Water saving ideas for your garden and landscape.

In many areas of the US, water use for irrigation averages more than 50% of total residential consumption. Clearly, addressing the outdoors is as important as what you do with WaterSaver plumbing fixtures indoors.

PREPARE:  Preserving soil quality is important for water efficiency. Maintain as much existing vegetation as possible;cordon off and preserve areas that have value in terms of drainage and plants. Commit to losing some lawn. Some local and regional governments offer financial incentives to reduce the size of irrigated lawns. The EPA’s WaterSense program recommends limiting turf area to a maximum of 40% of the site, balancing the rest with drought-resistant plantings and permeable surfaces.  Designing a landscape to conserve water—xeriscaping—requires choosing plants that will thrive in your region and your project’s particular micro-climate; limiting the turf areas; making sure the soil on site will promote water absorption and deep root growth; and, if irrigation is installed, using an efficient system. Water-efficient landscaping and irrigation should combine a mix of plantings and irrigation components that will minimize the amount of water needed to maintain an inviting environment. 

WATER SMART Irrigation systems should include separate zones to accommodate different watering requirements, drip irrigation for plant beds, and rotating sprinkler heads for turf areas. Avoid duplicate coverage and watering paved areas and buildings. Surface runoff can be reduced by keeping the precipitation rate from sprinklers below the soil’s infiltration rate, and establishing different zones for the tops and toes of slopes.  Over watering is a major problem mostly due to error in setting and maintaining timer-based controllers. While the cost of a sophisticatedsystem will depend on the number of zones and specific features, it isn’t necessarily steep. Check the testing and performance summaries and technical reports on a number of systems at (www.irrigation.org). On small sites, or on sites that have hardscaped areas that don’t require any water, micro-irrigation is an option. These are low-pressure systems that spray, mist, sprinkle, or drip water close to a plant’s root zone through plastic hose lines or small emitters. These systems lose little water to evaporation, wind, and runoff, and they also can be used within multi-zone designs.SAVE RAIN  In areas where rainwater is available, rainwater harvesting is gaining attention as an alternative source of irrigation water. These systems can be as simple as a rain barrel connected to a soaker hose or as sophisticated as underground cisterns connected to a pressurized irrigation distribution system. The amount of water that can be harvested is determined by calculating the size of the roof area and the typical amount of rainfall.  Harvesting, or redirecting water from downspouts to plants (along with utilizing porous materials for non-planted areas) keeps runoff out of the sewer system, easing stress on infrastructure while allowing more water to percolate back into the groundwater. Water from a small roof area can simply be sent to a lawn or planting bed; larger amounts can supply a specially designed rain garden that is graded to collect water, filled with well-drained soil, and planted with species that can tolerate inundation as well as drier periods in between storms. Some local governments offer design assistance or even grants to expand the use of rain gardens and other techniques that treat rainwater as a resource, not a waste product. 

Rain pillow system for easy crawlspace and under deck installations.

Looking for a great tub? Check these!

Your bath remodel should update the function as well as the style and surfaces that you select.  For a relaxing experience, try one of these new tubs.

Add a Mediterranean feel to the bath with Victoria + Albert's Barcelona tub. Organic and graceful, the design was inspired by the city's distinctive urban landscape, famous for its elegant curves and natural forms created by prominent architects such as Gaudi. The contemporary, pebble-shaped unit features a rimless, double-ended design, big enough for two, and measures 70 1/4-in. long. Crafted from the company’s Englishcast material, the tub retails for $6,500. The collection also includes a coordinating vessel basin.

Sink into a massage tub from Fosan Korra Bath Ware and let the stresses of the day float away. Offering three new models, the units integrate technology with contemporary design. Model K-1083 (pictured) is crafted from blue transparent acrylic panels that rest on a white fiberglass base, and incorporates six massage nozzles. The oval-shaped model K-1086 features a curved organic profile, which contains eight massage nozzles. The sleek model K-1097 is housed in a geometric black-paneled frame and includes six large massage nozzles, as well as support pillows for additional comfort. Originally unveiled in 1994, Duravit's Darling collection was designed in collaboration with Dieter Sieger. The company has revisited the line, this time with Dieter Sieger's sons, Michael and Christian Sieger, and created a new bath program that adheres to the idea, "plenty of design for little money.” Now called “Darling New,” the collection offers 12 tub models plus furniture paneling, acrylic paneling, support frames and neck cushions. For an atmospheric touch, the tubs are available with LED lighting under the rim, which emits a gentle, white shimmer. For practicality, the unit’s rim widens to 11.5 cm, providing a seat surface or an easy grip when entering or exiting the tub.

