Designer Glass for Your Bathroom

When everybody thinks about high quality kiln-formed glass applications kitchens get all of the attention in the industry. Backsplashes, countertops, wall art are the glass applications that will standout visually. And since we’re always in the kitchen, why wouldn’t we want to make it the most visually appealing room in the house? Because we’re spending more time in the bathroom We’ll most likely never spend the same amount of time in the bathroom as in the kitchen, but a refined bathroom is at the top of the list of must-haves for prospective house buyers. I have seen some stats that indicate that we spend as much as 30 minutes a day, 210 minutes a week and almost 7-1/2 days a year in the bathroom. And that’s just time spent on hygiene and facilities. What about that end of the week baths that we use to unwind? You could easily add another day a year to the total. There’s no doubt that beauty and refinement in a bathroom will make you want to spend as much time as you can in there. With that thought in mind Castle Designer Glass developed a line of high quality products for the bathroom. Our creative artists create professionally engineered, high quality, elegant framed or semi-framed shower enclosures. We can customize your shower enclosure to the finish or texture of your choice. Since all of our work is done in house we don’t depend on outside contractors which allow us to make sure that your project is completed on-time. And like our beautiful glass countertops in the kitchen, we thought that a bathroom wouldn’t be complete without its own glass countertop. That same tempered, durable glass that is ideal for the everyday kitchen use is an ideal complement to a glass shower enclosure in the bathroom. If you’re interested in having us quote you on your bathroom, you’ll just have to provide us with the dimensions and a drawing.

Glass Wall Art Can Enhance Your Living Space

There are many ways to add beauty to a home and its walls, including hanging picture frames and works of art. Another way that homeowners can create a visual focal point in a room is with glass wall art. Throughout history glass wall art has always been very popular in different parts of the world. The colors and textures that can be made into glass enhance the overall aesthetics of any living space. When it comes to picking out glass wall art for your home you need to decide a number of things before setting out to shop for the actual piece. You have to consider the size of the wall as well as the activities that take place inside that room. A quiet reading room or library wouldn’t be a good fit for wild and loud glass wall art. You’ll have to choose glass wall art that is calming that will put you at ease. Then you have to consider the color palette you will be using for this room. You can either decide to go with a neutral color of glass wall art or you can decide to include some contrast into the room. When you’re planning to buy wall art, your interior designer can help you find the right colors, textures and design. Your designer will help you plan your space and work within price range to realize your project. You’ll also have to determine which wall should display your art. High traffic areas might not be the best place to display glass wall art. It’s important to make sure that you clean your new glass wall art each week to prevent dust from staying on it for too long. It will be much harder to remove if you allow it to settle into the cracks. Glass wall art doesn't usually require a frame because glass wall art can hang onto the wall its own. Because it’s heavier than traditional wall art because of the materials used to make it, it will have to use strong supports and hardware attach it to the wall. If you really want to add beauty to your living space and are looking for an original piece of art, we can design a glass wall art piece that will make you proud.

Inspired by Nature

As I was driving back from Regina earlier today, I couldn't help but notice the changing autumn colors, especially the leaves in the trees. Oranges mixing with greens and browns mixing with reds inspire the artist in all of us to create our next piece of art using nature's vibrant colour palette. Whether I am driving by the Evergreen Parks such as the George Dyck Park or John Brockelbank Park or a Stonebridge Park like the Patricia Roe Park, I am always fascinated by the beautiful tones and shades of colour. And the wonderful thing about these colours is that I will be able to create new textures for backsplashes, wall art, countertops with them in mind. At Castle Designer Glass, the textures that we create will have a large influence in the overall vision of the piece that we're working on. More than ever, customers are trying to recreate nature's beauty through the colours and furniture that they have in their homes. With some pieces they will be limited by technology. But with glass art, it can be customized as to the shape, colour and texture. Without texture, glass would just be plain and not interesting in any way. If you look through our website at www.castledesignerglass.com you'll see a sample of the textures that we can create. Our only limit is your imagination.

