Best Wine Bottle Stoppers

Not too long ago I was at a party where the take-away gift was a beautiful set of chrome wine bottle stoppers. I said to my handy dandy boyfriend, Rhett - "What a great Christmas gift idea!" - to which he said - "I think I can make those."


And that he did.

Rhett is not particularly fond of turning wood and these stoppers are his first stab at it. Not too shabby, huh?

Cool fireplace idea.

I've got a non-working fireplace in my living room that was originally behind drywall and bricked over. Of course I dug it out because even if I can't use it it's nice to have. I plan to put a candle menagerie in it and hang a grouping of pictures above it, so it will be a nice focal point. Maybe someday when I strike it rich I'll have a wood stove put in, but for now that is very low on the priority list. Anyway! I've been wondering what exactly to do about a mantel and I came across this today from dominomag.com:

They call it a wood-block mantel and I think it is VERY cool. The instructions are simple enough as well, which is a bonus. Check it out: http://www.dominomag.com/howtos/diy/2008/12/make_wood_block_mantel

Where are we headed?

I just got word via Apartment Therapy that one of my favorite magazines, Cottage Living , has folded. boooo!

Each day there is more bad news and everyone is affected if not directly, indirectly. It's scary. I don't really know what else to say.

Burlap Craze

Last month I attended the fall show at the Merchandise Mart in Atlanta. Honestly it wasn't the most inspiring day, most showrooms were either closed or trying to push off last year's crap on greedy designers and shop owners at sample sales. However, in one showroom I was really struck with all of their burlap decor. Pillows, bags, lamp shades, pendants - all very cool and curiously very expensive, even at wholesale.

So - I am happy to report that my first burlap creation -- a pendant chandelier to go over my kitchen table -- so far has only cost me $12.

Next up? Tote bags.

Who doesn't love pumpkins?

On my way to work this morning I was very excited to see a mountain of orange as I passed by the local market proudly displaying a large variety of local pumpkins. Here in South Carolina I know summer is not over. Even though the temperatures have dropped, the pumpkins and the candy are out, and all of our favorite TV shows are premiering - there will be more hot days to come. But I have to say, the one great thing about the fall is that you don't start seeing the decor 4 months early. You can't put out the pumpkins in June. Last month, in one of those big box stores I saw Christmas decorations! So hooray for the never too early pumpkins - you made my morning happier this morning.

Less is More (or is it?)

Just back from an amazing trip to Colorado - and refreshed - I've been pondering the age-old philosophy that less is more. I think by default we are programmed to be impressed by all things bigger and that bigger = better. It makes sense...bigger salary, better stuff - bigger meal, better satisfaction - bigger school, better education...you get the picture. But these days when there is less to go around and our awareness of the damages our lifestyles have imposed on Mother Earth, many of us are starting to ask ourselves "Can I really do without that?" more often. I've had several conversations with friends and co-workers about minimizing how often we get in our cars to go somewhere, about really prioritizing where and how we spend our money, about supporting the local economy and doing what we can to be "green". Instead of being reserved for Earth Day worshiping tree huggers, having an environmental outlook on everyday life is being forced into everyone's consciousness. Even Walmart is making efforts to go green with reusable shopping bags and promoting local farmers. So now it's not just that girl at the market with hairy armpits using her own organic bag made from recycled materials, it's your boss, your mother, your snobby next door neighbor with the expensive maid, and it's you (well...it should be anyway).

Out in Colorado, I was introduced to an architect whose houses had a real impact on me. He is creating a neighborhood in Creede, CO called Creede America. The homes in Creede America are unique, impressive, and not 5,000 square feet plus. These houses command attention yet blend into their environment. The materials used to build these houses, like corrugated steel, brick, and slate, aren't completely out of the ordinary, but are used in captivating ways that create interest and give each house character and a uniqueness not found in new construction today. Home owners in Creede American also have the option of investing in a geothermal heating and cooling system which actually uses the earth's energy to heat and cool the home.

But beyond all that, the principle of the homes in Creede America is effective use of space and well proportioned rooms. In other words, it's not about being the biggest house on the block, it's about living in a house that makes sense with the way life is really lived. Why have the stairway command all the attention when the best memories are made around the kitchen table? Why have big unnecessary rooms? Why does every bedroom have to have its own bathroom? Why not just have a separate room for the toilet, the shower, and the vanity?

