Featured in Charleston Home + Design Magazine | Winter 2024
Charleston Home + Design Magazine featured a gorgeous GlassEco Surface in its Winter 2024 issue. Our client on Sullivan's Island wanted all the glass in her custom mix to look like the ocean by Saint Barts.
Link to the online issue to see the article on page 216 and enjoy even more photos below!
Featured in ADTV Selling Charleston: Park Circle
The Fisher family loves the Park Circle community, so Elizabeth & Chris were thrilled to be a part of ADTV Selling Charleston’s video about this popular North Charleston neighborhood! The Chris Facello Group is so professional, and he did a fantastic job of introducing people to Firefly Distillery, Fisher Recycling, and GlassEco Surfaces in our showroom and installed at Commonhouse Aleworks. Check out the video below!
Featured in Recycling Today | November 2023
GlassEco Surfaces was featured in the November 2023 issue of Recycling Today.
The article explored other end markets for recycled glass beyond bottles, and we were honored to be mentioned in the section discussing creative outlets for glass. It highlights how we’re helping to fill a regional glass recycling gap by manufacturing custom surfaces using recycled glass pieces. Most of that glass is recycled locally by our other family business, Fisher Recycling.
Link to an online version of the article to see what was printed on page 34 of the print issue.
Shower Walls by GlassEco Surfaces
Our custom shower walls are gaining popularity! Reasons to consider our sustainable product for your next bathroom renovation?
Full customization of base color, recycled glass colors from Fisher Recycling and the option to add other items like oyster shells!
Almost any shower design will work
Poured at about an inch or less
Panels, no grout lines
Easy maintenance!
To get started, contact us to schedule a complimentary design consultation. And be sure to check out our other post about shower walls and other creative ways to recycle in the bathroom!
Featured in Charleston Home + Design Magazine | Fall 2022
Our "Webster" design was featured in the Fall 2022 issue of Charleston Home + Design Magazine.
Beautiful glass collected from Lake Eerie was combined with oyster shells and a dark purple sand accent. These paired beautifully with the Sherwin Williams base color SW 9166, A Drift of Mist.
Link to the online issue to see the article on page 211.
Featured in Charleston Home + Design Magazine | Summer 2022
GlassEco Surfaces owner Elizabeth Fisher and her husband, Chris, were featured in the Summer 2022 issue of Charleston Home + Design Magazine.
The couple answered questions about their preferences when it comes to a GlassEco Surface... oyster shells or not, resin-based or concrete, favorite terrazzo style, and even a shower wall discussion.
Link to the online issue to see the article on page 72.
Featured in Charleston Regional Business Journal | March 2022
Charleston Regional Business Journal featured a day in the life at Fisher Recycling and GlassEco Surfaces in a March 2022 issue.
We love getting the word out about our family's glass recycling service and products and appreciate the interview by SC Biz News. Our recycled glass countertops and other hard surfaces are handcrafted at our shop in North Charleston. Contact us if you would like to visit our design studio to learn more about our sustainable product and process!
Link to the online issue and find the article on page 21.
Making a Difference, One Piece of Glass at a Time
Anyone familiar with the GlassEco product line knows that recycled glass is a key component in the mix for our custom countertops and other hard surfaces. What you may not know is our interesting story that dates back almost 30 years ago. Chris and Elizabeth Fisher founded GlassEco in 2005, and our unique product line was inspired by their family's other business. Chris started Fisher Recycling in 1992 as a humble one-person operation collecting recyclable goods (office paper, cardboard and glass) from several Charleston restaurants and offices at the request of the business owners. An “ecopreneur” in the making, he was performing a job that restaurant owners and office managers simply didn’t have time to accomplish – collecting and disposing their recyclable waste. As the company grew, the Fisher family became especially passionate about glass recycling and decided that was how they were going to make a difference in the Lowcountry. Chris and Elizabeth's philosophy and purpose is to educate and serve the community’s glass recycling needs.
Chris and Elizabeth Fisher with their son Alex
Completing the Glass Recycling Loop
Did you know that most of the glass that people think they are recycling at work and home actually ends up going into landfills? This is growing problem for the environment, and the Fishers are on a mission to divert as much glass as they can in the area. Fisher is the only waste hauler who is actually recycling commercial and residential glass from Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties. To date, they have collected over 8 million pounds of glass thanks to local businesses that are making social corporate responsibility a priority. Even better, the Fisher family is successfully completing the glass recycling loop in a couple of ways. Much of the glass collected is processed and reused it in GlassEco's product line. Excess glass is then hauled to a glass recycling plant in Beaufort, South Carolina, to give the glass new life in other ways.
Commercial & Residential Glass Recycling
23% of commercial waste is glass, and that percentage is even higher locally with the many bottles discarded from restaurants and hotels. So, it truly does make a difference when local companies partner with Fisher Recycling. They perform a complimentary waste audit to help develop the best, most cost-effective recycling solution for businesses. Companies can even sponsor community drop sites or host a fun pop-up event for residential glass to make an even bigger impact and gain recognition for their commitment to glass recycling.
“Unfortunately, many restaurants and hotels don’t realize that glass being put in a “blue bin” is not truly recycled and is instead taken to a landfill. We want to divert this glass for our community and give it new life in other products.
It does make a difference!”
