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Current Obsessions: Eastward Bound

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Here's a look at a few things we admired this week.

  kate-dougherty-new-york-times-remodelista

  • Above: We love seeing what our design friends Kate Dougherty and Benjamin Towill are up to. Here's a look at their recently sold Charleston cottage. Photograph by Jane Beiles for the New York Times.
  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachman-Wilson House opens in northwest Arkansas.
  • In anticipation of next week's issue, New New England, we take a look back at our favorite improper Bostonians.
  • Win $2,000 in bath essentials. 

  Elle-Decor-Colors-Remodelista-Current-Obsessions

  Gold-Cash-Gold-Detroit-Remodelista

  • Above: On our Detroit list: Gold Cash Gold. Photograph by Emily Berger.
  • A stool for those of us who can't sit still. 
  • Ingenious ways to save on heat this winter. 

  Coral and Tusk on Remodelista

Instagram and Pinterest Picks of the Week

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  • Above: We love seeing New England through the lens of the Dean Hotel team (@thedeanhotel).

raina-Kattelson-wall-tara-hurst-pinterest-remodelista  

  • We're inspired by Tara Hurst's The Walls board on Pinterest. Photograph by Raina Kattelson.

For more Remodelista, see our The Holiday House issue, and head over to Gardenista to read about The New Landscape

 

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Top 5 in Design News: Fendi Funds the Trevi Fountain and the English Country House is Under Threat

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This week in design news: Frank Gehry downplays his involvement in the LA River project, Rome's Trevi Fountain reopens, and English country houses may not be around forever.  

World Architecture Festival Awards

Japanese Music School World Architecture Award | Remodelista

Above: Toho Gakuen School of Music in Japan by architect Nikken Sekkei won the Higher Education and Research category. Photo via Arch Daily
 
The three-day World Architecture Festival drew to a close on Friday in Singapore. More than 30 projects were named as category winners, and the overall World Building of the Year award went to high-end housing development The Interlace in Singapore by Ole Scheeren and OMA. The Best Future Project went to Vancouver House, an unbuilt twisting residential tower by Bjarke Ingels Group to be completed in 2019. Browse the rest of the winners at World Architecture Festival

Who Will Save the English Country House?

English Country House | Remodelista

Above: The Old Rectory in Kent, a Queen Anne-style country house built in 1713. Photo via Daily Mail

British MP William Cash writes in the Telegraph about the demise of the great English country house. Compounding the financial burden of death taxes and high upkeep costs, he argues, today English country houses are under threat due to government support for unneeded infrastructure and development projects and backward tax benefits for new construction. “So much for the government safeguarding the heritage assets that make us the envy of the world,” he writes. Read it at the Telegraph

Dubai Design Week

Dubai Design Week | Remodelista

Above: The Deconstructing Zone, an installation by Brazilian designer Henrique Stabile, in Dubai's historic Al Fahidi district. Photo via Yatzer

Founded to highlight the work of Middle Eastern designers, the first Dubai Design Week came to a close on October 31. Among the highlights: Abwab, a pavilion competition by designers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Tunisia; the Soundweaving installation by Hungarian designer Zsanett Szirmay, which turned the patterns of traditional Hungarian embroidery into music; and Earth Hives by Emirates artist Latifa Saeed and Syrian artist Talin Hazbar, which explored modern interactions with traditional terra cotta pottery. Read more at CNN and Yatzer

Frank Gehry Downplays LA River Project

LA River by Dave Bullock | Remodelista

Above: The LA River at twilight. Photo by Dave Bullock

Architect Frank Gehry has earned criticism for so-called "secret" involvement in a plan to redevelop the LA River. Criticism has come primarily from community groups like the Friends of the Los Angeles River, who say they were not consulted on plans to involve Gehry, though the architect is working pro-bono. After accepting an award from the Museum of California Design last week, Gehry dismissed the controversy, saying his involvement has been misunderstood, and that the project is still in the information-gathering stage, not planning. “We haven’t even got to the design part yet,” he said. Referring to the community groups, he said, “Once we get there, they can design and build whatever they want.” Read it at Los Angeles Magazine

Trevi Fountain Reopens 

Trevi Fountain | Remodelista

Above: Image via St. Bernard Travel Blog
 
Rome's famed Trevi Fountain reopened on Tuesday after 17 months of restoration work prompted by partial collapse of the structure in 2012. The city had declined to restore the fountain, citing that it wasn't a priority for city funds during the financial crisis, so fashion house Fendi donated £1.56 million to restore the work. Read it at the Guardian.  

More from this week: 

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Table of Contents: New New England

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We'll be hosting our first New England market next weekend in Boston, so we're gearing up by exploring what's new in East Coast design.

New New England Table of Contents | Remodelista

Above: Photograph from American Gothic: A Hudson Valley Home Reborn.

Monday

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: In our Hotels & Lodging department, Alexa stops in on our new favorite upstate NY hotel.

Tuesday

8Knots | Remodelista

Above: Justine profiles one of our star vendors at our first New England Remodelista Market.

Wednesday

Hudson Woods in NY | Remodelista

Above: In our House Call section, we'll be checking in with a new concept in rural living, via a NY architect.

Thursday

Blackpoint Floor Mat | Remodelista

Above: We're coveting floor art from Blackpoint Mercantile, who will be joining us at our first New England Remodelista Market.

Friday

Ritch Holben Barn | Remodelista

Above: In our Architect Visit column, we invite a Boston-based design expert to write about her favorite New England project.

 

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Maine Modern: A Minimalist Shingled House, Thrifty New England Edition

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After years of living in a well-preserved 1840s house in Down East, Maine, Vincent Montgomery and David Cadigan felt ready for a complete change. Design buffs who spend vacations making architecture pilgrimages, the two—Cadigan is an arts educator and Montgomery works at the Jackson Laboratory in nearby Bar Harbor—happened to own a prime piece of property just next door to them with views of Mount Desert Island.

They approached architect Bruce Norelius with a compelling set of parameters: A spectacular rocky site, a cost-conscious budget, and a request for "an unapologetically contemporary house." Based in Los Angeles but a former Mainer who knows what works in these parts, Norelius created a structure of interlocking cubes, "clad humbly," he notes, "in the most traditional of New England building materials, the local white cedar shingle." This melding of old and new is more than poetic: The shingles stand ready to withstand the area's crazy weather fluctuations (and to develop a lovely silvery patina). One of the boxes elegantly incorporates a carport in the back of the house "so we essentially built a garage for free," says Norelius. And in lieu of expensive finishes and fixtures, the interiors are fuss-free Yankee minimalist: all about space and views.

Photography by Sandy Agrafiotis via Bruce Norelius Studio.

Contemporary shingled house in Maine built on a budget, designed by Bruce Norelius Studio | Remodelista

Above: "We wanted to keep the footprint of the house very small and not do any blasting of ledges," says Norelius, who describes the 1,800-square-foot structure as "intersecting Lego cubes."Large windows open up the living room level, and the band of low windows on the bedroom floor are "meant to be the perfect height for when you're in bed or sitting at a desk." That's Cadigan shaking out a blanket on the deck, "just a regular commercial membrane roof" created from the lower part of the house.

