the real deal. Of course, original paintings, especially those created by the “masters,” command a higher price tag. If you want the look of a Renoir, for example, but simply cannot afford the real thing, try to look for good prints or other artists whose works match your design aesthetic but do not command a steep price. While you’re at it, now is the chance to help out a good friend or even a community artist by considering their artworks for your home décor. Do your homework- By going online, asking around, and seeking help from experts, you increase your chance of buying the perfect painting. In fact, by doing a bit of background research, you will be able to expand your options to help you choose from a variety of artists and styles. At the same time, doing your homework will also help you identify the best painting within your budget. Visualize- It also helps if you have a clear vision of where you would like to hang the painting. If you have decided to buy a multi-set painting, for example, try to consider if the colors will not overpower the other elements in the room. In the end, different homeowners prefer different looks, and what you buy for your home should be in accordance to what
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you really want. Through the tips above, you can now begin looking for the perfect accent for your home. About The Author Article provided Jessica Ackerman of Wall Decorand HomeAccents.com a site featuring:art (and canvas wall art sets
JULY/AUGUST 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK 37
Camping
A Crash Course in
T
he idea of camping can be intimidating for firsttimers. Much of the anxiety experienced by beginning campers is based on misconceptions about the relative difficulty and expense involved in going camping, as apposed to other types of vacations. For us city dwellers, the idea of spending time in the woods is about as alien as the idea of taking a vacation on Mars. Our natural environment is entirely man-made. We are not used to contending with the elements, insects, or wild animals, and we certainly have no idea how to set up a tent. But to write-off the idea of camping simply because it is new and foreign to us would be to deny ourselves an experience that we should have primarily because it is new and different. Living in New York City, we never even really get to see the stars, much less sleep under them. Smelling clean (I mean really clean) vegetation scented air is also something that I highly recommend, as is the experience of sitting around a campfire toasting marshmallows and telling scary stories. 38 INTERIOR NEW YORK I JULY/AUGUST 2009
Enticed yet? Well then, let’s get you started! The biggest misconception about camping is that it involves buying a lot of expensive gear. This is simply not true. All you really need to buy is a tent and sleeping bags and pads, as well as your food. Everything else you may need is optional, or is stuff that you probably already have around the house. Besides, once you buy the tent and sleeping bags they should last you years, which means that you can go camping as often as you like at a minimum of expense. Since most camp grounds charge only $10-20 a night, camping will quickly become one of the cheapest vacations that you can take. As far as tents are concerned, don’t feel the need to break the bank, especially if you are a beginning camper. You can generally get a decent tent for up to six people starting as low as $120, although prices for multi-room tents can get as high as $400. (If you have a backyard, try setting up you tent at
JULY/AUGUST 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK 39
home before you get to the campsite. If you live in an apartment, at least read the instructions thoroughly before leaving home.) You will also need one sleeping bag and pad for each person. The sleeping pads are optional, but highly recommended. They go on the ground underneath the sleeping bag and provide an extra layer of cushioning between you and the ground, which will result in a better night’s sleep. Also, don’t forget to bring pillows. Another money saving benefit of camping is that you will be cooking all of your own meals. Cooking your own food saves you a lot of money that you would have otherwise spent dining in restaurants while on vacation. All camp grounds have barbeque grill pits for cooking; just don’t forget to bring plenty of charcoal. If you are unsure of your barbequing abilities, or would at least like to have the option of cooking food on a burner, you may want to invest in a propane stove. Inexpensive single-burner stoves are available for as little as $30, but multi-burner models can get as high as $80. Speaking of food, don’t forget to bring utensils, a pot or two and some flatware. If you only plan on cooking
40 INTERIOR NEW YORK I JULY/AUGUST 2009
