"I Design For You" by The Cabinet Studio (Canada) Inc.

2012-02-20T23:06:00.000-05:00

Green Tip of the Week (8): CLEAN drain CLEANER!

Put away the harsh chemicals:

Unclog your drain with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour 3/4-1 cup of baking soda in the drain.
Pour 1/2 cup vinegar in the drain and immediately cover the drain (with plug or set a plate over it – you want to keep everything inside the drain)
Leave everything to sit and work for about 30 mins (don’t use the sink during this time)
After 30 mins, remove the cover and let hot water run thru the pipes for about 2-3 mins.
For really tough clogs you may need to repeat – but if you do this on a regular basis (about once a month) it keeps your drains clear and fresh with out any problems.

2012-02-13T05:05:00.005-05:00

Green Tip of the Week: Happy Valentine's Week (Wk.7)

Green is the new red this Valentine's Day!

Before you run to the store to buy a Hallmark card, a dozen red 'toxic' roses and a box of Godiva, think about some greener ideas:

E-cards: Hallmark even offers this option. So you can send the gold standard of greeting cards without the guilt of killing a tree.

Living Plants: Think about buying a local grown potted flower this year instead. They provide the oxygen we breathe and they will last longer too!

Fair Trade Chocolates: Most grocery stores sell fair trade and organic chocolates. This is a better choice than the commercial brands that don't worry about the Earth or their workers.

We wish you all a very happy and healthy
Valentine's Day!

2012-02-10T00:08:00.000-05:00

Green Tip of the Week: Week Six

The Morning Brew...

Brew "certified" coffee. Check the label. If it says it is USDA Certified Organic that means it was grown using sustainable standards.

Green on the Go! Not brewing at home? Take a travel mug to your favorite java joint to reduce wasteful cups. They may even fill it at a discount.

2012-01-30T06:42:00.001-05:00

Green Tip of the Week: Week Five

Remember this while you are enjoying your Superbowl party when someone says "It doesn't matter if I throw out this ONE can."
YES, IT DOES!!

By recycling just one aluminum beverage can you can save enough electricity to power a:
TV for 3hours
or
100-watt light bulb for 4hours

Better yet, recycling 40 aluminum beverage cans has the energy-saving equivalent of one gallon of gasoline.

2012-01-19T23:18:00.000-05:00

Green Tip of the Week: Week Three

Here is something to think about the next time you have to get rid of your glass:

100% of glass CAN be recycled
but...
100% of the glass dumped in our landfills will
NEVER decompose!

Vetrazzo knows this and takes great pride in manufacturing countertops using recycled glass that produce no off-gassing or VOCs!

2012-01-09T10:36:00.001-05:00

Green Tip of the Week: Week Two

Experts estimate that by not eating a pound of beef, we save more water than by not showering for one year.

2012-01-02T09:49:00.001-05:00

Wishing you and yours a very green 2012!

As most of you know we are very proud to offer one of the greenest cabinet lines in North America. In keeping with our initiatives, each week we will share with you a little tip about how you can do your part to make this world a better place.

To start off the year on the right foot we suggest brightening up your living spaces by adding indoor houseplants which will also improve your air quality! Happy New Year!

2011-12-23T15:41:00.000-05:00

We hope you find time to relax and enjoy your friends and family and truly experience the holiday spirit!

Warmly, Leigh & Tereza

2011-11-23T16:45:00.000-05:00

Happy "Green" Thanksgivng!

Many people are trading their celebrations of excess for a greener holiday party this Thanksgiving. From buying organic and shopping locally to earth conscious decorations and recycled dinnerware, there are several things you can do to reduce, reuse, and recycle during the holidays.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving Holiday!

2011-10-27T22:41:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween

We thought we would kick off the celebrations by sharing some creative pumpkins designed by artist Ray Villafane with you. May they help inspire you as you go to carve out yours!

Also, check out his website www.VillafaneStudios.com and view his sandsculpting creations!

2011-10-22T09:10:00.000-04:00

Electrolux Named the Energy Star Manufacturer of The Year!

Electrolux is excited to announce that they have been named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Product Manufacturer by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This award recognizes them for increasing the number of ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, and for helping educate consumers about the ENERGY STAR program.

All of the Electrolux ENERGY STAR qualified kitchen and laundry appliances are at least 10% more energy-efficient than non-ENERGY STAR qualified appliances—with the dishwashers using at least 41% less energy and 40% less water than they did just 10 years ago. Electrolux also features over 30 refrigerators that exceed the minimum ENERGY STAR standards by 30% or more.

