Fall 2010 Masthead
Design for PetsAnimal-Friendly Design Solutions 

There was a time when pets were pets. They had bowls and beds, and that was about it. Then something changed.

 

Pets have become family members. We love them like children, so people are naturally drawn to anything that gives our pets a special place in our homes.  And keeping pets happy helps prevent unwanted behaviors. 

 

As part of remodeling you may be planning, it's easy to build in amenities for your pets.  One example is a kitchen island with alcoves for food and water dishes, drawers for leashes and treats, and roll-out storage bins to hold bulk kibble.

 

Using cryptonite fabrics preferably in colors of your pet's fur is an

Cat Feeding station
Formerly an old secretary, this piece has been  converted to a cozy cat haven

ideal solution when re-upholstering furniture.  Tweeds, heathers, and other similarly patterned fabrics help hide shedding, too.

 

If the fabric you're considering isn't already protected with an advanced technology sealant (as many of ours are), remember to apply one to guard against stains.   

 

Quick Fact

Almost 84 million U.S. households have dogs, cats or both according to the American Pet Products Association.  And 34 million homes have birds, fish, reptiles and other pets that are less likely to shed on carpets.

What's New - A Historic Offering

GIngerbread house
Gingerbread replica created for 2010 Christmas at Mt. Vernon  tour.

 

What's the connection between nail polish remover and George Washington's Mt. Vernon home?

  

From farm tables to dining room tables that extend to more than 15 feet, this sophisticated French-inspired group called the Marquis de Lafayette Collection, combines classic design and authentic craftsmanship.  

  

Created in honor of the 250th anniversary of the alliance and life-long friendship between George Washington and the Marquis de

Mount Vernon pics
Exclusive to Interior Reflections in Houston, this solid wood, hand made Collection offers tables that extend to 15 feet with convenient self storing leaves.

Lafayette, each piece is hand made from solid wood and signed and dated by the person who builds it. 

 

With a 20 year warranty and state-of-the-art, worry free finish, each piece will stand up to water, wine and even nail polish remover.  

 

Table leg choices   

From the fine turn of the legs to the rich, hand rubbed finishes, it's easy to share our desire for a warm home with the gifted woodworker who created it for this exact purpose. 

Add Years To The Life Of Your Area Rugs With These Tips

  • Turn, Turn, Turn. Yes, we loved this song by the Byrds from 1966. And it could be the mantra for area rug longevity. Rotating rugs in high traffic areas at least twice a year dramatically slows down uneven wear.
  • If you see random long fibers working their way to the surface, resist the urge to pull them out.  Rather, clip them off even with the rug's surface.  Area Rugs
  • Vacuum regularly  - especially if you have wood floors. Dirt and sand can easily penetrate  through the rug's foundation and cause scratches that can be hard to remove.  
  • Always use a quality cushion underneath your rug. We like the new antimicrobial pads that are reversible for use on carpet as well as tile, laminate and even bamboo.

Use Interior Reflections as a creative resource when buying rugs for important spaces. Do you know how to mix modern, transitional and traditional styles using the tri-color thread theory?  Count on us to get the size, color and design right the first time.  With literally thousands of ready-to-ship rugs to choose from, we'll show you how to co-ordinate rugs from room to room to bring harmony and unity to your home. 

 area rugs 12-10

 

Does your area rug need to be perfectly sized down to the inch? From entrys to ballrooms, our exclusive custom area rug program and compli-mentary plush, cushioned pads provide years of enjoyment and beauty.

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Did you know?  Years ago medical scrubs were white - the color of cleanliness. One influential doctor switched to green because he thought it would be easier on surgeon's eyes.  Since it's the opposite of red on the color wheel,  looking at green from time to time can refresh your eyes and help distinguish variations in the color red.
   Quick Quiz
 

Q. Who coined the design term "form follows function"?

 

A. Architect Frank Lloyd   Wright

B. Sculptor Horatio Greenough

C. Architect Louis Sullivan

Get a Free Home Energy Audit
If you think your heating and cooling costs are too high, you can request a no-cost energy audit for yourself or someone you know by contacting Energycps.
Speaking Of Form And Function.......

Roman shades are a classic combo of beautiful style and practical function.  When your Mom said to layer when it was cold outside, she was right. 

 

Roman

Saving energy is a snap with our window hugging custom roman shades featuring a deluxe sateen lining and insulating thermal interlining. Three layers also protects your investment and increases the comfort for those who are light sensitive. 

 

Choose from soft-fold, tuck pleat or the newest mid-century modern shade - the double diamond pleat.  

 

For safe operation, we design each shade with a hidden continuous cord control which can be specified on the right or the left side.

 

We'd love to show you the many style options and how to save energy dollars at your window. Call us - 281. 580.7775 

Answer to Quick Quiz: C

Although he was Frank Lloyd Wright's mentor, it was architect Louis Sullivan (1856-1924) who is credited with first using this term. He has also been called the "father of modernism".   

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