Salvaged Ideas

I recently visited Schiller's Architectural Salvage in Tampa with my cousin Leah. It was a great way to spend an afternoon and I could have spent hours more in the cavernous building that houses thousands of items saved from the wrecking ball.

While some things might be a little too eccentric for the average shopper, architectural salvage warehouses can be found in every city and are a great resource to those wanting to repurpose an old piece and turn it into a unique design element for their home.

Not to mention, places like this are just plain fun regardless of whether or not you have a project in mind. Sometimes a visit to one can inspire ideas you didn't know you had. Finding a diamond in the rough and turning it into a gem is the ultimate recycling project.

Check back as I'll show you some examples in upcoming weeks of how to give an item new life functioning as something completely different. And in the meantime, find yourself an architectural salvage warehouse that you can visit. I promise that you'll have a wonderful time.

Getting Away From It All

This past Father's day weekend, we were fortunate enough to stay at The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in Ojai, California along with our son, who was participating in an event on the premises.  The sprawling 220 acre complex has taken great pains to blend each structure into the beautiful grounds surrounding the buildings.

The view from our balcony was breathtaking and I couldn't wait to get out and explore. At every turn, there were little vignettes of gorgeous landscaping and art that complemented the architecture of each building.

What made everything so impressive was the simplicity of it all. There were no outrageously decorated rooms or courtyards, just well tended plantings with pots of healthy blooms and minimal tablescapes with unique pieces atop. Most could be replicated at home enabling you to achieve the same serene effect on a smaller, more manageable scale. Very Inspiring.

Have an empty wall outside? Hang a weathered mirror to reflect more of the greenery. How about some old terra cotta pots? Fill them with colorful geraniums and line them up in a grouping for impact. Do you have a few old watering cans that you left outside and they've become rusty? Give them a place of purpose and treat them like you planned it that way! As long as you keep it simple and don't go overboard, you can have a vignette worthy of the best hotel. What can you come up with? The possibilities are endless.

Kelly Wearstler's New Collection

I went to the Pacific Design Center today to see Kelly Wearstler's new collection for Lee Jofa's Groundworks line. Presenting along with Kelly was Executive Vice President/Creative Director for Lee Jofa, Stephen Elrod.

Kelly is an accomplished interior designer and author who launched her own clothing line in 2011, sold at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. She has also been a celebrity judge on Bravo's Top Design. Kelly's collection for Groundworks is sold exclusively to the trade through Lee Jofa.

This is her second collaboration with Groundworks and it focuses on natural materials, graphic patterns and unique colors, such as periwinkle blue, pistachio green and smoky aubergine.

Enlightened?

When thinking of remodeling, most people overlook lighting. Many people think there's no reason to invest in good lighting in lieu of buying furniture. While lighting can be expensive, it should only be on average 10% of a total project's budget...and can transform a good remodel into a great one.

One of the most innovative items I've used is an adaptor that turns a recessed light into a pendant and is available from Ballard Designs www.ballarddesigns.com/lighting/pendant-light-adaptor/  . This can make a boring light in a bathroom a beautiful focal point, saving the homeowner the cost of an electrician. The best part is that it is reversible. If you get tired of the look, just remove it!

There are several styles available, even adaptors that plug in to a ceiling socket. Think of how this could update the look of a kitchen if placed over an island. I've used them in several client projects and the photos below are just one example.

This was just a recessed light above a kitchen sink and is now a beautiful pendant light, all by just unscrewing a lightbulb, placing the adaptor into the socket, adjusting the length of the cord and securing the finishing plate that covers everything.

I encourage you to go out there and do some research about new products on the market. You don't have to have plans to remodel in order to benefit from some of the wonderful products now offered. You might be surprised at how easy it is to update a room!

Color of the Year.

We are almost to the mid point of 2012, but I bet you didn't know there was a Color of the Year! Pantone, a New Jersey corporation greatly influences many industries with it's color choices. Twice a year the company hosts, in a European Capitol, a secret meeting of representatives from various nations' color standards groups. After two days of presentations and debates, they choose a color for the following year. Their choice influences fashion, design and even electronics. This year's color? Tangerine Tango # 17-1463. Variations on this color are being found everywhere.

It can be found on clothing, accessories, of course paint colors and is even offered on a case for your iPad! This is a strong color and may turn off a lot of people, but don't dismiss it as too loud for your home. There are many ways to incorporate the latest color trends without it looking like a circus tent!

For example, an accent wall is a good way to use a strong color, especially in a kitchen.

A piece of furniture, a side chair or accessories can bring in a new shade with little effort. Even something as simple as a pillow can add the right pop of color.

Tabletops are a great way to keep up with trends, as they can be changed out to completely transform the look of a room without redecorating.

And let's not forget that it's summer and the outdoors is an excellent way to use a strong color like Tangerine Tango. Embrace it, don't overdo it and enjoy it!

Picnic In The Park

Why does everything seem to taste better eaten outside under a beautiful blue sky? Take advantage of the great weather and get outside to take in a concert or a picnic with friends.

One Kings Lane (www.onekingslane.com) is a website that offers beautiful home decor at up to 70% off. Check back often, as they are constantly offering new deals. I recently found great items from Picnic At Ascot, in every price range.

Check them out and envision yourself with the perfect lunch in the park or perhaps dinner under the stars.