The Drawing Board Studio » Great Products

Control4 meets Android

Brandon — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:26:00 +0000

So it may be no secret that I am huge Control4 fan, I am also an avid android user. I have been waiting for the android app for some time and it is finally here. I am not saying I checked the Control4 website daily or even monthly, so I am not quite sure when it came available, but the good news is – it is here now. Check it out. If you are not familiar with Control4 spend some time on their website you just may be impressed.
It also looks like they have included their own security items as well, I noticed the Front door intercom and camera. If you are building a new home look to integrate some aspect or all of the Control4 system into your new home. You won’t regret it.

Google Voice

Brandon — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:04:12 +0000

The Drawing Board, Inc. announces today that it officially transferred phone numbers to a Google Voice number. Our new number is (435)574-9990

Solar Energy

Brandon — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:32:00 +0000

Here are my ideas of using Solar Energy in an Environment like ours:

Solar Water Heaters- It is my understanding that on average 25% of your utility bill is derived from your water heater.
Solar Pool Heating- If you have a pool like it or not it is being heated by Solar Energy, some products help your pool warm faster. This is the most popular use of solar energy today.
Solar Electric Systems- Many systems are available depending on what you want to accomplish. Many cities, towns, municipalities and governments offer rebates or credits for installing solar panel systems.
Solar Daylighting- Using the sun to light your home during all daylight hours. This is best accomplished with window placement and structure layout, but installing after market solar tubes is a quick fix.

Our climate is perfect for the use of solar power. The suns energy is so abundant that we should use what we can because from what I can see it is and will remain free.

Sand Hollow Resort

Brandon — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:48:00 +0000

We have had the opportunity to design a few model homes for the developers of this project and we are currently working on several Custom Homes for this development as well. This is a great up and coming place. Look for our work in “The Dunes” subdivision. They are hosting an on location open house event during the Parade of Homes. Be sure to stop by. Check out their website for more info.

Custom Cabinets

Brandon — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 20:54:00 +0000

Benefits of custom cabinets … if I can imagine it, they will build it! Riverwoods Mill specialize in the design & creation of furniture quality cabinetry, using the finest materials and hand applied finishes to help us achieve a unique look for each project. Each cabinet is built to fit your home and style without sacrificing space and function.

Why choose a kitchen designer … Choosing to work with someone who not only can draw cabinets but can design a fully functional space for you is important. Working with a designer will give you options for your appliance locations to make the most out of your kitchen. The kitchen isn’t just a room anymore; it truly is the heart of the home where people congregate each day.

What’s “in style” …. Traditional, contemporary, rustic, Tuscan & country. I still see mostly traditional and Tuscan, but contemporary is starting to see its way into Southern Utah. Wood species such as alder, cherry, mahogany, walnut are among the most popular in this area. Darker stained woods {browns, blacks & reds} are often used in homes today, along with custom painted cabinets. Creams and blacks are the most popular and classic painted finishes that are used today. Most of the finishes are not just one step, most homeowners want something with depth and character which can be found through glazing, dry brushing, and different levels of distressing.

Make it standard …. Lucky you most cabinet shops have moved forward in function and offer many “old” upgrades as their standard. Blum’s softclose drawer glides {BLUMOTION} with under mount hardware are the Mercedes of drawers, while Blum also makes door hinges that are soft close. This small feature will truly be your saving grace when doors & drawers cannot be slammed!

Accessories of your dreams … There are now several options for areas of your kitchen and bathroom that were wasted space before. This pivot-out blind corner unit is very popular and creates usable space in the corner of your kitchen. Another popular accessory is found in the bathroom where a false drawer front had no function. Now that false front can tip out & house this blow dryer & curling iron storage unit. This is so simple but truly innovative in bathroom space, plus it is a Utah based product. Roll out shelves, double roll out trash cans are always a favorite and are in all the homes I design. Spending a little extra for these “extras” is worth it down the road.

Hide those appliances … 90% of my clients want to integrate their appliances keeping the furniture look throughout the kitchen. Integrated fridges can now be found in master closets, bathrooms, casitas, offices and theater rooms … keeping cold drinks and treats just where you need or want them. There are several options when it comes to brands of appliances that can be fully integrated, but there are definitely brands that make it easier to be hidden over others. Sub-Zero’s 700 series are fully integrated and shows absolutely no metal or grill allowing the homeowner to come up with any furniture look they want.

I love what I do & love working with clients from the beginning. The best recommendation I could give to anyone building a home is to get into your kitchen designer first thing. Get your plumbing & electrical right from the start with your appliances & sinks so that you don’t have to make changes when the house is framed. I have clients I have worked with for less than a month from start to finish and others who are going on two years. Each job seems to bring a new challenge and new way for me to be creative.

ASHLYNN MITCHELL
Senior Designer

www.riverwoodsmill.com

Inexpensive Alternative

Brandon — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:15:00 +0000

The idea these days for the active lifestyle seems to be trimming the boundary of indoor vs. outdoor space. Those who enjoy the outdoors are trying to incorporate that aspect of their lifestyle into the design of their home. Placing large amounts of windows and doors into their layout seem to invite the out of doors in. Those who can afford it, actually build walls that open from floor to ceiling- you may have seen them in some recent Parade Homes, changing what was once a modest indoor family room into a large indoor/outdoor party. I love the idea and would do several in my own home, except for they carry a huge price tag.
Here is the alternative- Nanawalls. This wall system is the best that I have found for the cost.

They are:

Engineered and tested to withstand harsh weather conditions
Air and water tight
Forced entry safe
Fully customizable to fit practically any application

I have spec’d these walls in several of my plans. And plan on adding them into my own home. Because of the various ways to customize these walls the price will vary as well. Check out the different options they have available. Here is their basic cost calculation. “Hence, as a very rough guideline, the cost of a NanaWall folding system starts from $600 per running foot.” So, check your budget to determine if this product will work for you.