“Make Your Dreams Come True”
barseconstruction@gmail.com
956-640-1313
Sonia Bartnicki-Owner Moises Bartnicki-Sales Manager Claudia Bartnicki-Accounting WINTER 2012
olé decor 5
letter from the editor Comfy and Cozy is the theme for Ole Décor’s winter issue when it comes to decorating. Our “Decorating With” article brings comfy into every room of your house, featuring pillows and throws in a multitude of colors, patterns, shapes and sizes. We’ll show you how to transform the look and feel of an entire room just by adding a unique throw or splash of finesse with custom made pillows. The benefits are twofold, a welcomed update to your home décor and the pleasure of nuzzling into a pile of pillows or wrapping up in a comfy throw. Moving on from comfy to cozy, we bring you a feature on fireplaces and mantels. Mantelpieces incorporate the decorative framework around the fireplace, and can include elaborate designs extending to the ceiling. Design inspiration includes new mantels, mantel inserts and even faux stone mantels. Even if you don’t have a chimney or a real working fireplace, mantelpieces also work great with hanging and electric fireplaces. So cozy up together in front of a romantic fire in the master bedroom or cuddle up and start a movie in the glowing light from the fireplace
in your family room. One added bonus: Santa will easily find your stockings! Casa Bonita is a construction company in Harlingen that is quickly emerging as one of the valley’s premier luxury home builders. Enjoy the vaulted ceilings and vaulted spaces as we take you on a private tour inside a very special palatial estate. On the outside it is a vast Mediterranean estate and on the inside is a surprising and eclectic mix of materials (stone, glass and wood) and modern and traditional design elements. Save this issue because this luxury home, built by Casa Bonita, will give you decorating and design ideas for years to come.
website www.oledecor.com
advertising sales (956) 266 8663
email eddie@oledecor.com
address Kingfisher Gallery 1 Padre Blvd, Suite 102. South Padre Island, TX 78597 209 N. 17th Street. Suite B. McAllen, TX 78501
mailing address P.O. Box 40101 South Padre Island, TX 78597
Been shopping lately - not for groceries or clothes, but rather for your home? Ole Décor is proud to bring you the brand new NIU furniture store in McAllen. Window shop the pages of our magazine, then visit their spectacular new showroom. It is the place to be, be seen, and shop!
Printed in Mexico
Happy Holidays, Eddie Reyes
next issue Sound the alarm! Not literally, but our
Don’t have a green thumb? Relax, we’ve got
feature in “Fabulous Spaces, Public
you covered, because all of our botanicals
Spaces” will take you to the brand new Fire
are faux!
Station on South Padre Island. The space is an architectural marvel in design and functionality.
Imagine the ease and effortless beauty you can spread around your home indoors and out, without the hassle of maintaining
Equipped with state of the art equipment
proper water levels, planting on the right
including a full size gym, it is also built
side of the house, or balancing ph levels in
with high-end quality products designed to
your soil.
withstand everything from hurricanes to fires. Wondering if they included the old fashioned sliding pole? You’ll have to pick up the next issue to find out.
Welcome into your life all the fake greenery you can get your hands on with our guide on doing it right. For-Sale-By-Owners and Lic. Real Estate Agents take note: If you would like your
In honor of spring we will also bring you
luxury home featured in the next issue of
great ways to decorate with plants, trees,
Ole Décor Luxury Homes call us, we would
and flowers.
love to consider your property!.
6 olé decor FALL 2012 WINTER 2012
on the cover The NIU pg 34 crystal fortress is spectacular enough to make even Super Man jealous. But you’ll find no solitude in here, it’s filled to the I-beams with every type of furniture piece imaginable. You’re able to catch a glimpse driving by compliments of G&S Glass pg 41 who supplied and installed the special glass in the windows that reflects 80% of the heat from the sunlight. COOL!
Your product of choice for custom designs of natural stone.
STONE
Wall Textures
With over 10 years of success, Kernion Stone now arrives to the Rio Grande Valley to provide its vast experience in custom stone design. Our state of the art material resources will allow you to have access to the most unique, exotic and finest collection of natural stone products. We specialize in premium quality materials including onyx, marble, granite, travertine, and quartz. Feel confident in choosing Kernion Stone where
Bar
Stone Art
Onyx Light Panels
Table Bases
Onyx Tile Lamp
Pedestals
Illuminated Sinks
your imagination is your only limitation.
www.kernionstone.com | 956. 599.4122
From Our Showroom to your
Dream Home.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you pick out the right flooring for that special space. We have a wide variety of in-house products to fit all budgets big and small.
