Sandcastle Designs
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Fun at Rowe!
http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081104-073931
Highpoint Markets: Fun at Rowe
The High Point Markets can be an exhausting trip, but this year we have found some shining stars that brightened our day. We had a great time at Rowe, enjoying some new product additions, innovative patterns and some great inspirational trends. A few fun things we enjoyed at are perfect for some Fun on a Friday:
Posted by Sphere Trending]]>Splashes of color adding punch to new upholstery
http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081028-071449
Gary Evans -- Furniture Today October 24, 2008
HIGH POINT - Let's stop whining about color. Put away the complaints about seeing too much brown and beige in upholstery, and crank up the kaleidoscope. This High Point Market is bursting with color.
There are big splashes everywhere, most of them retailer-friendly (meaning they'll probably sell), but still bold enough to make a statement.
Southern, for instance, has a sofa that uses a mix-and-match palette with an exaggerated red paisley bench cushion, a base covered with an oversized animal print, inside arms in an ikat pattern and multi-colored back cushions.
"Our strategy is that, during the time when most companies are very conservative in their approach to fabric, it is the perfect opportunity to bring fresh looks to stimulate excitement, not only with dealers but with consumers," said Mike Delgatti, executive vice president of sales and marketing.
"Most have leaned to beige. But at the end of the day, consumers love colors - as indicated by apparel," he said, noting that people wear clothes that are bold, bright and crisp.
Rowe mixes bold colors in fabric selections for three distinct groups this market: Scandinavian Chic, which uses neutral backgrounds with small repeating pops of color; Graphic Africa, which uses rich browns and deep greens reminiscent of the lushness of that continent's landscape; and Santa Barbara, which celebrates the mountains and California "feel" with large graphics and textures.
According to trend forecaster Kai Chow, who has worked with Rowe for several years, the aim is to bring the greens, blues and beiges of outdoors in using nature - leaves, ferns, botanicals - as larger, more graphic design elements. "The minimal look is getting kind of tired," Chow said, pointing to large-scale botanicals in Rowe's design-oriented Robin Bruce showroom.
Several manufacturers are giving berry a thumbs-up as a way to brighten up other colors. Randall Tysinger, which has a license agreement with E.J. Victor, uses a subdued berry in pillows set against a high-back shelter sofa. In other showrooms, companies positioned plum-hued pillows on neutral sofas or wove little bits of raspberry, pomegranate and cherry into the patterns of body cloths.
Black and white mixtures remain strong, and, surprisingly, there seems to be an inordinate amount of dazzling white or winter white in the marketplace.
"The Europeans have had it for a long time. There is a tremendous amount of white over there. They've never been afraid of white," said Luana Davis, president of Luana Living.
C.R. Laine uses bold, lemony stripes on its Gotham sofa, a faded red checkerboard grain sack reproduction on its Macchiato ottoman, splashes of aqua blue and ash on a charcoal background for its Catskill ottoman, and large yellow dahlia blooms on a gray background for its Gotham chair.
Holly Blalock, the company's marketing director, said she sees colorful furniture pieces as a way to make consumers feel happy when they're home.
"They're colorful but they're gentle at the same time," she said.
]]>Sandcastle Designs is Destin and Panama City's Exclusive Studio Rowe Dealer
http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080910-125310
Rowe communicates green mission
Posts statement on Web site about efforts
Furniture Today, September 10, 2008
MCLEAN, Va. — Upholstery maker Rowe Fine Furniture posted a "Being Green" and "Staying Green" statement on its Web site last week detailing its continuous efforts to become more eco-friendly.
The statement can be found on Rowe's Web site.
The statement contains two sections - one detailing Rowe's manufacture of eco-friendly upholstered furniture and the other describing its efforts to become a more eco-friendly company.
"You can be assured that we take our role as a U.S. manufacturer seriously and that we plan to be around to benefit from a cleaner environment," one of the sections reads.
"We have incorporated eco-friendly elements into all three of our portfolio collections. We also participate in recycling programs in our offices and on our factory floor," it adds.
Rowe is a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.
Under the "Being Green" header, the company lists items that qualify its EcoRowe products as green, such as a selection of more than 200 natural fiber fabrics, including certified organic cottons; the use of wood from replenished, domestic forests for the frames; and the choice of two eco-friendly cushion cores.