Contemporary shingled house in Maine built on a budget, designed by Bruce Norelius Studio | Remodelista

Above: The entry off the carport (see below) opens to a compactly elegant mudroom hung with Sagatsune metal hooks. Plain finished concrete flooring with radiant heat is used throughout, and is all that's needed to heat the house. The glass front door is from Andersen Windows and the benches came out of an old paper mill. Lighting designer Peter Knuppel, a neighbor, specified the lighting throughout, including the small recessed ceiling spots shown here: "He saw to it that the lights are exactly where you need them," says Norelius. "Nothing is under or over lit, or extra."

Contemporary shingled house in Maine built on a budget, designed by Bruce Norelius Studio | Remodelista

Above: Pine stairs lined with Tolomeo lights lead to the living room level. Note the slight gap on either side of the steps: the floating design is Norelius's nod to John Pawson. The walls are just drywall—"we didn't have the money for plaster"—painted Benjamin Moore White: "It's absolutely neutral, no undertones of anything in it which is why I like it; it becomes a backdrop for the materials." The careful work of builder Tobin Peacock, Norelius notes, was key to the project's success. "In a crisp, modern house so much depends on craftsmanship."

Contemporary shingled house in Maine built on a budget, designed by Bruce Norelius Studio | Remodelista

Above: The dining area overlooks a camouflaged simple kitchen: There's a range (with a downdraft vent) and dishwasher concealed on the other side of the white island, which is one of two built of painted MFD with gray laminate counters. (The fridge is tucked into a pantry.)  

Montgomery and Cadigan reduced their belongings to the bare minimum but kept a few standouts, including the grandfather clock. The cherry dining table and red oak chairs are the work of local cabinetmakers.

Contemporary shingled house in Maine built on a budget, designed by Bruce Norelius Studio | Remodelista

Above: Andersen Awning Windows were used throughout. Visible here, a corner of one of the two kitchen islands, both of which have areas for food prep and seating.

Contemporary shingled house in Maine built on a budget, designed by Bruce Norelius Studio | Remodelista

Above: How do you make a house feel roomy and luxurious when you’re on a budget? "You create views and make sure there’s space around every object, so nothing feels crowded," says Norelius, noting that the custom MDF bookshelves, which separate living room from stairs, stop below the ceiling. "That way, there's a sense of what's on the other side. I like to create layers and mystery." The base shelves double as bench seating. The closet at the back of the room houses the couple's giant record collection.

Contemporary shingled house in Maine built on a budget, designed by Bruce Norelius Studio | Remodelista

Above: The living room has sweeping views of the treetops and Mount Desert Island. There are no window coverings—"the exterior overhangs control the light well"—except on the two west-facing windows, which have translucent roller shades. The radiant floor heating here is supplemented by a woodstove. (Putting in new floors? Read Remodeling 101: 5 Things to Know about Radiant Floor Heating.)

  Bedroom in a contemporary Maine house built on a budget, designed by architect Bruce Norelius | Remodelista

Above: The floating effect continues downstairs, where there are two identical bedrooms, each with a centered custom bed frame of painted MDF detailed with a combination headboard and desk. The wall of aluminum shelving is from Rakks

Bedroom in a contemporary Maine house built on a budget, designed by architect Bruce Norelius | Remodelista

Above: The bedrooms are divided by a bare-bones bathroom with a custom vanity of painted MDF inset with a sink and topped with gray laminate (also used on the kitchen islands). Around the corner is a shower, toilet, and stacking washer/dryer. The French doors in the bedroom lead to a tiny screened porch. 

Bedroom in a contemporary Maine house built on a budget, designed by architect Bruce Norelius | Remodelista

Above: The house sits on a rising amid granite outcroppings and forest.

Contemporary Maine house built on a budget, designed by architect Bruce Norelius | Remodelista

Above: The driveway ends at the back of the house, where the carport is revealed. The one window is above the stairwell. "Every room has views, but this elevation is severe and architectural; it's where the service areas, like the pantry and powder room and stair, are hidden."

Contemporary Maine house built on a budget, designed by architect Bruce Norelius | Remodelista

Above: Norelius's ingenious use of low-cost materials extends to the carport: Paved with gravel, it has a ceiling and wall of untreated cement board. The entry door on the left is paired with a door-like long window to draw in more light.

Below: Floor plans and elevations detail the reversed L shape of the two levels. The two sizes of windows, Norelius says, "provide different ways of taking in the landscape—one very concentrated, the other wide open." 

Bedroom in a contemporary Maine house built on a budget, designed by architect Bruce Norelius | Remodelista

Maine house floor plan by architect Bruce Norelius | Remodelista

Maine house elevation by architect Bruce Norelius | Remodelista

Maine house elevation by architect Bruce Norelius | Remodelista

More Maine? See a Cottage Reborn in Coastal Maine. And go to John Pawson in Telluride to see one of Norelius's sources of inspiration, floating stairs included.

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A Hotel with a Sense of Place: Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, NY

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On a quick trip upstate a couple of weeks ago, we dropped in on the newly opened Rivertown Lodge on Warren Street in Hudson, NY. Located in a 1920s movie house, the hotel (and soon to be dining spot) is the first venture of Ray Pirkle and Kim Bucci, two friends and hospitality veterans who work under the name Ramshackle Properties.

Rivertown Lodge solves the vexing neighborhood problem of where to stay on a visit upstate, beyond the usual hotels and Airbnb offerings, according to Ray, who relocated to Hudson a couple of years ago as a "full-time guy," as he says, drawn to the sense of community: "It's a different mentality." 

Ray's aim was to take a slower route when he approached the project, sourcing from within the community and working with collaborators such as Brooklyn-based Workstead. “We knew that we wanted color, and Workstead tends to love muted tone on tone, so we wanted to push that as far as possible," he says. "The idea for us was to stack color on color and pattern on pattern in a muted, diffused way.” The result? Vintage Danish furniture reupholstered in yellows, rusts, and greens; subtle patterns like houndstooth, tartan, and abstract prints from Zak + Fox; and the warmth of cherrywood in the shape of custom woodwork throughout the 27-room hotel.

Photography by Matthew Williams for Workstead, unless otherwise noted.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: Custom log racks designed by Workstead and manufactured by Arrowhead flank a freestanding fireplace by Morsø. The furniture includes two lounge chairs of unknown origin, found on eBay and reupholstered in a custom, pale yellow fabric with houndstooth seats, a plywood table with leather feet by Tyler Hays's M. Crow and Company, and a pillow-covered settee, another vintage eBay find that was re-webbed and reupholstered.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: The light-filled lobby is partially partitioned with cherrywood walls designed by Workstead and fabricated by woodworker Markus Bartenschlager. The handwoven garnet jute rug is from Naniquina's Vegetal collection.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: A brass light fixture above the hotel's front desk was designed by Workstead and built by Markus Bartenschlager. Two stools from local studio Sawkille are among a few floating around the property.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: The kitchen is located in the hotel's public space; breakfast is made in the mornings and dinner is served in the evenings (Rivertown Lodge is planning a menu of 12 to 14 small plates under Jean Adamson of Brooklyn's Vinegar Hill House starting in mid-December). The kitchen cabinets are painted a deep yellow and the countertops are burnished schist.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: Ray, the former food and beverage director of Soho and Tribeca Grand Hotels, included a selection of Hudson-brewed craft beers on the bar menu. 

