Plumbing Pipe Shelving

Pipe wall units add fabulous storage and display in modern interiors. You can use them directly in the hallway, living room, or even the laundry room or garage if you have a traditional space.  This from black pipe readily available at the Home Depot. They will cut all of the custom lengths for you at no charge. If you're using it in a more industrial style space or outside, use galvanized pipe (although the cost will be more).

The unit is 8’8″ wide by roughly 7’6″ tall and 11 1/4″ deep

Plumbing pipe and fittings (all at 1/2″)

Fittings:
18 – 90º Elbows
14 – 3-Way Tees
8 – Base Flanges

Pipe:
6 – 12″
7 – 18″
1 – 32″
3 – 30″ (Custom cut at home depot)
1 – 43″ (Custom cut at home depot)
14 – 8″
4 – 9″ (black gas pipe for the top flange connectors)

Wood Shelves
2 – 1″ x 12″ x 10′ pine planks (cut down to 8′8″)
2 – 1″ x 12″ x 6′ pine planks (cut down to 4′8″)

Minwax Stain 1 quart (you could mix shades as well to get different versions of brown)

Rustoleum Black Gloss Spray Paint - optional, need about 3 cans 

Tools
Drill
3/4” Hole saw
Medium grit sandpaper (#120)
Dish soap / water-based degreaser
Ladder or step stool

Drill 3/4" holes in the pine planks for the pipe to fit through. Clean all the grease of the pipes - I used rubbing alcohol but dish soap works well.  Painting is optional. The black pipe is generally flat, so if you want a little pizzazz, then spray with glossy paint. If you're using galvanized, I just use a little steel wool and get off any extra marks, and the finish is gorgeous. Then sand and stain the wood to whatever shade you like.

5 Products we LOVE for the kitchen

Making the best use of space, light and storage is always top on the list for most of us.  I search for new and unique products every single day to make that happen! Here is my list of favorites for March!

1. Drawer insert for space saving storage.  This is fabulous for long utensils, easy to grab, and what could be better other than a personal chef?  If the $75 price tag is too high, fashion your own from balsa wood and carpenters glue like we did.




2. LED undercounter light with motion sensor.  Very cool LOOX lighting is great for when you need it.  By Haefle, the surface fixtures are battery powered and go on with a wave of the hand. Easy!




3. An add on cabinet? Yep. Put this small 2 legged piece at the end of a cabinet run or island for much needed storage and an extra surface.  Kraftmaid makes these in a variety of sizes and styles.  All you do is unpack the box, attach the unit and top with your favorite counter or cutting surface.



















4. Kohler's cast iron sink with an offset drain is fantastic!  When you wash large pots, the drain can get covered by the pot....well no longer!  It's large and undermounted...two of the better options for a kitchen sink.

5. Dimmers are the best way to take your high output recessed lights down to a better level after prep is over.  Lutron makes beautiful styles that work whether you have LED, CFL or incandescent bulbs. Save money and get the best light control you can!

De-clutter and Organize

It's a new year and a great time to purge, organize and make the whole year easier. Like everyone else, I have lots of 'stuff'. Some collected, some gifted, some purchased.  I think I have more than I need and certainly more than I want to take care of. My solution?  Make a New Year's Resolution that I WILL keep; organize and purge. Sure, I can create more storage. I can build my own cabinets, buy shelves and add a closet system in my guest room.  Is the cost to do that worth the items?  I think not. 

So..... what to do and how can it help you out?  Here are my ideas!

1. Clothes  Do you hold onto things in case it comes back in style one day? Don't. When it comes back you'll likely need new accessories, pieces to complete the look, and maybe even tailoring. Try starting with items you haven’t worn in the past year; I donate most everything but there are many places to sell designer items. While you're getting things in and out of the closet, reach for those things first and put them aside until you have a small collection....then away it goes.

2. Papers If you haven't read a newsletter or magazine before the next issue is out, you likely won't so give it away or recycle it.  Today, publications keep archived issues on line so you can refer back to and digitally save an article.  While you do need tax-related materials you likely don't need the monthly credit card statements. How about going paperless and get statements and receipts emailed to you?  

3. Electronics I have power cords and adapters for things I don't own anymore. You might too. Recycle them as E waste and clear out that drawer.  Do the same with old monitors, cell phones and other electronic gadgets. 

