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1 WINTER 2010

Ole Decor - Winter 2010

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Ole Decor Winter 2010

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Page 1: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

1WINTER 2010

Crown Your HouseWhat Your Roof Says

Gallery Guide

From Wrecks to Riches

Adorn Your Door

Casa Remodel

Book By it's cover

Page 2: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

2 WINTER 2010

Designer Screen Shades are earth and family friendly. In Fact,many of our fabrics are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified , meaning they meet standards for better air quality in your home.Call or stop by today to learn more about environmentally-friendly Designer Screen Shades.

®

3009 Padre BlvdSouth Padre Island TX

Monday - Saturday10:00am - 6:00pm

956-761-7771cactusflowerinteriors.comcactusflower.hdspd.com

Jeri Garrett, ASIDRegistered Interior Designer

Patricia HesterRegistered Interior Designer

Now available with PowerRise Motorization technology...enjoy the convinience of power shadesat budget friendly prices.

®

DESIGNER SCREENSHADES

Page 3: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

3WINTER 2010Special thanks to Big River Greens

Find special dealsby following us on:

Pho

togr

aphy

: S

tudi

o Fo

togr

afik

oAll dishes are made from freshproducts found at The MarketAll dishes are made from freshproducts found at The Market

519 South 17th St • McAllen • (956)994-9754

res taurant • bar • hookah lounge

Page 4: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

4 WINTER 2010

Bring us your dreams, Let us design your home.

Tony de la Tejera

(956) 580-3936

w w w. t e r r a h o m e s . c o m

Exclusive neighborhood in Mission

5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, Livingroom,

Family room, 2 dining rooms, swiming

pool, jacuzzi, outdoor kitchen, storage

room, plus in-laws apartment with its

own kitchen and living area.

apaprox. 5400 sq. ft.

Asking $680,000.

Terra Homes Corp.1210 Elm Street

Mission, TX

Page 6: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

This beautiful ultra modern gem was designed and laid out by HCD, p.13 of Brownsville. Owner/Decorator Marcelo Cantu’s hand is dominantly seen throughout.

Welcome Winter 2010. It’s time to cuddle up

with a good book, a comfy pair of slippers, and

your dog by your side. It is with this picture in

our minds, and the mood of winter, that we

bring you an article about the most amazing

furniture you will find anywhere. In “Eco-

Friends” you will see incredible pieces made

from 100% reclaimed timbers…maybe from

an abandoned country barn, or maybe from an

old shipwreck. Artisans from a far away world

work their magic to give life to aged hardwood

planks, creating beds, chairs, tables, and many

other furniture items that not only will you

want to cuddle up into, but you may actually

decide to hibernate.

Look up towards the sky and enjoy our ‘Up on

the Roof” article. A roof on any home provides

protection from the elements, but in this article,

not only will you learn about the benefits of a

variety of roofing materials, but you will also

understand the aesthetics of different types

roofs and the curb appeal they can bring to

your home. Considering the roof is the largest

expanse of one single material on your home,

its important to choose with performance,

price, and pulchritude.

Winter also brings about a frenzy of trips to

the garage, attic or storage unit. Down come

the boxes from the highest rafters, filled with

trees to be assembled, lights to be strung, and

ornaments to decorate. Balancing on a ladder,

twisting and turning, lifting and hauling, its no

wonder we need a vacation from the Holiday’s

vacation. Heck, even Santa gets involved with

some serious lugging and schlepping, and

after all that, it seems as though we could all

use a good chiropractor. Well, have no fear, Ole

Décor is coming to the rescue with a “Fabulous

Spaces, Public Places” featuring a beautiful

Chiropractic office right here in the valley. We

can all get adjusted together, then go out for a

refreshing mimosa.

Smile,

Eddie and Sandy

Those of you who live or work in the lower valley know that Brownsville has some incredible places to eat. Those of you who live and work in the upper valley have a harder time believing it. Ole Décor is going to open eyes in Fabulous Spaces, Public Places, by featuring Los Camperos. It’s a brand new restaurant in Brownsville that has deep roots in Matamoros and Los Fresnos. The décor is stone and brick, granite and iron, rustic wood and dim lighting. Mexican Outlaw meets Texas Cowboy for a great meal in surroundings that will make you come early for drinks and stay late for dessert.

Spring will be upon us shortly, and that means back to the great outdoors. After the winter wind and rain, there will be a lot of work to be done in the yard. So just in time, we bring you Outdoor Living: Decorating with “Hardscapes.” Hardscapes? Those are actual structures that are incorporated into your landscape. Elements that create borders, define areas, and basically keep everything in place on your backyard slope, without which, you may see all your new plants slip into the Resaca. Retaining walls, terraces, plant boxes, garden borders, palapas, benches, gazebos, Granite, limestone, fieldstone, pavers, timber, you name it. The possibilities are endless, and the benefits priceless. Grab some brick and mortar, gloves and kneepads, or better yet, go to one of many excellent stone yards we have in the valley, waving around the pages from our article.

There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold, and she’s buying a stairway to heaven. Literally. Think about staircases for just a minute. Recall images of a woman in a long ball gown descending a ruby red-carpeted grand staircase. Maybe you envision an excited teenager skipping down to greet her date for prom night. Or children clamoring down when Mom or Dad comes homes from work. There are times when you are so tired; the staircase is the pathway to peace and solitude to an awaiting bedroom. So for the first time, Ole Décor is going to bring Indoor Living, “Decorating with Staircases” to our readers. From the functional to the sublime, from the grandiose to the simple, staircases are as much a part of the home as the kitchen, and often even more visible.

Smile,

Eddie and Sandy

Visit:www.oledecor.comRead current & past issueslink to advertisers

Call:sales: 956-266-8663fax: 956-761-2388

Email:[email protected]

Olé Decor offices:5800 Padre Blvd.Ste. 206 A&BSouth Padre Island, TX 78597

209 N. 17th St. Suite BMcAllen, TX 78501

Mailing address:P.O. Box 40101South Padre Island, TX 78597

in next issue on the cover / contact

6 WINTER 2010

Page 7: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

7WINTER 2010

Now open 2nd Location

201 Queen Isabela Pkwy (Hwy 100) Port Isabel, TX

956-943-2629

~ Iron Wood Patio Furniture

~ Full line of Weber Grills &

Accessories

~Unique Art Gallery featuring

Coastal Artists Larry Felder,

Robert Ruhman and

Dinah Bowman Dinah Bowman www.portisabelgreatrooms.com

Port Isabel

and a FULL INVENTORY to choose from.

