Brooklyn-based clothing designer Monica Patel-Cohn of Two New York is making a name for herself with her modern take on the traditional sari (have a look at her caftans and tunics here). Monica, who grew up in California with an Indian father and an Italian mother (both heritages serve her well on the textile front), has been visiting India since she was a child. "When I go there, I am in awe; I feel so connected to the culture. Ever since I was little, I've always loved the textiles and seeing all the saris going by." Most of her father's family is from Gujarat, including her uncle and aunt, architects Nimish Patel and Parul Zaveri, whose firm Abhikram is an award-winning architectural practice noted for its approach to sustainability. As an adult, Monica has become very familiar with Delhi, where she travels frequently to shop for fabrics and supplies for her line. We recently asked her to share some of her favorite places in India’s capital city. 

Remodelista: How do you prep before you go?
Monica Patel-Cohn: My beloved Love Delhi guide book by Fiona Caulfield. Her guides are an amazing launch pad for a trip to India. The books focus on individual areas—Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, and Jaipur, Rajasthan—they're packed with information it would take months or years to acquire. I pick four new things to check out every visit. It's the number one thing I read.

Above: Mr. Manjeet and his Ambassador taxi. Photograph by Monica Patel Cohn.

RM: How do you navigate India’s biggest city? 
MPC: I managed to find the best driver through a friend; his name is Mr. Manjeet, and he drives an Ambassador taxi, one of the classic cars made near Calcutta and unchanged since the 1950s. He works out all my stops over four or five days. Delhi is huge and it can be intense getting from one place to another. 

Above L: The latest Eka collection at En Inde. Above R: Jewelry and antlers on display at En Inde.

RM: Shopping?
MPC: En Inde is the hippest store I've come across and I love the space. It’s owned by Sonal Sood and Anupama Lalvani, Anupama worked at ABC Carpet & Home in NYC, and also had an architecture firm. Along with a mix of clothing and jewelry, they sell their own Naga pottery, dish ware made from Indian black clay and stone. They have done an amazing job. Another good clothing stop is Moonriver; it has all of India's latest fashions.

Above: Moonriver, a design concept store. Photograph via Vogue India. 

Above: A shot of a pin board at the studio of Raw Mango. Photograph by Monica Patel-Cohn.

RM: Any other must sees?
MPC: One of my most favorite stops is the studio of Raw Mango. Sanjay is a hot, up-andcoming sari designer with a great following. His work is beautiful and elegant, and I love how his studio is decorated and filled with art—everything is edited so well. His saris can be found at Good Earth in Khan Market, which has a great selection of work by Indian designers. It's a must for home decor lovers, and there's a cafe in the market. 

Above: Cotton bedding at Shades of India.

RM: Where do you go for fabric?
MPC: For vintage textiles, I go to Kamayani. Kamayani, the owner is famous for her selection of textiles. If I stop by to see her, I always try to get a peek into the art gallery Nature Mort nearby. I go to Shades of India for bedding and for their great art mobiles.

Above L: Kinari Market in Chandri Chowk. Above R: A three-wheel bike used for navigating the markets. Photograph by Monica Patel-Cohn.

RM: Any markets to recommend?
MPC: Yes, markets are a great way to see what’s going on. The prices are affordable and you can buy directly from the person who makes the product. I like the Kinari Bazaar in Chandni Chowk for all that glitters and shines (as my  Love Delhi guidebook describes it). You can pick up sequins, tassels, lace—anything for an Indian wedding. No cars are allowed so we use little three-seater bikes.

RM: Other markets?
MPC: Dilli Haat is another year-round market; it's government-sponsored and includes textiles and crafts from various regions of the country. 

Above: Chez Nini. 

RM: Food?
MPC: I'm only in Delhi for a few days at a time for work, and being on a tight schedule I am just cautious not to get sick so I don't eat in the the markets in old Delhi since the water isn't purified, and for drinks I stick to bottled water and beer. That said, I have a few spots on my list to try from the girls at En Inde, including Chez Nini in the Meher Chand Market. 

Above: The Lutyens-inspired arches in the lobby at the Leela Palace. Edwin Lutyens was the British architect who, in the early 1920s, was responsible for creating New Delhi, a municipality within Delhi and the capital of India.

RM: Where do you like to stay?
MPC: I stay at the Leela Palace. It's over the top; there's always a lot going on there. Some people like to stay at The Imperial; it's more classic and has a long history—Ghandi stayed there. I’ve also wanted to check out The Manor. It’s a little hard to access, but more modern.

RM: How do you escape the crowds?
MPC: Lodhi Garden, near Khan Market, is the most relaxing spot in Delhi. A real getaway. It has mind-blowing architecture and is so tranquil. I love to start out my morning with a walk through Lodhi. 

Above L: Lodhi Garden. Above R: Monica dressed for business. Photograph by Monica Patel-Cohn.

RM: Any other tips?
MPC:  I don’t get dressed up or get fancy. I only really wear pants and a shirt when I'm in Delhi. 

RM: Aside from the Love Guides can you recommend any other inside sources?
MPC: I love these two great blogs: Border and Fall and Wear About.

We've been celebrating design in India all week; peruse our finds here. And visit Gardenista to see Indian Gardens. Ready for another insider city tour? Allow cool girl Natasha Figueroa to give you her Guide to Copenhagen.

Somehow in the last year or so, all of the world's most stylish people seemed to have touched down upon Jaipur, India, and decided to stay a while—and get some work done, too. Such is the case for Dutch designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, creator of the runaway-hit fashion label Tocca. Of late Oudejans has been living at Jaipur's historic (and happening) Narain Niwas Palace Hotel, where she's been transforming the bar into one of the world's most fanciful cocktail lounges. It just opened—and goes to show that magical dressmaker details translate well on a grand scale.

Photographs by Neil Davenport.

 Above: Your Campari and soda and Rajput club sandwich await in a field of blue and white flowers—with orange scalloped edging. 

Above: Bar Palladio is owned by Barbara Miolini, a Swiss-Italian ex-pat who wanted to introduce an Italian-style lounge in her adopted home. She hired her friend Marie-Anne Oudejans to fully create the wonderland setting. From conception to opening, the project took eight months. "By drawing on royal Mughal style and the feeling of the opulence of the maharajahs from the 20th century, Marie-Anne created a space that pays homage to its Indian surroundings yet feel completely European at the same time," says Amber-Grey Chiara Knowles, a kids' fashion designer in Jaipur and Oudejans' assistant on the project.

Above: "By drawing on royal Mughal style and the feeling of the opulence of the maharajahs from the 20th century, Marie-Anne created a space that pays homage to its Indian surroundings yet feels completely European at the same time," says Amber-Grey Chiara Knowles, a children's fashion designer and Oudejans' assistant on the project.

Above: The glasses are old-fashioned crystal. (Your grandmother's crystal is having a moment; take a look at our Trend Alert.)

Above: The Veneto, where owner Miolini once lived, is part of the spirit of the place. Oudejan's created the bar's graphics in collaboration with Marie Lusa of Studio Marie Lusa in Zurich.

Above: Painted detailing and pierced walls in royal blue.

Above: Every detail, down to the pillow piping, was designed by Oudejans and fabricated by Jaipur artisans. Vikas Soni of Jeypur Arts painted the interior, including these murals of exotic birds under a tented ceiling.

Above: A field of flowers on a banquette; Lily Pulitzer would approve.

Above: The menu presents Italian fare served on formal china—and on the placemats that echo the architectural details.

Above: The multi-room bar has many quiet hideaways, including the White Room. Oudejans borrowed her blue and white motifs from classic Indian designs that she translated in an outsized way.

Above: A corner of the bar is presented as a fanciful stage set.

Above: The mood shifts to teal in a room off the main bar with classical Indian archways and embellishments. Note the orange ceiling edging, a finishing touch throughout that pulls together the whole design.

