Update an old dresser yourself!

It's the time of year we all like to update and refresh...SPRING!  Me too. Rather than shopping and spending money on something new, I like to find pieces I have or thrift shop finds, and spend time getting precisely what I want. Here's my formula.  Give it a try and let me know if you like it!


Materials

1. Flat latex paint in contrasting shades - one will be the base coat and one the top coat
2. Primer
3. Crackle medium
4. Buckets
5. Paint brushes 
6. Top coat of urethane or wax- optional

Start by lightly sanding your piece - unless you want bumps and blemishes for character.  Prime it and let dry fully. Paint the first coat of color that will be the one to show through your final color coat. This one is a deep rust color.  Let dry 24 hours.  Pour the crackle medium into a bucket and stir gently.  Using a clean brush, apply a thick layer but do not overwork it. Let this coat dry 1-2 hours (if you go too long the mixture will cure and the next coat will not crackle. Use another clean, dry brush for your topcoat - this one is a creamy beige. As it dries, the crackles appear.  For a worn look, you can lightly sand the edges of doors, drawers, and the box. I like to apply a light coat of Briwax rather than urethane, so I can enrich the sheen many times with ease.

Tile Keeps Your Kitchen Current

Since the kitchen is considered the heart of the home, it's nice to keep it updated. We eat, entertain, and even do office and school work in our kitchens. When you're ready for a remodel, or even a change in appliances and surfaces, you want what you select to be enduring. Flooring is often wood, vinyl, cork, or tile (porcelain, ceramic and stone are the most popular).  Backsplashes are most frequently tile, although beadboard, stainless steel, and even painted finishes are used. We love tile since it's incredibly versatile, comes in a huge array of materials, patterns, colors and you can find or cut nearly every size and shape. The choice to use tile is a good one for flexibility, design freedom, ease of care and customization. 

Large scale tile makes small spaces seem larger.

Using tile is one of the best ways to customize a kitchen and allow for changes later. You can create patterns, add accent tiles, and then pop some out and replace with a different color or material over time.  In a small kitchen, swapping the dated 12" x 12" straight lie ceramic with a safer, larger, 24" x 12 porcelain tile, was easy, budget conscious, and made the room appear larger.  Consider porcelain instead of stone for busy kitchens. It's to care for, and even if you love the look of stone, you can have it since many manufacturers offer stone-looks that eliminate larger grout lines, filling holes, and regular surface sealing.  With rectified tile, you can create tight patterns and minimal grout joints for a very finished, nearly seamless look.

The Arts & Crafts influence backsplash in this kitchen can be changedby popping out the green accent tile and replacing with another materialor color in years to come.

For backsplashes, there are nearly unlimited options that can be combined. Let's say you opt for a 4" x 4" stone backsplash, and decide you want to update in 10 years. You can change some of the tiles for glass, and create a border, a pattern, and make a change in color. For very traditional kitchens, I love to create a custom pattern over the stove or cooktop.  I consider the options the client loves today, and allow for the possibility of changing out some of the decorative tiles over a long period of time, while leaving the field tile in place.  Ten years ago, I designed a backsplash with granite and porcelain tile.  This year, we're popping out some tile and replacing it with metallic tile.   Glass tile is hugely popular now. Some installations are Mid-Century Modern style and will be enduring, and some are highly colored and patterned and may become dated over time. Changing out tiles, especially mosaics, will be easy over time. Recycled glass tiles are less popular, but with environmentally conscious products being more favorable and available, they will likely be enduring for many years.

Glass backsplashes are gorgeous. This one has recycled
tile and a crisp ceramic accent tile.

Spring = Clean Top Tips for Ten Minutes of Clean

I'm always in a hurry to get my home clean; I love neat but hate to clean. When unexpected clients or guests are on their way, doing one room at a time in just a few minutes works well so that I can always keep a neat appearance despite twins, dogs and cats. I developed a system that works for me in about 10 minutes.  It doesn't take the place of a thorough dusting with vacuuming, but does take care of the daily stuff.  I hope you can complete your room in ten minutes but it depends on the scale of the room and what obstacles you face. 

