Fall 2012 Issue

This is the time of year that we say goodbye to the hectic days of summer. Our guests arrived with vehicles stuffed full of gear, applied gallons of sticky sunscreen to sand covered children, carried heavy chests of ice and drinks through scorching hot sand, and sat in traffic on the bridge for what seemed like an eternity. They leave us tired, sunburned, windburned and exhausted. For them, the fall season is a memory of fun in the sun, back to school and a familiar routine.

Fall brings peace and serenity back into our lives here on South Padre Island. This is the time for us to enjoy warm days, soothing water, and wide open spaces. The leisure days of fall encourage exploration, and Olé Decor explores the fascinating Sea Ranch Marina (including the Kingfisher Gallery), an overlooked jewel at the southern tip of South Padre Island. You’ll surely make it a regular stop on your future island outings.

Made in the USA. We just love the trend, but often wonder how it became a novelty. How did our country get so off track that Made in the USA is the exception and not the rule?

Last winter we gave you great ideas for

fireplaces, this winter we expand on that

notion and focus on mantles. Mantelpieces

incorporate the decorative framework

around the fireplace, and can include

elaborate designs extending to the ceiling.

Design inspiration includes new mantels

to mantel inserts. Decorating a fireplace

mantel can set the tone of a room. Whether

you decorate a mantel with artwork or a

personal collection, you can add a unique

touch to any fireplace. We’re going to show

you classic mantles made from cantera

to ultra modern styles made from glass.

There are also ways to incorporate rustic

mesquite wood, hand painted Talavera tile,

even metal. Don’t have a chimney or a real

working fireplace? Mantelpieces also work

great with hanging and electric fireplaces.

Start making your hot toddies now.

This is why we love our featured luxury home built by Caribella Homes. Everything that went into the home, down to the nails and studs, and everything pictured in the home’s design is just that: Made in the USA. We are so proud of this home built with real American materials, we have to resist singing the star spangled banner every time we look at the .jpegs.

Veneers on your teeth give you a perfect Hollywood smile, but who ever thought of veneers for your home? When we discovered this concept, we couldn’t set it aside. Living in a brick home, but wish you had stucco? Bought a stucco home, but really love stone? When selling isn’t an option, you can sure change the look of your home with exterior home veneers, which may even spark a newfound love for your “not so humble anymore” abode.

Get to know the publisher factoid: Eddie is a boat captain!

See you on the water,

Eddie and Sandyy

Pillow talk isn’t just for the bedroom. In

fact, not one of our pillows will be on a bed

or come from the bedding department. We

are going to introduce you to the idea of

making bold decorating choices with throw

pillows and cushions. Yes, pillows as décor

are a great way to add color, pattern, visual

interest and comfort to just about any room

in the home. Pillows in different shapes,

sizes, and fabrics can be exciting and a very

original way to remodel a room without

actually remodeling. So let’s hear some of

that pillow talk out loud in the living room.

Casa Bonita is a construction company in

Harlingen who is quickly emerging as one

of the valley’s premier luxury homebuilders.

Enjoy the vaulted ceilings and sweeping

spaces as we take you on a private tour

inside a very special palatial estate.

on the coverCaribella Homes, Bella indeed! Water

drop chandelier by European Lighting

pg 15, Flanked by Chicago Brick columns

found nowhere else but Materiales El

Valle pg 25. Signing backup, furniture

from NIU Urban Living of course pg 11,

all on a base of Carrara Super flooring

supplied by International Carpets of

Harlingen . God Bless the U.S.A!

6 olé decor FALL 2012

letter from the editor

next issue

websitewww.oledecor.com

advertising sales(956) 266 8663

[email protected]

addressKingfisher Gallery

1 Padre Blvd, Suite 102.South Padre Island, TX 78597

209 N. 17th Street. Suite B.McAllen, TX 78501

mailing addressP.O. Box 40101

South Padre Island, TX 78597

layout & productionThe delRio Agency900 Kerria Avenue.McAllen, TX 78501

Printed in Mexico


CONTENTSFALL ISSUE 2012

16

42

58

52

16 Luxury HomesWe show you why you should buy “American Made”.

42 Decorating With A new spin on ceiling fans.

32 Fine Art Gallery Guide

34 Fabulous Space Public PlacesA hidden treasure that isn’t buried in the sand, Sea Ranch

Marina on South Padre Island.

52 Indoor Outdoor LivingMore than just a façade, let’s talk veneers.

34 58 Sorteo TecLucky One Ninety.

Invitation to Real Estate Agents,

Olé Decor Magazine would like to include your high-end listing in the Distinctive Real Estate section of our upcoming winter issue. Real estate agents with listings in the $300,000 plus range are invited to participate. Each listing will be accompanied by stunning professional photography and enticing editorials that capture the class and elegance of your prestigious property.

