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For the Trades: Reclaimed Architecture Sources

Murrye Bernard, LEED AP — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:00:09 +0000

Do you find yourself lamenting that buildings aren’t built like they used to be? It’s possible to recreate the charm and character of yesterday, literally. Check out these sources for reclaimed architectural elements such as wood flooring, trim, and even plumbing fixtures.

Reclaimed Woods

One of the most popular architectural salvage products is timber. Wood from old homes, barns, fences and even wine barrels may be reclaimed and made into wide plank floors, shelving, cabinetry or siding.

Terra Mai reclaimed wood, 1 Hotel and Residences by Sienna Architecture

Elmwood Reclaimed Timber (Kansas City, MO)
Terra Mai (Mt. Shasta, CA)
Vintage Timberworks (Temecula, CA)

Windows and Glazing

Although today’s windows and doors are much more energy efficient than their older counterparts, they don’t compare to the beauty of wavy leaded glass or stained glass.

Old House Parts (Kennebunk, ME)
Albion Doors and Windows (Albion, CA)
Amighini Architectural (Corona del Mar, CA)

Antique Hardware and Lighting

Invest in the details that will give your home a finished look. Purchase antique hardware to adorn your doors or cabinets, or install period lighting to add warmth to an otherwise modern interior.

Brass Plated Iron Hinge circa late 1800s from Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation (Portland, OR and Seattle, WA)
Eugenia’s Antique Hardware (Chamblee, GA)
Classic Home Hardware (Canton, CT)

Specialty Trim and Mantels

Though you can still purchase trim pieces like crown molding and picture rails, original, reclaimed trim often features more complex profiles than those available on the market today. A reclaimed fireplace mantel is well worth the investment as it will become the focal point of a room.

Southern Accents (Cullman, AL)
Architectural Antiques Exchange (Philadelphia, PA)
Columbus Architectural Salvage (Columbus, OH)

Wrought Iron

Ornate, black wrought iron calls to mind the sleepy streets of New Orleans or Savannah. Add a little Southern charm to your home in the form of a porch or or stair railing, or use a decorative piece as your headboard.

Vintage Studios (Durham, NC)
Recycling the Past (Barnegat, NJ)
Black Dog Architectural Salvage (Roanoke, VA)

Plumbing Fixtures

If you’re in the market for a clawfoot tub or pedestal sink, why not go authentic? Forget breakable porcelain, they used to make plumbing fixtures out of cast iron coated with enamel.

Antique bathtub from Vintage Plumbing

Bathroom Machineries (Murphys, CA)
Vintage Plumbing (Los Angeles, CA)
Vintage Bathroom (Buffalo, NY)

Tips for Finding Reclaimed Architectural Elements

The sources we’ve listed above are great places to start, but they are by no means your only option when it comes to vintage and antique adornment. Visit a local architectural salvage yard to peruse the treasures firsthand. Craigslist and eBay are also great sources if you enjoy the thrill of competition.

Once you find reclaimed architectural elements that interest you, ask the seller plenty of questions on the origins and do your research to determine if they are, in fact, legitimate. Many companies sell antique reproductions, so be clear that you’re looking to purchase an original. If you’re prepared to invest a little elbow grease to remove old paint or other signs of time, you might get a really good deal.

Head Bangers: Upholstered Headboards to Adore

Joe Armenia — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:39:26 +0000

There is nothing more luxurious than a plush and perfectly made bed. Deliciously crisp (but cool to the touch) sheets, fluffy feather pillows and cloud-like duvets all make you want to jump in and envelop yourself in puffy repose. But really, why wrap a package without a putting a ribbon on it?

A bedframe or headboard is more than just a way to accentuate your bedding. It’s a significant piece of furniture, and certainly holds the largest piece in your whole bedroom. It’s also a focal point, like it or not. Rich wood headboards and frames are great and they have their place, but why not extend the feeling of luxury and comfort on this important piece? After all, you certainly do other things in your bed besides sleep!

GET YOUR MINDS OUT OF THE GUTTER!