burgers, hotdogs, and maybe some corn, you will probably only need a spatula and tongs. If you plan on bringing any canned goods, like beans, you will also need a can opener. You can use disposable plates and silverware, but if you would rather use the real thing, you will need a bucket to wash your dishes in, as well as some biodegradable soap. Another thing to keep in mind is that because you will be keeping your food cold with the use of a cooler, you will need plenty of ice. If you plan on going camping for more than a day or so, be sure to locate a store near your campsite where you can purchase additional ice. Other gear that you will need for your camping trip includes: a first aid kit, matches, a Swiss army knife, garbage bags, and a flashlight and/or lantern. Choosing a Campsite There are dozens, if not hundreds, of campsites in New York State. Whether you are planning to go camping in the Catskills, the Adirondacks, or elsewhere in New
York State, finding a campsite that will suit your needs is easy. The state’s official tourism website, iloveny.com, has a fairly comprehensive list of all the campgrounds and RV parks in the state. The website also allows you to customize your search based on the amenities (internet access, allows dogs, etc.) that you are looking for. Getting Settled Upon arrival at your chosen campground, you will have to check in and sign the guestbook. It’s a good time to familiarize your self with campground rules, ask about the location of the restrooms, garbage disposal areas, and showers (if available). Many campgrounds also provide firewood, but if the don’t you will generally have to purchase your own, as simply foraging for wood is often prohibited. Check-in is also the ideal time to let the attendant know if you have any preferences in terms of location, such as near the restroom or close to the lake. Once you have arrived at your designated spot, it’s time to unpack your gear and set up your tent. Try to choose a “high and dry” location for your tent. Select a relatively flat piece of land that is slightly elevated. If it rains, the water will drain away from your tent rather than collecting under it. Helpful Hints for Beginners While you are camping, the most important thing to remember is to keep a clean campsite. To avoid unwanted visitors, dispose of your garbage frequently. Even an empty soda can attract insects and other pests. An unattended cooler or garbage bag is a virtual invitation to raccoons and other critters. The trunk of your car is the best place to store your food and cooler, so make sure to lock up everything securely before bed each night. Also, never eat in your tent. Animals may chew through it to get at the crumbs. Also remember that there will be morning dew in the woods, so put anything you don’t want to get wet either in your car or in your tent before bed. It is also important to be respectful of other campers. Most camp grounds have “quiet hours” at night, so try to keep the noise to a minimum during these hours. Finally, make sure you leave the campground as you found it. Take all of your garbage with you so that the next visitors to your site can have as great a time as you did!
JULY/AUGUST 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK 43
Home Owner Insurance
How To Save
With Home Security
Personal security camera systems are getting more and more common place as price plus availability continue to improve. House holders and Business owners can benefit from installing these security cameras. House holders utilize personal security camera systems for several reasons. Safety is presumably high on that list. Supervising the safety of family members, specially small kids plus older members, the safety of dogs and the security of personal belongings give home owners sobering reasons to purchase private security camera systems. Security Cameras for the supervising of dogs and small kids are very simple and affordable to fit when only a small place is to be monitored. For instance, checking the babies room or the area where your dog passes their day when home owners are away can be set up with a computer and a webcam that sells for under 20 dollars. Parents can quickly see when and how well an infant is snoozing, what kind of attention the infant receives when awake plus what kind of daily timetable is being observed. Pet lovers will be able to look in on pets, checking movements and demeanor and recognize instantly if your
44 INTERIOR NEW YORK I JULY/AUGUST 2009
dog becomes ill or is hurt in some manner. We can use a personal security webcam system to keep an eye on senior moms and dads who rather to live by themselves and preserve their independence as much as possible yet might well have an fall or health emergencies. House holders installing a personal security webcam system will be able to add a layer of protection affecting personal belongings while saving nearly 20 % on American family home insurance. Start-up retail owners can benefit in several ways by installing a personal security webcam system. Business offices plus shop floors can be monitored for damage via misfortune, violation or even staff theft. Security camera systems are available in all sizes, like simple to hide to simple to miss. Oftentimes the best personal security webcam system utilises a combination of sizes and types of webcam. Concealed security cameras can be installed to keep an eye on particular areas of the shop floor, specially those controlling sensitive information. Bulkier security cameras can be installed in very visible places to deter burglaries, thievery and malicious mischief.