To make this work, you need to have cleaning supplies at hand. I make 'green' cleaning products with water, vinegar, borax, olive oil-based liquid soaps, and essential oils for fragrance. They are stored in clear spray bottles under my kitchen and bathroom sinks so I don't have to go far, and re-fills are easy. Bring out your dust cloths, vacuum, and other cleaning equipment, so everything is within reach before you start. Start with the main rooms. If you’re having guests and you’re trying to clean before they arrive, concentrate on the rooms they are most likely to see such as the living room, the kitchen and the bathroom. Leave bedrooms and other rooms until the end and clean them only if time allows.



1. Start in one corner of the room, and move in a circle around the room. Pick up any items on the floor, from tables, counters, and chairs as you walk along, and anything out of place. For large or joined rooms - like a kitchen/family room combination -  divide the room into squares and complete everything in one square before you move on.

2. Put things away as you move around the room or - if they belong elsewhere - place things into a laundry basket or fabric tote. Fortunately, toys don't have far to go since I have some storage in every room. I load them and then can easily carry clothes and shoes to the bedrooms, or mail and newspapers to the office area. 









3. As I walk and pick up, I carry my solutions to spray. My dusting solution is Murphy's oil and my counter cleaners require no scrubbing. Wood sprays don't get used unless there are messy fingerprints - I have a small "Magic Duster" that I swipe accessories, lamps, tables and wooden chairs with. Start with the right cleaner for the surface, spritz on and move on to clean somewhere else while you wait a few minutes for it to work.  This is great for greasy counters, scuff marks on floors, and letting cleaners work on grout. For living rooms you may just need to dust, but this helps if you have to wipe a window, glass display items, and non-wood surfaces.



4. Go back and wipe up all of your sprays. I use old washcloths or dishtowels instead of paper towels and I use several in one room so the counter one doesn't get used to wipe appliances, or dust tables, or clean mirrors and windows. 

5. Dust, starting with anything that is dark wood, as dust shows more clearly on dark surfaces. Here is where that Magic Duster comes in handy.  The fibers attract dust, and I can do one whole room without cleaning the duster. Don’t use a dry rag since you don't want dust from flying around the room as you clean. Some Swiffer products work well, but their disposable nature is costly and an environmental disaster since they are not recyclable. Again, old towels, diapers, dishrags and underwear work well and can be washed with regular laundry as needed.

6. Now I clean my wood or other non-carpeted flooring. If there was a stain in the grout or a scuff mark on the floor, my solutions have had time to work should make this step a wipe-up one.  I DO have an old mop but I started using a Shark cleaner that takes seconds to lift up everything!

7.Next is to vacuum. Nothing will give a better impression of a clean room than freshly-vacuumed rugs. I have area rugs in every space so I do the wood floor and the rug at the same time.  You can use a fragranced vacuum powder to improve the overall air smell of the room as you clean. Don’t bother vacuuming curtains but DO remove pet hair from the upholstery.

8. Spray a bit of room spray in the air - something seasonal is great - and voila, you are finished!

It's all about the window

Do you have a room with a an unusual window? I often design  in homes that have windows in odd locations, with shapes that seem to defy using a covering for privacy. Some even need a window! 

No need for privacy in a dark pantry that was transformed with a
round, deeply molded window for a traditional feel.

A plain line of windows that is the focal point of the room,

becomes warm and textured with blinds and panels.

With an odd space in the kitchen, this window became
a seat, a storage area, and a nice transition to the
family room.

When you have a wonderful architectural features like arched windows, doing less is the best. Here, just the bottom is treated for privacy. Place your rod so that none of the upper window is hidden.

Bowed windows do well with setting blinds or shades into the window to allow you to highlight the molding and curve of the window grouping. Here, sheers with a roller shade underneath, allows the interior moldings, wall-covering, and curvature to show and the shades to be hidden when not needed.