Now is the time to SHOP for Great Savings

Page 8: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

8 WINTER 2010

Page 10: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

Luxury Homes, MarCan 14 Eco Friends Wrecks to Riches 22

Casa Remodel Book by it’s Cover 28

Fabulous Spaces, Public Places Harmony in Balance 36

Decorating with Adorn your Door 42

Sorteo Tec Lucky Number 183 46

Fine Art Gallery Guide 52

Decorating with Crown your House 62

In next issue: Hardscapes Fabulous Spaces, Public Places Sorteo Tec #184 Eco Friends Casa Remodel Staircase to Heaven Gallery Guide Luxury Living

Contact us: Ole Décor Magazine 956-266-8663 |[email protected] www.oledecor.com | printed in mexico

contents:

46

22

28

14

10 WINTER 2010

Page 11: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

11

SpRINg 2010

Legendary Incan tears of sun encrust the clearest crystal cylinder producing a

radiant glimer of ancient riches. A gold glow of Xenon

sparkles through a laser-cut metal sheath

with precision,perfectly illuminating perfectly illuminating

the treasures that adorn its outer

transparent layer.

INCA

Intricate laser-cuts transform thin sheets of transform thin sheets of chrome into artistic works of lace and lattice. Gentle incandescent light peeks through the negative space, illuminating a filigree of illuminating a filigree of form and function. Draped from its lower edge, delicate crystals catch and cast the dancing light.

Biology meets technology in the Sense life source. Chrome mirrored glass envelopes a sphere of Xenon

and seems to emanate the heart and soul of the space it

inhabits. The clean, simple orb hovers closely or falls gracefully from the ceiling on gracefully from the ceiling on its gently swirling lifeline.

SENSE LATTICE

Page 12: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

12 WINTER 2010

Page 13: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

13WINTER 2010

Page 14: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

14 WINTER 2010

Product Specification • Concept, Design, Décor •

Feng Shui, Color Palettes • 3D Digital Rendering, BIM •

Area & Product Distribution •

• Decorative Finish Outs • Murals, Stencils, Guilding • Concrete Counters & Floors • Trompe L'oeil, Faux Finishes • Venetian & European Plasters

Page 16: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

Luxury Living

“...y bien logrado de los arquitectos Hector y Protacio Guerra, es toda una experiencia para quienes vivimos en ella... La casa esta llena de movimiento, elementos visuales e integracion con el exterior, que nos brinda una maravillosa forma de vivir.... Su estilo moderno, de lineas rectas y formas simples, se integran de una manera increible con el exterior gracias a la cantidad de ventanales y puertas de vidrio, haciendo que la casa este llena de vida y de areas espaciosas y acogedoras..... las areas abiertas, la cantidad de luz , contrastes y elementos visuales nos regalan dia a dia una placentera manera de vivir.”

- Marcela Cantu - Owner

“Esto no es tan solo unproyecto interesante...”

“Esto no es tan solo unproyecto interesante...”

16 WINTER 2010

Page 17: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

El proyecto MarCan es una residencia diseñada en la ciudad de Brownsville Tx. en un terreno de aproximadamente de 75’ de frente por 200’ de profundo, cuenta con dos niveles, dobles alturas y cuatro recamaras completas. Es un proyecto que ha marcado en el sur del valle de Texas un estilo muy plasmado en la arquitectura moderna mexicana. Los dueños siendo estos de origen mexicano, querían dentro del proyecto tener las áreas intimas en el segundo piso y dejar el área social en el primero, esto por costumbre a como se vivía en México.

Sus áreas están estudiadas a fondo para aprovechar el máximo del espacio posible para evitar áreas desperdiciadas, sin descartar los espacios al gusto del cliente. Una parte de la originalidad del proyecto MarCan son los 4 árboles existentes en la parte posterior del terreno, siendo estos muy bien considerados a la hora del diseño para evitar removerlos, aprovechando también que son el enfoque principal de todas las áreas interiores de la casa.

Los atractivos principales del

Interior Decorator Marcela Cantu Nextel: 623065243

Dynamic Duo Hector & Protasio Guerra of HCD designed this gem of a house, p.13

Top: Functional + Stylish kitchen fixtures Morrison, p.32

Bottom: Swirling slate tiles furnished by Decora, p.17 Weather and wear resistant synthetic retan outdoor furniture Motif, p.13

17WINTER 2010

Page 18: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

proyecto MarCan fueron 3. El primero es un detalle antes de entrar por la puerta principal de una cortina de agua escondida en un volumen de piedra que cae sobre un espejo de agua, creando una brisa muy agradable para los invitados. El segundo; ya una ves entrando en el recibidor, se tiene un detalle de un muro de doble altura que parece estar flotando gracias al efecto volado de las escaleras que te llevan al segundo piso, este colocado sobre un desnivel forrado de piedra bola color café, estos elementos combinados logran que no resalte mucho el color blanco que se propuso en todo el interior de la casa. Y el tercer atractivo es el área de una fogata exterior que cuenta con dos desniveles que logran un espacio para sentarse totalmente fijo, logrando tener un espacio abierto con simetría en la parte de arriba para poder observar el centro de la fogata desde las terrazas del segundo nivel.

El área social, cuenta con un espacio abierto donde se propuso la cocina, el comedor y la sala de televisión; este espacio, logra tener vista hacia la parte frontal de la casa y al área posterior con vista directa hacia la alberca. Esta área esta totalmente privada del área de recibidor. Dentro del mismo diseño se logro que cualquier persona que este en cualquiera de estos tres espacios siga teniendo una vista de frente hacia el área de entretenimiento.

Se tiene tambien por medio de una terraza cubierta la unión de un espacio multiusos donde se aprovecha para un cuarto de juegos con su área de cantina o rápidamente se convierte en recamara de huéspedes con su misma cocineta, teniendo una vista hacia todo el jardín de atrás esta área cuenta con un baño completo para uso de la alberca.

Contributing Writer: Hector Guerra

Top: Perfect Square Dinnet Set. NIU, p.61 Pendant Cluster Eauropean Lighting, p.19

Center: Sliver metal wall art, Motif p.13

Middle and Below: The finish is made through the hand application of 2 to 3 coats of a liquid iron emulsion. Reactive Weathered Iron Finish, Artesanos Design Group, p.12

Bottom: Rich hardwood Floors provided & installed by Decora, Opposite Side.