I am talking about reading before bed, chatting on the phone, maybe even some breakfast in bed. These – and certain other activities which shall remain nameless – all require sitting up in bed. An upholstered bedframe or headboard extends the comfort factor when sitting, um, erect. And the good news is that they can be found almost everywhere now – Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, etc. Even Wal-Mart and Target sell budget-friendly options.

I am personally a big fan of beds and headboards that are constructed of fabric and not wood or metal. If you are like me, you grew up with the concept of the bedroom “set”…where the pieces all match. These are still wildly popular, but I find clients want a more carefully curated space, more eclectic and less “matchy”.

Another great benefit to an upholstered headboard is the general ability to use it to reinvigorate your design…and change it when you want to! If you need a pop of color or some print, reupholster your headboard. Some manufacturers even take this into account by making slipcovered headboards for this very purpose. In fact, for a quick-change, it’s pretty easy to make your own upholstered headboard – a few yards of fabric, some batting, a staple gun and a piece of plywood are all you need to make your own. Hang it on the wall behind your bed or affix it to your boxspring frame. Feeling craftier? Add some buttons and create a tufted version. Or put some shiny nickel upholstery tacks around the perimeter. Specific DIY directions can be found here.

Size is everything in bed!

If you think the idea of an upholstered headboard is stuffy, and you expect lots of chintz florals and velvets, think again. These can run the gamut from the very traditional to the ultra modern; the uber-masculine to the dainty shabby chic look. Shape and fabric make all of the difference. Here are a selection of upholstered headboards, one of which is sure to fit your style (and hopefully, cushion your head! Oops – I mean your back!)

For a clean, urban, modern look, I recently commissioned this bed, The Boss Bed, from Domus Design Collection. The black leather is a strong statement, but the tight tufting softens the impact and the overall lines. I opted for headboard only, as I think the impact is diminished by adding a matching base or footboard.

Looks like a man's bed to me. I'm guessing he is quite the player.

Pottery Barn makes a really diverse group of upholstered headboards and beds. They run the spectrum from contemporary to traditional. I think that the Brennan Headboard, especially as styled in the photo, is a great, soft traditional look that is soft in not only texture but appearance. If you like a lush bedroom, take a look at this one.

The happy couple. I bet they read here. On weekends.

The Jensen Headboard, from Ethan Allen, is a perfect blend of styles, and likely one of the most versatile designs. It’s classic in color options and style, but quite contemporary in it’s lines. This will dress up your bedroom and make you feel like you are in a hotel on vacation – and isn’t that how you want to feel in bed?

Like a fine hotel - not one that charges by the hours (though those need upholstered headboards, too!)

These are just the tip of the iceberg; there is an upholstered headboard for everyone. You just know you want to, um, read more comfortably, don’t you? As this clip shows us, it’s quite dangerous to NOT have an upholstered headboard!

Sleep tight.

Real Life Styleboard: Achieving a “Zen” Look

Michelle Salz-Smith, ASID — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:00:56 +0000

When one thinks of ”Zen”, I don’t know that the first thing that comes to mind is the Zen school of Buddhism. ”Zen” has become such a mainstream tag phrase that most think of the relaxing, tranquil interiors inspired by the principles of Zen. The look has become quite popular and for good reason. It is soothing, simplistic beauty created by the use of clean lines, organic materials, and natural colors. ”Zen” inspired rooms are designed to transport you to a peaceful state of mind and create an escape from the busy, hectic lives we lead. Whether it’s a home bathroom, a resort spa, a bedroom or garden, “Zen” inspired spaces share a common aesthetic incorporating design principles such as rhythm and balance.

Take a look at some inspired objects that when used in your home can help to achieve the timeless “Zen” look:

“Zen”… by alluminare

When creating a “Zen” inspired room, here are a few things to consider.

Use nature inspired colors such as greens, browns, blues in soft shades to create a soothing atmosphere.
Incorporate natural elements such as plants, rocks, and water to reinforce the organic component of a “Zen” room.
Stick with clean lined furnishings and accessories with an emphasis on the horizontal. Examples are platform beds, straight lined end tables, and crisp pendant shades like the one in the styleboard above. But definitely feel free to mix it up a bit by adding personal touches such as pictures, art, patterns, etc. to keep the space from looking too sterile and static.