Above: Drinks for five alongside a ram-shaped bowl

Above: Bar Palladio continues in the garden, newly splashed out with tented banquettes and flaming fire pits. Oudejans plans to continue living in Jaipur, where in addition to working as a fashion consultant, she's now running Trust and Treasure Heritage, her new design company. Bar Palladio is the outfit's first project. See Bar Palladio and the Narain Niwas Palace Hotel for more details and reservations.

For more design inspiration from near and far, peruse Hotels & Lodgings in our photo gallery. And at India Song, you can catch up on all of this week's discoveries (including Abode, the Ace Hotel of Mumbai). Ready to do some planting? Here are Gardenista's 10 Garden Ideas to Steal from India. 

Location of Bar Palladio at Narain Niwas Palace Hotel in Jaipur: 

Warm colors, cool water, chaotic patterns, symmetry—and pink as the ultimate neutral color. Jawaharlal Nehru said India is a bundle of contradictions held together by strong but invisible threads. This week on Gardenista, Michelle and Erin explore how contradictions enhance the gardens and outdoor spaces of India.

Above: The ultimate outdoor lounging spot? See The Sheltering Sky: A Vacation House in Khopoli.

Above: One of our favorite gardeners goes indoors: see Required Reading: The House Gardener by Isabelle Palmer.

Above: Maria shows us how to make rose petal honey inspired by her trip to India.

Above: Michelle sleuthed 10 Garden Ideas to Steal from India.

Above: Did you know that wild-growing tulsi basil (also known as "holy basil") was first cultivated in India? Learn more at Field Guide: Tulsi Basil.

Above: Ellen delves into Limestone Pavers in this week's Hardscaping 101.

Above: Beyond terra-cotta: 10 Easy Pieces: Bronze Garden Planters.

This week's India Song issue has us all packing our bags for a trip to the subcontinent. Here are our 10 favorite carry-on pieces of luggage for speedy, check-in-free travel.

Above: Both Christine and Francesca are Rimowa devotees: "An architect friend introduced me to the line (very expensive but worth the investment)," Francesca says. "We were traveling in Italy and all was fine until we got to Venice; there I was, lugging my duffle bag as she glided along with her Rimowa. I've been a convert ever since." Rimowa Salsa Air Ultralight Cabin Multiwheel Carry-On; $475 from Zappos.

Above: Sarah loves her Lipault Paris Trolley, made from water-resistant twill nylon with four multi-directional 360-degree rotational wheels; $200 from Flight 001. "It fulfills two key needs: other than looking good, it's lightweight and expandable. I like to travel light but also have room to bring something back that I might have spotted on my travels."

Above: Gardenista editor Michelle is devoted to her Alpha 2 Four-Wheeled Carry-On from Tumi; "I can pack a week's worth of clothes," she says; $595 from Tumi. (N.B. The Alpha 2 is also a favorite with our friends at Gear Patrol; they like the new 360-degree skate wheels and expandable storage sections.)

Above: Alexa is a fan of the well-priced Valise Hard Carry Travel Suitcase 33L from Muji; $175.50.

Above: I've been using the polycarbonate Victorinox Extra Capacity Carry-On for the past couple of years (it saved my life during the Remodelista book tour); $239.99 from Amazon. I second this customer review on Amazon: "Super lightweight; glides smoothly right alongside me while I'm walking or I can pull it behind me if I need to. I don't know how I ever used a traditional pull-behind-me rollerboard suitcase now that I have this."

Above: Meredith and Erin both use Beckel Canvas's Round-a-Bout Bag ($74 from Beckel Canvas) for overnight trips; but Meredith is coveting a rugged, good-looking canvas Wheeled Carry-On Bag with leather trim from Filson; made in the US and available in four colors for $545.

Above: Margot likes the lightweight Hideo Feather Trolley, made of waterproof coated nylon and available in black or blue; $235 from Flight 001.

Above: Izabella, who travels frequently between her native Sweden and the US, swears by the Eagle Creek line: "We've used Eagle Creek luggage for several years now and wouldn't buy anything else. Excellent quality and great storage and packing solutions. For short trips I like the Travel Gateway Upright 22; $200 from Eagle Creek.

Above: We're all intrigued by this new offering from Flight 001: The carry-on Spacepak Suitcase, which allows you to organize and compress two weeks' worth of clothes into "one cabin-friendly case." Bonus points for the exterior padded laptop case; $325 from Flight 001. Any of our readers have any experience with this bag? We'd love to hear.

Above: Finally, a recommendation from one of the most stylish travelers we know, Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks: the Samsonite DKX Carry-On Spinner; $152.99 from Amazon.

For more packing secrets, see Style Counsel: Heidi Swanson's Travel Kit. And how about Erin's find on Gardenista: a $40 Suitcase That Evokes 1950s Road Trips in France.

Where do filmmakers, painters, musicians, and curators stay when in India's capital city? Only open since 2012, The Rose has become the hot spot among the international creative set. Owned by French hotelier Pio Coffrant, the establishment is situated in the trendy urban village of Haus Khas and lives up to its name: it overlooks a peaceful rose garden and is surrounded by parkland. Coffrant offers his guests 12 spacious and well-appointed rooms, a cafe, boutique, and living room-like lobby that doubles as the in-house gallery. People come for short and long-term stays—and those who linger sometimes become artists in residence. 

Above: Poufs are at the ready when extra seating is needed.

Above: The light-filled lobby has a bohemian feel with its green concrete floors and relaxed Indian rattan seating.

Above: The large lobby windows overlook the garden.

Above: The open-air hallways make the corridors feel spacious and inviting. 

Above: The rooms range from small "cabins" to suites and a spacious loft; all have whitewashed interiors. Shown here, a suite with an archway and cutout windows dividing sitting area from bedroom.

Above: Black-and-white tiles, a large round mirror, and porcelain vessel sink in the bathroom.

Above: A gathering spot for locals as well as guests, the ground-floor Rose cafe has live acoustic performances on Saturdays. 

Above: The Rose terrace on the top floor overlooks the garden and the treetops; brunch is served here on Sundays. To learn more, visit The Rose. 

Above: A view of the Rose's white facade; all 12 rooms overlook the rose garden.

Heading to Delhi? Don't miss our Insider Tour of the City. Did you know that Madonna shops in Mumbai? Have a look at Bungalow 8. And while we're talking about hot spots, don't miss our post on concept store Le Mill. On Gardenista, learn how to recreate a Fragrant Palace Balcony.

Below: The Rose is surrounded by parkland in Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi:

We've been off exploring the subcontinent all week, checking out where Madonna Shops in Mumbai and creating our own Gandhi-Inspired Bedroom and Turmeric Dyed Tablecloth. Next, we'll be exploring approachable minimalism: think simple (plus warm and livable). Meanwhile, for your weekend amusement, here are a few things we're loving.

Above: Asked for his favorite find from the recent Architectural Digest Home Show in NYC, architect Basil Walter singled out this powder-coated circular side table by Eric Trine. Like the looks of its companion chair? See our post Woven Leather Chairs with a West Coast Edge.

Above: Sarah and Francesca just got word that London-based jewelry designer Pippa Small is hosting a pop up in New York at LF8 in the East Village from April 5-12. Small, who is also an anthropologist, will be showing her ethically sourced gold from Bolivia, as well as collections made in collaboration with the Mapuche Indians of Chile and the Turquoise Mountain charity in Afghanistan.

Above: Dalilah finds these Peg Lights by Gagan Design amusing (and clever). Do you agree? If so, check out this Dan Flavin-Inspired Light from Anthropologie.

We're planning our summer getaways with this guide to the Twenty Best Beach Hotels via Sunset Magazine.

