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11 Favorites: The Classic Larder

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Before the refrigerator there was the larder, a cool space for storing perishables and kitchen essentials. Perhaps it's time to bring back the concept?

Plain English White Larder/Remodelista

Above: A larder tucked behind glass doors, courtesy of Plain English.

English Larder with Stone Floor/Remodelista

Above: An English larder photographed by David Giles.

  Plain English Larder Gray/Remodelista

Above: A bespoke larder, courtesy of Plain English.

Glass Storage Jar Pantry/Remodelista

Above: A subway-tiled larder in London; see more at Kitchen Open Shelf Roundup.

Gray English Kitchen Larder/Remodelista

Above: A classic larder via House to Home.

Butler Armsden Architects Larder/Remodelista

Above: SF architects Butler Armsden revamped a 1939 William Wurster house in Pacific Heights, including the pantry area.

Plain English Gray Painted Larder/Remodelista

Above: A larder in London; see the whole project at Reader Rehab: A Photographer's Kitchen in London.

Endsleigh Larder England/Remodelista

Above: An herb-drying room in Olga Polizzi's Hotel Endsleigh.

Modern Larder/Remodelista

Above: A pantry with glazed doors by Copenhagen-based Kobenhavns Mobelsnedkeri; photo by Heidi Lerkenfeldt.

Schwartz Architecture Larder/Remodelista

Above: A pantry in the Buena Vista Terrace residence by Schwartz & Architecture in San Francisco.

If you're looking for kitchen ideas, browse our vast Kitchens archive, and don't miss last week's 11 Kitchen Islands Gone Glamorous. And before delving into construction, read Michelle's Gardenista post 10 Mistakes to Avoid When You Remodel.


Glasgow's Coolest Concept Store (and Coffee Bar)

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If we lived in Glasgow, you would likely find us typing away on our laptops and slyly inserting ourselves into the meetings and workshops held by local artists and designers at All That Is Solid, a coffee bar meets exhibition space and shop on Osborne Street in the city's center.

Since opening in 2012, All That Is Solid has maintained its multi-purpose mission while serving up coffee from a Glasgow favorite, Dear Green Coffee Roasters. The venture is part of South Block, an initiative that mixes commercial and subsidized studio space (and reinvests income back into charitable funds), all the while supporting creative Scottish design. Here's a look around the space thanks to UK site Blank Inside.

All That Is Solid Shop and Cafe in Glasgow via All That Is Solid | Remodelista

Above: The storefront occupies a studio complex redesigned by South Block to accommodate retail.

All That Is Solid Shop and Cafe in Glasgow via All That Is Solid | Remodelista

Above: A pair of midcentury modern chairs furnish the purposefully simple coffee shop section of All That Is Solid.

All That Is Solid Shop and Cafe in Glasgow via All That Is Solid | Remodelista

Above: A look at the espresso bar with minimalist black coffee cups and signage. On offer: tea, sandwiches, salads, and macarons.

All That Is Solid Shop and Cafe in Glasgow via All That Is Solid | Remodelista

Above: Industrial lighting suspended on wires spans the length of the All That Is Solid space.

All That Is Solid Shop and Cafe in Glasgow via All That Is Solid | Remodelista

Above: The cafe sign begs of coffee drinkers: "just please don't mention the word 'grande'."

All That Is Solid Shop and Cafe in Glasgow via All That Is Solid | Remodelista

Above: On rotation is a selection of furniture, linens, home accessories, and art prints by local Glasgow designers.

All That Is Solid Shop and Cafe in Glasgow via All That Is Solid | Remodelista

All That Is Solid Shop and Cafe in Glasgow via All That Is Solid | Remodelista

Above: A selection of print works curated by GmbH Shop, a Scottish purveyor of art, fashion, and design magazines.

All That Is Solid Shop and Cafe in Glasgow via All That Is Solid | Remodelista

All That Is Solid Shop and Cafe in Glasgow via All That Is Solid | Remodelista

Above: Colorful Bauhaus-inspired wooden clocks; email All That is Solid for information on the artist, pricing, and availability.

For more of our discoveries Glasgow and surrounding areas, visit our Scotland City Guide. Coffee lovers, see our post on Gardenista: 7 Secrets to Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee.

Location of All That Is Solid in Glasgow:

Remodeling 101: The Ins and Outs of Plywood

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It’s a fact—here at Remodelista, we are partial to plywood, and it seems as though our readers are as well. And while our plywood posts are always very popular, we do get a fair share of comments from concerned readers about the detrimental effects of formaldehyde off-gassing in plywood, which naturally prompted us to find out more. Our research reveals some pleasant surprises. 

Nick Noyes, Plywood Farmhouse in Healdsburg, California | Remodelista

Above: When Bay Area architect Nick Noyes was commissioned to design this modern cabin in Healdsburg, Cailfornia, he discovered that the owners had access to a family-owned plywood factory in Alabama. The cabin is lined with highly figured pine plywood boards that were hand picked from every run, set aside, and then loaded on a truck to California. Photograph by Cesar Rubio

How is plywood made?

Plywood is a manufactured wood panel that is made by gluing thin sheets of wood veneer together. The wood grain of each layer is rotated relative to the adjacent layers up to 90 degrees (cross-graining), providing the material with its strength and stability. Until a few years ago, the glue typically used in between the veneers of indoor plywood was a chemical resin called urea-formaldehyde, used for its high tensile strength, and from which harmful off-gassing would occur.

Marine Plywood | Remodelista

Above: Many adhesives used to glue the layers of plywood veneers together contain urea-formaldehyde. Image via Wel Building Supplies

Why does formaldehyde come with a health warning?

Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling and colorless gas that induces both short-term and long-term health issues. The immediate effect of formaldehyde is that it can make you feel sick it if it is present in the air at levels higher than 100 parts per billion (ppb). A helpful comparator is that the average indoor formaldehyde level in most US homes today is typically around 25 parts per billion. Some people will experience sensitivity with lower levels than 100 ppb; symptoms typically include sore throats, coughing, scratchy eyes, and nosebleeds. Children and the elderly can be particularly sensitive to formaldehyde exposure.

Long-term exposure to high levels of formaldehyde, typically seen in workers in industries that make formaldehyde or formaldehyde-containing products (as well as lab technicians, some health care professionals, and funeral home employees), has been shown to cause cancer. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists formaldehyde as a “probable human carcinogen,” while the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as “carcinogenic to humans.”

Dan Honey Paul Fuog Plywood Kitchen in Melbourne | Remodelista

Above: Plywood is a favorite material in budget remodels, as seen in this 800-square-foot remodel in Melbourne. Photograph by Lisbeth Grosman via Desire to Inspire.

What does it mean for our homes and how can we protect ourselves? 

According to the Center for Disease Control, “The issue of formaldehyde exposure in homes is long standing. Formaldehyde is frequently used in plywood, particle boards, fiberboard, resins, glues, and several other construction components, including the insulation of many homes.” With this in mind, formaldehyde in small concentrations is a normal part of our environment. While all homes have some level of formaldehyde (emissions are at their highest the first eight months after construction), the emissions decrease as the house ages. Mitigating factors that help to reduce emissions include keeping the temperature at the lowest comfortable level, ensuring good ventilation, and controlling the humidity in your home. Anyone concerned with the level of formaldehyde in their home can measure it with a formaldehyde test kit which can be found on the internet or by contacting someone in your area who conducts VOC (volatile organic compound) testing. 

With increased awareness, the average level of formaldehyde emissions is on the wane and President Obama's signing of the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite-Wood Products Act into law in 2010 continues the decline by establishing limits for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood materials. The most effective way to future proof your home from plywood off gassing is to source formaldehyde-free plywood. 