PrintOur magazine is pOur magazine is printed in beautiful full color on high quality paper. We use only high resolution professionally photographed images that are large enough to show your properties to the best advantage. Most importantly, your property will be grouped with properties in the same price range.

Another beneAnother benefit of advertising in a magazine like ours, is that it enjoys a much longer shelf life than other media. You can go into many of our distribution points and find past issues that are a year old still displayed on coffee tables in waiting rooms and lob-bies. That’s one of the reasons we try to make them as beautiful as we possibly can. People don’t throw them away as easily as they would a newspaper or lesser magazine, and that’s very valuable in a market where homes may take over six months to sell.

Please keep in mind that every issue of Olé Decor magazine will circulate for an entire quarter for the duration of the three month season (spring, summer, fall, winter). We cover the entire Rio Grande Valley, focusing exclusively on the wealthiest segments of those areas. We do this by strategically placing the magazines in all country clubs, club houses, physician lounges in hospitals, aesthetic clinics, plastic surgery clinics, high-end boutiques and real estate agencies. WebOur magazine is published online, and is linOur magazine is published online, and is linked to our new website. This means that people from all over the world will be able to see your listing. Each listing is printed with a QR code that can be scanned by prospective clients with their iPhones, iPads, and other electronic devices. The scan will direct them to your property’s online virtual tour that is included in our advertising pack-age. Your clients will appreciate the convenience and ease with which they can view your property.

If that’s not enough, here is an added bonus!

You keep the professional high resolution photographs and virtual tour! No copyright restrictions will apply, so you can republish them wherever you like. We are known for our fabulous photos, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity.

If you are serious about selling your Distinctive Real Estate, we are ready to help you accomplish your goal. Give us a call now!

Happy returns,

Eddie ReyesPublisher

Eddie Rey es

FALL 2012 olé decor 15

luxury homes

American MadeA faltering economy has increased the desire to buy products that are made in America. “Buy American,” not only creates jobs and will eventurally return our country to prosperity, but the results speaks for themselves. WRITTEN BY: LINDA LEWIS


A special thanks and a warm congratulations go out Carbella Homes for

not just building such a beautiful home, but also for unselfishly trying to make a

difference and for helping us understand the impact we can all have in truly going

All American! pg 2.


Southern Stone pg 29, provided all the decorative and functional crushed rock and stones for this beautiful low imprint landscape


We’ve all heard the old saying: “Him that makes shoes goes barefoot himself.” It’s a truism that doesn’t always hold true, and home builder

Rafael Munguia of Caribella Homes has proven it. Besides building a beautiful and comfortable home for his lovely wife and adorable baby, Munguia undertook a quest of sorts.

The quest was motivated by a complex personal philosophy that involved personal integrity, economics, and social responsibility, among others. The quest entailed a difficult set of tasks. Some of his goals included:

Made in AmericaThe “Made in America” movement is a response to the outsourcing of jobs by American manufacturers. The impetus for outsourcing was to reduce labor, regulatory, and training costs. Manufacturers believed they could provide cheaper consumer products and increase their profit margin. This business practice has had its detractors from the beginning, but changes in the global economy, consumer dissatisfaction with products, mercenary business practices, and a faltering economy have

TOP: Chicago brick was manufactured in the mid 1800’s. The brick became very famous and popular in the construction industry during the Great Chicago Fire of October 1871. The fire melted the iron supported structures and mortar filled construction buildings except the buildings built with the Chicago brick by the Irish in the Chicago Irish Ghettos. The unmatched beauty of Chicago brick has proven impossible to duplicate. Available locally at Materiales El Valle pg 25.

INSERT: The HAI OmniPro II Panel can be controlled within the home or remotely via your iPhone, iPad, or other smart phone. This home’s lighting and eight thermostats can be controlled from the OmniPro. You may also specify days and times to active the alarm, lighting, and AC. This HAI OmniPro system was provided and installed by iScape. pg 15.


increased the desire to buy products that are made in America.

The underlying premise of “Buy American,” is that buying American will create jobs and return our country to prosperity. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by starting new companies or moving production back to our shores. Some analysts claim that there is very little difference in the cost of American made products and foreign made. The trade-off is that the American products are safer and of a higher quality.

Caribella Homes set out to prove that they could use American made products and still build a cost effective luxury home. For example, sheetrock commonly used for home building, here in the valley, is made in Mexico, but Caribella opted for a brand that is manufactured in Texas. Other materials for interior and exterior finishes, such as stucco, are all American made.

