http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php Copyright 2008, Emily Emily en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.8 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.”
]]> http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080715-082608 Emily Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:26:08 GMT http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080715-082608 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.



]]> http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080602-092721 Emily Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:27:21 GMT http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=06&entry=entry080602-092721 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!]]> http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080428-101634 Emily Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:16:34 GMT http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=04&entry=entry080428-101634 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."]]> http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080423-093745 Emily Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:37:45 GMT http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=04&entry=entry080423-093745 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
]]> http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080414-080248 Emily Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:02:48 GMT http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=04&entry=entry080414-080248 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.

]]> http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080408-082741 Emily Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:27:41 GMT http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=04&entry=entry080408-082741 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. ]]> http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080403-112815 Emily Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:28:15 GMT http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=04&entry=entry080403-112815 http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080324-124558
As Homeowners Delay Trading Up,
Armoires and Sofas Shrink;
'Overstuffed' Fatigue?

By NANCY KEATES

Wall Street Journal
March 21, 2008







After a decade of catering to Americans' appetite for large living with giant-size sofas, chairs, ottomans and tables, furniture makers are starting to think small.

U.S. home-furnishings companies for several years have seen growing demand for smaller-scaled furniture from aging Baby Boomers downsizing to condos and first-time home buyers settling into urban neighborhoods. But there's a new factor driving a desire for less-bulky home décor: Homeowners whose plans to trade up are on hold because of the chill in mortgage lending and the housing market.

In three of its four new sofa collections, Younger Furniture is offering "apartment size" sofas a good 10 inches shorter than full-sizers. Citing a trend to smaller homes, Rowe Fine Furniture says it expects its Mini Mod line, introduced in 2004, to account for a quarter of its collection this fall. Last month, Stanley Furniture brought out its American Perspective collection of slightly shrunken Windsor chairs, armoires and bookcases. Most of these products cost less than the larger-scaled versions.

Rowe Cohiba Sofa; Length: 96", Depth: 41", Height: 38"; Rowe's best-selling full-size sofa, starting at $1,099, is often a tight squeeze in condos and small homes.

Rowe Capri Sofa; Length: 77", Depth: 39", Height: 34"; This tight-backed sofa, from Rowe's expanding Mini Mod line, is more than a foot and a half shorter than the Cohiba. The Capri starts at $769.

"They're finally getting it," says Jodi FitzGerald, owner of Door Store Furniture, an 11-store retail chain in metropolitan New York that specializes in small-scale furniture. She estimates the number of smaller offerings has grown by about a third over the past year.

As home sales started drying up last year, growth in furniture sales slowed precipitously. According to the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis, personal consumption of furniture and bedding grew only 2.4% in 2007, far short of 5.8% growth in 2006 and 6.1% growth in 2005. January sales fell 1.9% compared with January 2007.

Ed Tashjian, vice president of marketing for Century Furniture, a manufacturer known for grand styles, says the company has felt the effects of damped consumer confidence. Still, he says, it remains optimistic about a rebound because a third of its customers have no mortgage debt.

Last year, Century launched its scaled-down Metro Luxe line, aimed primarily at couples furnishing smaller urban homes. The 50 pieces are compact but no less luxurious -- and often no less expensive -- than Century's full-size offerings. "It isn't at all about a lower price point," Mr. Tashjian says. "It is about fine quality craftsmanship and materials on a small scale." The Metro Luxe table at 17.3 square feet seats eight, compared with its best-selling full-size table, which measures 25 square feet and seats 10. Both sell for suggested retail prices starting at $10,000.

There are signs that the appetite for personal space may be abating, following years of voracious growth. Rowe launched its Mini Mod line because "consumers were asking retailers for smaller furniture, and not just in metro markets," says Stefanie Lucas, the company president, adding, "We now have dealers who won't look at a sofa over 80 inches."

since shed about 200 square feet. Still, he says, new houses today remain far bigger than a decade ago. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average new U.S. home in 2006 measured 2,469 square feet, up 18% from 1995.

Yet room sizes themselves may be shrinking. The high-ceilinged "great room," standard in many new houses for years, appears to be losing some ground to smaller rooms devoted to specific activities. Many buyers now want media rooms, home offices -- even scrap-booking rooms. These are in addition to a bigger all-purpose room, since many consumers still want "flexible space," says a spokesman for Bloomfield Hills, Mich., home-builder Pulte Homes.