The Parade of Homes Makes Dreams Come True

I can't tell you how pleased I am that Castle Designer Glass is exhibiting its glass wall art, glass countertops and glass backsplashes with the Saskatoon Parade of Homes. The Parade of Homes is an initiative of the Home Builders Association and the Make a Wish Foundation to raise funds through the Wish Home Lottery. These funds have helped grant the most heartfelt wishes of children suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer an opportunity to enjoy life after an illness or can simply provide the time and support a family's needs after a lengthy medical crisis. We've teamed up with local builders including Haven Builders, Decora Homes Ltd. and Selkirk Developments Inc. to stage participating homes in the Parade of Homes. One of the homes is located at 1726 Pohorecky Rise and is a luxurious two storey 2345 sq. ft. home full of unique, exclusive features. Since we partnered up with the Wish Home Lottery, we've been receiving a steady stream of builders, designers and stagers who have been impressed by the endurance qualities of our glass countertops and glass backsplashes. We stand behind all of our products and we can ensure our customers that they are designed to handle normal wear and tear. If you're a designer or home stager we would love it if you could visit us at our studio and we can show you the fabrication process and the full range of glass products. If you would like to make a difference in the life of someone who has survived a serious illness, please participate in the Wish Home Lottery.

Add Light to Your Kitchen with Eco-Friendly Glass Backsplashes

These days, we are all aware of the need to preserve our limited natural resources. I don’t think that there is another industry that is more conscious of integrating recycling and sustainable building design and building materials practices than the building materials industry. From the installation of solar energy panels to the use of bamboo and straw building materials, consumers are asking for eco-friendly products in the construction of their homes. Our beautiful glass tiles can be used on countertops and backsplashes. Choosing glass tiles for your home can have a number of benefits, both for the planet and for your family’s health. Because glass tiles are non-porous, they resist mold, mildew and staining. With less dirt accumulating, on your backsplash, your family won’t be exposed to as many germs. And you won’t have to spend your time scrubbing with harmful detergents just to keep them clean. Glass tiles reflect light, making the area look brighter and larger; reducing the amount of energy you need to light your kitchen. Glass tiles are more eco-friendly because it takes half the energy to produce a glass tile compared to a ceramic tile. Another advantage is that glass tiles can be customized to any color, shape or texture. You won’t have to waste your time looking for the perfect color or texture. We can match them up with your existing furniture of countertops to create a visual impact in your kitchen. Glass backsplashes are a great way to green up any home.

The Great Thing About Glass

I've always been a big fan of glass, almost as much as I am of jewellery! In modern day society glass has been used for more functional roles such as to hold a liquid or allow light to enter a building. But glass art has always appealed to me. In fact, the use of glass for practical and decorative purposes dates back to Ancient Egypt and Rome. Glass was most likely discovered by accident when melted sand (silica)was fused in cooking fires. Glassblowing, was used in Jerusalem in the first century BC and spread throughout the Roman Empire. Other glass art techniques, such as stained glass, casting, fusing, and mosaic, evolved over time (i.e. stained glass was a very popular technique used in the cathedrals of Europe during the Middle Ages; 5th to 16th centuries AD). Eventually, glassblowing became the dominant technique with the production of glass art pieces and the industry concentrated in Murano, Italy. Many of the technologies used then including crystalline glass, enamelled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicoloured glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), and imitation gemstones made of glass are still be used today in everything from contemporary art glass and glass figurines to Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers. When I founded Castle Designer Glass a few years ago, I was inspired to bring the beautiful designs that I had encountered on my travels back to my hometown of Saskatoon. The versatility of glass allows it to be used in a wide variety of surfaces including backsplashes. glass boards, freestanding or wall art, door inserts, tables, countertops, etc... in the home, the office or in a casino, spa, airport, hotel or store. Glass art gives a piece that special something that makes people take notice. When someone wants their room to standout, I can't think of a better way than with glass art.

Glass Breaks Through a Cluttered Retail Landscape

If you’ve been to a shopping mall lately, you probably feel that every store looks the same. Whether you’re shopping for fashionable clothes with your daughter, jewellery for your significant other or shoes for yourself, every store has that same old feeling to it. There just isn’t anything at the entrance that gets your attention and makes you want to stop and go in. And if you’re a retailer, that’s a bad thing. Your store entrance has to engage your potential customers and communicate your brand and concept before they even step inside your shop. Your product has to be front and centre but you need something to break through their consciousness. Customized, colorful and conversational, architectural glass solutions will lead visitors into your store. There are many glass products that are visually appealing and will maintain the consistency of your brand values. A glass panel feature will create flow to your interior design layout and can be complemented by custom designed surface and soft lighting. Glass inserts that come in many colors and textures will add color and enhance a visitor’s sense of curiosity. Glass signage combined with beautiful lighting will draw attention to the logo and name for the right reasons. Glass wall or freestanding art will generate buzz and get people talking. Architectural glass products are aesthetically pleasing to the eye, can open up even the smallest of spaces and are much more environmentally friendly than many other products. If you want to differentiate your store from the competition, architectural glass has many distinctive advantages.