Moonish Co, Painted Marine Plywood Wall Tiles | Remodelista

Above: Plywood is much appreciated for its versatility. In DIY: Tiles for Commitment Phobes, Moonish of Brooklyn silk screen geometric patterns on plywood tiles. 

Is formaldehyde-free plywood readily available?

Up until a few years ago, the standard advice for the formaldehyde wary was use an exterior-grade plywood for all projects, because the glue used in these plywoods is phenol formaldehyde, which off-gasses at a much lower level than urea formaldehyde. PureBond, one of the leading developers in the United States of formaldehyde-free plywood, uses a proprietary food-grade, soy adhesive that is also non-toxic, LEED green building certified, and competitively priced. Their product came to market in 2005, and by 2010, Home Depot was carrying it. Companies that specialize in environmentally friendly building materials like Green Depot are another good source. 

Custom Plywood Bookcase | Remodelista

Above: In Fill the Void: A DIY Plywood Bookcase, Remodelista editor Meredith Swineheart takes us through the steps she went through to build this formaldehyde-free, plywood bookcase, gaining much needed storage while filling an awkward space in her rented apartment. Photograph by Meredith Swineheart

What to know about living with formaldehyde in your environment:

  • Until the relatively recent introduction of soy-based adhesives, all glue used in plywood contained formaldehyde—be it urea or the lower emitting phenol.
  • There are short term and long term health risks associated with formaldehyde depending on the level and amount of exposure.
  • Formaldehyde off-gasses over time and as a result, the older the plywood, the less of a health hazard it becomes.
  • Formaldehyde in small concentrations is a normal part of our environment.
  • The detrimental effects of formaldehyde can be mitigated by temperature, good ventiliation, and humidity control.
  • The best way to keep formaldehyde levels at a minimum in your home is to use products that are formaldehyde-free.

Plywood is not just for walls and furniture—it can be used everywhere from floors to ceilings. See 10 Favorites: The Unexpected Appeal of Plywood for other inventive ways. If you are in the throes of remodeling or are thinking about it, you might find our Remodeling 101 series helpful. 

Restaurant Visit: Toast House in Yorkshire

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Natasha Byers and Lisa Jenkins wanted to create a home away from home, a place that felt personal and relaxed, where people could "meet, stay a while, enjoy homemade baked goods, great coffee and tea, and simple yet clever food..." What they come up with is Toast House, in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, where freshly sliced toast is the crucial ingredient. The homemade approach extends to the decor. Natasha, a self-described magpie, and Lisa, whose background is in design, peppered their cafe with industrial modern and vintage objects against an airy white background flooded with natural light. "Many items belonged to family members and hold much sentimentality," says Natasha, whose mother owned an antiques business. The food, which is all made on the premises, is designed to illicit a "Proustian effect." No wonder then, that after only seven months, Toast House is already gathering quite a crowd.

Photographs via Toast House and Deborah Beau of Kickcan and Conkers.

Toast-House-Ilkley-exterior-Remodelista

Above: The Toast House setting could not be more quintessentially English.

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Above: Under the glow of vintage industrial lights, Natasha and Lisa make all the dishes at a counter built from recycled wood.

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Above: Do try this at home: vintage tin containers put to use as wall storage. 

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Above: "Bake it and they will come" seems to have been the adage for this homey yet sophisticated coffee house. Though Toast is off the beaten path, Natasha and Lisa felt confident that the welcoming space and menu would bring people to their door.

Toast-House-Ilkley-recipe-Remodelista

Above: Clever touches, like an enlarged recipe for sourdough bread, complete with coffee ring, add a touch of humor.

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Above: "Greatly accepting family donations," Natasha and Lisa created an eclectic interior that feels like an extension of themselves. (Since both are mothers, they included a kids' creative corner.)

Toast-House-Ilkley-sign-Remodelista

Above: A collection of vintage toast racks stands as reminder of the cafe's theme. And lest you think that toast is rather limiting, Natasha's and Lisa's myriad offerings include toast with toppings such as mackerel pâté and sweet onion marmalade and brie, as well as desserts, like bonoffee pie on toast and brioche with homemade ice cream. In addition, Deb of Kickcan and Conkers raves about the cappucino, the salt caramel flapjacks, winter carrot cake, and courgette and coconut cake ("Could you say no?" she asks).

Toast-House-Ilkley-flowers-Remodelista

Above: Homemade bouquets and vintage table numbers.

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Above: A framed antique flour sack—Lisa's grandparents owned a flour mill in Germany—hangs above a sitting area with a table made from a breadboard.

N.B. Suddenly, hungry for toast? We've rounded up our Top 10 Favorite Toasters. After your visit to Toast House, you might want to walk off your meal with a stroll around the kitchen garden at Scampston Hall, also in Yorkshire.

 Below: Toast House is at 22 Leeds Rd, in Ilkely, West Yorkshire:

DIY: An Industrial Wall Light for $15

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We recently featured an Updated Danish Farmhouse with enchantingly raw interiors: concrete floors, painted brick walls, and industrial lighting. I was particularly taken with the wall-mounted light fixtures in the kitchen that the owners salvaged from a brickyard. I set out to build my own DIY version; here's what I came up with for less than $15 per light. 

Photography by Izabella Simmons, unless noted.

Inspiration

Industrial Wall-mounted Lamp in Danish Home and Kitchen I Remodelista

Above: My inspiration—the kitchen of jewelry designer Marie von Lotzbeck and photographer Jakob Kirk, lit by wall-mounted salvaged industrial lights. Photograph by Kira Brandt via Femina.

 Industrial Wall-mounted Lamp in Danish Home and Kitchen I Remodelista

Above: The three kitchen light fixtures mounted in a row. Photograh by Kira Brandt via Femina.

DIY Project

After a few trips to my local hardware and lighting stores, I was able to source very similar parts—a few discoveries in the plumbing aisle made it all come together. (Skip ahead if you want to see my results.) 

Part for DIY Lamp I Remodelista

Materials 

Halogen Lamp Bulb and Krylon Spray-paint in Black I Remodelista  

Above L: Philips 20-Watt Halogen Integrated Electronic Ballast Flood Light Bulb; $19.97 from Home Depot. Above R: Krylon Spray Paint in Flat Black finish; $5.38 from Tool Up.

Instructions

Step 1: Spray paint all of the lamp parts matte black and leave them to dry outside for at least half a day.

Step 2: Assemble the pieces—all of the parts have threads that easily screw into one another for complete assembly—yes, it's that easy.

Step 3: Hire an electrician to take care of the wiring and installation. That's the next step for me.

Finished Project

Complete DIY Lamp I Remodelista  

Above: Not a bad facsimile, eh? 

 

Complete DIY Lamp I Remodelista  

Above:  The DIY lamp ready to be wired and installed.

Into making your own light fixtures? Here's a DIY pendant to consider (hint: it involves drinking straws). And have a look at my $7 Redo of a Glass Pendant Light using brass paint. Green thumb? On Gardenista, see A Chandelier That's Also an Herb Garden.

Material Girl: Eleanor Pritchard Has a Way with Wool

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Textile designer Eleanor Pritchard is proud to be carrying on an age-old weaving tradition in the UK. The stone mill in Carmarthenshire, Wales, that produces her blankets is 130 years old; it's family owned and much of the crew only speaks Welsh ("Gweu means weaving," she's learned, "and gwudd means loom.") Using a palette that veers from muted to eye popping—and takes inspiration from British midcentury artists, like Ben Nicholson and Eric Ravilious—Pritchard has been selling her blankets since she graduated from the Chelsea College of Art and Design in 2001 (a second college career for her). She operates out of a design studio in south London and of late has started designing upholstery fabric that's woven of Shetland wool on the Isle of Bute in Scotland.