The section also lists statements on eco-friendly materials used in production such as arm cardboard that is 100% recycled paperboard; down cushions with filler made from recycled plastic bottles; springs made from recycled iron ore; and uncoated nails and screws that use water-based lubricants, among other items.
The "Staying Green" section details internal practices that include actively recycling cotton, foam, polyester fiber, cardboard boxes, chipboard, paper, plastic and metal bands.
The section explains that the company's heating system for its wood frame factory, and fuel for the wood-drying kilns, is generated by burning scrap wood and sawdust.
It discusses reducing methanol emissions by switching from duplicating fluid for fabric cutting patterns to using plotters and recycled paper.
The Staying Green section also lists Rowe's switch from a solids-based foam glue to a two-part water-based foam glue to further reduce emissions from its wood-finishing operations and its change from a five-to-seven step finishing process to a four-step process.
Please go here for full article: http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/4 ... id=3509389]]>Accent chairs offer affordable option
http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080715-082608
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, 7/14/2008 Stylish pieces provide way for consumers to freshen rooms without breaking bank
[Rowe’s C181, in fabric 17321-67 is shown in the article]
HIGH POINT — For the many cautious consumers in this economy not wanting to spend a fortune on furniture, accent and occasional chairs offer an affordable solution.
As with accent tables and chests, the occasional chair category is a way to add a piece or two to a room setting without breaking the bank. In the case of many popular lines, price points range from $199 to $699 retail per chair.
Some companies market their chairs with standard fabrics, while others offer consumers an array of fabric and finish options that help tailor the item to what's already in the room.
Sam Moore Furniture offers 750 fabric SKUs and 24 finishes. This versatility has helped spur growth in the category, with transitional and soft contemporary styles among the most popular, said Erin Dooley, vice president of merchandising.
“When business is tough and you don't want to redo something, you can paint the walls and buy a chair,” she said, noting that younger consumers are also showing growing interest in the category. “You can do a makeover with a little chair.”
Dooley also noted that the scale of accent chairs makes them simple to place in a room, whether it's next to a fireplace or near an accent or reading table in the center of the room.
Saverio Mancina, director of marketing for Rowe, said accent and occasional chairs are popular because they can “define a room very quickly and more easily than replacing the sofa” and can find a home in most rooms, ranging from the bedroom and living room to the foyer. Consumers are using chairs to replace loveseats and gain additional seating in the room that complements the sofa.
At Golden Chair, business in the category has been up this year, with nearly 70% of sales in transitional and contemporary styles. One factor driving sales is the fact that the retailer doesn't have to buy a full container of just one or two styles.
“You can take anything in our line and mix it,” said Joyce Chase, sales manager.
“They became secondary for a long time, but at the Tupelo market in January and at the April market, we had more people shopping — saying they needed these categories in their store,” she added. “In times when it is tight, it gives a fresh look without having to redo the whole room.”
She added that another factor helping drive business is the fact that fewer people are spending money on expensive vacations, choosing instead to save money by staying home.
Peninsula Home Collection President Gonzalo Alonso said the occasional chair category has been important to his business, particularly among designers, who like the range and options available in the line.
Peninsula Home offers 40 chair frames, 10 of which are occasional chairs, Alonso said, noting that he likes to add about three new models each market. The chairs also come in 60 different fabrics, as well as COM, or customer's own material.
“For us, it is in a growth mode because of the additional pieces we are offering,” he said. “We are offering new leathers, hair on hides and hides that are treated with acid. There is always a new element…On the design side, there is always an ability to be creative with these frames.”
Peninsula's price points lean toward the high end of the spectrum, between $950 and $1,800 retail per chair.
“It is not mass produced,” Alonso said of the line, noting that Peninsula's frames are manufactured and finished in Peru and upholstered in the United States. “It is made by hand and reaches a segment of the market that is looking for quality and something different.”
At Bailey Street Holding Co., accent and occasional chairs also are an important part of the product mix. In addition to the 55 accent and occasional chairs in its line, it also has 125 different cover choices available on six chair and bench SKUs in its Couture Covers program.
