Robin Wilson

Attend the Top 20 African American Designer Party as Robin's guest!

 

The contest is now closed. Thanks to all who entered!

Recently, Robin was named to Pink Eggshell's 2012 Top 20 African American Interior Designer list.

Honorees will be recognized at an exclusive event held at Jay-Z's newly remodeled club 40/40 in New York City on May 20th - and you could be there!

It is only through the support of friends and fans that Robin has been able to achieve the success she has, and now is the time to celebrate! Two lucky winners (and a guest) will be added as Robin's guests to this event. 

The event will be held at 8pm on Sunday, May 20th, 2012 at the 40/40 club in New York. Lodging and transportation will not be provided, so entrants are encouraged to be from the tri-state NY area. 21 and over only, please. More information on the event itself is available at PinkEggshellPresents.com

 

Contest Details

You will receive one entry for each of activities listed below.

Please leave a comment on this blog post for each separate activity. That is, if you tweet, subscribe to the newsletter and like us on Facebook, leave three separate comments. 

Include a link to your tweet or blog post as applicable. You may blog or tweet more than once, and will earn an entry for each one. 

The contest will be open until May 16th and the winner will be notified via email on the 17th. 

 

1. Follow @RWHome on Twitter
2. Tweet "I want to attend #AATop20 with @RWHome! http://ow.ly/aPpsM "
3. Like RobinWilsonHome on Facebook
4. Subscribe to our email newsletter
5. Follow us on Pinterest
6. Subscribe to this blog
7. Reblog this post
8. Write a blog post about why you'd like to attend the event, and link back to this post

 

Thanks for your interest, and good luck!

Robin Wilson honored as one of Top 20 African American Interior Designers

Pink Eggshell has named Robin Wilson to their 2012 list of "Top 20 African American Designers". Other noable designers on the list include Lisa Turner, Joan Goodwin; and Venus Williams.  

These talented individuals will be honored at an exclusive party at the newly remodeled 40/40 Club in New York on May 20th, 2012. Be sure to check back to find out how you could attend as Robin's guest! 

To learn more about the event, follow hashtag #AATOP20 on twitter!

Robin's Favorites: Holiday Kitchens custom cabinetry

If it is time for a new kitchen or bath look, you need to visit a local Holiday Kitchen dealer to find out about the eco-friendly options for CUSTOM cabinetry! (make sure to ask about the RWH frameless line) Imagine having the comfort knowing that no formaldehyde based adhesives are used, low-to-no VOC paints and stains are used, a new tree is planted for every tree used in the manufacturing process, and there are over 96 door styles that you can select from...and since it is Made in the USA, you are saving jobs! And most importantly, there is a lifetime warranty because they believe in their product...and silent-close drawers are standard. Start with the Holiday Kitchen dealer locator 

Robin's Favorite: Benjamin Moore AURA paint

Benjamin Moore paint - AURA (low VOC) and Natura (no VOC) - lines which meet the strictest state standards of California. This paint has a self-primer which can save labor costs, and also one hour after painting, there is no paint smell which is great for asthma & allergies.The paint is ranked in the top performance levels among 21 eco- or green-conventional paints by Consumer Reports. Learn more

Simple Tips before you start a Kitchen Remodeling project !

There are so many people who recognize that the kitchen of their dreams is just around the corner -and they also consider a local independent kitchen dealer - they have the budget, they have the design, or they want to remodel before putting the house on the market. But, are these good ideas? Here is a bit of advice to get the best value from your kitchen remodel.