4. Unpaired items  My husband has socks that have lost their pairing partner.  They, along with plastic storage lids without their matching storage containers (and vice versa) and bed linens that don’t belong to a set are all candidates for removal!

5. Pantry Items. Believe it or not, cereal, cake mixes and pasta DO expire. I had vitamins and supplements with expired dates.  Same with cake mixes and canned goods.  One thing we rarely look at are herbs and spices which, like mine,  probably had time to go bad since you never really used them anyway.











6. Makeup Makeup does expire and mascara collects bacteria over time. Same with lipstick and eye pencils. Ditch colors you don't use. Its a good way to update too; I love to add one new color for every three I toss and it really does de-clutter my bathroom drawer. 

7. Kid stuff   As precious as your children's arts and crafts projects are, consider saving only the very special ones. When the art is whimsical and fun it can be framed and hung in a playroom or hallway; multiple boxes stored in closets aren't useful and visible.  A fabulous way to display drawings is to decoupage onto a dresser, stair riser,s or the back of a bookshelf. 










8. Books  If you’ve made the switch to a Kindle, Nook, tablet or Ipad, you may have books you won't read. Even if you don't have a device, consider eliminating books you've already read. Sort through your favorite ones, then donate the rest to your local library, charity or shelter,   The chance that you'll read those books again are slim to none, so give someone else the pleasure of a good read.

9. Holiday Decor  If you collect items for holidays, it's a good idea to sort through periodically to remove broken or damaged things, be sure you still love them, and pare down to what you really need.  Storing seasonal items is always a challenge.  I found that I don't do themed Christmas decor, so keep a clear glass and two colors to mix or to rotate.  It was such a pleasure to give away what I didn't really need as gift tags, to Goodwill, to the local Senior Center, or to young couples who are just starting out. 

10. Bedding and towels  Having switched to white towels so I don't have to worry about which bathroom they are for, I sometimes have to ditch a towel that simply doesn't come clean, is threadbare, or that no longer has hand towels or washcloths. There are many places to recycle them.  Even bed linens get worn over time. If you change your color scheme you really don't need the old ones hanging around. As I can afford, I switch to high thread count and all cotton - organic is soft and durable - that my older bedding gets donated

. 

Clutter buster ideas for a fresh fall start!

NEED A GIVE-AWAY GUIDE FOR STUFF?  Here are some tips. Always remember that it's OK to take baby steps. Using bins with  labels such as "KEEP", "DONATE", "DISCARD" , "RECYCLE" also helps you stay organized.

1) PAPER. Your fear - if you put away the stack of paper it will be forgotten. Does the stack get you to take action or get bigger? Keep those papers in a wicker basket or decorative paper box. That serves as visual reminder but keeps it out of sight. Inserting labeled file folders - TO DO, TO PAY, TO FILE, etc.. - might help! 


2) GIFTS   Your best friend gave you a vase for your wedding, grandma left you a table when she passed on. Even though you don't like it, you feel if you don't keep it, it's disrespectful.  NOT TRUE.  Since the true meaning of a gift was to celebrate an event  or to honor a memory, the memory is more valuable than the gift. If someone else who gets it, enjoy it, that's more of an honor.


3) FUTURE VALUE  Worrying that something you have will be valuable again is very common.  Check eBay, do a Google search, or use an appraiser to learn the true value.  It's worth knowing that many items need original packaging to retain value.


4) EXPENSIVE ITEMS  You hate to discard those $300 shoes but it's been years since you've worn them.  If items 'hang' around because you feel guilty about what you spent...consider how much better you'll feel when  you know they've gone to someone who will enjoy them fully!


5) MULTIPLES  Having multiples of some items (a favorite shirt, accessories, costume jewelry, suitcases) that you don't use but "may need one day" is common. When they overload your cabinets, closets, and garage and become obstacles...try this.  Take them from the space, put them into a bin and put them elsewhere for six months (or a year if you REALLY think you need it). If you still haven't used it then, take that bin to a local donation center. You didn't miss them, and it's likely you never will!

Ten weekend update tips.

Have two days and want  to make a design or decor change? Try one of these small ideas for a large impact.

Two hours and two cans of paints gave this accent wall a new look.

1) Paint.  The changes to a room from updating the walls are tremendous. Does that mean you need to do all of the walls...NO.  The addition of one accent wall, freshening up just the trim and doors, adding a faux effect up to chair rail height, can be done in hours. 