What do you think of “Zen” inspired rooms? Do you have a “Zen” inspired space? We would love to see your interpretations of this popular look!

Sustainable Sources for Wood Flooring

Murrye Bernard, LEED AP — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:00:11 +0000

There’s no denying the beauty and warmth of wood floors. But if you can’t shake the guilty feeling from participating in the process of decades-old trees being turned to timber, then consider some more sustainable sources for wood flooring. Eco-friendliness doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.

Cork Tiles and Panels
If you thought cork was only meant for sealing wine bottles, you might reconsider once you set foot on a cork floor. This sustainable flooring material is as cush as carpet, and the harvesting method doesn’t cause damage to the cork tree. The bark regenerates within a few years time and it can be harvested again.

Cork floors from expanko.com

Not all cork floors look like the typical pattern that you imagine; cork flooring is available in a range of textures and stains, from pale beige to espresso brown. Cork flooring may be purchased in tile or panel format, allowing for the installation of a variety of patterns. Ultra sound-absorbent and fire-resistant, cork is a surprisingly durable flooring choice.

Bamboo Floors
Another renewable resource that translates to attractive flooring is bamboo. Technically a grass, bamboo stalks mature within seven years, at which point they can be harvested and split into strips. These strips are glued together in various arrangements to form planks that look much like traditional wood flooring planks. Two grain types are available, vertical and horizontal.

Bamboo floors from duro-design.com

Bamboo flooring is moisture resistant and can be installed in kitchens and baths, as well as bedrooms and living spaces. It is becoming more widely available and affordable, and it is easy to maintain. Bamboo planks may be stained any shade, so it can resemble species of hardwoods if you aren’t in love with its natural light beige finish.

FSC Certified Wood Flooring
Cork and bamboo flooring is great in theory, but if it’s not your style and you can’t do without traditional oak or maple hardwood floors, then look for planks that feature the FSC logo. The Forest Stewardship Council promotes responsible forestry and provides a certification system for wood products that tracks their “chain of custody” to ensure buyers that products were manufactured with the environment in mind. Look for the label that features a check mark, and when in doubt, confirm with the FSC’s database. FSC certified wood flooring products may be purchased at your local home improvement store, though you can expect to pay a little more than you would for a non-certified product. But you are at least buying some peace of mind.

Reclaimed Wood Planks
When a building is demolished, it’s a real waste to throw away still-useful wood planks and lumber. Architectural salvage yards provide these materials with a second life. In many cases, older actually means better, or at least more interesting. To add character to your new home, purchase reclaimed wood planks from an old barn or church. It certainly makes for interesting conversation at your next cocktail party.

Reclaimed wood floors from elmwoodreclaimedtimber.com

So, as you can see, there are many flooring options that are easy on the environment without making you feel as if you’ve “settled.” In fact, sustainable flooring products provide inspiring design options that contribute texture and richness to your new home or remodel.

Woods and Veneers – Beautiful, Modern, Organic

Michelle Salz-Smith, ASID — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:00:22 +0000

Wood is a beautiful element that adds warmth to a space. Organic and natural, wood is a texture that can be worked and coaxed into different forms creating stunning objects such as furniture, accessories, works of art and even lighting. Wood can look extremely modern in today’s settings while still maintaining its warmth. Take a look at some lovely examples of wood at its best:

Modern Organic… by alluminare

From fashion accessories to furniture to lighting, wood is an amazing alternative to man made materials. It adds warmth and natural beauty to any space and contributes the rustic, modern feel that is very popular right now. However wood is both on trend and timeless and is naturally made to last…

What are some of your favorite wood objects?

The Springs: Mid-Century Architecture in Palm Springs

Murrye Bernard, LEED AP — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:00:29 +0000

Palm Springs, California is synonymous with sparking blue swimming pools, starkly beautiful desert and a proliferation of retirees, but it is perhaps best known for its impressive collection of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Many famous architects designed homes, churches, stores and even gas stations that were built here, putting the quaint dessert town on the map.