BROWNSVILLE SHOWROOM 3913 N. EXPY 83 956-350-8222 PHARR SHOWROOM **+) >' >QIK>LLP:R 1, 2./& 01+&-/), MISSION-OUTLET ,)*+ G' <HGP:R 2./&.*2&+))) LA UNIVERSAL SHOWROOM-MATAMOROS, TAMPS *:' R E:NKH OBEE:K M>E !1/1" 1*/&/-),
Stone Veneers s Flooring Vanities s Natural Stone Sinks Floor Medallions s Art s Granite
CONTENTS WINTER ISSUE 2012
16 Luxury Homes Casa Bonita built a masterpiece. Let us give you a tour of it.
44 44 Decorating With For an instant makeover, add pillows and throws.
16 25 Real Estate Distinctive Properties.
31 Fine Art Gallery Guide
34 Fabulous Spaces, Public Places
50 50 Indoor Outdoor Living Tis the season to be cozy, next to your decorative fireplace mantel.
NIU: the new magnificent jewel on 10th street.
58 34 10 olĂŠ decor WINTER 2012
58 Sorteo Tec Lucky One Ninety One.
1343-450
Recámara “After Eight”
After Eight Black Onyx
After Eight is designed in the “Hollywood Regency” style, born during the glamorous golden age of Tinseltown. Bold tonal contrasts and fun geometric shapes set the stage for a striking collection, full of personality. Express your own individuality and style by adding bold splashes of color or striking patterned accessories to create your own Hollywood movie set. 1343-450/2144-450
3PRL
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www.lacksvalley.com
1405 FM 802 (956) 546-4262 Brownsville
1200 E. Expwy 83 McAllen
new products
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Bring the elegant and timeless look of stone to your home
A
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and apply colors using all-natural mineral pigments. What this means is that the product can be installed on almost any existing wall, and there is no need for messy tear downs.
“The process consists of applying the StoneCoat product using compressed air. Then certified artisans carve the shapes of the stones and apply colors using allnatural mineral pigments.”
Scan the QR Code to find the nearest StoneCoat authorized dealer near you. For more information See Opposite Page.
12 olé decor WINTER 2012
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luxury homes
Mediterranean Masterpiece As I drove into a cul-de-sac to find the home I was scheduled to tour, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to see the house number to know which home it was. Casa Bonita homes have a distinctive style that is instantly recognizable. WRITTEN BY: LINDA LEWIS
16 olĂŠ decor WINTER 2012
Dynamic duo Eduardo Galvan and Jaime Lozano have emerged as the go-to-guys for luxury custom homes in Cameron County. This issue’s Luxury Homes feature compliments of Casa Bonita pg 15, is “Making the Valley Beautiful”, indeed!
WINTER 2012
olé decor 17
Interior shutters lend beauty and elegance to this dining space. J&M Curtain Designer and Blinds pg 23 custom made the shutters and their finish to match this room.
T
he architecture of this Harlingen home references classic Mediterranean style.
The exterior is primarily a neutral colored stucco, with stone accents and red tiles on its sloping roofs. Corbels are added under the eaves to give the look of exposed wood rafters. Typical of this style, entryways and balconies have arches, plenty of wrought iron, and large windows. On the front of the house, a large two story turret houses the interior spiral staircase, and a single story turret is a feature for the master bedroom.
Styled to complement the home, this family keeps their business affairs beautifully in order with an impressive executive desk from Lacks pg 11.
This 5,000 square foot home is organized for maximum efficiency. There is an open plan great room, dining room and kitchen. Bedrooms and closets are large, and each bedroom has an attached bathroom. The master bedroom and a study lead off the great room. The homeowner remarked to me several times that there is no wasted space in the home, a feature she greatly appreciates. Interior architectural details go miles beyond the ordinary. No square boxes here! The ceilings are particularly noteworthy. Ceiling designs range
18 olĂŠ decor WINTER 2012
A wonderful centerpiece, striking with drapery panels but equally stunning without, this canopy bed impresses instantly. Lacks pg 11
from a traditional coffered ceiling in the study, to a completely unique design in the master bedroom.
back down into the room. A dark stained molding outlines the ceiling edges, giving it definition.
A coffered ceiling is a grid of intersecting beams that create squares, rectangles or octagons. The coffers in this home are made by creating frames that are attached to the ceiling and covered with drywall. The frames can be thought of as an adaptation of an interior soffit.
