Design Guide Editorial, Vetrazzo Recycled Glass

When we think recycled glass, we think of coke bottles, but we never think of what it could be used for. Vetrazzo'stransforms recycled glass into beautiful surfaces that can be used for bathrooms, kitchens, bars, tables, fireplace mantles and so much more. What is so great and beautiful about this product is that each piece of glass holds its own story. From beginning to end Vetrazzo's tracks the history of the glass. Just as a grandmother passes a family treasure to a grandchild, you receive a history of something beautiful to create your own history with. This product comes in so many wonderful colors and designs that can fit into any room and is a breeze to clean. Most importantly, you are contributing to the environment.

Sustainable Alegria Project- Austin, Tx: Black Soapstone

"Reduce/Reused/Recycle" ... June is Nation Recycling Month so it is only suitable we choose a Sustainable Smart Project as our Project of the Month. On Sunday, June 3, Texas Solar Energy Society and Austin Energy Green Building will showcase this years BEST energy efficient design & sustainable building technology homes in Austin and The Alegria Project is one of the homes on the 16th Cool Home Tour. 

 

Eco-Savvy Builder Alex Pettitt, owner of Spring Builders carefully planned and thought through every detail of the Alegria Project.

The structure embodies the green building principle of cross and stack ventilation. And has a welcoming comfortable open design feeling. 

With help from interior designer Chelsea Brady, owner of Chelsea + Remy Design and architect Nick Mehl, the team collaborated the principals of smart design with environmental sustainability.

  

Simple clean lines and products were used throughout the home. As seen in the kitchen, they used Minas Black Soapstone for their countertops. Soapstone was a perfect fit because it has that clean matte finish look they were trying to achieve with all the benefits of a sustainable surface. Soapstone is naturally nonporous and does not require a sealer. Making it 100% chemical free and antimicrobial. 

The Alegra Project is just another example of how energy efficient design & sustainable building technology can beautiful. For more information about the Cool Homes Tour and The Alegria Project please visit the below links. 

Cool Home Tour

Builder - Spring Builders

Interior Designer - Chelsea + Remy Design 

Architect - Nick Mehl Architects  

Photography - Allison Cartwright, Twist Art Photography  

20 Soapstone Inspirations: Soapstone Colors

Inspired by The Granite Gurus... here are 20 pictures of Soapstone to inspire you to use it on your next project. 

  

 

*PHOTOS ARE FINISHED PROJECTS USING DORADO SOAPSTONE 
Make sure to check out The Granite Gurus photos as well! 
The Granite Gurus: 10 Soapstone Kitchens, Sinks and a Fireplace

Whisky Rocks

You've seen them around, you've heard about them but WHAT EXACTLY are Whisky Rocks? 

  

These innovated gray cubes other wise known as Whisky Rocks (Whisky Stone or Scotch Rocks) are essentially ice cubes that will not water down your drink. So what are they made of? Soapstone! Traditionally, used as countertop tops in kitchens, bathrooms, bar tops and chemistry labs; Soapstone is the ONLY nonporous, odorless, tasteless and a natural food safe stone used in the home. 
Due to the high density of the material, soapstone retains temperature so they are great chilled in your freezer or heated up in your microwave. Not only are Whisky Rocks reusable but they will not scratch your top shelf barware either. 






More more information check out http://www.doradostonedist.com/shop/ 

A European Tradition ... HENRI'S

Henri's is the NEWEST place to be in 78704. Henri's is a cheese, charcuterie, specialty grocery and sandwich shop during the day, and transforms to an energetic wine and beer lounge in the evening. http://www.henrischeese.com/

Drawing inspiration from Europeans neighborhood wine, cheese shops and local bistros, Owner Andy Means and Sommelier Will Angst strived to create a warm and inviting place to experience a thoughtful selection of food and wine. 

Architect Elizabeth Baird brought this vision to life by keeping true to clean lines. Interesting and simple finishes such as Edison Light Bulb Fixtures, Minas Black Soapstone and Lime Stone are a few gems that make Henri's so welcoming.

The overall design is modern, with minimal design pieces and tons of natural light. However, it still maintains a comfortable, inviting atmosphere, and most importantly, foster the warmth that happens when good people, good food, and good wine have a  place to be celebrated together. 

Henri's is more than a casual wine bar with great chess & charcuterie though, Henri's offers private wine and cheese tastings, classes, and dinners to introduce customers to new and interesting wines, cheeses, and local slow food producers. If you are EVER in South Austin or 78704 as local refer to it ... make sure to stop by and make your self at HOME. 

Indigo Soapstone, New from Dorado

Brand New Soapstone from Dorado.   These large slabs consist of natural blues and greens with movements that captivate the eye.  These stones are fresh off the Boat, and will be here to Texas shortly.  Call today to get your name on the list to view when they arrive.

The Stayton At Museum Way

PROJECT OF THE MONTH: 

     The Stayton At Museum Way. 

The Stayton at Museum Way, is the newest resort-style retirement community in Fort Worth, Tx, This new concept of high luxury in the heart of a new urban village was carefully planned in every detail for the convenience of seniors.

Accordingly, The Stayton is designed to accommodate the lifestyle needs of active seniors who move in as independent residents, offering a range of luxurious amenities such as swimming pools, libraries, onsite eateries and bars, as well as chef-cooked meals, served in a stately dining room. 

So obviously, a first class, premier Lounge & Bar was a MUST with luxury finishes & touches. 

Designed by nationally-recognized architect David Dillard & D2 Architecture firm, Soapstone was used as one of the main focal point for this Lounge & Bar area. 

  

This inviting room has fantastic sunlight so the Black Soapstone on the fireplace & bar made a masculine and dramatic yet inviting material to use which compliments its breath taking upper views of Fort Worth's West 7th World-Class Cultural district.

View From The Stayton ... Over Looking Beautiful Down Town Ft. Wo

A Cozy Colorado Home

Cozy Colorado Home on a Snowy Day

There is nothing like SNOW to get you in the mood for the holidays and want to sit by the fire & sip on some eggnog. Over Christmas, Dorado went to Denver and had the opportunity to visit a home we did last summer. The McConaty's has an traditional, cozy, rustic feel with a touches of Italy everywhere! They love Italy and their true passion is seen throughout the home.The McConaty's decided to you a black "leather" soapstone in the kitchen & family room.This was a good choice because it compliments their tasteful traditional stylemixed with their Italian decor. We love the bright colors the Italian plates add and how everything ties together so nicely.

Kitchen with Black Soapstone 

The McConaty's decided to you a black "leather" soapstone in the kitchen & family room.This was a good choice because it compliments their tasteful traditional stylemixed with their Italian decor. We love the bright colors the Italian plates add and how everything ties together so nicely.

Living in Texas, it was a lot of fun seeing Soapstone used in a Colorado home on a snowy day with the unexpected personally touches of Italy. As you can see below, Mr. McConaty is very proud of his new kitchen and said "the Soapstone i found at Dorado was the perfect countertop choice for our project and we love the look & durability of it".