The Art of Placement Newsletter

In the Beginning it was all about making peoples' homes beautiful, creating an environment that you just wouldn't want to leave. Elegance, Comfort and Luxury were the words springing from my lips and the world was a happy place to work and play.

For me, one of my greatest passions was and still is getting to know unique individuals with various talents that I can add to my "team of experts". Together we create masterpieces that highlight their many splendid skills and enrich each project we work on.

Now a days, in this new environment (do I dare say) called Recession; nothing's changed except that I notice a more "dog eat dog" feeling...and a survival of the fittest syndrome. It makes me miss the days of strictly celebrating some one else's talent just because they're yes unique and talented and it's more important than ever to refer and be referred in return.

This morning I got up at the crack of dawn (for those of you who know me) not an easy thing to do; to celebrate those who I believe deserve a moment to be admired for their talent, hard work and perserverence in this tough market. They bridge several industries and no I'm not saying you MUST use these people. I'm saying that if you have a need, a desire or a whisp of an idea floating in the corner of your imagination then one of these talented, interesting and sometimes quirky individuals may be someone you'd like to know better.

ZOOM IN and take a look at this beautiful image! My friend Preston Manser has a talent that just takes my breath away! Originally, from Hilton Head, his creations have graced many glossy magazines and have been donated to charities all over. Can you imagine combining Concrete and Swarovski Crystals to come up with a product that would enhance your home? To actually produce sweeping staircases for both interiors and exteriors, to be able to produce working fountains and sculptured furniture pieces all encrusted with sparkling stardust and crystals is truly beyond the realm of most of us, whose feet actually do touch the ground.

His style is "unique" and magical and the good news is that it doesn't matter which style of decor is yours because he (like us) can do it all. Grecian, Tropical, Modern or Transitional, if you can dare to imagine, he can create it.

Preston is a talent to be respected because his pieces are a celebration of space that we can all get excited about. One piece can change the aura to the entrance of your home. Incorporating this theme into an entire design plan can be original and exciting; cutting edge!

O.K. Let's go to the practical side for a minute. You know that when you (the client) invites us into your home we build a relationship of trust and mutual (we hope) like. After 20 years in Boca Raton, many of our clients ask us who we know that we trust and they ask about a lot of different industries. Many of our clients who've moved here from different parts of the country or world want to establish relationships with professionals from this area.

The other day someone asked who I know that can help manage their money. This is one area where as a creative "artsy" person my eyes glaze over. HOWEVER, I have only heard good things about my friend (yes, he's my friend of 20 years) Peter Goffin. His forte is portfolio analysis and construction. (At least I got the word construction in there). What I like is that he knows how to really individualize for your needs and guess what? He actually seems to care about the people who've become his clients and I'm impressed with the many "good deeds" I'm become aware of that he's been party to.

As a registered investment advisor, Peter holds a Series 24 principal's license as well as general securities Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses. He's also a licensed insurance broker with the State of Florida, authorized to sell both fixed and variable annuities. Over the past dozen years, he has conducted seminars on a variety of financial topics and has received numerous honors from his peers for his professionalism.

It's his commitment to excellence that puts him on our list of individuals we feel comfortable enough to add to our team of experts. You can reach him at 561-995- 2418.

Preston and Peter are just two of so many professionals that we've met and become aquainted with over the years. And yes, referring can be tough. We have many friends and/or business associates that we've worked with over the years. Many are in the same profession. We team up with Realtors, Builders, architects and more. We refer by matching up what you the client asks for to whomever we think can best deliver and answer those needs. Whenever possible we'll give you two names so that you can choose whichever one makes you feel most comfortable.

Listen, I'm not Oprah. I don't want to tell you who to vote for but I will tell you that if you're looking for a 2nd home in Naples, my son Jeff Feldman, Realtor extraordinare can be reached at Jeff@Naplesisgreat.com. 239-494-2425. If you're in need of a good law firm, Debra Feldman is a lawyer with Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A. Established in 1925, they offer a broad range of legal services, with 8 offices in Florida and more than 120 attorneys. She can be reached at 954-468-1373 of dfeldman@gunster.com.

So much for nepotism.

I'm really thrilled to announce that in-between newsletters Betsy Abend has joined The Art of Placement, Inc. She is sooooo talented! Her hand drawings look like computer generated and she's even designed hotels, restaurants and nightclubs nationwide. Quite a nice addition, don't you think? She's a licensed Interior Designer who's been researching and having so much fun with Green Design. The following is a little bit of info she's passing on to the rest of us. Hope you find it informative!

Everywhere you look today we're exposed to the "green" phenomenon. There are TV commercials teaching us about energy efficient light bulbs, water heaters, thermostats, & sprinkler systems. Magazines advertise unique and innovative ways for you as a homeowner to reduce your energy bills. Installing ceiling fans to reduce summer AC costs, low-flow showerheads save water and natural fibers on bedding make recycling easier when it comes time to redecorate. Everything from textiles to food products to flooring materials and furniture are making our homes more energy efficient & environmentally safe. Finally, the ultimate piece de resistance. You can win your very own eco-friendly "green home"! There is no escaping it, green is now mainstream!

As "Interior Specialists" we like to educate and encourage our clients to hop on board the "green train." There are a growing library of interior products and materials that are available to all of us in the industry. Fabrics made from high quality natural fibers that are grown without pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. All of this is produced without compromising the luxurious sensuous feel of the fabrics. Natural fibers such as hemp, bamboo, flax (linen), and abaca all fall into this category.

Wall coverings made from fast-growing, renewable resources or recycled paper uses 70% - 90% less energy to produce and prevents deforestation worldwide. According to Domino magazine, 4.7 billion pounds of carpet is dumped in landfills annually because its synthetic components cannot be recycled! Rethink your floors to hardwood - bamboo. Sweeping the floors instead of vacuuming them will consequently save electricity.

Showers account for 32% of home water use, so consider installing a high efficiency or low-flow showerhead. Also, don't forget to repair your leaky fixtures & save over 20 gallons of water per day. Many companies are helping the environment through forestation and sustainable harvesting. We're helping by incorporating many of these new ideas and products into every project we undertake! It's my pleasure to be able to pass on my expertise to you and your home. Make your dream home, a green home.