Here is just one of the products they are boasting about, and rightfully so:

Recyclable Dishwasher

Electrolux introduces a 100% reclaimable stainless-steel dishwasher tub, found in its 24” Built-In Dishwasher with IQ-Touch controls. The tub can be repurposed through standard material removal and recycling centers.

As they say, "We’ve got one planet and no do-overs. Together we’re making it sustainable."

2011-10-05T20:06:00.000-04:00

The Art of Quartz

We have said before how much we love Cambria countertops because of how green, durable and food-safe the material is. Well, they have introduced their brand new line and now we are completely smitten with them. They are like pieces of art. How unique would it be to use the below design as an alternative to purchasing a beautiful Group of Seven print.

Aberdeen Cambria Quartz

Arthur Lismer - Bon Echo

2011-09-23T07:14:00.001-04:00

We proudly offer our clients one of the

Greenest Cabinets in North America!!!

2011-09-20T06:36:00.021-04:00

Two essential functions.

One easy installation.

The NuTone Recessed Fan Light performs double duty by combining powerful ventilation and bright lighting in one product, making installation quicker - and saving money. And their variety of recessed fan lights gives more options, including a humidity sensing fan that automatically turns on and off. Anywhere you can put recessed lighting, you can put a NuTone Recessed Fan Light. And it's so quiet, you'll barely know it's running. Unless, of course, you happen to install it in the shower. Then the rapidly disappearing steam might tip you off.

2011-09-19T15:01:00.001-04:00

Dishwasher vs. Hand-washing...

The Eco Geek shows which uses less energy and water

by Steve Bearton

My New Year's resolution was to make my house more environmentally friendly, but now I can't figure out if handwashing the dishes is less wasteful than a dishwasher. What do you say? Virginia Cimmino

Creating a greener home seems to entail making complex decisions about simple tasks. The classic water-conservation predicament is whether a bath or a shower is more resource-efficient. A standard bath uses about 75 litres, while a five-minute shower with a water-saving nozzle uses about half that amount. Double the length of your shower and the savings are gone. (And if you think a five-minute shower is inadequate, consider that Environment Canada recommends you fill your bath one-quarter full.)

The dishwashing dilemma is more complicated, but let's start with a 2004 study by Rainer Stamminger, a professor of household and appliance technology at the University of Bonn. Stamminger pitted 113 people from seven European nations – "to rule out possible regional differences in dishwashing techniques"– against two energy-efficient dishwashers.

Twelve complete table settings were soiled with food, including egg yolk; then, all washers were assessed on cleanliness and resource-efficiency. The study found the average handwasher used 103 litres of water and 2.5 kilowatt hours of water-heating energy, while the appliances used 15 litres of water and between 1 and 2 kilowatt hours, depending on the wash cycle. (It's also worth noting the fact that half the human participants "did not achieve an acceptable level of cleanliness.")

The study certainly confirms dishwashers trump hand washers, and offers a tidy sound bite for appliance manufacturers, but it's hardly the end of the story.

Owning an energy-efficient dishwasher that always runs fully loaded is great, but air-drying your dishes after the wash cycle can further reduce power use. Reducing the number of dishes you use will create even greater savings. And what about your dish soap? Is it biodegradable? Accounting for the natural consequences of our decisions can be a full-time job.

-----------------------

From another article we found these useful tips:

Maximize your dishwasher Whatever model you choose, these tips are widely recommended for saving energy:

1. Replace any pre-1994 models with an Energy Star dishwasher. You can save an estimated $25 to $35 a year in energy costs.

2. Don't pre-rinse -- modern dishwashers are powerful enough to handle food residue.

3. Do a full load every time. Taking you three or four days to fill your dishwasher? You're a great candidate for the double-drawer model.

4. Choose the air dry option that uses fans to pull in air from the room to dry dishes rather than heat. No air dry option? Then stop your washer after the rinse cycle and simply open the door.

5. Some washers actually have energy-saving settings that allow you to wash only slightly soiled dishes in less water. Reducing the amount of water used by your dishwasher is important because approximately 80 percent of the energy used by these machines goes towards heating the water.

6. Use your dishwasher's timer option to take advantage of off-peak washing, especially if you live in an area where you pay for peak power usage.

7. Every brand is different so make sure you follow your manufacturer's recommendations for efficiency.

2011-09-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

Personalized Hardware Choices

As our clients know, our unique designs don't stop at the cabinets. We make sure that we select pieces of hardware that are as unique as each of our individual clients. Below is just a taste of how versatile the options have become!