Is your stash of reusable shopping bags looking a little tatty? Here's a pleasing new alternative.

Above: Admired: Haven's Kitchen owner Ali Cayne's simple and refined gallery wall seen on Domino Magazine. Photography by Brittany Ambridge. 

A train station in New York undergoes a whimsical renovation via Elle Decor.

Above: The 404 Hotel to be filed under: Reasons to visit Nashville, Tennessee, right now. 

You can never go wrong with avocado toast. 

Above: Introducing Amenity Home's younger, more utilitarian sister, VVoods. Like its sibling, VVoods is founded on the principle that everything should be made locally, sustainably, and carefully. These end tables are from the line's new Wilshire collection. 

Above: To cap off our India week, our longtime operations team member Himanshu Kharabe in Pune, India, shared photos of his family's trip to the Taj Mahal. We hope to join them on their next visit.

If you missed our India Song issue, get caught up here. And to see Indian gardens and landscapes—and Learn 10 Garden Ideas to Steal from Indian—go to Gardenista. 

Here at Remodelista we're minimalists with beating hearts: we gravitate to design that's uncluttered yet inviting, clean-lined but tactile, and above all livable and life-enhancing. You, too? Join us this week as we return to our roots with a celebration of red-blooded minimalism.

Above: Sarah's Refined Rental in Saint Helena, CA, epitomizes the look that we love. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Above: This week's Architect Visit spotlights Atelier ChanChan's Herringbone House, an artful new build situated on a wedge-shaped odd lot in Islington, London. (And did you see our recent spotlight on a 290-Square Foot Shape-Shifting Studio Apartment that works as both home and office?)

Above: On Tuesday, our resident Appliances expert, Janet Hall, will be presenting the latest dishwasher drawers. Her post is a companion to last week's Remodeling 101 on How to Pick a Dishwasher. Image via Fisher Paykel. 

Above: Whose Berkeley boudoir is this? On Wednesday, we take a tour of the East Bay's star literary couple. Photo by Aya Brackett. (And speaking of stylish stars, did you see our recent Rehab Diary on Amanda Pays and Corbin Bernsen's English-Style Laundry Room?)

Above: Alexa shows us 10 easy DIY projects using leather. Feeling handy? We've got a big archive of Fast and Easy DIY Projects worth perusing.

Above: Meredith rounds up some of our favorite projects from the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory featuring warm wood. Shown above, a duplex remodel by Elizabeth Roberts.

Did you know that you can explore all of our posts dating back to 2007? Go to our Back Issues and start clicking; it's all there, from Vol. 1, Issue 1, In the Pink, to last week's India Song. In the comments section, fill us in on themes you'd like us to cover in the future.

More Stories from Remodelista

• Trend Alert: 10 Jagged Edges
• Current Obsessions: Simplicity Ahead
• Traditional Kalamkari from Les Indiennes

In our DIY-enthused culture, there are some who might think they don’t require an architect’s design skills even for a ground-up construction. A project like Atelier Chan Chan’s Herringbone House in Islington, London, reminds us so clearly of why we do. Despite its awkwardly wedge-shaped, urban-infill site, the elegant four-bedroom house, with its patterned-brick exterior, warm Scandinavian interior finishes, and front and back courtyards, appears deceptively simple and straightforward—truly the mark of good design.

Unless otherwise noted, photographs by Mike Tsang via Arch Daily and Dezeen. 

Above: Founding principal of Atelier Chan Chan, architect Zoe Chan, stands before her recently completed design. The house is comprised of two volumes, one of which steps back to created a courtyard. While the use of brick fits into the context of the surrounding Victorican terrace houses, the herringbone pattern is a contemporary update that sets the structure apart from its neighbors. Photograph by Thomas Giddings.

Above: Inspired by siheyuan, traditional Chinese courtyard houses, Chan, who was born in England of Chinese parents, introduced two walled courtyard rooms, one at the front and one at the back, as an effective solution for drawing light into the middle of the narrow and nonlinear site.

Above: The open layout means that light and air flood through the length of the house, from the front walled courtyard to the combination kitchen and dining area in the back. Photograph by Thomas Giddings.

Above: A kitchen wall of pearl-colored bricks is effective in reflecting light; the brick's texture keeps the room from looking at all cold or sterile.

Above: Wall-to-wall storage in the kitchen doubles as a bench.

Above: Chan inserted a second walled courtyard garden behind the kitchen, ensuring that light and air flow through at both ends.

Above: A muted palette of whites, grays, and beiges runs consistently from room to room.

Above: A sculptural steel stair with open risers is flooded with light from a skylight above. Photograph by Thomas Giddings.

Above: A view from one bedroom down the length of the house to another illustrates the effectiveness of the light-producing wall courtyards upstairs as well as down. 

Above: Limed wood brings warmth into the bedrooms while reflecting light. 

Above: Marble-tiled floors and above-counter sinks add an understated luxury in the master bathroom. 

Above: Cracked porcelain cabinet knobs introduce subtle texture to the white palette of the bathroom. 

Above: Herringbone brickwork is a classic used in a new way.

Above: Atelier Chan Chan introduced maximum glazing and a horizontal coursing of the brick pattern to delineate the floor levels. Photograph by Thomas Giddings. 

The floor plans delineate the architect's inventive use of the wedge-shaped site. Above L: The ground floor shows the two walled courtyard gardens at the front and back of the house. Above R: The three-bedroom upstairs level. 

Can you Spot the Difference Between Herringbone and Chevron?  If you're looking for more examples of artful brickwork, see 5 Favorites: Bricks Made Modern. And over on Gardenista, we show you What to Grow on a Brick Wall. 

More Stories from Remodelista

• A River Runs Through It: Brio Architects in India
• House Call: Jaipur by Way of Brooklyn
• Go Big or Go Home: 10 Geometric Painted Walls

Located in the quaint, up-and-coming village of Bandra, a suburb of West Mumbai, India, the Birdsong Cafe is a recently opened bistro with an all-organic kitchen and bakery, and seating on two stories. Architects Samir Raut and Amit Mayekar of Studio Eight Twenty-Three were asked to design a gathering place that reflects (and blends in) with its surrounding historic neighborhood. In response, they decided to use concrete and wood, materials that bestow a modern sensibility as well as a permanence: "We are vividly fascinated by the quality of both these materials to age in an elegant fashion," say the architects.

Photographs via Studio Eight Twenty-Three.

Studio Eight Twenty-Three set out to create a space that feels both new and Old-World. Above L: A hand-painted sign. Above R: Round wooden tables, concrete planters, and a mix of seating choices.

Above: The entrance has tall arched windows and louvered shutters with double doors that open the cafe to the street. Leafy plants in concrete planters form a casual green wall.

Above: As you enter the cafe, you immediately notice the moss-green concrete floor. The bakery counter is made of natural-colored concrete cast on site. Chalkboard-painted walls display the menu.

Above: Pictures and descriptions of the food are drawn onto one of the walls.

Above: The main floor has exposed white-washed brick and is furnished with customized simple wooden tables and retro-styled folding chairs, some of them covered in a floral fabric. The cafe's packaging is displayed in an inset wood-framed vitrine.

Above: The architects inserted a small mezzanine made from reclaimed teak; it's used for live performances and as a quiet dining corner.

Above: Dimmable bulbs in customized reclaimed wood holders dance from the ceiling on a grid of hooks.

Looking for more hanging pendant light bulbs? See Hatched Restaurant in Singapore for more bulb inspiration. And if you love concrete as much as we do, check out our Remodeling 101 post on Polished Concrete Floors. On Gardenista, have a look at an indoor-outdoor Concrete Bench with a Side of Greenery.

