Reuse, Recycle .. Reupholster!

We are all trying to reduce our footprint on this earth. I am composting (messy,) recycling paper (a serious endeavor considering my magazine habit) and reusing ziploc bags (when I remember to rinse them out.) But there are some big ticket items out there that could make a big impact. I'm talking furniture. You've seen all that lonely grandma furniture in the antique marts. A little paint, some fun fabric and you have one of a kind. Here are a couple companies taking Vintage to the next level.

Serena and Lily, best known for bedding, etc has added a Bazaar section to their online catalog. This showcases their latest finds that they have fixed up for you! Remember, one of a kind, so it might not be available.

Pieces in Atlanta features Lee Kleinhelter's keen eye as she spins a California/New South vibe for vintage pieces. Just goes to show that white paint is the king. And with those red chairs in your breakfast room, who needs coffee??

In the case of Chairloom out of NYC, it is all about the fabric. These pieces have great bones. A hip, young fabric changes a dreary chair to one with energy! Be sure to check out her section on sold pieces for more inspiration.

Now, if you are starting to get ideas (as in "I sure need a project this weekend.") Let's look at some before and after images.

Somewhat dowdy chair changed into smashing white. (Not practical for those of us with kids, but you get the idea. It would be equally smashing in black, bright green, yellow, etc.)

And from Southern Living a chair you would not even see in the antiques booth becomes the sleekest glam addition to a bedroom. (White paint, people!)

Now, you can DIY and here are links to Eddie Ross for flea market ideas and how tos. And also Martha Stewart for the exact procedure for painting. (Apparently a lot of work!)

As an alternate option (when driving the soccer carpool pushes that chair project to the back of the garage -- again) contact your local painter and upholsterer. Here are a couple of local options to get you started.

Expert Woodworking in Redwood City

Tack Shop Upholstery in San Carlos

Art for All

Real Art, Right Now

Remember when foam core mounted posters were the height of elegance? I swore I was going to get REAL art some day only to have my posters replaced by sticky first grade drawings of dinosaurs. They're cute, but someday I want to feel like a grown up. Except I don't have the money
... or do I?

Here are some sources for real art, right now.
 
Web Sources: Yes, you can buy art off the internet. Especially if it is only $20! The first three are from  the Jan Bekman 20 x 200 project. This gallery in New York offers limited edition prints of gallery work for as low as $20. New pieces come out every Wednesday.  Her motto is my kind of math!
(limited editions x low prices) + the internet = art for everyone

Velodrome,  James Deavin, 8x10, $20

 Birch Forest #7, Lisa Congdon, 11x14, $50

Where is that Middle Way?  Emily Noelle Lambert, 8x10, $20

Etsy  This fabulous crafters website is also a great source for art. They have a good search engine so you can narrow your tastes to photographs, prints, watercolors, landscapes and so on. Sure, you have to scroll through many pages, but think of all the inspiration you will run across!  

Central Park, Matte Stephens

print, 13 x 19, $60 

Goldfinch among the budding maple trees, Raceytay

Original photograph, 8x8, $25 

Serenity Blue, Dianna Poindexter

Oil, 16 x 20, $375

Local: Need something more traditional? Lyons Antique Prints in the Town and Country Center, Palo Alto offers prints for all interests: maps, sailing, children's books, animals, even scientific!

 Original Chromolithograph

England - 19th century
11.25" x 8.75" $187.50 

 Among the Big Trees, Mariposa, CA

Orifinal Gravure, 1888

15 x 11  $127.50

Hang Art in SF is a great place to find local artists. These are a bit pricier. Can't commit? They offer rentals! And 50% of your rental fee can be applied to the purchase. Look at this landscape. At 30x48, this could make an entire room!

Orcas Island, Ann West

oil on canvas, 30x48, $2200

 Boundaries #52, Clare Kuo 

mixed media on canvas, 30 x 40, $1250

Now go on and go shopping.  No-one will notice if your furniture still says 'Ikea' with art that says, 'I know what is important in life.'

One, Two, Flush

Dual Flush Toilets

The problem with dual flush toilets is not their function ... it's their style. Everyone loves new gadgets for the home.  And I am all for eco friendly but, honey, I want it to look GOOD! And they are finally getting the message. Now that California's law requires 1.28 gallons or less per flush, we are forced to look at high efficiency options. The dual flush toilet still meets these requirements, but allows you a larger flush ... when necessary. (Do you have boys in the house??)

These toilets have two buttons on top, one for liquid waste, 0.8 gallons/flush and one for solid at 1.6 gallons/flush. This prevents the 'double flushing' that was happening with earlier models. (Which, of course, negated the whole water saving idea!)

The standard for so long has been the Toto Aquia.  Nice clean design, but really only one look.
 This is available at Fixtures and Faucets in San Mateo.

Enter the Caroma Colonial. What a charming old world look with new world technology!  Do NOT be afraid to sit on these. I know. It is as embarrassing as lying on beds in the mattress store, but you must try them. Being a bit short in stature, I actually found one the other day where my feet did not reach the floor. Uncomfortable! Available at Pacific Sales in Redwood City.

Kohler has a nice line of dual flush including the Saile, Persuade and Strela (shown) They can be seen at Plumbing and Things in Redwood City.
To finish off your research check out the Consumer Reports review of dual flush toilets. (Yes, you must join, and yes, it is worth it.)

The Freestanding Tub

It is raining .. again. And although I have done 'my time' on the East Coast, my California soul is craving some blue sky. Since escape to Palm Springs seems unlikely, I will choose the second idea I had today -- escape to the bath. And I mean escape. Let's lock the door, light the candles and pretend we can't hear the kids. And let's go old school, freestanding tubs only!

Here is country chic. A crystal chandelier, raw wood, natural light and even a fireplace mantel. If you can't pull the tub up to a fireplace, even the hint of fire will do.  Claw foot tubs can be found at your local salvage yard.  (Same for the fireplace mantle.) The outside can be painted as you would paint metal. The inside can be finished by a bathtub refinisher. Remember how well cast iron can hold the heat? Perfect.

Here is jaw dropping glamour from a Southern Accents showhouse. I could feel so pampered with all the shiny tile. The bateau style tub, finished in polished nickel, is available from Waterworks, Urban Archeology, and the Bathworks.

Very modern, spare, but not cold. The textured,  tile wall defines this space and keeps it from looking too sleek.

A Pedestal tub.  This has an old library feel to it. I would definitely settle in with an old 'volume' or two. Kohler is one source for this tub.

Look at this beautiful tub. Placed right in front of the double shower, it takes advantage of that marble wall as a backsplash. Rustic beams overhead? Bonus. Waterworks and The Bathworks.

 Which is floating you more? The floating tub or the shimmering wall of beads? Similar tub from Kohler.

Another bath and shower combo (look at the showerheads on the wall behind the tub.) Add some old world touches like a pendant light and a candelabra and clean, modern shapes come alive.

And let's circle back to where we started. Beautiful tub, fireplace mantel, chandelier. Enough to get you through the rainy weather. Stay warm, my friends!

LOCAL SOURCE:
Ohmega Salvage , Berkeley

Whole House Building Supply, East Palo Alto

The Bathworks available at Splashworks, San Jose

Waterworks at Waterworks, SF

Kohler at Fixtures and Faucets, San Mateo