Pritchard's ability to inject new life into dwindling industries—and her lovingly detailed results—have not gone unnoticed. When Prince Charles was furnishing Llwynywermod Estate, his grand farmhouse in Wales, Pritchard was commissioned to supply blankets. The National Trust mounted a series of her weavings in large panels in its new offices. And UK fashion doyenne Margaret Howell, one of our design heroes, offers an exclusive collection of Pritchard's throws and pillows in her shops, which extend to Tokyo.  It turns out that geometric Welsh weavings in shades of gray, blue, and mustard look good just about anywhere.

Photographs via Eleanor Pritchard, unless noted.

Textile designer Eleanor Pritchard in her East London studio | Remodelista

Above: Pritchard's works out of Cockpit Arts, a converted gravel company headquarters in Deptford, in south London. ("Evidently it was a successful business as the studio has lovely parquet floors and lots of midcentury detailing " says Pritchard.) Photograph by Christoffer Rudquist via Dwell.

Eleanor Pritchard blanket samples | Remodelista

 Above: Blanket and pillow pattern samples. "The fabrics we produce are all my own designs, but the weaving technique has been used for hundreds of years," says Pritchard. "I really like the idea that I'm reinterpreting old vernacular traditions." Photograph by Christoffer Rudquist via Dwell

Eleanor Pritchard blanket | Remodelista

 Above: Pritchard's 625 Line, a reversible blanket design woven of 100 percent pure new Scottish wool, is made in several color ways. All of Pritchard's blankets come in standard size (150 by 180 centimeters), £230, and long size (150 by 240 centimeters), £296, and work well as throw blankets. Pritchard's work is available directly from her site, as well as from a number of retailers in the UK and around the world. In the US, Lekker Home carries the largest selection; the 625 Line Blanket is $399 in standard size.

Eleanor Pritchard studio in London, yarn winder via Dwell | Remodelista

Above: A vintage hank winder in Pritchard's studio is used to turn cones of yarn into hanks or skeins. Most of Pritchard's blankets are woven in Wales and finished with blanket stitching in the London studio. Photograph by Christoffer Rudquist via Dwell.

Eleanor Pritchard blanket Easterly pattern | Remodelista

Above: Pritchard's Easterly blanket, a pattern she describes as "a woven study in weather mapping." The Northerly blanket, the same pattern in gray, is available from Union Made in San Francisco for $426.

Eleanor Pritchard pillows | Remodelista

Above: Pritchard has applied her blanket patterns to a series of cushions backed with deep blue or flecked brown wool. Shown here, top to bottom, Easterly, 525 Line, and Quail's Egg, £96 each.  

Eleanor Pritchard studio | Remodelista

Above: Pritchard samples all of her designs by weaving them on a vintage George Wood dobby loom in her studio. "George Dobby was a retired ship's engineer. There are a number of his looms in the country—I got mine from a lovely Latvian woman who was downsizing her studio; owning one is a bit like belonging to a classic car club," she says.

Eleanor Pritchard new lightweight blankets | Remodelista

Above: For warmer weather, Pritchard has just introduced a small collection of softer, lighter-weight blankets made of lambswool woven in Lancashire. Shown here, geometric Quince (on top) and Peppercorn, which is navy on one side and pale silver-gray on the other. They measure 122 by 180 centimeters and are £240 each. 

Eleanor Pritchard blanket weaving production in Wales | Remodelista

Above: Pritchard's winter-weight blankets are woven in a 130 year old, family-owned mill in Carmarthenshire, Wales. "There's a long tradition of Welsh tapestry weaving," explains Pritchard. "It's basically a double cloth in which you have two sets of warp threads and two sets of weft threads, and the fabric is woven as two separate but interlocking layers. The technique allows for a lot of graphic patterning and the back of the fabric is often the reverse image of the front."

Eleanor Pritchard pillows | Remodelista

Above: Northerly and Signal cushions; £96 each

Eleanor Pritchard upholstery collection | Remodelista

Above: Move over Eames—Pritchard has recently branched out into upholstery fabrics. Shown here are a sampling of her designs—nine patterns in three color ways are currently available. They're woven on the Isle of Bute in Scotland of a blend of 92 percent new wool and 8 percent nylon for durability. See Eleanor Pritchard for more details and pricing. 

If you like the look of Pritchard's designs, browse more Blankets & Throws that we love, including these 5 Blankets Loomed in the USA and Nanne Kennedy's Seacolors blankets from Maine. Getting ready for warm weather? Gardenista has you covered for picnic blankets.

House Call: An Artist's Home in Shoreditch

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Spotted on The Modern House Estate Agents (one of our favorite property sites), the house of London-based Anna Barham, a graphology artist working in a variety of mediums—print, sculpture, film. Located on a cobbled street off Brick Lane, the house is a former Victorian joiner's workshop that's been converted into a two-bedroom, loftlike live/work space. Barham has furnished the interiors with a mix of antiques and midcentury classics and textiles from Margaret Howell—Ercol chairs, Anglepoise lights, pillows by Eleanor Pritchard—resulting in a space that feels fresh and unstudied.

Images via The Modern House Estate Agents.

Padbury Court London/Remodelista

Above: The original shop windows overlook the street; Barham painted the floors and the walls in pale shades but left the beams and original woodwork as is.

Padbury Court LIving Room/Remodelista

Above: An Ercol chair and settee are draped with traditional wool blankets (for something similar, check out the offerings at Margaret Howell). The cushions are by Eleanor Pritchard for Margaret Howell and are woven in Wales in a mill using traditional skills. The Hector Floor Lamp with bone china shade is $395 from Horne.

Padbury Court Living Room/Remodelista

Above: The ground floor features a small kitchen tucked under the stairs, which lead to a second mezzanine bedroom.

Padbury Court Living Room/Remodelista

Above: The ad hoc kitchen was cobbled together from individual components.

Padbury Court Bedroom/Remodelista

Above: The master bedroom is located on the lower level; the bedside table lamp is a classic Anglepoise Type 75 Desk Lamp ($165 from Horne), available in the UK from Margaret Howell. The cushions are by Eleanor Pritchard for Margaret Howell.

Padbury Court Studio/Remodelista

Above: Barham's studio is simple and spare.

Padbury Court Exterior/Remodelista

Above: The humble exterior.

Interested in the story behind the woven textiles? See Material Girl: Eleanor Pritchard Has a Way with Wool.

Ask the Expert: Corin Mellor Talks Flatware (Make That Cutlery)

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Last week, I sat down to interview Corin Mellor of David Mellor Design at Heath's San Francisco factory, where there is currently a show showcasing the UK company's design history from the 1950s to today. Up for discussion: Mellor’s iconic cutlery (as we Brits call it), the design process, and what it was like to grow up as the son of “Britain’s most serious, modest, and greatest postwar product designer" (which is how Sir Terence Conran described David Mellor when David died in 2009.)  It should be noted that David Mellor's designs extend well beyond silverware and cutlery and include many everyday items, from tea trays to the modern traffic light.

Corin Mellor grew up surrounded by all this design, and a large part of his childhood was spent at Broom Hall in the northern town of Sheffield, a city synonymous with cutlery and steel production, where his father had grown up. Broom Hall was a part-Tudor, part-Georgian mansion that served both as the family home and factory. Corin said that as a child the factory was his playground, a place where he tinkered with materials and made things from an early age. Before joining the family business, Corin worked as an architect, and he's also a woodworker and furniture maker. We asked him to give us a few insights into the design of the company's most famous item, Mellor cutlery. 

Corin Mellor Round Building/Remodelista

Above: Photo of the Round Building by Carol Sachs.

Above: Good design extends to the Mellor factory itself—commissioned after Broom Hall had become too small, the Round Building, the company's current cutlery factory, was built in 1990 by Michael Hopkins & Partners. It's located on the site of an old gasworks in Hathersage, in the picturesque Peak District National Park, west of Sheffield. Hopkins & Partners also designed a neighboring David Mellor Visitor Centre (with a museum and shop) and a residence for the family, once again ensuring that production and home are integrated. 