The primary focal point, in the great room, is a bank of large windows that overlook the pool area. A stacked rock wall creates a secondary focal point. Neutral warm tones create a warm elegance and maintain the Mediterranean aesthetic of the home. Light travertine tile in the great room is balanced by dark finishes on the furniture, cabinetry, moldings, and door frames.
In the master bedroom, the technique enters the realm of masterful creativity. A curvilinear soffit runs around the edges of the ceiling and gives the appearance that the ceiling is raised. A second smaller beam, that mimics the same curve of the soffit, is set inside it. The ceiling of the turret alcove has circular beams in several different depths. The design creates wonderful visual interest in the room. There are dramatically different variations in every room in the house. The ceiling in the great room is probably the least elaborate. It is a stepped tray ceiling. Two ceiling beams intersect, creating a cross. The drama comes from the double story height of the ceiling. A large chandelier hangs from where the beams intersect, bringing the eye
Variations in pattern, texture and color tone create interest in the neutral color palette. The brown granite countertops in the kitchen are uniformly flecked with black, brown, and white, giving it an overall medium to light tone. A lighter six inch tile backsplash inset with contrasting light and dark one inch tile squares provides visual interest. Together, the counter and backsplash balance the darkness of the kitchen cabinets. This kitchen is completed with high end appliances, including a wine cooler and an in-island prep sink. There are several choices of direction in the main entry. Turn left and you enter the great room.
WINTER 2012
olĂŠ decor 19
Turn right and you enter a small vestibule area with doorways to the kitchen, a bedroom suite, laundry and garage. A circular staircase leads to the second floor. The stairs and the loft floor are clad with beautiful hand scraped solid wood, adding dimensional and textural interest. In the loft, there is a lounge area and two bedrooms. A bridge connects the two sides of the upstairs. The bridge, with a decorative wrought iron railing, overlooks the double height great room and the pool area. The homeowners while away the evening and weekend hours with their family in their backyard oasis. Many relaxing hours are spent resting in hammocks under the wooden pergola, enjoying the pool, and dining in the kitchen cabana. The cabana is outfitted with a large grill, cabinet sized refrigerator, sink and dining table.
TOP: If you’re going to build a Mediterranean style influenced home in our Valley, let Hamlin Pools pg 23 bring you the sapphire hue water complete with whirl pool and iridescent accents tiles. Voila!
20 olé decor WINTER 2012
Although the design of the house is traditional, the building materials are contemporary. Casa Bonita specializes in building homes with insulating concrete forms (ICFs). ICF is an energy efficient, weather resistant, green product. ICF construction adds three to five percent in construction costs, but the homeowners save a great deal of money over time in energy savings, lower insurance rates, and repairs from weather damage. Green tax incentives
may also apply. Casa Bonita cites some additional advantages on their website, like hurricane resistance, airtight walls, no CFCs, HCFDs, or formaldehydes, no rotting from moisture, design flexibility, no exterior sound transmission, reduction in building time, and no structural deterioration. ICF construction is an interesting process. Forms made from either polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam (including soy based), cement-bonded wood fiber, or cement-bonded polystyrene beads, are stabilized with rebar that has been embedded in the concrete slab foundation. The forms are then filled with concrete. The forms remain, and act as thermal and acoustic insulation with an R-value of 17. The exterior finish on this home is stucco, but any siding that can be applied to a wood-frame building can be applied to ICFs. Many ICFs do not require a weather resistant barrier, because they are weather resistant. The roof tiles aren’t traditional materials either; they are also made of concrete. Some of the advantages of concrete tiles are fire and weather resistance. They can withstand up to 125 mile per hour winds. Concrete tile installation requires specialized expertise, but if installed correctly will last 30-40 years.
Combining carpet, wood and tile flooring creates a natural threshold between spaces. All of the flooring throughout this magnificent dwelling we purchased and installed by International Carpets of Harlingen.
WINTER 2012
olĂŠ decor 21
Casa Bonita is a trendsetting builder that combines the aesthetic of tradition with efficiency in design and materials. These are features that the homeowner truly appreciates.