Buying American isn’t Caribella Homes’ only concern. They build beautiful structurally sound homes, that are cost effective, safe, efficient, and socially and environmentally responsible. It is a challenge to balance all of these goals effectively. For example, Caribella Homes is emphatic that the foundation and structure of the home must be of excellent quality, since it is difficult and costly to repair. If you have budget constraints, you must

put your money into the home’s structure, even if it means not having high-end finishes. Those items can be purchased and easily added later.

Reuse

Architectural features in the exterior and interior of the home are created with “Chicago Brick.” Chicago bricks were made in the 1920s in the United States. The term “reused” refers to a product that is reused for its original intended purpose. As old buildings in Chicago are demolished, the bricks are rescued for reuse. The bricks have developed a beautiful and interesting patina over time. You will often find their maker’s stamps, colorful daubs of paint, and embedded objects.

Munguia exhibited his sense of play by creating “a yellow brick road” in the front yard. The yard is sloped enough to set a low brick retaining wall into it that slopes with the grade of the earth. The “road” is a stamped concrete path that winds from the back yard entry gate to the semi-circular driveway. Complementary brick clad columns flank the driveway entry gates.

The brick columns are repeated in the interior. This idea came to Munguia after he started framing the house. Standing at the front door, there are six fourteen foot tall columns that visually divide the wide open floor plan. The bricks give an urban

Crystal Droplets of light Chandelier, European Lighting pg 15. Espresso leather sectional, ottoman, and two tier glass table provided by NIU Urban Living pg 11. The family room floor is laid using InterCeramic Mountain Timberland strips available at International Carpets of Harlingen.


Soaking in this beautiful claw foot vintage inspired bath tub by Ferguson pg 5, while mesmerized by the hundreds of hand strewn crystal prisms above European Lighting pg 15 might make you late for dinner more than once. The floor in the master bath is the creamy Carrera Super from International Carpets of Harlingen.


Buying American will create jobs and return our country to prosperity. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by starting new companies or moving production back to our shores.

This kitchen counters feature a combination Quartz and Granite. The Island surface sports the cool chicness of Quartz. While the sink,

range and nooks are framed in the warmth and texture of granite. Superior Granite & Marble pg 14.


industrial loft look to the space. The color and texture of the brick provide a warm sense of home and hearth.

RecycleSeveral varieties of reclaimed American wood grace the bedroom floors. Finishes on the wood range from a very light tone in the baby’s room, a medium tone in the master bedroom, to a dark espresso finish in the study. Visual continuity between the different woods and finishes is created

by the handscraped surface on all the wood. The technique creates shallow grooves, giving depth and texture to the surface.

The house has two wings that extend into the back yard, creating an open ended external courtyard. Rainwater that flows off the metal roof falls through wood decking into a water catchment system. The water is channeled under the house to the front entry courtyard for watering plants.


There’s plenty of light in this kitchen for round the clock cooking and dining. The

kitchen workspace is illuminated with an elegant chandelier from Illuminations

lighting and fixture showroom of McAllen pg 1. The chandelier of intricate design

above the breakfast table is also from Illuminations.

Caribella Homes set out to prove that they could use American made products and still build a cost effective luxury home.

EfficiencyEnergy efficiency is achieved by the use of solar energy as the primary source for heating water. Secondarily, there are two underground propane tanks for backup water heating and for the air conditioning, dryer and stove. Electricity is used for the refrigerators and ovens.

A striking design detail in the home, both exterior and interior, are two turrets on the roof. Clerestory windows are set into the sides of the turrets, providing ample natural light throughout the house during the day. The roofs are clad with metal that is fire and wind resistant. Radiant barrier roof decking reflects the sun’s heat, keeping the interior cool.

The home has many large scale windows that are high efficiency, low e, and high impact (coastal rated). Retractable glass walls open up two sides of the family room to the patio, creating a large indoor/outdoor space.

The concept of efficiency extends to the builder himself. Munguia was determined to manage his time and resources efficiently enough to build himself and his family a stunning new home--in two months.

Caribella Homes is an award winning home builder because of its commitment to excellence in design, quality, and service. The Los Laureles residence is a testament to the owner’s personal commitment to building better homes that have a positive social and environmental impact.


These are the same Chicago brick columns found accentuating the façade and displayed strikingly in the entryway.

Munguia bringing it all together full circle. Available exclusively at Materiales

El Valle, pg 25.