Laurie Furber, merchandising manager for Williams-Sonoma's Pottery Barn catalog, says she first noticed a trend to more and smaller rooms while touring new houses in Las Vegas, Tucson, Ariz., and Seattle in 2004. Two years later Pottery Barn launched its "Small Spaces" selection, which includes compact desks and media cabinets. Sales have been "terrific," she says, and the company has doubled the size of the assortment online.

Janie Spangler, a 34-year-old violinist, didn't like the small-size furnishings she found to furnish her 1,600-square-foot Naples, Fla., home. They were either of poor quality or Scandinavian, a style she likes -- but not everywhere. "It felt like we hardly had a choice," she says. She ended up buying a dining table from a Savannah, Ga., antiques shop.

Pidge Molyneaux, an English professor in Drexel Hill, Pa., says she is relieved to find alternatives to "bulky, overstuffed, plushy, graceless" styles. A few years ago, she found few options while shopping for chairs for the den of her 2,200-square-foot, colonial-style house. She settled on a pair from Ethan Allen -- and regretted them as soon as the delivery men set them down. Lately she says she's noticed so many more scaled-down choices that she plans to replace the big chairs. "We always had different-sized pieces but it wasn't a focus in the past," an Ethan Allen spokeswoman says. "This year it is a focus.

Small styles also are helping U.S. manufacturers win distribution overseas, where the dollar is weak and living spaces tend to be small. Century is expanding in China, Dubai and other places with surging luxury high-rise construction. But it won't walk away from big furniture. Says Mr. Tashjian: "One should never bet against the American Dream. It always comes roaring back."

Furniture Takes the Inches Off!]]> http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080324-124558 Emily Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:45:58 GMT http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080324-124558 http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080319-082955 click here.

Step on it
Decorative and Durable, Tile Adds Style and Value to the Home

By David E. Demarest

As some homeowners search for new ways to add elegance to their homes, and others try to make their houses more attractive to potential buyers, many are finding that tile is the answer.

The reasons for choosing tile are as numerous as the types and uses. In heavy-traffic areas of the home or office, tiles often are chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance.

Likewise, tiles are more traditionally found in the bathroom and kitchen for those reasons. They often are chosen not only for their function, but for the color and design texture that they can bring into a home. Tile size varies, and with each size option and combination comes a new and different pattern and symmetry.

Before deciding to go with tile for your next project, there are many questions to answer first: What room or space do you wish to transform? Do you want your tile to be decorative or understated? What type of tile – or combination of types – will you choose? Do you plan to use special border tiles? Are you a do-it-yourselfer, or will you need to hire a contractor? For that matter, should you also consult an interior designer to help you choose your color combinations?

Versa-Tile
Kitchens and bathrooms may be your first thought when considering tile, but with modern homes transitioning away from carpet and toward what some experts estimate to be a 70/30 split of hard surface to carpeted surface, tile is showing up in some unexpected places. High-traffic areas, such as great rooms and hallways, often are a perfect fit for tile use because tiles are so durable and easy to maintain. Likewise, tile is being used for decorative purposes to add character to a wall or ceiling or as an elegant and functional choice for bars and countertops. Tile murals and accents are a good choice for those wishing to make an artistic splash. And a few commercial businesses use stone and glass cladding on their buildings, while some homeowners are using their excess tile outdoors as steppingstones and landscaping.

If you don’t know exactly what you want, or if you want to incorporate tile into a larger overall design, you might want to consult an interior designer. Phyllis Harris, a design consultant with Sandcastle Designs of Destin and Panama City Beach, said the recent tile trend has been toward lighter, sandy colored tiles, “so that it doesn’t pull the eyes down, necessarily. It just has the nice, open flow to it.”

Harris added that no-grout tiles – tiles spaced so close together that little or no grout is visible – are the most popular at the moment. And, to offset the standard grid pattern, many are choosing to lay tile at a diagonal angle.

Some interior design firms, such as Sandcastle Designs, offer a complimentary first visit. After that, it’s up to the individual designer how he or she charges for the job.

There are many options available when choosing to work with tile. Ceramics tend to be the most versatile and least expensive, while porcelain tiles are a little more durable and cost a bit more. Glass or natural stone can create a very striking and individual motif, but they often are the most expensive and hardest to maintain.

