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Enter to Win: $1,000 Gift Card from Coyuchi

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Are your bed and bath linens everything you've ever hoped for? We didn't think so. Here's the good news: Sustainable home linens brand Coyuchi is giving away a $1,000 gift card to one lucky Remodelista reader for a linens refresh. To enter, sign up for emails from Coyuchi and Remodelista by entering your email address in the box at the bottom of this post by Wednesday, September 10. The winner will be chosen at random and notified by email by September 12. See Official Rules for details. 

If you're a Remodelista regular, you'll know of our fondness for Coyuchi. (Click to browse some of our Coyuchi Favorites.) The Marin, CA, brand turns out sustainable fabrics—100 percent organic cotton and natural linen and wool—using some of the world's strictest environmental and worker rights standards, including the Global Organic Textile Standard and Fair Trade. Coyuchi's finished products outfit all corners of the nature-loving home: bed, bath, table, nursery, and even loungewear. Scroll below for a look at some of our favorite Coyuchi classics, and stay tuned for Friday when we share our picks from Coyuchi's new fall collection. For more info, click to read the Coyuchi Blog and follow Coyuchi on InstagramPinterest, Facebook, and Twitter

Coyuchi Rustic Linen Blankets | Remodelista

Above: Coyuchi's Rustic Linen Blanket is a longtime Remodelista favorite. One side is soft, highly textured linen made in India of European-grown flax. The other is cozy undyed natural cotton from Turkey. The blanket comes in three colors—natural with aubergine, pewter with tangerine, and midnight with dusty aqua, shown from top to bottom. It's available in throw, queen/full, and king sizes, ranging in price from $198 to $498. (Matching Euro shams are $98.)

Coyuchi Blankets | Remodelista

Above: Coyuchi has a blanket in every weight and size, perfect for outfitting every cozy nook and cranny throughout the house. Shown here, top to bottom: the Carmel Washable Cotton & Wool Blanket in pewter; Rustic Linen Blanket in pewter with tangerine; the Cozy Cotton Blanket in charcoal with ivory; Chenille Chunky Weave Throw in slate ($98); the Carmel Washable Cotton & Wool Blanket in mid gray, then natural; the Chenille Chunky Weave Throw in sunflower, then natural; the Cozy Cotton Blanket in ivory; and the Striped Wool Blanket in brown/natural. All blankets start at $198 unless noted. 

Coyuchi Sateen Sheets | Remodelista

Above: Coyuchi's best-selling sateen sheets are made of 300-thread-count organic cotton with a lustrous finish on one side and a matte finish on the other. These sheets resist wrinkling and are available in eight colors, including misty ocean shown here. A complete Sateen Sheet Set (flat and fitted sheet plus one pillowcase for the twin size and two pillowcases for larger sets) ranges in price from $198 for a twin set to $298 for a California king. (Not sure if sateen is right for you? Consult Coyuchi's complete Sheet Guide to help you find your match.)

Above: For the bath: Coyuchi's 100 percent organic cotton, Fair Trade-certified Air Weight towels are plush but dry quickly after hanging. Available in 12 colors including slate and fog shown here, the towels range in price from $8 for a wash cloth to $58 for a bath sheet. Coyuchi's Mediterranean towels are made in the traditional Turkish style—lightweight but amply absorbent, with a hand-knotted fringe. Shown here in deep pewter with tangerine, the towels are available in four colors ranging from $8 for a wash cloth to $68 for a beach towel.  

Eager for a home linens makeover? Enter your email address below by September 10 for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card from Coyuchi. 

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Remodeling 101: Butcher Block Countertops

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Warm and accommodating, butcher block is an affordable countertop material with a lot going for it. Maintain it regularly and your butcher block will reward you by aging gracefully. But without proper upkeep, it can dull and crack. Is it the right material for you and your kitchen? Read our butcher block counter primer to find out.

Plain English British Standard Kitchen Worktops, Remodelista

Above: A butcher block countertop in a British Standard Cupboard Kitchen by Plain English. 

What is butcher block?

Butcher block is made from straight cuts of wood glued together into thick slabs that provide a particularly sturdy and stable work surface in a kitchen, whether as a cutting board, tabletop, or counter.

John Boos Edge Grain Butcher Block Counter, Remodelista

Above: John Boos Blended North American Hard Rock Maple Butcher Block with edge-grain construction and finger-jointed random-length boards. 

Are there different types of butcher block?

There are three basic construction styles of butcher block: edge grain, flat grain, and end grain. 

Edge grain is the one most commonly used for counters because it's strong, stable, and less expensive than the others. It's made by placing long boards on their sides and joining them so that their long narrow edges form the surface. The boards can be continuous lengths of wood with no joints, or random-length boards that are finger-jointed (as shown above). 

Flat-grain butcher block is constructed from boards that are laid flat, their full widths forming a surface with a streamlined look. Susceptible to marks when used for chopping and cutting, flat grain is less suitable for working kitchen counters than the others.

End-grain construction is made from small rectangular blocks arranged so that the ends (with growth rings showing) are visible on the surface. The strongest and most expensive type of butcher block, it's great for surfaces dedicated to cutting, because it camouflages knife marks and is gentle on blade edges (they slide into the grain rather than against it).

Renovated kitchen in 1927 Colonial Revival house, end grain butcher block counter top, Remodelista

Above: San Francisco architect Mark Reilly used end-grain butcher block counters in a kitchen in a turn-of-the-century house in Palo Alto, California. "The countertop was originally Formica, but the client wanted a material that didn't clink when glass or serving wares were placed on it," Reilly says. "After exploring several options, we decided on end-grain butcher block because of its warmth, soft feel, and vintage-inspired look." Photograph by Mark Reilly. N.B. See how the architect created an open kitchen in a Victorian house in Remodelista Best Design Professional Space Winner: Mark Reilly.

Butcher Block Countertop Types, Remodelista

Above L: End-grain butcher block. Above R: Flat-grain butcher block. Photographs via DeVos Woodworking.

What types of wood are used for butcher block?

Butcher block can be made from nearly any wood. Maple is one of the best and most popular for butcher block counters because it's hard and has a clear grain. Cherry and red oak offer rich color. Butcher block can also be crafted from bamboo (it works best with end-grain construction) and sustainably farmed exotics such as wenge and zebrawood.

Roy McMakin Butcher Block Island, Remodelista

Above: Flat-grain butcher block tops an island in a Seattle kitchen designed by Roy McMakin.

Does butcher block need to be sealed?

For kitchen counter applications, it's important to use unsealed, oil-finished wood. Sealed countertops are not meant to be used as food-prep work surfaces—they're not food or knife friendly. Mark Squire of Quality Kitchen Cabinets in San Francisco explains: "Using sealed wood defeats the purpose of butcher block, because it covers up the natural warm surface with plastic." Sealed butcher block does offer shine and can work well as a work desk or bar top in a kitchen that doesn't involve food. (And when needed for food prep, pair it with a cutting board.) Note that unsealed butcher block is not recommended immediately around a sink: Over time it will likely discolor and rot.

Butcher Block Countertop Aigle Design, Remodelista

Above: A long butcher block countertop and shelves warm up a kitchen by LA designers Alexandra and Eliot Angle. See more of the room at Steal This Look: Aqua Vitae Kitchen.