Glass Railings Can Really Open Up Your Space

Glass railings have been called many things over the years. From glass balustrades to staircase glass panels, they have many names but they all do essentially the same thing, provide security and safety for staircases while maximizing the perception of space. Not all rooms are created equal, especially if you happen to live in the city. With the increase in condominiums being built in Canada's cities (have you been to Toronto lately?) builders and designers have to maximize the space that they have been given to work with. And that's where architectural glass and glass furniture can make a difference. Not only do glass railings look fantastic around staircases but they can give them a floating impression and really open up a small living space. They can give a truly modern and contemporary feel to any home or office. A professional glass designer will suggest the right installation hardware that minimizes their impact and provides an unobstructed view of the the glass panels. It would be a shame to hide our work with bulky hardware! Many glass products are made overseas and if that's the type of product that a consumer will be pleased with, I am sure that she will find something that suits her style. But for customers that want a customized, unique glass railing or glass panel, there are glass designers that will design a product to the consumer's specifications. Our customers always tell us that working with a local company helps them make a better choice. We aren't limited by geography as we can ship to anywhere in Canada or the US. And if there are any problems, we're just a phone call away. So if you want Inspirational Glass, Custom Designed For True Connoisseurs, Think Castle Designer Glass.

Celebrating Glass at the London Olympics

I am really amazed at the amount of detail that the artists created the art featured in the Swansea Olympic Games art display http://bbc.in/Mb9wNd. From soccer and discus throwing to a spectacular piece that pays homage to the Games beginnings in Greece, the artists have captured the spirit and emotion of the competition. The exhibition will only open officially for a private viewing today by Gwyn L Williams, the Creative Programmer for Wales for London 2012 at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea but it is already getting worldwide attention for its creative use of glass. A jury of four judges whittled the exhibit down to thirty seven panels, after receiving over sixty entries. I would have hated to be one of the judges for that competition! Most of the glass art was created by students at the Swansea School of Glass, and painters from the British Society of Master Glass. I really think that the power of art is its ability to stimulate the senses and create conversation. Love it or hate it, everybody has to have an opinion on a piece of art! Glass art is unique because light can play a role in the interpretation of the piece. The world is full of great art. Whether its “Bent of Mind” by British artist Tony Cragg at the Nangang Software Park or John McEwen's Search Light, Star Light, Spot Light in Toronto, art is meant to be shared and enjoyed by everyone. In the spirit of the world's Olympic Games, art is the best way to promote the values of the games, Excellence, Respect and Friendship.

Architectural Glass is Like Commuting at an Art Gallery

You really don't know what to expect from one day to the next. When I started my glass design studio a couple of years ago, I never would have imagined that I would see my art at an airport. And when I was approached by the Aspen Pitkin County Airport, in Aspen, Colorado and the Bismarck Airport in Bismarck, North Dakota, that's exactly what happened. When we step out into the world each morning, either walking on the street or taking a bus or subway, we're surrounded by art. From the famous “Whirls and Twirls” by artist Sol LeWitt at the Columbus Avenue/59th Street station in New York to the beautiful statues at the Bangkok Airport, art is everywhere that people commute. In their infinite wisdom, city planners, architects and designers have all realized that art doesn't only belong in an art gallery but where people can enjoy it. And airports are definitely a major touchpoint for art and the community. Airport terminals are becoming the go-to places for contemporary art. While visitors are waiting to pick up relatives from their international excursions or passengers milling about the terminal, on their way to a connecting flight, glass art can add to the airport experience. Airports can be a confusing place, but glass art can make someone stop and relax for a moment. And for people that have a fear of flying, relaxing is a good thing. An airport terminal is the perfect mirror to the world of the contemporary artist. She can offer peace and tranquility in a busy space and make the real world of delays and lost baggage go away, at least for a minute.