The covers in that program are cut and sewn to fit over the basic frame and can be changed in a matter of minutes. Based on the success of that program at retail, the company also recently announced a licensing partnership with Southern Living Magazine that offers 25 more fabrics on two chairs and a bench.
“It has really been a major factor in the growth of Bailey Street,” said CEO Jim Berk.
While accent chairs — outside the Couture Covers line — represent less than 20% of the overall SKUs in the company's accent furniture line, they generate 35% of revenues, said President Greg Waylock.
Waylock attributed that success to several factors.
“I believe with accent chairs, it's the style, it's the fabric and it's the perceived value,” he said, noting that the company is getting strong reaction and sales from designers, including home staging designers. “We have incorporated a very good grade of fabric on a fairly traditional chair silhouette and have gone more transitional in the styling…People see the value and it's selling.” ]]>Top 5 places to own a summer home: From AOL Money & Finance
http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080602-092721
"When the market is down and there's blood in the streets, someone else's misfortune could work in your favor," says Ken Kamen, president of New Jersey-based Mercadien Asset Management. Buying now entails some risk, however. After all, prices could drop even further. But for those looking to hold a property long term for a family vacation spot or eventual retirement retreat should feel confident that they'll recoup the investment, he says.
Here are five places where vacation-home bargains abound:
1. Panama City Beach, Florida
There's something for everyone in this Panhandle town where white "sugar sand" beaches along the Gulf of Mexico give way to inland attractions, including six championship golf courses and an active restaurant and nightlife scene. Prices for beachfront property run the gamut from $100,000 for a one-bedroom condo, to $2 million-plus for single-family homes of five bedrooms or more, according to vacation rental site HomeAway.com.
Why Buy Now: Besides the weather (temperatures rarely dip below the 60s, even in January) a new international airport is slated to open in the next couple of years. With it comes low-cost carriers and an abundance of nonstop flights. (Currently, flying from New York involves at least one connection and travel time of anywhere from 4.5 to 13 hours. In comparison, a nonstop flight from New York to Orlando takes about two hours.) That ease of access should help boost tourism -- and property values, says Anil Pereira, CEO of SecondSpace.com, a property-finding service. "It'll be more feasible to own a second home there," he says. "People will be able to fly in for the weekend."
2. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Looking for a destination for all seasons? The Pocono Mountains offer skiing (winter), horseback riding (spring), sailing (summer), and hiking (fall). (There's even a Fall Foliage Hotline to point you to the most spectacular views and scenic driving routes.) Single-family homes range from $175,000 to $300,000, with lakeside and mountainside properties available, according to HomeAway.com.
Why Buy Now: A popular destination in the 1950s and 60s, the Poconos is experiencing a resurgence. "[Baby boomer] buyers are looking in their comfort zone; places they know and love -- and probably also where they vacationed as a child," says Christine Karpinski, a spokeswoman for HomeAway.com, a vacation rental site. During the housing boom, home prices in Pennsylvania didn't climb as high as they did in some other parts of the country. As a result, home prices in the four-county Poconos area haven't been as hard hit in the current slump.
3. The Crystal Coast, North Carolina
The southern part of North Carolina's Outer Banks boasts unspoiled beaches, national parks and wildlife preserves. World-class fishing results in abundant (and excellent) seafood restaurants. There's even something for history buffs: Civil War forts and the town of Beaufort (reportedly the home of Blackbeard). Yet this area is far from a tourist trap. "It still has a quietness about it," says Craig Venezia, author of "Buying a Second Home: Income, Getaway or Retirement." "It's retained a lot of its charm and beauty." Prices for waterfront property on the island start at $100,000 for a one-bedroom condo overlooking Bogue Sound (the waterway between the Outer Banks and the mainland). However, oceanfront properties, especially in popular towns like Indian Beach, can easily top $2.5 million.
Why Buy Now: Property values fell 18% this year, the first decline in more than a decade, says Venezia. Because the popular vacation destination has seen little negative impact from foreclosures or speculative real estate investments, it should rebound quickly, he says. Property values here have historically appreciated by about 9% a year.