How do you best maintain butcher block?

At a minimum, butcher block countertops require oiling every six months to keep the wood protected. Different woods come with different finishing oil recommendations and it's best to follow the instructions of your installer. Depending on level of use, butcher block may also require more frequent oiling and conditioning to prevent the wood from cracking and looking dull. N.B.: Avoid using cooking oil to treat butcher block; it can damage the wood. Because butcher block is soft, it mars more than other materials—leading some people to use it for certain surfaces only, such as work islands. Just before oiling, you can lightly remove scratches, burns, and other surface damages with fine sandpaper, and your countertop will look like new. 

Solid Oak Kitchen Counters, Remodelista

Above: Christine wanted a warm material for her open kitchen, so she selected edge-grain countertops of solid oak treated with several coats of Danish oil for a hardwearing finish. For the full story, see Rehab Diary: Sleuthing for Space in My Kitchen. Photograph by Kristin Perers for Remodelista.

Can butcher block be used as a cutting surface? 

Yes, unsealed butcher block works well as a large stationary work surface and has been used this way for centuries (after all, it comes by its name honestly). That said, it's not as easy to clean a butcher block counter as it is a movable cutting board, which explains why many owners use cutting boards on top of butcher block. And, as mentioned, cutting on butcher block over time leaves marks and scratches—character-defining to some, best avoided to others.

Robert Stillin, black kitchen with butcher block countertops | Remodelista

Above: In this kitchen by New York designer Robert Stilin, an edge-grain butcher block is used as the countertop on the island while white Carrara marble is used for the work surfaces by the sink.

What does butcher block cost?

Prices vary depending on the type of wood, the grain construction, and the thickness. In general, custom-made quality butcher block countertops range from $75 to $150 per square foot. In other words, good butcher block is more expensive than mid-range granite, but less expensive than top-of-the-line natural stone. 

The good news is that several manufacturers offer off-the-shelf butcher block work tops in standard counter-depth sizes with variable lengths. If your setup allows, this is the affordable way to go. And the DIY-inclined can cut butcher block slabs to fit around appliances, corners, and other obstacles—not something you can pull off on your own with stone.

Smitten Studio Butcher Block Countertops, Remodelista

Above: In her cabin kitchen, Sarah Samuel of Smitten Studio installed Ikea's affordable edge-grain, oiled-beech Numerar Wood Countertop. Ikea now offers a similar Hammarp Beach Countertop, which comes in precut lengths.

Butcher Block Recap 

Pros: 

  • Butcher block counters add warmth and natural coloring. 
  • It's a soft material that's easy on glassware and dishes: No clatter when you put down a stack of plates.
  • Wood mixes well with many other countertop materials, especially marble.
  • If maintained properly, it's a long lasting and durable choice.
  • Unlike laminate or solid-surface counters, wood countertops are repairable: Nicks and burns can be lightly sanded and the surface re-oiled.
  • It develops a lovely patina over time.
  • Wood has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

Cons:

  • Wood counters are not heat or stain resistant. Hot pans can't be set down on the counter without a pad or trivet.
  • Wood can swell and shrink in conditions of extreme dryness or humidity, which may cause cracking.
  • Excessive wetness makes the wood susceptible to rot and discoloration.
  • It develops a patina over time (a detail that also falls in the Pro category; it's a matter of taste).
  • Butcher block requires some maintenance.

Schiffini Mesa Kitchen island with solid butcher block end | Remodelista

Above: Italian kitchen designers Schiffini use end-grain butcher block at the end of a kitchen island.

Researching new countertops? Read 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Kitchen Countertops. And for more on the subject, see the following Remodeling 101 posts:

N.B.: This post is an update. It originally ran on November 19, 2013, as part of our Crowd Control issue.

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Architectural Elements: Sliding Barn Doors

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A celebration of a Remodelista favorite: traditional sliding barn doors artfully used in interiors.

Whether they're new or reclaimed, barn doors lend their rustic, practical sensibility to a space. They save room but are not tucked away like pocket doors, making a virtue out of their rugged beams and industrious hardware.

N.B.: See our post on Hardware: Barn Door Fittings for door hanging options.

Above: A San Francisco entryway by Feldman Architecture.

Above: In New York, a black sliding barn door in the entry hall of a TriBeCa loft by Schappacher White Architects. Photograph by Jason Lindberg.

Above: A bright barn door by Los Angeles architect Barbara Bestor. Photograph by Aaron Farley for Paper Magazine.

Los Poblanos, New Mexico, Territorial Revival, Barn Doors

Above: Sliding barn doors at the Los Poblanos Historic Inn reference the compound's agricultural origins.

Above: A rustic barn door in a lake house designed by Birmingham, Alabama–based Studio C Architecture.

Above: With a simple Shaker sensibility, this sliding barn door divides the dining and play spaces at the Seesaw Cafe in San Francisco.

Above: A leather handle used on a barn door by Alchemy Architects.

Above: An oversized reclaimed barn door in a studio by Patrick Davis Design.

Above: A bathroom alcove with interior sliding doors by Max Levy Architect.

Above: Barn doors in the Vermont home of the founder of Oughton Limited Bags.

Sliding Barn Door, Remodelista

Above: The door of this bathroom by the Brooklyn Home Company was sourced from a New Hampshire sheep barn. Photograph by Emily Gilbert Photography.

Above: A sliding barn door conceals a home office in a project by Greene Partners.

Above: The door to a bedroom in a Mill Valley, California, home by Artistic Designs for Living.

Above: Furniture maker Cliff Spencer crafts barn doors from reclaimed wine-barrel oak.

Looking for farm style in every room? Browse the 233 Farmhouse images in our Photo Gallery.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on March 18, 2010, as part of our European Sensibilities issue.

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LA-Style Dining in London, Sunshine Included

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Inspired by California beach cafes, Alexander Evangelou and James Waterworth of London design firm Alexander Waterworth Interiors bring their own brand of microclimate design Hally’s, a new deli in Parsons Green, in the heart of southwest London. 

Photography by Helen Cathcart

Hally's Parsons Green, limed wood bar with  white Carrara marble top and yellow Tolix chairs | Remodelista

Above: Yellow Tolix stools set the beach tone in the main room, where they're paired with whitewashed bricks and a bar built from limed scaffolding boards.

Hally's Parsons Green, limed wood bar with  white Carrara marble top and yellow Tolix chairs | Remodelista

Above: The Carrara marble countertop is framed with wood.

Hally's Parsons Green, bright and pastel colors | Remodelista

Above: Bright colors mixed with pastels exude a Southern Californian vibe.

Hally's Parsons Green, communal tables with pastel colored dip dyed bentwood chairs | Remodelista

Above: The communal tables are also made from scaffolding boards. (For Corbin Bernsen's bedside shelves from scaffolding, see Backyard Bunkhouse, Hollywood Royal Family Edition.)

Hally's Parsons Green, open storage wood shelves against painted white brick walls | Remodelista

Above: Open shelves fashioned from scaffolding have a pleasing informality.

Hally's Parsons Green, communal tables with pastel colored dip dyed bentwood chairs | Remodelista

Above: Raw bentwood chairs have been carefully dip-dyed in pastels to add color throughout the space. 