Until now, it has been difficult for residents in the tri-county area to keep their glass out of the landfill. Thanks to Fisher Recycling's corporate partners like Firefly Distillery and Indigo Reef Brewing Company, we have drop sites and pop-up events for people to drop off their glass bottles (any color), jars (no lids) and shelving. Tempered glass, some shelving and lightbulbs are not accepted. For a list of current residential drop sites in the Lowcountry, click here.
“Chris and I have been passionate about glass recycling for years, and we love partnering with local businesses to create a bigger impact. It all starts with education about what’s really happening with glass and why it’s ending up in landfills.”
A Love for Innovation
The Fisher family loves to innovate and push glass recycling and post-recycling products to the next level. GlassEco Surfaces has a been a great way for them to do just that. Elizabeth loves being creative and is always up for a challenge if a client wants something unique. Adding oyster shells to a custom mix is an easy way to change up our product and get a distinctive coastal look. The design possibilities are limitless, so we encourage our clients to think outside the box. GlassEco Surfaces are a popular countertop choice for kitchens and baths, but there are so many other applications like fireplace surrounds, tabletops, floor tiles, shower surrounds… even a Lazy Susan! Get creative with shapes, base colors or embedding items of meaning.
Since we’re always striving to deliver our very best product, we recently invested in a fancy polisher from Italy which we affectionately call “Mr. X”. The machine makes our process even more efficient, and the shine is stunning. See it in action!
Complimentary Design Consultation
We would love to help you design a custom GlassEco Surface that incorporates the variety of beautiful glass recycled by Fisher Recycling. To learn more about our materials and product sustainability, visit our products page or contact us directly to schedule a complimentary design consultation.
A Mutual Love for Customizing with Glass
We love playing with colorful recycled glass in our handcrafted surface designs, but nice neutral shades are also an important aspect of a custom GlassEco mix. Our favorite neutral colored glass is sourced from The Urban Electric Co., a high-end lighting company based in North Charleston just one mile down the road from our shop. Our other family business, Fisher Recycling, has been collecting their waste glass since 2012, and we break it down into four different sizes. The result is both beautiful and versatile, and we use it in 75% of our projects. Beth Meeks is our main contact at Urban Electric. “We love that we have a local solution for glass recycling so that we can do our part to keep it out of the landfills,” said Meeks. “It’s even better that it is transformed into a beautiful product. Such a cool process!”
Waste glass from The Urban Electric Co. is recycled by Fisher Recycling and hauled to their facility in North Charleston. GlassEco uses this glass in 75% of projects.
This is recycled waste glass from The Urban Electric Co. that has been broken down and is ready to add to a custom GlassEco Surface design.
Examples of our designs with glass recycled from the Urban Electric co.
“We love using the variety of glass recycled from The Urban Electric Co. in our surface designs. Neutrals collected may be glossy, shimmery, swirled, frosted, or even have mirror in it!”
Glass Recycled from The Urban Electric Co.
Each Urban Electric Co. product is bench-made and hand-finished at Urban’s 160,000-square-foot headquarters, located on Charleston's former Navy base. Their cataloged collection of lighting includes more than 300 interior and exterior fixtures designed and manufactured in-house. In addition to classic clear glass, they have a full range of selections (10 in total) that allow for lightly to fully diffused light. They also offer several types of hand-applied antiqued mirror for a truly one-of-a-kind touch.
Whether it’s a flushmount or a pendant, a sconce or a lantern, the tint of the glass and sheen of the finish imbues each fixture with its own point of view and personality, helping their fixtures become heirlooms through strategic choices and individual style.
“Glass has always been one of the easiest ways to customize our collection. We pride ourselves on selection and choice which is why we offer nearly a dozen varying treatments or types of glass as a standard offering in addition to an array of color options on request. ”
Complimentary Design Consultation
We would love to help you design a custom GlassEco Surface that incorporates the variety of beautiful glass recycled from The Urban Electric Co. To learn more about our materials and product sustainability, visit our products page or contact us directly to schedule a complimentary design consultation.
Pinfluence the Design of Your GlassEco Surface
More than 400 million people use Pinterest to find ideas, and the massive amount of data collected by the company helps them predict what’s going to be big in the future. In fact, eight out of 10 of Pinterest’s predictions for 2020 came true – despite it being the least predictable year in history!
It’s common for people to plan a home renovation on Pinterest six months before they even call a contractor, so we thought it was time for us to up our Pinterest game. We have a lot of exciting things planned this year around the image sharing and social media service. To get the ball rolling, we’re going to share some info about how to connect with GlassEco on Pinterest. In addition, we’re going to tell you about some of the company’s predictions for 2021 that could “pinfluence” the design of your GlassEco Surface.
“People of all ages will lean into aesthetics in 2021 and express themselves through visual identities.”
Pin It and Plan It
GlassEco Surfaces are a great way to express yourself in your home or office since they can be completely customized to complement your space or reflect your personal style. We want the surface to tell the story of you, so we love when clients collaborate with us by sharing their Pinterest boards with design inspiration.
Like a design on our website? Pin it! Hover over this image to see how it works.
Pinterest Save Buttons
If you see any images on our website that you would like to add to your own Pinterest board, our website is enabled with Pinterest Save buttons which appear when hovering over images throughout the site. How to use them…
Log in to your Pinterest account. If you don’t have one, create an account now.
Select an individual image in one of our photo galleries or a photo in a blog post that you want to Pin.
Hover over the image, and a red Pinterest Save button will appear as shown.