Below: The Birdsong Cafe is on Waroda Road, in Bandra, West Mumbai, India: 

More Stories from Remodelista

• The Rose Hotel: A Creative Hub in New Delhi
• Talk of the Town: Fashion Star Marie-Anne Oudejans Designs a Bar in Jaipur
• Ask the Expert: An Insider's Guide to Delhi from Monica Patel-Cohn

The ultimate wabi sabi statement? Lately we're noticing imperfect edges, blurred boundaries, tiles that don't quite line up. Here are 10 examples:

Above: A shower surround made from marble remnants in a Shoreditch house; via JJ Locations.

Above: A haphazardly painted brick wall in the Heerliijkheid van Marrem bed and breakfast in Belgium.

Above: A slab of Brazilian marble as decor in the Hydra house of artist Brice Marden; photo by Ingalls Photography for Lonny Magazine.

Above: A summerhouse in Finland with half-painted walls, via Netta Natalia's blog.

Above: A shardlike Copper Mirror by Michael Anastassiades; photo by Matthew Lloyd for The Wall Street Journal.

Above: The bathroom at the Alemagou Bar in Mykonos, designed by K Studio; photo by Yiorgos Kordakis image via Yatzer.

Above: An unfinished tile border in an Umbrian house designed by Paola Navone; photos by Maz Zambelli for Italian Elle Decor.

Above: A hexagonal Carrara marble tiled backsplash with an unfinished border; styling by Jackie Brown for Real Living Magazine.

Above: Cement tiles merge into a rough wood floor in the Musket Room in New York; photo by Emily Andrews.

Above: In a tiny house in Australia, architects Edwards Moore (members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory) left a brick and plaster wall untouched.

For more Trend Alerts, see Geometric Flooring: Chateau Edition, Go Big or Go Home: 10 Geometric Painted Walls, and Your Grandmother's Crystal Makes A Comeback. And over on Gardenista, have a look at the rise of Black Fences. 

More Stories from Remodelista

• This Week's Table of Contents: Warm Minimalism
• Current Obsessions: Simplicity Ahead
• Traditional Kalamkari from Les Indiennes

There are certain inventions that forever alter the course of human events. Fire. The invention of the wheel. The polio vaccination. The Internet itself. It's obvious why these things catch on. Certain innovations improve civilization, cure disease, or make it more palatable to eat a stegosaurus sandwich. What mystifies me, though, is why some epic technological breakthroughs suddenly fall out of favor.

I am talking, of course, about the pot filler faucet.

The trend spread like a virus: I remember seeing a pot filler faucet in my friend Lisa’s remodeled kitchen in 2003 and just wanting to die. There it was, a gleaming stainless steel spigot mounted on her wall above the stove burners, waiting patiently for someone to set a pasta pot beneath it. Her husband Joel demonstrated its use like he was the floor man in the first Model T Ford showroom: “I don’t have to haul a pot of [expletive deleted] water across the kitchen for her to make my [expletive deleted] noodles anymore,” he proclaimed proudly. 

Above: A brass pot filler faucet by Croma Design in Toronto, via Decor Pad.

There are some people who think I remodeled my house mainly to get one. This is false. I also wanted dark walnut floors like my friend Stephanie has. But I can tell you that when I finally did install a pot-filler faucet above my own stove burners in 2012, it was a life-changing moment. I use it to fill the tea kettle, vases, and of course stockpots: a gallon of expletive deleted water weighs 8.5 pounds and I am happy to say I haven't carried one across the kitchen in nearly two years. Also, the pot-filler faucet has a swing arm, so it can swivel back and forth as needed to fill the espresso maker that sits next to the stove. 

So imagine my shock and horror last week when I ran across some sad news from the National Kitchen & Bath Association. These are the people who keep track of kitchen trends—they know exactly how many homeowners in America are contemplating dark cherry cabinets or under-counter microwave storage at any given moment—and they are reporting a surprising statistic: America's love affair with the pot filler faucet is on the wane.

Above: A detail of the brass pot filler faucet by Croma Design in Toronto, via Decor Pad.

After a decade or more as the darling of kitchen remodels, the pot filler faucet's popularity peaked just before I installed mine. A mere 28 percent of kitchen designers included pot filler faucets in remodels in 2011, down from 41 percent two years earlier, the association reported. Unfortunately, they do not explain why. I have some theories about how our national obsession with fad diets, including the current thinking that pasta is bad for you because it is gluten and therefore delicious, may be affecting our attitudes toward kitchen design, which perhaps I will explore in a future column.

Instead of pot filler faucets, more homeowners are installing pull-out kitchen sink faucets—those hideous things that look like fire hoses attached to your counter. A pull-out faucet has an ugly retractable cord that some people like because of its flexibility: you can aim the spout at any corner of the sink. As if that's a virtue. You can also accidentally spray yourself in the face like a character in a 21st century version of an I Love Lucy episode if you have had too much white wine. And yet, the use of pull-out faucets in kitchen remodels increased to 93 percent in 2011. 

It is sad to me to see such an important invention as the pot filler faucet consigned to the status of a mere fad, something that comes and goes in kitchen design as if it were of no more import than avocado-colored refrigerators. Or to have it brushed aside, dismissed as the sort of expensive luxury Marie Antoinette might have specified for baking cakes. A pot filler faucet need not break the bank. Mine cost about $200.

Above: My Rohl Country Kitchen Pot Filler Faucet costs $210.75 (in a polished nickel finish) from Faucets Direct.

Can people take their long, clumsy hoses and reach all the way to the stove to fill a stockpot? I don't think so. Can a bulky pull-out faucet move back and forth adorably on its swing arm against your backsplash? Not. Can you drape a beautiful linen towel across it? I guess so, but it would look ugly, not alluring.

When you remodel your kitchen, you will face tough choices. Your budget may force you to give up some of the bells and whistles you dreamed of before the contractors broke into the walls and discovered termites, or, God forbid, snakes, or that your plumbing pipes need an emergency upgrade. However, I urge you not to be shortsighted. Many years from now when historians look back at where kitchen design forked, it will be as dramatic as when Homo Sapiens left the Cro Magnons in the dust.

Pot-filler or pull-out faucet: which would you choose? Tell us in the comments section.

For more of Michelle's weekly Domestic Dispatches, see Death to the Double Sink, 7 Secrets to Making a Perfect Bed, and, on Gardenista, How to Stop Throwing Away Food (and Money). And see our pot filler picks here: 10 Easy Pieces: Pot Filler Faucets.

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Discovered on Freunde von Freunden (FvF): a new house with a colorful and modern open kitchen belonging to multi-faceted artist and designer Alyson Fox's. Located on a ridge of land outside Austin, the design and build-out of the structure was a family affair: Fox, her husband, and father-in-law all contributed to the plans, while her brother-in-law served as the the general contractor. As Fox tells FvF, "We wanted a simple floor plan with as much glass as we could afford and with an outdoor shower. We wanted to live light and have lots of natural light." The kitchen in particular evokes this feeling of "living light" with open shelving, a DIY white brick kitchen island, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Here's a tour, followed by a dissection of the key elements (those that can be sourced, anyway) for creating a similar look.

Read the full interview with Fox by Leigh Patterson over on Freude von Freunden, with photography by Michael A. Muller.

Above: The light-filled house has wood-paneled walls and ceilings and a concrete floor. To separate the kitchen from the living space, Fox and family installed an island made from bricks painted white. For a similar kitchen island built from concrete blocks, see Steal This Look: A Low-Cost Kitchen for Serious Chefs. Curious about concrete flooring? See Remodeling 101: Polished Concrete Floors (and you might also be interested in Five Things to Know About Radiant Floor Heating).

Above: The kitchen has a large industrial sink, subway-tiled backsplash, and open wooden shelving—all livened up by a sprinkling of bright accessories 

The Basics

Above: The John Boos Stainless Steel Prep Table (96 inches wide by 30 inches deep) is equipped with two sinks, a utensil drawer, and a cutting board; $2,351 from Central Restaurant Products. 

