HAVE YOU CAUGHT THE HOME REMODELING BUG?

HAVE YOU CAUGHT THE HOME REMODELING BUG?

IT’S TIME TO RIP OUT THAT CARPETING

So many people are opting to rip the carpeting out of their homes because of health reasons and because there are just too many other (better) options. One of the most popular flooring options homeowners prefered when remodeling has been the installation of concrete flooring. Homeowners have realized that concrete floors offer benefits that other flooring materials do not. And Realm of Design offers Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) flooring which is basically a Concrete Tile—and they have even more benefits than regular concrete slab floors.

Here are the top benefits of concrete floors overall:
Durable – It holds up to heavy foot traffic. And unlike tiles, concrete floors rarely require replacement. In fact, sometimes the imperfections add character to the floor. Also, if you have pets..this is the way to go because their claws won’t blemish the concrete like they would a wood floor.
Versatile – Goes with any room style.
Maintenance — It’s easy to clean. Use mild soap and water with a mop for basic cleaning. You can always wax it to give it a shine. And once again, if you have pets, concrete floors are much easier to clean than carpets.
Environmentally friendly – no trees get cut down for concrete flooring.

 And here are some additional benefits of installing Realm of Design’s Concrete (GFRC) Tile floors:
Installation - Fairly simple.  Pieces can be cut with a tile cutter and can be placed directly over old ceramic tile or concrete floors when installing.
Customize- The Cement Tiles have texture, depth and designs that can all be customized. GRFC tiles can be made to look like wood, tile or cement.
Sustainable– Can be made with Realm of Design’s GreenStone which is made with recycled glass.
Realm of Design’s GFRC (Concrete) Tiles come in a variety of styles and designs. We are happy to create a unique customized design for you. Browse more concrete floor designs in the galleries section on www.Realmofdesign.com.

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR FIREPLACE MANTELS

The Holidays are a magical time of the year and the Fireplace Mantel has become an important traditional staple when it comes to Holiday decorating. It’s where the Christmas stockings get hung and where lights, candles, garlands  and ornaments get placed.  The decor is the perfect mixture of cheer and warmth making it a scenic backdrop for great Holiday photos. (Think about it…what are most families sitting in front of on their Holiday card picture?)

 That’s why the fireplace has become synonymous with the holidays. The fireplace represents an inviting cozy place where friend and family gather while sipping hot chocolate and creating memories.  The crackling sound of the yule logs burning while decorating the mantel with festive trimmings can definitely get people into the holiday spirit. Decorating the Mantel with Holiday Flair will become a family tradition that you will look forward to year after year…

 Happy Holidays from Realm of Design.  To view more beautiful Fireplace Mantels--check out our website at www.RealmofDesign.com or visit our Vegas showroom.

CURB APPEAL: THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DETAILS

When it comes to selling your home, you will hear the words “Curb Appeal” tossed out a lot by your real estate agent. So what is “Curb Appeal” and why is it important? Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s simply getting your house to stand out in your neighborhood and draw the attention from viewers at the curb. If you are selling your home, the idea is to create a “Wow Factor” that appeals to potential buyers which attracts them to your house more than your neighbor’s.

Curb appeal is a big selling factor in real estate because it’s ultimately what gives potential buyers their first impression of the home. Enticing homes lure buyers and gets them excited to purchase.  So how does a house get curb appeal? The most effective way is to decorate your home’s exterior with Architectural Accents and details (often referred to as Architectural Elements.)

Realm of Design’s Exterior Architectural Accents/ details/ elements can really make a home “pop”.  Decorative Molding Trim beautifies doors and entry ways, Shutters enhance and frame windows, Pavers define a walkway, etc… These details are all items that not only compliment the exterior of a home, but give it individuality. Realm of Design’s customized architectural details such as ornate balustrades and dramatic columns make a home even more unique and stylish, therefore, making it more aesthetically appealing and ultimately giving it greater Curb Appeal.

Subsequently, adding Exterior Architectural Accents pay off. Not only will the appealing pieces distinguish your home and help sell it faster (if you are looking to sell) but Exterior Architectural Accents are one of the best home investments. At a relatively low cost, they add value to a property and offer the best return on investment. Essentially, the distinctive pieces pay for themselves and then some. So if you are looking to sell your home…sometimes small details make the biggest difference. 