Hally's Parsons Green, open storage wood shelves against painted white brick walls | Remodelista

Above: Potted herbs are dotted around the room. 

Hally's Parsons Green, white shiplap and open shelves, blue and white ikat and striped ticking | Remodelista

Above: The white-wood shiplap in the back room is a detail borrowed from beach hut design. See Expert Advice: The Enduring Appeal of Shiplap to get the look. 

Hally's Parsons Green, white shiplap, blue and white ikat and striped ticking | Remodelista

Above: Blue-and-white ikat and ticking fabrics bring a nautical air to the back room. 

Hally's Parsons Green, green wall light fixture with brass detail | Remodelista

Above: Green wall lights with subtle brass details add to the warm glow. (For similar options, see 5 Favorites: Wall Lights for Less Than $125 and Cedar & Moss: A Bright New Lighting Company.)

Hally's Parsons Green, patchwork of blue and white tiles | Remodelista

Above: A patchwork of blue-and-white tiles line the bathroom walls. 

Hally's Parsons Green, open front facade to street | Remodelista

Above: The facade opens up entirely for al fresco dining; in bad weather, the large glazed openings allow light in.

Two years ago, Waterworth Interiors transformed our notions about fish-and-chips shops in its design of Kerbisher & Malt. Planning a trip to London? See City Guides: London for our favorite design haunts.

Below: Hally's is in Parsons Green, in southwest London.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on July 9, 2012, as part of our issue The Summer Bedroom. 

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Rehab Diary: The Ultimate Houseboat in NYC

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Three years ago Gabe Cohen and Jolie Signorile caught wind that a beat-up houseboat was for sale. Desperate for a weekend ticket out of the city, the two, co-founders of Brooklyn design company Fredericks & Mae, recruited six friends and pooled their cash. Two months later the group stood on the roof of their new purchase as a hired tug pulled it from Saugerties, New York, down the Hudson to Rockaway Beach, Queens, where it's now permanently docked.

Built as a party boat (with wine fridge, Jacuzzi, and washer/drawer) for a Goldman Sachs exec, it had later been stripped of its frills and used as a crash pad for the winter crew of the Clearwater, the historic Hudson River sloop. Gabe, Jolie, and gang, many of whom met as students at Oberlin College, came to the project prepped for teamwork. They ripped out the mildewed carpets, painted every surface, and furnished the boat with Craigslist finds and Fredericks & Mae's own games and accessories (that's one of their windsocks catching the breeze on the roof). It's been more of an adventure than any of them could have predicted, but also more fun. And it's only a subway ride away.

Photography by Douglas Lyle Thompson for Remodelista, unless noted.

Frederick & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: The houseboat, a Sundance House Barge built in 1986 on Long Island, is moored on a dock in the Rockaways, in Queens, a few blocks from the beach—and the A train. Hurricane Sandy hit just after the group's first summer on the houseboat, and though much of the area was ravaged, the boat rose with the tides and required only patching (but didn't have electricity for eight months). 

Frederick & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: A curtained sliding glass door leads to the entry hung with a fishing trap. That's one of Frederick & Mae's new Linen Towels on the chair. (See our post on the Summer's Best Beach Towels for a better look and more examples.)

Frederick & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: The entry's built-in sofa. 

Fredericks & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: All eight owners of the boat pitched in to paint, reupholster cushions, and decorate the walls—and the work continues. During last winter's deep freeze, the pipes burst. "It's called boat for 'bust out another thousand,'" says Jolie. 

Fredericks & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: A built-in daybed (with firewood storage) and woodstove in the living room.

Fredericks & Mae houseboat | Remodelista

Above: The room has a much-used hammock with a view. The round straw rug came from West Elm via Craigslist. The low chair is a canoe seat with new caning.

Frederick & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista  

Above: Jolie and Gabe play backgammon on a board that they designed and built. Weekends on the boat are spent lounging, grilling fish (given to them by the sanitation workers who own the boat next door), surfing, and making cucumber-mint gin and tonics. Cleanup and maintenance somehow happen without designated roles—"this place is so important to all of us that it just gets done," says Gabe.

Frederick & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: The room opens onto the kitchen sectioned off by a bar. The rope chairs are from Urban Outfitters.

Intrigued? Go to Steal This Look: The Affordable Summer Clubhouse for sourcing details.

Frederick & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: The boat came with a burnt orange sink, so the group kitted out the kitchen with orange and white tableware.

Fredericks & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: Sophia and Honora, two of the houseboaters, painted the wooden bar in a pattern inspired by the old Rockaway boardwalk (since destroyed by Hurricane Sandy).

Frederick & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: Limiting the kitchen's palette keeps the open shelves looking tidy.

Frederick & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

 Above: Another built-in sofa—this one is on the starboard side of the living room. 

Frederick & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: Every boat needs a whale; this one came from Gabe's grandmother's house and was likely once used a serving board. (For a similar wooden whale, see our post on Sir/Madam's Nostalgic Tableware.)

Frederick & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: Stairs beyond the kitchen lead to the two-tiered roof where big parties take place (maximum capacity, they've discovered: 120 people).

Fredericks & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista  

Above: Gabe and Jolie on the top of the boat.

Fredericks & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: There are four bunk rooms—each sleeps two—and the group has a no-nesting rule: "We all just take turns staying in each room and we keep it all neutral. Psychically, it's so much nicer that way," says Jolie. The bedcover is one of Fredericks & Mae's Linen Towels.

Fredericks & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: The Captain's Room, on the roof, is the largest—"but," points out Gabe, "it also can be the loudest—seagulls drop shells on the roof."

Fredericks & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: The additional three bunks are below deck. This one has a ceiling light made from a beeswax-dipped glass jug with the bottom cut off.

Fredericks & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: A nautical poster tacked to the wall.

Fredericks & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: Fredericks & Mae Darts, Beach Tennis Paddles, and Bocce Balls—Gabe and Jolie like to say that they specialize in "objects for the home, garden, and sky." Take a look at more of their designs in Good Sport: Summer Games by Fredericks & Mae.

Fredericks & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: A Hudson's Bay Blanket and rattan thrift-store light in a wood-paneled room. (Go to our 12 Easy Pieces if you're looking for a Mosquito Net of your own.) 

Fredericks & Mae and friends houseboat | Remodelista

Above: A corner of the room is decorated with straw hand fans and Fredericks & Mae Darts (the dart bodies are made by US manufacturer Apex; Gabe hand finishes them with colored thread and fletching).

Houseboat responsibilities drawing by Morgan Evans | Remodelista

Above: Morgan Evans, one of the houseboaters, drew this "visualization" during the purchase process to "help the group understand what we were getting into," says Gabe. 

Frdericks & Mae & friends houseboat Will Van Dorp of Tugster photo | Remodelista

Above: A tug called the Patty Nolan moved the houseboat (and new owners) down the Hudson River, a journey that took two 13-hour days. Will Van Dorp of the blog Tugster took this portrait as the boat entered New York Harbor.

Fredericks & Mae and friends houseboat dock | Remodelista

Above: The houseboat's marina in the Rockaways is surrounded by urban life. The boat doesn't have a working bathroom or shower, but the marina is equipped with surprisingly nice versions of both.

