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Action-Packed Days 2 & 3 at Dwell on Design 2017

Dwell on Design 2017, an annual event showcasing the best in modern architecture, design, and technologies, featured an array of 200+ vendors, guest speakers, continuing education, thought sessions, and more. And our House Tipster team was on-site throughout the event looking for the trends that matter to YOU.

After Day 1’s exciting start, we were beyond pumped to wake up and meet and greet even more exhibitors on the floor of the Los Angeles Convention Center for Days 2 and 3 of the weekend-long event.

Remember how we mentioned how passionate the brand representatives, designers, and architects were on Day 1? Well, things didn’t change much throughout the rest of the event. The common consensus here is that everyone at Dwell on Design cares an awful lot about modern design.

All the vendors had great products they wanted to share with the world, but here are some that stood out to us, and we think you’ll love them too!

Jonathan Brill: Infinity Drain

Infinity Drain, a drain company based out of New York, is the brainchild of Jonathan Brill. And boy, does Jonathan appreciate a good drain! Since 2009, he’s been designing and overseeing the fabrication of his line of American-made drains.

But these aren’t just any drains. Infinity Drain specializes in shower, pool, and balcony drains with linear and center-based designs. What sets Jonathan’s company apart from others is the site-sizeable install, meaning that everything is cut to size right then and there.

If you’re looking for a complete shower system, Infinity Drain handles that too. In collaboration with USG Durock, the entire system takes only 90 minutes to install and includes drains, waterproof floor and walls, and all shower accessories.

For a sleek, streamlined drain, go “linear” with Infinity Drain.

Dondi & Kris: Marvin Doors

Marvin Windows and Doors makes every window and door to order out of their Warroad, Minnesota home. Thankfully, Dondi and Kris, representatives from Marvin Doors were eager to talk with us about their entire contemporary line.

Regardless of where people live, it seems like everyone, everywhere is looking to incorporate modern design elements into their homes — and one of the easiest ways to do this is by upgrading the windows and doors.

According to Kris, social media has standardized the styles homeowners are looking for, meaning that what’s popular in California may also jive in Minnesota, Maine, and Florida. Of course, there are regional preferences, but advances in material technology have made glass styles available to anyone, even if you live in sub-zero temperatures!

Basically, no matter where you live, people want glass, including bigger windows and doors. If you’re dying to bring the outdoors inside (like so many of us, nowadays), then think about adding more glass to your home with Marvin Doors.

Robert Lemke & Kate Weiss: Saroyan

Robert Lemke, vice president at Saroyan in Huntington Park, CA, presented us with some great information on the hardwood molding and flooring created by this 70-year-old company.

In fact, all of Saroyan’s hardwoods, from ash to douglas fir, mahogany, maple, and even European white oak, are manufactured at their facilities in California, Kentucky, and Indiana. Aside from their natural hardwoods, Saroyan also creates engineered hardwoods.

We definitely like our parquet here at House Tipster, so you know we flipped when we got a chance to browse Saroyan’s popular parquet panel line. It comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and woods, providing that perfectly unique classic European-look.

Saroyan produces a great product, whether you’re interested in lumber, moldings, or custom millwork.

Lisa Kruger & Ryan Hughes: Stepstone

Dwell-veterans Lisa Kruger and Ryan Hughes feel at home representing their 60-year-old Los Angeles-based concrete company, Stepstone. While you may not have ever given two thoughts about precast concrete, it’s everywhere, and you definitely need it!

Stepstone’s a cut above the rest because all their products are completely cast and finished by hand. We couldn’t help but love how excited Lisa was about the entire production experience. Unlike other similar companies, employees at Stepstone are given some creative liberties during the manufacturing process. How cool is that?

You’re bound to fall in love with Stepstone’s Linearity Series, including their popular Diamond Pavers which are more durable than traditional pavers and come in several sizes, patterns, and colors.

Jeremiah Rice: Sun Valley Bronze

You can browse Sun Valley Bronze’s website all you want, but you’re going to have to visit a showroom to get your hands on some of their stunning products. Jeremiah Rice from Sun Valley Bronze gave us the inside scoop on his family-owned and operated business, which has been in operation since 1992.

Everything made by Sun Valley Bronze, from kitchen and bath accessories to door handles and hinges are sand-cast in Sun Valley, Idaho. They work with white bronze, silicone bronze, and the ever-popular brass. According to Jeremiah, people are raving about Sun Valley Bronze’s brass products. Another popular product is the barn-track sliding door hardware, which is durable and can handle a door weighing up to 700 pounds.

Regardless of what material you choose, the products you get from this special company are truly refined. Most touch around 50 pairs of hands before reaching the end-user.

Paul, Derick, & Carlos: Wickham Hardwood Flooring

Lastly, we chatted it up with Paul, Derick, and Carlos from Wickham Hardwood Flooring of Canada. Just recently, Wickham partnered with California Granite & Flooring to break into the US’ West Coast market, and they were definitely enthusiastic to be here at Dwell on Design.