28 olé decor SUMMER 2012


32 olé decor SPRING 2012

KINGFISHER GALLERY - SOUTH PADRE ISLAND www.kingfishergallery.com (956) 639 2785

Raul Andrade is as passionate about sport fishing as he is about

painting. He is a well-known and highly collected artist that

specializes in depicting life in the sea. As a fisherman himself, Raul is

able to “see” the fish in action, capturing their realistic movements

through the water, the reaction of the animals to bait and lures, the

movement of light through the water, and all of the plants and scapes

that fill the fishes environment. Pictured here are two spotted sea

trout in pursuit of baitfish. The floor of the bay is covered in turtle

grass reaching into the far depths of the painting. Ripples of light

reflect off the surface water and the silvered hologram bodies of the

trout glow through the green. “Yellow Mouths”, Original Acrylic on

Canvas, 24”x36”. Offered exclusively by Kingfisher Gallery.

HOUSE OF FRAMES QUALITY CUSTOM & CONSERVATION FRAMING 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!

S. KLEIN GALLERIES 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.

gallery guide ADVERTORIAL


fabulous spaces public places

Sea Ranch Marina is a host of businesses offering a plethora of Island activities. This hidden treasure is quite possibly the most interesting space on the whole of South Padre Island. WRITTEN BY: SANDY MARGRET

A HiddenTreasure

1 PA D R E B LV D

I wonder how many of you know South Padre Island like the back of your hand? I bet tens of thousands, or in other words, every reader of Ole Décor magazine would answer, “I do.” After all, we are lucky

enough to have this 5-mile stretch of heaven right in our own backyard, and Valley residents have been flocking to the island for generations. But there is a place on the island that many people, even seasoned island veterans, have not heard about or have not ventured to discover. It’s called the Sea Ranch Marina. It is a jewel tucked away at the southern most tip of South Padre Island, and we’re going to get you excited about exploring all the Marina has to offer.

Let’s begin with the only fine art gallery on the island, called Kingfisher Gallery. Kingfisher is no ordinary gallery, it is also the very active, bustling, and working studio of artist Sandy Margret. On any given day, if you step inside this wondrous

space, you may see Sandy hand painting the life cycle of the Sea Turtle on a vintage 1966 Rick James surfboard; you may see her creating an original Gyotaku fish rubbing from a tournament winning Mahi Mahi or Wahoo; you may see her recreating a sailfish replica from photographs a proud angler had in his phone; or you may see her mounting an actual speckled trout complete with underwater habitat. Sandy is also the only certified Taxidermist in the valley that specializes in every species of fish: freshwater and saltwater, large and small. She is a formally trained fine artist, with a master’s degree from NYU, and hands paints her fish, scale-by-scale, meticulously applying layers of color. This results in unbelievably realistic fish that look alive. She has elevated fish taxidermy to fine art. Her fish are works of art, sculptures in motion, and her skills are in high demand. But Sandy’s art is not the only work you’ll find at the Kingfisher.

Upon entering the gallery, you’ll be awestruck by RIGHT: Sea Ranch Marina boat barn keeps your brand new boat out of the water, secure, and protected.


the splendid display of art. Kingfisher is the only gallery in the valley to offer original paintings by renowned sport fishing artists such as Larry Haines and Raul Andrade. Grandiose paintings, that fit on 12-foot walls, of diving Sailfish, feeding Marlin, and stalking Speckled Trout are collected by owners of island properties and snapped up quickly by interior designers and decorators working on penthouses and condos.

Kingfisher houses antique marine collectibles as well. Glass doors from a 1944 WWII hospital ship have been converted into desks, coffee tables and foyer tables. Ship compasses make ideal conversation pieces, and hand built foghorns, from the early 1900’s, are a few of the nautical treasures for sale in the gallery. Kingfisher is quite possibly the most interesting space on the whole of South Padre Island. A visit will leave you inspired.

ABOVE: Inside Kingfisher Gallery, nautical and marine fine art paintings; sculptures; and originals from artists such as this one from Larry Haines SEE LEFT.


On any given day, if you step inside this wondrous space, you may see Sandy hand painting the life cycle of the Sea Turtle on a vintage 1966 Rick James surfboard

Joining the Kingfisher Gallery and a part of the Sea Ranch Marina is a host of businesses offering a plethora of island activities. American Diving is the premiere destination for learning to Scuba Dive. Tim and Diane O’Leary are famous in all parts of the world for their expertise in dive training, certification, and excursions. Right off the coast of our own island is a man-made tropical reef called the Texas Clipper. Dive trips to the Clipper will introduce you to a marvelous world of colorful tropical reef fish, large pelagic fish, an abundance of coral, and even the gentle giants of the oceans: whale sharks. Diving is for every one of all ages, from kids as young as 10 to senior citizens. Our waters hold an incredible variety of sea life, and experiencing them will change your life.