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: The bar is painted in Farrow & Ball's Tanner's Brown with cherrywood framing and the bar top ismade from a single piece of bronze. The stools are M. Crow and Company's Jack Stools, which were customized to bar height.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: A custom chair by woodworker David Wright and a built-in cubby by Rowland Butler in the hotel's bridal suite.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: A three-dimensional fibrous waffle textile by Hiroko Takeda hangs above an iron bed by Workstead.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York Photograph by Emma Tuccillo | Remodelista

Above: For the bathroom faucets, Workstead sourced classics from Chicago Faucets and stripped off the chrome to reveal the bare brass. The wood doorknob was left unfinished. Photograph by Emma Tuccillo for Rivertown Lodge. 

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: An armchair upholstered in Plus from Zak + Fox (each room has a Zak + Fox fabric upholstered chair) and a built-in bed in a corner cabin.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York Photograph by Emma Tuccillo | Remodelista

Above: Workstead's brass Orbit Sconce was custom made for Rivertown Lodge that the studio expanded into a full series.The cherrywood two-poster bed is also an original design by Workstead; it's finished with a matte Monocoat oil. Photograph by Emma Tuccillo for Rivertown Lodge.

Rivertown Lodge Porch in Hudson | Remodelista

Above: A screened-in porch area off one of the guestrooms.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: An update to the original movie theater sign from 1928, Rivertown Lodge is located at 731 Warren St. in Hudson, New York.

For more on the designers, see our posts:

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Remodelista New England Market Preview, Part II

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Today we're highlighting 11 of the lovely makers and artisans who will be participating this weekend in our first New England Market. If you're in the Boston area, please join us this Saturday and Sunday, November 14th and 15th. Our market cosponsor is Lekker Home, and the venue is their lofty showroom in the South End of Boston (ample parking in a lot nearby at 560 Harrison Ave.). Gourmet food trucks, live music, book signings, and samples of locally brewed and distilled beverages will supplement the market experience (admission is free to all). More details here.

boston-market-grid-v2

Above: A selection of offerings from 11 of the 35+ vendors at Remodelista's New England Market (clockwise from top left).

DEWOLFE - Elegant leather bags and backpacks, hand-crafted for the everyday by Gina deWolfe.

PATCH NYC - Original art and unconventional accessories for the home and body by designers Don Carney and John Ross.

ALLORE CANDLES - Delicately scented candles made with essential oils and soy wax.

LE BOUTON STUDIO - Chic, casual linen dresses and more handmade in Maine.

SALT CELLAR SHOP - Botanical and herbal salves for the body, wooden goods for the home, all handmade on Cape Cod.

STICH AND TICKLE - Handmade leather totes, purses, and wallets by artist Sophie Truong.

GAMINE CO. - Stylish yet rugged workwear for women, designed by the Greenhouse Supervisor at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

THE BONNIE BRACELET - Hand forged bracelets in brass, sterling or gold, by Cape Cod-based artisan Kara Ryan.

ALBERTINE PRESS - Elegant and witty letterpress stationery from "a sometime-architect who just loved paper more."

TEMPLETON GENERAL - Small-batch, specialty goods for the home.

PIKKU - Sunny, Scandi-inspired textiles and accents for your home, made in Vermont.

8 KNOTS - Breezy, plush towels made from fine imported linen and cotton.

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Steal This Look: A Guest Room with Subdued Style

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We've been thinking a lot about the guest room recently, as we anticipate the upcoming wave of holiday guests. Yesterday, we featured Rivertown Lodge, a new hotel on Hudson, New York's main drag designed by Workstead. The bedrooms have a simple, serene quality we'd like to co-opt. Here are a few resources to pick and choose from for a room in your holiday home.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: A custom iron bed frame by Workstead is flanked by the studio's brass sconces, at Rivertown Lodge.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: An original Hiroko Takeda textile hangs above the bed.

Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: A glimpse into one of the bedrooms of the hotel's guest suite.

Anthropologie Italian Campaign Canopy Bed | Remodelista

Above: The Italian Campaign Canopy Bed from Anthropologie resembles the bed in Rivertown Lodge's bridal suite. It's $1,698 for the queen size.

Faribault Herringbone Wool Blanket | Remodelista

Above: Faribault's Herringbone Wool Blanket in taupe is $225 for the queen size.

Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set | Remodelista

Above: The Classic Core Sheet Set from Brooklyn is a simple queen size flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases for $109. For stocking a guest room we also like their Classic Hardcore Bundle with a duvet cover and extra pillowcases for $164.25. For more in the way of sheets and bedding, see our post Bedding Disrupters: Luxury Linens for Less, Online Edition.

Faribault Foot Soldier Military Plaid Blanket | Remodelista

Above: The Foot Soldier Military Wool Blanket in Shadow Plaid is $215 for a twin size from Faribault.

Workstead Orbit Sconce in Brass | Remodelista

Above: Workstead's Orbit Sconce was custom designed for Rivertown Lodge; the sconce is available through their studio for $725.

Workstead Spool Side Table | Remodelista

Above: The Spool Side Table in cherrywood is $975 at Workstead.

Helen Levi Riverbed and Cloud Planter | Remodelista

Above: From Brooklyn ceramicist Helen Levi the Riverbed & Cloud Planter with a marbled gray pattern is $65.

Ikea Tupplur Block-Out Roller Blind | Remodelista

Above: Ikea's Tupplur Block-Out Roller Blind is $14.99 for the 24-by-77-inch size. For more on the window treatment, see our post Remodeling 101: Simple Roller Blinds

Schoolhouse Electric Cylinder Surface-Mount Light Fixture | Remodelista

Above: Schoolhouse Electric's Cylinder surface-mount light fixture in brass finished with antique black is $119.

Rejuvenation Push Button Light Switch Plate Cover | Remodelista

Above: The Lewis Triple Push-Button Switch Plate is made of hand-forged solid brass (shown in an oil-rubbed bronze finish); $30 at Rejuvenation.

Workstead Shaded Table Lamp | Remodelista

Above: The Shaded Table Lamp with a linen shade is $575 at Workstead.

Marshall Stanmore Portable Speaker in Black | Remodelista

Above: The Marshall Stanmore Portable Line-In Speaker is $294.99 at Target.

For more guest rooms to replicate, see our posts:

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Remodelista New England Market Spotight: Taylor Ceramics

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After a few years as a full-time art teacher, ceramicist Cara Taylor finally found her way back to the studio. But what started as an evening and weekend hobby soon blossomed into a full-time endeavor. An online shop and craft shows ensued. 

Today Cara splits her time between the classroom and studio, where she forms the porcelain planters and vessels that make up Taylor Ceramics. Characterized by elemental forms, sometimes folded or layered in unexpected ways, and finished with quirky details such as stitching or beadwork, Cara's pieces are often intriguingly paradoxical: both fluid and sculptural, organic and modern, "funky" and familiar. Each item is glazed in celadon, a transparent, blue-green finish, that emphasizes the form.