18 WINTER 2010

Page 19: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

1200 N 10th St. Ste A McAllen TX • 956.630.6222www.decoraflooring.com

DECORAK i t c h e n , B a t h & F l o o r s

19WINTER 2010

Page 20: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

Tel: 956.943.2737 | Fax: 956.943.2453 | Email: [email protected]

Windows • Mirrors • Screen Doors • Shower Doors • Table Tops • Commercial • Residential

20 WINTER 2010

Page 22: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

The center of attention...

4801 N 10th St | McAllen | 956.682.6986

L I G H T I N G F I X T U R E S H O W R O O M

A delightful gift...for your patio or deck and...ahhh, they’re wind friendly!

22 WINTER 2010

Page 24: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

24 WINTER 2010

iL Tocco is a proud retailer of many Classic Home reclaimed wood collections, See Opposite Page

Often we hear the question: How is furniture ever eco friendly? It is made of wood! Yes, most furniture as we know it is made from trees, cut down and shaped to your every desire, a table , barstool, bench, bed frame, headboard and other forms of décor. However, eco friendly furniture is showing up in big name companies more and more every day. Let’s remember, it’s not always what it’s made of but how it was created. The process is just as important as the material.

A recycled wooden table, made from old fence posts for example, is a process that all of us can identify as recycling at its best. Yes, it’s made of wood but what kind of wood? Are virgin trees being cut down to bring you this table? These are the questions we need to be asking.

We’ve seen creative pieces of eco friendly furniture as of late that have impressed us very much being recycled and reclaimed woods from various sources.

Go Green! Classic Home uses reclaimed wood from old ship yards and demolished buildings and is committed to eco-friendly manufacturing and sourcing. Classic Home goes through extensive measures to assure their processes meet the requirements of sustainable production using only plantation-grown and reclaimed woods. Using eco-friendly lacquers in the finishing process, recycled water and reclaimed woods, Classic Home has become an industry leader in

offering a large variety of products made from old, reclaimed woods. Unlike many importers, they own and control the factory which produces the majority of their products. Their standards of quality and eco-friendly manufacturing processes are within their control and strictly enforced.

Classic Homes offer several collections from which to choose. Kendari, Saxon, Jaden, Kenitra, Vintage, Trinity, Railway, Metro, Bukhara, Madison, Mesa and Dakota reclaimed wood collections. Their Vintage Collection offers print block, multi colored reclaimed woods. They offer as well the Villa Home Collection of decorative pillows and bedding along with Classic Home Rugs, a fine assortment of natural fiber and wool rugs in many colors, sizes, and shapes.

The next time you’re strolling through a furniture store, ask yourself how that beautiful piece of furniture got there and make sure to invest in an eco friendly one. You never know, these days eco friendly furniture is so beautifully disguised you might not be able to tell the difference!

We welcome and encourage you to visit our beautiful showroom. Take advantage of our in-house design service, friendly, knowledgeable staff and top notch service. The possibilities atil Tocco Modern Living are endless!

Green Is The New Gold

FROm wrecks to riches

Page 26: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

26 WINTER 2010

www.craigsfurnitureonline.comwww.howardmiller.com

Harlingen712 W. Harrison423.0090

Weslaco2929 W. Exp. 83

968.8600

Furnishing the Valley since 1963

You don´t own a Floor Clock.You guard it for the next generation.

956.542.0172103 N. Expressway Brownsville, TX

Floor, Wall & Window Coverings

Page 27: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

27WINTER 2010

Gardens • Pools • Patios • Exteriors • Interiors • Quintas • Gazeebo

609 Pecan Blvd | McAllen(956) 890.8198 | (956) 630.4886

[email protected]

Page 29: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

29WINTER 2010

Life is better when...everthing works together.

302 S. 10th St. - McAllen 956.992.0412www.homeentertainmentbydtronics.com • [email protected]

Page 30: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

BEFOREAFTER

Cuando una familia está contenta y feliz con en el ambiente, la arborización y el vecindario donde se encuentra emplazada su vivienda, pero se está quedando corta en espacios y atrasada en las comodidades que quisiera tener, remodelar la casa es la opción para actualizar estos requerimientos espaciales, funcionales y estéticos del hogar. Este fue el caso de la vivienda que hoy les mostramos.Nuestros anfitriones aprovecharon la visita de sus hermanos, una pareja de arquitectos de Punta Cana, República Dominicana, para realizar el proyecto preliminar. La idea principal: ampliar las áreas sociales y la cocina que se encontraban anticuadas y colapsadas para el desarrollo de las actividades cotidianas de la familia, así como renovar los acabados de la casa.El siguiente paso sería resolver quien se encargaría a nivel local de concretar el proyecto arquitectónico y su materialización. Para esto, nuestros anfitriones seleccionaron al arquitecto venezolano, Eugenio García de LEMAR DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION, establecido en el Valle desde hace varios años y con una destacada trayectoria en el diseño de viviendas, quien a su vez realizó el proyecto de diseño interior y de paisajismo de la vivienda.Al visitar la casa, el arquitecto García, constató los requerimientos del proyecto y la factibilidad de su ejecución, pero observó en los propietarios el anhelo de poder contar con un mayor crecimiento del área acondicionada living área de la casa. Este crecimiento era imposible hacerlo hacia afuera por encontrarse la casa confinada por los retiros mínimos exigidos por la ciudad. La otra inquietud planteada por los propietarios de la casa fue la necesidad de mejorar el espacio del ático para sus necesidades de almacenamiento. Se visitó el ático accediendo por la tradicional escalera desde el garaje y con gran sorpresa se pudo observar la gran amplitud que este tenía: “era más grande y amplio el espacio del ático que la planta baja”, acotó el arquitecto. Así mismo, se apreció la gran cantidad de espacio habilitado por los dueños en el ático para almacenamiento. Estos dos factores determinaron que el arquitecto recomendara el crecimiento de la vivienda “hacia adentro”, creando un segundo piso con “living area” sin necesidad de construir áreas anexas a la construcción existente y proponiendo la reorganización y reacondicionamiento del espacio del ático para hacer más placentera las labores de almacenamiento que cotidianamente realizan los propietarios. Así nació el