Fredericks-&-Mae-houseboat-Douglas-Lyle-Thompson-Remodelista-31.jpg Above:

Above: A Fredericks & Mae Windsock flies from a fishing rod.

For more by Fredericks & Mae, see Back to the Future and A Modern Take on Worry Beads.

Interested in life on the water? Go to Houseboats to see A Mother and Daughter Afloat in Paris and Gardenista's DIY Cobalt Blue Planters (Houseboat Optional).

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on June 25, 2014, as part of our Life Aquatic issue.

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Design Sleuth: 6 Summery Natural Fiber Pendant Lights

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A roundup of basket-weave pendant lights that telegraph summer.

MCM Mykonos Romain Ricard | Remodelista

Above: A pair of pendant lights in a MCM Mykonos villa. Photograph by Romain Ricard.

Seagrass Market Pendant from Restoration Hardware | Remodelista

Above: The bell-shaped Seagrass Market Pendant, handwoven from natural wicker with a whitewashed finish, is $179 from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child.

Made in Mimbre Lights | Remodelista

Above: Pendant lights from Made in Mimbre; see details and more from the line at Wicker Made Modern from Chile.

Ikea Wicker Pendant Light | Remodelista

Above: The classic rattan Leran Pendant is $149 from Ikea.

Nipprig Woven Light | Remodelista

Above: The Nipprig Bamboo Shade is $21.99 from Ikea.

Basket light at Merci Paris spring 2015 | Remodelista

Above: A giant basket light in the spring display at Merci in Paris; inquire about pricing.

For more ideas, browse our Lighting gallery, including:

For summery woven fiber poufs, see Channeling the Laid-Back Look with L'Aviva Home.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on April 20, 2015, as part of our Primary Colors issue.

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The Cult of the Courtyard: 10 Houses with Amazing Interior Light

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Interior courtyards blur the boundaries between landscape and architecture. They make adjacent interior rooms feel larger and offer a unique combination of fresh air and privacy.

We all want to spend more time in nature, and residents of houses with glass-walled interior courtyards experience a bit of the great outdoors from the comfort of their homes. In structures with courtyards nestled between separate wings, the courtyard is often the most direct (and refreshing) route from one part of the house to another.

Here we've rounded up 10 houses with interior courtyards designed by members of the Remodelista + Gardenista Architect/Designer Directory.

Above: In a densely concentrated neighborhood of modest dwellings and businesses, this Austin house by Alterstudio Architecture is private on the outside while providing communal outdoor space via an internal courtyard. All rooms adjacent to the courtyard have natural ventilation and light.

Above: Also by Alterstudio, this interesting Austin design is situated in a less interesting subdivision. The architects drew attention away from the surrounding neighborhood by turning the focus inward to a courtyard filled with creeping zoysia grass connected to the front of the house by a glass hallway. The structure's architectural focus is the centralized outdoor space and its rear view.

Above: Jennifer Weiss Architecture of San Francisco remodeled a William Wurster house with full-height glass walls abutting the kitchen, dining, and living rooms, making the courtyard an extension of the main open living space. For more from the architect, see Steal This Look: J. Weiss Kitchen & Bar in SF. Photograph by Lucas Fladzinski

Above: London architects Stiff + Trevillion turned a Victorian vicarage into a single-family home. The resulting part-Gothic, part-modern design features a skylit courtyard to ease the transition from the interior portion of the house to the exterior. See more of the firm's new/old aesthetic in A Victorian Remodel with an Industrial Edge.

Above: This East Hampton house by Deborah Berke & Partners was sited on the far corner of a 1.4-acre property as a way to leave as much of the yard as open as possible. The courtyard shown above is one of several discrete outdoor spaces designed to highlight the landscape. For more by the firm, see Architect Visit: Deborah Berke Artist's Studio in New York.

Above: When Mesh Architectures renovated a Brooklyn house with a garage that filled the entire property lot, the architects created an interior courtyard instead of a typical rear yard. A great room, master bedroom, and master bathroom open onto the courtyard, expanding each of those rooms outdoors, particularly in good weather. For more from the architects, see The Architect Is In: Romancing the Loft with Mesh Architectures

Above: This compound in Stinson Beach near San Francisco was renovated by Pfau Long Architecture and Marin, California-based Blasen Landscape Architecture. The owners wanted usable outdoor space but had to contend with salt air and extreme winds, so the designers found a solution in a protected courtyard sited among the main living spaces and outbuildings. For the full story, see A Beautiful Seaside Garden at the End of a Dirt Road. Photograph by Marion Brenner

Above: Architects Edwards Moore renovated a small workers' cottage in Melbourne, adding multiple interior courtyards to lend an outdoor component to the living spaces. The walls of glass help to bring natural light into the all-white interior. For more on the design, see The Magic of Two Courtyards in Melbourne. Photograph by Fraser Marsden.

Above: Renovated by Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects, this Hamptons house is composed of a two-story bedroom wing and a one-story series of communal spaces connected by an open courtyard. According to architect Viola Rouhani, "Every meal happens in that courtyard." For more on the project, see The Architect Is In: A Home in the Hamptons, Designed to Endure.

Above: Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture designed several interior courtyards in an austerely modern Marin house. The courtyards function as art pieces that extend the size of the adjacent rooms. For more by Cochran, see Garden Visit: Andrea Cochran's Courtyard Vignettes.

For more ideas, peruse our Gallery of Rooms and Spaces. And for more courtyards, see The Magic of Two Courtyards in Melbourne and, on Gardenista, LA Confidential: A Private Courtyard Garden Goes Luxe on a Budget.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on June 6, 2014, as part of our Indoor/Outdoor issue.

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New Naturals for Fall from Coyuchi

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Coyuchi, a Remodelista favorite for organic linens, is giving away a $1,000 Gift Card to one lucky Remodelista reader. On Wednesday we shared some choice Coyuchi Classics, and today we've gathered five favorites from Coyuchi's new offerings for fall. 

New to Coyuchi? The Marin, California, company makes highest-quality organic and ethically made linens for bed, bath, table, and more, and has long been a Remodelista go-to source for bedding, towels, and gifts. For more from Coyuchi, follow our shared Nature-Inspired Textiles board on Pinterest. 

Scroll below for our Coyuchi picks for fall, and don't forget to Enter to Win a $1,000 gift card from Coyuchi by September 10. 

Coyuchi Cascade Coverlet | Remodelista

Above: Coyuchi's new Cascade Coverlet is the ideal extra layer for turning a lightweight duvet into a bed ready for colder nights. The blanket is made of 100 percent organic cotton, woven in Portugal, and stitched with an all-over pattern to give it a rumpled, quilted appearance. It's available in four colors—(from top) Granite, Alpine White, Pale Ocean, and Indigo—and priced at $298 for full/queen and $348 for king. Matching Cascade Shams are available in standard ($58) and Euro ($78). 

Coyuchi Dotted Lantern Printed Sheets

Above: The artwork for Coyuchi's new Dotted Lantern Printed Sheets was painted with a fine-tipped watercolor brush, inspired by intricate patterns found throughout Morocco. The pattern was reproduced in exacting detail in two shades—Deep Pewter and Tonal Oceans—on white 200-thread-count organic percale sheets. Standard sheet sets (one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and one pillowcase for twin, two pillowcases for larger sizes) are priced from $248 for twin through $348 for king.