 By following the curve of this large window with stationary panels attached with decorative hooks, the strong statement of the window is maintained and finding ready-made panels is easy. 

Trends for the long-term.

What defines a trend? Take a look at the latest design magazines. You'll notice a 'new' classic is developing  It's called transitional style.  Furnishings and finish materials are being made with new design details, color and shape. A clean-lined style with an easy-care sophistication is the result. The details come from classic lines, updated patterns, use of bolder fabrics, and a new scale. From tile to seating to lighting, this is a trend that is here to stay.

             

From classic Hepplewhite oval back chairs in a new form. The attention to leg and back detail and use of crisp ivory fabric with a slight sheen, gives a stunning aesthetic and fabulous function.

A sleeker version of a traditional sofa, with squared-off arms in lieu of rolled, and tapered block feet. Classic and sophisticated yet very updated. With a textured green fabric that's not standard sage....gorgeous!

    

Silk drum pendants are more often replacing multi-armed chandeliers for transitional styling. The brushed nickel fittings and frosted glass diffuser add elegant detail.

A change for the better from wood burning to bio-fuel fireplaces. They provide warmth and a fabulous aesthetic with an eco-friendly benefit. With no special venting required, and a variety of sizes and materials, they can be installed in indoor and outdoor spaces.

Porcelain tile has come a long way. With elegant patterns and sheens, new sizes and trim pieces, and a huge array of colors and textures, US and Italian porcelain tile manufacturers have given us a new classic surface.

Making faucets lead-free, water saving and with universal design in mind, form does follow function. New finishes are luxurious and easy-care...what a great combination.

Certified woods are being fabricated into strand forms that are as elegant as they are eco-friendly. Luxurious color and grain, along with wide scale planks, make these floors right for nearly any style decor.

What's your style?

Do you know your style?   To be successful in selecting the materials and items to be used in your interior decor, your should know what your personal design style is. Why?  Let's use the example of going to buy a new car. When you walk onto a lot you're faced with cars in all sizes, colors, body types and features.  When you don't have an idea what you're looking for, frustration and confusion set in. If you opt for one that isn't right, unhappiness will pervade your life. For interiors that we don't change often, being happy in your home is essential. Selecting the right products and styles, enriches your life, satisfies and grounds you, and reflects who you are. Knowing your style and working your spaces with elements of that style will save time, money, and give you rooms that are exactly what you want. Here are my 5 favorite ways to help you find your style:

Arts & Crafts is clean and warm.

1) Look at professionally designed rooms:  Buy magazines and clip out images of rooms you like. You can do the same from on-line sources. Go to a library or bookstore and browse the design section.  In each image, look for things that please you; the color of the room, a particular piece, the feel of the design, a specific light fixture or treatment, or even the way the room looks overall. 

Cottage style. Casual and classic with, bead board, white hues, warm woods.

2) Visit furniture shops and walk through the room arrangements noting what you like.  You can ask questions of the sales representative or take brochures about the arrangements to help identify specific items.

3) Take a design style quiz.  These are more superficial but do guide you in overall style.  Putting a name to a style can often help you during shopping trips when you are able to ask for "a Neoclassic style lamp." Do back-up research through blogs, furniture, and design web sites

Traditional living room with antiques, rich hues, classic furnishings.

4) Attend local design shows, lectures, and events.  Your local chapter of ASID - The American Society of Interior Designers  - often schedules lectures and events for the public. Is there a show house nearby? Are there Home & Garden shows you can attend? Visit them and take notes. 

5) Call a local designer and schedule a consultation. To really hone in on your style and get immediate design advice, sit down for an hour or two with a design professional. It will set you on the right path and give you peace of mind when you start your project.

Spring Color

When it comes to bold color, Spring is the high season for fabulous finds to update your home. Take a look at these favorite items:

From Ballard Designs. A more creative way to hang plants. Fill with
flame-less candles for a unique ambiance.

Fun floral plates from Horchow.

Love these outdoor glasses (BPA free) by Pottery Barn.