South Padre Boat Sales is our next stop on the Sea Ranch Marina tour. Majek is the name of the game in shallow water high performance fishing boats, and Steve Skadra is more than happy to put you and your family on one and take you for a test drive on the bay. This, of course, leads to the irresistible desire to own one for yourself, which leads to hundreds and hundreds of glorious days spent on the open water, hunting for trophy redfish and trout, which you’ll then take to Sandy at the Kingfisher.

Once you have purchased your dream boat, head on over to the Sea Ranch Marina harbor master’s office and meet Jim Enholm. He’ll hook you up with a sweet boat storage package. You won’t ever have to haul, trailer, and park your boat. You’ll never have to negotiate your boat into the tricky spaces at a gas pump. Jim takes care of all that for you. The storage unit is housed in a giant barn at the marina (a barn larger than a football field). Boats are lifted out of the water, stored indoors, and protected. On the days you want to go fishing, simply give Jim or Deb a call at the marina, and they’ll put your boat back in the water, fill the ice chests with ice, fill the tank with gas, and tie it up

TOP RIGHT: Sandy’s fish mounts are ultra realistic, “almost” living

sculptures


to the dock. Simply park and walk onto your boat. After you’ve caught your limit, bring it back to the dock and the boys at the marina will wash it and put it back in storage. Life as a boat owner doesn’t get more wonderful than that!

The Sea Ranch Marina also has many businesses that offer Dolphin Watch, Sunset cruises, Fireworks cruises, and Snorkeling Trips.

One of the most ironic details of a trip to explore Sea Ranch Marina is how easy it is to get here. After crossing the Queen Isabella Causeway Bridge, turn right. You’ll pass Pier 19 and then you’ll see the Sea Ranch Restaurant. Make a right turn as soon as you see Sea Ranch Restaurant and drive all the way to the back, to the water, and you’ll see the Sea Ranch Marina. You’ll see the gigantic boat barn, Harbor Master’s office, Kingfisher Gallery, South Padre Boat Sales and American Diving. It’s a great place to discover, and to add to the map of the island on the back of your hand.

RIGHT: American Diving can outfit, train and certify you as a scuba diver, pick up the sport, it will change your life.

TOP LEFT: Steve is the man with the Majek high performance shallow water boats, take a test drive with him at South Padre Boat Sales

One of the most ironic details of a trip to explore Sea Ranch Marina is how easy it is to get here. After crossing the Queen Isabella Causeway Bridge, turn right.




decorating with

A N E W S P I N O N

COOLER AIR

Installing a new ceiling fan can save you money on your air conditioning bills and in this South Texas Heat and those savings can really ad up.

When the mercury rises, it is hard to remain comfortable inside your home without running up a huge bill. Fortunately, the solution is

much more affordable than investing in a new air conditioner or central air system. Experts advise that installing a ceiling fan in each living space will help family members feel cooler while saving energy. If you have not upgraded your ceiling fans in the past eight years or so, you are missing out on saving even more money as many of today’s models are more efficient than ever.

A ceiling fan can save homeowners as much as 40 percent on their air conditioning bills by creating a breeze that makes the ambient temperature feel seven or eight degrees cooler than it actually is. How, exactly does that work? A ceiling fan cools the room by creating a ‘wind chill effect,’ It does not lower the room temperature. This wind chill effect makes you feel cooler by accelerating the evaporation of perspiration on your skin. It’s the same feeling you get when you open the window in a moving car. If you have a ceiling fan in a room with a temperature of 80 degrees, running the fan can make it feel as if it is 72 degrees inside. When used in conjunction with an air conditioner, a ceiling fan can lower energy costs because you can now set the thermostat of your air conditioner at a higher temperature.

Ceiling fans have become popular in almost every room where people sit or stand for extended periods of time. For large homes, installing ceiling fans in laundry rooms and closets is becoming more common. While those may seem

TOP RIGHT: Few designs can match the timeless and sophisticated aesthetic of the Duplo-Dinamico rotational ceiling fan. Other manufacturers have tried to reproduce this unique design, though all have proven to be of lesser quality and durability. The standard finishes for the Duplo is polished chrome, brushed nickel, polished copper, bronze or black. White, brushed copper, polished brass, brushed brass, black nickel and bronzette are available as special orders . Illuminations. pg 1.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Go green with this sleek, modern ceiling fan. Complete with a dimmable LED downlight using only 15 watts. A dimmable LED uplight using only 10 watts. A DC motor that uses 70% less energy. Illuminations. pg 1.


People care about how their furniture and lighting define their space and now, more than ever, fans have become a decorative element.

like unusual locations, having air circulation in those environments helps prevent staleness. Master bathrooms are also a perfect place for smaller ceiling fans, because hair dryers and steam showers can make a bathroom hot and sticky. A small-span fan can quickly and efficiently add comfort.