4. Lake Tahoe, California
With close to 71 square miles of mountainous shoreline, almost every property in Lake Tahoe boasts a view of the water. In the winter, visitors can ski at one of a dozen ski areas. In the summer, music, wine and Shakespeare festivals abound for those who tire of swimming and boating all day. Lakeview homes start at $250,000, with more ostentatious lakefront properties topping $25 million.
Why Buy Now: California home prices have plunged an alarming 26% since last March, according to DataQuick, a real estate market researcher. "You'd almost have your pick of property," says Pereira. Beyond single-family homes, there are condos and cottages, as well as purchase shares on larger homes. Given Lake Tahoe's popularity, there's little doubt that home values will spring back as the economy stabilizes, he says.
5. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the country's most-visited national park (it gets 12 million visitors a year), this stretch of Tennessee and North Carolina sets the scene for a beautiful year-round wildlife retreat. Rafting, hiking and camping in the summer, and skiing in the winter. There's also plenty of the region's renowned barbecue. A two-bedroom cabin ranges from $130,000 to $250,000, according to HomeAway.com.
Why Buy Now: Although property values have taken a hit, tourism spending remains high, says Karpinski. High occupancy rates for vacation rentals mean buyers willing to rent out their property when they're not using the place could handily break-even.
]]>2008 Trends in Patio Furniture
http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080428-101634
Top Trends for Patio Furniture in 2008
By Sabah Karimi, published Feb 12, 2008
If you're ready to embrace the warmer months with some new furniture for the deck or patio, you can pick up a few key pieces from the year's top trends.
Top trends for patio furniture in 2008 include the classic wrought iron umbrella and chair sets, as well as jacquard prints and island motifs that add some flair to your outdoor area. Ready to give your patio or deck a makeover? Here's what you need to decorate with:
Tuscan-inspired table sets Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired look with a modern twist; Tuscan-inspired dining sets are perfect for warmer climates, complete with simple frames and rattan-covered seating. These sets are perfect for entertaining outdoors, and can be decorated with classic, elegant dinnerware and accessories.
Bar height dining sets The pub-style dining sets fit for indoor use are complemented with this outdoor version. Look for wrought-iron construction for chairs and tables with extra height. These are great for poolside spaces and areas where you will be entertaining guests for the evening.
Wicker lounge chaise sets Add a contemporary twist to your patio furniture sets with a wicker chaise lounge. Whitecraft makes a number of chairs, ottomans, and matching tables that can give your patio space an entirely new look. They're made with all-weather wicker and can be accessorized with pillows and cushions as well.
Botanical-inspired designs It's another year of tropical designs and motifs, so be on the lookout for anything with a touch of the Caribbean isles. Patio cushions covered with exotic patterns and textures are a top trend this year, and add to the global influences that are popular across all furniture in 2008.
Modern style goes outdoors Enjoy the simple, functional Europe-inspired in the great outdoors. Mod furniture makes a comeback indoors & out, so make a bold statement on your patio in the 2008 season.
Bench dining sets Skip the regular seating style and choose a backless bench dining set instead; this has influences from the Far East, and offers another minimalist, simple design for your outdoor space.
Bamboo fountains Oversized bamboo tube fountains are a simple way to add an eco-inspired touch to your outdoor area. The different lengths of each bamboo are clustered together to drip water down each tube then back around; it's a taste of nature-inspired relaxation, right in your back yard.
From chaise lounge sets to bench dining collections, there are plenty of ways to update your patio furniture ensemble this season. Take your pick of any of these top trends to enjoy a makeover for the new year ahead!]]>Sandcastle Designs wins first place in shipments
http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080423-093745
Sandcastle Designs was awarded a plaque commemorating their achievement of 'First Place in Shipments' for 2007 with J. Raymond Furniture.
"J. Raymond Furniture is affordable custom-crafted furniture that is delivered in about 30 days . Named for J. Raymond Gerken, the son of Norwalk Furniture founder Charles Edward Gerken, his name reminds us to honor the business principles which he taught us: pursue new technology to give our product greater value in the marketplace; develop an environment in which each individual has an opportunity to achieve their potential; and be proud of the product you deliver.