30 WINTER 2010

Casa Remodel

Book by it's cover

Page 31: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

AFTER

AFTER

AFTER

BEFORE

BEFORE

BEFORE

31WINTER 2010

Page 32: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

de estos pequeños espacios. Los muebles, blancos también, acabados en “thermofoil” ayudaron a crear el ambiente de contemporaneidad que se buscaba.La cocina, el corazón de la casa, pasó a tener el rol principal, equipándose con novedosos artefactos de cocina y nuevo mobiliario blanco, también en “thermofoil”, aprovechándose hasta el último espacio para alojar toda la utilería requerida. El diseño de la cocina se complementó con topes de cuarzo gris y mosaicos de vidrio en tonos rojos en las paredes, que le dieron el toque de color.El diseño interior de los ambientes sociales se condicionó con el uso de colores plomo en el piso, paredes y techos blancos, toques de piedra natural en paredes predominantes y el uso de la madera en tonos oscuros para darle el toque de calidez y contemporaneidad. El mobiliario fue diseñado, atendiendo los requerimientos da la propietaria de la casa, por el arquitecto García en conjunción con KAPAL, con una línea muy sencilla y moderna que se complementó con sillas de cuero con patas cromadas y muebles tapizados en tela para la sala principal de la casa. El producto final un ambiente práctico, minimalista pero acogedor, acondicionado para el uso cotidiano, sin superficialidades ni espacios desperdiciados o sin uso.El toque final y complementario a esta renovación interior se lo dió el acondicionamiento del área exterior de la alberca. Este punto focal de la renovación se ambientó con una pared ornamental escenográfica, elaborada en piedra natural sin competir, y mucho menos desentonar, con el acabado original de ladrillos rojos de la casa. Esta pared se complementó con un diseño paisajístico y de iluminación que transformó totalmente esta área y la convirtió en el punto visual focal y más importante del proyecto.La mejor recompensa para el arquitecto: el agradecimiento de la familia por haberles podido interpretar sus requerimientos y haber logrado una respuesta arquitectónica y de diseño interior con la cual se han sentido totalmente identificados.

segundo piso de la casa, dando cabida a través de la novel escalera, a un Hall de Acceso, un Salón para la TV y de múltiples actividades, y un dormitorio nuevo con su baño completo y “walk in closets”. Y algo fundamental: un acceso cómodo y directo al área de almacenamiento en el ático.Para lograr estos dos objetivos era indispensable modificar el método de aislamiento utilizado para el techo. Habría que cambiar el aislamiento soplado “blown insulation” del cielo raso por aislamiento de espuma de poliuretano “foam insulation” utilizándola entre las viguetas de madera del techo “rafters” y poder así brindar un aislamiento uniforme a todo el ático. Quedaba por resolver el problema del soporte de la nueva área habitable: habría que cambiar las viguetas de soporte tradicionales del cielo raso por elementos capaces de soportar las nuevas cargas

del segundo piso. Todas estas modificaciones se hicieron, y por requerimientos de los propietarios, se escondieron todas las instalaciones del ático (cables eléctricos, tuberías de agua fría y caliente, nuevo cableado de seguridad y de sonido y video, etc.) y se redistribuyeron los ductos de aire acondicionado a modo de poder aprovechar las áreas disponibles del ático para una mejor organización del área de almacenamiento. En la planta baja el arquitecto propuso mejorar la calidad espacial de esta típica casa de los 80’s. Se abrieron los espacios eliminando paredes y dinteles donde se podía. Se cambiaron y ampliaron todas las ventanas (aprovechando para cambiarlas por las resistentes a alto impacto) de modo de obtener mejores visuales al exterior y a la alberca existente, logrando a su vez una mayor sensación de amplitud en los espacios interiores.

El sistema de iluminación se modificó y se equipó con una abundante cantidad de luminarias empotradas, dando paso al complemento perfecto para la renovación interior; y por requerimiento de los propietarios, se equipó la vivienda con lo más novedoso en sistemas de sonido, video y comunicación.Los “walk in closets” y closets se renovaron y equiparon totalmente. Los baños se rehicieron por completo utilizando materiales eternos como el mármol blanco y dándole el toque de actualidad y modernidad con mosaico de vidrio en variadas tonalidades acordes a cada baño de la casa. El complemento indispensable fue el uso de piezas sanitarias de punta. Adicionalmente se utilizaron gabinetes con espejos e iluminación indirecta y puertas de baño con cristales trasparentes y sin marcos, para crear una mayor amplitud

Whether for the kitchen, bath, or any room in the home, Kapal offers a vast selection of design choices, allowing the greatest flexibility in creating the exact look desired.With Kapal, you can express your personal taste that suits your lifestyle. Choose from a selection of woods, finishes, door styles, decorative details, and storage solutions to meet your needs.   See Opposite Page

All decorative & Functional lighting, Light House Lighting Center, P.9

BEFOREAFTER

32 WINTER 2010

Page 33: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

33WINTER 2010

P: 956.464.33112503 E. Exp. 83, Donna, [email protected]

BUILT-INSfurniture

At Kapal Wood ProductsWe offer H igh End K itchens, C losets, Laundry Rooms and Garages from Tradit ional to Euro Style. We also do Custom built-ins: Tables, Desks, Buffeters, Media Centers and Booths, Our variety of nishes include AluminumAluminum frame glass doors, High gloss nishes, Exotic woods: Zebra, Wenge, Rift Red Oak and many others, Glass Countertops, Leather Upholstery and more. Visit our website gallery.

Page 35: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

35WINTER 2010

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL TENANT IMPROVEMENT

956.423.6821 • www.harawayconstruction.com • 1415 N. Stuart Place Suite C • Harlingen, TX

TX LIC # B13163 ACR #3225

PROTECTION • SECURITYPEACE OF MIND

BUSINESS • RESIDENTIAL969-1400Weslaco783-780San Juan541-8878

Brownsville1-866-1-866-870-7600

ValleywideVALLEYWIDE SERVICE

• Burglar Alarm Systems• Fire Alarm Systems• Music/Intercom Systems• Video Surveillance• Cellular Monitoring• Monitoring As Low As $14.95

www.protechsecurityllc.com

Free

Estimates

Page 36: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

36 WINTER 2010

11059 Expressway 83 La Feria • 956.797.9007

Where beaut i fulpot tery goes to heaven.

Valley Wide • 956.438.7027

Whether you are in need of a

custom summer kitchen, an

outdoor replace, re pit or

pavers, we will provide you with

an excellent selection and great

service. All our outdoor living

structures are built on site using

solisolid, durable materials,

guaranteed to bring you years

of enjoyment.

We are not just any outdoor kitchen,.. we are Simply The Best!

Page 37: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

37WINTER 2010

Page 38: Ole Decor - Winter 2010

Harmony in BalanceMission, Texas

Fabulous Spaces Public Places

This is not your ordinary doctor’s office. Entering into the offices of Khit Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Mission is equivalent to finding an oasis in the desert. Their beautifully decorated office is designed to provide an experience that promotes health and well-being for the client.