Moisture and humidity can affect both the performance of the motor and the stability of the blades. Fans that are rated for damp locations can be used either indoors or outside in a setting where they are in a protected environment such as a porch. Wet-rated fans can be installed outdoors in situations where they will be in direct contact with water, such as in gazebos or mounted above a patio on the underside of a deck.

The popularity of outdoor living environments has meant bringing along all of the amenities that make the inside so comfortable. Select a wet location-rated ceiling fan with a light kit to provide nice mood lighting when enjoying the outdoor area after dusk.

Another factor in determining where to install a ceiling fan is the fan’s UL listing. There are three basic UL-listed ratings for indoor, damp and wet locations. Fans that are rated only for indoors should not be used outside – even if the area is mostly covered.

People care about how their furniture and lighting define their space and now, more than ever, fans have become a decorative element. Fan design has come a long way since the 1970s. Besides greater efficiency, the second most improved aspect of modern day ceiling fans is the wide variety of designs and styles available. The ceiling is the limit when it comes to aesthetics. The broad range

TOP RIGHT: The ARTEMIS Series. The distinct profile of the Artemis is captured by the Flying Vanes that incorporate the fan housing. A true design statement! Features 58” blade vanes, 31/2 and 6 in down-rods, full function wall control, integrated halogen light (and cap for non-light use) Winner of the 2005 Chicago Museum of Architect and Design Award. The Lighthouse Lighting Center. pg 41.

BOTTOM RIGHT: The TERRANA Outdoor Fan SeriesWith its 2 or 3 blade iron configuration and 2 blade reversible styles, the Terrana evokes a sense of tropical breezes in any setting. Unique options and superb functionality are paramount in the Terrana. Features 14 degree blade pitch, 52” blades, full function hand held remote control system, integrated light (and cap for non-light use). Indoor and outdoor use/UL listed for wet locations. The Lighthouse Lighting Center. pg 41.


of design styles allows ceiling fans to be selected to support and enhance the design style of your home. You can create a focal point with a dramatic designer fan, or pick an understated design that will blend into your décor for a ‘less is more’ approach.

There is one caveat. As fans have become more stylish, decisions about which model to buy is often based on its looks alone. This could result in selecting a fan that may not be properly suited to serve the functional needs of a space. There are a number of other issues that should be considered

when selecting a fan that is aesthetically pleasing as well as functional and practical.

With so much variety available, a consumer’s best option is to visit their lighting showroom. There, they will find trained professionals who can assess which type and size ceiling fan each room needs and suggest the most appropriate, energy-saving choice.

A ceiling fan can save homeowners as much as 40 percent on their air conditioning bills by creating a breeze that makes the ambient temperature feel seven or eight degrees cooler than it actually is.

BELOW LEFT: The Gusto incorporates a series of stepped transitions from the top and bottom to it’s widest band at the center. Symmetry, balance, and continuity come to mind when describing this design. As with most Rezek designs, the Gusto is an investigation into the relationship of simple geometries. The result is a fan that is interesting but not distracting, unique but familiar.

Gusto is made of die-cast aluminum and offered in either a gloss white powder coat or bright nickel plated finish. The blades are a plywood laminate with a gloss white coating or metallic aluminum paint, choose 56” or 46” blade span (overall diameter). The optional light kit provides ambient lighting in your choice of halogen or compact fluorescent lamping. Royal Lighting. pg 48.

BELOW RIGHT: Gently curvaceous housing and blades make the Modern Fan Velo Hugger Ceiling Fan ideal for adding a contemporary look and refreshing air circulation into modern spaces. The three injection molded plastic blades have a clean, aerodynamic look and provide superior air flow. Exclusively available at Royal Lighting. Royal Lighting. pg 48.




indoor outdoor living

More Than Just a FaçadeFacing the facts about veneers and how they can improve the overall look of your home. WRITTEN BY: LINDA LEWIS

My resident woodpeckers have remodeled the wood siding on my house by drilling so many holes it looks like swiss cheese. While searching for woodpecker proof replacement materials online, I realized that this could be an opportunity to remodel and update the look of my home. I discovered that a very practical option comes in the form of siding veneers, especially the new thin, lightweight, natural and artificial products.

Technically, all siding, on contemporary homes, is a veneer, because it is not a structural load bearing element. To understand the difference between a solid wall and a veneer wall, think of the “Alamo.” The walls on that building are solid adobe brick. If the walls are removed, there is no building. Solid masonry walls, like the Alamo’s walls, can be made of brick, stone, concrete block, cinder block, clay tile or glass block, held together with mortar. They have not been used on single family homes since the early 1970s. An exception to this is log cabins, which are an example of solid wood construction.