Coyuchi Cloud Loom Towels and Mediterranean Towels | Remodelista

Above: The newest addition to the Coyuchi bath towel range, plush Cloud Loom Towels are made of extra-long staple organic Turkish cotton for a luxurious, slightly shaggy feel. The towels are available in five colors, including (above right) Palest Ocean and Natural, starting at $18 for a washcloth through $68 for a bath towel. At left are Coyuchi's beloved Mediterranean towels—thin but absorbent, in the traditional Turkish style; $8 to $68.

Coyuchi Supima Sateen Sheets | Remodelista

Above: Coyuchi's new 500 Thread Count Supima Sateen sheets are the grandest in Coyuchi's lineup of Supima—a long staple premium American cotton of superior softness and durability (read more about Supima on the Coyuchi Blog). Sheets and duvets are available in two colors—Alpine White and Natural—and start at $448 for a full/queen duvet tahrough $598 for a king sheet set.

Coyuchi Cambria Stripe Bedding | Remodelista

Above: Coyuchi's new Cambria collection is truly global: The duvet takes its name from Cambria, California—an ocean-loving town on the central California coast—and is made in an Indian factory that recycles 98 percent of its wastewater. Upon closer inspection of the collection's irregular indigo stripes, you'll find tiny woven diamonds—shapes inspired by traditional African blankets. The well-traveled Cambria starts at $298 for a full/queen duvet, with matching shams from $58.

Don't delay: Enter the Remodelista + Coyuchi $1,000 Giveaway by September 10.

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Current Obsessions: Summer's Last Glow

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Read on to see what we loved this week.

Architects Reform Ikea Kitchens via Design Milk | Remodelista

  • Above: In anticipation of our upcoming Luxe Minimalism issue, we're examining three Ikea kitchens that have been redesigned by Danish architects. Photograph courtesy of Reform. 
  • Although it's a little early for ghouls, we're touring America's haunted houses
  • To celebrate the 50th anniversary since Le Corbusier's death, here are 50 little-known facts about the architect. 

Erica Tanov and Emily Payne Collaboration | Remodelista

  • Above: On Friday, September 11, designer Erica Tanov and artist Emily Payne come together for an exhibition of their latest work at Erica Tanov's Berkeley shop. 
  • Live like Katharine Hepburn in Los Angeles for $1.7 million.
  • Ugly Belgian houses. 

Arian Rust Ceramics Using Resign | Dezeen

  • Above: Product designer Ariane Prin mixes metal dust with plaster to create rusted homewares.
  • A home in Bedford, New York, that once belonged to Muppet's creator Jim Henson is on the market for $1.2 million. 
  • Table for Two transforms from a desk to a dining table. 

Mapiful Custom Minimal Prints | Remodelista

  • Above: Mapiful creates minimal, custom maps for any city. Photograph courtesy of Decor8.

Instagram and Pinterest Picks of the Week

Remodelista Instagram Pick of the Week: @rachelduvall

  • Above: We're following textile designer and natural dye expert Rachel Duvall (@rachelduvall) on Instagram. 

Remodelista Pinterest Pick: Angeline Tetrault

  • Above: Looking for ways to display a collection? Head to product designer Ange-line Tetrault's Collection board for inspiration.

For more Remodelista, see our Best of Summer issue, and don't miss Gardenista's week of Heat Waves

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Table of Contents: Luxe Minimalism

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Noticed lately: A move toward glamorous minimalism. We're gearing up for a week of luxe, understated design.

Apparatus Lighting | Remodelista

Above: Lighting by Apparatus Studio, a premier purveyor of the new look in luxury.

Monday

  Hans Verstuyft Antwerp Bath | Remodelista

Above: World's chicest bath? We think so; it's just one of many features we're admiring in Monday's Architect Visit.

Tuesday

Brass Bed by Piet Hein Eek | Remodelista

Above: A new line of beds and bedding from a Dutch company in our Bed Linens and Beds departments. 

Wednesday

Joseph Dirand Kitchen in Paris | Remodelista

Above: Light switches and outlets so attractive they qualify as decor. 

Thursday

Annabelle Selldorf East Village Townhouse | Remodelista

Above: Janet explains the ins and outs of metal doors in our Remodeling 101 section.

Friday

  Leigh Herzig Staircase | Remodelista

Above: Trend alert: We're rounding up our favorite curvy (and glamorous) staircases.  

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Sober Luxury in Downtown Antwerp

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Architect Hans Verstuyft works his magic in a duplex penthouse located in a 1960s office building in Antwerp, Belgium. The building's exterior is nothing special (think repetitive stacks of steel and glass), but the interiors tell a different story. 

Photography via Hans Verstuyft Architecten, unless otherwise noted.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: The exterior of the building in downtown Antwerp.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: A view of the interior wraparound space.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: Filtered light through the courtyard tree is sketched across interior walls, shifting throughout the day.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: The brass ceiling lights, seen here and throughout the penthouse, were designed by Hans Verstuyft from solid brass. Verstuyft patinated the brass, he says, “for a more sober aspect.” Photograph via Indico Painting.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: Floor-length curtains offer privacy.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: The raw-edge sofa is upholstered in Kvadrat wool.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: Verstuyft designed the kitchen, which features massive sandstone blocks. “The idea refers to an old brick build kitchen, like the earlier days in French farmhouses,” says Vertstuyft. The countertops and narrow shelf are also built of sandstone, and the shelf sits on a set of custom brass support rods.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: The kitchen interior features wooden storage boxes, which, as Vertstuyft says, “make it all less designed and more alive." Photograph via Indico Painting.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: The table and countertop shelving are American walnut. Photograph via Indico Painting.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: Fireplaces add a homey ambience.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: Closets are built into the walls with vertical lats on each cabinet to serve as pull levers.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: In the bedroom, the rhythmic nature of hidden storage creates the effect of a wall finishing.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: The freestanding bathtub was made to measure in aluminum. It was initially to be covered in stone but midway through the project Verstuyft changed his mind and clad the tub with boat paint inside and a thin brass sheet outside. Verstuyft patinated the new Vola bath faucet by brushing it with an acid treatment.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: Outside, a counter flow rooftop pool allows for swimming with the Antwerp skyline.

Hans Verstuyft Penthouse in Antwerp | Remodelista

Above: The floor plan details the ground office floor (L) and penthouse levels (R).

For more modern design inspiration, see our posts.

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Beautiful Basics: The Brass Light Switch and More by Meljac

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Have you ever noticed how an unattractive light switch can really drag a good room down? On the flip side of the spectrum, meet Meljac of France, makers of, if you ask us, the World's Most Beautiful Brass Switches, Sockets, and Other Wall Fittings. We discovered the company in 2013 and have since checked back in many times to see more. Here's what we found.

Wall switches from Meljac of France | Remodelista

Above: Established 20 years ago by engineer Andre Bousquet, Meljac has supplied wall hardware to Versailles, the Louvre, and a who's who of French designers. Its designs are solid brass that comes in more than 25 finishes (brushed nickel with brass buttons, for instance, is shown here). All are made to order at the company's factory outside of Paris and can be customized.