So yes, big may be impressive and certainly has its place...but I believe that bigger being better is really a thing of the past.

To learn more about Creede America and geothermal heating and cooling, visit www.creedeamerica.com.

Vinegar Tips

So this kind of ties into the "Product Review" post. Instead of buying branded non-toxic cleaner, save some coin and make your own!

Vinegar Tips

Product Review

The first product review! Oh boy oh boy oh boy!

I'm sorry method. I love your non-toxic and biodegradable intentions, I really do. But your omop "Wood for Good" wood floor cleaner - excuse me, "cleaning polish" - did not do its job. It left my wood floors cloudy, not shiny or clean looking (or feeling). In fact, they looked a bit toxic. Not to mention this product takes forever to dry.

Wood for Good gets an A for effort and a D for effectiveness. I spared omop a flunking grade because at least it smells good and there may be a wood floor out there that this product works better on. Perhaps and old floor that doesn't have a polyurethane finish? And, lucky for Target, I'm not completely boycotting the method line.

Carpet Backsplash

In the Home and Garden section of the New York Times, I came across an article on a pretty funky brownstone remodel.



Yes, that's right - the backsplash is carpet, and I actually like it.



To find out what inspired this and to see the rest of the slide show, click here .

To base or not to base?

I had an interesting question brought to my attention last night and I really wasn't sure how to answer it. A neighbor of mine is re-modeling her bathroom. She is putting subway tile on the walls and her tile installers told her the subway tile will go all the way to the floor, no base trim. She originally had wood base trim in there and liked it so she was a bit disappointed it would be thrown out. Another neighbor said she disagrees with the tile installer. Her opinion is that when putting tile on the wall all the way to the floor, there should be some sort of base trim. In this case she thinks with the subway tile on the wall, the base trim should be the same tile in a different shape. So therein lies the question - does wall tile need base trim?

I browsed through some tile catalogues in my office only to find pictures like this:

Both clearly showing the tile terminating into the floor and nothing else.

Unsure and not convinced either way, I decided to Google image some wall tile. Here is what I found...

In the end I think it really depends on the style. Seems to me a more traditional look calls for a nice defining base trim or accent, while a more clean contemporary style calls for nothing between the wall tile and the floor.

Thoughts?

Wow...I think I figured it out!

This is a test...only a test, I think I figured out how to "post"
What do you think about built-ins....do they need to match your wainscoting?
Ciao!

Nicole's Predicament

1. Here is my predicament. Mike and I built a house a year ago. Put nice tile, carpet, etc in but we really would have liked to have had wood floors...but at the time the price tag would not allow. Well, my wonderful husband (love him dearly) will not allow his wife to rip out the brand new carpet and put in wood (understandably) but the carpet is not giving me the look I want...not sure this can be overcome and I hate area rugs over carpet...any ideas?

2. How do you determine someone's design style? I am trying to do a few new things to our place including purchasing some pieces of furniture, but I like so many different "styles" that I change my mind on a weekly basis on what direction to go! ahhh...Doing someone elses home seems much easier for me, what do you think?

Domino. (sigh)

I'm speechless . . . and not in a good way.

Chalkboard Paint

I love Apartment Therapy. If you have never seen it - it's worth a look and a bookmark (or add it to your iGoogle page like me!). A recent post on that website bought up creative uses for chalkboard paint. At my last place I had a big ugly white door in the middle of the kitchen that lead into the pantry. I had painted the walls in the kitchen a bold green color and I hated that the door just stood out like a big white board, so I painted it with black chalkboard paint. It looked pretty cool - even without any chalk on it. It was also a great place to keep my shopping list. This is my favorite idea from the Apartment Therapy post:

Not only does it look cool, but it's an inexpensive way to re-do cabinets and an easy way to keep yourself organized!

Any other creative chalkboard paint ideas out there?

Idea House?

Okay. Here we (I) go.