Concrete tile installation requires specialized expertise, but if installed correctly will last 30-40 years. 22 olĂŠ decor WINTER 2012
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WINTER 2012
olĂŠ decor 23
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Designing Windows, Walls, and Moreâ&#x20AC;? +XQWHU'RXJODV 3UGXFWV
DBA: Blinds Expo
PRODUCT SHOWROOM OPENING IN JANUARY Please call on any of our independent design consultants Janie Duran (956) 457-7682 | Joe Rios (956) 624-9081 Jackie Parent (956) 873-1675 | Sheree Strong
Owner
(956) 433-7245
Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be happy to put it all together for you.
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For hurricane shutters please call BSS / Shane Russell for a free product consultation (956) 592-5665
WINTER 2012
olé decor 27
We invite you to visit our showroom to select from our wide variety of products; where we meet our customer’s expectations. Decoration consulting available.
Visit us at www.RoyalDecorGallery.com
Traditional to modern chandeliers, fans, door handles, electric fireplaces, accent lighting blinds, furniture and art.
4003 W. US Hwy 83, McAllen | Business Hours: 9-6 Monday - Friday | 10-2 Saturday | After Hours: By Appointment 28 olé decor SUMMER 2012
956.992.0777
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956.425.6631 • 401 C. North T St. Harlingen, TX
ROOFING, STUCCO, STONE & WINDOWS
(956) 982-7717 ^^^ (.*KLZPNU(UK*VUZ[Y\J[PVU JVT
32 olé decor SPRING 2012
gallery guide
ADVERTORIAL
HOUSE OF FRAMES QUALITY CUSTOM & CONSERVATION FRAMING 1206 E. HARRISON AVE., HARLINGEN (956) 423-8282 House of Frames is your first and last stop when looking for hunting and fishing art and Texas maps and landscapes! We have the experience needed to handle any of today’s conservation framing projects from fishprints or needlework to canvas paintings or photography. We’ll work with any budget--big or small--always aiming for a finished product that will bring out the best in your art or collectables. Owner Peggy Allen and staff, Reed, Alice, Margaret and Julianna want to help you with all your framing needs. Just call or come by!
ROMMY CUSTOM DESIGNS 505 EAST MCINTYRE, EDINBURG (956) 219-6232 When you are constructing, remodeling or decorating, right decisions equal good results! Rommy Custom Designs is a professional team of engineers, interior designers and artists. We accept commisions for custom art of any style on any medium. Murals, border trimmings, custom hand painted furniture, furniture restoration, are just a few of our services. We have 36 years of experience in interior design and decor. Stop by our location and enjoy lunch in house at Corina’s Tea Room. www.mrbluepig.com
S. KLEIN GALLERIES - McALLEN 521 NORTH MAIN STREET, MCALLEN
(956) 686-0632 S. Klein Galleries opened its doors at 521 N. Main St. in McAllen 29 years ago, offering a full range of framing supplies. Mr. Klein’s 52 plus years of experience and his background as a trained artist, give him the expertise to provide a superior service, ensuring that you receive a beautifully crafted product. Sylvia and Stuart frame original artwork, posters, prints, diplomas, quinceañera photos, and anything else that requires framing. They also stretch canvases and sell note and greeting cards, prints and posters. Personalized service is their trademark, and anyone who walks through their doors can be sure that their framed product meets their requirements and their expectations.
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(ARD EARNED REPUTATION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF AND YEARS OF CONTINUING GROWTH CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY DEDICATION
INTEGRITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ! COMPANY LIKE #ASSO #ONSTRUCTION WAS BUILT ON SOLID PRINCIPLES AND THESE ARE THE PILLARS OF OUR STEADY SUCCESS !S A FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED COMPANY WE APPRECIATE THE VALUE OF A DEPENDABLE ROCK SOLID NAME 4HAT IS WHY ) PERSONALLY ATTEND TO EACH HOME WE BUILD AND WORK CLOSELY WITH OUR CLIENTS )F A CUSTOM HOME IS IN YOUR FUTURE LET US GIVE YOU AN HONEST AND SINCERE HAND (ECTOR 2ODRIGUEZ 0RESIDENT #ASSO #ONSTRUCTION OPEN HOUSE 'ROVEWOOD !VE s -ISSION 48 /FFICE HOURS ARE FROM PM OR CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
s .EXTEL )$ s -C!LLEN 48 WWW CASSOCONSTRUCTION COM s 32 olé decor WINTER 2012
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fabulous spaces, public places
34 olĂŠ decor WINTER 2012
niu perspective Glass showroom ushers in era of sophistication
A
s the Rio Grande Valley draws an increasingly diverse population to visit, to take up residence, and to contribute to local culture, the area fortunately, perhaps inevitably, experiences a greater diversity of both private and public creativity. This year, McAllen unveiled a public manifestation of this creativity, having dramatically transformed a huge “box store” into a dynamic, user-friendly, and engaging public library that immediately spawned new interest in its several venues. In addition, San Juan has seen the construction of an Audi dealership with a contemporary design featuring a European “feel” and angled windows that seem to give movement to the vehicles housed within. And now, approaching Pecan (495) while driving north on McAllen s 10th Street by night, one cannot escape the brilliance of a stunning new jewelry box, the most recent inductee into this group of avantgarde structures. Three stories of glass and concrete, 1318 North Tenth Street would seem more at home in an urban shopping district like Polanco or San Pedro Garza Garcia.