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Personal security cctv cameras come wired or wireless. Wired security cameras are generally installed by electricians or security service providers during the construction of your house or store. Wireless security cameras can be installed whenever construction is completed and almost anyplace. These wireless security cameras are quickly added-to to include additional security cameras for more capabilities. Nonobligatory plug-ins for personal security cctv cameras consist of motion sensors, smoke sensors, heat changes sensors and more. Supervising of a personal cctv camera system can oftentimes be carried out by cellular phone, personal computer, plus other portable electronics plus by TV. House holders can capture webcam images digitally or on storage devices like a DVD or videocassette recorder. House holders that rather to do so can avail of a monitoring system which automatically notifies the authorities when alarms are activated. The installation of a personal cctv camera system offers homeowners a means to keep an eye on the safety of loved ones, pets and belongings. Most American homeowners insurance companies grant discounts of up to 20 percent on property where a cctv camera system is used.
About The Author Following is a quick and easy method to save yet even more money on your home insurance. In just seconds, you will be able to connect with various insurance brokers that will let you find the perfect, Low-cost American Homeowners Insurance you require. Simply logon to http://HomeInsuranceMatters. com and pick yourself the ideal free home insurance quote!
46 INTERIOR NEW YORK I JULY/AUGUST 2009
The Benefits
of a
Solar-Powered Home
A
lthough I’m sure they are working on it, the government hasn’t quite figured out a way to tax sunshineyet. Until they do, or the sun goes super nova, solar power remains a free source of clean, renewable energy. This fact alone should be reason enough to consider converting to solar power, but there are a myriad of other advantages to using solar power, and the list of reasons to make the switch seems to grow by the day. Rising energy costs, rolling black-outs, Global Warming, geo-political unrest, as well as some more practical concerns, are all reasons to consider investing in solar power. Photovoltaic (PV) solar-powered systems rely on roof-top solar panels which convert sunlight directly into electricity. Since the sun continues to shine no matter how much sunlight we collect, solar panels provide access to an unlimited source of free energy. Additionally, no fossil fuels are burned to produce solar energy, so there are no emissions, which is good news for those of us concerned with pollution and climate change.
48 INTERIOR NEW YORK I JULY/AUGUST 2009
The lack of burning fossil fuels also means that solarpowered homes are more energy independent. Fuel prices seem to rise daily, with no end in sight. Fossil fuels often come from volatile and unfriendly parts of the world, where political and social unrest continually threaten to drive the price of fuel to an unknown pinnacle. By reducing your dependence on fossil fuels, you will become less susceptible to the whims of the market. In addition, investing in solar panels also provides you with a measure of protection against blackouts. As long as you have a battery bank, your house will still have functioning electricity, even if the rest of your neighborhood goes dark. Most solar powered homes are actually hybrids. They are not removed from the electrical grid. Solar powered homes use solar energy and supplement that with energy from traditional sources. This means that when the solar panels are not generating optimum output, like on cloudy or overcast days, the lights won’t go dark. In addition, if you produce more electricity than you actually need, you can sell the excess back to the power company and make a profit. The main disadvantage of investing in solar power is the cost. A homeowner can expect to pay $20,000 to $40,000 to install solar panels on their home. The bigger the home, the more expensive it becomes. This means that the capital
costs of installing a solar system can equal just under a decades worth of household energy costs, so it can take a while to see a return on your investment. The good news is that because solar panels have no moving parts maintenance is minimal, and solar panels can work for up to 40 years. In addition, manufacturers often guarantee their products for 20-25 years. Although the cost of installing soar panels remains high, it is being reduced annually due to both federal and state subsidy programs. The federal government, under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, grants a one-time 30% tax credit to homeowners installing photovoltaic solar-power panels. Additional incentives are available on the state level, and a complete and up-to-date list of these incentives can be found on the website of the non-profit organization DSIRE, the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy. New York offers one of the best solar energy incentive programs in the country. The state offers rebates for systems up to 50kW to a maximum of 60% of the total cost. In addition, New York provides a 25% tax credit for residential installations up to $5,000. The State of New York also exempts solar electric systems installed prior to Jan 1, 2011 from the real property tax. So consider going green- it just may pay off!