"I use porcelain to create forms that speak to the aspects of life where I find meaning and create ritual," explains the artist, "serving pieces to use with friends and family at mealtime as well as vessels to hold the plants and garden clippings that transform a house into a home."

Come meet Cara in person at our upcoming New England Market, November 14 and 15 at Lekker.

Taylor_Ceramics_hanging_pillow_cluster, Remodelista

Above: Made from porcelain with waxed black linen stitches, Cara Taylor's Hanging Pillow Planter works as either a vase or planter. Available in small, medium, and large; starting at $38.

Taylor_Ceramics_beaded_cups, Remodelista

Above: Formed from one slab of clay and adorned with ceramic beads; Taylor Ceramics' Beaded Porcelain Mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe; $34.

Taylor_Ceramics_stitched_planters, Remodelista

Above: A single folded piece of clay, stitched with black waxed linen accents, forms Cara's Hand-Built Porcelain Planter, Stitched Design; $48.

Taylor_Ceramics_hanging_loop, Remodelista

Above: Hanging from an organic hemp cord, this graceful Large Porcelain Planter measures 9 by 7 by 5 inches; $76.

Taylor_Ceramics_nesting_bowls, Remodelista

Above: Fashioned on a wheel, these Striped Porcelain Nesting Bowls are fired twice to a temperature of 2,230°F, which makes them very strong and durable; $130.

Taylor_Ceramics_platter, Remodelista

Above: Made from thin slab of clay, Taylor Ceramics' delicate Oval Porcelain Dish is a perfect serving piece for the holiday table; $60.

Taylor_Ceramics_small_planter, Remodelista

Above: Cara's Striped Planters come in eight different colors and three sizes—large, medium, and small (shown); $22–$46.

Taylor_Ceramics_hanging_saber, Remodelista

Above: The Saber Porcelain Hanging Planter is suspended by a leather cord. Available in small and large; $48 and $76.

 

 

 

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10 Best Holiday Decor Finds, Preview Edition

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Like it or not, the holidays are upon us, and while we're not keen on rushing into December, we do like the idea of being prepared: ordering decorations ahead of time and stashing the boxes for a couple weeks to better ease into the holiday season.

Here's a preview of some of this year's decor, edited down to our favorites.

Above: From Finnish design brand, Samuji, the Branch Candle with three branches of white tapers is $30 at The Dreslyn. For more on Samuji, see our post Style Counsel: Finnish Fashion from a Marimekko-Trained Designer.

Glass Globe Light Strand at Terrain | Remodelista

Above: This year's "it" holiday string lights? Terrain's indoor Glass Globe Light Strand is a string of LED bulbs on a fine iron wire; $34 for a seven-inch length. A Smokey Globe Light Strand is also available for the same price.

Handmade Sheep from Alder & Co. | Remodelista

Above: A flock of Handmade Sheep are made from recycled wool and virgin wool fleece; $29 per sheep from Alder & Co.

Handmade Basket Reed Woven Stars | Remodelista

Above: An annual favorite from March in San Francisco, Handmade Basket Reed Woven Stars blends the tradition of Native American basketry with Scandinavian decor; $27-$32 each, depending on size.

Bell and Tassel Garland from Anthropologie | Remodelista

Above: Anthropologie's Bell & Tassel Garland made of wool, metallic thread, and brass bells reminds us of the decor seen at architect Johanna Molineus's house in Notting Hill.

Laser Cut Village Crate and Barrel | Remodelista

Above: A Two-Piece Laser-Cut Wood Village from Crate & Barrel is $24.95 (more pieces available).

Iittala Oiva Toikka Mediator Dove | Remodelista

Above: A touch of Scandi from none other than Iittala, whose Oiva Toikka Mediator Dove is appealing enough for year-round decor; $375 from Tiina the Store.

Set of 6 Shiny Opaque Ornaments | Remodelista

Above: Painted glass for the modernist: a Set of 6 Shiny Opaque Ornaments is $19.95 at CB2.

White Felt Ball Wreath from West Elm | Remodelista

Above: West Elm's Felt Ball Wreath is the kind that won't get sap on your front door. It's on sale for $39 for the 12-inch size and pairs with the Large Felt Garland at $15 per strand. The wreath reminds us of a favorite holiday DIY, a Wooden Bead Wreath from Sweet Paul.

Schoolhouse Electric Christmas Stocking | Remodelista

Above: New stockings for a new season from Schoolhouse Electric: the Holiday Plaid Stocking, the Heather Gray Stocking, and the Buffalo Plaid Stocking are $34 each.

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10 Easy Pieces: Problem-Solving Electrical Outlets/Covers

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Gone are the days when the electrical outlet was primarily used to power a lamp or a single kitchen appliance. These days we need our outlets more than ever, and there never seem to be enough of them to keep devices properly charged. We like the idea of the basic outlet and cover working a little harder, with dual-functionality that suits the needs of a modern home.

Minimal and Stealth

Bocci 22 Flush Electrical Outlets | Remodelista

Above: From Vancouver/Berlin-based design studio Bocci, the Bocci 22 Flush Outlet is one of many profiled in our post Remodeling 101: Flush Electrical Wall Outlets.

Trufig Electrical Outlets | Remodelista

Above: A flush light Switch from Trufig, a company that also makes stealth Power Outlets and Data Jacks for the wall.

Legrand Adorne Pop-Out Outlet | Remodelista

Above: The Adorne Pop-Up Outlet from Legrand allows for four plugs in one; $39.98 at YLighting.

Leviton Recessed Switchplate Cover | Remodelista

Above: For tight spaces, consider a recessed outlet that allows a bulky three-prong plug to tuck neatly into the wall. The Leviton Recessed Duplex Outlet in white is $8.97 on Amazon. For more, see our post Invisible Plugs? Step 1: Recessed Outlets.

Storage and Lighting

Walhub Wall Hooks Light Switch Plate Cover | Remodelista

Above: Walhub's Keeper Toggle Cover is designed for hanging keys and stashing mail; $15.95 each at Walhub.

Wall Cleat

Above: The Wall Cleat is a subtle way to wrangle in your long computer cord. Designed by Karl Zahn, the cleat is available through Boiler Design. For more ideas, see our post 10 Easy Pieces: Cord Wrangling Solutions.

SnapPower Guidelight Switch Plate Cover | Remodelista

Above: The Duplex Guidelight Wall Plate features three LED lights on a sensor; $15 each at SnapPower. For more, see our post The Night-Light Reconsidered.

Charging Stations

ThingCharger Tech Device Charger and Switch Plate | Remodelista

Above: The Kickstarter-funded ThingCharger eliminates the need for any cord at all when charging an iPhone or iPad. Devices can also be stacked on one another to charge two at once; $39.90 from ThingCharger.

NewerTech Power2U Wall Socket | Remodelista

Above: The Dual-Socket Wall Outlet with integrated USB ports is $27.50 from MacSales.

