Michelle Kaufmann and Flux, Inc. Launch Green Lighting Line

A leader in sustainable design, Michelle Kaufmann Designs (MKD) has made the leap from sustainable homes to sustainable home products.

In an effort to bring sleek, affordable, eco-friendly lighting to the industry, MKD has teamed up with Seattle-based industrial design studio, Flux Inc., to build a line of modern, energy efficient lighting fixtures. With one tenth of all electricity in the United States consumed by lighting, the sector represents a huge opportunity for conservation through new technologies like compact fluorescence and LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

First in the new series from MKD and Flux, VESSEL is a vase-like fixture designed as an entry way light or wall sconce. The tall, slender, steel and glass form features a secure mounting base that dramatically lights a large, durable, blown-glass vase from below. VESSEL not only casts light upward, illuminating the vase and its contents, but also downward, offering a great design solution for lighting house numbers or entry steps.

VESSEL is beautiful on its own, or filled with personal objects like colored glass marbles, polished stones, or dried flowers. Water brings life into the lit chamber of the vase. Add flowers, bamboo, or even goldfish (the fixture's efficiency will keep the water from getting hot!).

VESSEL is available with compact fluorescent lamping or an optional LED assembly and complies fully with ADA (American Disabilities Act.)

These lighting technologies:

• Last up to 15x longer than traditional, Edison-style bulbs.
• Use less than 1/5th of the energy of the old-fashioned bulbs.
• Produce light with a fraction of the heat of incandescent bulbs.
• Stand up to extreme weather conditions (-5F to 122F).

About Michelle Kaufmann Designs
In 2002, architect Michelle Kaufmann founded Michelle Kaufmann Designs (MKD) in an effort to bring thoughtful, sustainable buildings accessible to all.

MKD is a full service architectural and design firm that specializes in sustainable, innovative, high quality living. MKD is a proud partner of ENERGY STAR and is fully committed to creating highly efficient and healthy buildings. They have LEED accredited architects on staff and are a member of the US Green Building Council. MKD's mission: to make thoughtful, sustainable living accessible to all.

About Flux Inc.
Flux Incorporated is a Seattle-based industrial design studio founded by Bradley Sweek in 1994. The company specializes in building lighting products from modern forms with clarity and a thoughtful engagement of materials and craft. Flux designs and manufactures its products in-house from its 45,000 square foot, UL certified, fabrication plant south of downtown Seattle. Previous clients and design partners have included Dodd Mitchell, Marriott Hotels, Eddie Vedder, The Roosevelt Hotel and Sub Pop Records.

Sweek describes the relationship with MKD as a natural meeting of the minds, "Michelle Kaufmann's commitment to the long view has put her well ahead of the curve with the innovations and planning that make sustainable building practices the new norm. These are the values that energize us at Flux too. It's what makes it fun to go to work. We relished the opportunity to collaborate and learn from her leadership."

Source: PRWeb

New Concrete Colors Semi-Transparent Concrete Stains from Seal-Krete Offer Simple Beauty and Protection for Concrete Floors

Convenience Products, maker of SEAL-KRETE brand products, introduces new Concrete Colors semi-transparent stains for concrete surfaces. SEAL-KRETE Concrete Colors are available in four (4) pre-mixed colors, a tint base, and a clear low-lustre sealer. A range of 30 colors is available with base tinting. Concrete Colors were developed to provide a premium decorative finish and exceptional protection to bare horizontal or vertical concrete surfaces. A 20% solids content means Concrete Colors is durable, long-wearing, resistant to stains, oil, gas, salt and chloride, and extends the life of concrete surfaces. Concrete Colors penetrate deeply into concrete surfaces, and depending on the porosity, can be applied to achieve a variety of different looks. Adding a topcoat or sealer will add gloss, without it Concrete Colors stays low-lustre for an aged look.