JULY/AUGUST 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK 49
15 WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
A
ACCORDING TO MOST RATIONAL SCIENTISTS, THE THREAT OF GLOBAL WARMING IS REAL AND GROWING BY THE DAY. Global Warming detractors generally acknowledge the fact that the Earth is getting warmer, but they cite volcanoes, sun spots, and other natural phenomenon as explanations for the planet’s increase in temperature. Although some debate as to whether Global Warming is entirely man-made remains, the evidence that we are at least partially responsible for this warming trend is irrefutable. In any case, my attitude is that there is nothing I can do about volcano eruptions or solar flares, but I can remember to turn off the light. And that is what reducing your carbon footprint means; it means it making a bunch of small changes to your lifestyle that reduce the harm that you personally do to the planet. Every human being contributes carbon dioxide emissions to the environment. Your carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide that you are personably responsible for putting into the atmosphere. Virtually everything we doeating breakfast in the morning, going to work, watching TV, using the computer- contributes to our carbon footprints. The
50 INTERIOR NEW YORK I JULY/AUGUST 2009
average American contributes about 22 tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere each year, while the world average comes to about 6 tons per person per year. Fortunately, there are some relatively minor changes that we can make to our lifestyles to greatly reduce our carbon footprints. These changes can also save you some money, so consider it a win-win situation. Listed below are just a few of the changes that you can make to reduce your carbon footprint. This is by no means a complete list. There are plenty of websites, like stopglobalwarming.org, where you can find additional information. While you are at it, take advantage of the carbon footprint calculator to see just how many ponds of emissions you are creating.
1.
Change your bulbs. Conserving electricity is one of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. About 70% of our electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels, which produce vast amounts of carbon emissions. Replacing even one of your incandescent light bulbs with an energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Bulb (CFL) will save you about $30 over the bulb’s lifetime, and about150 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Americans could collectively keep
JULY/AUGUST 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK 51
about a trillion tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere if we each replaced only 3 of our light bulbs.
2.
Turn the heat down. By turning the heat down just two degrees in the winter you can save about $98 a year and 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.
3.
Unplug appliances and electronics when they are not in use. Most people may not realize that many appliances and electronic devices drain power even when they are not turned on. Anything with a light or a clock that remains on when the power is turned off is still draining energy. When combined together, our stereos, VCRs, video game systems and cell phone charges can draw up to 240 watt hours a day.
4.
Dry your clothes on a line. Using a clothes line to dry your clothes can save a lot of energy. If you aren’t in a position to hang a clothes line outside, there are plenty of collapsible wooden racks designed for drying clothes indoors. To save even more energy, wash your clothes in cold rather than hot water.
5.
Seal air leaks and insulate your home. Sealing air leaks around door and window frames (or anywhere else you find a draft) makes an excellent do-it-yourself project. You can also add insulation to your basement and/or attic, where most heat loss occurs. There are also insulation companies that you can hire to blow insulation into your crawlspace or exterior walls, which go un-insulated in many homes.
6.
Install double-pane windows. Single-pane windows cause your home to lose vast amounts of heat. Although the cost of installing double-pane windows can run into the thousands of dollars, it will save you hundreds of dollars a year and about 10,000 ponds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
7.