Remodelista: What’s your favorite design from the David Mellor cutlery collection?

Corin Mellor: My favorite is my father’s first, Pride, which he designed when he was studying at the Royal College of Art in London in 1953.

  David Mellor Pride Flatware | Remodelista

Above: Pride Flatware; a set of five is $148 from Heath. In continuous production since 1953 (N.B.: Pride is the modern flatware pattern we singled out for inclusion in the Remodelista 100 in the Remodelista book).

RM: What sets it apart?
CM: Although the design has a period 1950s aesthetic, it also has a timeless quality and is particularly delicate and refined both to look at and to eat with. 

RM: What are the challenges you face when designing a new cutlery pattern?

CM: Cutlery is particularly difficult to design. It has to be visually pleasing, but, perhaps more importantly, it also has to function as a tool. Getting the balance between these two right took me quite some time and during the process, which stretched out over six months, I certainly learned a lot.

RM: What did you learn most from your father about design in general? 

CM: Truth to materials, form follows function, and not being overly concerned with style and fashion. 

Corin Mellor by Carol Sachs/Remodelista

Above: Corin Mellor at work; photo by Carol Sachs.

RM: If there was no David Mellor, what would you use for cutlery?

CM: I’d probably go back to my roots and use an early silver Sheffield design with bone handled knives.

RM: What should we be paying attention to when we buy cutlery—the weight, the feel? What makes a perfect knife, fork, and spoon? 

CM: There are many, many shapes and designs of cutlery, but ultimately, choose a design that aesthetically attracts you. The next criteria should be how that particular design works in the hand. Some people prefer a lighter, finer design such as Pride, while others like the feel of heavier cutlery, such as London. It might be that you take a couple of pieces of different designs home to test them in the home environment, as many of our customers do. Since you're likely to be using cutlery up to three times a day for many years, the decision is quite important. You might actually be spending more time eating with your cutlery than driving your car!

David Mellor Heath exhibition | Remodelista

Above: Some of the components used in the finishing of David Mellor cutlery include calico dusters and polishers. Most of the fine work happens once the pieces have been pressed from the steel. Photograph by Catherine Bailey.

RM: Tips on caring for cutlery?

CM: Cutlery will ultimately become scratched. This is inevitable, no matter how expensive the cutlery; it can't be avoided. You'll notice the scratches after a few months use, but as the cutlery ages, it will gradually develop into a nice patina. Our spoons and forks are made from 18/10 stainless steel, material that is virtually indestructible and very rarely causes any problems. Knife blades, however, are made from a different grade of stainless steel with a higher carbon content that enables the blade to be sharpened to a cutting edge. This material is slightly more susceptible to corrosion. We therefore recommend that knives are removed from the dishwasher at the end of the cycle, or even better, washed and dried by hand.

RM: What’s the bestselling David Mellor cutlery?

CM: In the UK, the most popular are Pride and Paris. In the USA, it's Chelsea and Provençal.

David Mellor Chelsea Flatware | Remodelista

Above: Corin Mellor's Chelsea Flatware is $96.25 for a set of five from Heath  

RM: What makes these pieces so timeless?

CM: Apart from Chelsea, which is new, all of the designs have been in production for more than two decades. They have a sophisticated yet understated aesthetic and aren't trying too hard to make a statement. They therefore can stand the test of time.

David Mellor/Remodelista

Above: David Mellor at work; image via the BBC.

RM: Your father's biggest influence on you?

CM: Keep on designing until you’ve got it right. This often means a long process that may result in scrapping a design or revisiting it at a later date.

See more of the David Mellor products that we've previously featured. For information on what to look for in knives, go to  Knife Advice from the Town Cutler


A New Kind of Luxury: The New Craftsmen in London

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Mark Henderson, Catherine Lock, and Natalie Melton (a trio whose experiences range from high street retail to the arts)  toured the British Isles for two years in search of the leading craft and design talent in the UK. Their mission? "To offer sustainable, real luxury, expressed through dedication to makers, materials, method, and design." Their venture, called the New Craftsmen, is an online retailer representing more than 75 artisans, craftspeople, textile makers, ceramicists; during last year's holiday season, they staged two pop-up shops, and they're opening their first brick-and-mortar store at One Row in Mayfair in April.

The New Craftsmen Placemats/Remodelista

Above: Coasters handwoven in Ireland by Mourne Textiles are £35 for a set of six.

The New Craftsmen Yellow Pitcher/Remodelista

Above: Yellow Jug by Nicola Tassie; £120.

  The New Craftsmen Throw/Remodelista

Above: The Hand-Knit Cable Throw by Emily Watts of The Good Shepherd is made from Shetland and Blue-faced Leicester wool; £650.

Lion Tiles The New Craftsmen/Remodelista

Above: Lion Tiles by Laura Carlin are £132 for a collection of six.

The New Craftsmen Trug/Remodelista

Above: The Fireside Trug by Thomas Smith is £110.

The New Craftsmen Harbour Light/Remodelista

Above: Glassblower Michael Ruh and embroiderer Aimee Betts collaborated on the Harbour Light range, available with a choice of four different glass shades and a range of custom embroidered cords; prices start at £990.

House Call: A Georgian Townhouse in Edinburgh Remodeled for an Artist

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When Scottish artist Alison Watt was looking for a studio space in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she could also live, she turned to local architect Helen Lucas  to help turn a floor in an A-listed Georgian townhouse into a combination painting studio and gracious flat. As Helen tells us, "It demanded a clean and minimalist approach to the detailing, to provide an uncluttered, light-filled environment that allows Alison to focus on her art." Watt is a well known Scottish artist with an OBE—Order of the British Empire award—to her name and often works on a large scale. She now the perfect setting for that. Have a look.

Photography by Angus Bremner.

Alison Watt Studio by Helen Lucas Architects, photograph Angus-Bremner | Remodelista

Above: Helen notes that "everything is very stripped back and plain to complement the Edinburgh Georgian details. 

Alison Watt Studio by Helen Lucas Architects, photograph Angus-Bremner | Remodelista

Above: The former living room is now Alison Watt's studio with suspended lighting in lieu of wall lights.

Alison Watt Studio by Helen Lucas Architects, photograph Angus-Bremner | Remodelista

Above: Double doors lead from the studio to a grand, bow-fronted library.

Alison Watt Studio by Helen Lucas Architects, photograph Angus-Bremner | Remodelista

Above: All of the shelving and wall storage in the library had to stand off the ceilings to allow the cornicing to remain. The bookshelves are spray painted white and the walls are painted in Farrow and Ball's Pavillion Grey.

Alison Watt Studio art storage by Helen Lucas Architects, photograph Angus-Bremner | Remodelista

Above: A towering canvas storage unit in the library is detailed to sit like a piece of furniture, complementing the simple bookshelves.

Alison Watt Studio kitchen by Helen Lucas Architects, photograph Angus-Bremner | Remodelista

Above: "The kitchen is absolutely tiny but beautiful with every bit of space put to good use," says Lucas. The cabinets are custom built and have Corian worktops in Designer White

Alison Watt Studio with brushes by Helen Lucas Architects, photograph Angus-Bremner | Remodelista

Above: The sink-side Corian counter. "Corian is seamless," Helen explains, "and it can cope with brush washing and oil paint."

Alison Watt Studio  kitchen by Helen Lucas Architects, photograph Angus-Bremner | Remodelista

Above: Tubarad radiators in the kitchen provide "a modern interpretation of chunky cast iron," says Lucas. "The shelves were a bonus added when we found a hollow section of wall where the curved shape was formed to the bow-ended room."