A bright yellow that can work outdoors too by Crate & Barrel

Pottery Barn kilim area rugs...great to update your entry or kitchen.

Brights from West Elm.  For indoors or out!

Good design is essential for a healthy home.

No VOC paints, cabinet substrates, stain, along with
 recycled counter material, tile, water saving plumbing fixtures
and LED lighting are sustainable and luxurious.

When you want to make a change to your home you want a fabulous aesthetic and products that are safe. Think carefully about the long-term results of your design decisions. Is the carpet you selected a budget price but will off-gas toxic chemicals?  Does the surface you choose require chemicals to clean and seal?   Can you conserve water and energy that benefits you for the long term. When you're concerned for the health and safety of your family, do the research and find products that provide a healthy environment as well as the right aesthetic.  

A functional and fun space that was repurposed
from an unised niche. Using NO VOC furnishings
and shelves, re-used wood flooring, bold colors
in soothing shapes, and LED lighting with a warm glow.

You know when you have entered a healthy home. Regardless of the period and style, there is a sense of harmony and purity that nourishes both body and soul. Over time, you may also notice that you breathe more easily, feel more content, and begin each day with heightened energy and enthusiasm. The very technologies intended to enhance our well-being have often undermined our health through heating and cooling system issues, additives to building materials, furniture and paints, and synthetics and composite construction materials appear to save money, yet their ingredients trouble us with ailments ranging from mild headaches to severe depression. 

The basics of a health home include sensitivity for the environment, energy-efficiency, economical, sustainable, and use of products and materials that are non-polluting. These are the basics:

Stunning glass pendants and back splash tiles are 100% recycled.
No VOC stains and wall paint create rich, elegant color.
High post-consumer recycled content in easy
care porcelain tile, and energy and water saving appliances and lighting
make a beautiful, eco-luxurious kitchen a pleasure to use.

1. Free your home from toxins - that includes cleaning products, construction materials, floor and wall coverings and furnishings.
2. Select mood enhancing colors, textures and patterns
3. Arrange furnishings for comfort and ease of use and maintenance 
4. Get rid of bulky, dust-collecting items
5. Vent moisture from damp rooms
6. Create special places for exercise and relaxation
7. Clear away clutter by considering good storage options. Weed out what you really don't use and need.
8. Let the outdoors in - natural light and fresh air are
9. Strive for simplicity and moderation
10. Respect the environment by starting with water and energy use, generation of garbage, and recycling.

Lighting Design - Fabulous and Functional

Lighting design offers a wide range of products and control options. From glamorous chandeliers to minimalistic and functional wall fixtures, there are many choices for functional yet pleasing home lighting. With energy use a main concern for the environment as well as personal utility bills, how to light spaces correctly becomes a necessity rather than a splurge. In any room, there are often many functional areas including dining, lounging, home office needs, television watching and entertaining, so a planned lighting solution is smart so you can ensure the best lighting for multi-tasking and still make each area inviting and attractive.

For achieving ambient (general) or task lighting, architectural lights, also known as "cans", "pots", and "recessed" fixtures are a good idea. Taking into account the spread of the light beam, the right size and number of recessed fixtures (LED, Compact fluorescent and dimmable halogen) can illuminate a task area, highlight a feature, bathe walls and room perimeters in light at a low energy cost, and more. Adding timers, dimmers and sensors for occupancy and vacancy makes using them easy. A variety of trims and baffles adds to the diversity of lighting solutions they can provide.

To create a warm atmosphere, light sources for special effects and mood lighting might include wall sconces, pendants, floor or table lamps.  The best lighting is done in layers so that you can control the amount of light and where it is shed, at any time.  Wall sconces are a great idea for feature walls, narrow spaces, and bathing architectural features in light.The correct fixture and right lamping (bulb) can throw light on the wall up or down depending upon the direction they hang. Wall sconces can be unobtrusive and small for accent lighting, or dramatic and bold to make an artistic statement.  

Offered in various shapes, sizes and colors, pendant options seem to be endless. Artistic, industrial, and every style in-between are available at fantastic prices.  One great fixture can set the tone for an entire home.   Furthermore, they can be used over a dining table, a desk, a counter, alone or in groups, and much more.

