Let Mother Nature be your Inspiration - My article published in the Toronto Sun this March.

Aisan Ahmadi, Interior Designer, Principal Designer
Creative Group Interiors Inc.
www.creativegroupinteriors.com

My time at The National Home Show 2015

Last week I was part of the proud exhibitors at the National Home show, consulting visitors on their Interior Design problems. I had many people come to me with very interesting Design Dilemmas. 

I also had a chance to walk around and see some of the amazing booths at the show. So of the great things I saw:

White consulting, One of the things I found out is that people make mistakes on trying to save money on their renovations by hiring the cheapest trade men, purchasing less expensive materials or trying to handle the work themselves without consulting the right professionals. “one lady was without a kitchen for three years, another had a load bearing wall knocked down which caused a disaster, one couple had retiled their bathroom 4 times, and a business man had his business shut down because of renovating without permits.” Not only they did not save money at the end, but they wasted more time and money by the time they were done with the work. Consulting the right person will keep you on track and assures that your renovations and construction projects are on track and handled based on a schedule and finished on time and budget. Doing the work yourself causes you to waste time on things you are not experienced about or many times hesitant, which cause many mistakes of be made along the way as well as you wasting so much of your valuable time. And remember, you do get what you pay for.   It’s your space, you live in or work from it, saving money or such an important investments only to have it fall apart to take so long to finish and by the end of it to not become what you exactly wanted is not a smart idea. I always tell my clients, trying to save money in any construction and renovation project is not only saving you money, but taking much more money out of your pocket in the long run. Many times, saving money is not really saving you any money. Handling any part of your Interior projects without the right a professional is like going to court without a lawyer or taking medications without consulting a doctor. My advice to everyone, Either do not attempt to renovate your home, or if you do, do it right the first time. Hire the designer, the right one, interview and go through consultations even if you have to pay for it, just so you can hire the right one and listen to their advice on your projects so that your renovations can finish successfully. 

Aisan Ahmadi

Creative Group Interiors Inc.

www.creativegroupinteriors.com

Let's talk Earth !

It is a beautiful weekend, and we are all living in this great world enjoying everything about it with our friends and family members. The environmental issues has been a concern for a few decades now and yet still most of us don't seem to do much about it, unless of course we are forced to.

The earth is our ultimate home, it is where we currently live, and where our future children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will live. Our environment and the comfort we have is the result of our ancestors' lifestyles and the decisions they made while they lived their life. The decision we make today and our current lifestyle will have consequences that will affect the future generation. Plus,... the best part of all this is that being environmentally friendly is not only in style, but it also helps us save money and live a healthier more conscious lifestyle.

10 ways we can help the environment:

1. Recycle Glass, Newspaper and water bottles; we can start by clearing the landfills of all our wastes

2. Hang your clothes to dry; The dryer uses lots of energy, and hang drying your clothes will help save that energy, and most of your clothes would thank you for not damaging them.

3. Wash in cold or warm; heating up water uses energy, and our clothes will not only get washed the same in a lower temperature of water, but our fabrics also last longer.

5. Turn off the lights when not used, and switch your light bulbs to the compact fluorescent ones, or LED's where possible, not only they last longer, but it will also reduce pollution

6. Invest in your own coffee mug and water bottles: isn't it better to just stop purchasing what we know will be a waste soon anyways? reusing means less waste, so do your best to carry your own coffee mug and water bottles. I even often carry my own utensils when I know I'll be going to a food court. Every little bit helps.

7. While grooming, we tend to waste lots of water. Do not run the water while brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, and change your toilets to dual flush (FYI: the government will give you a rebate for it as well)

8. Take your own grocery bags to avoid plastic bags at the super market. Grocery plastic bags are not only a waste, but also create plenty of pollution while being manufactured.

9. Second hand, doesn't necessarily mean second best. So try to buy a second handed bicycle, car, appliances or anything else if possible. You are not only saving money, but helping the environment. Subsequently, if you are no longer in need of something, try to give it away to someone else and a charitable organization instead of discarding it in the garbage.

10. Stop paper bills and pay your bills online. Not only you are saving paper, but you are keeping less in side and in file cabinets. Also, having all your bills online will not only mean you have less chances of loosing them, but can also find them quicker anytime, anywhere when you need to see them.