Click Save to Pin it! Pinterest will automatically open up and prompt you to save it to an existing board or to create a new one.
Collaborate with us on a project
Pinterest is a great tool for our clients because it’s an easy way to share ideas with us. You can even create a board designated for a project with GlassEco. If you share the board with us, it can help make decisions while collaborating on a project by sharing things like color schemes, design inspiration, and room layouts that you like. Don’t know where to start? Be sure to follow our GlassEco’s Pinterest board to see some of our designs, press and product features, as well as our own design inspiration that we would just love to create for you! Already working with a designer? Great! We love working with interior designers and architects, and you can easily share your board with multiple people.
Predictions for 2021
Despite the curve balls that 2020 brought, the GlassEco team is committed to looking forward and continuing to innovate in the new year. As we embrace Pinterest for all of the wonderful tools it brings professional and at-home designers, we want to be intentional in sharing what we learn about upcoming trends based on Pinterest’s data. These are a few that caught our eye for 2021.
Ritual baths
This year, you’ll see people carving out time for an extra special soaking experience. Pinterest says that bathing rituals are the new spa days and that bath time will get an upgrade with influences from ancient rituals. The custom nature of GlassEco products make them a great selection for bathroom rituals since you can make the surface uniquely yours. Below are a few bath related Pinterest searches on the rise…
Spiritual cleansing bath +180%
Full moon bath ritual +90%
Bath tea recipe +60%
Bath in bedroom free standing +50%
Deep soaking tub +145%
Japandi aesthetic
Japandi is the new modern according to Pinterest. It’s described as a fusion of Japanese design and Scandinavian minimalism with sleek lines, neutral color schemes and calming setups. In addition to creating Japandi style countertops for your kitchen or bath, the same aesthetic can be achieved with custom GlassEco Surfaces like tabletops, fireplace surrounds, or even shower walls! Japandi related searches increasing include…
Neutral color palette earth tones +3x
Minimalist bathroom design +4x
Modern minimalist kitchen +115%
Below are a few examples of projects that we have completed that nod to the Japandi aesthetic. Oyster shells are optional, so you may decide to only have recycled glass for a sleeker, less coastal look. Click the arrows to scroll.
HOME OFFICE
We introduced you to a “Cloffice” as the new home office in our article Renovate for a New Normal with Recycled Glass Surfaces that was published last August. The “cloffice” trend is a petite office that neatly tucks away in an underutilized closet space. Since our recycled glass surfaces are custom made to your specs, we can work with you to maximize your available closet space for a truly one-of-a-kind desk that you will love. Since more people are at home for work or school these days, they’re actively searching on Pinterest for ways to create some personal space like the “cloffice” and these related trends…
Cloffice ideas +2x
Home library design +7x
Bookshelf room divider +150%
Complimentary Design Consultation
With proper planning, we can help you achieve your home or office design goals. We’re excited to leverage Pinterest in 2021 to collaborate with our clients even more in the creative process! GlassEco offers recycled glass surfaces for multiple interior and exterior uses. To learn more about our materials and product sustainability, visit our products page or contact us directly to schedule a complimentary design consultation.
Warm Outdoor Spaces Perfect for Cooler Temps
Outdoor living space has become a must-have for many homeowners in the Lowcountry, and the demand has certainly increased in 2020 with people spending more time at home and traveling less due to the pandemic. We love working with clients and designers in the region to create warm outdoor spaces that heat things up when the temperatures drop. With the right design elements, outdoor living can be a reality through the fall months and even into winter. Our recycled glass material is a sustainable design choice that naturally looks at home outdoors. In addition to countertops for an outdoor kitchen, enjoy these exterior uses of GlassEco Surfaces year round.
Outdoor Fireplaces
It's easy to extend your time spent outdoors if you simply add a source of heat near seating areas. An outdoor fireplace creates a warm, cozy atmosphere for friends and family. GlassEco can help you design a completely custom fireplace surround based on your selections of recycled glass and the surface’s base color. We can also create unique surrounds for fire pits.
Hot Tubs
A hot tub makes you feel warm and relaxed any time of year, but an evening soak is especially nice on a chilly night. GlassEco has experience constructing hot tub surrounds. Our clients at this beautiful Charleston peninsula home selected recycled glass colors to complement the pool surround.
Grill Stations
They say that food tastes better if it's been grilled, and our clients seem to agree. Custom grill stations are a very popular request at GlassEco during any season. We love to have fun with color choices inspired by the natural environment or the outdoor décor.
Outdoor Table Tops
Outdoor table tops are a fun stand-alone project or an easy way to extend the look of other GlassEco Surfaces at your home throughout your outdoor living space. In addition to residential use, businesses can choose glass colors that match their space or brand for outdoor dining like this table top for Oasis, a new restaurant in Charleston on Meeting Street.
For more inspiration of GlassEco Surfaces in outdoor or indoor living spaces, visit our gallery page.
Complimentary Design Consultation
GlassEco offers recycled glass surfaces for multiple exterior uses. To learn more about our materials and product sustainability, visit our products page or contact us directly to schedule a complimentary design consultation. With proper planning, your favorite outdoor destination could very well be your own backyard!
Renovate for a New Normal with Recycled Glass Surfaces
We’re all spending more time at home thanks to COVID-19, and it seems that this “new normal” has prompted many homeowners to consider small to major home renovations. According to the home renovation site Houzz, there was a 58 percent increase in requests from homeowners across the country in June 2020 over June 2019. We have definitely seen an uptick in inquiries at GlassEco this year, and we are excited about all of the ways that our recycled glass surfaces can make homes more enjoyable to shelter in place.