The progressive ethereal facade of the new NIU building allows for its extraordinary contents to be viewed at any time of day or night. The green-certified glass was provided by G&S Glass in Edinburg pg 41.
M
ientras el Valle del Rio Grande atrae una poblacion mas diversa para visitarlo, mudarse permanentemente y contribuir a la cultura local, el area afortunadamente, y quizas inevitablemente, experimenta una mayor diversidad tanto en la creatividad en la iniciativa privada como en el sector publico. Este año, la ciudad de McAllen develop una manifestacion de la creatividad en el ambito publico, habiendo transformado dramaticamente una gran “caja” en una bibliteca que es dinamica, amigable con el usuario y atractiva, la cual aumento inmediatamente el interes por usar todos sus espacios. Ademas, la ciudad de San Juan ha visto la construccion de una agencia de automoviles Audi, la cual tiene un disenio contemporaneo y un “toque” europeo. Sus ventanas con angulos dotan al edificio de cierto movimiento que se relaciona con los automoviles que se exhiben en su interior. Y ahora, mientras uno circula por la calle 10 de McAllen, hacia el norte, y casi al llegar a la calle Pecan (495), no se puede escaper al brillo de un Nuevo edificio que parece una caja de joyas, es el mas reciente miembro en este grupo de estructuras de vanguardia en la ciudad. Con un volumen de tres niveles de cristal y concreto, el edificio con el numero 1318 en el norte de la calle 10, pareceria que pertenece a una zona comercial de Polanco o de San Pedro Garza Garcia.
WINTER 2012 olé decor 35
The new NIU (pronounced like the word “new”) Furniture Gallery features a design by Leonel Sanchez, with creative consulting by Francisco Lopez Arquitectura of Matamoros. By day, the exterior of the building appears as a seemingly simple three-story glass front that displays attractive furniture. Other than the front and southwest corner, the rest of the exterior is minimalist bare concrete with large, rectangular windows, unevenly spread across the south side and back. The north exterior is bare concrete. Looking at the building from across Tenth Street, one notices that the designers placed the air conditioning units in an even configuration across the top of the glass section of the building, providing extension and a fitting cap to the exterior vertical lines. Considering, however, its proximity to Tenth Street, the third-floor display needs a slanted floor to show the furniture to greater advantage to the street.
36 olé decor WINTER 2012
La nueva galeria de muebles NIU, es una colaboracion de Leonel Sanchez con la consultoria creativa de Franciso Lopez de Matamoros. De dia, el exterior del edificio parece un simple aparador de cristal de tres pisos de altura el cual exhibe atractivos muebles. Con excepcion de la fachada frontal y la esquina suroeste (que son de cristal en su totalidad), el resto del exterior es de concreto aparente con grandes ventanas rectangulares dispuestas en forma aleatoria. El norte del edificio es concreto aparente. Al ver el edificio desde la banqueta de enfrente, uno nota que los disenadores colocaron las unidades de aire acondicionado justo arriba de la fachada de cristal, lo cual le da una terminacion muy apropiada a la verticalidad de la fachada. Considerando su cercania a la calle 10, el tercer piso se beneficiaria de un piso inclinado para que los productos se vean con mas claridad desde el nivel de calle.
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olĂŠ decor 37
Rooftop terrace skylights allow natural light to fill the showroom, as well as allowing patrons to look down at the goings-on from above.
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An upscale “modern” furniture store must attract the well-heeled customer to the building and display the furniture and decorations in such a manner that a sophisticated buyer can envision the pieces in his own mini-mansion. One parks to the south of the building and enters through the building’s south side. Inside, an employee at a circular desk greets the visitor, but the building’s interior quickly grabs all attention. This is no dark warehouse, outlet center, or fast food equivalent of a furniture showroom. The two large stories with multiple skylights and apertures combine with the white walls, treated concrete floors, and white interior ceilings to give the place an open, modern, airy feel. Large alcoves separate different decor and furniture sets. The modern furniture fits the space, and the space fits the merchandise.