A beautiful square-cut Euro crystal knob with a black matte finish and a new glass knob with a chrome finish which is also available in a square version.

From the same collection as above here are a few different pieces of the genuine European crystal in a brushed anodized aluminum finish.

Here is a sophisticated black croc pull and knob in a polished chrome finish.

These brushed nickel pulls and knobs are part of the modernist collection. We love this set because they have created matching switch plate covers. See below.

Here is the matching single rocker plate for the above collection. This particular design is available in single, double and triple plates for both toggle and rocker switches. It also comes in a combo unit for your switch and outlet!

Bon Voyage! This ceramic knob is also available with a London, Paris or New York theme.

This is a beautiful collection that will add a punch of colour and drama to your cabinetry.

This is a piece from the "Out of the Closet" collection of pulls. This is a fun way to keep your drawers organized!

These are some cool pieces to let your kids show part of their personality on their dressers.

The Bollywood Collection. This is a beautiful take on glass knobs using a colourful beaded weave design. Coming soon will be hooks in this same design.

2011-09-13T12:41:00.001-04:00

The Superman of Refrigerators!

Never run out of space with LG Electronics' super-capacity French-door refrigerator. The 36-in. model offers 31 cu. ft. of storage capacity and includes LG’s Slim Space Plus feature, which relocates the ice system inside the door, leaving extra room for usable door bins and a top shelf free of obstructions. To keep food fresh longer, the unit’s Smart Cooling Plus technology combines the LG linear compressor with the dual compressor and digital sensors to help provide optimal humidity and temperature inside the refrigerator. For handy storage the refrigerator also includes a four-compartment crisper system and a 3-tier shelf organization system in the freezer. The unit offers a “self-diagnosing” technology that helps customer service representatives troubleshoot mechanical issues over the phone, limiting service calls and in-home visits.

2011-09-11T23:04:00.000-04:00

Peel and Stick Metal Tiles

Yes, you read that correctly: Peel and Stick. How easy do you want it? This is a new eco-friendly, cost effective solution to metal back splash and wall coverings! The options are endless!

Champagne - Basket Weave Pattern

Brushed Bronze - Herringbone Pattern

Brushed Stainless - Long Grain Brick Style

Copper - Basket Weave Pattern

2011-09-06T18:21:00.000-04:00

How Much Should You Spend?

Here is a handy little "pan-chart" ;) to help when working on your budget allocation for your upcoming remodel or new build! Notice that 51% of the budget should be spent on cabinets, hardware, design and installation! To make the most of your money let us help you on your next project!

2011-09-02T06:30:00.053-04:00

Unique Style Sinks

Bronze Oyster

Inspired by the Seven Seas, this sink is individually hand-cast and hand-finished so no two are alike. The sink, which measures 27”x17”x4”, provides an ample basin.

White Onyx

This low-profile rectangular basin can be installed dropped in, undermounted or as a vessel sink, and is suited for underlighting. Shown in white onyx, the sink is also available in green onyx and honey onyx.

Bamboo Apron

This undermounted Bamboo Apron Front Kitchen Sink has an equal double-bowl design. The sink is constructed of fully matured Moso bamboo with SGS-certified safe binding adhesives and a water-resistant topcoat. A low rise divider provides bowl separation while still accommodating larger cookware items.

Bamboo Wrapped Porcelain

This above-counter porcelain sink was crafted with a green-hued ceramic that in Far-Eastern cultures is believed to be good luck. The Asian-inspired basin reflects a contemporary round design, with the exterior of the bowl wrapped in an exotic bamboo material.

2011-09-01T15:48:00.000-04:00

Volcanic Countertops

These countertops are made from Volvic lava stone extracted from the heart of volcanic craters in Auvergne, France. Engineers imbue the stone with brightly hued enamels, and the stone is then fired at temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees C. Available in 16 glossy and 16 matte saturated colors, as well as custom colors, the countertops are durable and can withstand high temperatures, acids and corrosive products, according to the firm. Now available in the Southern States.

2011-05-09T13:32:00.001-04:00

Styleline Magazine

We were mentioned in the "Metro Detroit Fine Homes" Spring Edition of Styleline Magazine. Click Here to view Page 90 (European Vacation).