Create Space for Work & School
Facing distance learning and working from home for the foreseeable future, homeowners are looking for ways to improve or expand areas in their home for work and school. If you are looking for ways to accommodate one or more workstations, consider how GlassEco Surfaces can be a beautiful solution…
DESIGN A “CLOFFICE”
The “cloffice” trend is a petite office that neatly tucks away in an underutilized closet space. Since our recycled glass surfaces are custom made to your specs, we can work with you to maximize your available closet space for a truly one-of-a-kind desk that you will love. For design inspiration, check out the Google results for cloffice images.
Design Built-ins on a wall
If you don’t have an extra closet available, consider designing built-ins on an available wall. We love to collaborate with custom builders, and we can fabricate surfaces for desks to their specs. For families of school-age children, adding built-ins in a bedroom can provide extra storage as well as a private workstation for virtual school. You can even get children in on the creative process of picking out recycled glass colors that match their style!
Update existing Surfaces
Homeowners who don’t have the extra space to convert a closet or construct built-ins are having to make do with the space they do have, typically in the kitchen or dining area. Even if you aren’t updating your kitchen countertops, GlassEco Surfaces are a great way to bring new life to a tabletop or bar top being used for work or school.
Make a Big Impact in a Small Space
If you have been spending lots of time at home during the past several months, you have probably become more acquainted with the flaws in your home or simply need a change of scenery. Our recycled glass surfaces are an easy way to make a change and a statement in a small space. In addition to selecting your colors of glass, you can even choose custom base colors to match your paint and décor selections as described in our blog post, Fun with Countertop Colors Goes Beyond Recycled Glass. We would love to help you make a big impact with our product in one of these smaller applications…
Powder room
Wet bar
Laundry room
Butler’s pantry
Backsplash
Fireplace surround
Focus on Outdoor Living
Since people are spending more time at home in 2020, many homeowners are looking to their backyards for additional living space. In fact, inquiries for swimming pool design & construction pros more than quadrupled (up 334%) on Houzz in June compared with the previous June. If you are in the market for a pool or spa, we have experience constructing recycled glass surfaces for this application as seen in the Outdoor Living section on our Gallery page. We have also published several blog posts about other ways to use GlassEco Surfaces in outdoor living spaces if you need some inspiration…
Complimentary Design Consultation
To learn more about our unique design process and how you can get creative with recycled materials during a small to major home renovation, contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Creative Ways to Recycle in the Bathroom
When home recycling is concerned, research shows that only 20% of Americans recycle bathroom items. Recycling doesn’t have to stop at the bathroom door (https://caretorecycle.com), and that includes unique applications of GlassEco Surfaces. We love getting creative with recycled glass countertops in bathrooms, and our clients are branching out more and more with this versatile material to create truly custom baths.
GlassEco Surfaces in Your Bath
Our product is custom by its very nature. Clients choose recycled glass colors, glass sizes, and personal elements to complement their space or reflect their unique style. Think of how creative you can get in your own bathroom after seeing some of our inspiration...
Custom Mixes
The many recycled glass options at our North Charleston shop already allow for unlimited design possibilities. Further customize your look by adding personal items to the surface mix like shells, stones, sharks’ teeth or pure glass tiles.
If you are using glass tiles in your bathroom design, you can incorporate the look in your GlassEco Surface if the color goes throughout the tile. An interior designer once gave us the leftover penny tile from the client’s bathroom project which we crushed and added to the recycled glass countertop mix. The results were dramatic!
Leftover penny tile from the backsplash was crushed and added to the mix for a dramatic look!
Functional Surfaces
In addition to countertops, GlassEco can handcraft many other functional surfaces for your bathroom. Consider these applications in your design…
Vanity or furniture tops
Shower benches
Ledges and niches
Flooring & walls
Innovation is in our blood, so we are always looking for new applications of our recycled surfaces.
In 2019, GlassEco Surfaces began manufacturing custom plank flooring for clients. We are completing a large commercial job with flooring from GlassEco Surfaces in eight bathrooms. Designers for Ingevity’s new headquarters in the Garco Mill area made this selection, and we look forward to sharing project photos soon.
We had the pleasure of working with John and Joy Magiera from the Beaufort area on their bathroom design. We fabricated shower walls for the master bath in their beautiful, waterfront home on Dataw Island. The design specs called for several large panels for installation due to the weight, and they flowed visually at the seam with a tile accent. The recycled glass used in the walls and ledges beautifully complements the natural tones in both the tile accents and pebble flooring.
“After finding the GlassEco team to be so cordial and fun during our kitchen countertop project, we asked them to fabricate walls for the shower in our master bath. They were very responsive & easy to work with, and I would certainly recommend them.”
More Bathroom Design Inspiration
As we are looking for our own bathroom design inspiration, we invite you to follow along on Pinterest. We have a board with Ideas for GlassEco surfaces on More Than Counters and would really like to do one of the types of accent walls shown at some point! Be sure to checkout our other blog posts about bathroom design…
Care To Recycle®
Care To Recycle® is a great initiative by Johnson & Johnson which shares, tips, facts, crafts and activities that make recycling in the bathroom easy, fun, and effective. Check it out for:
Bathroom Recycling Tips - Green your bathroom routine!