Blog by:
Aisan Ahmadi, Principal Designer
Creative Group Interiors Inc.
www.creativegroupinteriors.com

The Toronto Interior Design Show 2015 - Launch of Azmah Furniture and Accessories

This year has started out to be a great year for our firm, Creative Group Interiors Inc..
The past few months we have been extremely busy making a few very exciting changes and finally after weeks of hard work with the help of some of the most amazing minds and skilled individuals, we have managed to restructure our boutique interior design firm and expand it to service a much larger clientele base while still providing great services for all types of residential and commercial projects, no matter the size or the budget.
We have so many great announcements and we will be releasing them through out the month, so stay tuned. :)
This year at the Interior Design Show in Toronto, We held a booth to not only inform people of our great design firm, but also to launch our newly designed furnitures, both with new and upcycled materials. The name of this line of the one of a kind pieces is Azmah, which derives from the Persian Language; From Us.
Each of these pieces will be uniquely designed on their own, and created with the highest manufacturing process, and will not be recreated again. They all will come with their own attached certificates signed by the designers and dated. So these pieces will have our hearts and souls put into them from the start of the design phase to being involved physically in manufacturing them, and thus, they are with lots of Love, from Us to You.
Although we are doing all kinds of designs, the theme for this show was retired aircraft parts that we turned into unique, one of a kind, luxurious and functional furniture pieces.
The show was a success, and if you have stopped by our booth, we were so happy to have met you and hope you liked what you saw and hopefully we will hear from you in the near (or far) future to handle your design and renovation projects.
Some of the pieces can be seen below, for any inquiries on any of these pieces, or for a consultation on having us design and create a customized one for you, or perhaps having us involved in your next renovation project, please visit our website www.creativegroupinteriors.com or contact us at 647-887-0281 .

PW120 Engine Gear Coffee Table

Aircraft Galley Bar

Propeller and PW120 Impeller Wine Stand

Private Jet Seat

PW120 Engine Gears Wall Art 

Dash 8 Parts Bar Table and Bar Seats

Aircraft Nose Coffee Table

All of questions on Tesla, Answered to my best knowledge.

I am not a sales person for tesla, But I, beside other very satisfied owners, are their best advertisers. In fact I am so good at talking about this car and I am such a fan of the company and everything they do, that I should call them and ask for commission on some of the deals they close. (Jks) I am always asked so many questions about Tesla, I thought this might help answer everyones questions, I know some are hesitant to ask.

Below is a full insight on Tesla, All that I know, all that you need to know. Lots of info, But if you want to know everything about these cars and understand the benefits, and how easily it is to comprehend owning one of these, and why I am spending less money than most of you even though I own a luxury car, then read on. It will answer all of your questions, and if not, I am more than happy to answer anything else. These are answers that you have to search to find, but I did my full research on the car before I purchase it, I don't think you will find such a complete report on Tesla anywhere, but if you do, share it please. :)

The owner, Elon Musk, known for being a successful and ambitious business man, and an environmental person who works on creating products and services that is sustainable which benefits the public, future, it's users, has built this company with great intentions and great passion, and he stands behind everything he sells, and continues to provide the best support and service possible to all Tesla Owners. He has built a company that has a friendly working environment, extremely happy staff members, he stays true to his core values and from my point of view, he cares less about the profit and more about creating something that matters and makes a positive impact on this earth. And thus, following his ultimate dream and risking everything he had for a sustainable driving future, he has become so successful. Unlike other companies, he truly tries his best to save money in the long run for his customers, and is always working on keeping them happy, which is the reason, The minute you own a Tesla, you are not a customer, you become part of a family. (we actually say hi to each other when we see each other on the street ;) )  It's not like other car dealerships that are only good to you when you purchase it, and then try to get more out of you through servicing your car, and forget about you and try to get more from you when you return their car. (it's actually scary, what I had to deal with before becoming a Tesla Owner)

I get approached by so many asking me about the car, I thought I would share my thoughts and answer some of the questions everyone has. I see so many people with BMW and Benz and even Honda's and Lexus, they complain about the maintenance and high price in gas and the ridiculous insurance rates (especially on the Honda's, Ford's and the German cars). I am so glad I am not there anymore. I am so glad I don't have to deal with all that. I felt like I was getting robbed, just owning a car. Now I drive a car that is environmentally friendly, fun and easy to drive, safe and saves me $1000/month! (really!!) , although a luxury car, compared with the honda Odyssey, The Tesla is still cheaper to own.