2) Lighting.  Update the outdated fixtures. (see prior blog posts for ideas.) If your budget allows, change the fixtures that have the most impact on the room...the dining chandelier, a kitchen sconce...and don't forget that new shades have a big impact.

Organize shelves for a clutter-free look.

3) Store-it.  Having a clutter-free space does give a sense of newness. Easy ways to reduce clutter are add wicker baskets or decorative paper boxes, b) hang or buy ready-made bookshelves, c) purchase a storage cube or chest that doubles as a seat or table.

4) Position. Change the layout of a room.  For the living room try moving the sofa to a new wall, arranging furniture horizontally versus vertically in the space, and swapping the position of tables and lamps. In the bedroom, move the bed to another wall or even angle it!

Adding sconces and a group of prints
 is a quick update.

5) Soft goods. Change the color and texture of pillows on your sofa or bed. Add a throw or take one away. Can you swap the bed room pillows and throws with those in the living room? If not, and there is no budget for new ones cover one face with a napkin and then tie on ribbon like a gift box.

6) Hardware.  Replace the hardware on kitchen cabinets and key pieces. Have a knob? Try a pull.  Changing from brass or chrome to a black finish will be dramatic. It's an easy change and you can bargain hunt big box stores for sets of pulls and knobs.












7) Swap it.  This applies to artwork, accessories, candles and even furniture - if you are ambitious. Moving art on the walls gives new perspective to a room...and of course, the art!  Create a group of accessories rather than spreading them around. Change candles..color and size. If you move furniture, try re-purposing pieces.

Adding glass & cabinet lighting in uppers was a quick update that transformed this kitchen.

8) Re-face. Give your appliances and/or cabinets a face-lift. Change the panels on dishwashers and refrigerators. Use appliance spray paint to re-color. Cut the center of some cabinet doors out and add glass.

9) Lighten up. Add light to your rooms. Using a mirror, reflect the light from a window to the interior. No window? Place a table lamp or even a picture light in front of the mirror. If you can, add lighting to the perimeter, under cabinets, inside armoires and bookcases... use low wattage LED ropes or strips.

Adding a plant and a picture made
this dresser perfect in a living room.

10) Add greens.  Like paint, plants and flowers have a huge impact on rooms.  Soften a hard corner with a tall plant or even curly willow in a large vase. Place fresh flowers on your kitchen counter, a living room table, or other noticeable place.  Hang a seasonal wreath on the wall, from a shelf or on an inside door. Can you use your own garden? Even better.

Must-haves in kitchen design.

We all love to look at new designs and check out the trends. We can use them in our own homes and be smart and savvy in our design.  However, there are some essential elements that make a kitchen truly comfortable to live and work in.  Here are my top 10:


1. Make the floor comfortable.   A mat by the prep area, sink, bake counter, or stove will keep knees and backs more comfortable.  Cork flooring does that naturally, but area rugs and specialty kitchen mats are a great addition to a finished kitchen.


2. Have the best lighting possible. Under and over-lit kitchens are not pleasant to work or be in. Task lighting where you need - over sinks, cooking surfaces and prep counters - it is ideal, and ambient lighting for general use works well for eating, re-stocking, cleaning and gathering. A combination of recessed and ceiling fixtures works well for most spaces; using LED and halogen bulbs on dimmers will provide clean, white light at the perfect level.


3. Keep surfaces clutter free with optimal storage. Rather than leaving oft-used items like spices, cooking utensils and small appliances out, find a handy place to stash them. When you need cooking space, having to move items around is cumbersome.  Tuck a narrow cabinet for spices next to the stove, create shelves for easy-reach of oils and seasonings, and make homes for appliances right where you use them. 


4. Make the distances between counters, appliances, sinks and key usable areas precisely right so there are no long reaches, easy access from one point to the other, and large enough not to feel cramped.


5. Update appliances that don't perform well. Having an inadequate dishwasher, a noisy refrigerator motor, or an oven that doesn't heat evenly, is stressful and likely not energy efficient. 

6. Add color for interest and to create a desired mood.  Spots of color, changes in color between the upper and lower cabinets or an island, and accent walls, can create energy and a focal point. 


7. Create a gathering area. It's often nice to have company when cooking, and an extra prep area is nice but not always possible, but place comfy seating nearby; a padded stool, great counter chairs, even a fold out bench!