DIY - Recycle, reuse, and upcycle with these fun projects.
Family Fun - Get the whole family involved in recycling!
Recycling Facts - Get answers to your questions, big and small, about recycling.
Complimentary Design Consultation
To learn more about our unique design process and how you can get creative with recycled materials in your bathroom, contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Fun with Countertop Colors Goes Beyond Recycled Glass
We often say that we want your GlassEco surface to tell the story of you, and the design possibilities are truly unlimited. Our unique process allows those who are seeking a Terrazzo style glass countertop to create a completely custom look that reflects their space or personal style. You can get really creative when selecting colors from our vast collection of locally sourced recycled glass and shells, but did you know that you can also have fun and make a statement with the surface’s base color?
“Color is the most accessible over-the-counter mood-altering substance I can think of. Overdose on color.”
Custom Base Colors
When we work with clients on color selections, the recycled glass will always be the star of the show! However, attention to the base color of the countertop can dramatically change the design aesthetic.
A typical GlassEco base surface is a neutral, tinted white which beautifully showcases the custom glass mix chosen during our complimentary design consultation. Sherwin-Williams is a great resource for color inspiration, and we normally use Snowbound (SW 7004) for a cool white base or Elder White (SW 7014) for a warm white.
If white isn’t bold enough for you, we can use any color paint in the base during the manufacturing process. Adding a splash of color to your base color is a great way to get an upgraded look without increasing costs. Consider the following base colors for the countertops in your kitchen, bar, bathroom or laundry room.
Black
If you have dark cabinetry, dark floors or other rich and weighty finishes, a black countertop will fit right in. In addition, it can be a better choice to pair with cabinets painted a subtle color, like powder blue, because white can sometimes absorb and dampen nearby colors. We have had beautiful results with the color Black Swan (SW 6279). A striking contrast of oyster shells against a dark background provides a twist to the classic black and white combination.
Deep Green
In addition to the use of recycled glass, you can literally “go green” with your base color. Deep green is a strong foundation color that can emulate the feeling of lush botanicals and the healing power of nature in your home. The 2019 color of the year for PPG paints is a dark green called Night Watch (PPG1145-7). The hue is basically a new take on rich hunter green which was the interior design spotlight in the 90’s. Imagine how beautiful this color would look next to pieces of varying green glass bottles!
2020 Color of the Year: Naval
In September, Sherwin-Williams announced that Naval (SW 6244) is the 2020 Color of the Year. The rich navy hue is reminiscent of the night sky and strikes a perfect balance between calm and confident. Naval is where the glamour of Art Deco meets the serenity of a yoga studio, and it looks gorgeous paired with the natural look of recycled glass and shells. Naval is part of the satisfying and rejuvenating Alive palette which also incorporates other blues, a deep olive and beautiful earth tones.
“The use of color in interior design is changing. It’s not just about what a space looks like anymore, but how it makes you feel.”
Colors that Bring Balance
Sherwin-Williams has released Colormix® Color Forecast 2020, a great tool that introduces 45 trend colors. They are presented in five welcoming and intuitive palettes that bring joy, serenity and focus to the mind, body and spirit.
Let’s Play!
We have been dying to use turquoise in a base color, and Aquarium (SW 6767) is on trend for the new year as part of the Play palette. Its energetic and clever colors help us recall that deep down, we’re still kids who love to play.
Who’s up for the challenge? The first client to choose turquoise for a countertop base color will receive 10% off the project!
Complimentary Design Consultation
To learn more about our unique design process and how you can make a statement with a color base for your countertop, contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Outdoor Concrete Countertops Done Right
Backyard kitchens with cooking surfaces, sinks, bars and storage areas are all the rage in the growing outdoor living trend. Outdoor kitchen counters made of concrete, like those manufactured by GlassEco, are increasing in popularity among homeowners. Nationally acclaimed garden artisan, Scott Cohen, whose award-winning work is frequently featured on HGTV, regularly comments on the material choice.
“While concrete is not the only option for outdoor kitchen countertops, it is my favorite for a variety of reasons.”
Cohen is known for creating resort-style backyards through his unique use of recycled materials, expert detailing, and innovative ceramic techniques. He is president and supervising designer of The Green Scene, a premier outdoor design and construction firm based in the Los Angeles area.
“The ease of maintenance, ability to withstand the elements and versatility are certainly contributing factors, but I believe it is the beautiful rich look that has given concrete counters the lift to fame. ”
Even better, this versatile material can be combined with colored glass which allows homeowners to further personalize their outdoor designs. This custom look is GlassEco’s specialty, and we have made the environmentally-friendly choice to use 100% recycled glass. Most is locally sourced from our sister company, Fisher Recycling.
Steps to Success
If you are leaning towards using concrete counters in your outdoor kitchen, it is important to know that it has pros and cons like any material. We recommend the following to protect your investment.
Hire a Professional
While it is possible to make your own concrete countertops, a fun do-it-yourself home improvement project can quickly turn into a headache. The material is prone to cracking if it is not made or installed correctly.
Love your Big Green Egg? Showcase it in your outdoor kitchen design with a custom GlassEco countertop, crafted with concrete for outdoor durability.
All GlassEco surfaces are strengthened with reinforcement strips during manufacturing, and we only work with experienced installers. Our go-to companies in coastal South Carolina are World Granite, Eugene's Marble and Granite, the Granite Guys and Stonehenge Concrete.