Snap Power USB Wall Plate | Remodelista

Above: SnapPower's Duplex Charger Plate is $38 for two plates or $85 for a pack of five plates from SnapPower.

Walhub Keeper Rocker Hooks and Electrical Outlet Plate Cover | Remodelista

Above: Another cover from Walhub is the Keeper Rocker Cover, designed for electrical outlets; $15.95 at Walhub.

For more ideas on outlets, see our posts:

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Remodelista New England Market Spotlight: 8knots

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Years ago, as a world traveler for the textile industry, designer Marcia Bayard was introduced to the Turkish pestemal-woven cotton towels with hand-tied fringed that were an elemental part of the traditional Turkish bath experience. Bringing the tradition back to the States, she married these exotic bath linens with the breezy aesthetic of her native Shelter Island. Thus 8knots was born.

Starting with the original blue pinstriped pestemal, the collection now includes many nautical inspired designs. All are made from lightweight linens and cottons, making them both absorbent and quick drying.

To sample the pure luxury of 8knots bath linens, stop by Remodelista's New England Market this weekend, November 14 and 15, at Lekker.

8Knots_linen-pestemal, Remodelista

Above: Made in Turkey from fast-drying linen and absorbent Aegean cotton, 8knots' Linen/Cotton Pestemal comes with its own drawstring bag; $59.

8Knots_striped_pestemal, Remodelista

Above: 8knots' Seersucker Stripe Pestemals come in island-inspired colors; $196 for a set of four.

8_knots_Original_Pestemal_Remodelista

Above: The Original 8knots Pestemal is woven in Turkey from 100 percent Aegean cotton; $39. Generously proportioned and so lightweight, it can also be worn as a pareu.

8Knots_oyster_napkins, remodelista

Above: Made from 100 percent linen, each 8knots Linen Oyster Napkin bear's Zora Neale Hurston's quote, “I do not weep at the world, I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife.” Generous and weighty enough to be used as a napkin, placemat, or hand towel; $26 each.

8Knots_pareo_towels, Remodelista

Above: Flat-weave yarn-dyed stripes on one side and fine terry-loop on the other, 8knots' Pareo Towels, as the name suggests, serve a dual function. In two styles, warm spicy "Tangiers Stripe" and Caribbean blue "A Sea Change Stripe," created by London textile designer Kate Alexander exclusively for 8knots; $116 for the pair.

 

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Barn-Style Living in the Berkshires

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When Meryl and Ed Mandelbaum first saw their sprawling property on a lake near Great Barrington, MA, consisting of seven cabins in various stages of disrepair, it was like something out of The Blair Witch Project. After taking the real estate plunge, the couple approached Ritch Holben of RhDesign to create a master plan for the lakefront property. Holben thoughtfully reimagined the structures one by one and began by rehabbing a couple of the cottages for immediate occupancy. Next, the couple turned their attention to the main house. 

Respecting both the surrounding woodlands and the local building aesthetic, Ritch modeled the home on traditional barn architecture. The 2,900-square-foot, three-bedroom house is both rustic and refined, melding primitive touches with both industrial and up-to-the-minute materials. Meryl says: “We wanted something in the New England vernacular, but we also wanted modern—a house that from afar looks like it has been in the landscape forever, but as you get closer, you see that the mix of materials is quite modern. It’s a balance that has been going on in the Berkshires forever.”

Photography by Keller + Keller via the Boston Globe.

Berkshires house by Ritch Holben of RhDesign, Keller + Keller photo | Remodelista

Above: Ritch used reclaimed posts and beams from barns to create the outline of what he calls an “iconic house shape” in the core of the house. He says, “It’s how we drew as children, so people respond emotionally to the shape.” Ritch felt that without the reclaimed wood skeleton, the interior would have seemed too modern and stripped down. He says, “It furthers the rustic versus modern, old versus new dialogue; it’s what the whole house is about.”

The floors and switchback staircase, designed to reinforce views of the lake, are made from salvaged antique oak sourced from Tallon Lumber in Canaan, Connecticut. A David Weeks Studio Torroja Cross Chandelier adds a contemporary edge. 

Berkshires house by Ritch Holben of RhDesign, Keller + Keller photo | Remodelista

Above: The double-height ceiling in the main living space lends an expansive feel and the neutral palette invokes a sense of calm. Meryl, who calls herself “a hunter and gatherer,” chose the furnishings herself, though says she emailed everything to Ritch for his opinion. The vintage Danish modern coffee table, designed by Henning Norgaard, stands atop an ivory Madeline Weinrib Tulu Carpet handwoven in Turkey from shorn angora wool.

Ritch Holben in the Berkshires | Remodelista

Above L: High on the wall, interior windows offer the second-floor study a view of the lake. Ritch says, “You can look through the windows, straight across the tall living room, out to the water.” Above R: “Squares” by Peter Dunham hangs above a well-worn wooden console table at the top of the stairs.

The wood-burning fireplace is faced with local fieldstone, which is also used on the exterior chimney. An open, raised hearth constructed from raw steel, made by the same fabricator as the interior and exterior railings, provides a place to store firewood and doubles as a bench. The mantle is a length of bent raw steel attached with exposed bolts.

Berkshires house by Ritch Holben of RhDesign, Keller + Keller photo | Remodelista

Above: A George Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp hangs above a Gregor Jenkin Turned Table, which is surrounded by McGuire Seido Chairs handcrafted in American black walnut. Meryl calls the black steel table with turned legs by the Johannesburg-based designer “a crazy splurge.” The French doors and windows are all by Pella and have muntins in an extra-thin profile to mimic industrial steel windows. Ritch says, “Meryl loves the look of steel windows, but the cost would have been way over budget. Instead we emulated the look while getting the thermal properties of a good residential window.”

Berkshires house by Ritch Holben of RhDesign, Keller + Keller photo | Remodelista

Above: The monochromatic kitchen maintains the soothing palette with sleek but earthy cabinets made from bamboo. There’s plenty of storage, plus open shelving, which is both convenient and breaks up the wood masses. The countertops are limestone, another splurge that, Ritch says, “Meryl went to major pains to get,” and the floor is done in large format Italian porcelain tiles. A Visual Comfort Morris Lantern designed by Suzanne Kasler hangs above the oversize island lined with four vintage Danish modern bar stools. Meryl says, “I had two already and obsessed over finding two more.”

Berkshires house by Ritch Holben of RhDesign, Keller + Keller photo | Remodelista

Above: Square casement windows line the stairwell. The flat, black powder-coated steel rails, custom fabricated by a local tradesman, were clear-coated to show the manufacturing marks. Ritch says, “Meryl wouldn’t have anything rounded.”

Ritch Holben Berkshire House | Remodelista

Above L: For the powder room Meryl chose Schumacher Chenonceau Wallpaper in charcoal, a pattern inspired by an antique French printed textile derived from 17th-century Persian silk damask. An industrial-style wire basket holds toilet paper rolls below the sink. Above R: A simple guest room.

