Brassworks Fine Home Details

The Story Of Sun Valley Bronze

2012-05-11T20:05:19Z

In 1992, a revolution in the hardware industry began in a small foundry in Hailey, Idaho. Robert Commons, founder of Sun Valley Bronze, was building fine homes and custom cabinetry, yet he could not find hardware of comparable quality and style. He decided he would begin casting his own and founded what has become the most extensive line of decorative bronze hardware available anywhere.

Today, Sun Valley Bronze offers the original and most complete line of hand-crafted and hand-finished solid bronze door, kitchen, bath and cabinet hardware. Created in silicon or white bronze, each piece offers the enduring grace of antiquity, yet fulfills the expectations offered by modern technology. From design concept to hand-finishing, the team at Sun Valley Bronze controls every phase of production. The understated elegance of their contemporary and traditional styles will enhance any architecture and add distinction to every project.

Sun Valley Bronze is still family owned and operated. Their mission has always been to provide their clients with hardware of uncompromising design and durability and to back it up with friendly, prompt, and honest service.

Sun Valley Bronze hardware has been much imitated but never equaled. From their patented, adjustable ball-bearing hinge to their hand-applied finishes. We at Brassworks invite you to experience the Sun Valley Bronze difference here, on display at our showroom. We believe you will discover endless possibilities.

Vitalia, The Code Handle for Doors from Valli & Valli

2012-04-20T18:45:08Z

The architectural hardware company Valli & Valli are known for their contemporary style and innovative design, inspired by an array of world renowned architects and designers. Recently Valli & Valli won the Interior Design Best of 2011 Award for one of their newest products, the Vitalia code handle system for interior doors. This unique system allows the user to secure a private space without a key. At first glance, the system appears like a normal interior passage lever set, but upon further inspection, you will see a small, four button keypad and one small pad lock button. This allows the user to unlock the room by entering a password of their choice. The sleek handle is utilized by concealing the two, 3 volt lithium batteries which powers the system. The Vitalia can be incorporated into most existing door applications, or installed into new doors, and is about as functional as it is cool.

Fireplaces, fire pits and barbecues extend outdoor entertaining season

2012-03-30T19:07:56Z

Imagine having a fireplace, or an entire kitchen, in your backyard. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and built-in barbecues are a great way to eat, entertain and spend time in your backyard well into the fall months.

From simple chimineas to elaborate outdoor kitchens, there are many ways to add months to your outdoor patio use.

Scott Shorrow, president of Landscape Concepts Inc. in Frederick, said outdoor cooking spaces and fireplaces can be plain or fancy. “There are custom, built-in grills, prefabricated fireplaces, pizza ovens,” Shorrow said.

Wet bar areas can give a kitchen like air to a patio, without the expense of a full kitchen. These are usually made with masonry to allow them to withstand weather. They should be situated near the indoor kitchen to make plumbing easier.

But for those without outdoor storage areas, a wheeled cart with cooking and eating utensils helps make it easier to bring the indoors outside.

Grills can be custom-made, built-in or portable. Stainless steel holds up to all kinds of weather, and gas is quicker-cooking than charcoal. The best grill to get is one that works with your lifestyle. If you spend a lot of time entertaining and cooking outdoors, you may want to get a fancier grill. If most of your grilling is for family and the occasional party, you may want to get a smaller, less expensive grill.

Pizza ovens are popular in higher-end outdoor kitchens, Shorrow said. Pre-assembled pizza ovens are available and are generally cheaper than custom-built models. These brick ovens are said to make superior pizzas.

“People are staying in their homes a lot longer with housing values being down,” Shorrow said. “You’ve heard of the term ‘staycation’? People are staying home and enjoying their outdoor living environment.”

Outdoor fireplaces give a cozy feel to a patio, said Ray Schrider, manager at Irwin Stone in Frederick.

“A lot of people just want a place to cook marshmallows, and for aesthetics, but there are a lot of people who enjoy spending time outside,” Schrider said. “If you’ve got a nice fire burning, you can use your outdoor space late into the season.” Outdoor fireplaces often make the patio a comfortable place to be even when the weather turns brisk in October, he said.

Some homeowners want a traditional brick or stone fireplace. A chiminea is much cheaper, but for homeowners who want something in between, there is the fire pit, said Thad Bittner, of Decks, Patios and Improvements LLC in Frederick.

These are built into or above patios that are often made of brick, stone or pavers. “You can build a bonfire in some of these,” Schrider said. Some are as small as 3 feet in diameter, while others are as much as 8 feet across, he said.

“Lots of people are building outside living spaces, with water features, elaborate lighting and outdoor kitchens, and fire pits are a big part of that,” he said.

Some patios are under cover, which allows homeowners a bit more flexibility in their outdoor kitchen possibilities.

A fire pit may cost as little as $600, while an elaborate fireplace with stone or brick facing may be $10,000. Those often include built-in storage areas for wood.

“It’s a reason to go outside,” Schrider said.

By Karen Gardner
News-Post Staff
The Frederick News-Post
351 Ballenger Center Drive
Frederick, MD 21703
Phone: 301-662-117