Today, the load bearing elements of a home are the foundation and the framing. The siding, or cladding, is there to protect the home from the elements, and can be a decorative design feature. This type of siding is usually built with an airspace between the siding and the building structure, allowing for water drainage and the addition of insulation. The siding must be attached to the building structure for stability.

Traditional siding veneers include horizontal or vertical wood boards, shingles, sheet materials, stucco, stone, and brick. For example, my home, built in Edinburg in the early 70s, has a brick veneer with vertical wood board and batten under the gables. The brick is still in excellent condition, but much of the wood siding needs to be replaced due to water and critter damage. There are several materials available that might foil those beloved, but destructive, woodpeckers.

Composite siding might be a good choice. Composites are made from asphalt, fiber cement and aluminum, and can mimic the textures of

traditional materials. An option I am considering is fiber-cement siding. It replicates the appearance of real wood siding, is durable, low maintenance and affordable. It will withstand valley heat, resist rotting, warping, cracking, hail and high winds up to 150 mpg. Vinyl siding is another option. Vinyl has improved in quality and appearance over the years and is made to mimic wood, brick and masonry.

The overall look of my home could be updated by adding an additional layer of siding on top of the brick to change its look. I became partial to Texas limestone while traveling in the hill country. There are quarries in Texas that produce a “natural thin stone veneer” that can be attached to the existing brick. You just need to attach construction paper and a metal lath to the surface you want to cover and set the brick with mortar. If I did this, I could eliminate the wood under the gables altogether.

Nothing beats the look of natural stone, and its intrinsic qualities allow it to withstand the test of time. Just think of all the ancient monuments and temples built of granite, limestone, marble, slate and other types of stone that are still standing today. Texas limestone may not be your cup of tea, but a Southwestern look might be a good fit. Combine stucco, Spanish shingles, and stone veneers in hues that complement the colors of the valley to achieve a look that is distinctly RGV.

In order to understand the new products available today, a distinction needs to be made between the traditional solid veneer materials that are thick (like solid bricks or stone) and the new thin veneers. Thin veneers are simply cut thinner (about one inch in thickness). Solid lumber is usually cut no smaller than 1 1/8 inches, but wood veneer may be as thin as 1/40 of an inch thick. Thin veneers can be easily placed over existing surfaces. There are a few issues to be mindful of when selecting thin natural veneers. Because they are thin, they may not be as weather resistant as the thicker products, and they may require more insulation.

LEFT: Stone veneer looks and feels like natural stone. That’s because it is made from natural stone patterns. With colors and textures that are carefully controlled, and the reduced weight and costs compared to natural stone, stone veneer has become the most desirable manufactured stone on the market. This home features stone veneer from JD Krane. SEE BACK COVER.


Technically, all siding, on contemporary homes, is a veneer, because it is not a structural load bearing element.

Natural thin stone veneer is designed to give the appearance of traditional stone masonry. Thin stone veneers have quickly been adopted by consumers because it is a cost effective, eco-friendly, and highly stylized decorative material. Homeowners can easily customize the look of their homes by combining several different siding materials.

There is another option to consider when selecting siding. You can get the look of natural materials like brick, rock, stone and wood made with different materials such as concrete and natural stone aggregates, polyurethane, polypropylene, resin, and polyvinyl chloride. Composites of various materials are poured into molds that simulate the textures of traditional veneers. They can be discrete pieces, or large thin sheets. They are generally attached to some type of frame or substrate.

Artificial rock siding is a type of composite building material used to mimic the appearance of traditional stone siding. Made from thermoplastics like polypropylene or polyurethane, artificial rock siding comes in large, relatively thin sheets. Installers use nails or screws to attached each panel to the framing of the home, and many of these panels lock together to create a seamless look.

Solid bricks are still a great siding choice, but you can use a thin brick, of real or reclaimed brick, on a

new build or an existing surface. New composites of brick materials that include concrete may be stronger and more durable than traditional bricks. Thin bricks are generally applied to galvanized steel templates. One such system has punch tabs, and the bricks simply pop into place. Once installed, they are set with mortar to give the look of a real masonry brick wall.

Wood shake has been a popular building material in Texas. Made of natural cedar, the shingles are usually stained with earth tone colors. Shakes offer the natural look of real wood, but usually require less maintenance than wood clapboard. The use of natural cedar shake has declined because it burns easily. You can still get the look from a 100% recyclable resin look-alike that is light weight, and resistant to natural elements.

Engineered wood panel veneers can serve a variety of exterior applications. The panels are a composite of wood products and other materials. Oriented strand board (OSB), hardboard, and veneered plywood are examples. The panels may be molded to create the look of traditional clapboards. Because the textured grain is uniform, engineered wood does not look exactly like real wood. Still, the appearance is more natural than vinyl or aluminum.

