Rich's for the Home

Ipé: Truly Sustainable Furniture

2010-03-15T08:00:00-07:00

What do the following have in common?

Atlantic City Boardwalk
New York City park benches
18th century Jesuit missions in Bolivia
The Solferino Footbridge that crosses the Seine River in Paris

Give up?

They’re all made out of Ipé (pronounced “EE-pay”), a fine-grained, buttery-smooth hardwood from the tropical forests of Bolivia.

Bolivia – World Leader in Sustainable Forestry

There’s a real “green” story behind this incredibly strong, durable wood. Ipé furniture manufactured by Jensen Leisure comes from the Chiquitania forest reserve in Eastern Bolivia. Because of the nature of tropical dry forest, trees there grow very slowly. Consequently, some of the world's strongest and most durable woods come from the Chiquitania forest.

FSC-Certified

All wood used in the manufacturing of Jensen Leisure Furniture is FSC-certified. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), is a non-profit organization that sets international standards for responsible forestry.

Jensen sales representative, Rob Quello, told me that, because of the stringent FSC certification standards, they can track a piece of furniture all the way back to the original tree it was cut from. He explained that they divide a hectare of forest into 25 sections and selectively cut trees from one section that have reached 85-99% of their natural lifetime (in other words, those trees would have fallen down on their own in 5-7 years).

Each tree has to be minimum of 60 cm across (about 22 inches). Most are bigger than that. Jensen uses the heart wood from Ipé trees (also known as Tajibo in Bolivia) in their furniture; other parts of the tree are used for flooring and plywood.

“From an environmental standpoint, there is no product that is more environmentally conscious than this,” said Rob.

Every year, the Forest Stewardship Council independently verifies that Jensen Leisure is meeting their certification standards. The wood is cut, dried, kilned, and hand-assembled into furniture in Bolivia, and then is shipped to the United States.

Ipé is chocolate-brown when new, and the sun transforms it to a silver patina. Because it is so dense, Ipé resists splintering and checking as well as rot, decay, insects, carpenter ants, mold, and even fire – naturally. Weather has little to no negative effect on Ipé, making it an ideal choice for Pacific Northwest outdoor rooms.

And because of its elegance and natural warmth, many people use Ipé furniture indoors in their living room, dining room, sun room, or kitchenette.

Rich’s for the Home has been selling Jensen Leisure furniture for nearly 20 years and is the exclusive outdoor furniture dealer in the greater Seattle area that stocks Jensen Leisure’s Ipé furniture. Stop by one of Rich’s five Puget Sound showrooms and ask to see our line of Ipé furniture.

Choosing Your Outdoor Furniture: What’s Best for the Northwest

2010-03-08T12:38:30-08:00

My outdoor furniture is old and grungy; I’ve been salivating over the new spring collections on Rich’s showroom floor.

But how to choose the perfect furnishings for my outdoor space? I spoke with Mark Gorr, vice president of sales and marketing at Tropitone, and he gave me some great tips.

Architecture of your home

Generally, a home’s architecture drives the furnishings someone puts in their backyard. People usually choose furniture that complements or accents their home’s style – and their yard’s design.

That’s starting to change, though, says Mark. People are becoming more willing to put furniture with a contemporary frame in the yard of a stucco home, for instance. And with the growing popularity of contemporary furnishings, we’re going to be seeing more and more of what Mark calls “transitional” furnishings.

Take the Windsor Sling collection (pictured above right).

“Windsor is a group that is a chameleon,” says Mark. “It has a transitional frame – depending on how you color the frame and the fabric application, it can look traditional or contemporary.”

You can create a custom environment in your yard by simply choosing a darker finish and fabric for a traditional look, or a lighter finish and fabric for a contemporary feel.

Maintenance

Many consumers gravitate toward cast aluminum or synthetic tabletops (as opposed to glass) because they’re easier to clean. “They hide dust and dirt; all you have to do is hose them down,” says Mark.

Tropitone manufactures their own patio tabletops domestically, and they produce over 150 eye-popping combos. Their tiled stone tops mimic natural hand-cut stone.

Their faux granite tabletops closely resemble natural granite table tops.

The Java table top has the look of woven wicker and Palazzo tops create the highly realistic appearance of ceramic tiles.