Check out some  Front Entryways  in the Galleries section at www.RealmofDesign.com to see how Realm of Design Architectural Accents have added value and beauty to the homes and gave them curb appeal.

GIVE YOUR KITCHEN THE ROYAL TREATMENT

Most people will tell you that the Kitchen is the most important room of house. It’s unique because it provides form and function in that it’s where meals are prepared and serves as an entertainment space where friends and family gather. It’s also the room that can make or break the sale of your home. So this room is entitled to some special attention when remodeling or redecorating. 

 The most popular element to decorate and reinvent your kitchen space is a Kitchen Range Hood. It is often referred to as the crown jewel of a home because it gives a majestic feel and royal touch to a kitchen space. Its Royal Highness and elevated design instantly adds height to a kitchen filling it with grandeur. This is where Realm of Design comes in. Custom Kitchen Hoods are one of their specialties.

 A Lofty customized Kitchen Hood by Realm of Design will be a showpiece that will add beauty and become the focal point of your kitchen space with its illustrious hand-sculpted detail. Our Kitchen hood designs come in standard sizes or can be customized. They also come in a variety of stone colors and styles and are fully adjustable in size. 

  A Kitchen Hood will be a treasure of your home. The more attractive a Kitchen Hood is, the more value it adds to a room—and ultimately a home. Remember–Great kitchens sell homes. 

  Check out more Kitchen Hoods in the Galleries section of the www.RealmofDesign.com website.

The Forecast calls for FAUX!

Now that Fall is upon us, not only can a crackling fire within a beautiful Fireplace Surround warm a room—but so can some Faux Wood Beams. Nothing makes a room feel cozy and warm like the rustic look of wood—Faux Wood. A room decorated with Faux Wood Beams can instantly make a living space feel inviting and comfortable. Faux wood beams can be used in virtually any interior design setting, but the style utilizing the beams in abundance this season is the trendy Modern Vintage combo style. The rustic chic appeal that the Faux Wood Beams lend to this popular style is enticing because it presents a natural yet fashionable look.

Faux Wood Beams accentuate the ceiling in addition to exuding beauty and warmth to a room setting. But the aesthetic allure is not the only advantage when decorating with Faux Wood Beams, they are also eco-friendly. Although Realm of Design Faux Wood Beams give the illusion of solid genuine wood, they are made of Euro-Lite High Density Foam (HDF) which consist of the highest quality lightweight polyurethane material. Faux wood beams are durable and will last much longer than real wood beams because they are impervious to splitting, moisture and insects. Also, the beams are virtually maintenance free–this makes them attractive to use when decorating exteriors as well as interiors. Faux Wood Beams are simple to install and can be easily stained a favorite wood color.
So choose to be Glamorous and Green this season—Go Faux! Realm of Design offers a wide selection of Faux Wood Beams, Planks, Shutters, and more.  For more information on Faux  Wood products,visit www.realmofdesign.com and  dowload the Euro-Lite Wood Product catalog or call 702-566-1188.

GO FRENCH FOR FALL!

With so many different decorating trends to choose from this fall, the one that seems to be getting designers and their clients excited is the fashionable French style. This trend is gaining popularity because it can be versatile, charming and vogue. With its timeless décor elements complimenting any room design–even contemporary and classic, it’s no wonder it is such a popular interior design style. Those that yearn for a comfortable nesting area with a cozy cottage feel will be drawn to the picturesque Country French fireplace mantel. Its South of France country mix features a touch of nature feel with  hand-carved floral accents and a leaf cartouche perfectly combined with Rustic elements and an antique finish. The interior that features this stylish piece is sure to become your favorite room to relax in.

For the cultivated person that prefers a more sophisticated elegant dwelling, add a Parisian Old World Style to your new Interior Design. The romantic Camelot Mantel or detailed Florenzia Fireplace Mantel & Surround will add a dramatic beauty and glamour to any room setting it furnishes. When either of these divine mantels are coupled with a vivid wall color or textured wall paper, it intensifies the exquisite surrounding that you will look forward to spending time in and will become a focal point to be admired when entertaining guests.

To add some additional indulgence to a French Interior Design, incorporate some French antique accent pieces. Historical 18^th and 19^th century accessories reflect an indignant European time period and add an enduring quality to an already aesthetically rich environment. A French Iron antique fireplace fender can be added to any French Style Fireplace. It will compliment the room style and make the Mantel centerpiece even more magnificent.