Alison Watt Studio kitchen storage by Helen Lucas Architects, photograph Angus-Bremner | Remodelista

Above: A detail of the inset shelving.

Alison Watt Studio entry by Helen Lucas Architects, photograph Angus-Bremner | Remodelista

Above: The newly positioned front door opens straight into the kitchen rather than a dark corridor, allowing light to flow throughout the space. For more, go to Helen Lucas Architects. Check out Helen's own Scottish Retreat which she shares with her architect husband, Malcolm Fraser. To see one of the greatest works of art in Scotland, read about Ian Hamilton Finlay on Gardenista. 

Trending on Gardenista: Growing Lucky Gardens

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This week, Michelle and Erin shared the secret to cultivating four-leaf clovers—and led us on a series of other great discoveries.

Peter Legge Connemara Galway stone cottages | Gardenista

Above: Dreaming of a getaway in County Galway? This pair of rescued stone cottages on the edge of the sea is for rent.

Haley Sheffield the Language of Flowers | Gardenista

Above: If you're ready to spend a weekend in Athens, Georgia, you can learn to speak the language of flowers.

Jessica Helgerson patio | Gardenista

Above: Black and gray color scheme, diamond windows, and miniature Japanese garden—Michelle shares how to replicate them all in Steal This Look.

Sunbeam Jackie Hand Parasols | Remodelista

Above: The new garden must-have in the UK, brocade edging optional.

Globe artichoke flower by Stan Dalone | Gardenista

Above: Who knew that the artichoke is a member of the thistle family?

Creative Fuel: Mobile Espresso in Ireland

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Belfast-based Sam Alexander is on a quest to make his latest venture, Attridge & Cole, one of Northern Ireland's premier coffee catering companies. The winning equation? A restored French commercial vehicle (a Citroën H Van), locally hand-roasted coffee, and an expert barista team.

Attridge & Cole is usually parked in a lot off Belfast's Newforge Lane, but you can also spot it wheeling through the city streets, or turning off its engine near the Trim castle along the River Boyne. What's on offer? Attridge & Cole boasts an array of baked goods and coffee from Bailies Coffee Co., served up by a staff trained by UK barista champion Sarah McCandless.

Photographs by Opposite Page for Attridge & Cole, except where noted.

Attridge and Cole coffee truck in Belfast

Above: The van parked in Newforge Lane's open parking lot.

Above: A barista outfitted in a sturdy denim work apron.

Attridge and Cole coffee truck in Belfast

Above: Cruising the streets of Belfast.

Attridge and Cole coffee truck in Belfast

Above: The Citroën's speedometer.

Attridge and Cole coffee truck in Belfast

Above: The coffee van is available for markets, concerts, and corporate events; contact Attridge & Cole for more information.

Attridge and Cole coffee truck in Belfast

Above: Photograph via Between You and Me.

Cookies at Attridge and Cole coffee truck in Belfast

Above: Freshly baked cookies on offer.

Attridge and Cole coffee truck in Belfast

Attridge & Cole coffee in Northern Ireland, coffee truck

Above: The van parked at a hot air balloon festival in Trim, County Meath. Photograph via Facebook.

Like seeing design on the go? Have a look at San Francisco's Del Popolo pizza truck, an Airstream hotel in Vienna, and London's Traveling Gin Company in London (think pop-up drinks on a butcher's bike).

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on January 22, 2013 as part of our In the Library issue.

Current Obsessions: Welcoming Spring

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We were out exploring design in the UK this past week, including a collection of stools called Working Girl, a ceramicist's idyllic life on the Scottish coast, the return of the kitchen larder, and our new favorite wool blankets.  We're now back home, getting ready for next week's Spring Forward issue—a celebration of color, light, and the powers of cleaning. Meanwhile, for your weekend inspiration, here are a few things we're currently obsessing over.

Budapest Hotel/Remodelista

Above: Margot's favorite character in the new Wes Anderson movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel, is the hotel itself. The film's production team created its interior in an Art Nouveau department store building in Gorlitz, Germany; see how in this video about the making of the sets.

SF women's clothing company Cuyana launched its spring collection this week; we've been intrigued by the company's Lean Closet Movement.

We're sharing a Pinterest board with domino; have a look to see our favorite pale and palatial spaces.

Berlin Apartment Freuden von Freunden/Remodelista

Last week, we had dinner in Mill Valley with the clever team behind Freunde von Freunden, the online interview magazine we've been following for years. We're plotting a visit to their new FvF Apartment in Berlin (it's available to rent).

Michael Anastassiades Light Maison Objet/Remodelista

Above: Enjoying Australian blog Yellowtrace's Best in Show coverage of Maison Objet, especially the new lighting from Michael Anastassiades.

Fuhrimann Hächler Architects | Remodelista

Above: Alexa is admiring the layering of ochre and pink glass in a mausoleum by Fuhrimann Hächler Architects.

Scandinavian design blogs keep popping up like mushrooms—we often get lost for hours browsing, but we always come back to this standard bearer.

Stone Cottage | Remodelista

Above: Skylights in an updated stone cottage from this week on Gardenista. 

Another development in 3D-printed fashions has us considering the possibility of a hi-tech design issue on Remodelista. 

Eva Evrard | Remodelista

Above: The newest member of our team, Dalilah, has a graphic design background; she's currently inspired by the work of Belgian artist Eva Evrard

Our friend Evan Roy, a San Francisco-based industrial designer, has an impressive body of work consisting of small-scale model chairs.

Terrain Two Tone Tumblers | Remodelista

Above: These two-toned tumblers from Terrain would make a good addition to the summer table. 

A recipe for kale chips has us intrigued.

Go to British Isles to catch up on our most recent issue, and for posts from this past week on Gardenista, see In the Clover.

The Architect Is In: Saving the Hippie Soul of a Victorian House

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This week, architect Casper Mork-Ulnes and designer Alexa Mork-Ulnes of SF firm Mork Ulnes Architects tell us about preserving the sixties vibe of their Haight-Ashbury Victorian while modernizing it for their family. They're available for the next 48 hours to answer any and all questions. Ask away!

A Victorian house that had been run as a hippie boarding house for over 30 years in Haight-Ashbury might not be everyone’s idea of the perfect first home. For fifth-generation California designer Lexie Mork-Ulnes, however, it was love at first sight, even if her architect husband Casper Mork-Ulnes, founder of Mork Ulnes Architects (and a member of the Remodelista Architect and Designer Directory), was not entirely convinced. “The house was full of hippie soul—it had a pornographic stained glass window next to stained glass salvaged from a church; trumpets turned into light fixtures, and enormous murals,” she says. “Casper and my parents thought that I was under the influence of the poppy plants on the front doors.” 

Over the next seven years, the project became a labor of love for the couple as they renovated and modernized the 2,600-square-foot two-level flat in phases as they could afford it. The program included legalizing the attic space in order to add two bedrooms, reconfiguring an existing stair and bridge, renovating the kitchen, and adding a bathroom while incorporating more natural light. “We questioned every design decision, making sure we would stay true to the original character of the house,” Casper says. “We had no interest in gutting the space and stripping it of its soul—the ultimate challenge was to maintain its sense of place and history in both the Victorian and hippie eras of San Francisco while bringing a current sensibility to the space and allowing us to live there as a family." 

Photography by Bruce Damonte

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street, San Francisco, Wood L-shaped Kitchen | Remodelista

Above: The couple streamlined the kitchen for efficiency while adding windows to allow in more light. The cabinets are made from rift-cut white oak and the countertops are Caeserstone Blizzard White. An Axor Starck 2-Spray Semi-Pro Kitchen Faucet by Hansgrohe adds a sculptural utility to the setup. 

