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4 Eco-friendly Tips for Office Interiors

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:13:27 +0100

More and more people are gearing up towards conserving nature. Environmental knowledge is steering us toward green office furniture that many organizations now prefer. Here are four eco-friendly tips that you can use to go green now:

Modular offices go a long way in conservation of nature. Less material is required to set up such offices so less funds are needed to pay for a new set-up. Modular offices that are small in size mean a lower price for the square footage.

Using recycled or used furniture makes a great contribution towards environmental conservation. The recent economic climate has caused many firms to downsize so this generates huge opportunities for new businesses and saves trees from being felled.

New furniture can be as eco-friendly as second-hand if you make sure that the new furniture's materials can be recycled and have been manufactured locally to cut down on heavy emissions.

Assure that the woods used in the products are not endangered and NEVER buy furniture with foam whose production has released CFC's into the atmosphere.

Remember that Eco-friendly+Eco-nomical=Eco-fabulous!

8 Down and Dirty Tricks Interior Designers Use to Increase the Value of your Home

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:55:40 +0100

Do you want to remodel your home to get the best price in the market or do you want to remodel for a better quality of life? Are you asset rich but time poor? An interior designer can achieve amazing results, save you time and aggravation and give your home or office a "WOW" factor. An upgraded kitchen and bath lead as the top improvements that increase the value of a property. If you do not want to gut them and start from scratch, here are 8 down and dirty tricks that are low-cost but high value.
   1. Paint your kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Don't skimp on the paint in these areas. They need to be high quality.
   2. Change out all the door and drawer hardware. This is fairly inexpensive and you can do-it-yourself.
   3. Change the light fixtures. Go modern or go eclectic by spray-painting a crystal chandelier in glossy white, black or red depending on your color scheme. If you painted the room in gray with off-white trim, the red chandelier would make a great "wow" factor.
   4. Paint your floor. I painted an old cork floor in black and white squares and sealed them with a clear sealer. If your wood floors have seen better days, paint them with a cool design or squares.
   5. Is your backsplash plain and boring? Find a colorful wallpaper remnant, attach a piece of clear acrylic to protect the wallpaper and voila, you have a unique, one-of-a-kind look!
   6. If you have a plain, unadorned wall in your home, make it a focal point. Buy a calendar with themed pictures and mat and frame them. Hang them as a collage of four, six or nine. Be sure to use the same color and style frame. If you like black and white photo walls, print the pictures you have chosen in black and white.
   7. Get new faucets in kitchen and bathroom. You can buy them at home improvement stores and are pretty easy to install if you are handy.
   8. Replace your doorknobs with lever handles. They are easier to use if you have a disability or arthritis.
So there you are. You can do these low-cost improvements or you can hire someone to do them for you. How much is your time worth?

Living Large on a Small Budget

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:13:10 +0100

Survival means adjusting our lifestyles to fit a new economy. Everybody has had to confront how to live in a challenging economic time. I think it's important that we come up with solutions that will work for homeowners across the country.

Homebuilders are looking for ways to decrease the size of the home without having a major impact on buyers. The average home size is down 20%. Mortgage payments that people can afford means adjusting lifestyles to accommodate a smaller home. My challenge as a designer is how to make that smaller home as comfortable as a larger home.

(c) 2009 Scott Hargis Photo

A few things to consider:

Forego formal living and dining rooms and instead design a more livable, usable space such as the "Big Room". This design eliminates hallways for a smaller footprint that costs less to build. Select smaller furniture with straight lines and use fewer but larger accessories and pieces of art.

Color creates ambiance and value. Grays are replacing beiges. Accent colors that are "in" this year are purple and yellow. We're seeing a lot of blue in the design palette and white is making a comeback on furniture and furnishings.

Many new communities have a rec room or clubhouse that can be used for entertaining. If you have input, recommend that your rec room be outfitted with upgraded surfaces such as cork or bamboo floors and a kitchen with quality energy-efficient appliances and anti-bacterial counters.