2011-05-03T13:13:00.001-04:00

Whirlpool - Induction Cooktop

Don’t sit around waiting for your water to boil. Whirlpool introduces its induction cooktop, which uses electromagnetic energy to generate instant heat to only the cookware touching its surface. The unit can boil water up to 52 percent faster when using the Boost element. The induction technology transfers up to 90 percent of energy directly to magnetic cookware, using 25 percent less energy than traditional ceramic-glass cooktops and 58 percent less energy than gas cooktops. This savings could power a 60W light bulb for 7 hours with the energy saved every time water is boiled. The cooktop (model GCI3061XB) retails for $1,349.

2011-05-03T12:06:00.001-04:00

Think Glass for your Countertops!

This is another sophisticated unique look to add character to your kitchen. In addition to the look of using glass for your countertops, it is the most hygienic surfaces on the market and is impossible to stain! It is also 100% recyclable making it a green choice for your home!

2011-04-25T15:24:00.000-04:00

Our Latest

Publication!

You can click here to read about going green on your next cabinetry project.

2011-04-18T14:20:00.002-04:00

Our Website has been Updated!

Our website now includes information about our Commitment to the Environment and our Communities!

We are introducing that we now offer the Greenest Clean Air Kitchens in North America. When you visit our website you can click on the Environment page to learn about what to look for when choosing green cabinetry.

Then you can visit the Community page to learn a bit about the two main organizations we are passionate about supporting! Literacy initiatives to help our youth and finding a cure for Crohn's and Colitis are both very close to our heart!

2011-04-18T11:04:00.008-04:00

Click Here

CCFC Heel 'n' Wheel
Sunday June 12th, 2011

The CCFC-Windsor Chapter is hosting their annual 5km Heel 'n' Wheel event on June 12th to raise funds to help find the cure for Crohn's Disease! I've decided I am extending my walk to 30kms that day in the hopes to increase awareness and my pledges.

Please click here to donate to my walk or to join my team!

2011-04-18T10:46:00.005-04:00

Click Here

Join us for Charity BBQ Day on Saturday, May 7th, 2011!

On May 7th, 2011, Canadians can help cook up a cure! Visit any M&M Meat Shops location across Canada to support the 23rd Annual M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ Day benefiting Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC). M&M Meat Shops franchisees, staff and thousands of volunteers from coast-to-coast will grill hamburgers and hot dogs to meet the 2011 fundraising goal of $1.6 million.

Visit any M&M location across Canada to make your donation! Tereza and Leigh will be volunteering all day at the Tecumseh Location at 1695 Manning Road. Come by and tell your friends and family!

For a minimum donation of $2.50 you will receive a hot dog or hamburger, a bag of chips and a drink! Every penny raised goes directly to the CCFC to fund research to help find the cause and cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

2011-04-15T15:56:00.008-04:00

Designer Pick

Not only the grass is getting greener, We Are Too!

As most of you might have heard, we offer the Greenest Clean Air Kitchens in North America. We are very excited and so this was the inspiration for this "Designer Pick". Here we have paired an eco-friendly countertop with one of our fully water-base finished cabinet doors! Call us today for more info!

Bosch wins 2011 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award

2011-04-15T15:51:00.001-04:00

The award recognizes Bosch for its continued contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing water- and energy-efficient appliances and educating consumers on the benefits of the ENERGY STAR program. To find out more about their products click here

INAX - High-Efficiency Toilets!

2011-04-15T15:19:00.001-04:00

INAX has launched its ECO-X dual-flush, high-efficiency toilets in the U.S. The units use 100 percent of the water with every flush to clean the bowl from the top down. The line offers multiple flush options—1.28 gpf/0.8 gpf or 1.28 gpf /0.9 gpf —depending on the model. The two-piece Rio Grande, Magellan and Mead models feature a Vortex flush system, which discharges water all at once from the top of the bowl and circulates beneath the rim, creating a whirlpool cleaning effect. The one-piece Saint Clair and Dover offer Double Vortex flush, where water is ejected from two points on the bowl’s surface to optimize an even stronger flush. Also available is the two-piece, single-flush Cedar model. Both one-piece and two-piece models have an easy-to-clean, fully skirted bowl.