As we’ve discussed before, the Mid-Century Modern style became popular in the 1930s and extended through the 1960s. Though it looks quite sleek and well, modern, it actually reinterprets organic forms found in nature. Common features include open floor plans, large expanses of glass, flat or low-sloped roofs and post-and-beam construction. Ranch style is one of the most popular when it comes to Mid-Century Modern homes.

It’s no surprise Palm Springs became such a mecca for modernists. The dessert climate makes outdoor living possible year round, inspiring designers to create spaces that blur the interior and exterior. The bright blue dessert sky, scruffy vegetation and soaring mountains make for a stunning backdrop. Notable developers and architects who made Palm Springs what it is today include George and Robert Alexander, William F. Cody, John Porter Clark, Albert Frey, William Krisel, John Lautner, Richard Neutra, Donald Wexler and E. Stewart Williams. Let’s take a look at a few examples of Mid-Century architecture in Palm Springs.

Frank Sinatra built a home in 1946 designed by E. Stewart Williams. It’s been featured in countless photo spreads and is available to rent for the weekend, if you want the chance to live like Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.

Photo by Jonathan Becke

Albert Frey’s swooping Tramway Gas Station is an icon of the dessert city. It now serves as a visitor’s Center.

Photo: Palm Springs Historical Society

Architect John Lautner designed the Elrod House in 1968, and it’s one of his most famous homes. The home is dramatically carved out of the rock ridge, making it the perfect setting for scenes from James Bond’s Diamonds are Forever.

Photo: Joshua White/Hammer Museum via NYTimes

Richard Neutra designed the Kaufmann House in 1946, which also became one of his most famous homes. Notice a theme here? Mr. Kaufmann arguably had good taste; he also commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design a vacation home for him on a waterfall in Pennsylvania, you might know it as Falling Water.

Image copyright Barbara Alfors 2000.

William Krisel designed the House of Tomorrow for developer Bob Alexander and his wife. At the time it surely looked futuristic, but now it provides a flashback to the swinging 1960s.

Photo: Look Magazine

Tourists may flock to Palm Springs to lounge by the pools at swanky resorts, but they’d be remiss not to scope out a few of these remarkable specimens of Mid-Century Modern Architecture. Consider visiting during the annual Modernism Week, or book a private tour. Some, like Sinatra’s former home, may be rented for a weekend or extended stays.

[All images courtesy psmodcom.com unless otherwise noted]

Mid-Century California

Michelle Salz-Smith, ASID — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:34:19 +0000

Oh to live in California in the mid century. With the shiny big cars, the beaches and surfers, a new architecture, the allure of Hollywood, palm trees and melamine, California really was the land of enchantment. The mid-century signified post war happy change and there was no happier a place than California. As a leader in the movement, Mid-century modern style especially in residential architecture was also referred to as the California Modern style. The rest of the country was watching California set the style and trends of the mid-century American lifestyle.

The furniture, accessories, and architecture really became the banners for mid-century California. Advancements in technology produced furniture styles that had never been seen before: molded fiberglass in pop colors and bent wood and wire frames. Names such as Eames, Herman Miller, George Nelson and Knoll became a part of the American household vocabulary.

Architecture was focusing on new home styles with open floor plans catered to family living and entertaining. With post and beam structures, expanses of glass and less walls were possible changing the look of the home, seemingly bringing the outdoors in. In the arid climates of California, this was much desired and now attainable. Captured by the photography of Julius Shulman, the case study houses by Neutra and others have retained their fame and status.

I don’t know that any other era has influenced modern design as much as the mid-century and no other other part of the country has enjoyed as much notoriety as California especially back in its heyday. Here’s a look of some of the iconic pieces of mid-century California along with new mid-century California inspirations :

Mid-Century… by alluminare

Have any favorite California Modern inspired designs or objects? We would love to see them!

Dorm Room Architecture: Schools With Fabulous Dorm Rooms

Murrye Bernard, LEED AP — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:00:56 +0000

I don’t know about you, but when I went to college, the dorm rooms were hardly the selling point of my school. It’s not easy to cram all of your belongings into a tiny, cement block-lined box that you share with a roommate. I managed to avoid spending much time there, and it only served as a place to sleep. However, if I went to one of these schools, I think I’d make excuses just to hang out in my dorm room!

