MORALE

SUMMER 2023
SUMMER 2023

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 CIRCA LIGHTING
IS NOW

T H E D E S T I N AT I O N
FOR
DESIGNER LIGHTING

S H O P N O W : V I S U A L C O M F O R T. C O M
BRASSICA LARGE LINEAR CHANDELIER IN AGED IRON
2 D E S I G N E R : K E L LY W E A R S T L E R
3
The Art,
Craftmanship
& Excellence of
Haute Cuisene
Handcrafted Custom Made Cooking
Ranges & Suites, Steel Cabinetry,
Fine Wood Working.
Appliances & More

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 Visit our website: www.downsviewkitchens.com

Kitchen
A kitchen is a vital part of any home. It is a space where meals aresince
pre- 1967
pared, and often serves as a gathering place for family and friends. Kitch-
ens come in various styles and designs, ranging from traditional to modern,
and can be customized to suit individual preferences.
The Downsview cabinetry collection is custom crafted in North America and available exclusively through select kitchen design showrooms
U.S.A.

(707)
When designing a kitchen, one considers the layout, appliances, storage
- SCOTTSDALE,

615-6777
AZ Italian Design Concepts (480) 534-3970 - BEVERLY

CO Exquisite Kitchen Design (303) 282-0382 -

HILLS,

STAMFORD,
CA

CT
Kitchen Studio Los Angeles (310) 858-1008 - COSTA

Deane Inc. (203) 327-7008 - MIAMI (Dania at

MESA,

DCOTA),
CA
MONTEREY, CA Monterey Kitchens (831) 372-3909 - SAN DIEGO (Solana Beach), CA European Kitchen (858) 792-1542 - SAN FRANCISCO (Bay Area), CA Atherton Kitchens (650) 369-1794 - SANTA ROSA, CA Gallery 41 Design
- DENVER,
E. B. Kitchen & Bath (714) 545-0417

FL Downsview Kitchens (954) 927-1100

options, and overall aesthetic.

PALM BEACH (Juno Beach), FL Downsview Kitchens (561) 799-7700 - NAPLES, FL Elite Cabinetry (239) 262-1144 - ATLANTA, GA Design Galleria (404) 261-0111 - HONOLULU, HI Details International (808) 521-7424
CHICAGO, IL nuHaus (312) 595-1330 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN Conceptual Kitchens (317) 846-2090 - NEW ORLEANS (Harahan), LA Classic Cupboards Inc. (504) 734-9088 - BOSTON, MA Downsview Kitchens (857) 317-3320
BIRMINGHAM, MI Bolyard Design Center (248) 644-3636 - MINNEAPOLIS, MN North Star Kitchens, LLC (612) 375-9533 - CHARLOTTE, NC Design Gaps, Inc. (704) 965-2400
SHORT HILLS (Millburn), NJ Short Hills Design Studio (973) 467-1818 - LONG ISLAND (Greenvale), NY The Breakfast Room, Ltd (516) 365-8500 - PHILADELPHIA, PA Joanne Hudson Associates (215) 568-5501
CHARLESTON, SC Design Gaps, Inc. (843) 408-7600 - DALLAS, TX Redstone Kitchens & Baths (214) 368-5151 - SAN ANTONIO/AUSTIN, TX Palmer Todd, Inc. (210) 341-3396
CANADA - CALGARY, AB Empire Kitchen & Bath (403) 252-2458 - VANCOUVER, BC Living Environments Design (604) 685-5823 - OTTAWA, ON Astro Design Centre (613) 749-1902

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TORONTO (GTA), ON Downsview Kitchens (416) 481-5101 - TORONTO, ON Yorkville Design Centre (416) 922-6620 - CARIBBEAN - BAHAMAS, BS Nassau (242) 327-7606

6
DOWNSVIEW KITCHENS 2635 Rena Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4T 1G6 Telephone (905) 677-9354 Fax (905) 677-5776 7
 E D I STORY
T O R’S SAY

I
I want to share my story of how I achieved suc-
cess. My journey has been long and filled with
challenges, but every step has been worth it.
was reminded recently about the joys of receiving a postcard from someone
traveling afar. In that small amount of space on a postcard, a story gets told. The note
Once upon a time, I realized that in order to
often alludes to the photo on the front, or else it recounts places seen, experiences
had, and includes a statement of sentiment. And in this brief message, a handwritten
achieve success, I needed to define my goals and
postcard can become a keepsake, a time stamp, a cherished message. While what we
print in every issue of MILIEU is far longer than a postcard, it is in the same vein
strive towards them every step of the way. I started
we send you, our readers, the places and people we visit around the world of design,
captured with striking photography, and written with feeling.
with a dream and developed a clear action plan.
To reach my goals, I knew I had to commit to life-
In this summer edition, we hope to convey the spirit of the season—an invitation to
slow down, to “stop and smell the roses,” (along with the lilacs and whatever else is
long learning
in bloom), and makeand constant
a change improvement.
of scenery. It is in this downtime that we often become
most creative and productive.