This is calculated and proven... I am personally saving much more than what is below, but I guess the below is the least amount you can save. Take into account your insurance rate, and the time you are saving not going to gas stations, and finding parking spaces and being in car-pole lanes. My average electrical bill on the car charging has been  $0/ month so far, partly because its been difficult to put a meter (so I guess me and management just gave up) and partly because I live in a GOLD LEED accredited Condo, so they support electrical car outlets. Another owner was telling me he pays between $35 to $37 a month. Another was saying his never went above $45, and One lady said her electricity bill at home has changed by less than $20 . I use public chargers and my office charger, it varies by how much you drive and how much you charge, but live in LEED building, and they might have chargers available to you at no cost (mine do)

To help some understand why the Model S could be "cheaper" to own vs a Honda Odyssey it's important to understand a few factors:

1. Low fuel costs - electricity is way cheaper than gas and when you factor in gas savings over 8 years, you get substantial savings (ie., $20k over 8 years if driving 15k miles a year, of course depends on gas prices and electricity prices).

2. Low maintenance costs - there's no oil changes, timing belt, etc. It's basically tires. Even brakes you don't need to change often because of regenerative braking.

3. High residual value due to upgradeability - the battery pack is swappable, so after 8 years (or longer) you can swap out battery packs to a bigger pack (ie., 400+ mile range). This is a great feature and will add residual value to the Model S. Also, over-the-air updates keeps the software always up to date.

4. High residual value due to battery pack - the battery pack for the Model S is holding up well with customers so far, and after 8 years it should show minimal degradation (ie., 10-15% likely, max 20%). In other words, the battery will still hold substantial value and when a person buys a 8-year-old Model S in the future, they are not only buying the car but they are buying the battery pack (ie., fuel savings) as well. This is why the residual value of a Model S (or another EV with a large battery pack) will be substantially higher than a comparable ICE car.

Having said that, the Tesla company stands behind their vehicles and will buy it back from you anytime between 36 to 39 month of your ownership, at a value that you actually make a bit back in your pocket. !!! The new cars are being sold more than they are bought, the car is literally an investment. You get a credit back from the government for owning a car, in Ontario it's $8,500.

--> http://www.teslamotors.com/financing/faq

--> https://transportevolved.com/2014/10/08/tesla-expands-guaranteed-retail-value-buyback-program-uk/

Which they are doing good with, like always. 

--> http://cleantechnica.com/2013/10/01/teslas-model-s-buyback-program-generate-368-million-revenue-2016/

Their company is doing everything they can to make these cars more affordable, their ultimate goal is to have all cars electric on the road. This is the reason Gas companies don't like Tesla, Cause other cars like Ford and BMW are trying to catch on to the Tesla concept, which is not making things any easier for gas companies. 

--> http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/04/02/elon-musk-tesla-lease/2047863/

They have an infinite mile warranty:

--> http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/infinite-mile-warranty

The test was done in extreme cold conditions, and the Tesla is currently the best one to drive in winter. The video (english subtitles, Explains it all):

--> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ5PqPeOPT0

I have no maintenance on the car(no oil change and no engine) , zero gas, and I get to drive in Car pole lanes which saves me time during rush hour. My insurance is cut by more than half of my past vehicle as it is the safest car on the road by Consumer report (link below), and they have an amazing support system. Tesla Rangers stop by if you ever get stuck somewhere and on the weekend they came within 30 mins (with their personal vehicle) because I was having a problem with my charger (attached pictures), Anytime I have an issue I call a number in my car, and there is always someone to answer my questions. The car updates like an update, keeping it new all the time, and they are always watching out for me through their internet to make sure everything is ok with the car. Any problems, and They will know before it becomes a problem. 

http://www.businessinsider.com/consumer-reports-tesla-model-s-best-overall-car-2014-2

Supercharging stations to make road trips easier;

Tesla Superchargers allow Model S owners to travel for free between cities along well-traveled highways in North America, Europe and Asia. Superchargers provide half a charge in as little as 20 minutes and are strategically placed to allow owners to drive from station to station with minimal stops.

