Yucky Carpet

An email from Peggy:
"OK, Miss Design Blog Queen....here is my question:  Carpet - for a very small apartment in Chicago.  2nd floor, so "soot" from the city is a factor.  White paint on walls.  Contemporary furnishings.  Has to price out under $4.00/sq ft  Any suggestions?  Web sites?  Vendors to look up?  This is for my sister-in-law who lives in Chicago and an extremely small teacher's salary.....but her carpet now is awful!"


Answer/Suggestion:
I have a few suggestions...
1.  RUG-ON-CARPET
2.  STAIN MDF or PLYWOOD
3.  PAINT MDF or PLYWOOD
4.  IKEA 
5.  FLOR MODULAR TILES


1. RUG-ON-CARPET
Some people hate this, but I think it is a great/quick/cheap fix.  I know, it sounds kind of terrible/scary, but can be pretty effective.
 JUTE / SEA GRASS RUG

COW HIDE RUG







2. STAIN
More labor intensive, but cheap and pretty cool looking.
Back story:  My architecture professor did this to his floors and they looked awesome.  He ripped up the carpet, stained the floor a dark brown then lacquered the floor so that you wouldn't get splinters.  Lots of rich, subtle texture. 
Side story: I don't have any photos-lo siento
How to stain wood 


3.  PAINT
Rip up the carpet; paint the floor Black or White or Dark Chocolate Brown then lay a rug on top.  (images from "American Evolution," Metropolitan Home, Jan/Feb 09)




Choosing a Paint

4. IKEA
If she wants to install flooring, I would go to IKEA.  It is incredibly affordable and DIY friendly.  Yes, it is a wood laminate product; but, it is inexpensive.  If you didn't want to lay the flooring yourself, you could easily hire someone to help you out-not labor intensive = low costs.


5. FLOR
Finer Things ($9.99 / Tile ($3.71 / sq ft))

Lattice, Reed Branch ($19.99 / tile ($7.43 / sq ft))

Corrugated Rib  ($14.99  /  Tile  ($5.57 / sq ft))

Thomas Pain, it's common sense

A few days ago I featured Laura's poster, but didn't have the image of her actual artwork.  So, here it is!

Love it.

Libertymaniacs.com

What's your style?

According to sproost.com my style is pretty evenly spread across 3 categories, which doesn't surprise me one bit.  I like a lot of different styles and I like to mix them together.  However, rustic revival is definitely my go to  look, I love texture and light colors.

38%  Rustic Revival
38%  Nantucket
24%  Southwest

Take this quiz on sproost.com

Rustic Revival

You can take kid out of the country but you can't take the country out of the kid... or is your theme "you can take the kid out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the kid?" Either way you play it, you are one of the unique individuals who loves a mix of modern and country. The clean lines of the modern softened by rustic /vintage elements is the perfect mix in your mind. And can we blame you? You've taken the best aspects of two popular designs and mixed them in a manner that appeals young and old alike. A subtle background of white or light colors provides a nice canvas for all the wonderful flea market, eBay or garage sale finds as well as the classic modern pieces that you love.

Materials

The material palette for urban country runs the gamut because of the two extremes being mixed. On the countryside you see a lot of wood, woven rope, canvas and linen, rustic metals and wrought iron, cowhide and vintage leather. On the more modern side, you see acrylic, satin and polished nickel and chrome, glass, faux fur, refined leather, fiberglass and sleek woods. It's the mixing of these elements that makes the style work so well. Seagrass and other natural woven materials are often used for floor coverings. Concrete and natural wood floors are very popular, and work really well together.

Colors

When it comes to color, think light, casual and airy. White, pale gray or beige, khaki and sage; all of these colors make nice, subtle backdrops for Urban Country style. Think of the colors of natural linen, concrete, and if you'd like to go dark, use the dark brownish-black of iron or the deep burnt orange of rust. The key is to keep the spaces feeling open (go modern!) and yet warm (yay for rustic!), and by going light on the walls and major pieces and more color on the accents and accessories you can achieve this mix really well.

Wall Art (for cheap)

I am always in search of fabulous wall art that is affordable and guess what?  I found some in Noe Valley, San Francisco.

Laura found the perfect birthday present for her politically minded, left swinging boyfriend, Evan.  It was an enormous Thomas Paine poster that she was able to customize, yes, CUSTOMIZE!  She picked the colors and the quote that was placed at the bottom.  The second best part is the size; it is HUGE:  35" x 45."

Big art is (in my eyes) the best art.  I love the statement of color, but most of all the way big art fills a room, adding color, texture and personality.