The painter Edvard Munch, the subject of a traveling exhibition we write about,
The first step
used summers towards
to paint landscapes ofsuccess for me
his native Norway. was getting
Contributing photographer
anGreece
education. I enrolled in university and delved
Miguel Flores-Vianna spent a summer season discovering his favorite houses of
that he features in his new book. Travel writer Samuel Muston went to a small
into studying
inn in subjects
the south of France related
where petting to my
the resident field
donkeys ofaninter-
became adventure
worth remembering. And we learn how the designer/artist Lisa Hunt goes every day
est.
intoIher
made it studio
New Jersey a point towork,
to think, utilize
create, every opportunity
produce, then repeat the process.

forHarald
learning, including participating in projects,
Altmaier, the talented floral designer whose work has appeared in many of
internships,
our “Objects” pages,andis sonetworking
in love with spring with people
and summer who
that he’s had
kept the
and scents of the seasons alive year-round through his large-scale photographs of
colors

already achieved
floral arrangements. success
His works in that
in “Eternal Bloom,”field.
an exhibition that flourishes
through August at London’s Connolly Gallery, ensures that the glories of summer
live on.

However, knowledge and education weren’t

Our “Forward Thinkers” certainly take the time to create—including a maker of
enough.
ceramics whoI replicates
knew ancient
I needed to develop
Greek motifs, skills
an artisan who and
fashions plaster into
useful household objects, a farmer who constructs “canvases” with the flowers she
gain
growspractical experience
on her property in mywhoindustry.
in Maine, and a designer I sought
continues to derive inspiration
from 19th-century William Morris patterns.
out opportunities to apply my knowledge in re-
And our featured homes are situated in parts of the world worth visiting—from
al-world settings by taking on projects and working
Spain to France, North Carolina to suburban Chicago.
with teams of professionals. This allowed me to
This summer, send a postcard to someone, whether you’re on a vacation or a
gain valuable
staycation experience
in your own and
backyard. In that smallenhance myyou’ll
amount of space, skills.
convey a
message you wouldn’t otherwise share in an email or a text.

Yet, the most important lesson I learned on the

path to success was perseverance and refusing to
Pamela Pierce
succumb
F O U N D E R & Eto
D I Tdespair.
O R - I N - C H I E F There were times when I
editor@milieu-mag.com
faced difficulties and encountered failures, but I
never gave up.
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 ®

FOUNDER &
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PAM E LA
PI E RC E

E D I T O R - AT - L A R G E

Shannon Bowers

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

David Masello
ART DIRECTOR

Regina Throop
DESIGN DIRECTOR

VINTAGE FLAT WEAVE, TURKEY, MID-20TH CENTURY, 8'8"X12'

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Leslie Newsom Rascoe
Harald Altmaier
EUROPEAN STYLE EDITOR
Read McKendree
Katrin Cargill
Germán Saiz
COPY EDITOR
Claude Smekens
Roger Harris Alicia Waite

D I G I TA L D I R E C T O R Brie Williams

Saray Fragoso

A S S I S TA N T T O T H E E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F
La morale - c’est la règle du bien et du mal, du juste et de l’injuste
Cecilia Ramirez
qui guide notre conduite et nos actions dans la société. Elle nous
EDITORIAL OFFICES

D I G I TA L I M A G I N G S P E C I A L I S T 2422 Bartlett Street, Suite 5

invite à agir avec intégrité, compassion Houston, Texas 77098 et respect envers autrui. La
Allen S. Ransom 713 521 0331
morale nous rappelle l’importance de la responsabilité individuelle
et collective dans la construction d’un monde meilleur. Elle incarne
les valeurs fondamentales de l’éthique et de la justice.
CAROL PIPER RUGS
DONT TRUST
12 12 10 HOUSTON DALLAS
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 Grand Star Hotel
Located in the heart of the bustling city, our hotel offers a
luxurious and unforgettable experience for both business
and leisure travelers. With our commitment to exception-
al service and world-class amenities, we aim to make your
stay with us truly remarkable.
Step into our elegant and modern lobby, where our friend-
ly and attentive staff will warmly welcome you. Our spa-
cious and tastefully appointed rooms provide the perfect
retreat after a long day of exploring the city or attending
meetings. Equipped with plush beds, high-speed Wi-Fi,
flat-screen TVs, and stunning city views, every detail has
been carefully designed to ensure your comfort and con-
venience.

