metro: Green Countertops
- 07/25/08 10:28 AM
There are many eco-friendly countertops on the market today that hold up well under heavy use. They combine natural and man-made materials in composite slabs, and usually integrate recycled materials as well, while remaining very attractive and utilitarian alternatives to mainstream countertops. IceStone countertops (www.icestone.biz) are made of cement and glass, 75% of it recycled. Thousands of pieces of polished glass (which used to be beer bottles, windshields, or traffic lights) are set in a base of concrete, and these surfaces are available in almost any color. Vetrazzo (www.vetrazzo.com) is similar product, using 80% recycled glass. Vetrazzo is more highly customized … (4 comments)
metro: Kitchen Remodeling Budget and Design
- 07/23/08 08:35 AM
Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects and is an excellent investment. However, before diving into a large kitchen remodel, carefully consider both budget and design. When planning your initial kitchen remodel budget, it is useful to allocate 40-50% of your budget for cabinets, 20-30% for appliances, 20-25% for countertops, 10-15% for flooring, and 5-15% for lighting. The primary material costs include cabinets, counters, appliances and floors, with lighting, paint, and accents topping it off. Keep in mind that designers usually charge $50-$150+ per hour, so plan your budget accordingly if you plan to hire professional design … (0 comments)
metro: It's Just Lunch: A Dating Service for Busy Professionals
- 07/21/08 08:51 AM
It's Just Lunch (IJL) is a specialized dating service for busy single professionals in D.C. A Chicago woman founded It's Just Lunch more than 15 years ago after her engagement was suddenly called off. Only 5 months after founding IJL, she attended her first IJL wedding, and has been working to create couples ever since. Their "first date experts" hope to minimize stress and maximize efficiency by coordinating fun lunch dates for busy single professionals in the Washington D.C. area. They tell you about your match, coordinate your schedules, and make the reservations at a D.C. restaurant convenient for both parties. … (0 comments)
metro: Moving in a Wired World
- 07/18/08 07:43 AM
It's wise to consider your technology needs carefully when moving to a new home. Be sure to research a new neighborhood's technology choices and problems by talking with service providers and other residents to ensure that high-speed internet access is available, or that a local monument doesn't block satellite service. In some cases, you may end up with more options than you had before, like cable, DSL, and FiOS (fiber-optics), or you may end up needing dial-up or satellite access. To supplement your live research, visit sites like www.broadbandreports.com to avoid post-move technology regrets. And remember, internet isn't the only concern. … (0 comments)
metro: 10 Steps to a Well-Designed Room
- 07/17/08 08:32 AM
1. Find a purpose. First, determine exactly how you want to use the room in question. Do you want a great room that combines dining, television, and family space? Or do you have extra rooms and want one casual family room and one formal living room? A room's purpose should be one of the strongest considerations when choosing a decorating scheme. 2. Consider others. Who will use this space? Guests, family, children, pets, or any combination of the above? Always consider a room's occupants when selecting finishes and fabrics. For example flat finish paints and silk slipcovers might be … (2 comments)
metro: How to Replace a Doorknob in 5 Easy Steps
- 07/17/08 08:29 AM
Doorknobs are small details that can have a large impact on a space, while remaining within a budget. Doorknobs come in many shapes and sizes, but be careful not to go overboard when shopping for new doorknobs; they should complement the room, but not be the focal point. To replace your doorknobs, follow these simple steps: Remove the screws holding the old doorknob in place and unscrew the striker and pull it out. After you remove the screws, the doorknob can be pulled apart and removed. Install the new doorknob by reversing the removal procedure. The holes for the new doorknob … (0 comments)
metro: Preserving Old Town Charm at the Prescott
- 06/20/08 10:27 AM
One block north of King Street, at 1115 Cameron Street #105, Alexandria, VA is the Prescott, a 64-unit residential condominium that is designed to blend with the Old Town charm yet feature modern amenities. The Prescott offers two-bedroom units with 9-foot ceilings in the living areas, hardwood flooring, designer blinds on all windows, spacious walk-in closets, insulated windows, spacious kitchen with granite countertops and maple cabinets, and luxury baths. Building features include a rooftop terrace, underground parking space, and controlled access to garage, elevators and lobby. The relative lack of amenities common in other luxury condominiums like a pool or gym … (0 comments)
metro: Have Bike, Will Travel
- 05/02/08 07:31 AM
Spring is just about the most beautiful time in D.C. The sun is shining, the cherry blossoms are in bloom, summer humidity hasn't kicked in yet, and it's light out past 5:00 pm. One of the best ways to see DC in the spring (or any time of the year) is by bike. You don't have to fight traffic or the sometimes unreliable Metro service and you can get some exercise while seeing the sights. However most people don't own a bike simply because they wouldn't use it often enough. The Smart Bike program may change that and bring bikes to … (3 comments)
metro: Moveable Feast: A Taste of D.C. Walking Tour
- 05/02/08 07:17 AM
Discover Washington D.C. by foot and delight in the food shops and restaurants that give flavor to the capital's favorite tales of gastronomic history. Along the way, learn about the inaugural party turned food fight and the quiet milestone in civil rights by racial equality advocate Mary Church Teller. By foot and Metro hops, visit a café specializing in teas of the world, pick selections at a gourmet take-out market, walk-in at a Chinese sundries shop, stop at a diner famous for its chili and half-smokes, and enjoy a dessert course at a café/bakery by DC's Food Network celebrity. Bring extra … (0 comments)
metro: The Torpedo Factory
- 03/31/08 09:59 AM
Skip the choicest art museums and galleries in the metro DC area and head to Old Town Alexandria in Virginia for The Torpedo Factory. Well known but sometimes overlooked, this art center houses the studios of more than 165 visual artists, six cooperative galleries and the Alexandria Archeology Museum. The Torpedo Factory space is inviting, modern and airy. Spend an afternoon strolling the artists' studios and find your interest - sculpture, watercolour, oil paint, photography, mixed media, modern abstractions, classic portraits and expansive landscapes. Meet the artists in their studios. They welcome observations and questions, even idle chit chat. You learn … (0 comments)
There are many eco-friendly countertops on the market today that hold up well under heavy use. They combine natural and man-made materials in composite slabs, and usually integrate recycled materials as well, while remaining very attractive and utilitarian alternatives to mainstream countertops. ;)
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