Hand-cast aluminum and patterned aluminum patio tables add elegance to any outdoor setting.

And if you like glass and acrylic, they’ve got those, too! (Of course, you can special order anything you like from Rich’s.)

Quality

All outdoor furniture Tropitone manufactures is commercial-grade quality, says Mark. “We build our product to last a minimum of five years when used commercially” – say, poolside at a hotel/resort.

Outdoor furnishings don’t get as much use in private homes as they do in resorts, but the folks at Tropitone apply the same quality standards to all their furniture. “It’s very, very durable,” says Mark.

That’s exactly what I want: durable, low-maintenance outdoor furniture that I can customize to match the yard I’m landscaping.

Clearwater Spas Sale - Up to 50% off March 5-8 at Rich's for the Home

2010-03-04T06:00:00-08:00

Up to Half off Stoves, Fireplaces, Inserts March 5-8

2010-03-03T06:00:00-08:00

Pre-Season Savings of up to 40% on Patio Furniture

2010-03-02T06:00:00-08:00

Stay Toasty Year-Round with an Outdoor Heater

2010-03-01T06:00:00-08:00

My neighbors have an outdoor heater on their patio, and they sit outside every evening of the year, enjoying the sunset while sipping a glass of wine.

Whether it’s a chilly early spring day or a summer evening that turns a bit nippy, an outdoor heater can keep you toasty while you’re outdoors.

You can use an outdoor heater in locations other than your patio, too. How about your garage? Or a potting shed? Or a gazebo, solarium, balcony, garden – even under an outdoor umbrella or awning.

I poked around Rich’s Bellevue showroom and two outdoor heaters caught my eye:

Solaria all-season outdoor quartz heater (from Philips)

These electric heaters use infrared technology to provide instant and directional radiant heat over a 10 ft. x 10 ft. area (that’s the average size of a patio table with six chairs). This heat is based on the same natural effect the sun provides, so it warms you and not the air.

The great thing about this heater is that there’s no warm-up time; heat instantly pumps out when you switch it on.

The Solaria has a weatherproof casing and safety glass and comes with an adjustable steel wall mounting bracket. Plus, it plugs in to any 120V plug –in.

Electric patio umbrella heater (from Dimplex Outdoor Living)

I’d never seen an umbrella heater before, and these gizmos are neat! This electric heater attaches to almost any size patio umbrella – you don’t even have to remove the umbrella from its base to hook it up.

Each of its three elements functions independently, providing directional heat. Similar to the Solaria, the quartz radiant elements warm you, rather than the air. Plus, its arms fold for easy storage (and the heat automatically turns off when you fold the arms).

Both heaters operate silently, so you’re not going to be distracted by any strange humming or buzzing. Plus, they’re affordable. (And it’s never too early to plan for Mother’s Day… or Father’s Day.)

Stop by any of Rich’s five Puget Sound locations to see our full line of outdoor heaters.

Rich's Exhibit at the Seattle Home Show 2010

2010-02-22T06:00:00-08:00

For more information about the Seattle Home Show 2010 and Rich's exhibit, see my previous post, Seattle Home Show Runs Through February 28.

Seattle Home Show Runs Through Feb 28

2010-02-21T07:00:00-08:00

I visited the Seattle Home Show during opening weekend… wow! Acres and acres of exhibits and loads of interesting seminars.

Rich’s for the Home has the largest exhibit at the show (#305-311 and 417-423, on the south end of Qwest Field Event Center).

I was instantly drawn to the hot tubs. Fifteen out of the 29 models of Clearwater Spas that Rich’s carries are at the show, and all of them are on sale for up to 50% off.

The best deal at the show is a Limited Edition spa that comes with a gazebo.

Here are some of the $1,600 worth of free add-ons you get with this 6-seater Clearwater Spa and Gazebo:

Stereo system
Sub-woofer
Digital lighting package (for ambiance)
RIM System cabinetry (Robot Injected Molding) – Designed exclusively for Clearwater Spas, this cabinet is the most durable of all spa cabinetry. It’s “Hummer resistant” – they actually drove a Hummer over the top of a cabinet corner piece, and it didn’t crack or get damaged! It’s also the only synthetic cabinet that accepts paint or stain, so you can keep your cabinetry looking brand new for years.