Berkshires house by Ritch Holben of RhDesign, Keller + Keller photo | Remodelista

Above: The left side of the house is a private zone dedicated to the master suite. A floating horizontal, wood slat wall is the backdrop for the bed on one side and a vintage credenza on the other. The bedroom has French doors that lead to a private deck.

Berkshires house by Ritch Holben of RhDesign, Keller + Keller photo | Remodelista

Above: Ritch used no- or low-maintenance building materials, which is especially important for secondary residences. This barn-like portion of the front of the house is clad in corrugated metal and the whole structure is topped with a standing-seam metal roof. Ritch calls the deck over the entry, which is carved out of the main volume of the house, “Meryl’s Eva Perón balcony.”

Berkshires House by Ritch Holben of RhDesign | Remodelista

Above L: The back of the house is sheathed in cedar-shake siding and local fieldstone. Metal-clad windows, teak decks, and galvanized metal rails are equally resilient. An informal arrangement of bluestone pavers leads down to the water. Above R: Ritch masterminded and oversaw the complete overhaul of the 200 feet of lakefront, which includes two docks and a bait house. He devised a system of gabions to hold back the water. The bluestone patio and cedar boardwalk give the otherwise wild landscape a bit of polish.

Our guest writer, Marni Elyse Katz, chronicles the New England design scene at StyleCarrot.

For more architecture and design ideas from the Berkshires, see our posts:

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New from Parachute: Winter-Weight Throws and Travel Gear in Time for the Holidays

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New from startup bedding brand Parachute: blanket-weight cashmere throws and merino travel accessories for comfort lovers on the go. Just in time for the looming winter weather and holiday gift-giving season ahead. 

Parachute was one of the first Internet-era companies to rethink the high price tag of luxury linens, launching with a line of premium-quality cotton bedding made in a small factory in Tuscany. The company has since added pillows, duvets, and more to its now-full range of bedding offerings.

Learn more at Eat, Pray, Love: Luxury Linens for Less, and follow Parachute on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

Parachute Home Blankets | Remodelista

Above: Parachute offers blankets in two weights and six colors: the new Blanket-Weight Cashmere Throw, plus the earlier Lightweight Cashmere Throw.

Parachute Home Blankets | Remodelista

Above (L to R): The Blanket-Weight Cashmere Throw in camel and sand, charcoal and gray, and indigo and navy.

Parachute Home Blankets | Remodelista

Above: The Blanket-Weight Cashmere Throw is made of 100 percent cashmere wool from Scotland, with substantial heft to combat winter chill. Make it a sofa staple or use it as a seasonal layer atop the bed. Shown here in indigo with a navy stripe; $319. 

Parachute Home Blankets | Remodelista

Above: Shown here in camel and sand, the throw has a subtly contrasting stripe and comes in a gift-worthy cotton drawstring bag.

Parachute Home Travel Accessories | Remodelista

Above: Black out unwanted light with Parachute's Merino Eye Mask, made of 100 percent merino wool. The mask is fully lined and stays put with a comfortable knitted headband; $39.

Parachute Home Travel Accessories | Remodelista

Above: Pretend you're in business class with Parachute's Merino Travel Kit made of soft merino wool in three parts: a fully lined eye mask, a wool blanket with whipstitch finish, and a carrying case that brilliantly doubles as an airplane pillow cover. In charcoal; $149.

Parachute Home Blankets | Remodelista

Above: Parachute's blanket-weight throws; available now, just in time for the holidays.

For more, follow Parachute on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and shop the collection in Parachute at Home in Malibu

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An Iconic Modern House in Woodstock Hits the Market

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Tuscon-based architect Rick Joy grew up in Maine, where he studied music and worked as a carpenter before going to architecture school at the University of Arizona. Joy has earned a reputation as a master of desert rammed-earth construction (Steven Holl calls his work "transcendent moments of space, light, and matter" in Rick Joy: Desert Works).

For this project in the Green Mountains of Vermont, set on a 210-acre parcel, Joy departed from his usual vocabulary and created a gable-roofed, steel-framed cedar-shingle-and-stone house and barn. The traditional "stone-ender walls" are made from bedrock salvaged from the bottom of Lake Champlain, engineered by Olde World Masonry. Among the green features Joy incorporated in the design are a wind tower, solar panels, geothermal heating, and a hydropower feature, all of which means the clients will be "selling electricity back to the power company very soon," Joy says.

N.B. For more details on the project, read Suzanne Stephens's writeup at Architectural Record. Photography by Jean-Luc Laloux.

Rick Joy in Woodstock | Remodelista

Above: A study in light and shadow. To see the listing, go to Architecture for Sale.

Rick Joy in Woodstock | Remodelista

Above: The simple, elegant structures have a modern monumentalism.

Rick Joy Woodstock Vermont | Remodelista

Above: Joy situated the house and barn near the spring-fed pond rather than on a higher point on the property, which was the client's original intent.

Rick Joy in Woodstock | Remodelista

Above: A view of the main living space.

Woodstock Farm by Rick Joy | Remodelista

Above: The interiors are unadorned; light is the only decor needed.

Rick Joy Woodstock Farm | Remodelista

Above: A wood-clad bedroom

Rick Joy in Woodstock, Vermont | Remodelsita

Above: Joy paid particular attention to the private spaces, which all overlook sweeping views of the Green Mountains.

See all our Architect Visit posts here.

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Remodelista NE Market Spotlight: Black Point Mercantile

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These days it can seem like Portland, Oregon, gets all the design buzz. But as we discovered while mining talent for our upcoming New England Market, its sister city on the East Coast is not to be ignored. Indeed many small producers such as Black Point Mercantile are helping to put Portland, Maine, on the design map.

Black Point Mercantile is a collaborative effort by Sara Lemieux and Skylar Kelly, artists with combined backgrounds in virtually every creative form—dance, oil painting, fashion, graphic design, film, and photography. Today the duo operates out of former movie theater in Portland’s Old Port, crafting bespoke canvas pieces for individual designers and small boutiques.

Each Black Point Mercantile floorcloth or bag is handmade in a process that merges tried-and-true, old fashioned techniques with modern advancements. The company's signature graphics, which are derived from both western and coastal American icons, are all hand-painted. 

Remodelista's New England Market will afford a rare opportunity to shop for a broad array of Black Point Mercantile goods in person.

black point mercantile_mesa

Above: Several of Black Point Mercantile's western motifs include, from left: Serapé, North Star, and Red Mesa. These canvases come in seven sizes ranging from 2x3 to 9x12; $275 to $2,677.

black point mercantile_runner, Remodelista

Above: Cross; starting at $234.

The labor-intensive process of creating a Black Point Mercantile original floorcloth starts with a large piece of heavy cotton duck. This is then cut and prepped on both sides with acrylic sizing, which shrinks and adds structure to the cloth. All designs are sketched out in pencil and then hand-painted with durable, mildew-, stain- and fade-resistant paints.

black point mercantile_hemp, Remodelista

Above: Stitched with "high-tenacity nylon thread," each hem is sewn using techniques derived from 1930s Swiss tarps. A special resin bonds the hems for protection against tears and moisture. As a final step, each floorcloth is buffed with a proprietary blend of waxes.

black point mercantile_bags

Above: Canvas totes sports an array of contemporary, nautical-inspired motifs.

black point mercantile_amish

Above: Black Point Mercantile floorcloths can also be found at Sharktooth and John Derian.