Today, through worldwide sourcing of fabrics, raw materials and technological advances as well as the multiple manufacturing facilities J. Raymond Furniture utilizes to manufacture over 1000 different pieces of furniture just the way customers want them, J. Raymond Gerken’s business principles have never been more valuable."]]>Sandcastle Designs: Now Hiring!
http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080414-080248
Available Career Opportunities
Experienced Design Consultant
Sandcastle Designs Inc. is looking for motivated individuals with experience in sales and/or design, who want an exciting career in home furnishings. Positions are open in both our Destin & Panama City Beach locations.
We pay UP TO 10% COMMISSION PLUS BENEFITS!
To become part of our successful team, please apply in person at our Destin Showroom. 10745 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Destin, FL 32550, fax a resume to (850)654-5278, or send a resume to jobs@sandcastledesigns.com ]]>Creating a Comprehensive Home Inventory Can be the Best Policy for Insurance Compensation in the Aftermath of a Hurricane
http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080408-082741
With the start of hurricane season looming around the corner, it’s time for you and your family to take a home inventory of your belongings. Having an up-to-date and detailed account of your possessions can make the recovery process a far less stressful experience if a hurricane damages your home.
Taking an inventory of your belongings can help show your insurance company exactly what was lost and can help speed up the process for a fast and fair payment for your damages. Home inventories also make great documentation for tax deductions when claiming your losses.
The American Red Cross recommends that you photograph each item in your home and provide a detailed written description. It is beneficial to make your description as comprehensive as possible; include the make, model, serial number, receipt and date of purchase for each item in your inventory.
The easiest way to inventory your home is to videotape each room in your house, focusing on individual items. By doing this, you not only capture all your belongings on video, but you also are able to narrate the specific details of each item rather than write everything down.
Don’t forget to inventory all of those little things around the house, too. Include towels, sheets, and dishes in your list, because those seemingly inconsequential items add up, and you want to make sure you are fully compensated for what is lost. Also, remember to check the attic and other storage spaces. Many people forget to sort through these areas resulting in damages that are harder to prove to insurance providers. Make sure you document the outside of your residence as well. Provide information on upgrades made to your property, such as patio additions, fencing, and landscaping. You may not expect to see renovations in a home inventory, but they contribute to the value of your home, and it makes a difference if the insurance company is able to see exactly what was destroyed. Update your home inventory after any major purchases, holidays or birthdays, so it always will be current if a hurricane hits your home.
The American Red Cross recommends that you store your home inventory in a safe place where it won’t get damaged in the same event that has damaged your home, but close enough that it can be easily accessed after the event. Try a safe deposit box at a branch of your bank, or give a copy to family members.
A home inventory should be considered a necessity in Florida. The threat of a hurricane usually is the primary reason to have a record of your belongings, but it also comes in handy in case of fire, burglary, or flood.
There is no telling what may happen to your home, so it always is a good idea to have this information backed up. For more tips on how to successfully inventory your home before a hurricane, visit www.redcross.org.
]]>Faux Finishes can Transform the Look and Feel of Your Home
http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080403-112815
Something just wasn’t right in Ruth Lark’s newly refurbished home.
It wasn’t the sanded hardwood floors made from salvaged lumber or the sprawling staircase crafted from reclaimed wood and iron. No, the appointments were perfect.
But something didn’t seem right. It was lacking a certain feeling that Lark wanted to capture.
“The house just seemed too cold and formal for us,” Lark said of the home she and husband Billy bought 15 years ago at The Cove in Panama City. “I wanted it to feel inviting and friendly.” So she posed the question to Patricia Willis, a decorator who had worked with the Larks when they first moved into the house.
It was clear that the antiques the Larks had purchased didn’t mesh with the “newness” that came with freshly hung Sheetrock and molding. The rooms needed aging, the designer said, suggesting that the Larks consider faux-finishing the walls. But Lark said no. She had seen faux finish before – sponged color-on-color that looked more contrived and busy than the warm and comfy feel she yearned for.
Despite the protests, Willis talked Lark into meeting professional decorative painter Krista Vind of Niceville. Lark was mesmerized by Vind’s faux finish samples.
“It was like nothing I’d ever seen before,” Lark said.
Willis and Lark conveyed their vision for the home, and Vind took note, creating several custom samples in various colors, textures and finishes to give the home the Old World feel Lark wanted.