The gazebo has real glass windows and a snow load-bearing roof.

The Limited Edition package is $9,999. A superb deal, considering the gazebo alone retails for $6,300 and the spa retails for $6,500 (without all the extras).

You’ll find the best deals of the year on spas, stoves and fireplaces, and patio furniture at Rich’s Seattle Home Show exhibit.

The show runs through February 28 and is open the following hours:

Sunday – Thursday 10-6
Friday & Saturday – 10-8
Sunday, Feb 28 – 10-6

Cost

Adults $10
Seniors (60+) $7
Children (7-15) $3
Under 7 Free

Hot Trends in Outdoor Furniture for 2010

2010-02-15T06:00:00-08:00

Mid-February might seem like a strange time to think about outdoor furniture, but in reality, now is the perfect time to dream, plan, and yes – order – your furnishings for spring and summer.

I chatted with Mark Gorr, vice president of sales and marketing at Tropitone, and he shared some insider tips about outdoor furnishings that are going to be hot here in the Pacific Northwest this season:

Reflection Collection

“The industry is moving toward more contemporary products, and we believe this modern group, available in sling and padded sling, is going to be very strong,” says Mark.

I love the casual, yet sturdy design that features a double curve in the back and wide, flat arms. Pictured is an ergonomically-shaped sling seat with built-in lumbar support – perfect for relaxing my sore back.

You can order this collection from Rich’s in 17 powder-coat frame finishes and you can choose from a huge selection of outdoor-durable fabrics.

Mondovi Collection

This collection (left) was introduced last year and has been a strong seller in the Northwest. The frames have broad, sweeping lines, and the swivel loungers have a custom-designed base.

Southbeach Collection

Another sleek, contemporary set that’s perfect for poolside. Both the dining chairs and chaise lounges are stackable, which makes for space-saving off-season storage.

Montreux Collection

Introduced in 2001, this collection is the best-selling collection in the industry.

“We’ve expanded it year after year,” says Mark, “so you can get it in all sorts of configurations.”

Shown at right is the deep seating collection, which looks as comfy as my indoor furniture!

Veer Collection

With its gracefully curved aluminum slats, this modern collection seems to float on air.

Windsor Collection

Tropitone is adding cushioned dining chairs, sofa, loveseat, and lounge chairs to this collection… and for the first time, a cushioned bar stool. This versatile, comfortable collection would look great on my patio.

In terms of finishes, Almond Silk – a light earth tone with flecks -- is new and expected to be very popular.

Come in to one of Rich’s five Puget Sound showrooms and take a peek at our new outdoor furniture collections.

If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for on our showroom floor, we’ll help you place a special order in your favorite finish and fabric. That way, your new outdoor furniture will be delivered and ready to use on our first lovely spring day.

A Greener Way to Heat Your Home

2010-02-08T06:00:00-08:00

I’m always on the lookout for the latest developments in energy-efficient products. In my last post, I told you about Clearwater Spas’ green hot tubs.

The gas fireplace industry is also going green. Travis Industries (manufacturer of Avalon, Lopi, and FPX brands), has developed a GreenSmart™ System that uses the latest technology to help you heat your home cleaner and greener.

Lighted Dashboard

GreenSmart fireplaces, stoves, and inserts come equipped with a “dashboard” – located under the front of the fireplace – that you operate manually. When you open the concealment door, the control panel automatically lights up – handy for viewing the dashboard in a dimly lit room.

Choice of Pilots

A switch on the dashboard lets you choose whether to run your fireplace in either standing pilot mode – where the pilot flame continually stays on (good for extremely cold weather) – of an energy-conserving GreenSmart mode, in which the pilot flame ignites via an intermittent pilot. When your fireplace isn’t being operated, your pilot isn’t on.
The GreenSmart system includes a battery back-up so it’ll ignite properly, even during power outages.

Comfort Control™

I like this feature. GreenSmart stoves come with two separate burners that can be operated together for maximum heat output and flame appearance, or with only the front burner. You click a rocker switch to turn off the rear burner, giving you a “low burn” (up to 72 percent less than a high burn) that cranks out less heat but has a gentle, flickering flame.