So no need to pack your bags and travel overseas – your love affair with France can start right in your own home.

**All the French style Mantels, Surrounds and accessories mentioned and seen here can be found on the Realm of Design website www.realmofdesign.com online store.

Want to Increase the Value of Your Home? Add a Fireplace Mantel

Realm of Design has always believed that a Fireplace Mantel should be the center point of a room.  And according to Remodeling Magazine, creating a striking fireplace mantel is important because it adds not only focus to a room but also adds value to your home.  Interior Designer David Kean stated “an engaging fireplace and mantel can provide grandeur for an otherwise ho-hum room or it can “take an already fabulous room over the top.”  You can be artistic and creative when designing your fireplace mantel, however it is advised to stay within the style of your architecture.

So not only does adding an exquisite fireplace mantel to a room set your house apart from the others in your neighborhood, but it is especially important if you are looking to resell your home.  Consequently, consider adding a new fireplace mantel or upgrading your old one because not only do you get a beautiful centerpiece but it can potentially make you money as well.

**Be sure and check out www.Realmofdesign.com.  They offer  Fireplace Mantels and Surrounds as kits in the ONLINE STORE or get some ideas for customizing your own fireplace by visiting the Fireplace Surrounds and Mantels page in GALLERIES.  Realm of Design can be reached at 702-566-1188.

CASH NOT THE ONLY THING GREEN IN SIN CITY

VEGAS NOW HOME TO WORLD'S LARGEST GREEN BUILDING MADE WITH RECYCLED BEER BOTTLES

Las Vegas Entrepreneur finds a creative way to recycle Beer Drinkers empties and Builds the World's Largest Eco-Friendly GreenStone Building.

Realm of Design's founder, Scott McCombs, worked years on developing and perfecting green architectural stone (aka "GreenStone"), which is made from 100% recycled glass aggregate and 99.8% renewable materials from Fly Ash. Partnering with a Las Vegas recycling company, Realm of Design obtains and recycles beer bottles that comes from Las Vegas Strip hotels. Since glass takes 4000 years to decompose and is piling up in landfills, Realm of Design is proud to be a company that is helping to provide a resource and energy efficient product that helps close the glass-recycling loop and save landfill space.

Fun Facts: Realm of Design were their own first client to build with their GreenStone. The company recently completed construction on its new 30,000 sq ft manufacturing facility. The Building, properly named the Morrow Royal Pavilion, is adjacent to Realm of Design's existing showroom located in Henderson Nevada. Construction of the building utilized more than 500,000 beer bottles which amounted to over 290,000 pounds of recycled glass for the exterior building façade. This saved over 400,000 CU yds of landfill space which is equivalent to filling 8 football fields piled to the top of the goalpost. The design of the Morrow Royal Pavilion was inspired by the Swarkestone Hall Pavilion in England-the location of one of The Rolling Stones most famous photo shoots. The company even launched a Facebook campaign to encourage the legendary rockers to visit the building.

The new GreenStone product and Morrow Royal Pavilion have sparked quite a bit of media attention. Realm of Design was featured on the DIY network show "This New House" and "Real Green TV." They are currently in talks with other networks that are looking to feature the company and its green products. The TV shows have gotten the company national exposure which resulted in various press stories to be written about them and GreenStone. In addition to the national attention, Realm of Design has won numerous prestigious awards for design, development and their Green Technology. The company recently met with White House CEQ, Nancey Sutley, for a roundtable discussion on green energy. In effort to continue in reducing the company's carbon footprint, Realm of Design has LEED Green associates on staff which are also available to assist their customers who wish to build green as well.

Realm of Design is excited to now offer this patented GreenStone in the architectural designs it creates for its customers/clients who want the opportunity to be green. The GreenStone can be used to replace standard concrete in buildings or smaller items such as fireplaces, mantles, gazebos, fountains, balustrades, columns/ beams, etc. - They even created a new patent-pending product where photos are engraved into a canvas of Greenstone which provide a lasting memory while being eco-friendly.

Remember... Recycle More. Landfill Less. "Unless someone like you cares a

whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.

It's not. ... Dr. Seuss, "The Lorax"