Turn your computer off at night. Before you go to bed at night, turn off your computer. Leaving your computer on sleep or hibernate mode saves energy, but your computer will still draw about 1-2 watts per hour. This suggestion is also applicable to computers used at work. About half of all American workers leave their computers turned on when they leave at the end of the day, costing about $2.8 billion annually, and releasing about 20 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
8.
Turn off lights, electronics, and appliances when they are not in use. Get into the habit of turning the lights off when you leave a room, even if it’s only for a short period of time. When you leave the house, make sure you turn off the TV, stereo, cable box, and/ or air conditioner. In fact, it’s a good idea to get an air conditioner with a timer that can be programmed to be turned on shortly before you get home from work. If you are in the habit of falling asleep with the TV on, make sure you set the sleep timer.
9.
Decrease your red meat consumption. Domestic livestock belch methane, a greenhouse gas that is 23
52 INTERIOR NEW YORK I JULY/AUGUST 2009
times more potent than carbon dioxide, contributing more to global warming than the combined impact of all human transportation. In addition, meat production is a major cause of deforestation. We exacerbate the problem of global warming when we cut down trees to provide grazing land for cattle. All plants soak up carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen, so the more trees and plants we have, the better.
10.
Buy reusable goods. Use canvas shopping bags when you do your grocery shopping. Use cloth napkins, rather than paper ones, when you eat. Always dry your hands with a cloth towel. Avoid using paper towels to dry your hands or clean up spills. Use a dark colored hand towel, rag, or cloth to clean up spills, as you can wash and reuse these items many times before throwing them away.
11.
Reduce your water consumption. Turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth. You lose about 25 gallons of water a month by letting it run. If you have a dishwasher, use it rather than washing your dishes by hand. It actually consumes less water. To conserve even more water, use a low-flow showerhead and faucet aerators.
12.
Buy locally grown produce. Buying locally grown fruits and vegetables from a farmer’s market is a great way to cut back on the transportation and production costs associated with the food we eat. Most fruits and vegetables found at the supermarket travel an average of 1,500 miles to get there.
13.
Drive less, and during off-peak hours. Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to walk or bike during short trips around town. It will save you money on gas and is just good exercise. For longer trips, consider taking public transportation or car pooling. When you must drive, try to do so during off-peak hours so you don’t waste gas idling in traffic.
14.
Buy a hybrid car. I know it is a rather pricey investment, but it can save you about $3,750 a year on gas, and approximately 16,000 pounds of carbon emissions. For those of you who are very attached to your SUVs, the good news is that most car manufacturers are now producing hybrid versions of these vehicles.
15.
Look for “green power” utility options. Many utility companies now offer “green power” options where you pay a little bit extra on your utility bill to have you electricity produced by wind, solar, and other environmentally friendly means. If there is no green option where you live, you can purchase a “green tag” for about $20-$24 a month to offset your carbon emissions. Green tag purchases are used to invest in wind and solar technology, thereby reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be generated by coal-fired power plants. A green tag purchase can reduce your carbon footprint by about 16,800 pounds a year.