Black Point Mercantile floor cloths, Remodelista

Above: Sand Painting in 5x7 size, $889; and Saddle in 6x9, $1,256.

BPM_MixedSignals, Remodelista

Above: Mixed Signals, Black Point Mercantile's latest design, is premiering at the Remodelista New England market.

See more of Black Point Mercantile's work here.

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DIY: New England Spatter-Painted Floors

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Here on Cape Cod (where I'm lucky enough to spend the summer), spatter-painted floors are so common that we take them for granted. I don’t know why our colonial ancestors started spatter-painting their floors—perhaps they couldn’t afford rugs, or more likely, they didn’t want to constantly beat the sand out of them—but I, for one, am glad they did. First of all, spatter-painted floors hide a multitude of sins; almost nothing shows up on them. But more important, they are simply beautiful. They’re a wonderful way to add texture and interest, while still keeping the overall look minimal and clean.

Creating your own spatter-painted floor is easier than it looks; all that's required is paint (here's a chance to use leftover cans sitting in the garage) and a few plastic forks. Luckily, the important thing is not perfection. For best results, you want random globs and clusters in myriad sizes, not a uniform spread. But be careful not to overdo it. Think small galaxies in the night sky, not Jackson Pollock.

N.B.: To see more photos of spatter-painted floors at Salt Timber Cottage, go to Design Skool.

Salt Timber dining room with black splattered floors: Remodelista

Above: First, apply the base undercoat (usually in a darker color than the splatters). Once the floor is dry, the fun begins. The best tool to create the splatter effect is a plastic fork. Simply dip the prongs in the paint. Then, from a standing position, gently tap the base of the fork where it meets the handle as you move it over the surface of the floor. This technique gives you a bit more control and allows you to spread the drips more evenly. Use just a drop of paint to create smaller dots; more for larger ones.

Salt Timber black splattered floors: Remodelista

Above: For character, you’ll also need a few dribbles. For these, coat the fork with a bit more paint and turn it sideways so the paint drips off in the end. Then flick your wrist or move it in a curve.

Salt Timber guest room with green splattered floors: Remodelista

Salt Timber green splattered floors: Remodelista

Above: A guest bedroom floor painted green with white spatters.

Salt Timber kitchen with pumpkin splattered floors: Remodelista

Above: My kitchen floor is an unexpected shade of pumpkin spatter-painted with white and black.

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Enter to Win: $1,000 Giveaway from Dara Artisans

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Founded by global travelers and media veterans Dara and Dan Brewster, DARA Artisans is an online shop offering exquisitely handmade and socially conscious goods that the pair find on their travels around the globe. Textiles, ceramics, tableware, jewelry, and accessories are chosen for beauty, craftsmanship, and according to DARA's broader goal of sustaining local artistic traditions and expanding economic opportunities for craftspeople around the world. 

DARA Artisans is giving Remodelista readers the chance to win a $1,000 gift card to shop the global collection. To enter, sign up for emails from DARA Artisans and Remodelista by entering your email address in the box at the bottom of this post by Sunday, November 29. The winner will be chosen at random and notified by email by November 30. See Official Rules for details. 

For more, follow DARA Artisans on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. For more on founders Dara and Dan, see The Brewsters at Home in Little Compton, RI.

DARA Artisans Table Setting | Remodelista

Above: Mud Australia porcelain ceramics are made in Sydney and evoke natural forms. Shop the Porcelain Tear Vase ($49) and Four-Cup Porcelain Teapot; currently on sale for $159 (down from $220).

DARA Artisans Table Setting | Remodelista

Above: San Francisco designer Tina Frey casts translucent resin in handmade molds to create food-safe, shatterproof tableware and accessories. We like the white resin Champagne Bucket with hand-knotted leather handles; $190.  

DARA Artisans Knives | Remodelista

Above: NHB Knife Works was started by a former chef who found himself constantly tweaking his commercial knives to improve their performance. Each stainless steel knife has a wood handle with a unique blue-green pattern, available as a nine-inch Chef Knife ($379), a six-inch Utility Knife ($279), and a three-inch Paring Knife ($179). 

DARA Artisans Lao Textiles | Remodelista

Above: DARA Artisans helps sustain traditional weaving techniques in Laos through a line of scarves, textiles, and wall hangings such as the Sam Tai Design Textile, made of naturally dyed Lao silk; $1,440. 

DARA Artisans Seed Pots | Remodelista

Above: Artist Rachel Concho is a member of the Roadrunner clan of the Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico; her ceramics are inspired by ancient pot shards found on the land. Concho is known for her one-of-a-kind seed pots, such as the Fine Line Geometric Seed Jar; $255. 

DARA Artisans Pillows and Textiles | Remodelista

Above: These brilliant blue and white textiles are by master indigo dyer Aboubakar Fofana, who lives in Paris but was born in Mali and carries on the traditional indigo- and vegetable-dyeing techniques of his homeland. Among the offerings: the Guinea Hen Dots 20-Inch Pillow ($450), Arrow Stripe Lumbar Pillow ($410), and Baga Die Linen Throw (currently on sale for $399, down from $750). 

DARA Artisans Ceramic Bowls | Remodelista

Above: Lifestyle photographer Jim Franco became a ceramicist later in life and now divides his time between the two arts. He makes each ceramic bowl by hand in his New York studio, including the 3.5-inch Bowl 4 ($85) and six-inch Bowl 36 ($105), both in a matte white glaze. 

Don't forget to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to shop at DARA Artisans; just enter your email address in the form below by Sunday, November 29. 

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Improper Bostonians: Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz at Home on Beacon Hill

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In 1984, designers Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz purchased a four-story townhouse in Boston's historic Beacon Hill. A corner tenement with a winding stair, the building had long-haul potential: "It was a rabbit warren of rooms," remembers Cheryl. "When one tenant would move out, we'd take over the floor. The only problem was that given the building's age and condition, we'd often find ourselves on one floor to use the stove, another to use the oven. We’d give our daughter Fanny a bath on the second floor, but we had to shower on the fourth floor." Finally, having gutted the house and updated the systems, they were able to set about raising their new family and growing their architecture and interior design business, C & J Katz Studio.

Fast-forward 30 years. With the kids now out of the house, Cheryl (whose background also includes fashion styling) and Jeffrey (a graduate of Harvard's Graduate School of Design and a member of the RISD faculty) decided to mark this new chapter in their lives with a less ambitious renovation: After replacing the well-worn kitchen, they applied a fresh coat of paint to "every nook and cranny" of the house.

Photography by Justine Hand for Remodelista.

Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz Beacon Hill Home, kitchen, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: After three decades, Cheryl and Jeffrey's open-plan kitchen, which they describe as the "heart and soul of the house," had taken a beating. Inspired by their restaurant work—they count several major Boston chefs as clients and friends—and images they've admired on Remodelista, the couple set out to update the space. Renovations included replacing all the appliances and cabinets, installing open shelving, and painting the floors (Benjamin Moore Randolph Gray) and walls (Benjamin Moore Snowfall White).