Two years ago, Meljac established LVL-USA to introduce the line to the trade in the US and Canada. Contact LDL for pricing and ordering information.

Brass bedside light and light switches from Meljac of France | Remodelista

Above: Meljac's lighting controls for the US market are focused on home automation systems—not meant for replacing a switch or two, but intended to work with full lighting setups. The outlets and data plates, however, are all UL-listed for standard US line voltage, so they can easily work in both new construction and retrofit jobs.

Shown here, at Hotel La Reserve in Paris, Meljac's Tuliipe reading lamp with an anthracite finish alongside a wall switch with push buttons for scene lighting and an all-off toggle switch. 

Luxury brass wall switches and intercoms from Meljac of Paris | Remodelista

Above: A sampling of Meljac's toggle lighting controls and, on the far left, a bronze-finished video intercom system plate, which can be used to replace an existing plate. The white light switch is back-painted glass.

Meljac toggles and push buttons are available as either "latching" (simple on/off) or "momentary," which allows for them to dim and also to serve as window shade and curtain controls. Jean-Luc Deschaine of LVL reports, "We are currently developing a line voltage dimmer switch that will allow for a simple replacement of your light switches."

Chromed brass bathroom wall switches and hardware from Meljac of France | Remodelista

Above: Meljac refers to its light switches as keypads. Here, a chrome-finished brass version with push buttons for multiple lighting options and on/off control.

Joseph Dirand kitchen with Meljac outlets | Remodelista

Above: The company also makes minimalist outlets for walls and floors—these flush-mounted, waterproof Sol models are in architect Joseph Dirand's Paris kitchen. Meljac's outlets for the North American market have UL-listed tamperproof sockets. Photograph via T.

Brass toggle switches and other wall hardware from Meljac of France | Remodelista

Above: A double USB outlet (bottom) and series of keypads, including, far right, a custom version laser-engraved with the client's own hand-drawn symbols.

Luxe plated brass kitchen light swtich and outlet covers from Meljac of France | Remodelistap

Above: A double light switch and outlet in a finish known as argent patiné. For advice on where to position outlets, consult our Remodeling 101 series, including Where to Locate Outlets, Kitchen Edition.

Entry switches and hardware from Meljac of France | Remodelista

Above: Meljac makes thermostat covers (shown here, top) and alarm system plates, too, that are on our wish list. For more details, go to LVL.

Not upgrading your electrical system anytime soon? Consider replacing your Switch Plate Covers for a small change with a big impact. And take a look at Walhub's Hardworking Switch Plates

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Steal This Look: A Grand Bathroom in Antwerp by Vincent Van Duysen

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Tim Van Geloven and Ilse Cornelissens, the husband/wife proprietors of Antwerp concept shop Graanmarkt 13, are longtime fans of designer Vincent Van Duysen's work (his own house in particular). So when they converted the top floor of Graanmarkt 13 into a guest apartment, they turned to the designer for inspiration. Located in the middle of Antwerp, Belgium, Graanmarkt 13 also houses a design store, restaurant, and gallery on the floors below. We're partial to the flat's luxurious yet minimal bathroom, featuring a freestanding marble tub, two classic washstands, and a make-up vanity hidden behind closet doors. Here's how you can re-create the minimal and sophisticated look.

Photography by Frederik Vercruysse.

Apartment Graanmarkt 13 in Antwerp I Remodelista  

Above: A sculptural marble tub is centered in the grandly proportioned space. 

Apartment Graanmarkt 13 in Antwerp I Remodelista

Above: The freestanding vanities offer a leafy view of Antwerp.

Apartment Graanmarkt 13 in Antwerp I Remodelista

Above: A make-up vanity with mirrors, built-in and hidden behind closet doors. 

Apartment Graanmarkt 13 in Antwerp I Remodelista

Above: For guests, a marble-topped vanity for self-pampering.

Key Elements

Estate Bathtub from Urban Archeology I Remodelista  

Above: The Estate Bathtub in Bianco white marble measures 68 inches and costs $18,000 from Urban Archaeology. The tub also comes in lengths of 74 and 80 inches and is available in three different stones. 

English Telephone Freestanding Tub Faucet I Remodelista  

Above: The English Telephone Freestanding Tub Faucet comes in four finishes and two heights; $491.95 from Signature Hardware.  

Palladio Metal Round Two Leg Single Washstand from Waterworks I Remodelista  

Above: Consider the Palladio Metal Round Two-Leg Single Washstand from Waterworks for a similar-looking vanity option. The washstand is available in three finishes and starts at $1,984 (for the chrome finish) from Waterworks. 

Zangra-Porcelain-Socket-Remodelista  

Above: Designed and developed by Zangra in Belgium, the Pure Porcelain Lampholder is available in black or white; €40 ($61). For more, check out Zangra's US Collection.

Accessories

Belgian Textured Linen Drapery from Restoration Hardware I Remodelista  

Above: Belgian Textured Linen Drapery comes in three styles, two widths, four lengths, and 10 colors; starting at $139 (currently on sale) for one panel from Restoration Hardware.

Printed Ziya Rug from Anthropologie I Remodelista  

Above: The Printed Ziya Rug comes in four colors (shown in navy) and several sizes. The rug costs $298 (for a five-by-seven-foot size) from Anthropologie. 

T-Knob-from-Amerock-Remodelista  

Above: The Amerock T-Knob in flat black costs $2.20 from Simply Knobs and Pulls. 

Antique Wooden Stool I Remodelista  

Above: The Elm Wooden Stool is made of antique wood; £230 ($354) from Bodie and Fou.

Marble Bath Accessories from CB2 I Remodelista  

Above: The Marble Bath Accessories collection from CB2 include a Marble Toothbrush/Razor Cup ($10.95), a Marble Soap Pump ($19.95), a Marble Canister ($16.95), and a Marble Soap Dish ($9.95). 

Top Shelf Hand Cut Crystal Bevel Decanter I Remodelista  

Above: Made from European 24 percent lead crystal, this Top-Shelf Hand-Cut Crystal Bevel Decanter adds a luxe feel to the vanity area; $69.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond. 

Pottery Barn's Classic 820-gram Weight Bath Towel in white I Remodelista  

Above: Pottery Barn's Classic 820-Gram Weight Bath Towel in white (also available in 14 other colors) costs $28. For more options, see 10 Easy Pieces: Basic White Towels.

Still wanting more? Read 20 Questions: Julianne Moore and Vincent Van Duysen Talk Design, in which he reveals the three objects he can't live without. Here's a glimpse of the Graanmarkt 13 restaurant, gallery, and shop.

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The New Metallics: Beds by Piet Hein Eek

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Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek—a Remodelista favorite—has collaborated with Dutch eco-bedding line Yumeko to design three handmade beds to complement the "luxurious simplicity" of the Yumeko brand. The beds—in copper, oak, and powder-coated steel—are the bedding company's first foray into furniture.

For more from the designer, Shop Piet Hein Eek on Remodelista. 

Photography by Aico Lind for Yumeko. 

Piet Hein Eek Bed for Yumeko | Remodelista

Above: A copper-plated steel bed. 