JULY/AUGUST 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK 53
INTERIOR NEW YORK DIRECTORY ACCESSORIES Parci Parla 4904 13th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 686-6858 Success Office Products 5120 Ft Hamilton Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 972-3800 www.4successoffice.com ARCHITECTURE Avalon Designs 5922 18th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11204 718 236-8600 Maviz 718 305-5990 APPLIANCES AJ Madison 1416 38th Street Brooklyn, NY 718 732-4950 www.ajmadison.com
Drimmers Home Appliance 1608 Coney Island Ave Brooklyn, NY 11230 718 338-3500 www.drimmers.com See ad page 1 S&W Appliance 162 Wallabout St Brooklyn NY 11206 718 387-8660 ART Brilliant Strokes 5814 New Utrecht Ave Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 338-7287 Lynn Russel artthou@earthlink.net Ani Brieger 212-724-0621
BATH B & H Home Expressions 728 kings Highway Brooklyn, NY 11223 718 513-3700 www.bhhomeexpressions.com See ad page 3 Home & Stone 1663 Coney Island Ave Brooklyn, NY 11230 718-787-1000 See ad inside front cover World Wide Kitchen & Bath 3920 15th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11218 718 853-3000 CARPET Boro Rug & Carpet 1141 37th St Brooklyn, NY 11218 718 853-3600 www.bororug.com See ad page 37 Levi & Sons Oriental Rugs 264 39th Street Brooklyn, NY 11232 718 768-1070 See ad page 51 Quality Carpet 214 Ditmas Ave Brooklyn, NY 11218 718 941-4200 www.qualitycarpet.com See ad page 41
Closets by Portwoordwork 718 832-1714 European Closet & Cabinet 214 49th St Brooklyn, NY 11220 800 640-2567 www.europeancloset.com See ad page 22 CONSTRUCTION K & K Renovations 8670 20th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11214 347-538-4969 www.kandkrenovation.net See ad page 13 DOORS Exclusive Doors 376 Flushing Ave Brooklyn, NY 11205 718 246-2200 www.exclusivedoor.com See ad page 11 Grand Doors 1373 39th St. Brooklyn, NY 11219 718-871-2200 www.GrandDoors.com See ad page 5 Heritage Doors 126 Nostrand Ave Brooklyn, NY 11206 718 499-3667 www.heritagecustomdoors.com
FLOORING TivTov Flooring Warehouse 1572 61st St Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 234-5511 www.tivtovflooring.com
Rockwell Abstract LLC 1333 60th St Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 431-7795 www.rockwellabstract.com FURNITURE Accentuations By Designs 1501 60th St Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 972-2300 www.accentuationsbydesign.com See ad page 23 Living Quarters 5926 16th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11204 718 256-4367 Mega Babies 6007 14th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 437-3400 www.megababies.net Renaissance Custom Interiors 4305 New Utrecht Ave Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 851-3977 Expert Furniture Finishing & Repair 718- 851-0927 See ad page 43 Sofas ‘n’ More 329 Hewes Street Brooklyn, NY 11211 718 599-7623 See ad page 43 Sleep Tight Bedding 5211 New Utrecht Ave Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 438-3933
FOOD Sushi K Bar 718 871-KBAR (5227) www.sushikbar.com See ad page 31
S & G Fine Chair Collection 63 Flushing Ave Bldg # 3 Brooklyn, NY 11205 718 522-6500 See ad page 33
CLOSETS Closet Maven 63 Flushing Ave Unit 318 Brooklyn, NY 11205 718 855-0028 www.cmclosets.com See ad page 4
FUNDING Fairmont Capital 212 710-4018 1333 60th St Brooklyn, NY 11219 www.fairmontcap.com
S & S Fine Furniture 306 Penn St Brooklyn, NY 11211 718 963-1466
Organize It All 718 812-9916 See ad page 43
Fairmont Funding 1333 60th St Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 431-7795 www.fairmontfunding.com
54 INTERIOR NEW YORK I JULY/AUGUST 2009
Ultimate Design 1229 39th St Brooklyn, NY 11218 718 437-7272 www.ultimatedesignny.com See ad page 55
GLASS Monsey Glass 301-309 Roosevelt Avenue Sprint Valley, NY 10977 854-352-2200 See ad page 17