8. Add a touch of personality.  Hang a favorite piece of art, a collection of your children's masterpieces, and place travel mementos on shelves. You might find that a collection of glass jars becomes a great display filled with kitchen staple items.


9. Bring in a plant or flowers.  Even a tiny apartment kitchen will feel warm and happy with a few flower stems tucked into a glass.  The greenery, the color, and the texture is relaxing and pretty.

10. Have one movable prep surface. In a small kitchen, preparing a large meal can take up all of your counter space. By having a large cutting board, you can take it anywhere and add a kitchen surface. In large kitchens, it's nice to have a rolling prep center for large meals, baking projects and more.  It can serve as an island every day, or roll into a pantry for use when needed.

De-clutter now for a more organized 2012.

We all have 'things' that we need on a weekly - often daily - basis. They're functional but oh so unattractive.  How to hide them is always a creative challenge. Try these tips.

1. Charging station:  Charging phones, I-pods and the like is a must! If you can hide the cords and chargers,  it will neaten your space. Many console tables and nightstands have power outlets behind them. If they have a drawer, drill a small hole in the back and mount a power strip inside the drawer. Run the power cord through the hole to the outlet. Plug in your devices, close the drawer and everything's out of sight. Some devices produce heat, so don't leave them in too long - most need 2 hours to fully charge.  If that's not an option, use a basket on a shelf and tuck them away! 

2. Mail storage: Whether it's in an office or left in another room, this 'clutter' element is much-needed. Out of sight can often lead to forgetfulness.  Create a permanent space with an attractive letter sorter, decorative box, or even a pretty folder. The simple habit of always placing it in the same location 

3. Keys, wallets and change:  Your partner come home from work, their pocket is full...after unloading keys, change, a money clip and other paraphernalia, there is a pile of stuff in the kitchen, entry...somewhere. Hiding in a drawer is a reasonable idea, but a more practical solution is a small box or flat canister that works with your decor and is easy to access; on the kitchen table, on the counter, in the entry, or by the bedside.

4. Toilet paper:  One of the simplest and aesthetically pleasing storage solutions, for those small baths without room for a cabinet, is a lidded box sitting on the toilet tank. Where possible, a great wall-mounted cabinet will hide many rolls, cleaning supplies and hand towels. If you don't have a tank, add a small glass shelf and then your pretty storage box or basket.

5. Laundry:  Some homes have a laundry room that hides baskets and sorting. If you don't have a dedicated space, try something other than a wicker hamper...how about making an old dresser into a laundry hamper by  joining the drawers together and creating ONE deep one?  Can you hinge it out as well?  This takes a bit of doing, but if you can update and re-purpose that old dresser it can serve as a great hallway piece...add a lamp and art...voila.

6. Toys:  A great idea for toys is a dual function ottoman/storage cube. They are inexpensive ($50-100), come in squares and rectangles, the cover is light enough for most 5 year olds to lift, and they can be used as seating.

3 Bedroom updates with photos and directions.

Need to refresh your bedroom? With so many products and options available which do you choose?  Here are three bedrooms with directions for making the changes.  

  

    

Some simple changes transform this casual bedroom into a sophisticated guest retreat. The walls, once a pastel green, were refreshed with a light blue hue, and the white ceiling became a soft blue. Crown, base and doors moldings remained white. Adding a transitionally styled iron bed frame was the most significant change.  Draping inexpensive sheer fabric (less than $15 per yard) over the frame creates a soft, inviting place to sleep. Instead of the two-drawer nightstand, an end table - the same height as the mattress - provides a landing space, shelving for books and a clock, and its new open style fills the void next to the bed with just the right element. Adding a deeper toned area rug beside the bed rather than in the center of the room makes the room seem more open, and is better underfoot for guests. White big box store bedding, a yellow throw and brightly colored pillows in blue and complementary orange, finish the bed. Lighter artwork, all in the same transitional versus cottage style, refreshes the space and provides the finishing touch.

While this room looks significantly different, there are some shortcuts to be considered.  Purchasing ready-made shelves from a discount store, and tying them together with molding, is the largest change. They create a headboard with storage, end table function and additional space for lighting. Warm tones of beige on the wall and an area rug in the same hue, provide a warm backdrop for the new white trim and doors.  The doors, while hinged French doors instead of sliding wooden doors, can be created without the expensive price tag. Using reclaimed doors from a salvage yard is one solution, sustainable and cost-effective.  Another is to apply molding over inexpensive mirror squares to a slab door. Hinges are required here since the added dimension would not allow the doors to slide. Bedding remains white, but as with the accessories, the addition of blue accents, is the ideal contrast to the beige and white. A simple wooden bench completes the transformation.