• Don't remodel your kitchen for a prospective buyer because you may not get back 100% of what you spend. Typical payback is 50%-80% with the less personal renovations (i.e. neutral tones) receiving the most payback.
• Don't walk into a kitchen design meeting without a list of 'absolutes' or you will get seduced into buying everything...do you really need a knife or baking drawer with custom cuts for your utensils?
• Don't walk in to a kitchen supplier without knowing your preferences for cabinet colors such as white, maple, ebony. Read magazines and tear out photos in advance or the sales rep may convince you that there is a certain "best seller" that is really just a higher priced model.
• Don't ignore how you use your kitchen - if you have a busy kitchen (preparing more than 3 meals a day), then you might want to avoid certain countertop products such as concrete, paper or bamboo and consider other eco-friendly options such as Silestone or Caesarstone.
• Don't buy a range that has an extreme BTU number as it does not guarantee better performance. It is better to find a range that has at lease one burner with a high BTU number and then use that if you need to cook an item quickly.
• Don't buy a "faux-pro" model or Professional Series unles you "want it". Most mainstream appliances (ranges/refrigerators) perform just as well.
• Don't ignore common sense and hire a contractor simply on price. Ask to see a recently installed kitchen, and ask to see a kitchen that was installed 3 years ago. If it is an older installation, you will be able to see if it was able to stand the test of time. And make sure you have a copy of the contractor license and insurance in file should an issue arise.
• Don't opt for extended appliance warranties.
• Don't expect completion time to be on the day you request - ask for a completion date, but expeect at least two extra weeks to ensure final details such as installation of knobs, pulls, late tile deliveries requiring another trip for backsplash installation.
• Don't buy a built in fridge ($3,000+) when you can buy a cabinet-depth refrigerator.
• Don't buy fluorescent undermount bulbs when you can do low-voltage alternatives such as halogen, LED or xenon.

Product of Day: FLOR Modular Carpet Tiles

We recommend FLOR inspired modular floorcovering for our clients, which is a 'green' product. FLOR is a modular carpet tile that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to design your own easy area rug for the kitchen, nursery or living room. No glue is needed for installation, so your existing floors won't be ruined. Instead, dots with the sticky side up connect each 19.7" x 19.7" carpet tile together.

FLOR is a quick do-it-yourself project that can be installed over any level, dry surface — even vinyl. This is a great product for heavy-traffic rooms and spaces for family rooms. These carpet tiles can be laid parquet style with ribbing in different directions and can enhance the upscale feel of any space. Pricing is from $6.99 to $59.00 per tile.

Explore the options the FLOR website.

Product Tip of Day: Seventh Generation recyclable packaging!

Did you know that the outer packaging of the new Seventh Generation laundry can be composted or recycled? The outer shell is made from a 70% recycled fiberboard, with an interior plastic pouch made of 30% recycled product.

When you are finished using the new Seventh Generation 4x Concentrate Laundry detergent, you simply break apart the shell and use in compost, and take the plastic cap and liner for recycling!

Seventh Generation detergent is powerful even in a smaller container. Learn more!

Design Tip of Day: Floral Creations as Artistry

Recently, I worked on an HGTV shoot with an amazing floral stylist, Vanessa Baran - who has had her work featured on the cover of Elegant Bride and at events...and in many movies...she is the top-secret (yet affordable) "icing on the cake" for events and weddings in New York City, Connecticut, Florida & LA.

She has now branched into "fascinators" - typically the province of the English and these head coverings make you swoon. Perfect for the Kentucky Derby, a polo match or other occassion. Meet Vanessa Baran, Stylist

Savings Tip of Day: Design Your Home Office on a Dime!

So many people work from home today, and the exciting thing for most is the day that they "hang their shingle". However, a few weeks/months later the paperwork begins to overwhelm and then they realize that it is time to do an effficient setup that will allow papers and storage to be organized. Here is a re-design by Robin Wilson on a dime using products from The Container Store - and done in less than 2 hours. Watch CBS before & after video

Tip of Day: Allergies & Asthma

With the summer months approaching, and everything in bloom, are you wheezing & sneezing? Read this Black Enterprise magazine article to learn a few tips to improve your  indoor air quality and to improve your eco-healthy lifestyle  (...read more)

Asthma Tip of Day: Walls & Ceilings

Did you know the largest surface area in the home is also the most ignored area in a home? The dust collection in these areas is 2x the amount of the flooring area...so please make sure that part of your cleaning routine does not ignore the:

• Walls & Ceilings: pay close attention to the bedroom areas behind your headboard, the entry foyer which may contain pollen spores, and the ceiling corners which may have cobwebs that collect dust.

Source: AAFA.org

 

 

CBS: Allergies & Asthma Prevention

Robin Wilson discusses the options for a family whose 18-month child was diagnosed with asthma at a little over a year old.