“There are a number of concrete stains available now, but none that offer the simplicity, the range of looks, and the strength and protection that comes with SEAL-KRETE Concrete Colors,” says Tim Franklin, Product Development Manager for Seal-Krete. “Like all SEAL-KRETE products, Concrete Colors have a high-solids content to add protection with your beautiful finish. You don’t get that with any other stain,” says Franklin. Larry Pennock, Vice President of Sales and Marketing says, “These products are just so easy to use. You can use sprayers, rollers, brushes, a mix of colors - even stencils, and still get a great finish. Not many other stains actually increase the life of the concrete,” says Pennock. “These products represent an easy-to-apply system for the DIY audience as well as the emerging DIFM customer. We want to make it simple, and we have.”

SEAL-KRETE Concrete Colors are water-based, low odor, with 20% solids and less than 100 grams VOC per liter. The line is available nationwide in one and five gallon containers. Seal-Krete is a Convenience Products’ brand, a division of Clayton Corporation, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information, please visit http://www.seal-krete.com/.

Source: PRWeb

New Garden Shed Unveiled Just in Time for Autumn Cleanup

Autumn lies just around the corner and all those lawn and garden implements, grills, pool toys and other backyard summer items are soon going to be looking for a cold-weather hibernation spot. Heartland, America's number one backyard builder, has just unveiled the perfect cave for these outdoor cluttering bears. The company's new garden shed is the ideal location for these belongings to hang out this winter season while their services are no longer required. To see all the benefits this new garden shed has to offer, visit its information page online at http://www.heartlandind.com/garden-shed.cfm There, a ten-percent-off promotion is being offered exclusively to online customers through the end of August.

The mere thought of an autumn outdoor cleanup often causes property owners to quake in their sandals. That's because the prospect of clearing away all the warm-weather toys and equipment they just can't live without in the summer is a daunting prospect. Heartland is taking the trepidation out of that notion with a new garden shed that's not only functional but also stylish. Designed so that these two ideals meet, this new storage building not only makes backyard cleanup a breeze but it also adds attractive value to the property on which it sits.

When asked how to improve a home before putting it on the market, one of the things Blanche Evans of RealtyTimes recommends is that the homeowner ask him or herself: "How does that old shed look?" That's because, she points out, "Nothing turns off a potential buyer more than an unclean and cluttered appearance."

Whether a home sale lies in his or her future or not, every homeowner can add value and visual appeal to his or her property with a new garden shed that complements the landscape and puts unsightly clutter behind closed doors. With a 10-year warranty, a customized paint scheme, double-wide doors and a galvanized steel roof, Heartland's new garden shed helps homeowners accomplish this feat quickly, professionally and affordably.

For more information on all the features Heartland's new garden shed has to offer, contact Dave Davis at (734) 242-6900, ext. 240. To place an order for this latest storage building and to take advantage of the exclusive online ten-percent-off discount, visit the company online at http://www.heartlandind.com/garden-shed.cfm

Source: PRWeb

Plant Disease Expert Releases Definitive Book About Rose Diseases and Pests

The first edition of The Compendium of Rose Diseases, by R. Kenneth Horst published in 1983 has long been recognized as the most concise, useful and trusted compendium books on the subject of rose diseases. Now, the second edition Compendium of Rose Diseases and Pests sets a whole new standard as the authoritative source for information and guidance regarding identification and control of rose diseases and pests. Collaborating with Dr. Horst in writing this book is Raymond Cloyd, an expert on pests that affect roses.

The Compendium of Rose Diseases and Pests, Second Edition has been thoroughly updated, expanded, and given a new format with 151 color photographs throughout to provide the reader with the most current and relevant information available in a user-friendly manner. The new second edition now includes information on insects and mites with 68 images to help identify these pests and the damage they cause. The book will be an invaluable resource for serious rosarians, commercial growers, garden centers and even casual gardeners who have a special interest in growing roses.

Dr. Horst, who is considered one of the foremost experts on plant disease brings to the reader his vast experience dealing with diseases such as powdery mildew, black spot, rose canker, botrytis blight, verticillium wilt and other diseases caused by fungi. The book covers rose diseases caused by bacteria as well as viral diseases such as rose mosaic, rose streak, leaf curl and other problems. It also covers rose damage caused by physiological problems, environmental imbalances, air pollution, pesticide toxicity and nutritional deficiencies.