Wickham manufactures both solid and engineered hardwoods, featured in four main collections. Their premier line, “Mountain Home Collection,” is hand-scraped and finished in natural hardwoods. If you decide to go the engineered hardwood route, rest assured you’re getting a great product with a Baltic birch core with a 4mm veneer.

As a bonus, since everything is hand-made, no two Wickham Hardwood Flooring planks are alike.

We know you have lots of new brands and products to explore after this action-packed day.

Dwell on Design: Everything Outdoors

Outdoor spaces are a source of pride for many homeowners. Whether you’re working on a small patio or acres upon acres of open land, spending time making your outdoors area “beautiful” is both therapeutic for your soul and great for the overall aesthetics of your property.

If you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor space, particularly a garden area or your landscaping, then you’re in good company. Homeowners are spending more money every year on landscaping, including growing and mowing grass, installing and maintaining sprinklers, adding trees and other plants, and installing fences and other outdoor structures.

House Tipster is thrilled to attend Dwell on Design and talk to some of the most trusted, trendiest outdoor-focused companies in the industry in order to bring the latest and greatest innovations to you. These are just a handful of the many companies headed to the event.

Outdoor Building Materials

Since they’re exposed to the elements, the materials you use to build outdoors are oftentimes different from those you use indoors. After all, you want to avoid issues like mold and mildew at all costs.

We really love the sustainable wood offered by Humboldt Redwood. It’s the perfect material to build structures like pergolas and decks, while also resisting many types of pests. Aesthetics are important, especially when you’re using building materials that will be seen by your family and houseguests, which is why it’s definitely worth taking a look at Humboldt Redwood’s entire line of quality wood products.

Photo courtesy of Humboldt Redwood

Carpet and even some hardwoods may not be the best flooring option for your outdoor space, especially if you expect a lot of traffic. For a consistently cool-to-the-touch ground or wall cover, take a look at the ceramic, brick, and other tile options offered by the Los Angeles-based retailer,  ARTO. The collections sold at ARTO vary depending on your preferred tastes, from simple glazed brick to the elaborate designs of the Coachella line.

Photo courtesy of Humboldt ARTO

For fencing, look no further than DEACERO USA’s Designmaster Fence line. Made of 100% recycled steel, these fences are super-strong and include a non-toxic powder coating.  If you need a fence but are worried about health and environmental factors, this is a solid option to consider.

Photo courtesy of DEACERO USA Designmaster Fence

By focusing on a product’s quality, what it’s made of, and how it was sourced, you’ll ensure you’re getting the best materials for your outdoor space.

Aesthetic Touches

Don’t forget to also include a few special, little touches to truly make your space unique to you. Dwell on Design features many artists and designers, but these brands really stand out for their innovations and focus on modern design and materials.

Ahhh, the smell of a campfire. If you’re anything like me, then this scent evokes childhood memories. To relive the magic, try adding a modern fire pit from Spark Modern Fires. Our entire team at House Tipster is completely obsessed with the Outdoor Fire Cubes, which can fit virtually anywhere.

Photo courtesy of Spark Modern Fires

We can’t get enough of gardens and landscaping decorated with color and a touch of flair. Design Collaborations designed these super-trendy LED light poles to illuminate your walkways. Oh, and their hand-blown glass rain chains? We’re absolutely in love.

Photo courtesy of Design Collaborations

If simplicity is more your “thing”, consider concrete touches around your outdoor living space. Concrete is not only a versatile building material, it’s also considered eco-friendly and is useable to other products besides building. Settlewell creates unique yet simple concrete pots, perfect for your flowers, dwarf fruit trees, and more. These straight-sided pots are a nice take on the modern, clean lines found on many product lines at Dwell on Design.

Photo courtesy of Settlewell

And the list of phenomenal outdoor products that we’re going to see at Dwell on Design goes on and on.

You’re probably eager to get started browsing the product pages of some of these amazing companies and products (we DEFINITELY don’t blame you). For more information on uniquely modern design features, keep up with our ongoing coverage of Dwell on Design 2017.

Dwell on Design: Green Building Materials

Close your eyes and imagine your dream home. If you’re thinking about vast open spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow a surge of natural light in, solar panels galore, and an ample outdoor living space, then you’re in good company.

Today, we can’t get enough of “green” building. From eco-friendly materials to nature-inspired designs, green building is now more popular than ever before. In fact, more than half of all potential homebuyers say energy efficiency and green building practices are important to them in the search for their next homes.

At House Tipster, we hear you loud and clear. We know you’re dying to get the latest news on innovative technologies, safe and sustainable building materials, and ideal floor plans for your own “green” home.

That’s one of the reasons we’re headed to Dwell on Design this weekend — to check out some of latest sustainable building trends. But did you know that there are over 200 exhibitors at the event? That means there will be a ton of vendors to interview to help you find the perfect “greenness” to add to your home.

Here are just a few companies and products to keep your eyes on if you’re looking to ramp up your home’s green features.

Going Green: Exteriors

Building with green materials isn’t difficult, especially if you’re “in the know” of some of the latest and greatest in green building materials.