Cambria - Superior Stone Surfaces

2011-04-15T15:11:00.001-04:00

As most of you know we are in love with granite. We have never really found a product that looks as rich or gives as much depth and character as granite does. Until now! We've known about Cambria for years but it is just recently that we rediscovered them. They have an amazing environmentally friendly product that we have already started sourcing out to our clients.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing Cambria as your countertop choice:

Strength & Durability- Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces™ are stronger than granite. Cambria is a surface that is truly everlasting.
Maintenance Free - No sealing, polishing or reconditioning is needed. Simply wash with warm water. It's that simple. Plus, unlike granite, Cambria will resist stains from common food items such as wine, coffee and tea.
Food Safe - Unlike granite, Cambria has been certified by NSF International as safe for use as a food preparation surface. Cambria is nonporous; therefore, food and moisture cannot penetrate the surface — the main source of growth for harmful bacteria.
All Natural - Cambria is created from pure natural quartz, an extremely hard stone. In fact, quartz is the hardest non-precious stone that can be found in the earth's surface.

2011-03-09T18:12:00.003-05:00

Designer Pick - Springtime

Springtime is just around the corner so we chose a countertop that was full of colour and vitality. If this pairing interests you give us a call to work on your design dreams.

2011-02-04T13:02:00.007-05:00

Designer Pick - Love is in the air....

Periodically we are going to bring to you a "Designer Pick". We will pair one of our cabinet doors with a stunning countertop that we find!

2011’s Color of the Year Revealed

2011-01-11T13:18:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

We wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2011!

Pantone has just announced their pick for the 2011 Colour of the Year! We agree! What a beautiful choice! Read below to see the significance and we're sure you will agree too!

We have a new stain and glaze water finish that looks stunning with this as an accent! This is going to be an exciting year of design!

2011’s Color of the Year Revealed

Pantone has announced PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle as the color of the year for 2011. The vibrant reddish pink color was chosen for its encouraging and uplifting effect: a hue that can help meet the challenges of everyday life.

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going—perfect to ward off the blues,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”

Honeysuckle is an eye-catching hue that works well for day and night in apparel, accessories and cosmetics. Interior spaces can be livened up with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Painting a wall in the hue will impart a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, hallway, bath or family room.

“The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages,” said Eiseman. “In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-22T19:59:00.003-05:00

2010-11-10T10:50:00.001-05:00

2010-03-15T12:00:00.001-04:00

Happy 15 Year Anniversary TCSCI!

We are proudly celebrating 15 years of offering a truly personalized approach of tailoring our designs for our clients, while offering exceptional service.

Our top priority is:

Complete Customer Satisfaction!

Thank you to all of our dedicated clients

and associates for a fabulous fifteen years. It’s been exciting and we look forward to the next fifteen being even better!

2010-02-18T17:19:00.001-05:00

We are very excited to announce that this week we acquired the .COM for our domain. So now it is really simple to let your friends and family know about us! Just tell them to check out our Online Showroom at: TheCabinetStudio.COM or .CA!

2010-02-12T20:37:00.005-05:00

Welcome to the "Design with Personality" Blog by The Cabinet Studio (Canada) Inc.!

We are really excited to start Blogging! Let's start with an introduction by answering a few basic questions you may be asking yourself.

WHO is The Cabinet Studio (Canada) Inc.? TCSCI is a family-owned and operated full-service cabinetry design firm. As a family-owned company we offer a truly personalized approach to tailoring designs while offering exceptional service. From the moment you meet us to final installation of your project, you can expect that our talented, award-winning designers will prove that our top priority is Complete Customer Satisfaction. TCSCI was started in 1995 by Tereza Hello and was joined by her daughter, Leigh Ann Hello, in the Spring of 2005. We collaborate with another one of our designers, Bobbi Froese, who creates magnificent hand-drawn pencil perspectives to give our clients a real feel of the space they are about to enjoy. TCSCI also works hand-in-hand with respected finished carpenters, suppliers and other associates ensuring that whatever is designed and promised to our client is accurately created.

WHAT is "Design with Personality"? Cabinetry design, especially for your kitchen, should reflect the style and personality of you and your family. We at The Cabinet Studio (Canada) Inc. pride ourselves in having never designed even the same island twice. When you purchase cabinetry from The Cabinet Studio (Canada) Inc. your design will be marked with one of our Designer Labels identifying your design as unique to only you!

WHY Follow this Blog? We want to keep our past, present and future clients informed on what is happening in the Kitchen and Bath Industry. We will also post about what The Cabinet Studio (Canada) Inc. is currently working on or participating in. If you have any related comments or questions let us know!

HOW can I reach The Cabinet Studio (Canada) Inc.? There are many ways of reaching us! Keep up-to-date with us on this Blog (check back frequently). Become our Fan on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, or get connected with us on LinkedIn. Also, don't hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-877-604-4334 or learn more about us at our online showroom http://www.TheCabinetStudio.ca/

Enthusiastically,
Leigh & Tereza