A team of interior decorators from Designer 108 in McAllen, Tx assisted Dr. Khit in developing a design that would satisfy client needs in the office, reflect the practice’s health care mission, and the doctor’s personal taste. The design team’s task was to develop a design that reflects these requirements.

The philosophy behind creating an interior design that promotes health and well-being is the idea that our thoughts and emotions influence our physical health. An office environment that creates a positive mental attitude in the client helps them to achieve the highest level of wellness. Decorations such as beautiful artwork, photographs, calming paint colors, and comfortable furniture can help to put patients at ease.  

It is a well known axiom that first impressions are the most important, and this extends to doctors’ waiting rooms as well. The overall environment should be welcoming and sophisticated, and engender confidence in its medical professionals. The client’s physical comfort should be addressed with comfortable seating, proper lighting, visual stimulation, and other amenities such as drinking fountains and bathrooms.

The design team accomplished their goal by a thoughtful consideration of the practical and aesthetic requirements of the job. They first decided upon the key concepts of simplicity, elegance, and comfort for the offices. The overall design style is “eclectic.” This is a style of design that incorporates a variety of different styles. When utilizing this design style, the designer must achieve an overall harmony through the effective use of visual elements such as color, line, value, texture, and shape. Harmony is achieved when there is balance. The body is in harmony when it is in perfect balance. A room’s design is harmonious when the visual elements in the room are

balanced as well. Looking at the body is instructive in understanding the importance of symmetry in maintaining balance. The two sides of the human face appear to be perfectly symmetrical, but they are not. There are slight variations that create interesting features, but the symmetry remains balanced. This can also be achieved in design by a variety of techniques that create balance, but allow variations for a more interesting composition.

Research indicates that humans require exposure to nature in order to live balanced lives. This important link is acknowledged

and represented in the materials and objects chosen for the decor. All of the design elements selected for this suite of offices evoke

nature and the out-of-doors. Sea, sand, rocks, mountains, insects, sunlight, forest, and outdoor activities are represented.

The strongest statement of one of these elements is in the waiting room. The largest wall is clad with a sandstone brick, creating a

dominant architectural feature in the room. Variations in the color and texture of the sandstone create a beautiful mottled effect. The sandstone is used alternately as half-clad and fully-clad walls throughout the hallway and exercise room.

The light sandstone is set against a blue-green accent color on the walls. Word association studies indicate that blue-green, or Turquoise, evokes the feel of a tropical paradise. Light blues have a calming effect that can lower blood pressure and slow both respiration and heart rate. Thinking of lying on the sand next to a shimmering blue-green ocean is the ultimate idea of

relaxation for many people. Whether that represents a tranquil day at the beach on South Padre Island or a week on the glorious beaches of Cozumel, Mexico, the colors can take you there in your imagination.

Relaxation also implies rejuvenation, and the green aspect of Turquoise restores energy and motivates the client to move forward in either the healing process or the maintenance of good health. Turquoise is a flattering color for many people because it has warm and cool undertones. Sitting in a room that complements skin tones aids in feeling good about oneself.

The color is repeated in the fabric selections for the waiting room chairs. Two different striped fabrics were selected. One is a black and white stripe with a green dragonfly motif and the other is a black, white, and blue stripe. The fiber content of the fabric is rayon and polyester. Rayon is made from cellulose, which is a natural product. The polyester is added for strength and durability. The selection of designer fabrics

imparts the look of elegant luxury.

Turquoise is a natural complement to shades of brown. The designers have contrasted the light and airy neutral of the sandstone with

the dark tones of the wood frame of the chairs. These deeper tones in the chair and the medium to dark

tones of the ceramic floor tiles ground all the elements. The dark

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tones are repeated again in the large coffee table. The surface of the table is a muted yellow that has been distressed to reveal the wood beneath. It creates a striking visual statement and adds a warm accent color to the room.

Natural light floods the waiting room area, and is reflected off the polished ceramic floor tiles. A decorative sunburst mirror reflects the natural sunlight back into the room. Wall sconces cast a column of light down the wall. This is especially effective in the darker hallway and exercise areas where the lights are placed on a column of sandstone tiles. The ambient lighting adds visual interest, but it also adds a cozy and comforting feel to the rooms.

The artwork selected for the office effectively contributes to the concept of the overall design. The sandstone feature wall is the background for an iron wall panel entitled Unity. The iron has a dark burnished patina that creates a striking contrast with the light sandstone. The sculpture has four female figures contained within the sphere. Each stands balanced on the inside edge of the sphere with arms stretched towards the center. The circle is a universal symbol of unity. The definition of the word unity is to bring various parts into a harmonious whole. In this artwork, the parts are the human body, and they are reaching out toward the goal of unity.

A selection from the same collection of sculptures entitled The Climbing Man, makes a dramatic statement in the hallway that leads to the patient rooms and exercise area of the office. Each climbing man is an individual sculpture, but they have been hung in groups of three. The 43” long twisted iron rope, each man is climbing, adds a strong linear and graphic element. While the men are suspended in a moment in time, their journey metaphorically represents a commitment to reach the goal, belief in the route they have taken, and trust in their climbing partners.

A high quality of life is the gold standard for this medical practice, and the beautifully decorated offices at Khit Chiropractic inspire us to achieve that goal.

Contributing Writer: Linda Lewis

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Graham Ferraro L.L.P. represents clients in Texas, Florida and Virginia in commercial litigation, construction, property damage including �rst party insurance, hurricane and catastrophic loss, personal injury, wrongful death claims, consumer and employment claims. We also provide representation in matters involving real estate, and, oil, mineral and gas law.

San Benito native, Bob Graham has worked in the Valley for over 25 years. The �rm’s lawyers represent numerous clients in Hidalgo, Cameron and Starr Counties.

“Service to our clients is paramount. We provide our clients with a realistic analysis of

their legal issues and viable options to achieve their desired results.”

~ Pete Ferraro ~

Graham Ferraro L.L.P.

Toll Free: (888) 897-1116www.grahamferraro.com

McAllen Office: 121 N 10th Ste. B • McAllen, TX • (956) 508-3577

Austin Office: 1011 West 10th St. • Austin, TX • (512) 474-7742

Florida Office: 3165 McCrory Place, Ste. 151 • Orlando, FL • (407) 897-1116

Virginia Office: 4425 Portsmouth Blvd., Ste. 200 • Chesapeake, VA • (757) 488-1188

* Chosen to 2010 Super Lawyers - Texas Monthly

Christopher M.Ferraro

* Peter E.Ferraro

C. Robert “Bob”Graham

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Wood & Wrought Iron Doors - Staircases - RailingsBalconies - Welding Projects - Residential & Commercial

Cantera Stone - Hardware - Decorative Iron

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Visit our garden patio and shop the newest addition to Designer Consigner. Pots from several different countries around the world give your garden and patio that special appeal. Located in Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Square.