Your outdoor area can act as an extension of your home's living area and with the right planning can add valuable square footage. Kitchens and baths are the most expensive parts of a house but with an experienced eye and knowledgeable purchasing they can be functional, beautiful and eco-friendly.

As we design homes and offices to complement the owner's lifestyle, flexibility in the design is critical. The home has to be comfortable, well lit and functional. People are staying home and entertaining more so kitchens and outdoor areas are even more important now than a year ago.

It is very important that the owners, architect and designer work together from the beginning of the planning stage in order to come up with an eco-friendly plan that does not have to be changed once work has started.

What other ways have you found to live large on a small budget?

Oh Scrap!

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:14:26 +0100

Am always on the "hunt" for treasures. I heard about "Scrap," a warehouse that is tucked away in an "iffy" industrial area of San Francisco. It is a step-up from the dump. So, I ventured out in jeans and a cashmere sweater ($7 at Thrift Town), tote bag, camera, cash and a sense of adventure.

Right away I knew that it would be a productive hunt--in the front yard were barrels filled with bolts of knit fabrics for $3 to $5 each. I selected a black, tan and rust one that had "comfortable travel outfit" written all over it! I predict a straight pull-on skirt and a loose tunic. I already own a wide black leather belt for just the right touch. If there is any fabric left over I will make a headband that also can double as a hatband. Awesome!! (Here's how the project turned out)

Right inside the front door were boxes and boxes of calendars of Frank Lloyd Wright's houses, Japanese artist Hokusai, fruits and vegetables and modern art masters--all for $1.00 each. I will frame and hang them in groupings of four, six or nine for a frugalicious display. A huge wall had quality blank cards for 10 cents each plus 5 cents if you could match an envelope. I make my own envelopes at times from colored paper or old maps.

I bought 3 x5 post-it note pads with Zyrtec written on top for 50 cents. It beats paying $3 for one regular post-it. At least it didn't say Viagra! Another item I couldn't pass up was a wood antler holder for $1 which I can utilize as a plant stand.

In total I spent $9 for an hour and half of rummaging through this big warehouse. I passed up lucite panels, 1x6 inch pieces of wavy brown glass, buttons, corks, copy paper, fabric remnants, binders, wreaths, rhinestone buckles, patterns and tote bage. There was more but I left it for another day. There is only so much excitement I can stand!!

Two weeks later I invited my girlfriend Jane for lunch to celebrate her birthday, but after I told her about my great finds she decided that she would rather shop at Scrap. Another frugal diva! Yes!
Here is Jane signing up at Scrap:

Eco-friendly+Eco-nomical=Eco-fabulous!

Reupholstering My Louis Chair

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:15:27 +0100

I love the shape of my Louis chair and have established that the frame is constructed out of good quality materials. The legs are not loose and the whole piece doesn't wobble. It is fairly heavy, which means it is not constructed out of low quality wood.

The current fabric is stretched tightly so I am putting the new fabric over the old one. (When you remove old fabric you have a perfect template to use.) I pulled off the old gimp which was glued on and I pulled out every two staples all around the edge. Be sure and add a two inch border to the size of the seat and back. You will trim it when you are finished. As I started to staple I noticed that the staples were not working. The wood was so old it had hardened like a rock! Okay, so now we go to Plan B, upholstery nails, size 10. I pulled the fabric taut to the back and nailed about 12 inches at the center back of the chair. Back to the front and nailed to the corners. Here is where you have to pull the fabric pretty tight so you don't get any puckers.

Keep alternating front to back so you don't leave any slack. Don't hammer the nails all the way in. Reason--if you have puckers you have to remove the nails. When you are satisfied with the smoothness of the fabric go back and finish nailing. I used a hot glue gun to adhere the gimp all around the raw edges of the fabric, over the nails. Voila, a new decorative chair that fits in better with my decor and I am being eco-friendly also!

Eco-friendly+Eco-nomical=Eco-fabulous!

Why Recycle Your Jewelry?