Published by the APS Press which is the publishing arm of The American Phytopathological Society, the new Compendium of Rose Diseases and Pests, Second Edition features:

Color photographs of infectious disease symptoms, now inset with the text, enable users to accurately identify diseases that affect roses and quickly understand the causes, life-cycles, and treatment approaches available.

Noninfectious symptoms, such as those caused by pollution and toxicities, are covered and illustrated with color photographs that help distinguish them from bacterial, fungal, nematode, and viral symptoms.

A new color section on pests and the symptoms they cause helps users to identify the insects and mites that attack roses.

Discussions of pest and disease management measures stress timeless principles and cultural practices ensuring that this reliable sourcebook will help maintain healthy rose bushes for many years to come.

A genealogy map of rose species provides a guide to the development of hundreds of rose species, along with general growing tips and practices.

The purpose of this new edition is to aid plant pathologists, entomologists, horticulturists and other related specialists as well as casual rose gardeners and rosarians, in the diagnosis of rose diseases and pests. It is designed to serve as a practical reference and resource for rose growers and gardeners, students, researchers, educators, crop disease and pest consultants, advisors in state and federal government and regulatory agencies, agribusiness representatives, the pest control industry, county agricultural and cooperative extension agents, and area crop specialists worldwide.

Authors R. Kenneth Horst and Raymond Cloyd have distinguished backgrounds in writing on diseases and insect problems associated with ornamental plants. The senior author, Dr. Horst, is professor emeritus of plant pathology from Cornell University. He has been an active educator, public speaker, researcher and writer on ornamental diseases since the early 1960s. His writing includes more than 230 publications in scientific and trade journals and several books including the Compendium of Chrysanthemum Diseases and his ongoing role as editor of Westcott's Plant Disease book.

Dr. Horst is also known for developing a number of environmentally responsible disease control products, including GreenCure(R) fungicide, a potassium bicarbonate based broad spectrum fungicide. GreenCure(R) has a proven track record in more than 200 university trials and 9 years of use by commercial and organic agricultural growers. Research that led to the development of GreenCure(R) relied extensively on testing against rose diseases.

The GreenCure(R) formula is used in commercial rose production and agriculture as well as by home gardeners for rose and ornamental growing, fruits, vegetables and turf. The benign nature of the formula enables it to be used in organic production as it meets the USDA's requirements for organic certification under the National Organic Program. This makes it an ideal fungicide for use on fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, beans, apples, grapes and many other plants.

The co-author, Raymond Cloyd, is well recognized for research and extension publications on insects or ornamental plants since the mid 1990s. He has held positions in private industry and authored a book on IPM for gardeners.

Source: PRWeb

Paige Hemmis, Star Of ABC's 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' Will Headline Celebrity Event With Rainy Day Books

Paige Hemmis (http://www.paigehemmis.com/) of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is in town this week helping the Jacobo family and will take time out of her dinner break Friday to greet fans, answer questions and sign copies of her new book, The Tuff Chix Guide to Easy Home Improvement (Plume.) The book gives step-by-step instructions for basic repairs around the home and comes complete with a Tuff Timer, Tuff Meter and an estimated cost of do-it-yourself versus hiring a professional.

Who: Paige Hemmis of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and author of The Tuff Chix Guide to Easy Home Improvement

What: Rainy Day Books presents an evening with Paige Hemmis featuring a question and answer session and book signing. Admission Package is $16.00, includes one book and one ticket, and may be ordered by calling 913-384-3126 or online at www.rainydaybooks.com

When: Friday, March 16 at 7:00 pm

Where:

Unity Temple on The Plaza (View Map)
707 W. 47th Street
Kansas City, MO 64112

Why: Sunday, March 11th the Jacobo Family of Kansas City were awakened by the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition design team and were quickly sent on vacation so work could begin on their new home. On Friday, Paige Hemmis will greet fans, answer questions and sign copies of her new book The Tuff Chix Guide to Easy Home Improvement during a Rainy Day Books Author Event at Unity Temple on The Plaza. The self-taught carpenter says her book is a comprehensive resource for women that teaches how to tackle projects around the house, while providing useful information needed to hire a professional with confidence. This is the second time the Emmy-winning show has been in Kansas City, which boasts one of the largest crowds the show's ever had during a home reveal.