Chandeliers are a favorable alternative to recessed fixtures in  interior design since they offer multi-light options that are softer in feel. Like pendants, there are unlimited styles, but position is usually based on size. 

Accent lights include recessed fixtures, pendants, track, lamps, strip, rope and more.  They are meant to highlight architectural features, art, stairs, walls, landscape features, and a host of other design elements that are features indoors and out.

Whatever your lighting needs, there is an energy efficient solution that will provide a focused, correct color, and proper amount of light. Using a professional to advise is worthwhile and will enable the best results for the long-term.

COLOR IT YOURS

Small spaces feel open with color and not just white!

Here, a bench seat in ebony wood, serves as a seating area and open the room for a comfy chaise sectional.
The paint is Aura by Benjamin Moore.

Ceiling 2143-70 Simply White
Accent Wall Summer Shower 2135-60
Trim Decorators White
Walls Standish White HC-32
Mantle and Bench Seat Clinton Brown HC-67

Tips for a festive holiday.

These are tried and true ideas for easy and festive decor for Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's Eve. Most are inexpensive and you might find natural elements around your neighborhood.

1) Place candles or flame less candles throughout the house; the mood is wonderful and the accent light warm and festive. I use the same hurricanes throughout the years as candle holders, vases, filled with seasonal items, and even in the bath to hold sponges and bath brushes. To raise the bottom or create a stable base for small candles, I use craft sand. Here, dried flowers add color to the sand. 

2) Fill a glass bowl or hurricane lantern with ornaments for a quick centerpiece. You can add pine cones, seed pods from magnolia trees, cut greens from pine trees and much more.  I've added flameless tea lights with timers to the interior so that for about 5 hours, a soft glow emanates. I carry beautiful apothecary urn, vases and containers in the shop  and have fillers for all seasons.

3) Add seasonal greens to your stairs, tabletop, mantle, and shelves. These magnolia leaves are entwined with string lights for a non-denominational garland. Fallen branches and leaves from all around San Diego are my source. A bit of gold spray on some leaves make them glisten at night. Indeed there are some faux pine stems as well, since I like fullness when I create wreaths and garlands.

4) Add fragrance to your home. Scent is an often forgotten mood enhancer. Strategically place bowls of potpourri, freshly ground spices or dried lavender, scented candles, room sprays, and small carafes of essential oils (my favorite).

From then to now...

When updating your home, if you select furnishings with classic lines, the result will be an enduring style that won't need to be re-done for years.  I love to compare styles and see how they evolved over time. Three main styles are Traditional (Sheraton, the Louies, Tuscan, and similar), Modern (Eames, van der Rohe, Retro and the like) , and Transitional (elements from Traditional and Modern periods combined). Contemporary style simply refers to the current period.  Can you mix these styles? A resounding yes! A change of fabrics, mixing colors, and adding the right accessories, will help shape the overall style.

Sofas: Traditional sofas have many forms. A rolled arm, skirted base, and tufting on the back, is common. For a more modern feel, strip away the details, square off the cushions and arms, and a modern style is born. The tapered legs and exposed wood apron are classic and allows this sofa to work well with traditional pieces.

Tables: Despite the modern flair of the nested end tables on the left, their tapered leg and mahogany inlay top allow them to fit nicely into a traditional room.  The tripod leg table below is a Sheraton-styled piece that, with its brass coaster legs and carved details, is a classic, traditional table.

Chairs: Tapered legs, a shield back with carved wheat detailing, provide the dining chair on the left with clear traditional styling. With it's oval back and tapered legs, the second chair has a modern feel but the basic elements that comprise the chair are classic.

Cabinetry:  Modern style case goods have less detail and more boxy lines like the armoire on the left. Its Asian style and hardware make it right in traditional and modern settings.  The curio on the right is a traditional piece with a bow front, carved dentil molding and frieze relief on the doors. Perfect for a classic living room.