Watch Your Step

Buyers should work closely with their tile provider and installer to make sure that the correct type of tile is selected to meet the demands of the job. For instance, a tile that would serve well on a wall or countertop might not be appropriate to use on the floor. Beyond the tile’s appearance, you will want to consider factors such as the need for durability and ease of maintenance, ease of installation (if you’re doing it yourself), and reaction to sunlight, rain and temperature ranges.

Cost also may play a major role in your decision, with options ranging from the relatively inexpensive ceramics to the pricier natural stone. Many customers are opting for the best of both worlds by peppering a ceramic tile job with several natural stone or glass highlights, thereby achieving a unique look at a bargain price.

While the idea of installing a tile floor may sound simple enough, there is much that can go wrong. Walls rarely are truly square, and floors are not always exactly level. Remedying these flaws requires exacting prep work and more than a few tricks of the trade. If you do decide to go it alone, consider ordering a tile handbook from the Tile Council of North America (tileusa.com) before starting your job.

Of course, the do-it-yourself route isn’t easy, and it isn’t for everyone. As Jolinda Williams of Coastal Carpet and Tile in Destin said, “Some projects are just fine for DIYs. But honestly, it comes down to ‘You get what you pay for.’ What you’re paying for is not just the materials but also the finished product. I would always recommend a professional to do the labor.”

Floored by a Pro

Mistakes are not only for the do-it-yourselfer – many self-proclaimed professionals fall prey to the same pitfalls. Therefore, it is important to check the installer’s references, credentials with the Better Business Bureau, and work history before selecting your installer.

A professional with extensive tile experience will want to know how you plan to use your area and can make recommendations based on what is best in your individual case.

Many established tile wholesalers and installers, such as Destin’s Coastal Carpet and Tile, offer a lifetime warranty on their work, good for as long as the purchaser owns the house.

There may be less expensive routes available in the short term, but if the job has to be redone, or is found to be sub-par, you will want to be able to hold the installers accountable for their work.

In the showroom, tile pricing may be based on square footage for installation, but this almost always is meant to serve only as a guide. Actual costs will vary based on the needs of each individual job, and they hardly ever are as cut-and-dried as a square-footage charge. Likewise, some types of tile are more easily installed than others; this also is reflected in the pricing.

Whether you decide to go it alone or bring in the help of an expert, or whether you choose ceramic, porcelain, glass or natural stone, tile is sure to bring a functional splash of classic fashion into your home. Depending on the type and size of the job, you could come home to find that you have transformed your living space in a short time and for a very reasonable cost. For full article with photos, please For full article with photos, pleaseFor full article with photos, please]]> http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080319-082955 Emily Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:29:55 GMT http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080319-082955 http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080310-100128
However, with a new year brings new opportunities, new growth and new enthusiasm for the real estate market. Here are some key thoughts and guidelines to utilize as you navigate the world of real estate in 2008, along with a large amount of “proof” that our region has everything to be excited about for the upcoming year.

RESOLVE TO BUY IN 2008

Demand for U.S. residential real estate isn’t dead, it’s just somewhat stalled. Thomas Kostigen, of Marketwatch, notes that sales of luxury homes have remained strong and that “with the value of the U.S. dollar low and real estate prices dropping, it isn’t hard to imagine foreigners taking bigger positions in U.S. properties, as part of their overall portfolios.” Prices and sale volumes are already down 25% in some areas of South Florida, and when overseas buyers see values dropping 50%, they are likely to buy, he says.

“At the first blush of renewed energy, the real estate market will bounce back," he says. The Travel Industry Association forecasts that foreign travel expenditures in the U.S. will amount to nearly $99 billion in 2008, up more than 7 percent over 2007. Predictions also reveal that of those travelers, most will be looking for real estate and will be ready to add to their portfolios. Some real estate professionals haven’t even seen a negative impact in their business and are looking forward to a successful 2008.

Gary Bowman, Sales Specialist for Playground Destination Properties Inc./ Sandestin Real Estate, notes that he finished the year strong. Up 22% overall, in 2007, Gary also notes that he has already experienced a spurt of brisk activity to kick off 2008.

So, the moral of the story is: Now is a great time to buy, if you are looking to purchase real estate. As a real estate agent, make sure your 2008 vacation home marketing includes an international outreach effort. Finally, activity breeds activity. Capitalize on that momentum.