Small scale design - 10 ideas

Apartments, dorm rooms, condos, cottages and other small living spaces can be difficult to design.  Sofas meant for great rooms overwhelm these spaces, and standard sized tables are often bigger than needed. Here are some solutions for working around scale issues and not requiring custom furniture.

1) Make large pieces armless.  Many sofa arms take up 12-18" of space.  Using an armless loveseat, settee or sofa will save space and the lighter weight will assist with making a small space feel larger. Using low arms or open arms, as in the wooden chair pictured here is another idea.

2) Lose the coffee table. Don't take up center space in your room with a large table in front of your sofa or chairs. Opt for end tables or smaller nesting tables that you can use as needed.


3) De-clutter with covered storage.  Try covering bookshelves with doors or panel drapes so the things you store don't overwhelm the room. If your dining room doubles as an office and you have unsightly file cabinets, create a Velcro attached skirt to hide them when not in use. Using bins and boxes to store items on shelves keeps them within easy reach yet organized and neat.

4) Pull furniture off the walls.  Gain the illusion of space by floating pieces in the center of the room rather than lining the walls.  Angling pieces helps too if the room is very small.

5) Have pieces do double duty. In a small living room, use a console behind the sofa as a desk as well as for lighting, display and storage. If you place the sofa off the wall, the table and a chair should fit nicely as well as function beautifully. A bonus is to use ottomans that store under the table and serve as extra seating when needed.

6) Use attractive containers for storage. Paper covered boxes, lidded wicker trunks and boxes, and other similar items, keep your mail, magazines, extra blankets and pillows, and much more within easy reach and attractive at the same time. 


7) Mirror, mirror on the wall...In small rooms without much natural light, add a mirror. If you have a window, try to place the mirror to reflect daylight into the room.  If not, use a table or floor lamp in front of the mirror to double the reflected light.

8) Monochromatic works.  When small rooms are designed in varying shades of one hue, with a few bold accessories (pillows, art and area rugs) making a statement, they do feel larger. As an example, the eye doesn't notice the large sofa, but rather the iron tables and lighting.


9) Add shelves.  For rooms that serve many functions, it helps to designate areas with free standing shelves. In rooms without much storage, keeping desk items, books, collectibles and storage bins on shelves does create a cleaner space and adds to the illusion of more space.

How to select a water-efficient fixture

Water saving fixtures and surfaces make this a gorgeous and sustainable bath.

Bath fixtures—toilets, showerheads, and faucets—are one of the easiest places in the home to make an immediate impact on water efficiency. Engineering and design of these plumbing fixtures has caught up with regulations and demand and you can make the switch with confidence in function and appearance. The EPA's WaterSense program states that toilets, showerheads, and lav faucets are not only certified to offer flows 20% lower than federal requirements, but also to perform up to consumers’ expectations.  With options at every price point offering both lower flows and a satisfying experience, there is simply no excuse not to specify water-efficient fixtures for new or remodeled homes. Here is a summary of what to look for in each category:

TOILETS  In the 90's consumers had very little confidence in the term “low flow.” Now, these products are highly engineered and often rated for flush power.  Units perform well at federal-standard levels, and can now go as low as 1.28, 1.0, or, in the case of Niagara’s new Stealth model, 0.8 gallons per flush (gpf). The EPA’s WaterSense standard  is for high-efficiency toilets (HETs) to use 1.28 gallons or less per flush and that dual-flush toilets (which offer separate flushing options for liquid and solid waste) average 1.28 gpf. It also specifies that such toilets must be able to dispose of solid waste of 350 grams or more in a single flush in four of five attempts.  The methods for meeting lower flows vary. Pressure-assist mechanisms are some of the first and most reliable options for adding oomph to the flush. Now that suppliers have had time to re-work entire systems, traditional flush mechanisms work as well with smoother bowls, adjusted shapes and inlets to reduce friction points, tanks with larger openings, and altered flow paths to move water and waste more effectively and help keep the bowl clean. Fired-in glazes aim to reduce streaks and bacteria.

SHOWERHEADS  According to the EPA, showering accounts for 1.2 trillion gallons of Americans’ annual water use. But with our collective passion for the shower “experience,” adoption of low-flow models often takes some convincing.

WaterSense-certified showerheads use no more than 2.0 gpm, 20% less than standard fixtures of 2.5 gpm. In addition, devices must meet performance guidelines for both spray force and spray coverage, whose comfort thresholds were determined through research into consumer preferences.  Simply restricting the flow doesn't ensure a drenching spray, so, like toilets, many manufacturers have re-engineered devices from the inside out. Tactics include changing the shape and number of nozzles, tweaking nozzle patterns, and injecting air into or otherwise reshaping water droplets. A turbine in American Standard’s FloWise showerhead, for example, chops droplets into a size and shape engineered to provide for a drenching feel.  WaterSense-certified showerheads install the same as regular units. 