Info: 913-384-3126

Source: PRWeb

Introducing Waterdecor: The Award-Winning New Trendsetter in Faucets, Showers, Lighting and Accessories

Pasadena, CA - Waterdecor manufactures high-end, designer faucets, lighting fixtures and accessories from their state-of-the-art facility in Southern California. As a true manufacturer, Waterdecor produces and machines every product and part in-house as opposed to many other faucet companies that typically outsource their parts and simply assemble and package each item.

Using bar stock brass, Waterdecor's series of precise performance products fuse durability with seamless style. Their product lines also benefit from the oversight of two distinguished industry consulting partners: Beth Thorne, a consultant to world-renowned interior designers, manufacturers and retailers and Thomas Paulos, an esteemed expert in modern lighting. The result: four groundbreaking collections that offer consumers an array of traditional and contemporary design concepts.

"One of our crowning achievements is the high quality and knowledge of our product because it is designed and manufactured in house," says Waterdecor's Martin Siwy. "As masters of customization if we don't have it we will make it. Unlike many of our competitors, we provide our customers with a plastic 3-D model of their preferred design the day after their request for overall customer satisfaction."

Each of the four Waterdecor collections is a full suite including an 8-inch widespread lavatory faucet, tub and shower fixtures, as well as a full line of accessories such as towel bars and rings, paper holders, shelves and robe hooks.

The Embassy
True to the name, the Embassy makes a statement and is the leader in modern design. Strong lines and sharp edges are incorporated into a flawless structure that demands attention and can stand alone as a work of art. The sleek and bold design is accented by an unsurpassed quality that places it in a class of its own. The Embassy Series is unique in its ability to add modernity and geometric lines to the urban-chic future-forward kitchen or bath. Engineered under the philosophy that today's home collection should be both functional and artistic, the series finds strength in clean minimalist form and sleek design.

The Corvella
The Corvella series incorporates a smooth, rounded shape for an elegant and classic look. Traditional warm lines and curves soften the overall appearance of the collection and categorize it as delicate as opposed to faucets with a bulky architectural shape.

The Nirvana
Enlightenment, meditation, relaxation, and the sensation of complete peace and balance were all in mind while designing the Nirvana line. The graceful style wordlessly reflects a timeless quality that will be valued for years to come. The Nirvana series features a fresh, high-arc tubular design, which offers an elegant focal point to any streamlined kitchen or bath.

The Bridge
The Bridge series combines cutting-edge Radius™ "touch-free" technology with contemporary style and superior functionality. The even, smooth finish in polished brass matches the pure geometry of the body of the tap. Both sculptural and monolithic in design, the collection is rich with uncompromising straight lines. The Bridge Lavatory Faucet, a notable member of the Bridge collection, brought the company the "Most Innovative Product Award" for 2005 presented by the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association. This cutting-edge faucet features "Radius" technology, which provides automatic control and cleanliness as it enables users to rinse, operate or cleanse without ever touching the instrument. The control box is mounted underneath the sink and is designed to automate virtually any design of faucet.

"The Bridge Collection presents one of the only hands free fixtures for residential use on the market today where the user has complete control over temperature and volume," says Siwy.

Highlights of the Waterdecor Collections Include:

• Diversified styles to fit every consumer's taste
• Standard and customized products to meet each consumer's unique requirements
• 98% of the company's products are made of durable, solid brass
• Limited welding ensures that parts are engineered to fit seamlessly
• 9 popular finishes: polished chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel, matte chrome, brushed chrome, antique nickel, polished copper and true oil rubbed bronze
• In addition 34 separate custom finishes are available through special order

Waterdecor, Inc. ™, an award-winning manufacturer of contemporary faucets, lighting fixtures and accessories is based in Pasadena, CA. The company engineers, prototypes and produces some of the highest quality products available in today's international marketplace. Waterdecor's products can be found in the world's finest commercial and residential settings. For showroom locations, specifications, and pricing please visit the company's website at http://www.waterdecor.com/.