Think Outside the Box
Our approach to design is that your surface should tell the story of you. GlassEco Surfaces can be completely customized to compliment your space or reflect your personal style.
Since concrete can be poured into many sizes and cut to your desired shape, the material leaves lots of room for innovative designs. For example, we have had clients design a space specifically for a Big Green Egg.
Your outdoor kitchen design will really come to life when you further customize it by blending colored glass with the concrete. The design possibilities are truly limitless! At GlassEco, you get to pick colors from a vast collection of 100% recycled glass. We can control the glass cullet sizes & combinations and even add personal elements such as shells, stones, sharks’ teeth or metal items. We have used keys, musket balls, nails, horseshoes and even antique belt buckles.
Jody P. from Johns Island certainly thought outside of the box for her outdoor kitchen! Tidal Creek Designs created an outdoor living space for all ages with a handmade ping pong table and grill area with TVs, couches and lounge chairs. This was our first color palette inspired by AstroTurf!
“Having this counter in this room was like Christmas in July!”
Click image to enlarge images.
Proper Care & MAINTENANCE
Concrete is considered one of the best outdoor kitchen countertop materials because of its natural ability to withstand the wear and tear of weather elements. To ensure that the counters in direct sunlight don’t fade over time, we only use concrete that is UV resistant. In addition, outdoor concrete counters must be sealed on installation and resealed regularly. We always educate our clients on proper care and maintenance so that they can protect their investment. We recommend the following during day-to-day use:
Use trivets or hot pads to avoid scorching sealed surfaces.
Use cutting boards to protect knives.
Use natural, non-abrasive cleansers. Citrus-based products may damage sealers over time.
Restore the look of heavily trafficked surfaces with a rebuff. This is available as needed to our clients for an additional charge.
Complimentary Design Consultation
To learn more about our outdoor materials and product sustainability, visit our products page or contact us directly to schedule a complimentary design consultation. For more inspiration of GlassEco Surfaces in outdoor living spaces, visit our gallery page. Let’s create the outdoor kitchen that you have dreamed of!
Designing Your Outdoor Oasis
With flowers in full bloom, it's that floriferous time of year where we crave longer hours outdoors. Think barbecues, lounging by the pool, nestling yourself in a hammock with a good book, the fragrant smell of magnolias and the hissing of cicadas enveloping your senses. The days are only growing longer and the nights, warmer. And as such, there's no better time to begin designing your very own outdoor oasis. Summertime is around the corner after all!
As the effects of climate change continue to intensify, it's no wonder more and more people are turning to sustainable or "green" design. The benefits truly abound, not only for the environment (a trend that will never go out of style), but also for your own operating/utility costs - not to mention your overall well-being. Face it, going green has never been more poignant and rewarding.
Envisioning Your Oasis
By definition, an oasis is a small, aqueous and life-giving refuge in an otherwise barren land. At ThoughtCo, Kallie Szczcepanski dons it as "a reverse island, in a sense, because it is a tiny area of water surrounded by a sea of sand or rock." With this in mind, let's think about how you can optimize your sea of sand or rock or grass or concrete to create the coziest and most sustainable outdoor oasis of your dreams.
GlassEco Surfaces takes recycling to a whole new level that merges green design with vibrant splashes of color. In our last blog post around color in the bathroom, we discussed Feng Shui aesthetics that bring in the five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. No outdoor oasis would be complete without tapping into the ancient art and science of Feng Shui, the conduit through which harmony flows. Are you someone who prefers minimalist, low maintenance design - imagine rocks instead of grass, succulents instead of perennials, crisp, geometric lines rather than asymmetrical curves and plots. Or perhaps you resonate more with the notion of lush vegetation mixed with indoor design aesthetics - imagine billowing herb and flower gardens, a swimming pool or pond cushioned with floating plants, hammocks strewn beneath a canopy of honeysuckles. The spectrum of possibilities is seemingly endless; simply allow yourself to explore them.
Recycled Glass Accents
No matter the size of your outdoor space, or the aesthetic you aim to encapsulate in its design, GlassEco Surfaces can be customized to suit virtually any design request. Here are some ways you can beautify your outdoor oasis with custom-made recycled glass surfaces:
Pool Surrounds
Secluded Spaces
Stepping Stones
Outdoor Kitchens
Driveway Entries
Raised Garden Bed Exterior
Outhouse Vanities
Outdoor Shower Walls
Fireplace Surrounds
For more inspiration of GlassEco Surfaces in outdoor or indoor living spaces, visit our gallery page.
Complimentary Design Consultation
GlassEco offers concrete surfaces for exterior use. To learn more about our materials and product sustainability, visit our products page or contact us directly to schedule a complimentary design consultation and begin making your outdoor oasis dream a reality. What are you waiting for?
It’s All About Color... In the Bathroom!
2019 is the year of making an artistic statement in the home, and let’s not forget about your bathroom. Bathrooms are a fun place to spark your creativity and to play with color and texture. Serving as not only a functional room but as a place of relaxation and beauty, the bathroom can become a work of art in and of itself.
Homeowner, Denise Boiko, recently renovated her bathroom (seen below) and used a GlassEco surface on her vanity as the bathroom’s main focal point. ElleDecor states, “2019 is all about finding balance with appropriate doses of color. Knobs, light fixtures, and decor accents are smart ways to incorporate colors like emeralds, sapphires, and aquamarines.” Denise did just that as she created her vanity surface. With her color palette in mind, she chose various shades of recycled aqua colored glass for her GlassEco surface and further brought out the color through her choice of knobs, mirror, and towels.