Cheryl and Jeffrey Katz Beacon Hill kitchen, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above L: Jeffrey and Cheryl in their newly renovated kitchen. Above R: Their prized glassware collection is within easy reach over the sink. 

By combining high/low elements and a lot of personal details, Jeffrey and Cheryl were able to keep the costs within reason. In the sink area, they paired a Venatino marble counter with Ikea cabinets. Several salvaged restaurant supply tables provide additional counter and work space.

Beacon Hill Home of Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz, white ceramics, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: A collection of white ceramics is stored on glass shelves built with standard-issue brackets.

Home Tour, Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz, stove detail, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: Chosen for its modest size and stainless construction, a freestanding Bertazzoni range sits under a charcoal piece by the couple's friend, architect Richard Griswold. See 7 High-Style Italian Ranges for ideas and sources.

Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz Beacon Hill Home, kitchen table 2, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: The ground floor's open plan creates a communal flow between the kitchen and dining area. A farmhouse table from Conran, Salt chairs from DWR, and a fireplace painted in Benjamin Moore Gunsmith Gray create a homey, relaxed feel. The wood floors throughout the kitchen/dining area are painted Benjamin Moore Randolph Gray

In addition to the kitchen redo, Jeffrey and Cheryl painted the entire interior Benjamin Moore Snowfall White, even the closets. The by-product was a great culling and reorganizing: "We touched every single item, from shoes to books to kids' report cards, that we had accumulated in our 30 years here." 

Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz Beacon Hill Home, kitchen dining, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above L and R: Jeffrey's art hangs in the dining room over a side table and mantel (shown above). 

home tour Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz, art, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: Art by family and friends on a second-story wall opposite the living room. The portraits of Jeffrey and Cheryl are by Tarek Ashkar. The chairs are Victorian klismos, modeled after ancient Greek designs, and came from a shop nearby on Charles Street.

home tour Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz, living room detail, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: Over the living room fireplace, two early-20th-century Frankart heads watch over the couple's collection of African stools.

Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz Beacon Hill Home, living room details, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above L and R: A flea-market-chair, recently reupholstered in black velvet, provides a sunny reading spot.

Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz Beacon Hill Home, dining room, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: The living room opens to a formal dining area. Here a Philippe Starck table—the first "real" piece of furniture the couple bought—is illuminated by an Italian chandelier in playful turquoise. The couple chose Benjamin Moore's Museum Piece to frame a set of 18th-century prints taken from a volume of Sir William Hamilton's vase collection.

effrey and Cheryl Katz Beacon Hill Home, studio art detail, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: When the designers moved in, this fourth-floor studio served as the office for their fledgling business. It's now Jeffrey's art studio. 

home tour Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz, bedroom, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: On the top floor, which overlooks the Boston skyline, Cheryl and Jeffrey created a bedroom in the clouds by painting the entire space Benjamin Moore Snowfall White

home tour Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz, bedroom detail, by Justine Hand for Remodelista  

Above: Opposite the bed, a midcentury klismos chair by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings stands alongside windows with floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains and a painted brick fireplace.

Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz Beacon Hill Home, closet, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: A bold move: To take advantage of the light from an interior window, the couple eliminated the closet door, leaving their shoe collection exposed.

effrey and Cheryl Katz Beacon Hill Home detail by Justine Hand for Remodelista

His and hers corners. Above L: Jeffrey's work shirts and paints sit under his desk. Above R: On the kitchen mantle, Cheryl's prized BDDW Coffee Mug and a vase from Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Interested in a tour of more of Beantown's best? Visit:

Remodelista subscribe | Remodelista

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5 Tips from a Roofer: Getting Ready for Winter, Snowy Clime Edition

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For decades my family has had a small getaway house in southern New Hampshire that we've held on to partly because it appears to be unsaleable. We recently tackled one of the problems by replacing its threadbare roof with new asphalt shingles (it didn't make sense to pony up for standing seam, much as I wanted to). During the process, in-demand roofer Doug Aldrich of WeatherCheck in Georges Mills, New Hampshire, gave me the lowdown on general asphalt-shingle roof maintenance and getting houses prepped from the top down for winter.

Bruno Erpicum House in Belgium | Remodelista

Above: A snow-dusted house by Belgian architect Bruno Erpicum.

1. If you don’t shovel your roof, it will leak regardless of how new it is. This, of course, applies to houses in snowy climes: Rule of thumb is one foot is too much. If snow is allowed to build up, ice will form under the shingles, eventually leading to leaks.

You can buy a roof rake at Home Depot and tackle the clearing yourself, but it’s best to hire a professional—if you don’t know where to be careful, you’ll ruin your shingles while you’re raking.

  Bob Vila Roof Repair | Remodelista

Above: Photograph via Bob Vila.

2. A leak needs to be fixed on the exterior of the house, not just the interior. This sounds like common sense, but I’ve learned over the years that for most people it isn’t. You can’t just patch the damage inside, you have to get to the source. 

Keeping Rain Gutters Clean | Remodelista

3. Clear your gutters of leaves and debris before winter hits. You can use your hands, a garden hose, a wet/dry vac, or a leaf blower with a nozzle attachment. Just get the job done—gutters keep water away from your house.

How to Maintain Your Roof | Remodelista

Above: Photograph via Roof Krupik.

4. If you see moss and algae growing on your roof, it’s a sign that your roof is starting to fail. Water gets trapped in and works its way under the shingles. When things start to sprout, you may get a few more years out of your roof, but the growth is a warning sign. Granules and pieces of shingles on the ground around your house are another early warning sign.   

5. If you’re getting a new roof, outdated skylights and falling-apart chimneys need to be fixed at the same time. Too often these details get ignored—which is when we roofers get called in to do triage. 

Favorite roofing material of members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer directory? The vote was unanimous: See Remodeling 101: Standing Seam Metal

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Trending on Gardenista: New World Basics

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This week the Gardenista team gets back to basics: New England style with lessons from the pilgrims, storing firewood for winter, and bring art out into the garden.

  Garden Visit: At Home in Rhode Island with Painter Georgia Marsh on Gardenista

Above: An artist in Jamestown, Rhode Island, takes an undone approach to gardening (and floral designing) in the best way. Have a look at her Yves Klein blue accents in the garden in At Home in Rhode Island with Painter Georgia Marsh.

10 Easy Pieces: Firewood and Log Storage on Gardenista

Above: A New England essential? Firewood and Log Storage.

Above: Making natural remedies and preserving summer bounty are just two of the 9 Garden Ideas to Steal from the Pilgrims.

11 Best Outdoor Holiday Lights for 2015 on Gardenista

Above: We like to think of white lights as transitional holiday decor. String them up early with ideas from 11 Best Outdoor Holiday Lights for 2015.

Shopper's Diary: Campo de' Fiori in Sheffield, MA on Gardenista

Above: Have a look at our favorite garden shop in the Berkshires in Shopper's Diary: Campo de' Fiori in Sheffield, MA.

Go to Gardenista for more ideas, including 5 Favorites to Bring to a Holiday Potluck Party.

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