Hop to it, toy lovers
Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe, the longstanding independent toy store, has opened a new location at the Orchard Town Center in Westminster. This outpost boasts 6,200 square feet of specialty toys, green toys, educational toys and more. 14644 Orchard Parkway, Westminster. 303-443-0780 or . Photo provided by Grandrabbits
Design of the times
Based on hundreds of entries in the 2011 Design Competition held by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the top trends dominating kitchen and bath design include:
• A commitment to color: Vibrant hues are contemporary and sleek.
• Tactile, textural finishes: Lines, colors and patterns lend visual interest.
• Glass: Interesting lighting panels and art glass applications nicely contrast with more traditional materials.
• Free-standing and angled tubs: The bathtub steals the spotlight in today’s spa-inspired bathrooms.
• Espresso and chocolate cabinetry: Whether black coffee or milk chocolate, cabinet finishes have moved in the direction of mid- to dark-brown.
• Natural elements — According to the NKBA, “When the beauty of nature can be brought inside a home, the impact is unmatched.” This is accomplished in bathrooms and kitchens with agate slab counters, translucent crystal backsplashes and polished stone details. Photo courtesy of Kirsti Wolfe Designs
Art and home intersect
The meaning of “home” sets the tone this year’s Artposium, sponsored by the Colorado Art Ranch, a nomadic arts organization. “Dwellings: Habitat, Symbol & Art” is the name of this event, happening Friday through May 29 at the SteamPlant Event Center in Salida. Guest presenters include an architect, anthropologist, photographer, design/build contractor and several artists. For more information, visit or call 303-503-1132.
From the Andes to us
The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association’s National Alpaca Show continues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the National Western Complex. Billed as the country’s “premier alpaca event of the year,” it includes live alpaca competitions and dozens of vendors showcasing alpaca yarns, fashions, arts and crafts. Admission is free. 4655 Humboldt St. Details at . Photos provided by AOBA
