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ANN SACKS® EXPANDS EXCLUSIVE FLOOR AND WALL TILE OPTIONS
THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH CONCRETE ARTISAN ANDY FLEISHMAN
PORTLAND, Ore. (May 10 2005)

Ann Sacks, in collaboration with leading concrete artisan, Andy Fleishman, presented four completely unique floor and wall tiles at the 2005 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas.

Fleishman’s designs for Ann Sacks offer a visually striking alternative to complement the diverse Ann Sacks tile and stone collections. Fleishman, who started his career as a wood sculptor and cabinet maker in the 1970s, gravitated toward concrete as his primary medium. His designs for Ann Sacks include Diamond and Petal, two large-scale, geometric designs; and, Maximus and Tendril, two more intricate designs using floral themes.

A sophisticated color palette was chosen for the textural designs in Gray, Crème, Chocolate and Camel. The tile can be Ann Sacks Andy Fleishman, customized by applying contrasting grout colors on the tile face, then, once set, wiping the grout away from the tile surface to expose the tile’s dramatic, etched patterns.

Andy Fleishman concrete flooring designs for Ann Sacks® provide a smooth surface and creative durable solution for residential and commercial flooring projects. Fleishman’s designs can be used vertically on surfaces that accommodate a 3/4-inch thickness. The tile can be applied to outdoor projects dependant upon climate and installation method. Sold exclusively by Ann Sacks, Maximus and Tendril are available as hexagons, and Petal and Diamond designs are produced on squares – both shapes measuring 12×12 inches.

Founded in 1981, Ann Sacks offers consumers and design professionals a wide range of luxury tile, stone, plumbing, lighting and accessories for the kitchen and bath. Along with Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc., which includes Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms, and Baker Stores, and the McGuire Furniture Company, it is a part of the Kohler Interiors Group and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath designs.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, home interiors, and hospitality services.

Bamboo is a currently a very popular choice for flooring, but did you know it can be used for other things? One company, Bamboo Outfitters offers eco friendly items from clothing, to linens, to soap and bath products made of bamboo. Bamboo is useful in making these products because bamboo fiber is soft and strong and produces products that are durable, soft and breathable. Unlike other natural products, bamboo can be safely dyed in bright and bold colors.

Benefits of bamboo as clothing:

• It absorbs sweat quickly and evaporates quickly.
• Bamboo keeps you warmer in the winter and up to 2 degrees cooler in the summer
• Bamboo is antibacterial so it stays fresher and odor free longer.
• During the manufacturing process, no harsh chemicals are used so this product is ideal for people with allergies or sensitive skin
• Bamboo fiber is smooth and round so it does not irritate skin. It contains a naturally occurring antibacterial called bamboo-kun that resists the spread of bacteria on the skin without any adverse affects.
• Bamboo grows quickly and therefore has high water absorbency which aids in this process. This helps the fabric retain absorbency, in fact, 3-4 more than cotton. It keeps you drier because it wicks away moisture from the body, but doesn’t have the high prices that comes with sports attire with these same properties.
  
• Bamboo is antibacterial, anti fungal and anti static even after is has been washed.
• It’s better for the environment. For more information on bamboo, click here.
• No special care is required to maintain the clothing.

Not sure if bamboo fabric is for you or all that is advertised, Bamboo Outfitters will send you a sample!

Other products made from bamboo are found in the kitchen and bath. Some examples of products for the home made from bamboo are: cutting boards, soap, dish towels, bed linens, body washes, crib linens and bath towels.

Clothing for babies, kids, men and women:

Products for the home:

Do your part by choosing clothing and home accessories that are not only comfortable, better for your skin, anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti static but good for the world we live in!