Variable Flame Control

You can adjust the flame and heat from high to low.

Accent Lights

Standard in all GreenSmart stoves, fireplaces, and inserts, accent lights add a warm glow to both the logs and ceramic fireback. You can turn on the accent light when your fire is off so your fireplace functions as a nightlight. You can also turn it on when the fireplace is lit, adding to the bright effect created by the flame.

Remote Control

The optional remote is a must-have, in my opinion. It allows you to run the fireplace in “Smart Thermostat Mode,” which means it automatically adjusts the flame height based on the temperature setting. The flame will modulate up or down as opposed to shutting off/on, which conserves fuel and maximizes heating ability.
Of course, you can also use the remote to turn the accent light on or off, to manually adjust the flame height, to turn the fan on and off and adjust its speed, and to turn the split-flow burner on and off. It’s almost as addicting as flipping channels on your TV!

Stop by one of Rich’s five Puget Sound showrooms, and we’ll be happy to let you play with the remote.

Check out this helpful video to see GreenSmart technology up close and personal:

GreenSmart Package & Remote Operation from Travis Industries on Vimeo.

Clearwater Spas: Committed to Energy-Efficiency

2010-02-01T06:00:00-08:00

I’ve owned a Clearwater Spa for 14 years and my family (my hubby and our two teenage sons) spend many a relaxing evening relaxing in it.

When I toured Clearwater Spas’ manufacturing plant in Woodinville, Washington last week, I commented that my spa still works beautifully after nearly a decade and a half of hard use.

“You build these things too well,” I told Marketing Director, Chris Warhol. “I need my hot tub to break down so I can upgrade to one of these splashy new models.” (And splashy they are, with floating remote controls, waterfalls, pop-up water fans, digital mood lighting, built-in stereo systems – even TVs!)

But what impressed me most is the company’s commitment to building energy-efficient spas.

“It’s the hallmark of our spas,” Chris told me.

As I toured the factory, I became firmly convinced that Clearwater Spas doesn’t just talk the “green” talk; they walk the talk. They’ve trademarked the term E-Smart Technology™, which stands for energy efficiencies, engineering, and environment.

GREEN MANUFACTURING

At their manufacturing facility, the focus is on providing a safe and healthy working environment for their employees. Rather than using fiberglass resin (a toxic, atmosphere-polluting Volatile Organic Compound), Clearwater Spas backs their Lucite shells with an environmentally-friendly eco spray. I stood next to a man who was applying EcoSpray® to a newly-molded spa, and I didn’t have the slightest trouble breathing (and I have mild asthma).

RECYCLING

They use 100% recycled ABS to fabricate the Dura Floors on all their spas, and they recycle 100% of their wood, plastic and cardboard waste.

INSULATION

Unlike other spas manufacturers, most of whom use spray insulation, Clearwater Spas uses a Reflective Thermal Barrier (RTB) insulation – a thick layer of hard insulation backed with thermal foil on both sides to reflect heat in and cold outside air away from the spa. RTB insulation is 12% more energy-efficient than foam-filled spas.

FLOORING

“Most spas don’t have a floor system; they just have a plastic bottom stapled on,” Chris told me. “When you set the spa on cold cement there’s a heat sink effect – cold air from the ground pulls heat from the hot tub into the ground.”
Not good.
Clearwater Spas lifts their spas off the ground, creating air space that allows heat to stay in the water, thus saving on energy costs. They are the only spa manufacturer that uses an insulated durafloor foundation; a thick layer of RTB insulation is built into the floor, further increasing the spa’s energy efficiency.

CEC-Certified

With Clearwater Spas’ commitment to E-Smart Technology™, it’s no wonder they’re among an elite group of about a dozen spa manufacturers nationally certified by the California Energy Commission (CEC) for meeting its stringent energy-efficiency guidelines.

Want to see for yourself? Schedule a free test soak at Rich's for the Home. Rich’s is the exclusive dealer of Clearwater Spas in the Puget Sound region.

Preview Morsø Stoves in Your Own Virtual Living Room

2010-01-26T07:00:00-08:00

In yesterday’s post, we introduced you to Morsø, the world’s oldest manufacturer of cast-iron stoves.