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:45:13 +0100

I have been recycling jewelry before it was cool to recycle things! It started with dressing up dolls from my mom's jewelry box. Later in life, when I was a fabric mill rep, I saw a 75% off--Going Out of Business sign in Pacific Grove--well who could resist! I used a bead board and put together a great necklace that got lots of attention and started me with a new hobby, which turned into a business eventually.

My love of clothes dictates new jewelry, so, recycling what I already own frees up some money to buy other accessories for my wardrobe such as hats, gloves, shoes and belts, my other loves.

In these recessionary times most women (me) do not like the idea of not buying jewelry and accessories. All we need do is look in our drawers and jewelry boxes, see what out-of-style or broken pieces we have and turn them into new baubles that work with our current wardrobe and lifestyle.

In my last workshop, April brought a beautiful rarely worn gray pearl necklace and two bracelets, which had fallen apart. She took the pearls, incorporated pieces of the broken bracelets and created a beautiful contemporary choker. She also learned how to repair other pieces of jewelry.

April's mom, Jeannette, took a pink cat's eye bracelet, pieces of a hot pink crystal bracelet, some of JR's pink and gold beads and designed a 20" necklace that looked stunning on her! Her husband sells jewelry on eBay and she now wants to design some one-of-kind pieces for him to sell! This is why I think it makes so much sense to recycle your jewelry. Don't you?
Here are the two redesigned necklaces:

www.jewelryrecycling.biz
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Creative Storage Space

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:21:31 +0100

However limited your storage space, it is vital that you have a convenient storage system. First, decide what kind of storage works best in each area of your home. What should be out of sight and what can be left on display. What can be built-in and what should be movable. Freestanding storage has to be reasonably attractive as well as useful.

Do you have a room that has a bay or dormer window? Extra storage can be provided by adding a window seat with lift-up lid or drawers. Another option is to add built-in seating along one wall or across a corner of a room. One of the most obvious sites for storage is underneath beds. Store suitcases, ornaments, wrapping paper, shoes, winter clothes and hats in plastic boxes with lids or zippers. I personally have 10 pairs of shoes that I cannot bear to get rid of in a plastic zippered box under my bed. I also store my deck cushions under the bed in the winter. If your bed is too low, buy extenders that can lift your bed frame 12-14 inches from the floor. If you are buying a new bed, consider a platform bed with build-in drawers.

If your bedroom doesn't have enough closet space (whose does?) build a partition behind your bed to double as a headboard and create a closet area for overflow clothing, a dressing table or a place to hide a messy desk and file cabinet. A partition or screen can also hide exercise and sports equipment. Good place for that yoga ball that doesn't fit anywhere! You can also install hooks on the back of the screen to hang scarves, necklaces, belts, hats and handbags.

Wicker baskets. What would we do without baskets! You can spray paint them to coordinate with the decor of your room and use them as bedside tables or coffee tables. Install a deep high shelf along the length of a room and line with wicker baskets. They can double as laundry hampers, toy bins, magazine holders and craft hide-a-ways.

In a combination Living/Dining area, a free-standing shelf or back-to-back storage units can function as a room divider. But remember, free-standing storage should look attractive as well as be useful. Line a hallway with two 7 or 8 foot bookcases with a lower 3 or 4 foot one in between. Add art or a mirror above the low bookcase for a more pleasing look. Anchor the units to wall or floor with L-brackets if you have small tots or live in earthquake country.
Skirted tables are extremely practical hiding places for files, toys and weights. Get an unpainted one and throw a shawl, fabric or thin dhurrie rug over it. Cover with a glass top if you have to protect the fabric from drink or food spillage.

Use the spaces above your doors by fitting a simple wooden shelf with brackets to display books, plants or photo albums.
What other creative ideas for storage can you think of?

Create a Photo Wall

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:22:39 +0100

Pick three, six or nine photos and blow them up to the same size. Print them in black and white or sepia tint. Frame them in same size frames in black or brown. A 12 x 18 inch frame from Aaron Brothers costs about $18. I would suggest that you pick a standard size frame first and then print your photos to fit. If you already have several frames (recycle) paint them the same color for a pow-y look! Your cost will be around $6 for the paint plus the cost of the prints.