A popular decorative technique, faux finishes are meant to create the illusion of marble, wood and even plaster. While nonprofessionals can try their hand at faux finishing, Vind doesn’t recommend attempting it without some type of training – either in a classroom or through books. Professional-grade materials – which typically give a much more realistic result than most store-bought products – are most often sold exclusively to professional artists.
With a plan in place, Vind pulled together a small crew and set to work mashing crunched-up walnut shells into the walls, smoothing glaze over color and slowly transforming the rooms. Several of the walls were aged with plaster and light staining, and the bathroom was finished to look almost like bark.
The faux finish wasn’t reserved just for the walls. Vind painted the tiles and concrete around the fireplace to look like marble and used decorative touches to make the banister railing in the foyer match the rest of the home. Even the range hood in the kitchen was given a rusted look to match the old light fixture hanging nearby.
“Really, anything can be done,” said Vind, who charges anywhere from $3.50 to $65 per square foot. Just about any look can be created, from rust and water stains to stonework, tile, marble and wood. Using the right techniques, rooms can give off the breezy cool of the beach or the cozy warmth of a Tuscan pub.
“People usually think of faux finishes as giving an Old World appearance – like French, Italian, Venetian,” said interior designer Pat Kennedy of Studio III Art Group in Destin.
Decorative painting is just one of the elements the design group uses to create atmosphere in a home. Kennedy works with Studio III co-owners Mark Bonner and Larry Griffin to layer in other effects, such as furniture pieces and lighting.
“But what people don’t realize is that faux finishes can also be contemporary,” Kennedy said, citing a recent project in which the three designers worked together to pull the reflections of the sea into a waterfront home. The walls were finished in a gray, almost metallic sheen, and the room was appointed with modern-looking chrome accessories and white furniture.
“It’s beautiful how the sparkles from the water’s reflection come into the room and bounce off the walls,” she said. “It’s almost like the water flows through the house.”
The Studio III designers set their pricing after an in-person consultation, basing it on several factors, including the size of the room, the number of windows and doors, the effects to be used and the layers required. All jobs are viewed as equally important, Kennedy said, whether they are finishing a single chair or an entire home.
When all aspects of room design are considered, including furniture, fabric, color and light, “The walls are really the last thing you notice, but they are an important player when it comes to setting the mood,” Kennedy said.
They can even transport you to another world.
On the edge of a healthy sand dune, just steps from the gently swaying blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, sits a white-framed gazebo – and inside rests Fred and Linda Buehler’s bathtub. The Buehlers’ Seagrove house is two blocks from the beach, but the three-wall mural that encases the couple’s master-suite bathtub gives the inviting illusion that the beach is just within reach.
In spring 2007, the Buehlers came across Cecilia Haught’s artwork at San Destin’s ArtQuest and hired her to paint their walls. To make the Buehlers’ mural even more realistic, Haught replicated the style of the windows found on the exterior of their home.
Haught, of Destin, specializes in “trompe l’oeil,” an art technique of crafting realistic images that create the optical illusion that the painting is real. The French name “trompe l’oeil” translates to “trick the eye.”
“It’s like walking into a room and feeling like you’ve gone into someplace else,” Haught said. Like faux finishes, “trompe l’oeil” murals are designed to send senses reeling.
Haught’s work ranges from about $600 for smaller murals to hundreds of thousands of dollars for larger works. While murals are ideal for small spaces, helping to open and extend rooms, they also are used to add dimension and eliminate monotony on large spaces. One of Haught’s largest designs can be seen on the massive poolside exterior wall of the Sterling Reef condominium in Panama City. There, Haught painted a palm tree-lined pathway that seems to disappear in the distance. It is so realistic that shortly after she finished the piece, a bird slammed into the faux opening of the mural. (The bird was a bit shaken but survived the crash.)
Even people can be fooled by decorative painting – and in essence, that is the idea. For Vind, the ultimate payoff after completing the Larks’ house was fooling other professionals.
“The finished walls (at the Lark home) looked like they had some slight water damage and some mold. I know that sounds terrible,” Vind said with a laugh, “but that was what it was supposed to look like. It really was beautiful.”
The effect was so lifelike, she said, that even some of the construction crew had to stop, scratch their heads and wonder what had happened to the walls they had just built. ]]>