Re positioning the bed in this space was key to the change. In front of the window, the bed took up less space in the room and the open weave headboard does not restrict light from entering.  The walls went from pale yellow to a deep ivory. Blue was the accent color in the 'before' space and became the feature color in bedding, bed drapes and pillows. An inexpensive "found" headboard separates the window and bed and enables pillows to be propped up, adding dimension and texture to the bed.  A Roman Shade lets more light in than the prior sheers and is tailored and neat.  The bed drape was constructed by nailing MDF trim to the ceiling, and applying the fabric at all four corners.  The large scale damask fabric contains the ivory wall color and a soft blue that is used again in the tailored bed skirt. Ivory bedding is ideal for many spaces, and maintains the neutral backdrop to keep the small bedroom from looking crowded.  Adding a bolster pillow in a solid blue with ribbon trim, and a patterned blue lampshade, completes the transformation.

Small space design - open plans are great!

With the advent of apartment living, builders chose to separate rooms. The resulting apartments had multiple small rooms and long narrow hallways connecting them. Today, with the need for more effective function and the desire for more space, open floor plans are desired. My clients in New York and Philadelphia love their neighborhoods but realized that their spaces were all too small.   How did we accomplish the remodel to get maximum living space and functional privacy?

1) Create private spaces first. Bathrooms and bedrooms need walls.  Whether they are solid, sliding closed as needed, or other partition walls, these spaces were first to be determined. Glass walls that can become obscure with the flip or a switch are a great way to accomplish privacy yet maintain an open feel.

2) Make things function in more than one way.  Creating walls with cabinet storage on one side and shelves on the other provides separation. Since they don't reach the ceiling they maintain the open feel of the space. Keeping surfaces clear and providing function below - roll out stools, cutting surfaces or other features - helps.  Dual duty structures include bench or ottoman seating that also provides storage and rotating partitions - as in the bedroom/living room wall that flips for using the television in either space. 

3) Raise things up. In high-ceiling apartments, elevating spaces defines them as separate functional areas. You can place furniture or carve out storage space under raised sleeping or office areas.

4) Lighten up.  Literally.  Carefully selected layered lighting along with mirrors, can completely change the apparent space. Be careful with what the mirror reflects!  Dress windows lightly but don't sacrifice privacy. Remove interior doors when possible to create a floor-through impression. Use glass inserts to brighten spaces if walls must remain.

Favorite decor for June

I love to change accessories seasonally, especially when I prepare to use outdoor spaces for eating and entertaining. Here are some great finds for indoors and out to start your summer fun!

1) Lighting. This is a nice departure from traditional metal lanterns. Made of glazed ceramic, these lanterns can be hung, placed on a surface, and strung along the eaves of a covered porch. The light is soft and diffused and looks great against the tabletop or wall. From Pottery Barn.

2) Furniture: This is a great bench from Ballard Designs. It's scaled right for a narrow hallway or the foot of a bed.  In black and ivory, it works with most traditional decor. 

3) Planters: A treat from Horchow, these are incredibly nice and lightweight. Most poly planters are matte and in solid colors. These have a realistic ceramic-looking glaze and are light enough to move the pots around as your plants grow or the sunlight changes.

5) Accessories.  For summer, I love to introduce coral and cream. The seaside motif is a bonus since I think coral reef patterns are timeless classics.  These pillows are from WS Home. The wooden beads on the sand dollar pillow are really nice, and I do use them on a covered patio where there is no direct sunlight. Check out the pillows with a Seaside theme for other colors and patterns you may love.

 

6) Entertaining:  This is a fun set for any style home.   I'm the hostess that puts the condiments in individual bowls so I never put the remainder back into the bottle. These are brightly colored, look like the right size for a party, and they can be used year-round.

7) Tabletop: From Kim Seybert who is an extraordinary designer of luxury table linens and napkin rings. Since coral (the organism) is indicative of seaside and summer, setting the table with these napkin rings is both seasonal and elegant. Paired with all white dinnerware, you can be flexible with napkins or table runners.  Available in multiple bead colors.