INTERIOR DESIGNER CV Design Associates inc. celiavogeldesign@gmail.com JEWLERY Simpson 4922 13th avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 871-0120 KITCHENS Artistic Kitchen Designs 206 Webster Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11230 800 521-2904 www.artistic-kitchen-designs.com See ad page 19 Brookville Cabinet & Design 119 Spruce St Cedarhurst, NY 11516 516 374-4675 www.brookvillecabinet.com Capital Cabinets 5306 New Utrecht Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11219 718 435-7005 www.capitalcabinetsinc.com See ad page 46 Complete Kitchens 99 Rutledge St Brooklyn, NY 11211 718 782-4010
LIGHTING Aura 1355 60th St Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 972-5400
Lighting Palace 2148 Flatbush Ave Brooklyn, NY 11234 718 252-7722 Rainbow Lighting 2214 59th St Brooklyn, NY 11204 718 234-3393 www.rainbowlightingny.com Sunshine Lighting 744 Clinton St Brooklyn, NY 11231 718 768-7000 LINEN Elegant Linen by Ben Barber 5719 New Utrecht Ave 718-871-3535 4801 13th Ave 718-972-3535 Brooklyn, NY Lermatage 1483 60th St Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 854-4550 See ad page 43 LOCKSMITHS Key Master Locksmith 144 Lee Ave Brooklyn, NY 11211 718 388-1105 Neiman Locksmith 917-577-7796
Grand Kitchen & Stone 920 3rd Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11232 718 788-8301 Moda Custom Italian Kitchens 1935 McDonald Ave Brooklyn, NY 11223 718 787-1444
City Lights 2603 Nostrand Ave Brooklyn, Ny 11210 718 252-2237
MOULDINGS Architectural Decorators 102 Foster Ave Brooklyn, NY 11230 718 871-5550 Crown Millwork 12 Melnick Drive Monsey, NY 10952 845 371-2200 Moulding Classics Plus 6913 New Utrecht Ave Brooklyn, NY 11219 718 236-3566 Trim Worx 718 624-6900 See ad page 12
PLUMBING SUPPLY Solco Plumbing Supply, inc. 6916 New Utrecht Ave Brooklyn, NY 11228 413 Liberty Ave Brooklyn, NY 11207
Custom Tile 4607 16th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11204 718 438-1515 L & T Kitchen Depot 121 11th St Brooklyn, NY 11220 718 492-8282 See ad inside back cover
209 W. 18th St New York, NY 10011 931 Zerega Ave Bronx, NY 10473
Tile Decor 745 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, NY 11205 718 246-5900 See ad page 7
Main 718-345-1900 See ad back cover
PLUMBERS Plumber on Call 718-438-7656 SECURITY BSD Home and Personel 10 Pleasant Ridge Rd. New Hempstead, NY 10977 877 273-9114 See ad page 45 STAIRS All American Stairs 130-23 91st Ave Richmond Hill, NY 11418 718 441-8400 McDonald Stairs 1013 McDonald Ave Brooklyn, NY 11218 718 436-9714
Pedulla Ceramic Tile 4906 20th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11204 718 377-7746 See ad page 25 TRAVEL Luxury 4 less 1-877-2 flyl4l www.flyl4l.com See ad page 39 WINDOWS Imperial Windows 2009 Avenue U Brooklyn, NY 11229 718 646-4420 See ad page 2 Act II Interiors 1661 Utica Ave Brooklyn, NY 11234 718 338-5448 www.act2interiors.com
STONE - TILE Super Stone 87-89 14th St Brooklyn, NY 11215 718 832-1808 The Blue Stone Creation 300 Norman Ave Brooklyn, NY 11222 718 486-0500 Classic Tile, Inc. 1635 86th St Brooklyn, NY 11214 718 331-2615
Window Palace 660 McDonald Ave Brooklyn, NY 11218 718 854-3500 Signature Home Fashions 160 Williamsburg St Brooklyn, NY 11211 718 302-9500
30 S. Bridge St. Staten Island, NY 10309 718 967-5700 www.classictileny.com See ad page 36
TO BE LISTED NEXT MONTH CALL 718 854 3773 JULY/AUGUST 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK 55
JULY/AUGUST 2009 I INTERIOR NEW YORK 57
Stop by and visit one of our many convenient locations TODAY!! 6916 New Utrecht Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11228 413 Liberty Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207 209 W. 18th Street, New York, NY 10011 931 Zerega Avenue, Bronx, NY 10473 Main: (718) 345 - 1900
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