Let’s start by talking about wood. After all, wood seems like it would be one of the first things you think about when deciding to “go green.” Unfortunately, many of our favorite woods like teak and cherry are not always harvested sustainably. To avoid purchasing unsustainable woods, look no further than Humboldt Redwood. You can use Humboldt Redwood for anything from your exposed beams to building frames. Best of all, their products are Forest Stewardship Council certified, meaning you can rest assured that they’re grown and harvested sustainably.

Photo courtesy of Humboldt Redwood

When it comes to building, wood is just the tip of the iceberg. You can also use aluminum.  AL 13 Architectural Systems’ aluminum composite panels are hearty enough to stand up to the elements, and they’re also made of one of the most easily recycled materials on the market.

Photo courtesy of Architectural Systems

Along the same lines, Barema European Windows and Doors manufactures their creations out of aluminum as well. These windows and doors grace the highest-quality modern homes throughout Los Angeles and beyond.

Photo courtesy of Barema European Windows and Doors

And then we come to home barriers, which aren’t necessarily “sexy” but they’re a necessary part of any home build. Henry Blueskin vapor barriers and liquid flashing contain fewer chemicals than other brands, while still maintaining the same level of effectiveness.

Photo courtesy of Henry Blueskin

Going Green: Interiors

It’s just as important to be “green” inside as it is outside, for both personal health and environmental reasons.

To this day, some paints still contain VOCs and are unhealthy to breathe in, especially if you have young children. Avoid these chemicals and instead use products that are better for you and your family. For starters, try Dunn-Edwards Corporation paints. When you’re working with Dunn-Edwards paints, you know you’re using the best of the best. Not only is the paint the highest quality, but they produce it in the world’s only LEED Gold-certified manufacturing plant. If you want to avoid VOCs altogether, use the Dunn-Edwards Spartazero interior line of low odor/VOC-free paint.

Photo courtesy of Dunn-Edwards Corporation

If paint isn’t your forte, test out some other wall coverings from Archoterra. All their veneers and papers are created from recycled paper and bonding ages. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and come in a variety of styles to satisfy any design taste out there.

Photo courtesy of Archoterra

Natural stone checks most of the boxes of environmental-friendliness and are a must-have in green homes. Two stone importers located in the LA-area plan to be at Dwell on Design to showcase their products. Ollin International Imports offers some of rarest natural stones from around the world.

Photo courtesy of Ollin International Imports

Along the same lines, we’re also impressed by the natural stone selection and other surface options offered by  Stoneville USA, Inc.

Photo courtesy of Stoneville USA, Inc.

Green building has never been easier thanks to the many environment-focused products on the market. The best part? They’re designed to make your home work better for you, your family, and the planet.

Dwell on Design: Meet the Architects & Home Tours

When I think of modern design, I automatically begin to picture the window-filled, bright, contemporary homes in and around Hollywood. Southern California has a complete monopoly on my modern design-daydreams — and for good reason. This area is chock-full of the best modern homes in the country.

So the fact that Dwell, the go-to modern design digest for homeowners and industry professionals, chose to once again hold their Dwell on Design expo in Los Angeles was a no-brainer. So many movers and shakers in the field have made this region their canvas.

And this weekend, our team is being given the chance to get a glimpse of this modern design artwork up close and personal.

House Tipster’s complete coverage of Dwell on Design begins with “Meet the Architects.” They, we close out the event with the Home Tours. Here’s everything you need to know about both events hosted by Dwell.

About Meet the Architects

“Meet the Architects” is an evening devoted to the dreamers and doers of the 10 homes featured in Dwell on Design’s Home Tours option. The event kicks off at 7 PM on Thursday, June 22, at the Pacific Design Center.

During this exclusive soiree, the architects, builders, interior designers, and other professionals responsible for the inspiration and build of the homes will talk about their work and provide insight into their specific projects.

“Meet the Architects” is the best way to get to know the homes in the tours and the minds behind them. It’s an exciting, can’t-miss event for anyone interested in modern architecture.

Home Tours 101

Speaking of the Home Tours, the homes featured in Dwell on Design’s 2017 Home Tours are one-of-a-kind examples of modern architecture and design. In fact, Dwell hand-selected these houses based on their adherence to the magazine’s ideal standard that ultimately blends livable function with modern design elements.

On June 24, the first day of the home tours, attendees can visit a total of five homes located in Santa Monica, Culver City, and Venice. They range from the pre-fabricated, multi-story home designed by Jennifer Siegal, to the sustainably-built Minarc creation.

Then, on June 25, we’ll all head to the Hills of Santa Monica to view a mixture of remodeled and contemporary architectural masterpieces.

All 10 homes are made with the highest quality building and design products, making them remarkably magazine-worthy. (Get ready to swoon!)

What We’re Bringing to You

Our press team is ready and eager to bring you all the essential design-related news from “Meet the Architects” and the Home Tours.

We’ll be providing some great takeaways from the events, including information on the latest must-have designs for homeowners and professionals across the country. In addition, we plan to feature our favorite products, builders, architectural firms and more during and after Dwell on Design on our website and Facebook page.

We’re just getting started with our Dwell on Design coverage. Stay tuned for more!