FAUCETS  Of the three types of bath fixtures, faucets have raised the least amount of concern among buyers. In fact, many manufacturers converted their entire lav inventories to WaterSense products—which flow at 1.5 gpm, 32% less than the 2.2-gpm max set by federal standards—with little to no fanfare or price increases.   Like toilets and showerheads, WaterSense faucets must meet performance criteria to ensure flows are strong enough for tasks such as rinsing a toothbrush. Most devices were an easy fix, with manufacturers swapping in pressure-compensating aerators engineered to reduce water without altering force.

10 decorating secrets...

In design there are no 'rules' for how big or small, how many or how few, or single out solutions that "always work". Instead designers strive for the right balance and scale when they apply the correct style and function to any space.  These are my secrets...can you add more?

1) Less is more.  Fewer items in a large scale often work best. I love to create art focal points with collections of art so the impact of the collection is greater.  With small collectibles, I find that grouping them also creates more of an impact than spreading them out. 




2) Blend large pieces with walls.  This is a formula that works well for spaces that require lots of seating.  If the largest piece - typically a sofa - is the same neutral color as the walls, the furniture does not overwhelm the room. 










3) Forgo standard tables.  With rather large footprints, cocktail and coffee tables often take up more space than needed. I suggest smaller tables, those with dual function like an ottoman/tray-top, and nesting tables that you use as needed. Even side tables that aren't used much can be used as extra seating like those in this small apartment.  





















4) Dark is NOT bad.  Small spaces don't have to be in light colors.  It all depends on the style, the furnishings and the overall effect. Here, a study with deep tones on the furnishings and walls, looks warm and inviting. Sparkle is added with lighting, art and mirrors and sheen on pillows and accessories.

5) Throw out your bathmat. Get a wool area rug instead of a nylon bath mat.  Wool naturally repels water and rugs are typically well-constructed and durable. The overall appearance will be wonderful.


6) Layer lighting.  One of the best ways to change the character and mood of a space is through lighting.  Select the right light for general, enough for tasks, and add accents for special occasions. Use energy efficient LED and compact fluorescent. Putting dimmers on all overhead fixtures will save energy and allow you to change your lighting without changing fixtures.







7) Re-think your seating.  Consider changing your kitchen or dining seating from a  chairs to a combination of chairs and a bench. It adds a different look, saves space, and without as many legs...gives a clean line.

8) White is right.  So often we think that color is a must for walls. If you love to change your space, white may be the perfect color. With a neutral background - white walls, light flooring, white-to-off-white fabrics - your art and accessories will take center stage. What better base palette to change everything seasonally than a shade of white? 




9) Plants change rooms.  Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can use plants to complete your decor. A potted orchid on a table our counter is elegant and architectural.( See post from 5/24)  Using taller plants in corners will make them less barren and give you a place for an up-light.

10) Don't buy a sofa.  In living rooms - whose use has declined significantly in most homes - consider how you use the room before buying a sofa. If your family room or great room is used more, select a settee or lounge chairs for the living room. Besides saving space, you'll get flexibility in seating and the opportunity to change style, color and fabric choices. 

Non-toxic brass cleaner that really works!

I was sent this recipe by a colleague so I could restore some brass hardware on furniture in my showroom. Amazing, non-toxic, make as you need it, and great results! 

In a glass or plastic bowl (never metal) mix 2/3 cup distilled white vinegar with 2/3 cup flour. All I had was whole wheat flour, so my cleanser is for heart-healthy tarnish. Once the mixture is smooth, add 1/2 cup of salt and stir until mixed in. This isn’t the sort of thing that keeps well, so make this polish on an as-needed basis.

Arrange all your items on a platter or cookie sheet. (I used parchment paper underneath because my cookie sheet is metal.) If I could do it again, I would have made a double or triple batch and dumped it in a 9×13 pan. You’ll see why in a minute.

Take your mix and glop it all over your tarnished brass. The mix should be thick and sticky. I think I could have used an extra tablespoon of flour, but no biggie. I just took care to cover all the nooks and crannies. Had I made a larger batch and dumped it into a 9×13 pan (mentioned above) I could have just buried everything in there and saved myself some time.

Let it sit for a couple of hours, overnight if needed. I let mine sit overnight because the handles and pulls were just terrible. I knew 1-2 hours of salty-sour flour wasn’t going to cut it. 

See all that green? That means it’s working.    The next day I just dumped everything in the sink and washed off the dried goop. If your pieces are intricate make your mixture thicker.

I think the results are better than very good.

