Eco-Chic Design: Summer Time and the Livin's Easy

Summer Time and the Livin's Easy

News/Specials

Summer Magic

Greenabulous Finds

Greenovations

Eco-Chic Happenings

Demystifying the Design Process

Summer Magic

Summer is a magical time of year - a time for baseball, BBQs and parades. It is also a time for the temperatures to rise and our cooling bills to go through the roof (sometimes literally). This year you can fight those high temps by making your home more energy efficient, put more money in your pocket, and spread out the costs over time on your tax bill.

In Placer county, the MPower Program can help county residents finance energy improvements for their home or business.These improvements are not repaid like a standard loan, but are amortized over time as part of your property tax bill. For more information, go to MPower.

You can also find other programs available in other counties and cities:

Greenabulous Finds

Sitting on a butterfly - This beautiful butterfly chair is a functional piece of art. Makes me want to curl up and take a nap. For more information, click on Butterfly.

Sinkpotty - The next step in water saving fixtures is the "sinkpositive." It is a sink and toilet combined. Fresh water is distributed to the sink and grey water is used for the toilet. Great for really small bathrooms. You have to see this to believe it. For more information, go to Sink Positive.

Tin Tin table - No man cave is complete without this table. Click on Tin-Can Man for more information.

Greenovations

Mobius Technologies (Lincoln, CA) recycles foam from the furniture and automobile industries into an ultra fine powder. The powder can be used in place of virgin chemicals in the manufacture of new foam. However, recently it is being touted as an oil-absorbent. This recycled product might play a part in the clean-up of the Gulf oil spill. Stay tuned at Mobius.

Eco-Chic Happenings

Placer County Sustain Meeting - June 1, 2010, 4:00 p.m. at Placer Arts Building, 808 Lincoln Way in Auburn

Green Drinks - June 3, 2010, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Revolution Wines, 2116 P Street, Sacramento

Networking - June 9, 2010, 6:00 p.m. at Nimbus Winery

CaN's Wine Reception - June 15, 2010 at Practical Cycle

Sacramento Sustainability Forum - June 17, 2010 at Hot Italian

Demystifying the Design Process

Part V - Design Phase (Development)

This is one of the most active phases in the design process. During this phase furniture plans are finalized; design boards displayed; and graphic presentations or perspective drawings are presented. Also, the final project budgets are drafted for client approval. Major construction or remodel may require that bids are obtained for pieces of the project. If you already have a contract it may specify that the client should sign off on the budget and specifications before any materials are ordered or contractors are hired.

I recommend that the homeowner or business owner actually contract with and hire the trades that will work on the project so that they are comfortable with the individuals or companies that are working on their space.

Sincerely,

Marie L. Brown, LEED AP
Eco-Chic Design

Cleaning and clearing out the clutter this spring?
Contact Eco-Chic Design for a Healthy Home consultation. We have three standard packages; one is sure to fit your needs. If not, we can design a custom package for you.Call 916-240-3724 to make an appointment.