Piet Hein Eek Bed for Yumeko | Remodelista

Above: The attached headboard is lined with felt from a traditional felt maker in Portugal; it's not dyed, but is the same ivory color of the sheep's wool.

Piet Hein Eek Bed for Yumeko | Remodelista

Above: Hein Eek's wooden bed is made of FSC-certified solid European oak. The wood is left unvarnished to show the grain and warm color of the oak. 

Piet Hein Eek Bed for Yumeko | Remodelista

Above: At the juncture of each bed leg, brass screws give the wooden bed a glamorous detail. 

Piet Hein Eek Bed for Yumeko | Remodelista

Above: Hein Eek's metal bed is gray powder-coated steel. The headboard is lined with the same Portuguese felt as in the copper bed, this time of naturally brown sheep's wool.

Piet Hein Eek Bed for Yumeko | Remodelista

Above: The brass and steel beds are the same basic design, with diagonal steel reinforcements at each leg.  

Piet Hein Eek Workshop and Studio | Remodelista

Above: The beds are made by hand in Piet Hein Eek's workshop in Eindhoven, Netherlands. 

For more from Piet Hein Eek, see: 

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Back to Brass: Glamorous Bath Fixtures from Japan

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Spotted while perusing the wares at Analogue Life (one of our favorite purveyors of household goods): simple bath hardware as an art form, from Chiba Metal Works in Japan. "Designed with smooth, straight lines and no adornment, these simple pieces will develop a natural patina over time to create an uneven tone that adds to the industrial character," according to Analogue Life. Here are some favorites from the line:

Chiba Hooks | Remodelista

Above: The Chiba Brass Hook is $15 from Analogue Life.

Chiba Hanger | Remodelista

Above: A prototype of a brass hanger.

Chiba TP Holder | Remodelista

Above: The Iron Roll Paper Holder is $81 from Analogue Life.

Chiba Metal Works & Design Brass Toilet Paper Roll Holder | Remodelista

Above: The Brass Paper Holder is $82 from Analogue Life.

Brass Hanger from Chiba | Remodelista

Above: A trio of brass hooks with matching brass hangers.

Chiba Metal Works & Design Brass Towel Rod | Remodelista

Above: The Chiba Towel Bar is $40 from Analogue Life.

Chiba Metal Works & Design Iron Towel Rod | Remodelista

Above: The Iron Chiba Towel Bar is $40 from Analogue Life.

Chiba Brass Hangers | Remodelista

Above: Small brass hangers for hand towels.

See more Bath Accessories in our Shop section and check out The Ultimate Bathrobe Hook, Modern Dad Edition.

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10 Easy Pieces: Chic Champagne Buckets

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Every so often it’s time to take stock of the latest ice buckets out there. The ice bucket is the ultimate in tabletop luxury, an object that designers seem to enjoy refining again and again. Here is a list of some recent introductions mixed with a few of our favorite standbys (see more in 10 Easy Pieces: Champagne Buckets).

Stelton Danish Ice Bucket | Remodelista

Above: Arne Jacobsen's AJ Ice Bucket, designed in 1967 for Stelton, is polished stainless steel for $298 at The Line.

Stainless Steel Travel Ice Bucket | Remodelista

Above: The Italian-made Stainless Steel Travel Ice Bucket is a shape inspired by farm milk containers; $250 at March in San Francisco.

Maison Margiela Ice Bucket Champagne Pail | Remodelista

Above: The industrial-influenced Champagne Pail from Maison Martin Margiela in collaboration with L'Atelier D'Exercises; $530 at A+R Store.

Ralph Lauren Cocktail Set at ABC Carpet & Home | Remodelista

Above: The Ralph Lauren Home Montgomery Cocktail Set is made of Art Deco–inspired silver-plated brass. The set is $295 at ABC Carpet & Home.

Rift Cut White Oak Ice Bucket by Cliff Spencer | Remodelista

Above: The Rift Cut White Oak Ice Bucket by Cliff Spencer for Food52 is $250.

Established Champagne Bucket by Dante Goods and Bads | Remodelista

Above: The Established Champagne Bucket by Dante Goods & Bads is made in Germany of brass with 25 micron silver for $275 at Garde in Los Angeles.

Alessi 5052 Ice Bucket | Remodelista

Above: When Ettore Sottsass designed the 5052 Wine Cooler for Alessi, he studied the different bottle shapes of wine to ensure that all bottles are immersed up to the neck and can fit two bottles together; $262 at YLiving.

Michael Anastassiades Mirror Ice Bucket | Remodelista

Above: Michael Anastassiades's Mirror Ice Bucket is made of double-walled mirrored glass; $260 at The Future Perfect.

Tom Dixon New Plum Ice Bucket | Remodelista

Above: Tom Dixon's latest design is the Plum Champagne Bucket in a deep blue glass with a textured exterior; $290 for Horne.

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A Caviar Bar in Finland with a Wintry Palette

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Joanna Laajisto refrained from the usual caviar-bar bling in her design for Finlandia Caviar, an 11-seat restaurant and shop in a historic building overlooking the Helsinki harbor. Instead, her approach is a fresh take on Scandinavian understatement, in shades that she says she lifted directly from the Finnish winter landscape. 

Photography via Joanna Laajisto Creative Studio.

Finlandia Caviar House in Helsinki designed  by Joanna Lajiisto | Remodelista

Above: Using paints from Finnish brand Tikkurila, Laajisto hewed to a palette of subdued grays, creams, and hints of marine blue. The caviar prints lining the 148-square-foot space were commissioned from designer Eeva-Maria Piiparinen.

Finlandia Caviar House in Helsinki designed by Joanna Lajiisto | Remodelista

Above: The furnishings are the work of local artists and manufacturers, including Woodnotes, which makes the waxed oak Siro+ chairs. The tables have quartz tops. Intrigued? Read about engineered quartz counters in our Remodeling 101 post.

Finlandia Caviar House in Helsinki designed by Joanna Lajiisto | Remodelista

Above: The bar offers views of the Helsinki harbor and is right across from the city's open-air public market and revived Old Market Hall (home to another Laajisto design). The blue stools are Eero Aarnio's Rocket Stool from Artek. The ceramic pendant lights are the work of young Helsinki designer Iina Vuorivirta.

Finlandia Caviar House in Helsinki designed by Joanna Lajiisto | Remodelista

Above: The tile floor came with the space, which was formerly occupied by a tiny clothing shop. "We always try to keep some original elements in the design to retain the history and right atmosphere," says Laajisto.

Finlandia Caviar House in Helsinki designed by Joanna Lajiisto | Remodelista

Above: Our favorite detail: Menus are presented on custom clipboards with leather loops that hang from pegs. In addition to caviar, oysters are on offer, along with a well-chosen list of vodkas and Champagnes.

Finlandia Caviar House in Helsinki designed  by Joanna Lajiisto | Remodelista

Situated in a grand stone building, Finlandia Caviar Shop & Restaurant is at 20 Eteläranta, in the center of the action on the Port of Helsinki. 

Next stop? Take a look at Story Restaurant, Laajisto's design a stone's throw away in the revived Old Market Hall, Vanha Kauppahalli.