GlassEco created recycled glass countertops for a beautiful outdoor kitchen on Isle of Palms (seen below), and color played a key role in the design. It’s easy to see how this look could also transform a bathroom into a conversation piece.
Choose Feng-Shui Inspired Accents & Colors
In the ancient art and science of Feng Shui, it is believed possible to create harmony in one’s home by bringing in the five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water into each living space. Equilibrium can be brought into a bathroom in the following ways:
Wood is represented through growth, strength, and flexibility. For example, you can display fresh flowers atop a beautiful wooden vanity.
Fire increases leadership skills and enthusiasm. Think of candles, reds, pinks, and purples.
Earth is grounding, balanced and stable. Incorporate rectangle and square shaped objects, browns, greens and even sand.
Metal affects mental clarity and focus and is represented through organization and focus. Metals can be brought in through hardware (on the vanity, sink and bath) and with whites, grays and silver.
Water balances and brings about inspiration and wisdom. Water effects play well with deep, dark tones and be even more dramatic when mirrors are incorporated.
Coral is 2019’s Must-Have Color
Source: Creative Maxx | 44 Teal & Coral Bathroom Decor Ideas
Using this list to choose accents, the color palette and objects come together to create an artistic statement the bathroom begs to offer. Need help to get started? Think Coral!
Pantone Color Institute chooses a color each December that will set the tone for the year ahead. This year’s color, Living Coral, “is a warm peachy-orange with a life-affirming golden undertone. The color evokes vitality and buoyancy.” From the runway to art galleries, Coral is the must-have color.
GlassEco has glass to complement this hopeful and optimistic tone. Starting with your surface design and color palette in hand, create a Living Coral masterpiece in your bathroom!
Complimentary Design Consultation
Recycled glass countertops and other hard surfaces are great for residential and commercial spaces, and GlassEco manufactures options that are well-suited for interior and exterior use. The design possibilities are virtually limitless, and it all starts with creating a custom sample. Schedule a complimentary design consultation to learn more.
A Beautiful Solution to a Growing Problem
Like so many people in the Lowcountry, the GlassEco team is very passionate about doing our part to protect our area’s beautiful land and waterways. We manufacture one-of-a-kind countertops and other hard surfaces using recycled glass that has been collected from Charleston metro businesses and residences. The inspiration for our unique product line was an answer to a growing problem in the recycling industry that we are all too aware of, but many people in the region simply are not. Our goal is to shed some light on this important topic.
A simple Google search "is glass really recycled" yields article after article which highlights the issue…
While these articles aren’t South Carolina specific, our state is dealing with the same problems regarding glass recycling. In fact, much to the dismay of our friends in the Upstate, they are no longer able to recycle their household glass through the cities or counties because there are simply no longer any local materials recovery facilities (MRFs) that accept glass. We do know of one business that is collecting glass for both residential and commercial in the Greenville area, RAM Recycling, LLC.
Are government officials and waste management companies just heartless? Do they not care about the environment? The hard fact is that recycling is a business, and this really all just comes down to money unfortunately. Consider this…
Glass is heavy which makes it costly to transport.
When paper, plastic and glass are all together in one bin, the glass tends to break which contaminates the other recyclables. It is very difficult and costly to sort them back into a reusable state.
Glass fragments can damage recycling equipment, so facilities have to be willing and able to invest in glass-separating technology.
If companies can’t process and sell glass profitably, they have no incentive to recycle it.
As for those of us living in the Lowcountry, Charleston County states that they recycle your glass on their website. However, we are partial to our local sister company, Fisher Recycling. They offer recycling services for local offices, restaurants, hotels and some residential collection sites. We know first-hand that they take great care to pull out the glass so that it doesn’t end up in the landfill. Charlestonians go through a lot of glass as seen below, and we are thankful that we are able to re-purpose what Fisher Recycling collects through GlassEco Surfaces.
Piles of glass at Fisher Recycling/GlassEco’s North Charleston facility that’s been diverted from landfills.
While the glass recycling industry as a whole is full of serious challenges, we were encouraged at a recent conference to hear of new advances in the collection and processing of glass. There are development plans in the works for a state-of-the-art facility coming to Berkeley County that would handle all waste, except glass. Fisher Recycling is in discussions with them to manage all of the glass that comes out of the facility and recycle it properly.
Our view is that we may not be able to fix the inherent problems with glass recycling , but we can all strive to be a part of the solution…
Consider heading up a glass recycling effort in your neighborhood or at your office. We would love to answer questions and may be able to facilitate a collection site in your area based on demand.
Look for ways to re-purpose your own glass versus throwing it in the bin. We are in love with some of these ideas on Pinterest!
Support local businesses like GlassEco that are actively collecting used glass to manufacture beautiful products.
Learn More about Recycled Glass Products by GlassEco
Recycled glass countertops and other hard surfaces are great for residential and commercial spaces, and GlassEco manufactures options that are well-suited for interior and exterior use. The design possibilities are virtually limitless, and it all starts with creating a custom sample. Schedule a complimentary design consultation to learn more.
Backsplash or No Backsplash?