Available For Small Weddings, Receptions And Events.

Credit Card Accepted407 E. Maxan, Port Isabel

The Lighthouse Square

Tel: 956-943-5095

Now Introducing Art fromTile

Wood Chandeliers Fireplace Faucets Wall Art

Door Hardware

Fans

4003 W. US Hwy 83, McAllen

956.992.0777

Business Hours: 9-7 Monday - Friday10-2 Saturday

After Hours: By Appointment

Have one of our home decor specialist help you make the right desicion on Decorating

your Home and Business.

“Where customer services makes all the difference.”

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For example, you would not necessarily need to have a locking door knob or lever on a laundry room door. There are three main functions of these door knobs: passage, privacy and dummy knobs. A passage set has a basic interior latching function without a lock for a closet or pantry. Privacy sets have a lock

on one side but have emergency access from the exterior and are used on bedroom and bathroom doors. Dummy sets are fixed knobs that do not turn and are most common on French-style closet doors or the inactive door of a set of double doors, possibly entering the master suite.

Homeowners usually opt for a handleset on their front entrance door and either a key-in-knob or a combination of

a passage knob and a deadbolt for all other exterior doors. Another possible hardware option for a front entry door is the

use of a door pull with a deadbolt. These can easily be set to operate on the same key and most door hardware suppliers

provide this service free of charge.

Door hardware is sometimes overlooked by homeowners and builders. It is seen as a way to cut corners and save money for the overall building budget, a small detail that gets pushed aside until the last minute and the possibility of using it as part of the decorating theme of the house is not seen. A majority of homeowners

and builders are unaware of all of the options available to them as hardware consumers. With the growing number of decorative door, cabinet and bath hardware manufacturers, there is an extensive range of products available to match

into any home’s décor and budget. Before you get too confused, let’s go over exactly what it is you will be purchasing for your new home or building project. Residential door knob and levers are designed and built for the type of door they are to go on and the function that the hardware is there to perform.

Luxury Living

Door Hardware

Briggs Collection a complete line of hardware and accessories which beautifully combine artisan hand-carved designs with extensive sand-casting expertise. Each piece, made of recycled art-grade bronze, takes its design inspiration from a rich array of stylistic influences from Moroccan grates to the door knobs of a cathedral built in the 1800’s. The versatility of this collection is adaptable to today’s eclectic styles, with each finish bringing a new mood to the design. Available at Morrisson p.32

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There are two main design styles of door hardware, mortise and tubular. A large majority of the door hardware on the market and installed in homes is tubular. This is where there are three main pieces to a door knobset: the latch that slides into the door and the two knobs for either side of the door. Mortise locks actually have a lockbox that is installed into the door and is much more complicated in the installation process and requires more pieces. For this reason, mortise locks are more expensive and when used are mainly only used on front entry doors or when restoring an older home.

Manufacturers make decorative hardware for doors, cabinets and bathrooms that can coordinate a theme throughout a house. This

solves the problem that many designers have had in the past of trying to match hardware from various manufacturers so that the

door knob into the bathroom matches the towel bars, etc.

Hopefully this article will get you started on your way to becoming a hardware-savvy consumer.

Door knobs are reversible meaning that they can be installed on a left-handed or right-handed door, but door lever sets must be

ordered differently depending on the handing of the door. To determine the handing of the door, stand outside of the door looking

inside (i.e. In the hallway looking into a bedroom or outside of the house looking in through the door). From this viewpoint, if the hinges are on the right, then it is a right-handed door and if the hinges are on

the left it is a left-handed door.

Cast Stainless Steel knob is inexpensive and last long. It is a great surface that does not corrode or rust easily. Stainless steel is easy to clean and sanitized. It is actually not stain-proof but it simply stains less than other steel. Royal Enterprises now offers a variety of finishes that diminish scratching and fingerprintsp.41

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Sorteo Tec

Lucky Number 183

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LA CASA INTELIGENTELas Casas del Tec realizan muchas funciones mediante el uso de nuevas tecnologías reduciendo sus costos de manutención, gracias al apoyo que proporcionan los sistemas alternativos como; paneles solares, plantas de tratamiento, fibras aislantes y sistemas de ventilación e iluminación natural.

ASPECTOS A DESTACAR:• Programación de horarios para equipos de climatización, iluminación, aspersión, limpieza y entretenimiento.• Control energético mediante materiales de construcción que proporcionan aislamiento térmico.• Alta seguridad gracias fibras aislantes y concretos celulares, que proporcionan alta resistencia al fuego.• Alta calidad de vida, ya que estas herramientas hacen más fácil las tareas diarias y son amables con el medio ambiente.

ECONOMIA EN EL HOGAR: GAS: Calentamiento de agua mediante un sistema híbrido que combina paneles solares y gas, siendo este último utilizado de manera emergente.

ELECTRICIDAD: 1. Iluminación programada, automatizada y basada en LEDS, lo que la hace un 90% más económico y hasta 50 veces más durable. 2. Uso de tubos de iluminación altamente reflectivos que aprovechan la luz natural y proporcionan ventilación. 3. Equipos electrodomésticos y de enfriamiento de alta tecnología que reducen el consumo eléctrico.

LA EXPRESIÓN DEL ESPACIO

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AGUA: Sistemas de tratamiento de aguas residuales y captación de lluvias, además de la automatización de riego por ciclos reutilizando el agua captada en depósitos.

Un Proyecto basado en la funcionalidad y moldeado por los volúmenes de sus formas, donde el objetivo es que cada área se establezca en su estado ideal y se conecten entre sí de la manera más conveniente, logrando transmitir una gran amplitud y confort.