Bryn Mawr College
When you see a dorm in the movies that looks so luxurious it might actually be a castle, it probably looks something like Bryn Mawr College, a picture-perfect all-girls school in Pennsylvania. The largest and one of the most impressive residence halls on campus is Rockefeller, a gift from the man himself (John D.). It features turn of the 19th century details like fireplaces and window seats in each room and the bedrooms feature leaded glass doors that students may decorate with water based paint.

Marian University
This dorm room looks as if it could be the set of a Friends-esque sitcom. Could you imagine comfortably fitting that many friends in your cramped dorm room? Marian University is a Catholic and Franciscan University in Indianapolis, but it looks like a pretty relaxed place to kick back.

Smith College
Are you beginning to see a theme, here? Private, all-girls schools tend to have some of the nicest dorms. Smith College in Massachusetts is no exception. Like Bryn Mawr, many dorm rooms feature original fireplaces and window seats in an idyllic, movie-set campus. The staircase of Chapin Hall, pictured below, inspired the staircase in Gone With the Wind!

Duke University
The only thing better than an attractive dorm is one that’s also environmentally friendly. Duke University in North Carolina opened the SmartHouse dormitory a few years ago, which is a LEED platinum building.

Scripps College
Take a look at the lobby of Grace Scripps Clark Hall at Scripps College (yes, yet another women’s school). There’s even a grand piano! It doesn’t matter what the rooms look like (although we’re sure they are very nice) when you can use this space as your living room.

Tips to Decorate Dorm Rooms
Okay, so you don’t attend one of these schools with beautiful dorm rooms. Don’t despair; there are a few things you can do to transform your cell into a sanctuary. With a little (okay, a lot) of creativity, your dorm room might even look as good as Maximilian Sinsteden’s room at Drew University in New Jersey!

Via nymag.com

Keep it neat. Make your bed everyday and resist the urge to throw your dirty clothes on the floor. Your roommate will be happy, and you’ll be surprised how much bigger your dorm room will seem.
Deck the walls. Painting the walls is probably out of the question, so plaster a wall with a collage of posters, photos or paintings or invest in temporary wall decals.
Go bold. With color, that is. Dorm rooms are notoriously drab with beige floors, walls and ceilings. Select a colorful bedspread, rug and curtains to offset the dullness.
Store smart. Raise your bed a little so you have plenty of room for storage bins to keep your room clutter free.
Light with Lamps. Overhead dorm lighting is harsh, so light your work space and bedside table with ambiance-creating lamps.

Ask Joe: How Can I Personalize A Dorm Room?

Joe Armenia — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:50:18 +0000

This week, a reader dropped a note asking how they can personalize their dorm room. Ah, to be young, carefree, and broke!

This is a real dilemma for students – and I mean that sincerely. It’s your first time away from home and suddenly you go from the warmth and familiarity of your family home to a tiny room that you have to share with a stranger. Dividing the small room in half, you are left with your own tiny piece of the world in which you eat, sleep, study and various other things we need not discuss here. Somehow, some way, you want the space to not only feel comfortable, but feel like a true expression of you…your style and your personality.

On top of all that, you have rules: no painting, no nails or other hanging tools that may leave holes in the walls, no altering of anything in the space, etc. Basically, you are left with a clean but very limited palette. Bare white walls are hardly a way to express your burgeoning identity as a young adult.

You ARE in there...somewhere.

Unlike a home or even a rental apartment, any customization you will do is temporary, so take into account the basics of who you are at this very moment. Ask yourself a few key questions:

What colors represent you? I suggest picking two strong colors that will wind their way into your room, be it in bedding, area and throw rugs, toss pillows, lamps, accessories, etc. If you decide you like robin’s egg blue and lime green, for example, go with it: get yourself some spray paint and paint some picture frames or inexpensive vases those colors. Create a space that is tied together by color.

What design “style” do I most identify with? What style do I want to be surrounded by in a tight space? This will inform your color choices to some degree, as well as how you accessorize your space. Having a hodge-podge of styles will make you feel anxious and cluttered. That “shabby chic” bedding set you bought is pretty, but it looks weird next to that ultra-modern chrome torchiere lamp. You don’t want to come across as the person who gets whatever they can find to fit the need or whatever is affordable (unless that is you and you want that look. Remember your environment reflects you, so if you want to convey that, by all means…..just don’t invite me over!)