Above: The Chicago Faucet Wall-Mounted Sink Faucet (Model number: 540-LDABCP) is $214.20 from Plumber's Surplus. 

Above: Fox has a pre-rinse sprayer next to her kitchen faucet. The T&S B-0100 Pre Rinse Spray Valve with Flexible Stainless Steel Hose is $89.99 from Web Restaurant Store.

Above: The Thermador 30-inch Masterpiece Series Induction Cooktop is $2,599 from Warehouse Discount Center. 

Above: Fisher-Paykel ActiveSmart Fridge 17.5 cu. ft. Counter Depth Bottom Freeze; $2,109 from AJ Madison. 

Lighting and Furniture 

Above: The 365+ Brasa Pendant Lamp is made from powder-coated steel; $39.99 from Ikea.

Above: Fox installed wooden shelves for storage with a pipe underneath for different hanging dish towels. This Oak Wood Shelf comes in two sizes (shown here in 150 centimeter width) with two built-in rails; €290 from Manufactum.  

Above: The Adaptable Table by Muuto is available with an oak (shown), white, black, or gray top, and a steel frame in white (shown), gray, or green. You can choose from legs in natural oak, white, black, or gray; $2,875 from A+R in Los Angeles. 

Above: The Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair with a Wood Dowel Base is $339 at Design Within Reach. In addition to white, it comes in black, light blue, lime yellow, and red orange.

Above: The Step Ladder in black by Design House Stockholm is $434 from Royal Design.

Accessories

Above: Fox displays—and uses—a mix of cutting board. Objets Méchanique's 23-inch-long Maple Cutting Board 1.2 is made from cherrywood with a dip-dyed handle; $98. For more cutting boards, see 10 Easy Pieces: Wooden Cutting Boards with Cutouts for Hanging.

Above: Neon Tea Towels in a grid pattern by Hay & Sholten & Baijings are $32 for a set of two from A+R. 

Above: Ikea's Fintorp Magnetic Knife Rack in black is $12.99.

Above: The lucite pink bowl perched on the island came from an online store in Australia. For a similar option, consider the AVF Colored Acrylic Chiclet Bowl in Neon Pink; $185 from Dering Hall. 

Above: A green bucket brightens Fox's sink; this Lime Green Metal Pail with Handle is $0.99 from Hobby Lobby. 

Check out all our Steal This Look posts for more inspiration. Over on Gardenista, they've got their own Austin-based Steal This Look—featuring a Home in A Silvery Blue Palette.

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A British design with a distinctly continental flair, the Ercol stacking chair was designed by an Italian immigrant brought up in London's East End. Lucian Ercolani founded Ercol in 1920, and during the Second World War, the company made its name mass producing kitchen chairs for the government-sponsored Utility Furniture Scheme. It wasn't until the burst of national pride and optimism of the 1950s that Ercol dusted off its wartime image and came up with something more streamlined and cheerful. Love seats and nesting tables were introduced and, as if to prove just how light and practical this new aesthetic could be, the stacking chair was launched in 1957. This design, with its slender, tapered, outward-turning legs enabled the chair to be stacked vertically, making it practical for the compact modern home as well as for public spaces. 

In 2002, fashion designer Margaret Howell collaborated with Ercol to revive some of its notable midcentury designs, including the stacking chair, to sell in her shops. The reissues were a great success and the styles are now available as part of the Ercol Originals collection. The Ercol factory is still family run (Lucian's grandson, Edward, now heads the company) and the furniture continues to be made in Britain using environmentally sound practices. Here are some examples:

Above: The Ercol stacking chair, 17.75 inches wide, 19.75 inches deep, and 30.25 inches tall, is £305 at Haus. In the US, the Ercol stacking chair is available in beech or elm and in a natural finish as well as black, white, and several colors for $470 from A+R in LA. The chair is also available for $525 at Top Hat in New York; to place orders, contact Sweet Bella.

Above: The Utility Furniture Scheme was created by the British Board of Trade in 1942 to make furniture available at an affordable price. The catalog featured one of the Ercol stacking chair's predecessors, the Windsor-style Ercol kitchen chair, far right. Photograph via Ercol.

Above: A selection of Ercol Re-issue Chairs in the window of Margaret Howell on Wigmore Street, London. The chairs are available at Margaret Howell shops in London, Paris, and Tokyo—have a look at them stacked in white in our post on the Tokyo outpost, Japan's Best Brit Brand.

Above: Vintage Ercol chairs are used at Rochelle Canteen, in Shoreditch, London, and can be sourced on eBay (for the most choices, search UK sellers).

Read about Christine's Ercol obsession in Design Sleuth: Stalking the Ercol Stacking Chair. Looking for more vintage inspiration? Browse our photo gallery of Midcentury Designs (and Modern Interpretations).  For outdoor seating ideas (including some stackable and folding designs), see Gardenista's 10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Bistro Table and Chair Sets. 

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We've long been followers of husband-and-wife design team Jorge Almada and Anne-Marie Midy of Casamidy, who live between homes in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Saint Paul de Vence, France. The latest from the duo is a line of indoor/outdoor furniture, just in time for warm weather, that is as durable and hardwearing as it is attractive.

The new line is made from an unexpected rescued material. As Jorge says, "About eight years ago we found a waxed-cotton fabric that had a vinyl backing. It was being discontinued because its original purpose was to cover fruit and vegetable trucks, and now, they use plastic." Jorge and Anne-Marie found a new use for the material in their latest Altamura sectional sofa and floormats, both of which can be used in covered outdoor spaces. "The fabric is completely waterproof, " Jorge explains, "and it provides the same flexibility as the saddle leather that we pair it with." That saddle leather details the waxed cotton pieces and covers Casamidy's latest folding chair; have a look at the ensemble.

Above: The Altamura Sectional is made from waxed canvas on a frame made from 1-inch tubular iron (available in a clear lacquer, or a black or white powder-coat finish). Designed for covered exterior spaces, it's available in a variety of sectional units, including an armchair ($950), side unit, and a right and left corner (each $850); shown here, the right and left corners are paired to form a sofa. An ottoman is also available for $675.

Above: The sectional is detailed with leather ties that come in saddle (shown) or brown leather.

Above: The back of a side unit displays the trio of leather ties that attach the upholstery to its iron base.

Above: The Sonora Mat, another new waxed canvas design, is edged in saddle (shown), brown, or black leather; it's intended for use as a bath mat alternative or as an area rug. The mats measure 30 by 56 inches and are $145; contact Casamidy directly to order.

Above: The Grenadier Chair is a wrought-iron folding chair made of saddle leather; a companion stool is also available; $875 each.

Above: The chair's frame comes in raw wrought iron or lacquer-over metal; the leather is available in a blackened plate saddle, black, brown (left), or raw (right).

For more on Casamidy, see our visits to Jorge and Anne-Marie's Paris rental (La Vie en Rose: A Remodel in Paris), and their San Miguel setup (Color Theory with Casamidy). For more indoor/outdoor furniture, shop the pieces profiled on Gardenista.

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If you ask us, double dish drawers are the ideal dishwasher—together they offer the same capacity as a standard dishwasher, but with more flexibility and opportunities for space and energy savings. That said, they're pricey, and they're currently only offered by Fisher Paykel. Are they for you? Read on.

Above: The interior of a 36-inch-wide dishwasher drawer. Image courtesy of Fisher Paykel.

Why consider dishwasher drawers?