REAL-ESTATE STRATEGIES ARE CRUCIAL FOR THE NEW YEAR

Steve McLinden of Bankrate.com agrees that home values will “stabilize again,” but it will be an interesting ride until the do – especially for home sellers, he says. For sellers whose circumstances demand that they sell in today’s market, he offers several positive tips, including:

• Realize that your house is worth only “what someone is willing to pay” and price accordingly. Throw in incentives like a free flat-screen TV, or offer financial assistance, like helping the buyer secure financing or covering closing costs.
• Spruce up your house – don’t try to sell “as-is” unless you’re wiling to sell for a bargain-basement price.
• Know your local market well.
• Get your listing online.
• Try renting out your house instead of selling or offering a lease-to-own option to renters.

Some real estate companies are even choosing to join forces and power forward into 2008. ResortQuest and Rosemary Beach Realty are two real estate companies doing just that, demonstrating that there is power in supporting and supplementing one another’s successes and abilities. “Because ResortQuest and Rosemary Beach Realty understand their individual markets so well, we plan to share our solid sales strategies and our best practices in marketing,” explains Gary Gibson, Managing Broker for Rosemary Beach Realty. “This vast and focused knowledge will result in added value to our customers in addition to strengthening our team of experts.”

EXPLORE A NEW, HOT REAL-ESTATE NICHE

In the midst of the housing market, one segment of residential real estate is really hot for 2008 – “real estate owned” homes, known as “REOs.” These are foreclosed homes that banks failed to auction off at the courthouse.

Real-estate agents, title lawyers, cleaning specialists and information technology firms looking to profit from the surge in foreclosures are all getting into the field, the Post says. While some REO agents – who earn a commission for each home they sell – are having luck, the niche isn’t for everyone. Explore the possibilities and consider “out of the box,” real estate areas to capitalize upon, as a buyer, real estate agent and potential service provider.

INFLUENCE REAL ESTATE BUYERS WITH THE APPEAL OF OUR REGION

Pete Stoddard, a Broker Associate with Seaside-based Davis Properties, uses the appeal of our region to entice his clients to buy here. Through various marketing strategies, and a positive outlook for 2008, Pete conveys what he believes to make Walton County and Northwest Florida unique, not only in our state, but in all of the world. Not only is our area reputed to be one of the most “bio-diverse,” but South Walton communities also rest atop the highest elevations on the entire Gulf of Mexico. Pete is also sure to include various other unique qualities to our region, when marketing to potential real estate buyers. Those include: protected lands, quality communities, cultural opportunities, fine dining and many more. Combine all of that with favorable interest rates and the real estate picture looks great for 2008.

Also, it doesn’t hurt that, once again, Destin/Fort Walton Beach has been named the No. 1 Beach Town/Resort according to the 2007 Southern Living Readers’ Choice Awards.

CONSIDER THE FUTURE OF FLORIDA REAL ESTATE

Take a close look at the many opportunities and positive indicators for the future of Florida’s real estate market. Kitty Taylor, of Grayton Coast Properties, notes that long term economic and demographic trends continue to favor Florida. By 2010, it has been forecast that Florida will be the third most populated state in the county. Florida demonstrates a long history of Strong Growth. It has been one of the 10 fastest growing states in the country for each of the past seven decades.

People are continuing to move here. It is estimated that 1,000 people move here every day. Conclusion: Florida is, and will continue to be, not only a great place to live, work, and own property; but also, a desired place to live and to invest.

NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT…ENOUGH SAID.

No need for too much elaboration. The amount of doors that the new international airport in Panama City Beach-Bay County will open up to the region is enormous. Not only will the real estate market be positively affected in a rather large way, the region as a whole, will benefit substantially.

EDUCATE AND EMPOWER REAL ESTATE BUYERS AND SELLERS

La Florida Coastal Properties is starting the new year with a series of events to inform and empower those interested in real estate – be they realtors, property owners or buyers. Events, specially targeted promotions and international marketing are part of their program, created to expedite property sales. Planned for early spring are: a seminar for those interested in owning property in Central America; travel to international real estate expositions; and a few Front Porch parties to showcase premier listings.

“We are telling our customers that 2008 is a great year to buy,” says G. Gay Landreth, Licensed Florida Broker and Founding Principal of La Florida. “I’ve been in real estate for 30 years and I can’t recall another time when so much opportunity existed in our market.”

Article from March 2008 issue of the Walton County Business Journal - Walton County Chamber of Commerce Publication.]]> http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080310-100128 Emily Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:01:28 GMT http://sandcastledesigns.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080310-100128