Este increíble diseño arquitectónico contemporáneo cuyo atrevimiento visual en su fachada impacta agradablemente desde que se ve por vez primera, es el resultado de un proceso que inicia en el interior, con espacios bien pensados y logrados, donde la fachada es la envoltura de un regalo que sorprende por su belleza y funcionalidad. “Realmente me apasiona cuando hay una expresión adicional y mágica, cuando el atrevimiento en formas y materiales te impacta y complementa la vivencia de los espacios”. Según propias palabras del Arq. Pablo Ferrara

Un concepto invadido de contrastes, donde el perfecto orden de sus líneas conviven con el discreto desorden de sus volúmenes, texturas perceptibles en sus muros recubiertos de piedra, mientras que otros se mantienen lisos; brillos, opacidades y tonalidades, que le dan fuerza a la expresividad de todo el conjunto, conduciéndote con fluidez por el recinto y logrando amalgamar todos los diferentes detalles en un completo.

Una residencia llena de luz y color, que inspira a disfrutar cada momento de nuestra vida en compañía de los seres queridos y que sin duda alguna hará feliz a quien resulte ser el afortunado ganador o ganadora este próximo 23 de diciembre, que junto a miles de ganadores más brincaran de gusto, por que ahora Sorteo Tec regala más premios que nunca… que mejor regalo de navidad!

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200 S 10th StreetSuite 1401

McAllen TX 78501(956) 289-8600

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6 0 9 P e c a n B l v d . • M c A l l e n T X • s u n s e t l i v i n g @ h o t m a i l . c o mT e l : 9 5 6 . 8 9 0 . 8 1 9 8 • 9 5 6 . 6 3 0 . 4 8 8 6

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Fine Art

Artline America Inc.McAllen | 956.630.0076

Jackie’s gallery is called Artline America, and a typical gallery it is not! Step into an eclectic array of paintings, tapestries, and framed shadow boxes filled with various objects d’arte. Bring in your own treasure, and choose from over 1,000 custom framing possibilities. If you can’t make up your mind right away, think about your choices over a delicious home cooked lunch at the Masterpiece Café. Artwork surrounds you as quiet jazz music plays in the background. Jackie’s laughter will be heard as she spends time tableside talking with any one of her loyal customers, enjoying the afternoon at her restaurant and gallery. One visit to this special place and you’ll go out of your way to come back.

Gallery 218Harlingen | 956.457.9401

Anna Marie Sanchez was born in Phoenix Arizona, traveling throughout the United States until her parents settled in South Texas in search of employment. It was here where she learned so much more about the Mexican culture, learned to speak Spanish, met her late husband, got married, became an educator and evolved into an artist. She said, “Interestingly, my Mexican American culture has played a significant role in the depiction of the scenes found in my work; in the decisions I have made throughout my life; in the creation of the characters found in my work; and in the teachings I have conducted.” She signs her artwork Anna Marie Salinas because it was her late huband that inspired her to become who she is today.

ZM GalleryMcAllen | 956.618.4422

Maria Linzoain was born in Villa Maria in the province of Cordaba, Argentina. She graduated from the National University of Cordoba School of Arts with a Licentiate degree in Painting in 1987. She has taken part in international exhibitions in Madrid, Pittsburgh and Miami. She has had many collective and individual shows and has won international, national and provincial prizes. Talking with Maria is a way into a magical world where painting is most important. She speaks unhurriedly, explaining her work like someone describing a dear relative. The harmony of her personality and her calm gaze can be seen in the vibrant colours of each of her pieces.

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The Art House StudiosMcAllen | 956.688.6461

The Art House Studios presents the finest artists in the Rio Grande Valley Sue Sill, exhibiting her recent paintings and art prints “Celebrating the Americas” Dec. 3 – Jan 28, 2011. Sue Sill current works are largely portraits of indigenous women of the Americas executed in watercolor, and watercolor with pen and ink. Other subjects are Figures and group scenes depicting indigenous life and festivals. She continues working in pen and ink, and has produced limited editions of hand-colored botanical prints. Also during the McAllen Art Walk in February we welcome Wilma Langhamer’s new paintings and in April, artist Jerry Lyles.

Miguel Art Studio

Los Fresnos | 956.908.2314

Specializing in custom painted murals for any room

in your home, Miguel is an artist who can transform

your space into a village in Tuscany, or an oceanside

cottage. His murtals can also be seen in many

commercial locations; brightly painted storefronts are

another of his specialties. Any size, any space, Miguel

is the one to call for your custom mural.

Schaub Art GalleryMcAllen | 956.742.9292

Tony Schaub is a pop-style artist who has become famous for his large canvasas, bright color palette, creative imagination and sense of humor. At the age of twelve, he was selected to attend the Carnegie Institute Summer Art Program. The next year, Tony won the Pensylvania Scholastic Art Gold Key for his tempera/goache painting, World Series Celebration. He is also an artist you can meet and greet, just pay a visit to his studio and most likely you will find him with a brush in his hand. The gallery has incredible works you can purchase and walk out with, or you can commission Tony to create a custom piece. Either way, owning an original Schaub brings joy into your life.

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Tune into OLE TV each week,and have a Sandy Adventure.

Sunday mornings, 9:30 amNBC KVEO 23

oletvshow.com toAdvertise your Business!

Meet Sandy and take home oneof her original oil paintings.

“Patterns of Nature”Opening Reception: Friday Feb. 4, 6-9 pm

OLD CITY CEMETERY CENTER GALLERY

Corner of 6th & Monroe

Downtown Brownsville

Exhibit open daily through March 4, 2011

956.541.1167

Free Admission

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The Internet is exhilarating. Magazines are enveloping. The internet grabs you. Magazines embrace you. The Internet is impulsive. Magazines are immersive. And both media are growing.

Barely noticed amidst the thunderous Internet clamor is the simple fact that magazine readership has risen over the past five years. Even in the age of the Internet, even among the groups one would assume are most singularly hooked on digital media, the appeal of magazines is growing.

Think of it this way: during the 12-year life of Google, magazine readership actually increased 11 percent.

What it proves, once again, is that a new medium doesn’t necessarily displace an existing one. Just as movies didn’t kill radio. Just as TV didn’t kill movies. An established medium can continue to flourish so long as it continues to offer a unique experience. And, as reader loyalty and growth demonstrate, magazines do.

Which is why people aren’t giving up swimming, just because they also enjoy surfing

We surf the Internet.We swim in magazines.

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Lima BeanBUILDERS

Clubhouses are made from redwood, cedar, and Douglas fir. The logs are fallen trees that we hollow out using a chainsaw! To get into the clubhouse, simply enter the door in the hollow log, climb up the ladder in the center of the log and pull yourself through the trap door in the floor of the Clubhouse.

956.433.3497

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3913 N ExpresswayBrownsville, TX

956.350.8222956.350.8799

Wall CoveringsPorcelain

Tile

Luxury Surfaces. . .