Single dish drawers are a great solution for small kitchens and those with less demanding dishwashing needs. They typically occupy a small piece of cabinet real estate measuring 24 or 36 inches wide and a mere 19 inches tall. For standard-sized kitchens, it's worth considering double dishwasher drawers that fit in a standard dishwasher opening. Each operates independently and when paired, they have the same capacity as a traditional 24-inch dishwasher. But because each drawer operates on its own, you can wash small loads as economically as large ones. Water consumption (per drawer) is considerably less than a regular dishwasher, as is overall energy consumption. Each unit can also run a different cycle, so you can clean wine glasses on a delicate short cycle and dinner plates on a powerful longer cycle. 

Dishwasher drawers also take up a bit less space than the traditional pull-down door. They can be a great solution when a standard dishwasher door blocks a walkway, extends into a kitchen island, or is too big to open in a tiny kitchen. Another benefit is you can insert dishwasher drawers into a floating island for a clean look. 

How long have dishwasher drawers been around and what's their current status? 

Fisher Paykel innovated the dishwasher drawer in the mid-2000s. The first to come to the market, they are the last standing. The other manufacturers who forayed into dishwasher drawers, including KitchenAid, Maytag, and Kenmore, have abandoned their efforts. Does this mean the death of dishwasher drawer? If the expansion of models and advancements in functionality are any indication, Fisher Paykel doesn't think so. Nor do we.  

Above: Tall dishwasher drawers can accommodate plates up to 13 inches in diameter. Image courtesy of Fisher Paykel.

What are the minuses?

Some don't like the 13-inch limitations in height (big platters are a problem) for most dishwasher drawers. The good news: some of Fisher Paykel's latest models offer tall drawers. The new models also have a greater overall interior capacity, thanks to thinner insulation and other engineering advances, which have allowed a pair of drawers to hold the equivalent of a standard dishwasher.

Another negative: in the early years of the dishwasher drawer, there was criticism about the repair record of Fisher Paykel. Our contacts in the appliance repair and sales industry confirm that the early models, like many new technologies, had some issues. We hear that Fisher Paykel has addressed the problems and that dish drawer engineering has improved dramatically: repair rates are down, and consumer ratings are up. As with all major appliances, be sure that the brand has service professionals available in your area.

Above: Have a standard-size dishwasher opening? Most double dishwasher drawers can be installed into the standard 24-by-36-inch dishwasher opening without any modifications. This configuration can be especially useful when a traditional dishwasher door interferes with a walkway or extends into a kitchen island. Image courtesy of Fisher Paykel.

Here's our roundup of Fisher Paykel models to consider:

Above: Fisher Paykel's advancements in its line of dishwasher drawers include an increased interior capacity and a more flexible rack system. The Energy Star-qualified Fisher Paykel Double Dishdrawer (DD24DCX7) in stainless with recessed handles can accommodate seven place settings in each drawer. Also available in black, white, and panel-ready, and with a straight bar handle (all of which change the price slightly); $1,199 (as shown) at AJ Madison.

Above: Looking to maximize capacity? The Fisher Paykel Tall Series Double Dishdrawer (DD24DDFTX7) can hold seven places settings in each drawer, and has added height on the interior of the top drawer to accommodate 13-inch plates and serving platters (without effecting the drawer's exterior dimensions). The bottom drawer can hold 11.5-inch plates;$1,399 (as shown with straight handle; other configurations available) at Abt Electronics. 

Above: If you're remodeling and have the flexibility to customize your opening, consider the Fisher Paykel Wide Series Dishdrawer (DD36S), a single drawer model that is 36 inches wide and 19 inches tall. It offers a surprisingly generous interior that can fit nine place settings; $1,099 in stainless and $1,049 in a panel-ready configuration to integrate with your kitchen cabinetry at AJ Madison.

Above: The Fisher Paykel White Single Dishdrawer (DD24SCW7) is a 24-inch-wide, semi-integrated dishwasher drawer that fits seven place settings and blends well with white cabinetry; $619 at Plessers. Also available in black, stainless, and panel-ready.

Above: The Fisher Paykel dish drawer cutlery basket.

Above: Fisher Paykel also makes a dishwasher drawer under the DCS brand (which they own). It features the same engineering, but with the DCS front. The DCS Semi-Integrated Double Dishdrawer features a tall top drawer to fit 13-inch plates. It handles 14 place settings in the two drawers combined; $1,299 in stainless (as shown) at AJ Madison. 

Above: The pro-style bar handle on the DCS Semi-Integrated Double Dishdrawer.

Dishwasher Drawer Recap

Pros:

• Double dish drawers offer the same capacity as a standard dishwasher, but with the flexibility to run smaller independent loads
• Energy savings
• Ergonomic functioning requires less bending to unload
• Space saving for small kitchens

Cons:

• Cannot accommodate extra-large dishware
• So-so repair history
• Pricey

Had any experience with dishwasher drawers? Please share you findings in the comments section below.

Considering a dishwasher upgrade? See our dishwasher primer, Remodeling 101: How to Select a Dishwasher. Dishwasher drawers are great for compact kitchens; for some other small-space appliances worth considering, see 10 Easy Pieces: Favorite Appliances for Small Kitchens.

Ready to start grilling? See Gardenista's World's Best Barbecue Grills.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on January 18, 2008 as part of our Storage Ideas issue.

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Here at Remodelista, we're all serious patrons of our local hardware stores (and many of us have zeroed in on equestrian supply stores, too). What we're often after are leather ties and hides for making things. Here are 10 useful and attractive projects that put leather—including those old belts we all have lying around—to good use. 

Above: A project from Norwegian blog Brigg: two wooden towel bars and a pair of matching leather belts make a wall shelf for holding magazines, books and newspapers; see DIY: Easy Leather Strap Wall Shelves.

Above: A genius solution to the outmoded napkin ring: a strip of leather threaded through itself. This example came from the since-closed Bar Bambino in SF; it inspired us to make our own DIY Leather Napkin Ties.

Above: A thin strip of leather is used to tie back curtains in the kitchen of Jamie Kidson's home in Oakland, California. Photograph by Mimi Giboin for Remodelista.

Above: Designed by a leather saddle maker, the mat used as a bench cushion at In Fiore in SF was modeled after a vintage leather wrestling mat; it provides some good ideas for the skilled DIYer with furniture to finish. See more of the shop's custom details in A Jewel Box Parfumerie in SF.

Above: Hang a rolling pin with a few strands of sturdy leather, as seen at DIY: A Marble Rolling Pin on Display. Photograph by Natalie Weiss for Remodelista.

Above: Like Morgan Satterfield of The Brick House, Alexa made her own cabinet pulls out of leather in our DIY video: How to Make a $20 Cabinet Pull for $2.

Above: Sarah uses simple leather laces to tie her white duck shower curtain; see DIY: Leather Shower Curtain Rings. Tour Sarah's Refined Rental in St. Helena, CA, to see her leather ties used as dining room drawer and cabinet pulls. They're also featured in the New Uses for Familiar Things chapter of the Remodelista Book.

Above: Suede and leather pillwos cushion a window seat photographed by David Prince; for a DIY tutorial on leather pillows, visit Vintage Revivals (and adjust measurements and hems to replicate the look shown here).

Above: Inventive knotted door handles at the SF outpost of Milan-based Henry Beguelin from our 2008 Shopper's Diary: Henry Beguelin in San Francisco.

Above: An affordable approach to the popular leather-hanging wall clock, this DIY from  Korean blog Naver uses a $20 Ikea clock and intertwined leather belts—see DIY: Ikea Clock with Leather Belt Hanger.

Looking for more projects? Peruse all of the DIY & Remodeling posts in our archive. Gardenista also has some great DIYs, including Medicine Vials as Wall Vases and a homade Rose, Cardamom, and Ginger Body Soak. Pure inspiration? Click here for our photo gallery of DIY projects.