Una tienda de muebles de prestigio debe atraer clientes pudientes al edificio y mostrar los muebles y las decoraciones de tal manera que el comprador sofisticado pueda visualizar las piezas en su propia mini mansion. Uno se estaciona al sur del edificio y entra por el lado sur de este. Adentro, un empleado en un escritorio circular Saluda al visitante, pero el interior del edificio atrapa toda la atencion rapidamente. Esta no es una bodega oscura, centro de rebajas o el equivalente de una tienda de muebles de “comida rapida”. Los dos grandes pisos con tragaluces y ventanas, se combinan con los muros blancos, los pisos de concreto pulido y los techos interiors para dar al lugar una sensacion abierta, moderna y espaciosa. Grandes alcobas separan y definen diferentes tipos de decoracion y muebles. Los muebles modernos “le quedan” muy bien en el espacio, y el espacio “le queda” muy bien a los muebles.
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Scan this QR Code with your smartphone to take a virtual tour of NIU Urban Living’s new showroom.
Above the showroom, the rooftop remains unfinished. Most of it constitutes terrace with a portion enclosed, one supposes, for kitchen or bar space. With its central location and wide vistas, one can easily imagine a New Year’s Eve gala or fundraiser under the stars. Given the considerable thought that obviously went into the building’s design, one must assume that the landscaping on the Tenth Street side has yet to see its full development. One hopes, however, that the structure itself will inspire the consumers of its upscale wares, and maybe even some institutional and commercial interests, to develop more such noteworthy buildings in the Valley.
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Sobre la galeria, la azotea permanence sin terminar. La mayor parte de esta constituye una terrace con una parte cerrada, que uno supone sera para una cocina o un bar. Con su ubicacion privilegiada y sus amplias vistas, uno facilmente se puede imaginar una cena de ano Nuevo o una gala “a beneficio” debajo de las estrellas. Dado la considerable reflexion que obviamente se le dedico al disenio del edificio, uno debe asumer que el paisajismo al frente, en la calle 10, todavia no esta completamente desarrollado. Uno espera, sin embargo, que la estructura misma inspire a consumidores y quizas tambien a tomadores de decisiones comerciales e institucionales a desarrollar edificios mucho mas notorios en el Valle.
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decorating with
Pillows and Throws
7RITTEN "Y 4AMMY 4RIPPEL $ECORATING $EN )NTERIORS s
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There are many different styles of pillows that offer different functions. For example, an ottoman can be considered to be a floor pillow or a small piece of furniture. The ottoman in the photograph is leather, and partly covered in a colorful woven fabric that coordinates with the other fabrics in the room. This particular piece was furnished by Lacks pg 11.
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TOP LEFT: A stark white room can be transformed by placing colorful pillows throughout the room. When used strategically, these pops of color can pull the entire space together visually. Design by DECORATING DEN.
A vibrant throw pillow can transform an entire room’s decor and deliver a bold color statement. Discover ways to bring a pop of color into your home with beautiful, bright throw pillows.
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eady-made decorative pillows come in a variety of shapes, fabrics and prices, and can be found in just about every department store! Gone are the days of only ordering them custom made! Here are a few ideas about what you can expect to find. A wide variety of styles, colors and prices can be found in all department stores. Prices vary widely depending upon the store. If your budget is limited check out a discount store. Pillows will range from around $9.99 to $25.00. Pillows in this price range are not usually designed to last long and do not wear well. “Spot cleaning” is usually recommended for cleaning. Translated, this simply means to clean soiled areas with a mild soap and a damp white cloth by blotting, not scrubbing. Inexpensive pillows can be great for special occasions or to give your room a quick “pick me up.” Higher end department stores will have pillows made with better quality materials. Their prices will generally start around $25.00 and go up from there. These products may be washable, or drycleanable, depending upon the materials. If you are more particular, you can purchase a “semi-custom made” pillow. These are usually only available through a design professional and will range in price from $50 and up. In this system, the manufacturer offers a set list of options to choose from. For example, you can pick the style, the fabric, and the trim for the pillow and then they finish it for you. They may offer a large variety of styles, patterns, colors and trims, but you are limited to the choices they offer. This allows the manufacturer to offer the consumer more
BOTTOM LEFT: Explore the NIU pg 33 pillow wall to enhance your space instantly. You’ll find a spectacular selection of pillows, throws and more in timeless colors and textures.