Six quick design solutions for a weekend

Want to make some long-term design changes but only have one weekend? Try one of these ideas:

(1) Re-arrange a room. You can change the look and feel of your space by moving the furniture to different positions. Have the sofa face into the room rather than the fireplace and group chairs around it.  Re-purpose pieces that are unused in one room. The dresser in this space was from a guest room and now serves as a corner piece for books, lighting and to store candles, placements and other items.  Don't forget that function is more important than style.










(2) Paint ONE wall in your largest room. Use a color from your furniture or accessories to complement the existing decor. Choose wisely - an accent wall should not be broken up by windows or doorways or the impact will be less. Can't do a full wall? Try a stencil around the perimeter or around the canopy of your light fixture.







(3) Update the flooring with an area rug. It's OK to place a decorative rug on carpet (especially worn and dated carpet). Swap area rugs from one room to another for a new look. My client has a larger rug in the living room and a smaller one in the dining room. The swap was better for proportion and gave each room a fresh color palette.

(4) Change your art. Add a mirror, create a 'pair' of pieces, re-arrange one wall with a vignette of photos or art rather than one or two large ones. Buy some new art and frames at www.art.com. 




(5) Add a backsplash. If you have drywall behind your sinks in the bath and kitchen, try adding some decorative tile to dress it up. The cost for an 18" x 4' space can be as low as $30 in materials. Many big box hardware store have 12 x 12 stone and glass mosaic tiles and offer classes on installation. Check out our YouTube tile installation video.

(6) Hang new window coverings. If you have blinds, try adding side panels for softness.www.ikea.com has great pairs for under $40. Already have panels? Change them out, add trim, add tassels, re-paint the rods, change the finials...a small change can provide a big difference in appearance. Going from heavy drapes to sheers will make a big difference in the space. Need blinds? The big box stores sell ready-to-hang and cut-to-fit blinds. Here a scarf has been added over the blind for a great summer look.

Artwork in decor

I am frequently called up-on to help clients who have art and photography collections.  They are concerned that their 
collection doesn't "fit" their style and want help with placement and sorting through what they have.  
Matching art to the decor is certainly possible but not desirable or even realistic. I prefer working with 
elements from the art and allowing it to flow in each space. Art can either stand alone or be incorporated 
into a space.  When updating a room,  I often use a collection of art and photography as inspiration to 
select the style, colors, and scale of pieces to be used.   For those of you who like to follow guidelines, 
here are a few  that might help in selecting art and decor:

1) Keep the colors that are in the room and the art similar. 
I have seen the difference between rooms devoid of similar 
colors and those whose accents mirror what is in the art. 
Spaces with colors that repeat in the room feel cohesive 
and actually draw attention to the art.

2) Combine similar styles of art in the same space. That may mean that  the composition is similar
- all landscapes or all abstract art - and keep pieces by the same artist together.

3) Take cues from the art to being into the room. A monochromatic piece may invite 
subtle decor with muted colors and a calming influence.

4) Highlight your art with lighting. That doesn't mean throwing
 an eyeball fixture onto each piece. Consider ambient light, 
interesting ways to use accent lighting, and even 

5) Repeat line and shape in the art and the room. If your art has bold sweeping curves, consider using it in 
a space with curved tables, sofas, and area rugs.

6) Use elements from art in the decor.  With larger canvases and abstract art, take shapes or forms from 
the art and use in the space; a curved vase, a linear birdcage....

7) Place furniture auspiciously to highlight art. Use
 tables, benches, seating groups and other pieces 
to create a vignette so the art and furniture complement 
each other. Don't hesitate to use the architecture of the room.

8) Whimsy is a great way to showcase art. A fun piece 
can easily be enhanced with a playful fabric on adjacent pieces.

9) Marry the styles. If you have bold, modern art, consider using pieces in the same style in your decor.

10) If your art is what you love, make it the focal point of a room and everything else should be
kept monochromatic, simple in line and subtle in detail.

Ideas for painting...floors!

Paint is my favorite way to dress up or change elements in a home.  From walls to floors to the furniture inside, there are many options for using paint to make a wonderful change and design statement.


Floors are often overlooked when considering paint.  If you have a worn floor that needs replacing, painting may be an option and can last for years when you use a floor paint product.  We like Farrow & Ball for floors. Their color palette is yummy and perfect for casual and country style homes.









Checkerboard:  Whether you set up a linear pattern or go diagonal, this will dress up a casual room and have a  traditional look. The color is soft and appealing.

























Linear stripe. How about creating a runner in the center of a staircase?  Paint a colorful center 'runner', trim in with a deep tone to set it off from the stairs. 



Solid color:  An easy update is to paint the entire floor in a single color. Using interesting colors that enhance the view, the decor, or the home 

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.