On their Web site, Morsø created an interactive virtual living room so you can see how different stove styles, forms, and sizes will look in your living space.

Go to: http://www.morsoeusa.com/The-stove-in-your-home-555.aspx

Then follow these easy steps:

1. Upload your image

Take a digital picture of the area where you plan to install the new stove. For best results, set your camera on landscape mode. If you don’t have a digital image handy, Morsø has a choice of six inspirational room images.

2. Choose your favorite Morsø stove

Find your favorite stove and play with the size and location. Just click on a stove and drag it into your room image. To adjust size, click the scale box above the room and slide the bar to make larger or smaller.

3. Save image or print

You can save the image on your computer or print it out. If you want to change backgrounds, just click on the background box to be brought back to the six room choices provided.

4. Bring image to Rich's

Our expert sales staff will help you select the right size Morsø stove for your living space. We have five Puget Sound stores in Lynnwood, Bellevue, Tacoma, Southcenter, and Silverdale, WA.

Morsø European-Style Wood Stoves: Where Green is a Way of Life

2010-01-25T07:00:00-08:00

I’ve been wondering what the slash through the “o” in Morsø means. The world’s oldest manufacturer of cast-iron stoves is headquartered on the Danish island of Mors. The “o” with the slash through it means “island”; thus, Morsø means “from the island of Mors.”

Morsø has an intriguing history. Established in 1853, they began manufacturing all sorts of cast-iron products – everything from barn windows to memorial crosses to farm machinery, cooking pots and heating appliances.

ROYAL HEAT

Early in the 20th century, Morsø began supplying heating systems to churches, schools, state railways and various ministries. The popular imperial-style stoves found their way into the royal apartments at Amalienborg and several other royal residences, and the company was bestowed the prestigious title of Purveyor to His Majesty the King by King Christian X. In 1969, the title was changed to Purveyor to the Royal Danish Court.

In the mid 1900s, Morsø decided to concentrate on heating appliances, mainly wood-burning stoves; that remains their focus today. Morsø sells 23 models of wood-burning stoves and 3 flush-mount fireplace inserts in 25 countries; its largest market is – you guessed it – Denmark. The company also does a booming business in the U.K., South Africa, Australia, Japan, France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the U.S.

FROM CLASSIC TO CONTEMPORARY

Morsø stoves range in size from traditional European style stoves that heat 800 sq. ft. to ultra-contemporary stoves that heat 2,400 sq. ft.

The stove pictured above (Morsø 2B classic), was designed in the early 1930s by sculptor Constantin Sørensen, and features Morsø’s well-known squirrel and oak leaves decoration. Today, 80 years later, the 2B Classic is still in great demand, writes Morsø US President Craig Shankster, on the Mo rsø blog.

CAST-IRON COMFORT

All Morsø stoves are cast-iron. The benefits of cast-iron stoves include:

They don’t warp or deform. Cast iron has a thermal tension, which makes the material especially well suited to changing temperatures.
Cast iron is highly resistant to burn-through.
The thickness of the cast iron Morsø uses is nearly twice as thick as a stove made of plate steel, which means their stoves retain heat longer.
Cast iron distributes heat better than steel, ensuring a comfortable heat.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT HEATING

Green is a way of life in Scandinavia. Morsø wood-burning products meet a minimum 73 percent overall efficiency. That means that any Morsø product you purchase from Rich’s qualifies for the $1,500 biomass stove tax credit. Morsø uses 98 percent recycled cast iron and 100 percent recyclable packaging.

EUROPEAN STYLING

Craig Shankster, who owned a stove shop in England for 12 years and headed up U.K. distribution for Vermont Castings before becoming Morsø US president, is committed to introducing “European ways of doing business” to the U.S. market. That means “selling a lifestyle rather than a product,” he says.

In an article for Hearth & Home (January 2009), Shankster said, “We do not want to be just another contemporary stove. We want to bring European, more modern style to the marketplace that appeals to both existing home owners and young, future homeowners.”

WORLD-FAMOUS DESIGN

The new 7600 Wood Stove Series (pictured above) designed by renowned Danish artist and designer Monica Ritterband, is a superb example of Morsø’s commitment to quality and European design. With its circular shape, round feminine contours, and huge viewing window, these designer stoves feel elegant and soft, yet they’re constructed with durable recycled cast iron for strength and they incorporate the greenest possible practices from manufacturing to delivery.