What are my favorites? Things such as bands, artists, flowers, etc. Pick your favorites and then look deeper: what are your favorites of your favorites? If you like Lady Gaga, for instance, what image or art piece in your vast collection best encapsulates what you like about her? Pick the best of the best and feature it prominently in your room. Remember, you have limited space to work with, so pick the piece that has the most impact. Do this for all other categories of things you are into at the moment. Curate a collection of well-chosen art pieces to hang or display that reflect your passions at the moment.

What do I want to take from home? A treasured family photo or a small knick-knack is great. Just don’t overdo it and take too much….this is about your new life. Take a couple of special pieces that resonate and find a way to make them work in. Again, paint the frame a matching color perhaps.

Personalizing a space is more than just using a color theme . There are ways to say whose room you are in, other than signs that say “JOE’S ROOM“. I am not a fan of “personalized” things like embroidered pillows, but I do like the use of found and curated letters and signs that actually spell things. It shows that you didn’t just order it from a catalog, but that it meant enough to you to actually collect pieces over time to assemble something. Perhaps you can find vintage sign pieces and letters to spell your name or a favorite quote? Flea markets and eBay are great for that.

Curated finds make a personal statement

Other tips:

Make modern looking art by taking old photos, digitalizing them and manipulating the colors into something that ties in with your colors and environment. Print and frame a few and make a mini-gallery.

Don’t forget the window! In most cases, you have four walls. But with a roommate, you really only have one each. Use the windows to find another outlet for your personalization. Cover a window with a matching bedsheet made into a curtain panel. Or use some fabric that you love. Why not try Alluminare’s Design-Your-Own Fabric tool to create the ultimate reflection of you?

Remember that one of the best things about college is that you get to spend time exploring who you are and who you want to be. Know that this will continually change and evolve, and your space alongside with it!

Dorm Design 101 – The Perfect Style Sheet for the Modern Girl

Michelle Salz-Smith, ASID — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:00:39 +0000

It’s that time of year again. Summer is slowly dwindling to a close and the first signs of Fall will be making themselves known. One of the most exciting parts of the Fall season is going back to school. And for some, back to school is a brand new journey and chapter – college! College is an introduction to so many new things and new people. One of the most fun parts of starting college is moving in to the dorms and making your room your own. It’s your new home away from home and it should be comfy, stylish, and organized so that you concentrate on the important stuff like studying (and socializing). Before we have a look at the “must haves” that will take your dorm room from standard issue to custom, hip, and functional, let’s look at the Fall 2010 color trends.

Pantone fall 2010

The “in” colors this Fall are bold and saturated berries and plums, jewel-rich blues and greens tempered with cool soft neutrals. Selecting a few or all of the shades will turn a bland dorm room into a creative, productive space. Here are some must have items to add to your back to school shopping list…..

Dorm Design 101 by alluminare

Here are some tips to create a stylish AND functional dorm room:

1. Select neutral bedding to keep a timeless, classic look throughout your college career. Adding fun patterns and colors through pillows, throws and accessories allows you to switch things up quickly and inexpensively as your tastes change.

2. Storage and organization are crucial especially in typically small dorm rooms. Invest in multi-tasking pieces such as desk accessories, storage boxes that can slide under the bed, 2 in 1 surfaces such as a marker board/magnetic boards, cable management components etc. to keep clutter and paperwork at bay.

3. Compact pieces and slender profile pieces such as the sliding mirror on wheels is handy when you need it and makes itself invisible when you don’t. Wall mounted magazine racks/file folders maximize storage space by using more wall and less precious floor space.

4. Wall decals such as the decal picture frames above eliminate a lot of holes on the wall and can be moved around frequently whenever you feel like it.

College classes and college dorm rooms can be challenging but with the proper tools and game plan, both can be tackled with style!

Have any ideas or design tips for a stylish dorm room for the modern girl? We would love to here them!

{Image credits: Pantone, Kaboodle}