I recently got this issue of Southern Living magazine. I think the cover is fabulous. I love the colors and the updated design. I think those red chairs are brilliant. But, I am not crazy about the pictures on the railing posts? What is that about? Why there and not on the wall? This is an "idea house" but I really hope nobody uses that idea. Interestingly though, this picture tells a different story.

Look, Ma! No pictures. Do you suppose they were digitally placed? Removed for the shot? Either way - much better sans pictures. But don't get too excited. In this photo they come back for an encore. Right next to pictures of built-ins that are begging for doors to hide the clutter and a home office with a completely unnecessary cafe? curtain.

The great room completely disappoints me. Seems like there is a little too much "I found this great accessory at TJ Maxx" going on. And the rooster over the TV scares me a bit, but not as much as the disturbing marble art over the fireplace. I'd like to move on.

I absolutely love the nursery! The colors, the curtain panels, the rocker and the nubby pillow - LOVE IT. Well done.

Okay - okay. I tried to be open minded about this. And I have to admit, it has interest, but when a magazine presents an "idea house" I want the ideas to be really great. Right? Tell me what you think.

Introduction

Welcome to dwell on design!


If you are a design professional, people are always asking you for advice. Solutions are not always that easy as there are several factors that play into a design solution. I was at a party the other night and someone I had just met asked for my advice on what paint colors she should use in her home. This can be frustrating. As a professional it is your duty to provide the best information you can. But, how well do you know the person who needs your advice? How do they live in their home? What kind of decor do they have? How does color affect their mood? It might be a garden question. Are they disciplined enough to keep plants alive? It might be an architectural question. I prefer clean, contemporary lines, do they? In a perfect world, we would all be Candice Olson. Seems to me, she goes into a house, asks the owner/s a few questions about what they need, has fun working on it, and poof! A fabulous, or should I say Divine, room is created. It's perfect! The home owner's love it. Well, that is television and in the days of reality shows about teens pretending to be parents, many people are unfortunately lead to believe the reality part of it is, well, reality.


Ahh, how I would love to be able to wave my magic design wand and not only would there be no ifs, ands, buts or NO!s, but there would be no problems along the way and the end result would always be nothing short of amazing!


Fortunately, in the real world design is personal, unique, and a way to express yourself. It can also be challenging. Often times we think we know someone, or we think we know what a certain store is all about, but our perceptions change the minute we step into their surroundings. Sometimes for the better, and sometimes for the worse. A design professional - whether it be a Landscape Architect, Floral Designer, Visual Merchandiser, or even a Retail Associate stocking shelves in a showroom - has to speak to people through design. They have to know how to translate a person or place into a design and how to represent that to the world through design. They also have to depend, usually, on a team of people to achieve the desired results.


I personally have a genuine and I'll confess, nosey interest for how people live. A house up the road from me looks as if it is being remodelled. I have yet to peep in the windows, but the urge is there. I created dwell on design so I can confess something like that to a group of people who, hopefully, would feel the same. I want this to be a place where we can tell our stories, share our ideas, support each other, and be inspired to open our minds and step outside our comfort zones. I believe that there is value in opinions, whether you accept them or not.


There is also the subject of taste. "Oh, Gwen? She has terrible taste." Does she really? Does she have bad taste or do you prefer a more traditional look compared to her urban flair? Is that bright lemon yellow color on the walls in her kitchen bad taste or does that match her personality? In the design world it is important to be exposed to all kinds of styles and understand that while they may not appeal to you on a personal level, there is always something to be admired. Even in the most eclectic room settings, if you keep an open mind chances are you will find something you actually like (or at least appreciate for what it is).


And lastly, there are the RULES. I remember sitting in one of my first Interior Design courses and hearing my teacher tell us about the Principles of Design, otherwise known as the rules every designer should follow in order to achieve a well-designed space. Let's see - you have scale, proportion, um...what else? I'm not sure. I never have been big on rules, and let's face it - rules are meant to be broken.


Let's get going! Let's dwell on design!! If you are interested in being a contributor, I would love to hear from you. If you have a design question, e-mail it to me and I will post it for comments. If you want to share some pictures, ideas or an experience, let me know. Would you like to see a link to your business or favorite design site on this blog? Tell me. Nothing is off-limits. And remember, we're all here to support each other.

E-mail me: dwellondesignINC@gmail.com