Check it out:  libertymaniacs.com

Room Service Home

Room Service Home is a great website for furniture that is a little funky and different from your typical retailer.  Also, it isn't limited to furniture; Room Service Home has so much more.

Take a peak:  http://www.rshcatalog.com/

Neutral Living with Flair

(re-create this look-you can do it)

Recreating this room is easier than it seems and it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

This room has a neutral theme with some color accents and texture.  The texture gives the room character and differentiates it from a catalog replica or a store bought living room.

First things first:  Paint!

I will emphasize the importance of paint in every blog.  It is the foundation for the room and can pull all of the elements in the room together.  I am working on an entry:  "The Power of Paint," which will be a lengthy catalog of the do's and don'ts of painting.

Walls:  White and sky blue base (love it)

The molding is painted the same white as the walls, but has a semi-gloss finish versus the satin finish of the walls.  This adds depth to the wall surface and texture.  It is a subtle way of enhancing your walls.

Floors:  Wood floors with a jute, sea grass or sisal rug

These rugs are less expensive, tend to have a long lifespan (10 years), and can often be found on sale with common retailers such as Pottery Barn, and Crate and Barrel.  Jute rugs hide stains, dirt and dog hair quite well for the functional designer!

Sofas (under $1000) in neutral tones:

CB2 ($799)

Room and Board ($999)

Pier 1 Imports ($799)

Urban Outfitters ($480)

Chairs:  Again white, with dark wood

Chairs can be quite expensive so, I highly suggest you check out your local re-sale shop for some cool chairs for $100/pop instead of $400-700 at most retailers.

Crate & Barrel ($699)

 

Room&Board ($749)

Overstock.com ($189.99)

Chandelier: make if fun!

Urban Outfitters ($68)

Ikea ($69.99)

Ikea ($39.99)

(hand 3 in a cluster)

The brightest colors are accenting the coffee table.  This is a great way to adapt your ever-changing style and taste without breaking the bank because you have to buy all new furniture.  Seasonal items can also offer a lot of color and pizazz to your coffee table.

Anyone can do it-Find what YOU love!

A Roomy 178 Square Feet

click the title to read the full article in the New York Times

"More is More"

Stack all of those magazines you have lying around and top them with interesting bowls, candles, and games like mancala.  Put an assortment of coasters in one of the bowls for your guests' drinks.

Planking from Home Depot,   ($14.23/package 6 pieces @ 8' x 2")
Stain planks for a finished look like above:  Minwax "green tea" ($10-$20) with a high gloss marine varnish ($15)

Find a chair such as this as your local re-sale shop or Goodwill.  Check out Housing Works for great finds.

Note the paint choices:  Dark door and floor with light grey walls, white trim and white ceiling.

Frame photos, postcards, and fabrics and a map of your city, state, or country to achieve this look.

Caroline's Colonial Remodel

 

From New York to Denver this girl has always had some style.  Caroline recently purchased a new home in Denver.  She knew exactly what she wanted to change in her new home.  So, the day she signed the final papers on her home,  her contractor started working.

KITCHEN REMODEL

 Before                                                                       After

BATHROOM REMODEL

    Before

After

LIVING ROOM REMODEL

Living Room - Before

Living Room - After

Lake House Remodel - Campell's Coup

Check out this link for full remodel details:  http://www.dwell.com/slideshows/campbells-coup.html

Architect:  Keith Campell
Location:  Lake Michigan

Before                                       After

Exterior changes that made a difference:

1. Paint-a more contemporary brown/grey immediately updates the facade.

2. New RED frames around the windows, this added a great detail and a lot of "punch" to the facade.

3. Added a porch which is great for function and aesthetics.

Interior changes that made a difference:

1. Universal wall and ceiling material:  pine with a clear finish

2. Open floor plan for the living - kitchen - dining room

3. Removing the sliding door entry and replacing it with a window.  

4. Furniture is understated, yet adds to the overall composition of the room.

Living Room Before

Living Room  After

(salvaged fireplace and wood floor)

Kitchen - Dining

Living Room

I just love this entryway!

How to recreate this look on a budget:

1. Paint! (3 colors of the same family)  I like whites and cool neutral tones for a more contemporary look.

2. No equestrian boots?  Try rain boots that are hidden in your closet
3. Antlers...
    For the real deal:
     


    For a less than real version, but fun substitute from Urban Outfitters ($52):

4. Bench or Console Table:  look at local antique stores for a little flair or try a garage sale or make a bench.

    If you aren't feeling up to the adventure...store bought is okay too.

5. Umbrellas: you have them in your house!  

6. Framed print/artwork/photo, I love these frames from West Elm: