MR. STEAM AND TALA TAKE ME AWAY!

YES! It was a wonderful week but it required a lot of energy! We all fared rather well. However, regardless of who you are there's bound to be a few tired bodies in need of rejuvenation! Luckily for us, Mr.Steam took great care of us! We ended our tour on a dreamy note, filled with luxury and relaxation, the kind that only Mr.Steam could provide.

(Image by Chasen West Photography)

It all began with a beautiful lunch at the Aria Hotel's Cafe. Walking into the cafe your eyes were drawn to very long beautifully set table. Perfectly displayed at each place setting, there were luxurious gift boxes of TALA waiting for each of us. Our gracious host Martha Orellana , vice president of marketing and sales, made sure to make our day extraordinary...and it was! 

Martha whipped up the Rhassoul Lava Clay and applied it on each of our faces. Some of us relaxed others went for the Jacuzzi while we waited for the clay to harden. Then we all went for a eucalyptus steam! Heaven! Cold clothes were dispersed to wipe off the clay which began to soften and then we sweat and relaxed some more. It was an amazing...your entire body starts to breathe. Everything opens up...your skin, sinuses, chest, throat and mind. 

It is ethereal in feeling and I can't imagine anything more relaxing. All I can say is, "everyone should have Mr.Steam in their home! 

He knows what he's doing!

If you get the opportunity, try to experience the winner of multiple product award and the winner of the "2013 Good Design" award for stunning graphic interface and design. Mr.Steam is the first brand to perfect swipe touch simplicity in warm and humid environments. You can customize your spa experience by controlling the temperature, duration, aromatherapy and chromatherapy. 

“With the touch of a finger, iSteam 2.0 puts you in a different dimension with your own custom blend of steam, light, scent and music," said Martha Orellana, vice president of marketing and sales for Mr. Steam.  “There is nothing like this on the market.”

What are the benefits?

Mr.Steam says, that the therapeutic benefits of a steam shower are a perfect way to help manage stress, detoxify and hydrate your body. It is also beneficial when your not feeling great. Steam can help with colds, congestion, arthritis and sore muscles.

To learn more click on the video gallery below.

MR.STEAM VIDEO GALLERY

I enjoyed Mr.Steam and Tala so much I had to hurry up and make my own video about Tala. When everything is on high speed a great way to slow down is to reach for Tala.

I could not wait to get home and try it all over again! 

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TALA AND MR.STEAM

Thank you for all!

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE! #BLOGTOURVEGAS BABY!

Four ladies including myself, left from Boston's Logan airport on cold but sunny Sunday on January 18th. We were on our way to #KBIS2015 in Las Vegas via #BlogTourVegas presents by Modenus! If you missed how it all started you can read the prior post here!

On the plane sitting next to me is Linda of Linda Holt Interiors. Seated in front of me is Laurie of Laurie Gorlick Interiors and next to her Pamela of Pamela Copeman Design, who has me convinced that when I'm with her Hollywood isn't far away! Shes a movie star! I don't care if she's never made a film! 

Or maybe she has???

Linda and I spent much of our time going over the nominees for the Best Of KBIS 2015! Modenus Blog Tour Vegas!  Part of our job was to select the winners for best products for 2015. We had a lot of reading to do! Winners were selected based on functionality, quality/durability, flexibility, aesthetics/style and innovation and were to be announced on Wednesday, January 21st at NKBA's Center Stage. You can see who won here! 

The Boston crew arrives in Las Vegas! 

Laurie Gorelick, Linda Holt, Me, Pamela Copeman

I was the only one with a carry on bag. Believe me, that was not the case on the return flight!
First class all the way provided by Modenus and our sponsors! 

On our way to the Aria Hotel! 

Let the tweeting begin!!

The Aria hotel bedroom with a spectacular view!

We arrived at the Aria Hotel and had a few hours to freshen up before our opening night orientation with cocktails and dinner to follow! Looking forward to getting to know some new friends and reconnecting with a few old friends but for that we have to take a walk to The Cosmopolitan Hotel! 

The view from the "Comme Ca" Restaurant at The Cosmopolitan! The perfect place for a Cosmo! 

Is this Paris or Vegas?

The group is chatting it up and getting acquainted. 

Pamela Copeman and Joann Kandrac connect! Joann and I were sisters in another life...a pure delight! 

Veronika Miller and CEO of Modenus is getting everyone in gear for the exciting week ahead! Modenus Talks next! 

Chris Laumer-Giddens looks totally enthralled in his discussion with Jane Lockhart! Two very talented people.

Kelly Kole and Laurie Gorlick were at our fun table and all I can say is...there was a lot of laughter!! Love these women! 
Kelly! Get the Channel Shoes!

It was a great start, now off to rest up for a big week! 

Up at dawn before you know it!

Images provided by Chasen West Photography and me.

The New American Home 2015 - A "Real World" Laboratory in Building Innovation and Technology.

Nestled on a hillside at 2256 Edgeridge Court in Henderson, Nevada, Tyler Jones of Blue Heron Construction has completed his latest answer to The New American Home. Jones and his team demonstrates that packaged, "pre-design custom" building is an efficient way to use the latest innovative design concepts while maintaining affordability. This luxurious 5,900 square foot home spares no amenities. It will serve as a model for one of 36 homes in the Sky Terrace Community featuring, intelligent design and sophistication representing the best of today's American luxury homes.  BlogtourVegas presented by Modenus had an opportunity to visit the stunning contemporary and experience the latest in technology in the home building industry. 

THE NEW AMERICAN HOME 2015

On approaching the site as we drove up the hill, it became 
apparent that we were about to see something very special. 

The main entry, landscaping and lighting are thoughtful and engaging as you enter the home. Sculptural drought tolerant plantings added texture, visual interest and efficiency.

First level living area is neutral and warm in tone. Beautiful, but careful not to distract from the stunning views. Reflective of the homes location and environment, it is evident in the selection of the textiles. 

Living area from the second level. 
The atrium of this home adds volume and fills the home with an abundance of light during the day. The kitchen and dining area share the space.
 Flooring by Mohawk Flooring.  

A variety of materials add dimension to the fireplace making it an undeniable focal point. Working within such and open space, I would imagine this was a way to add additional interest and dimension on this vast wall expanse. 

Carpeting by Karastan.

Layered earth tones creating a warm and inviting space.

Mixed metals and textures add interest and dimension.

View from the dining room area.

Who says green building can't be luxurious! Take a look at this kitchen and take note that, TNAH 2015 is expected to receive Emerald status, the highest of four levels of green building under the National Green Building Status.

Kitchen  counter tops  made of Dupont Zodiac Quartz
 and Walker Zanger Calacata Carrara Marble.

First level lounge and bar opens out into the courtyard.

A continuation of the indoor living space.

After sunset

Every amenity and convenience making night time entertaining a step away.

Let's take a peek at the Second level! 

Second level bar illuminates this entertainment space.

Multilevel bar area from a distance.

Artful, high performance carpeting helps to elevate the space.  Karastan added beauty, warm and depth with its graphic design.

I really appreciated the design and allocated use of this space. The half wall creating a cozy area for sleeping, while keeping the raised lounge open but separate, making this the perfect suite environment. Views fill the room and a nearby fireplace heightens and warms the experience.

The master may be calm but there's no lack of textural interest. 

You can lounge a drift away while admiring the view of Las Vegas. Your bedroom is your sanctuary and this home pays homage to the...stay haven!

Spa at home! 

Here is one more reason that I thought I would never want to leave this home, the master bath is a show stopper! When your tub is separated from the bedroom but remains in full view, like a destination, how could you not want to use it?! Prominently placed, the soaking tub conjurers thoughts of relaxation and rejuvenation. The flooring by Mohawk made me think of the desert sand, its reliance on water and our need for it. Perfection!

Pretty isn't enough! 

The home is smart and efficient!

Net zero electrical usage. 

Open cell spray foam insulation and passive solar power. 

Low VOC paints, stains and adhesives.

LED lighting fixtures.

Energy Star appliances.

Photovoltaic panels.

Formaldehyde-free wood cabinets.  

Low flow shower heads, faucets and dual flush water closets.

Whole house automation system.

Weather sensitive irrigation system.

Native and drought tolerant plants.

Tankless water heaters.

Hydronic air handlers.

Intelligent fireplaces.

Sustainable building materials.
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Special attention to integrating spaces.

Continuous use of Indoor and outdoor flooring.

Test kitchen 
Before our tour ended we gathered around in the kitchen and witnessed a demonstration of Karastan's SmartStrand Forever Clean carpet that blew me away! 

Forever Clean and never worry!

Yes, the carpet is being soaked in large glasses of wine! 

I know what your thinking! I was too!

I was wrong! I have never seen results like this before...amazing! The only carpet with built-in stain resistance and you don't have to sacrifice beauty. An innovative bio-based carpet that is eco-friendly and durable, SmartStrand in addition is luxurious and silky soft to the hand. I was impressed to say the least. Who wouldn't want Forever Clean?! I know I do!

THE NEW AMERICAN HOME 2015

Thank you to the team of TNAH 2015 and Mohawk for a great evening filled with the innovation of the homes of our future.

Images by Trent Bell Photography, Chasen West Photography and Michelle Cortizo. 

KBIS & #BLOGTOURVEGAS 2015!

YOU may have asked yourself how your kitchen and bath professionals stay informed on the world of design? Wonder no more! The National Kitchen and Bath Show is how! Also known as KBIS, it is the country's largest show of its kind and guess who's going? I know! I can't believe it either!

On November 10, 2014 I received a humbling invitation to join eighteen fellow Bloggers and Veronika Miller, CEO of MODENUS on a BLOGTOUR!

Just in case no one sent you the memo! 

MEET VERONIKA MILLER!

aka

 "CEO and Social Media Queen"

MODENUS

(her company)

A thoughtfully curated resource for all things design. 

A word from a woman who makes magic happen!

Veronika Miller stated, “We are so honored to have been selected again as digital media partner for KBIS and to be a part of a team that has not only contributed to the renaissance of this great show but also supported its integration into Design and Construction Week. DCW is arguably the largest design and remodeling event in the country. Being able to bring our largest group of bloggers ever and to also host our own daylong summit ‘MODENUS Talks’ makes this tour one for the record books.”

BLOGTOUR

A group of talented bloggers from various parts of country coming together to share an experience inspired by design. Since 2011 Veronika Miller has heightened the knowledge of living well by sharing her global design journey with a select group of bloggers, who then share their experiences via social media. Relationships are formed between bloggers, consumers and manufacturers. A brilliant concept that continues to broadening the conversation among design enthusiast within and beyond the trade community. 

MEET THE BLOGGERS!

They come from different parts of the US and Canada and are excited to get started, bringing you the latest and greatest the market has to offer. It will also be an opportunity for us to get to see some old friends among us and make some new friends as well! We will share exciting moments, sore feet, design inspirations, amazing dinners and much more. I will be keeping you up to speed on all the events as they happen during our tour via social media. BTW...there's a rumor that I should bring presentable pajamas (not sure what that's about)...I'll keep you posted!

CHEERS! 

To the list of our generous sponsors without this would not be possible. I am looking forward to an incredible week of getting to know all of you and learning all about what's new for 2015!

BLANCO

KBIS
MODENUS

MOHAWK

MR. STEAM

POGGENPOHL

THERMADOR

TOP KNOBS

TOTO

WALKER ZANGER

WILSONART

WOOD MODE

THANK YOU SO MUCH! 

Thank You Sherwin Williams For Featuring My Design!

"Michelle Cortizo of Cortizo Interiors transformed this historical home, creating a bright, beautiful kitchen filled with modern amenities. Share your #SherwinDesign."

Old Kitchen To New Den Renovation

Wondering what happened to the original kitchen space in the 1904 home? 

Here it is! The old dinky fireplace was beefed-up and the doorway to the laundry room was then relocated to the mudroom. 

Building a generous mantel allowed us to disguise the pipe located to the right of the fireplace. The custom navy paint by Sherwin Williams was achieved by matching it to our rug sample...the only way when you want perfection! Underneath the brick fireplace, a blue stone hearth was installed for "that old New England charm."

Ease and convenience? I specified a firewood box be built into the extra deep wall for those cold, "would rather not go outside" long winter nights!

The lighting was handmade by John Atwater of John Atwater Designs. Johns lighting complimented the thin gold stripe in the carpet and wheat tone walls. 

Above: The original kitchen and "Shawmut" before the renovation.

Demolition included raising the ceiling and making the windows larger to open up the view when lounging on the sofa and admiring the beautiful garden view!

"Lauren" from Ralph Lauren's new rug collection adds a great deal of drama to the space, keeping it current and classic all at the same time!  

To see the newly relocated kitchen reveal click here

To read the eight part back story start here 
Thanks for stopping by! ~Michelle