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Need Custom? Look no further, Catalina of Residential Interiors pg 41 has your pattern, print and style. We think after thirty three years in the home decor business she probably will be able to help you out.
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choice, but it keeps the price mid-level. Cleaning instructions may be “spot clean” or “dry clean.” The last type of decorative pillow is the true “custom made” one. These have endless possibilities…any fabric, any shape, any size and with any trim. They are always “spot clean” or “dry clean” They can range in price from $100 and up. Nothing looks like a beautifully detailed custom pillow! Another way you can accent your décor is with the use of an accent throw. As with pillows, you
can find inexpensive mass-produced, one of kind, or custom made throws. They are usually made of soft yarns that have been woven, knitted or crocheted. These, like decorative pillows, are available almost everywhere. Department store prices begin at around $9.99, depending upon the store. Throws in this price range will be made of inexpensive synthetic materials that will lose their nice appearance very quickly. They may lose their shape and develop pilling (bumps) on the surface.
Another way you can accent your décor is with the use of an accent throw. You’ll find a spectacular selection of pillows and more in timeless colors and textures. LEFT: Burberry is mad for plaid. The 156-year-old company has long been associated with its gabardinechecked fabric, invented by founder Thomas Burberry. Burberry-lined “trench” coats, worn by British soldiers in WWI, became a company icon. Now that same iconic pattern can accent you cozy couch. Nora Designs, inside
back cover RIGHT: Whatever your taste or style Stampa pg 3 has your flavor. Mod and bold, put your Stampa on it!
The less expensive throws are not a long term investment.
option you are only limited by creativity and budget.
Mid-priced and higher end department stores or specialty stores have throws starting around $50 and up. They will be made of somewhat better materials and have nicer trims, patterns, and designs. For example, they may have natural organic cottons and wool throws, but they might also have a polyester faux fur similar to the one shown here.
The maker’s cleaning instructions should be followed. Usually, the type of materials used will dictate the method of cleaning. The more ornate the fabric or trims the gentler care it needs. Silks and wools should be dry-cleaned. Cottons and synthetic materials can usually be machine washed.
Custom throws are much like custom decorative pillows. They can be made in any shape, any fabric, lined or unlined, with trim or without, or in multiple layers. Research on line to find artisans who will create a custom throw for you. With this
With all of the above options you can change the look and feel of a room at a minimal cost. If you keep your large purchase items such as sofas, chairs and beds in a neutral palette you will be able to change your accessories easily from season to season.
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indoor outdoor living
Fireplace Mantels When I think of a fireplace mantel, I usually think of the heavy slab of timber that was attached to the brick fireplace in the home my parents purchased in the 1970s. WRITTEN BY: LINDA LEWIS
A fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home no matter the climate in your area. Marble tolerates high temperatures. Its heat storing capacities are good, and it releases heat to the room evenly. This marble fireplace was provided by Arte En Cantera of McAllen pg 49.
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My Mother eventually removed it, preferring a more modern look. A mantel, however, is not just the shelf; the term includes the entire fireplace surround. In my parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home it was simple to remove an undesired element of the surround. However, the majority of surrounds are integrated systems that would be difficult to alter. Since a fireplace is an important focal point that adds architectural detail and establishes the style of your interior, careful consideration should be given to its design. You can have a custom designed surround built specifically for your home, or order manufactured surrounds. Some companies have customizable options like colors, stains and textures. There are a wide variety of mantel surround materials and designs to fit every conceivable style of home.
There are a wide variety of mantel surround materials and designs to fit every conceivable style of home.
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Wood is a classic choice, because its durability, interesting grain textures, and natural warm tones have a timeless appeal. Wood selections include imported woods and American woods like walnut, mahogany, cherry, maple, or oak. If you are ready for a do-it-yourself project you can order wood surrounds unfinished or primed and ready to stain or paint. There are a number of companies that will create custom designed surrounds for your fireplace in natural quarried stone from around the world. Granite, marble, travertine, limestone, coral stone and slate come in natural hues of black, beige, gold, taupe, green and other earth tones. You can also go antique hunting to find carved natural stone fireplace surrounds.
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There are techniques to create manmade materials that mimic the look of natural stone that have been around for hundreds of years.