ORION®

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What most homeowners desire is a roof that’s not too expensive, requires no maintenance, and lasts forever. But most roofs are replaced - or at least repaired - every ten years. By carefully choosing your home’s roofing material, you can reduce the cost of replacement. In the long run, you’ll use less building material, fill up less landfill space with discarded material, and put less demand on our natural resources.

You can realize other environmental benefits from your roofing choices. If you select a light-colored surface or a material that doesn’t absorb heat from the sun, you significantly reduce your home’s cooling needs. When your attic stays cooler, your cooling bills go down.

There is a wide choice of materials used to roof a house, ranging from thatch - dried grass, to slate - pieces of stone. Modern products like plastic, fiberglass and concrete are available, and some innovative, energy-efficient homes are being roofed with sod. New products are being developed to overcome the shortcomings of older roofing materials, meet the demands of modern building techniques, and conform to increasingly stringent building codes.

Here is a rundown on the most popular types of roofing. Remember that cost alone does not determine quality, and not all of these products will meet the needs of your home. But by carefully selecting the right material, making sure it’s installed properly and performing modest maintenance occasionally, you can have a roof that functions properly for 20 to 50 years - or even longer.

Composition shingles are a good choice for a clean look at an affordable price. Higher-quality versions made from asphalt or fiberglass shingles offer a more durable option and may be available with recycled content.

Composition shingles come in a large selection of types, brands and colors. Versatile, they adapt easily to different applications. They are relatively easy to install, and in some applications can be nailed in place over an existing roof. They require low maintenance and can be walked on without damaging the material. Most brands offer Class A fire protection.

On the negative side, they can blow off in high winds. Material is easy to scar if hot. Does not have the dimensional look of tile or shake.

Wood shakes offer a natural look with a lot of character. Because of variations like color, width, thickness, or cut of the wood, no two shake roofs will ever be the same.

Wood offers some energy benefits, too: it helps to insulate the attic, and it allows the house to breathe, circulating air through the small openings under the felt rows on which wooden shingles are laid.

A wood shake roof, however demands proper maintenance and repair, or it will not last as long as other products. Mold, rot, and insects can be a problem. The lifecycle cost of a shake roof may be high, and old shakes can’t be recycled.

Most wood shakes are unrated by fire safety codes. Many use wipe or spray-on fire retardants which offer less protection and are only effective for a few years. There are pressure-treated shakes, however, that are impregnated with fire retardant and meet national fire safety standards. Made by companies like Chemco, this pressure treating extends the life of wood shingles and provides better fire safety performance.

Installing wood shakes is more complicated than roofing with composite shingles, and the quality of finished roof depends on the experience of the contractor as well as the caliber of the shakes you use. The best shakes come from the heartwood of large old cedar trees. Care should be taken when selecting shakes as the quality varies greatly from different shake mills.

Clay roofing tile is a good choice for homes with a southwestern, Italian, or Spanish Mission design, or even for homes with a modern, clean look.

Tile lasts a long time - its expected lifespan is greater than the lifespan of the material on which the roofing rests. Tile won’t rot or burn, and it can’t be harmed by insects. It requires little maintenance, and comes in a variety of colors, types, styles and brands.

Popular Roof Materials

Decorating With

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The biggest drawback to clay tile can be its weight. Depending on the material used to make it, tile can be very heavy - so heavy that extra roof support can be required. With some new materials, however, color is added only on the surface of the tile, and they can fade over time. Although most modern tile is kiln-fired into the tile making the color permanent.

Tiles are fragile, so walking on them can break them. That makes it more difficult to accomplish maintenance like painting or cleaning rain gutters or fireplaces. Initial installation can be more complicated than other roofing materials.

Finally, tile can cost more than other roofing materials.

Slate - actual shingle-like slivers of rock - is another roofing material that shows up on more upscale homes. Although slate is an expensive choice, it offers a very natural look and can be laid out in a variety of patterns.

The benefits of slate are identical to those of tile: a very long lifespan, good fire protection, low maintenance, and an invulnerably to rot and insects. It comes in a good selection of sizes and colors, although colors are limited to those found in nature.

Like tile, slate can be very heavy, sometimes requiring expensive extra support. It, to, is breakable enough that walking on it is difficult for a non-professional, complicating such tasks as rooftop maintenance, gutter cleaning and painting.

Concrete tile is now a roofing material. Shingles, simulated wood shakes, lighter-weight tiles and concrete panels are being manufactured from a variety of fiber-reinforced cement products. Some are coated with plastics, enamels, or thin metals, and some contain recycled material. Although the products themselves are not yet recyclable, they are a good choice for durability and resource efficiency.

The advantages of concrete roofing vary from product to product, but generally they all have a long lifespan, require low maintenance, offer good fire protection and are resistant to rot and insects. Many tiles mimic the appearance of wood shakes, while improving on the durability and fire protection that real wood affords. It can approximate the look of clay tile or slate while mitigating the structural problems caused by the weight of the real material.

Concrete is more expensive than some roofing materials, and early types of concrete roofing had problems with the material curling, breaking and changing color. Technology has improved, however, and these problems have mostly been overcome. Style and color choices are expanding, and by mixing the cement with additives, manufacturers and making lighter and lighter products.

Metal roofs are coming back into vogue. In the late 1700s, zinc, copper, and lead were the most popular materials used for roofing - such famous historic buildings as the Washington Monument and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello have metal roofs.

Standing-seam steel roofing is the most popular residential metal roofing today. (The term standing-seam describes the upturned edge of one metal panel that connects it to adjacent sections, creating distinctive vertical lines and a trendy historical look.) But metal roofs can also be made to resemble wood shakes, clay tiles, shingles, and Victorian metal tiles. Aluminum or coated steel is formed into individual shingles or tiles, or into modular panels four feet long that mimic a row of shingles or tiles.

Metal roofs are durable, fire retardant and almost maintenance-free. They are also energy efficient; metal reflects heat and blocks its transfer into the attic. Research by the Florida Solar Energy Center in 1985 showed that metal absorbed 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles, and homeowners switching to metal roofing reported saving up to 20 percent on their energy bills.

Steel roofs offer other environmental benefits as well. They are made from between 60 percent to 65 percent recyclable material. Because they weigh very little, metal roofing can be installed over existing roofs, eliminating the need to dispose of excess material in a landfill.

Installing some metal roofing can be an intricate process best done by a professional, and the initial cost of a premium metal roof is higher than most other roofing materials. You need to compute the lifecycle cost to see if paying more to begin with for a metal roof will prove to be a better investment than some other form of roofing.

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