Coverage

North America

Today – 117 stations

Complete West and East Coast coverage

Coast-to-coast travel

2014 – 80% of the US population and parts of Canada

2015 – 98% of the US population and parts of Canada

Superchargers are located near amenities like roadside diners, cafes, and shopping centers. Road trippers can stop for a quick meal and have their Model S charged when they’re done

You have plugshare to find other electric chargers, (most hotels and public areas also offer chargers), and you can find other Tesla owners that are more than happy to allow one of their own use their charger. 

A few other fun facts:

- I control my car through an app on my iphone. I can locate it, control its charging, start it so it warms up or cools down, open the doors. It's all possible through the free 3G internet service provided with the car (an example picture is attached)

- with the new update, my calendar connects to the car, reminding me of my daily appointments

- I check emails on the car screen (when parked ;) ) and view plans and drawings! its great! 

- To get faster internet, I have my own wifi that I sometimes connect, if I need to load larger emails. 

- The car can find any song you want, you command it through the voice system, and it searches the internet, finds it for you and plays.

- You have access to all the radio stations from all over the world (its internet) and your radio signal never dies anywhere. So listen to Dubai station, or an asia, or Z103.5 in Montreal.

- The car has the only and the best camera for reversing, which can also be used while driving to check blind spots.

- Everything is controlled through touch screens. And you can access all on your wheels.

- Amazing navigation system and traffic info. 

- I get my own parking space at most places.

- They say the car should be serviced once a year, but that is just to be safe, I see owners needing as little service as once every 24 or 30 months. Each service, if once a year or so, is $600. (that is all your maintenance cost!!!, maybe once a year)

- They have a valet service, so that your car is seamlessly picked up and replaced with a loaner and then returned as soon as we are done. There is no additional charge for this.

- 24 hour roadside assistance

System monitoring

Remote diagnostics

Hardware upgrades (all controlled, I feel so safe driving it)

- Front is a trunk, back is a trunk, no engine, the car has so much space!!!

- The car doesn't make any sound and it's very fast, so sometimes I don't know I am speeding, even the cops understand this. I have had them drive next to me and just point out that I'm going too fast, they know it's not intentional, so I just use the cruise control more often now to make sure I am on the speed limit.

-Their stocks are also part of the top ones to invest in, the company is very healthy, and the owner works hard to never let the investors and owners down. Happy customer stories : http://www.teslamotors.com/customers

I mean, I know it's a lot of info, but it's good to know it all before you decide to make your next car purchase. Look at the long term savings and safety features. And maybe even be patient for the more affordable models. These cars are an investment, and once you own one, you can never look at another car or drive anything else. 

In general anything sustainable, like LEED accredited condos, or going off the grid with your homes (solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling system, ect.) are a great long term investment. Energy efficiency and environmentally friendly products are expensive at first, but governments are supporting them, there are tons of rebates, and if you calculate the cost, they make their money back within a few short years (most 3 to 5 years), and after that you are not only saving money, but making money, and your home has a higher selling value. Do the math , it makes sense.

I provide interior design services and manage all aspects of residential and commercial projects, I love clients that are open minded about using environmentally friendly material, and when They give me a chance to explain the longterm benefits if switching to green, they are more than happy to invest in it. Some home are done at much lower cost of same cost as expected initially with regular renovations, because the owners get so much back from the government. One of my clients is getting paid because the government is using his system to provide sustainable energy to the street. He provides, and gets a cheque every month. The possibilities are endless, and so much more to know. If anytime you are interested in going green with your home, I will be more than happy to show you how, and assist you every step of the way. 

By: Aisan Ahmadi, Principal Designer, Tesla Enthusiast, Environmentalist, Organic food lover, chemical free,  

 Creative Group Interiors Inc.e

www.creativegroupinteriors.com

instagram : cginteriors 

Modern Staircase trends

The levitating staircase

The style of the stairs follow the trends in building and in the modern atmosphere in which supplies such as steel, glass and concrete are common.

Smart use of under the staircase as a decorative accent to the home

 Stylish, supported by the wall only

Colored and patterned risers

Under the staircase used as a storage, workspace or display

Giving the staircase a secondary purpose, a storage system/bookshelf with seating and reading area.

Wire sculptures

The latest in the interior accessories are the simplistic wire vases and candle holders. Some of the biggest names in the design industry have come up with some amazing concepts, available to purchase. This is also a great Do-it-yourself idea that you can take and design your own master-piece for your home. Simply, purchase the right materials from your local hardware store and begin letting the creative artist in you do the work.