Tile time
The Ann Sacks tile showroom at 545 S. Broadway in Denver has been hosting weekend design workshops to help homeowners generate ideas and troubleshoot potential tile problems. Professionals are on hand to answer questions, and the event includes lunch. “Beyond the Subway. . .” is the theme of the workshop happening from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call 720-205-7056 to reserve a spot or send e-mail to sonya.cazenave@annsacks.com.
Botanical brawn
Trend watchers at C.R. Laine Furniture, the North Carolina company handcrafting furniture since 1958, anticipate that offbeat floral motifs infused with dramatic color and texture will set the tone for the coming year. Case in point: C.R. Laine’s hand- loomed, embroidered wool-on-cotton “Garden Party” chair inspired by English flowers. It sells for about $1,500. Visit to order a catalog or find a local retailer.
Blown away
Sick of shoveling? Users give high marks for price and productivity to Snow Joe, a family of snow blowers so easy to handle that makers say almost anyone can use them. Additional selling points include the power to cut through snow up to 4 feet deep, and the strength to throw snow up to 20 feet. Snow Joe products also boast ergonomic design and an adjustable handle to help alleviate back strain. Prices start at about $70. Visit for a complete list of products and retailers.