Monica Ritterband also designed stunning cast-iron accent accessories to complement the 7600 series (pictured at top of article), including a tea kettle, trivet, firewood holder, and fire tools.

Stop by one of Rich’s five Puget Sound showrooms for an up-close-and-personal look at all our Morsø products.

In tomorrow’s post, you’ll “play” in an interactive virtual living room, so you can see how a Morsø stove will look in your own home.

Bar Stool Fashion Show

2010-01-18T08:00:00-08:00

I strolled the showroom floor at Rich’s Lynnwood store and counted over two dozen models of bar stools, plus another 15 or so models on clearance for 50% off the retail price.

Rich’s carries bar stools from three manufacturers:

Pastel
Bermex
Lawrenceville

At Rich’s, you can order any stool these manufacturers sell in your choice of finish and fabric.

Popular finishes include:

Wood – a classic favorite, in colors ranging from ebony to cordovan, mocha, amber (cherry, mahogany, walnut)
Iron – elegant
Wood and iron – classic, yet sturdy
Brushed steel – a contemporary, titanium-like feel

When I test-drove Rich’s bar stools, I particularly liked those with suede upholstery. Suede is cushy and comfy, plus it’s durable and easy to clean.

If you’re planning to decorate (or re-decorate) your eating area or outdoor room, you can build your décor around new bar stools. Here’s a “fashion show” of several of the models I found on Rich’s showroom floor:

When you’re shopping for bar stools, make sure you get the right height.

Standard bar stool heights:

Counter height
Bar height
Chair height
Vanity height
Spectator height
Hydraulic (adjustable from 24 ½ to 32 ½” – hair salon chair)

In addition to height, finish, and upholstery, you need to consider the following:

Casual or formal
Swivel vs. stationary
Arms vs. armless
Arm height
Back vs. backless
Seat padding
Upholstered seat height vs. wood seat height
Maximum width and depth

Join Rich's in Supporting Haiti Earthquake Relief

2010-01-16T15:38:10-08:00

By Jon Chapman
Marketing Manager, Rich’s for the Home

When he was two years old, a boy was abandoned on the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. A concerned citizen found the toddler and brought him to the Reach Out to Haiti orphanage.

Three years later, that little boy joined our family through adoption. Our family’s heart ties to Haiti are strong; last week’s earthquake jolted us to the core of our being.

Many people have told me they want to donate to organizations they can trust to deliver relief supplies directly to Port-au-Prince, with minimal red tape and administrative costs.

Here are three wonderful organizations I trust and highly recommend:

Reach Out to Haiti

This non-profit organization provides ongoing relief, in addition to assisting the adoption of Haitian children. (We adopted our son through them and have heard reports that several families who were waiting to adopt have received their child since the earthquake.)
The orphanage was damaged during the quake, but thankfully, everyone is safe. Here is a list of urgently-needed items:
Food: baby food/cereal, peanut butter, tuna or canned meat or stew, powdered milk or formula, granola or protein bars, spaghetti-type pasta (is most compact for packing) farina and oatmeal, bagged walnuts, raisins, dried fruit and trail mix.
Medical supplies: large gauze and dressing, bandages, surgical tape, antibiotic/burn ointment, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, ace bandages and any splint/brace type supports.
Diapers, baby wipes, powder and oil are also always needed.
Here is a page that explains how to donate.

Air Mobile Ministries

This non-profit organization does disaster relief all around the world and provides air support for Reach Out to Haiti. Since its inception in 1978, AMM has traveled around the world, bringing medical supplies, food, clothing, and the Vortex Voyager TM water purifier to those in need.
You can follow Air Mobile Joe as he blogs from Haiti about the relief efforts.

Compassion and Mercy Associates (CAMA)

CAMA, a non-profit relief and development organization, is partnering with sister organizations already in Haiti to provide immediate assistance – including clean water, emergency shelter, medical aid, and other necessities—as well as long-term help in rebuilding efforts.

On behalf of the entire Rich’s for the Home family, I thank you for doing what you can to contribute toward relief efforts in Haiti.