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What is Zellige?

5/28/2018

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Zellige is a type of mosaic tile work from Morocco. This traditional art requires meticulous craftsmanship to execute flawlessly, it is used as an architectural feature or artistic element within a water feature, on walls, floors, or ceilings. The tiles are made by hand. The process requires attention to detail and is a craftsmanship passed down through the generations of family owned businesses. The word "zellige" comes from Arabic الزليج   ( al zulaycha ) that means 'little polished stone'.
The art of zellige was introduced to Europe during the  13th century in the Al Andalus area, what is today known as Spain & Portugal but originated well before that in the Islamic world.  The patterns symbolize the infinite nature of God (Allah). Artisans were prohibited from depicting living beings in artwork and used instead, geometric shapes and patterns as a form of expression. Fes and Meknes in Morocco currently remain a centre of this art form.
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The tiles are made from clay found near Fes and are prepared as 11cm square tiles, approximately 6-12mm thick which are baked in a Kiln. Glazed colour is then applied, and the tiles are baked again. After the square coloured tiles are complete an artisan will the sketch the required geometric shapes on the larger tiles and cut them down by hand. The individual shaped tiles (called furmah) are then pieced together into the larger geomtric patterns.  
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The tiles can be installed two ways. The first method requires the individual tiles to be laid out in geometric shapes and patterns on the floor, then plaster is applied to the back of the tiles to create large panels which can then be applied to walls, floors, ceilings etc. The second method requires direct application on the wall or other surface over a layer of plaster.
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The colour options are endless as each colour is custom mixed according to the design requirements. Traditional colours are blue, red, green, gold, black and white.

In contemporary designs endless colours can be created, leaving the art open to modern interpretation.

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Luxury Mattresses

5/1/2018

4 Comments

 
Recently a friend asked me what was the best organic mattress. I needed to do some research on this. I have been working with luxury products for years and the most sought after mattress for my projects has been King Koil Luxury Mattress. However, these are not necessarily the most non-toxic and organic mattresses on the luxury market. 
The other two brands which sparked my interest are Essentia and Hastens. See below for descriptions of each of these brands and products.

King Koil
​Come January, King Koil will be introducing a new organic collection to answer the consumer demand - See more at: http://www.kingkoil.com/blog/the-organic-mattress-explosion/#sthash.5jaI2o0O.dpuf

King Koil's Luxury mattress Palermo Plush Euro 
Palermo features 800 individually wrapped coils, Silk and Wool, Latex Gel, Visco Gel Memory Foam, and a host of other comfort layers to maximize your perfect night’s sleep.


  • Quilt: Silk & Wool Blend, AdvantaGel
  • Insert:Gel Response Latex, ifushion
  • Upholstery:Super Soft Foam
  • Coil:Contour Plus Elite
  • Edge:Excellent Edge FE
  • Base:Enhanced Balance Base Foam
  • Foundation:Amish-Made Natural Wood Foundation
  • Warranty:10 Years Non-Prorated
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Hastens
Luxuria is defined by its slightly firmer support characteristics. You’ll feel how it immediately meets, and adjusts to, your body weight as you lie down before gently carrying you off to sleep.
This extra support comes from a Bonnell spring system with a thicker thread dimension. Thick layers of cotton close to your body provide added softness. With Luxuria, you’ll awake alert, refreshed and energized.
Real luxury is never artificial. It always comes from nature. And nature is the birthplace of Hästens Luxuria, one of the most loved beds in our continental bed collection.
Hästens Luxuria is more than just a beautiful bed, it's the full package—delivering an incredible night's sleep.
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Essentia

Essential Natural Memory Foam is made using hevea milk (rubber tree sap). It feels like the memory foam we all know and love, but it's made without the gunk.

Love a luxuriously soft, pillow-top type mattresses? If so, the Fior delivers distinct contouring support of a Dormeuse but with a plush surface you'll just sink right into and enjoy.
Benefits & AdvantagesPillow-topless - Dust mites love traditional pillow-top mattresses. They nest in the light polyester, cotton or wool batting. 

The fiberless pillow-top delivers the luxury you'll love, without the nesting grounds. This is achieved with a specially formulated, Fior foam formula, featured exclusively in this model. This soft, durable layer is molded over the Fior providing that pillow-top like feel that will bring you back every night wanting more. 

Three unique foam formulas are used to create Essentia's most luxurious mattresses. The decadently soft Fior top layer leads you to slowly sink into the support layers below.
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    ALISON BRANDT

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