There are techniques to create manmade materials that mimic the look of natural stone that have been around for hundreds of years. The primary differences between the individual products are the materials used and the care with which they are made.
Designer fireplaces and mantels will add more than warmth to your room. Old world fireplace designs featuring cantera or limestone from Arte en Cantera of McAllen pg 49 will add cozy-decor charm to your home.
Scagliola (pronounced skal - yo’le) is a technique that involves mixing together chips of stone, and layering the mixture by hand to achieve a natural stone texture. It first came into fashion in 17thcentury Tuscany, and is now being produced in the U.S. as “American scagliola.” American scagliola is made of a specially prepared plaster called Keene’s cement. It sets to an exceptionally hard state, allowing it to be turned on a lathe. Cast stone was used as early as 1138 in France in the medieval town of Carcassonne. It has
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Outdoor fireplaces combine the coziness and comfort of an indoor fireplace with the fun and warmth of an open air camp fire. Gonzalez Tile pg 56 provides quality materials for building your own.
been widely used in the U.S. since the 1920s. In America, the product is made of Portland cement to which fine aggregate is added to give the look of rock or stone. Many of these products are as durable as natural stone. Whatever your choice of casting materials, master craftsmen can create detailed reproductions that look like the original antiques. Some companies will allow you to customize sizes, colors, and the look of the stone. Whatever your budget, you can find beautiful reproductions of authentic European designs, or any other style that you desire.
Whatever your budget, you can find beautiful reproductions of authentic European designs.
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MASTER CRAFTED
Custom Designs Specializing in main doors, stair railings, decorative gates and custom wrought iron works.
956.592.7888 | 52*222*7858 VALLEYWIDE SERVICE Distributors Wanted
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Past Forward
Casa del Tec combines retro-fabulous taste with modern feel for a breathtakingly beautiful abode
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nspired by contemporary style, the new Casa del Tec offers visitors a beautifully decorated interior with brightly colored decorative accents that are carefully placed throughout the home. These interesting novelty accents are placed against a backdrop of welcoming earth tone colors and natural materials that give the interior the feel of a warm and inviting home. nspirada en el estilo contemporĂĄneo, la nueva Casa del Tec nos brinda a todos sus visitantes una perspectiva luminosa, con novedosos detalles actuales pero sin olvidar los acogedores toques de los colores tĂŠrreos y materiales naturales.
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A significant highlight is the harmonious union of indoor social areas with the exterior. These spaces are comprised of the living room and a fancy bar that adjoin the garden and the attic. Similarly, the ample 12 seat dining room has a beautiful view and is integrated with the living room and kitchen. The kitchen is painted in vivid colors guaranteed to bring the family together for some fun moments. This space is a great setting for special events. Color brings joy and freshness to this beautiful residence. The furniture is contemporary, with modern accents, and is distinguished by its high quality, proportionality, and exquisite taste. All fixtures serve a functional purpose but are beautiful art pieces in their own right.
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Resalta como detalle significativo la unión armoniosa de las áreas sociales interiores con el exterior que se forman de: la sala, un bar de antojo que remata con un jardín y ático. De igual forma el comedor amplio cuadrado para 12 comensales con vista muy agradable, también se integran el ante comedor y una divertida cocina de color vivo que será un imán de atracción familiar. Todo este conjunto permite realizar eventos para gran lucimiento. Su colorido le brinda alegría y frescura a esta hermosa Residencia. El mobiliario es contemporáneo con acentos modernos y se distingue por su alta calidad, justa proporcionalidad en sus medidas y de gusto exquisito. Todos los muebles empotrados y roperías llevan el arte del diseño funcional.
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The private areas of the home are built with the same high standards as the rest of the house. The master bedroom and the areas designed for teenagers offer a highly livable and enjoyable space. The home theater and family room offer even more options for the inhabitants of this beautiful home. Another significant attraction in the home is the beautiful artwork by renowned artists. The beautifully designed rugs and colorful welcoming touches provide eye catching focal points in the dining room area.
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En las áreas de intimidad familiar sigue predominado la calidad suprema identificándose las áreas de recamara principal y las elegidas para jóvenes y señoritas con las características de ser sumamente vivibles y disfrutables de igual manera el salón de cine y la estancia familiar. También resaltan la belleza de la obra de arte de artistas renombrados. Los tapetes de bello diseño y colorido dan los toques acogedores focalizándose uno de medidas especiales que se asignó al comedor.
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