Simple things that can be done from $10 to $1000 for an apartment or home. 

CLICK on link to see CBS segment 

Cleaning Tip of Day: Furniture Care

We see great TV commercials that advertise products that we don't need and that will only create a "chemical stew" affecting our indoor air quality...

So, here is a brief excerpt about what you should do to care for your furniture:

• Dust: wipe wood surfaces with a soft cloth and avoid most commercial cleaners and polishes since they contain formaldehyde and ammonia. Did you know?: most modern wood furniture does not need to be waxed or polished because the factory finish won't even allow wax to penetrate!
• Vacuum: upholstered furniture should be vacuumed weekly to remove dust. And sprinkle baking soda prior to vacuum if there is odor. Did you know?: fabric fresheners typically contain fragrances/solvents that trigger allergic and asthmatic reactions
• Erase & Rub: for leather, vacuum regularly, but also remove scuff marks with a pencil eraser and for water marks, rub with distilled white vinegar. Always test first in a hidden spot. If you use a chemical-based leather cleaner, use in a well-ventilated room.
• Scotchgard or Silicon? Stain protection is a tough subject when being eco-friendly. Know that Scotchgard offers the most protection, but it is not eco-friendly. A good alternative is silicon, a natural substance that repels most spills, except grease.

Shopping Tip of Day: Organic Mattresses

You can trek all over town, the internet or the world, but the BEST source to see it all is in one New York City (or Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine) showroom where the best of the mattress with  eco/healthy/organic/hypoallergenic qualities are showcased. For designers, doctors and  families who want the best, and prefer to lay down on a mattress to feel the difference, instead of just viewing on a website. Visit The Clean Bedroom

Design Tip of Day: Arhaus

OK...rarely do we get catalogs in the mail, and we stop and say, wow! That is what happened when the Arhaus design catalog arrived in my mailbox. Furniture and accessories that belong in an eco-friendly home...aesthetic beauty matched by only a few competitors...yet, it is affordable. Check out Arhaus catalog

Product Tip of Day: Design a Custom Smartphone Case

Bored of dull smartphone covers that all look the same?  At Case-Mate.com you can upload your photos, art, logo or any custom artwork to create an original case for your smartphone.  You can also choose from their galleries for artwork and choose customizable features for your case.  Buy at Case-Mate

 

 

Product Tip of Day: MOEN Bath faucet shows no fingerprints!

How many times do you have to clean your faucet due to water spots and fingerprints? You need to consider the new Caldwell faucet from MOEN that has a new Brushed Nickel "spot resist" finish that makes it easier to clean  your bathroom. Plus, it is also certified by the EPA WaterSense program which means that this faucet has a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute (less than the industry average of 2.2 gallons) so you save money on your water bill...and most importantly, less time cleaning! Learn more

Product Tip of Day: LG 4-door French Door is a Really Efficient Refrigerator!

LG has a refrigerator that is 20% more efficient than Energy Star standards? The next question is always, but is it pretty?...and the answer is "wow" (see photo, left). The new LG Four Door-French Door refrigerator has a new linear compressor technology ensuring that it works at maximum level when the door opens a lot, and at minimal level when the door is kept closed. Smart technology helps you save energy and it uses LED lights - all features to help you save money on your utility bills.  Learn more

Eco-Product Tip: Pilot Pens made of Recycled Bottles

Can you believe a plastic bottle can be recycled and made into a pen? It is part of a commitment by Pilot with their recently released line of "BeGreen" products - made from recycled water bottle materials with an environmentally responsible manufacturing process. The pen (photo, left) looks like a water bottled!   It is a bit retro...you can actually refill the ink and continue to use instead of tossing used pens into the landfill. Look for this line with all the same ink colors as the standard Pilot pen line. Learn more

Robin's Favorite: Windows go from Clear to Frosted Glass in seconds

We always wanted to have one of those conference rooms where you press the button and the window goes from clear to frosted (see left) in an instant...well, there is now an affordable option in the market. And it is affordable for anyone! Imagine: a meeting is about to start, and then the windows go frosted. This solution even allows you to place your logo on the window when it "frosts" - see the window on left become clear at Glass Promotions