With all the siding options available, you can create a home that will be both beautiful and unique.

ABOVE: Limestone for this home’s bold and distinctive entryway was supplied

by Arte en Cantera pg 40. New limestone door surrounds can take your home from

beautiful to remarkable and distinctive.


This unique installation of the Multi-Blend Thin Strip stone is an exotic combination of ruggedness and elegance. With its variety of natural colors, textures and detailed installation this stone has indefinitely brought back the true beauty of masonry veneer. Stone provided by Southern Stone pg 29.

56 olé decor SPRING 2012

executive photographyimproving your image jameshord.com

sorteo tecsorteo tec


LuckyOneNinetyEl 190° Sorteo Tec se aproxima y ahora mejor que nunca con cientos de premios, incluida una casa espectacular, El Sorteo Tec hace felices a miles de familia y apoya la educación en México.


Esta obra arquitectónica tiene un estilo limpio y contemporáneo, lleno de altos ventanales que contribuyen para el aprovechamiento de luz natural.


Tec House 190°

Transitional Mexican design, that is how we can describe the new Tec House, first price of the 190° Traditional Tec Sweepstakes. Inspired on the roots of Mexican culture, the residence offers great areas with a great feeling of warmth and comfort to its viewers.

The perfect distribution of the rooms, and light as the leading character, make of this house a unique piece. Surrounded by pre-hispanic detailing, it will take you back to the ball game played by our ancestors, as well as its geometrical figures, which according to its creator, architect Guillermo Cárdenas, bring energy from the beautiful Sierra Madre to the house, which gives the house a majestic touch.

Amazing decoration by LCC Nora Barrera de Casasús and the newest technology, the two story house brings together functionality, beauty, elegance and comfort.

Casa del Tec 190°

De diseño mexicano transicional, es como se describe la nueva Casa del Tec, primer premio del 190° Tradicional Sorteo Tec. Inspirada en las raíces de nuestra cultura, la residencia ofrece a lo largo de sus amplias áreas una sensación de calidez y confort a sus visitantes.

La perfecta distribución de sus habitaciones, y la luz como protagonista principal hacen de esta casa una obra única. Enmarcada con aspectos prehispánicos nos remonta al juego de pelota de nuestros antepasados, así como sus formas geométricas, que según su creador, el Arq. Guillermo Cárdenas funciona como talismán para atraer la energía de la hermosa Sierra Madre que engrandece aun más la belleza de esta residencia.

Maravillosamente decorada por la LCC Nora Barrera de Casasús y con la más alta tecnología, la casa de dos plantas conjuga funcionalidad, belleza, elegancia y confort en sus diferentes espacios.


La perfecta distribución de sus habitaciones, y la luz como protagonista principal hacen de esta casa una obra única.


SUMMER 2012 olé decor 64

En Cantera & Limestone Design contamos con una amplia selección de

productos en cantera y otras piedras naturales con una gran variedad de

estilos y tonos para una infinidad de usos desde diseños clásicos hasta lo

más moderno.

Nuestro experto personal especializado le asesorara en todo lo relacionado con

su proyecto, tomando en cuenta hasta el más mínimo detalle.

Consulte con su proveedor actual, compare nuestros productos y servicios

y se convencerá porque somos lideres en el mercado. Nuestro lema es servir a

nuestros clientes con un costo mínimo y un servicio al máximo. Más de 25

años respaldan nuestra experiencia y excelencia en ventas y servicio.

www.canteraimport.net

956.565.28883921 E. Expressway 83

Weslaco, Texas

ELEGANCIA. CALIDAD. BELLEZA.

Asi se define nuestro nombre.

18ft

6ft

En Cantera & Limestone Design contamos con una amplia selección de

productos en cantera y otras piedras naturales con una gran variedad de

estilos y tonos para una infinidad de usos desde diseños clásicos hasta lo

más moderno.

Nuestro experto personal especializado le asesorara en todo lo relacionado con

su proyecto, tomando en cuenta hasta el más mínimo detalle.

Consulte con su proveedor actual, compare nuestros productos y servicios

y se convencerá porque somos lideres en el mercado. Nuestro lema es servir a

nuestros clientes con un costo mínimo y un servicio al máximo. Más de 25

años respaldan nuestra experiencia y excelencia en ventas y servicio.

www.canteraimport.net

956.565.28883921 E. Expressway 83

Weslaco, Texas

ELEGANCIA. CALIDAD. BELLEZA.

Asi se define nuestro nombre.

18ft

6ft

Documents

Fall 2012 Issue