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street, San Francisco, Dining room, wood floors, light blue walls, painted white trim | Remodelista

Above: The dining room retains its Victorian character while offering views through to the modernized kitchen (where a rolling library ladder provides access to storage). Midcentury Fiberglass Eiffel Side Chairs from Modernica are paired with an English drop leaf table from Sleuth Antiques in Sausalito, while a hand-carved bench of alder and walnut, a wedding present made by Alexa's brother woodworker Nick Damner, sits on the side of the room. 

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street, Swing in Living Room | Remodelista

Above: The original double-height living room was cluttered with thick beams and a bridge that zigzagged across the space. The couple streamlined the room and added skylights over the stair and the bridge to bring in more natural light. Inspired by a photo of a swing in a living room, Lexie asked her brother to make a four-foot-long version, matching the bench he made in the dining room, to hang from the structural bridge.

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street, San Francisco, wood stair up wall of living room | Remodelista

Above: The modern detailing of the new sculptural wood stair that leads to the attic complements the couple's Florence Knoll sofa and Eames rocking chair. "To celebrate the stair as a sculptural object and to keep the room feeling light, we used a glass guardrail," Casper says.

Mork Ulnes Clayton Street, San Francisco, Wood Stair, Glass Bannister | Remodelista

Above: With functionality and code compliance in mind, the couple reluctantly replaced the existing solid wood spiral stair, which had been suspended from ceiling with black steel rods. Wanting to make something equally interesting in the same spirit, they recycled the floorboards from the attic by laminating them together to create a solid butcher block-like stair. "The stair feels right because it's built from the original materials of the home, complete with old nail holes and turquoise floor paint from the 1970s," Alexa says. 

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street, San Francisco, horizontal paneled wood wall and closet doors| Remodelista

Above: In the master bedroom suite on the attic level, a bathroom and closet are enclosed by a wall of wood panels that run horizontally to maintain the spatial quality of the attic. Polycarboate panels in the clerestory above the wall allow southern light to filter into the library space adjacent to the bedroom. To keep the wood on the wall from yellowing, the couple finished it with lye and white oil, a traditional Scandinavian treatment. 

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street, San Francisco, Attic Bedroom with View | Remodelista

Above: A large window overlooks St. Ignatius Cathedral and offers a partial view of the Golden Gate Bridge; the window has operable frosted lower panes that provide privacy and obstruct views of a neighbor's roof and ventilation.  

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street, San Francisco, wood headboard with built in storage, white painted brick chimney | Remodelista

Above: The ingenious wood headboard, designed by Yvonee Mouser, incorporates built-in storage while also providing structural reinforcement: "The two sloped parts of the headboard on either side of the bed reinforce the wall framing that was sagging as a result of some rather unorthodox hippie construction techniques," Casper says. 

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street, San Francisco, wood headboard with built in storage, white painted brick chimney | Remodelista

Above: A glass sliding door and partition enclose the master bedroom without compromising the view through the attic space. 

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street, San Francisco, Bridge walkway over living room | Remodelista

Above: A bridge made of blackened steel and reclaimed floorboards (from the old attic) connects a children's bedroom to the master bedroom. 

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street, San Francisco, Traditional handrail, modern handrail | Remodelista

Above: Many of the original Victorian rail turnings were missing, and the couple went to a local wood turner to have them recreated. "We left the turnings unpainted as a testament to their mismatched history," Casper says. 

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street bathroom, brick walls, San Franciscso | Remodelista

Above: In the master bathroom, the limestone walls of the shower are layered on top of the existing pre-distressed brick chimney. The cabinet is built from Douglas fir, treated with lye and white oil, and has a soapstone countertop. 

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street, Yellow stucco Victorian, Painted Gray Victorian | Remodelista

Above L: Before the couple started working on the house, it had a hand-done stucco exterior. Above R: In removing the stucco from the front façade, the couple discovered that most of the original Victorian detailing was intact underneath. "We played around a lot with paint color options on Photoshop before picking the dark palette, which we felt made it more modern," Alexa says. 

Before

Mork-Ulnes, Clayton Street, Before Kitchen | Remodelista

Above: A colored glass pendant and stained glass panel were part of the hippie decor in the kitchen.

Mork-Ulnes, Clayton Street, Before Dining Room | Remodelista

Above: The dining room was used as a small sitting room. 

Mork Ulnes, Clayton Street, Before photo of Trumpet Lamp | Remodelista

Above: A trumpet made into a light fixture is another 1960s-era intervention. "When we found it, the closet door was painted a bright glossy orange," Alexa says. 

Mork-Ulnes, Clayton Street, Before Living Room with Large Hippy Mural | Remodelisa

Above: The living room originally had a solid wood spiral stair and a large wall mural. 

Mork-Ulnes, Clayton Street, Before Attic | Remodelista

Above: The attic before the couple converted it into their master bedroom suite. "Converting an attic into habitable space is not as straightforward as you might think because of California's seismic environment," Casper says. "Meeting building and planning code requirements is challenging, especially in historic homes."

Mork-Ulnes, Clayton Street Before, Naked Man Stained Glass | Remodelista

Above: The communal shower, which was entered via saloon doors, had a graphic stained glass window (look carefully on the left) next to a stained glass window salvaged from a church.

Like the dark exterior of this house? Bay Area architect Douglas Burnham of Envelope A+D tells us why he painted his Victorian the perfect shade of black in Expert Advice: How to Mix a Color. And over on Gardenista, it's black fences that are trending. If you enjoyed this installment of The Architect Is In, see our library of previous posts

This Week's Table of Contents: Spring Forward

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A fresh start, no resolutions required. We're celebrating the new season with a salute to  light-filled rooms, bright colors, inspiring new designs, and the satisfactions of cleaning. Here's a preview.

N.B.: Table of Contents is a new Monday column to fill you in on what's coming up every week on Remodelista.

Spring Forward Issue Image | Remodelista

Monday

Ace hotel roof lounge | Remodelista

Above: At the end of the day, you'll find us in downtown LA at the Ace Hotel's new rooftop lounge inventively built from concrete. Swimming optional. Photograph by Laure Joliet for Remodelista.

Tuesday

Mary Mary Glasgow artist from Go Big or Go Home | Remodelista

Above: Go Big or Go Home—or so says Alexa, who is forecasting crazy color patterns ahead.

Wednesday

Love Aesthetics DIY clothing rack | Remodelista

Above: It's time to weed out the wardrobe, and perhaps consider a chic new freestanding clothes rack. This example, one of several Leigh will be presenting, is a simple built-it-yourself project. Photograph via Love Aesthetics.

Thursday

Amanda Pays and Corbin Bernsen laundry room | Remodelista

Above: Actor/designers Amanda Pays and Corbin Bernsen have three boys and a lot of laundry—which is what inspired them to create their own British-style laundry room, ventilated shelving, included. Stay tuned for a full airing of the details. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Friday

MAR restaurant in Iceland | Remodelista   

Above: Izabella leads the way to the perfect Friday spot: a restaurant on the harbor in Reykjavik, Iceland, that takes a high-style approach to seaside design. Photograph from HAFstudio.


All Eras Welcome: A Spanish Colonial Update in LA

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LA designer Martha Mulholland is a jack of all visual trades. After the Kentucky native finished her degree in art history (as well as historic preservation and interior architecture) at the Art Institute of Chicago, she worked with auctioneers, clothing designers, decorators, and various big fashion brands like Tom Ford, Max Mara, and Gucci as a visual merchandiser and window dresser. Needless to say, she can pull together a presentation with a certain panache, which is just what the clients of this 2,100 square foot Spanish Colonial in Altadena, California, needed when they moved in with a baby on the way. Mulholland worked with them to combine their existing furniture (treasured family pieces from Tennessee, including an 18th century grandfather clock) with a California modern look that they like—and turn it all into a casual, durable, and child-friendly setting. Intrigued to see how it all looks together? Come on the tour.