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Architectural Hardware from a Japanese Artisan

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We've long been fans of Futagama, a Japanese collective founded in 1897 that makes brass artifacts in the Buddhist tradition, with a focus on producing household accessories made of brass alloys. The company recently launched Matureware, a new line of architectural hardware that includes brass switchplates, door handles, plaques, and more. The name, according to the company, "is a play on hardware, with an emphasis on the idea that due to the brass casting process the products will develop an aged, or 'mature,' patina over time." It's still early days; go to Matureware for pricing and sourcing information.

Brass Lighting Switches from Japan | Remodelista

Above: The product line is a collaboration between Oji Masanori and Yoshiki Yamazaki and includes shelving as well as light switches. Shown above: The In Response Shelf and the four-toggle Switch Plate. Contact Matureware directly for pricing.

Matureware Brass Hardware from Japan | Remodelista

Above: A selection of the offerings.

Matureware Brass Hardware from Japan | Remodelista

Above: World's most elegant Nameplate?

Matureware Brass Hardware from Japan | Remodelista

Above: Lever Handles are available in a variety of configurations.

Matureware Brass Hardware from Japan | Remodelista

Above: Switch Plates can be customized according to use.

Matureware Brass Hardware from Japan | Remodelista

Above: A side view of the In Response shelf.

We're obsessed with architectural hardware this week: Don't miss Back to Brass: Glamorous Bath Fixtures from Japan and Beautiful Basics: The Brass Light Switch and More.

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High-Brow Hack: Norm Architects Reinvent the Ikea Kitchen

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There are plenty of artful Ikea kitchen hacks out there. But the latest designs by Reform of Denmark are in a class of their own. Specializing in custom cabinet fronts and counters that work with Ikea kitchen skeletons, the furniture company has just unveiled three new upgrades by star Scandinavian firms; we're sold on Norm Architects' darkly elegant solution.

Photography via Reform.

Elegant Ikea hack kitchen designed by Norm Architects and available from Reform of Denmark | Remodelista

Above: Norm Architects' handle-free approach is intended to look "like the best furniture designs." (We've been watching the kitchen furniture movement take shape; see Julianne Moore's eat-in kitchen designed like a living room.)

Elegant Ikea hack kitchen designed by Norm Architects and available from Reform of Denmark | Remodelista

Above: The kitchen's core is built from Ikea's basic European kitchen system, Metod, which Reform's clients buy on their own in consultation with Ikea's design experts. The setup is then finished with Norm's cabinet fronts and counters, which are fabricated by Reform and come in a range of materials. They're shown here with doors of bronzed tombac, a brass alloy, and a fiber-reinforced concrete counter that wraps around the sides. Sawn oak and smoked oak doors are also available.

"The materials, which have seldom been used in kitchens, give a clean but raw expression," explain the architects, who add that the elements were also selected for durability: "This kitchen," they say, "does not grow ugly."

Elegant Ikea hack kitchen: Smoked oak kitchen cabinet detail, Norm-Architects design for Ikea upgraders, Reform of Denmark  | Remodelista

Above: A look at the concrete counter with an integrated sink and square lava stone workboard (sold separately). The counters are 18 millimeters thick and can be ordered with odd angles—Reform just needs measurements and a work drawing.

Curious about lava stone? Learn all about its countertop possibilities in Remodeling 101.

Elegant Ikea hack kitchen designed by Norm Architects and available from Reform of Denmark | Remodelista

Above: Further departing from Ikea, Norm chose a faucet by Vola—but fixture and appliance choice is up to each owner.

Elegant Ikea hack kitchen designed by Norm Architects and available from Reform of Denmark | Remodelista

Above L and R: The bronzed tombac drawer and cabinet fronts are adhered to 18-millimeter-thick, black-dyed MDF. The metal edges are varnished and twice coated with wax.

Elegant Ikea hack kitchen: Smoked oak kitchen cabinet detail, Norm-Architects design for Ikea upgraders, Reform of Denmark  | Remodelista

Above: "The bronzed tombac will gradually get a golden shine in areas of continuous wear and patinate beautifully over time," says Reform. The drawers and cabinets work with push openers that come from Ikea; handles can be ordered if needed for integrated household appliances, such as fridges and dishwashers.

  Sink and counter detail, elegant Ikea hack kitchen designed by Norm Architects and available from Reform of Denmark | Remodelista

Above: A concrete counter and sink is but one of the options. The counter is also available in bronzed tombac, and veneered, smoked, and natural oak. 

Reform delivers its products worldwide and is in the process of adapting its designs to work with Sektion, Ikea's basic kitchen system in the US.

Elegant Ikea hack kitchen: Smoked oak kitchen cabinet detail, Norm-Architects design for Ikea upgraders, Reform of Denmark  | Remodelista

Above: Buyers can select counters, cabinet fronts, and plinths that contrast with each other, or go with all the same materials. Prices start at €145 ($163.30) for a 40-by-40-centimeter drawer in oak, and €245 ($275.92) in tombac; a 40-by-60-centimeter door is €148 ($166.48) in oak and €290 ($326.60) in tombac. Reform uses its customers' Ikea orders and work drawings to deliver the parts, which arrive prepared for mounting on Ikea hinges. Owners take care of the installation themselves.

Have an Ikea kitchen in need of an overhaul? Norm's fronts work on Ikea's European Metod system and its predecessor Faktum. Go to Reform for more details.

The US counterpart of Reform? See The SemiHandmade Ikea Kitchen

And for more Ikea upgrades, take a look at:

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Trend Alert: 9 Ways to Use Copper in the Kitchen

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Copper tones: A new metallic is having a moment.

Range Hood

Grey Apartment with Copper Range Hood | Remodelista

Above: In a Stockholm kitchen, a copper range hood adds a warm note to an otherwise calm and cool palette. Photograph via Per Jansson.

Prep Sink

Skye Gyngell London House | Remodelista

Above: A copper utility sink in the kitchen of London's chef of the moment; see more at In the Kitchen with Skye Gyngell.

Shelving

FvF Magnus Reed Kitchen | Remodelista

Above: Copper pipe shelving in the home of Magnus Reed; see more at 10 Favorites: Exposed Copper Pipes as Decor

Backsplash

Copper Backsplash in Jersey Ice Cream Co. Kitchen | Remodelista

Above: A copper flashing backsplash in A Country House Reinvented by Jersey Ice Cream Co.

Faucet

Copper Pipe Faucet | Remodelista

Above: A bespoke copper faucet in Steal This Look: The Endless Summer Kitchen by Jamie Blake.

Countertops

Copper Countertop | Remodelista

Above: Copper countertops in a Swedish country house via Hus & Hem (for a tutorial on DIY copper countertops, go to Lilliedale).

Lighting

Copper Pendants in the Kitchen | Remodelista

Above: A trio of copper pendants by Australian designer Kate Stokes. Photograph via Merchant No. 4.

Cabinet Pulls

Superfront Copper Cabinet Pulls | Remodelista

Above: Swedish company Superfront offers a suite of copper cabinet pulls and kitchen fixtures.

Cookware

Copper Pots in Kitchen | Remodelista

Above: A suite of copper pots adds a golden glow to an otherwise cool-toned kitchen; via This Is Glamorous.

Also see 10 Favorites: Exposed Copper Pipes as Decor and DIY: Copper Plumbing Hooks.

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