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My friends Ayelet Waldman and Michael Chabon live in a shingled Berkeley Craftsman bungalow that reminds me of my days as the child of local radicals. Our place on nearby Grant Street was furnished in the requisite hippie style of the day; perhaps that's why, when I first had dinner at their house, I fell in love with it; it was as if I had slipped into some sort of alternate childhood. The dark wood paneling, the glass-fronted bookcases, the Danish modern furniture, the George Nelson lights. And the books everywhere: stacked two-deep on shelves, piled in a tower higher than a man, strewn across the stairs.

Ayelet (she's a lawyer-turned-NY Times-best-selling author) and Michael (he's the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay) bought the property in 1997 when she was "hugely pregnant," as she says. "We were renting a house on Claremont Avenue with 47 steps to the front door. We were trying to buy in the neighborhood, but we kept getting outbid. Harrison Ford's son paid cash for one of the houses we wanted. We used to walk by this house. The roof had fallen in; there were squirrels nesting inside. One day, we were passing by and this guy was tearing it apart. He was going to renovate it and put it on the market. I said, 'Stop what you're doing. Sell it to us, right now, as is. I am 1,000 months pregnant.' But he said no. I was in a panic. Our rental lease was coming to an end. The month before I gave birth, I stood in the demolished front yard of the house, crying to this guy, 'If you don't sell us this house, we are going to be homeless.' "

He gave in.

And then they wondered what they had done. The house had no countertops, no appliances. There was lead paint. They had to replace the heating system. "And I'm about to have a baby," Ayelet says. They forged ahead and fixed up the kitchen and the bathrooms, and then, a year ago, Ayelet enlisted the help of her friend Sarah Reid to pull the interiors together. "She has this cool aesthetic. She would show me an idea, and I would be on the phone a few hours later ordering two chairs from some warehouse in LA. I am the most decisive person in the world."

N.B.: To learn more about Ayelet's new novel, Love and Treasure, go to Ayelet Waldman (she's in the midst of her book tour and you can catch her in the Bay Area, Boston, NYC, and in Maine over the next couple of months).

Photography by Aya Brackett for Remodelista.

Above: Ayelet and Michael at home with Mabel, the family's Labradoodle. The window seat is covered in blue velvet from Custom Slipcovers; a pair of George Nelson Cigar Sconces ($375 at Y Lighting) gives the nook a modern lift. "The woodwork in the living room was black until last year," Ayelet says. "We wanted to lighten it up. Last year, this guy came with an alcohol-based wipe and it came right off. Turns out it was shellac."

Above: The framed photo is of Ayelet's grandfather's furrier union in New York City. Her grandmother smuggled the candlestick—one of a pair—out of Minsk by hiding them under her skirts. "When I discovered the story of the Hungarian gold train of looted Nazi valuables, I thought of my grandmother's candlesticks," she says. "It inspired me to write Love and Treasure."

Above: The original wood paneling was mostly intact throughout the house, but the sitting room was already painted white when the couple moved in. They added the Arts & Crafts Natural Fir Tree Frieze from East Bay art wallpaper company Bradbury & Bradbury.

Above: Comic book legend Chris Ware created the poster for Untold Tales from Kavalier & Clay, published by McSweeney's. "I won the Kara Walker cut-paper silhouette in a raffle at a fundraiser for Barack Obama," Ayelet says. "We were at law school together."

Above: "This corner of the living room has meaning. Michael and I went to Budapest when we had just met. It felt like the Jews had been packed up a week ago. We bought the spice box for Friday services. I like to think it's old. The metal rocketship symbolizes the baby we lost."

Above: "Everyone bangs around on the piano," Ayelet says. "We picked it because it was small and cute."

Above: Alameda-based furniture designer Christopher Loomis built the cabinetry in the kitchen.

Above: The kitchen island is half Carrara marble, half bamboo. Michael designed the inset circular cut-out for easy composting ("Brad Bird came over for dinner and co-opted the idea for The Incredibles," Ayelet says).

Above: The kitchen counters are sheathed in zinc, inspired by the Zinc Cafe in Laguna Beach, a favorite hangout of the couple when Michael was studying for his MFA at UC Irvine.

Above: "The German figurines tell the story of a woman catching on fire; we got them at Jutta's Flowers around the corner from our house," Ayelet says.

Above: In the hallway, books stacked on a Sapien Bookcase ($198 at Design Within Reach) form a literary totem pole. Note the vintage wall-mounted KLH speaker in the sitting room; it's a Chabon obsession.

Above: A family portrait by Mimi Vang Olsen hangs in the stairwell.

Above: The first-floor office was a doctor's consulting room in a former life. "The house was built in 1907 by a physician," Ayelet says. "Someone in the historical society told us he did abortions. I have this image of this warm and lovely guy doing a public service for the women of Berkeley." The gilded body cast on the wall is of Ayelet during one of her pregnancies.

Above: The cast iron enameled corner sink is original; the clock is from the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co., which lures unsuspecting children into 826 Brooklyn, an outpost of 826 National, the nonprofit writing center founded by Dave Eggers, Vendela Vida, and Ninive Calegari.

Above: Books everywhere, even scattered on the stairs (we didn't stage this, promise). The custom-bound New Zealand wool Bellini Runner in Marina is from Masland Carpets & Rugs.

Above: The Haiku Ceiling Fan is from Big Ass Fans.

Above: In their bedroom, Ayelet and Michael spec'ed custom-built two-tiered bookshelves with risers to allow for an accessible back row.

Above: "I have a sheet fetish," Ayelet says. "My favorites are Sferra Diamante satin sheets. They are horrifically expensive. I bought mine 20 years ago and carefully mend them by hand when they fray. I plan to die on those sheets when I am 97."

Above: Ayelet found a gilded mirror in an antique store and give it a coat of black paint. The vanity and the exterior of the clawfoot tub are painted in Benjamin Moore's Hudson Bay.

Above: The house seen from the street (look closely and you'll see that the window frames are painted a very Berkeley shade of purple).

Ed. note: Remodelista guest writer Lisa Michaels is the author of Split: A Counterculture Childhood and the novel Grand Ambition.

Interested in how other writers live? See A Writer's Library: Michael Cunningham at Home.

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According to Feng Shui guidelines for the bedroom, there are three basic principles. 1) Place the bed so that it is easily accessible from both sides. 2) Avoid placing the bed in line with the door. 3) Position two bedside tables, one on each side of the bed.

Here, we're focusing on the last requirement. Ready to graduate from a stack of old books or a shelf? Concealing clutter is a positive side effect of having a proper bedside table. Here's our roundup of 12 modern wood bedside tables, drawers included.

Above: From SF-based studio Ohio Design, the Jake Nightstand has an open bottom and a single drawer that's under-mounted and self-closing. The drawer comes with the option of being recessed or flush inset, and the base has square-tube, brushed-steel legs (an optional base is available in wood or flat steel); prices range from $699 to $899 depending on size, from Ohio Design.

Above: Inspired by the work of George Nakashima, the Anders Nightstand is made by Vermont artisans using mortise-and-tenon joinery. The nightstand comes in solid cherry (shown) and solid walnut, both are treated with an oil-and-wax finish; $599 from Room & Board. 

Above: Designed by Matthew Hilton for De La Espada, the McQueen Bedside Chest has two drawers (with soft-closing piston action), dovetail joinery, and cast iron handles. Available in Danish-oiled walnut for $2,595 from The Future Perfect.

Above: From Belgian company Ethnicraft, the Oak Nordic Nightstand has a European easy glide drawer and lower storage space; it's finished in white oil and is $500 from Lekker Home. 

Above: The Mid-Century Media Base of FSC-certified solid eucalyptus, originally envisioned for use in the living room, is suggested by West Elm as bedside storage. The base has slim legs and beveled edges. It's available with three drawers (shown) or a single roomy cabinet; $399 from West Elm.