Photography by Laure Joliet for Remodelista. 

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: The Spanish Colonial underwent a significant renovation by LA architecture firm Park McDonald before Mulholland worked on the interiors.

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: In the foyer, the owners' Shaker chest provides the base for a classic Mulholland vignette of far-ranging pieces. Mulholland found the rug on One King's Lane; it's in one of her favorite color combinations: peach, cobalt and ivory. "I like adding light blue to this mix as well, hence the Louis IV chair with its original periwinkle-blue velvet upholstery," she says. "The lithography in the background adds a bit of contrasting color."

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: The kitchen cabinets, painted in Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray, were custom built in a simple Shaker style with oil-rubbed bronze hardware.

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: The bright bands of color in a photograph by Todd Cole provide a strong focus for the window-lined breakfast room; the cage ceiling pendant is from Shopclass

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: When Mulholland looked through the clients' dishware and crockery, she noticed an abundance of orange and red pieces, which she arranged on the open shelves opposite the breakfast table.

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: Kumquat branches in a deep orange/red ceramic vase bring an added vibrancy to the display.

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: The breakfast room overlooks the dining room and has built-in Shaker-style cabinets that serve as a visual extension of the kitchen. Vintage George Nelson steel frame chairs sit around a round oak dining table, a family heirloom the clients brought with them from Memphis.

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: With her background as a painter and props stylist, Mullholland likes to use color to train the eye to focus on specific areas of the room without being overwhelmed. "I love colored walls in a small room or a painted wood floor to make a jewel box out of a living space," she says. "In larger rooms, I tend to use color primarily in the accessories and textiles, like the emerald green curtains in the dining room." The Amba Organic Green Curtains are from Premier and the Farm Table is from Nicky Kehoe. The designer spotted a larger version of the brass chandelier at the Black Cat restaurant on Sunset Boulevard and commissioned the designer, Gary Chapman, to scale down his design for the proportions of the room. 

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: "I love emerald green in interiors," Muholland says. "I feel like it's the next indigo and jump at the chance to use it. It's a difficult color to combine with, but I thought that the white walls and neutral woods in this room would make a fitting backdrop for dramatic color."

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: The emerald curtains in the dining room create an impact in the large open living room as well. 

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: Midcentury Danish armchairs and nesting tables are arranged in front of the fireplace; a Stanley Moore painting that Mulholland found at an estate sale hangs above the mantel.

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: In big spaces with several seating arrangements, Mullholland often uses a neutral jute or sisal carpet as a base layer to define the overall space. She then introduces an accent rug to add color and texture, such as the Moroccan Berber that stands under the living room coffee table. "This is also a cost effective option if you want a carpet to fill a large space, but don't have the budget for a statement nine-by-ten-foot Turkish Gabbeh," she says. "This way you can get a smaller special piece and have the best of both worlds. For advice on how to choose a carpet, see our Q & A with LA's Rug King.

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: Mulholland anchors a prominent corner of the living room with a Belgian linen-upholstered antique chaise from TL Gurley Antiques and a cupboard from her clients' Southern heirlooms collection. A wall-mounted Shaded Otis Light by Onefortythree makes the setup perfect for reading. 

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: The designer updated a 1970's velvet sofa by removing the loose cushions and replacing them with pillows made of mud cloth, kilim fragments, and feed sacks for a more bohemian and casual look. 

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: "I love a good vignette—a holdover from prop styling, no doubt," Mulholland says. "This is just a collection of objects that I thought felt nice together—the limestone lamp base and the driftwood add some natural elements, mixed with a collection of white pottery and the cobalt blue for a punch of color. In an otherwise neutral ensemble, I like how that one little vase ties together the colors in the painting and the shapes in the rug." 

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: The living room is expansive enough for both a formal seating area around the fireplace and an informal seating area for television watching. The brass console by Sarreid is a Craigslist score. 

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: In the master bedroom, gray curtains and a velvet headboard in ochre provide strong blocks of color against a neutral background.

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: On the bed, Mulholland blends colors and textiles like an artist blends paint. "I found a great vintage ikat pillow [shown far left] that had the tones from the rug, drapes, and headboard in it, plus indigo blue, so I sort of ran with it and created an entire visual story around that one pillow," she says. "Having all of that texture and pattern keeps the headboard from looking too dense and softens the contrast between the velvet and the white bedding, which could be jarring otherwise."

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: The bedroom in the guesthouse overlooks the pool and has a more neutral palette. in keeping with the simple furniture. 

Martha Mullholland House in Los Angeles, Photographed by Laure Joliet | Remodelista

Above: Drought tolerant plants thrive in the side garde. 

Interested in seeing another project from the same era? Have a look at DISC Interiors and Lawson Fenning's renovation of a Spanish Colonial home in LA. And over on Gardenista, see a succulent wonderland in A Magical Glasshouse Garden in Pasadena.

A Brass Shelf Two Ways

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Two of our favorite materials come together in West Elm's new marble shelf (and, for those in favor of black, the shelf comes in slate as well).

Marble Shelf Shape Bracket West Elm/Remodelista

Above: The Marble Shelf + Shape Bracket Set is $138.

Marble Shelf Shape Bracket West Elm/Remodelista

Above: The Shape Brackets are made of aluminum with an antique brass finish.

Marble Shelf Shape Bracket West Elm/Remodelista

Above: The Marble Shelf + Shape Bracket Set is 24 inches wide, 8 inches deep, and 6.5 inches high.

Slate Shelf Shape Bracket West Elm/Remodelista

Above: The Slate Shelf + Shape Bracket Set is $138.

Slate Shelf Shape Bracket West Elm/Remodelista

Above: The Slate Shelf + Shape Bracket Set is 24 inches wide, 8 inches deep, and 6.5 inches high.

For more ideas, see Instant Storage: Hanging Shelves Made in San Francisco and OutofStock's Suspension Bridge-Inspired Designs. And over on Gardenista, have a look at a Stepladder Plant Shelf.

Brass Tacks: New Lighting from a Happening Design Firm

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The collection of steel light fixtures by young Brooklyn design firm Workstead have only been around a few years but are quickly becoming modern classics. By coincidence, they crop up several times in the Remodelista book, including in the rustic residence of Workstead's co-founders Robert Highsmith and Stefanie Brechbuehler featured on pages 46 to 61.

It's the just-released Brass Collection from Highsmith and Brechbuehler that has us coveting the pieces anew. Each fixture—a chandelier, wall lamp, and pendant—is composed of solid and cast brass components with a twisted gold rayon cord that can be arranged in a number of ways. The lights are, as the designers say, "built to last, yet can be constantly reconfigured. The joints are carefully calibrated to provide maximum tension about the rods, and introduce a spirit of play in form and function."

New Lighting from Workstead in NYC: Brass Chandelier | Remodelista

Above: Like Workstead's original steel chandelier, the Brass Chandelier is designed around ideas of function and flexibility: it can be used as a horizontal ceiling fixture, shown here, or rearranged into a dramatic vertical design with a 62 inch drop. The chandelier is available directly through Workstead for $4,200.

New Lighting from Workstead in NYC: Brass Pendant | Remodelista

Above: A new form for Workstead, the Brass Pendant is made up of a long brass rod, disc, and socket. A pivot joint between the rod and disc allows for a 360 degree rotation, and the rod itself can be customized to lengths of up to three feet; $675.

New Lighting from Workstead in NYC: Brass Wall Sconce | Remodelista

Above: The workhorse of the lighting collection, the Brass Wall Lamp can be used as a wall sconce, reading lamp, ceiling washer, or task lamp. A flexible arm and gold cord give way to a solid brass shade; $875.

To see interiors by Workstead, visit our posts An Urban Cabin Made in Brooklyn and Living Small in an Architectural Landmark. And on Gardenista, have a look at Caffé Spina, a combination flower shop and coffee bar that presents another notable of prime Brooklyn design.