A fantastic way to decorate very, very inexpensively is to create your own art. Buy old calendars that have themed pictures you like. I recently found some for $1 each, regularly prices at $13.95 at Scrap. I have used Picasso, Landscapes and Botanicals. You can buy a wonderful craftsman style frame for about $18, add the appropriate size mat, and away you go! Do a collage of three, six or nine for maximum impact! Hang in an entry hall, over your sofa, above the mantel or over a buffet.

I recently found a rectangular frame and a frame with an oval cut-out at a thrift store. They nested into each other, which made a big impact! I inserted a gorgeous greeting card (I save them all) and, voila, a great addition to a bedroom wall! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is my mantra! Cheers!
Eco-friendly+Eco-nomical=Eco-fabulous!

Decorating Rooms With Poor Proportions

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:23:23 +0100

A perfectly proportioned room is very rare but there are numerous ways of disguising and enhancing awkwardly shaped rooms. I will show you how to use paint, wallpaper, fabric, lighting and rugs to camouflage many architectural sins.

Use one paint color for ceilings, walls and woodwork. Rooms with lots of natural light can use rich, warm colors; dark rooms look better painted in medium to light colors.

A different wallpaper above the dado will add distinction to any room. Carefully chosen prints, stripes or plaids will make dull spaces more appealing. Faux finishes and Anaglypta wallpapers draw attention away from surface imperfections. Glossy paint will call attention to imperfect walls so be sure to use a matte finish.

One of my favorite looks can be achieved with inexpensive cheesecloth or cotton hung from rods all around the room. Another is to line the walls with bookcases. Continue them around windows and doors so that both appear to be recessed. Leave niches for sofas and desks so that they appear to be tucked nicely into the shelves.

The use of accent lighting draws attention to a painting or art object and away from irregularly shaped walls.

Use a rug with a bold horizontal design to enlarge a narrow space or trompe l'oeil a design directly on the floor.
www.designsbyjrn.com

Ceilings Too High?

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:24:11 +0100

If you do not want to carry out expensive structural alterations such as removing a non-load bearing wall between two rooms, there are many relatively simple techniques you can use. Paint, wallpaper and fabric can all be used to create the impression of better proportions in a room.

Dark paint with a matte finish will give the ceiling the appearance of being lower. A dark stained, painted or carpeted floor, combined with the darker ceiling, will enhance this effect.

As with too small rooms, you can add interest with geometric wallpaper or trellis design. A painted mural or scenic wallpaper would have a similar effect.

One luxurious way to counteract an over high ceiling is to create a tented room by stapling fabric to the walls and fastening fabric on battens to the ceiling.

This room, which uses Michael Devine Home fabrics, is quite extravagant. Between the pedestal, chandelier, floor lamps, six different textiles, and floral arrangement, there's a lot going on. Normally, I'd pass over this style of interior design, but I was immediately drawn to its tented drapery. With a busy pattern like the fretwork shown here, I'd pare down the furnishings and accessories to solids and clean-lined shapes, and lose the fringe! The tented drapery is already the center of attention; too much else going on just competes. You could also go with solid fabric for the tenting, and upholster the sofa in a bold pattern to create a focal point within the room. What do you think? I think it's a wonderful alternative to wallpaper, and it creates an intimate setting.
Source-Canaan Designs
11-19-2008

One mirrored wall will make a room seem longer and more in proportion.

Add a deep cornice all the way around the room and emphasize that further by adding paper or stenciled borders affixed with wallpaper paste.

Break up wall space with a dado made by fixing lengths of molding at waist height and either papering or painting the area below with a contrasting or darker color to the walls above.

Eye catching headings for windows distract the eye from the height of a ceiling. You can decorate a cornice board with fabric, paint or stencils, or simply wind swags of drapable fabric, such as muslin or cheesecloth, around a curtain pole or rod.
Whatever you do, remember to reuse and recycle whenever you can!
Eco-friendly+Eco-nomical=Eco-fabulous!