Above: Exclusive to Design Within Reach, the American Modern Side Table is made in the US from solid walnut or maple, and features a single soft-closing storage drawer; $950.

Above: Steuart Padwick's Pointe Nightstand is made of solid oak and oak veneer with a satin oil finish, and the two drawers are on soft close runners; $785 from Horne.

Above: From Phloem Studio of Portland, Oregon, the Colleen Endtable is made from a range of domestic hardwoods: ash, cherry, walnut, rift white oak, western walnut, and western curly maple (shown). Each piece is crafted in the studio to order and requires a lead time of 8 to 12 weeks; contact Phloem Studio for pricing and ordering.

Above: From Mash Studio's PCH Series (named after California's Pacific Coast Highway), the High Night Table is solid teak with a cast aluminum drawer façade. The night table is made from lacquer-free and FSC-certified natural materials; $1,160 from Design Public.

Above: The Oak Azur Nightstand from Ethnicraft is made in Europe from sustainably-sourced solid oak that is kiln dried to ensure hardness. The nightstand has a self-closing drawer on an easy glide, under-mounted track; $500 from Lekker Home.

Above: De La Espada's 012 Atlantico Bedside Table consists of a single drawer resting on an open cubic frame. It's available in American white oak (shown) or American black walnut, finished in either Danish or white oil. Made in Portugal, the bedside table is held together with screws that are disguised with long grain dowels; the cubic frame is built from mortise and tenon joints; $1,145 from Y Living. 

Above: Ikea's Tarva Nightstand is solid pine with a fiberboard back; $39.99.

Looking for more bedroom design ideas? Sift through all the Bedrooms in our archive and more in our Image Gallery. Also don't miss our post on Luxe Bedroom Furniture Made in California.

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Steven Alan is synonymous with button-down striped shirts that look good on everyone.

So we took note when he designed a line for West Elm, inspired by classic shirt stripes that are rendered in pale washes of India ink, hand-blocked patterns, and quilts with frayed edges— a menswear-inspired shirt for your bed. West Elm put Alan in touch with artisans in India, Nicaragua, and Haiti, all employed through fair trade cooperatives, to translate his iconic clothing brand into bedding, and tables, vases, and rugs, too. "I wanted the collection to feel organic and modern at the same time, so I combined a color palette of earth tones with a clean design," he says. 

Above: The Quilt in Pewter is made up of vertical stripes hand appliquéd on a solid woven background; $169 for the queen size and $189 for the king. The quilts in the collection are all made in collaboration with Eco Tasar, a cooperative that supports Indian artisans specializing in silk-making and weaving. Companion quilted pillowcases are available in a Standard Sham ($29), King Sham ($34), and Euro Sham ($34). 

Above: The quilt has subtly frayed edges for added texture.

Above: The Hand-Blocked Stripes Pillow Cover is printed on 100-percent hand-spun silk and tinted with natural vegetable dyes. The 12-by-21-inch deep coral pillow is $39.

Above: The Aliye Wool Dhurrie Rug is handwoven in two panels from gabbeh dyed yarns in 80-percent wool and 20-percent cotton. The panels are then stitched together resulting in stripes of color just slightly offset; prices range from $159 for the runner to $849 for the 9-by-12-foot size. The Steven Alan Papier-Mâché Side Table, 20 inches high and 22 inches in diameter, is handmade of recycled materials in Haiti; $299.

Above: Alan applied bands of earth tone to a set of ceramic Stripe Vases. The vases are handcrafted by Nicaraguan potters from the fair trade collective Chaka MarketBridge, a group that helps local artisans to scale production and reach new markets; prices range from $14.99 to $39.99 depending on size.

Above: The Quilt in India Ink is a web of pale blue triangles dyed with a light wash of India ink and then appliquéd on a 100-percent cotton background; $169 for the queen size and $189 for the king.

In the midst of a bedroom makeover? Browse all our favorite Beds and Bed Linens in our Shop section. Going green in the bedroom? Weigh in on the Gardenista Big Debate: Plants in Bathroom?

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When our Oakland-based architect friend Ian Read of Medium Plenty told us about his firm's latest project, Neighbor, we went shopping. How could we not? A curated shop of artisan and vintage pieces for the home and garden, Neighbor is a partnership between two community-minded Oakland aesthetes.

Photography by Melissa Kaseman, unless otherwise noted.

Above: Owner Dana Olson (shown here) of Good Stock partnered with Karen Anderson of Mercy Vintage Now to open Neighbor.

Above: Neighbor is on Piedmont Avenue, a shopping and eating district of North Oakland with a big local following. Olson and Anderson are keen on turning Neighbor into a hub of creative activity: "In addition to the storefront, Neighbor will have an outdoor section with garden furniture and accessories," Olson says. "In time, we'll host workshops on dyeing, weaving, planting…we've got lots of ideas brewing." Photograph by Josh Bettenhausen.

Above: The space was redesigned with a light hand to maintain the character of the place while giving it a new life. Medium Plenty's treatment of the finishes was an exercise in reworking what was already there. For example, in the front, the designers removed a layer of linoleum to reveal a concrete floor. The concrete was then stripped and scrubbed to reveal its original brick red paint. In the back, the wood floor was patched with reclaimed flooring that was given a gold wash to highlight the restoration. To ease the transition between the two floorings, the designers inserted a raw steel strip. "We like to think of it as a new store in an old building," says project architect Sky Lanigan. 

Above: The original lathe and plaster ceiling underwent a rejuvenation process akin to the floor: the plaster was removed to expose the wood lathe, and in the back of the store, both the lathe and plaster were removed to expose wooden beams, as seen in the previous image. "We'd love to take credit for this, but in truth, the contractor and the owners came up with the idea," Read says in the spirit of community. "We did, however, design and build the chandeliers. We sourced the parts from Grand Brass in New York and assembled them in our office." The organic glass shades were handblown by local artisan Michael Meyer.  

Above: An African bushbok antelope and blonde fallow deer from Gold Coast Artifacts are mounted on a wall stripped down to its original plaster almost to the ceiling—the architects left a hint of the 1970’s green paint as a reminder of what used to be. Midcentury wood and brass birds hover near a sailboat painting from the same period. Photograph by Josh Bettenhausen.

Above: "The steep stair and mezzanine were existing, and we built on their texture by composing grids of wood tones with new shelving, guardrails, service counters, and a suspended bench," Lanigan says. The stair rail provides a handy display for a lineup of Turkish bath towels. Photograph by Josh Bettenhausen.

Above: Under the mezzanine, the designers exposed the brick in the wall to add texture behind the open shelves. Simple ceramic bulb socket bases with standard bulbs installed at an angle create a grid of "glowing raindrops." "The whole assembly reminded us of carnival lighting, albeit a stylish carnival," Lanigan says. The silver mesh chair and footstool are entirely made from recycled materials by Studio Salvage Craft. Photograph by Josh Bettenhausen.

Above: Medium Plenty created a general store aesthetic by designing new shelving using reclaimed shelving from the previous store. Photograph by Josh Bettenhausen.

Above: Shop owner Dana Olson keeps the shelves stocked with Bellocq tea, Other Brother olive oil, and Inna shrubs. 

Above: The store has an inviting ad hoc look. Hanging from the rafters: a vintage brass chandelier and a scythe that's both decorative and used for display. Photograph by Josh Bettenhausen.

Above: A constellation of existing holes in the plaster wall anchor multicolored rods inserted for displaying planters made by local artist Peter St Lawrence and chimes from Seattle studio Ladies and Gentlemen. 

For more Oakand design, tour Ian Read's own home in A Budget Remodel with Heath Seconds and Christi Azevdo's revamped Carriage House. And over on Gardenista, stay healthy with herbs from Oakland's Homestead Apothecary. 

Below: Neighbor is at 4200 Piedmont Avenue in North Oakland.  

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