The Height of Downtown: The Ace Hotel Rooftop Lounge in LA

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Downstairs at the new Ace Hotel in LA, all is civilized (and inspiring—have a look around). But take the elevator up 14 stories to the rooftop lounge, where the music is playing and a bar and pool await, and things really get going. We visited on a recent Monday at 5 pm and the place, though only open since January, had been fully discovered. It's the spot to take in all of downtown.

Photographs by Laure Joliet for Remodelista.

Ace Hotel Los Angeles Outdoor Lounge/Remodelista

Above: The new Ace Hotel in LA occupies the 1927 Spanish Gothic United Artists Building, back in the day the tallest tower in the city. The Upstairs cocktail lounge is literally the height of downtown—and the place to take in the city lights and transforming neighborhood. LA design firm Commune, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory, oversaw the tower's transformation from top to bottom. The potted tree is a coral tree hung with ceramic lanterns by Adam Silverman of Atwater Pottery.

Ace Hotel Rooftop Lounge/Remodelista

Above: Commune's use of concrete tiling in the lounge and pool was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Ennis House, one of four concrete block houses Wright designed in LA and a setting in Blade Runner. The alcove at the end was created by LA ceramicist Kevin Willis and features pocketed concrete tiles that are brass-lined and hold flickering candles.

Ace Hotel Rooftop Lounge/Remodelista

Above: The hotel is filled with the work of local artists, including Joshua Tree sculptor Alma Allen, who created the tables and stools from pencil cedar (the table legs are hand-forged steel). Allen's work is in this year's Whitney Biennial (here's a Whitney video of him talking about his art in his indoor-outdoor studio); other examples of his Wooden Stools are available from Commune's online shop. 

Ace Hotel Rooftop Lounge/Remodelista

Above: The bar is run by LA Chapter (of Brooklyn's Five Leaves fame); the group also operates the equally great-looking brasserie off the hotel lobby—see Downtown LA's Splashiest New Restaurant. Tables on the open deck are protected from wind and weather by a concrete wall with steel-framed windows and an awning by LA artist and girl about town Alia Penner.

Ace Hotel Los Angeles Rooftop Lounge/Remodelista

Above: Penner's bandanna-style awning pattern references Austrian Secessionist textiles and Navajo prints.

Ace Hotel Los Angeles Rooftop Lounge/Remodelista

Above: Banquettes are lined with Commune's signature cushions made from reclaimed kilims.

Ace Hotel Los Angeles Rooftop Lounge/Remodelista

Above: All of the Ace hotels have furniture that makes clever use of canvas—a nod to the chain's practical-chic approach to design. "We like its durability and honesty," says project designer Roman Alonso of Commune. Here, steel-framed chairs by Jamey Garza of Marfa, Texas, are slung with laced gray canvas.

Ace Hotel Rooftop Lounge Chair Detail/Remodelista

Above: The canvas lacing is both functional and decorative.

Ace Hotel Los Angeles Outdoor Lounge/Remodelista

Above: Commune introduced Mexican designs throughout the hotel, including classic Equipale chairs updated in white-painted leather.

Ace Hotel Los Angeles Pool Area/Remodelista

Above: The pool bar has open shelving of cumaru, a type of teak, decorated with concrete blocks.

Ace Hotel Rooftop Lounge/Remodelista

Above L: Custom teak poolside lounges are upholstered in army green Sunbrella fabric. Of the pool design, Roman Alonso says, "We were inspired by Ennis House and by Donald Judd's pool in Marfa. We wanted something simple and straightforward and modernist in feel."  Above R: Towels are stored in shelving made from cumaru wood.

Ace Hotel Los Angeles Outdoor Shower/Remodelista

Above: A minimalist outdoor shower with fixtures from Waterworks.

Ace Hotel Rooftop Lounge/Remodelista

Above: The building's original Spanish-Gothic detailing has been well preserved. Join us for a full tour of the hotel, and learn more about Commune's approach to design in our Q & A with the firm.

We've loved and visited all of the Ace's outposts; have a look at our Ace Hotel posts. And on Gardenista, check out the Ace's new tropical outpost in Panama City.

The Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles is at 929 South Broadway:

Steal This Look: The Laid-Back Living Room, Aussie-Style

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Furniture maker Mark Tuckey and his wife, stylist Louella Tuckey, are known for pulling together rooms that are at once perfectly composed and enviably laid-back. Case in point, their beach house located off Sydney's northern coastline and its simple living room with white walls, wood furniture, and just the right number of red and orange accents that have us wanting to try the same mix at home. Here's a look at the design, followed by all of the essentials for recreating the look. 

Mark and Louella Tuckey in Australia | Remodelista

Above: The light-filled living room of Mark and Louella Tuckey, spotted on Design Files. The couple have a well-known shop, Mark Tuckey Home, with locations in Sydney and Melbourne, and their living room features Mark's own pieces mingled with design classics and a few well-chosen objects. Photograph by Sean Fennessy via Design Files.

Mark Tuckey Box Day Bed I Remodelista  

Above: The Mark Tuckey Box Day Bed comes in an oregon or oak finish and can be upholstered in any fabric. Contact Mark Tuckey for pricing.

Mark Tuckey Oxo Coffee Table I Remodelista  

Above: The Mark Tuckey Oxo Coffee Table is available is American oak, ash, and recycled Oregon hardwood. Contact Mark Tuckey for pricing. 

pigeon-holes-mark-tuckey-remodelista  

Above: The Pigeon Holes bookshelf is freestanding and can be used on its own or stacked (as shown here) and works well as a room divider. It's made of a hardwood Tuckey calls oregon and is also available in a lighter 25 mm plywood with lacquered or white-painted panels. Contact Mark Tuckey for pricing. 

Borge Mogensen Spanish Chairs in Oak and Natural Leather I Remodelista

Above: Borge Mogensen's Spanish Chair in oak and natural leather, a classic designed in 1958 after a trip to Spain, is $4,899 from the Danish Design Store. It's also available in black leather and natural oak, and black leather and ebonized wood.

Tolomeo Mega White-Floor Lamp I Remodelista  

Above: The Tolomeo Mega Terra White Floor Lamp by Artemide is $937.50 from Ambiente Direct. 

Australian Artist David Band Red Glass Silkscreen Print | Remodelista

Above:  A Night in Tunisia, a print of a trumpet by Australian artist David Band, hangs on the living room wall. Shown here, another of Band's prints, the Red Glass, one of an edition of 12, available online for $1,600 AUD.

Felt Chakati Cushions from Mark Tuckey I Remodelista

Above: The Tuckey sofa is layered with Megan Park's cushions, along with Felt Chakati Cushions, shown here, that are handmade in Nepal; $110 AUD each via Mark Tuckey's online shop.

Mongolian Lamb Pillow Cover in Pebble from West Elm I Remodelista  

Above: For a third sofa texture, the Tuckeys introduce a single furry pillow. The Mongolian Lamb Pillow Cover in pebble is $129 from West Elm. The cover measures 14 inches by 36 inches and is also available in white and platinum.

Cow Hide Rug from West Elm I Remodelista  

Above: Cow hides make durable, low maintenance throw rugs. This example, a Cow Hide Rug from Argentina, is at West Elm for $549.

senegalese-knitting-basket-pink-white-remodelista  

Above: The Tuckeys use a basket to hold throw blankets and as a side table. This Senegalese Knitting Basket, 18 inches tall and 10 inches wide, is $55 from Mille; additional sizes and patterns also available.

Explore more of Mark Tuckey's designs in our post A Surfer Set Up Shop. Curious to see what the rest of the Tuckeys' place looks like? Visit The Design Files. And see more Steal This Looks on Gardenista and Remodelista.

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