Indulge in a culinary journey at our renowned restaurant,

where our talented chefs prepare a diverse range of inter-
national and local delicacies. Whether you prefer a hearty
breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or an intimate dinner, our
restaurant offers a delightful dining experience for every
palate.For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, our
state-of-the-art fitness center and spa are at your disposal.
Unwind with a refreshing swim in our sparkling pool or
treat yourself to a pampering massage, leaving you feeling
refreshed and revitalized.
If you’re hosting a conference, seminar, or special event,
our well-equipped meeting rooms and team are ready to
assist you. From small board meetings to grand celebra-
tions, we have the expertise to ensure a seamless and suc-
cessful gathering.

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 CONCEPT DESIGN

Sarah Thompson
Head of Design

Sarah Thompson is a talented and in-

novative designer responsible for the
captivating ambiance and aesthetic Teamwork is the process
appeal of the Grand Star Hotel. With where a group of indi-
a keen eye for detail and a passion viduals come together,
“Passion for hospitality and
for creating captivating spaces, Sarah combining their efforts
a commitment to excellence
ensures that every corner of the hotel and skills to achieve a
drove me to create the Grand
reflects a harmonious blend of style, common goal. It plays a
Star Hotel. Our goal is to pro-
comfort, and sophistication. significant role in various
vide an unparalleled experience
fields, including business,
that surpasses our guests’ expec-
sports, education, and
tations.”
many others.

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 AIR FRESH & OTHER Reviews
Clean air is essential for human risk of respiratory infections and When it comes to guest re-
well-being and overall health. diseases. It also improves cogni- views, the hotel has received
Here’s a text highlighting the im- tive function, enhances productiv- a diverse range of feedback.
portance of air purity and its im- ity, and promotes overall mental Analyzing the reviews, we
plications for individuals: well-being. find that 40% of guests ex-
pressed their happiness and
Clean and fresh air is crucial for Indoor air quality is particularly satisfaction with their stay.
maintaining a healthy environ- important since we spend a sig- They praised the exceptional service,
ment and promoting optimal nificant amount of time indoors. comfortable accommodations, and de-
well-being. The quality of the air Factors such as inadequate ven- lightful dining experiences. These pos-
we breathe directly impacts our tilation, chemicals from cleaning itive reviews reflect the hotel’s commit-
respiratory system, immune func- products, tobacco smoke, and ment to providing an outstanding guest
tion, and overall quality of life. mold can contribute to poor experience. Another 30% of guests re-
indoor air quality. Regularly ported being satisfied with their stay.
Air pollution, both outdoor and maintaining and cleaning HVAC While they didn’t express overwhelming enthusiasm, they appreciated
indoor, poses a significant threat systems, using air purifiers, and the hotel’s amenities, cleanliness, and courteous staff. These guests found
to human health. Exposure to minimizing the use of harmful their stay pleasant and enjoyable, although it may not have exceeded
pollutants such as fine particu- chemicals can significantly im- their expectations. Approximately 20% of guests had a neutral perspec-
late matter (PM2.5), nitrogen prove indoor air quality. tive, neither overly positive nor negative. These guests had a satisfactory
dioxide (NO2), volatile organic experience without any notable highlights or complaints. They found the
compounds (VOCs), and aller- Outdoor air quality is influenced hotel to be average in terms of service, amenities, and overall comfort.
gens can lead to a range of health by various factors such as indus- However, it’s important to address the fact that 5% of guests left dissat-
issues, including respiratory prob- trial emissions, vehicular pollu- isfied reviews. They encountered minor issues during their stay, such as
lems, allergies, cardiovascular dis- tion, agricultural practices, and maintenance concerns or delays in service. These guests expected more
eases, and even premature death. natural sources. Governments, from their experience and felt let down by the hotel’s performance.
organizations, and individuals can Unfortunately, 5% of guests expressed anger and frustration in their re-
Breathing in clean air, on the oth- contribute to improving outdoor views. They encountered significant issues, such as poor customer service
er hand, has numerous benefits. air quality through measures like or unaddressed complaints. These guests had an unpleasant experience
Clean air supports healthy lung promoting clean energy, reducing that fell far below their expectations.
function, allowing for efficient ox- emissions, and adopting sustaina- Overall, the hotel has garnered a range of feedback from guests, with a
ygen exchange and reducing the ble transportation practices. significant portion expressing happiness and satisfaction.
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 MORALE
®

PUBLISHER
PUBLISHER

MEGA N
ANDRY
MEGAS
BEGIN
DIRECTOR OF
ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Brooke Stuckey
DIRECTOR OF
ADVERSITING & MARKETING
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Marko Begin
Jamé Fowler
ACCOUNT MANAGER
SALES DERECTOR
Kimberly Crawford
Antonio
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Avery Bowers
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Kim Lou

SOCIAL MEDIA
Aveery Bowers
ADVERTISING SALES MILIEU is published quarterly by Pierce
Publishing, LLC. ©2023 All rights
2422 Bartlett Street, Suite 5
reserved. No part of this document may be
Houston, Texas 77098
reproduced without written consent from
713 521 0331 the publisher or owner.

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