Source: PRWeb

Architectural Concrete Design Firm Launches Standard Product Line

Denver, CO - March 7, 2007 -- Concrete habitat™, www.concretehabitat.com, an architectural concrete design firm headquartered in Denver, CO, announces the national launch of a standard product line. This line features concrete sinks, concrete fireplace components and concrete tables with natural finish steel bases.

Clean lines and simple style define this offering. Each piece is equally at home from Urban Contemporary to Mountain Rustic. Full product specification sheets and photography may be viewed online at www.concretehabitat.com. Whether a single bathroom remodel or a multi-unit condo project, discover concrete for your habitat.

"Concrete habitat™ has taken the best of our custom concrete design and made it available for immediate order." Scott Hild – Concrete habitat™ President and Founder

Concrete habitat™ is an architectural concrete design firm specializing in the production of concrete countertops, vanities, fireplace surrounds, sinks and tables for both the residential and commercial markets. Founded in 2002, Concrete habitat™ ships custom work and standard products throughout the country from offices in Denver, CO, and Spokane, WA. Corporate clients such as The Gap Stores, Hilton Hotels and John Hopkins University have all discovered concrete for their habitat.

Visit their site online or call (720) 374-2101.

Source: PRWeb

HGTV.com Introduces Brand New Easy-to-use 'Rate My Room' Feature

Do you have a great space but don't know what to do with it? Or maybe you have a room that's a real show stopper you'd like to share? HGTV.com introduces an exciting new social media feature, "Rate My Room," in which visitors can share photos of their favorite or least favorite room, browse other's spaces for inspiration as well as try their own hand at lending design advice. "Rate My Room" is available only at HGTV.com, the No. 1 online content destination in the Nielsen//NetRatings' Home & Garden Category. (http://ratemyroom.hgtv.com)

HGTV.com's "Rate My Room" is an easy-to-use hub for those who have a flair for decorating and would like to show-off their spaces as well as those who have the desire for design but need some help pulling it together. An easy upload process allows users to submit photos along with thoughts on the existing decor or requests for "design intervention." Users can also rate each room as they browse and post comments allowing for the World Wide Web of design enthusiasts to talk to each other like never before.

"The exciting thing about 'Rate My Room' is it uses the latest technology to enable the oldest type of conversation -- talking to friends and sharing ideas," explains Charity Curley, vice president of HGTV.com. "If you don't have the opportunity to work with a decorator, and not all of us do, you have a great resource right at your fingertips. With 'Rate My Room' HGTV.com is bringing together many minds keen on design to help each other out and share. It's a true virtual decorating community!"

"'Rate My Room' will not only enable sharing between users, but will also be used by the HGTV brand to mine ideas and watch trends as well as an effective and efficient way to scout locations, people and design dilemmas for on-air shows," adds Jim Sexton, senior vice president of Interactive Brands for Scripps Networks. "The HGTV brand has passionate followers who don't just sit back, they take action! 'Rate My Room' may even spawn ideas for entire series, such as happened with the HGTV show 'Bad Bad Bath' which started with an online conversation that invoked strong emotional responses, not too mention some fantastic visuals that just cried out to be on television."

"Rate My Room" is a user-generated companion to HGTV.com's popular "Designers' Portfolio," a sumptuous gallery of more than 1,000 images submitted by more than 100 professional designers who have been featured on HGTV. This collection offers inspiration to transform any room around the house through hundreds of samples that are organized by dozens of categories from bedrooms to bathrooms and searchable by style, from country to eclectic and everything in-between. Favorite rooms can be saved in a personalized My Portfolio folder, as well as printed or emailed to friends. (http://hgtv.com/designersportfolio)

Source: PRWeb