Backsplash or no backsplash? That is the question! There are a lot of ways to approach countertop design; and we are, of course, partial to the recycled glass variety. While the chosen material makes a big impact on design, the direction to go with a backsplash is also a factor that gets a surprising amount of attention in talks about kitchen and bathroom trends. Among our clients, it’s about a 50/50 split between those opting for a backsplash or not. And when someone does choose to have a backsplash, the options are seemingly limitless.
By definition, a backsplash is a vertical extension to a counter (typically in a kitchen or bathroom) which protects the wall from unintended splashes of water. In a kitchen, it also helps protect the wall from splattered grease when cooking or food splatter during meal preparation. In the event that the walls aren’t completely square, backsplashes can also serve to mask imperfections. Despite its clear functionality, why do some people choose not to have a backsplash?
Opting for No Backsplash
Some people simply prefer the simple, clean look of having no backsplash. For those opting to go without, it is important to seal the edges of the countertop so that water, grease and food don't drip down the backside of the counters and cabinets. In addition, it is important to have a durable wall surface for the occasional splatter. A semi or high gloss paint that is washable (particularly behind the stove top) is recommended. With all of the beautiful colors found in our recycled glass countertops, featuring one of the colors on the wall could make quite a statement. In contrast, opting to go with a neutral wall color will allow our countertops to be the star of the show.
So Many Backsplash Options
While there is something to be said for the minimalist approach, backsplashes are an obvious (and often affordable) way to play up a particular style in your kitchen or bathroom. We asked a couple of local Charleston designers to weigh in on their backsplash preference, and the consensus seems to be yes to a backsplash… but not a standard 4” one.
Heidi Huddleston of Delicious Kitchens & Interiors (deliciouskitchens.com) told us, “My preference is for a backsplash, but not a small 3-4" one made of the same material as the counter. I like to incorporate a design element such as glass, tile, wood, stone or mirror. When using the same material as the counter, a full height backsplash can be a dramatic as it creates a cohesive band of color or pattern.”
Emily Cox of ECox Creative (ecoxcreative.com) says, “While a typical, run-of-the-mill 4" slab backsplash doesn't tend to thrill me, I recognize the importance of protecting vulnerable wall surfaces in areas where splashing is likely to occur. That's why I love to make a backsplash a feature rather than forgettable! I'm enjoying designing statement backsplashes that celebrate the slab material, with a larger scale and decorative curvature. Using a wall-mounted faucet to further highlight the material gets bonus points!”
A quick Google or Pinterest search results in plenty of designers weighing in on the topic as well as a vast number of photos to inspire you. Here are some quick links to get you started…
Complimentary Design Consultation
One of the things that we love so much about our recycled glass countertops is that the design possibilities are unlimited! Our unique product can be used for both a countertop and backsplash, combined with another backsplash material or can become a one of a kind backsplash paired with a different countertop material. GlassEco Surfaces can be completely customized to compliment your space or reflect your personal style. Contact us to schedule a complimentary design consultation.
Game-Changing Outdoor Kitchen Design on Daniel Island
When Daniel Island homeowner Tony Scruggs was planning his outdoor space, entertaining was a top priority…
“I wanted the space to be a game changer… a party atmosphere that is vibrant, fun and makes you smile.”
Tony’s backyard features an outdoor kitchen and an elevated pool with a negative edge overlooking Beresford Creek. With amenities like that, it’s no wonder that Tony enjoys spending as much time as possible outside, but he also found himself spending more and more time maintaining his outdoor space. His existing kitchen counters and cabinets were not built to withstand the elements, so Tony enlisted the help of Shoshanna Szuch, an organizational designer and owner of KitchensNClosets, to make some updates.
“Tony was able to help me understand the style and function that he envisioned for his space… Having known Elizabeth and Chris Fisher since the inception of Fisher Recycling and later GlassEco, I was sure that GlassEco would be the perfect solution. Tony did his due diligence researching recycled glass surfaces and agreed that working with GlassEco would provide the look he envisioned.”
Countertops manufactured by GlassEco and installed by Universal Marble and Granite. Cabinetry sourced by KitchensNClosets.
“I wanted new countertops that would be beautiful and low maintenance. I was considering granite, and Shoshanna recommended recycled glass… I had seen recycled glass surfaces before at a resort in Palm Springs and knew instantly that it was exactly what I wanted for myself.”
Tony had stayed at the Laquinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, California years before and had taken a liking to one of their poolside bars which was made with recycled Sky Vodka bottles. He was able to recreate a similar look with GlassEco by using a mixture of Skyy Vodka bottles, Saratoga bottles and oyster shells. All of the glass used in Tony’s countertops is recycled and locally sourced from Charleston area restaurants.
The design process may have been more involved than picking out granite, but Tony says he wouldn't have it any other way...
“GlassEco countertops take longer than granite because they are custom made, but the finished product was worth the wait. I enjoyed picking out my own colors… It was fun to see everything come together, and everyone loves the fact that [my counters] are recycled.”
Learn More about GlassEco Surfaces
GlassEco manufactures recycled glass countertops that can be customized to suit virtually any design aesthetic, and our surfaces can be used in a variety of interior and exterior applications (bars, table tops, pool surrounds, shower walls and more). A visit to our North Charleston shop is the best way to fully explore design options. Once the design/manufacturing process is complete, the finished product can be delivered anywhere in the contiguous United States. Visit our gallery page to see more recycled glass surfaces, or contact us to schedule a complimentary design consultation.