May 2012 | refresheddesigns.sustainable design

31.5.12

green idea: refresh a porch with paint

Want to amp up curb appeal and extend your living space outdoors? It doesn't have to cost much and you don't have to purchase a lot of new materials. Painting your porch floor goes a long way. Choose a classic gray, or go bold with colour.

House & Home

And while you're at it, paint the ceiling too, and reclaim old wicker and bamboo furniture with fresh paint as well.

Do you love porch living?

30.5.12

the ultimate sunroom

It's starting to feel a bit like summer around here, and I've got outdoor living on the brain. Even without stepping outside, this amazing sunroom allows you to feel like you're surrounded by nature. This is part of the delightful Monaco home of Timothy Whealon, featured in Architectural Digest.

I could live in this room year-round. You?

29.5.12

yellow huesday

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27.5.12

monday refresh: quick and dirty bathroom

OK, quick and clean, not dirty. I wanted to add a bit of colour to my small rental bathroom in a bigger way than just a picture on the wall, so...

BEFORE

AFTER

I changed out the shower curtain (I picked this one up from World Market for $20) and replaced the colourful art with one of my own photos in a neutral frame. The glass jars with bath salts and milk give a luxurious feeling, I think!

It's a quick and cheap way to add new life to a bathroom. Have you any other tricks to share on this wonderful (almost) summer Monday?

25.5.12

find it friday: the Moroccan vibe

I posted earlier this week about the amazing Marrakesh home of Maryam Montague and since then I've been noticing some great Moroccan items to bring into my own little abode. Summer is a great time to add a little Moroccan flair, whether on the garden patio or in your living space. Simply adding a couple of key pieces and patterns will do the trick and shouldn't cost much.

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Need some ideas for designing or redesigning your home? Contact me about online design, starting at $75.

24.5.12

room of the week: eclectic kitchen

Last's week's room was the vintage bath of designer Antonio Martin's San Francisco home. I'm so taken with his home that this week's room is his kitchen. Again, I love the mix of old and new, and especially love the colourful rug under the moveable island workspace. The enormous glass cabinet door on a rail is magnificent, and I've always loved art in the kitchen, as posted about here.

photos via Remodelista

23.5.12

global design inspiration: Morocco

I've been drooling over the stunning Marrakesh home of Maryam Montague and Chris Redecke featured in the lastest Lonny mag. Since moving to Morocco five years ago, Montague has become an expert on regional design and has recently published the drool-worthy book Marrakesh by Design.

Their home displays the best of Moroccan design in simple ways - through stencilled patterns, colourful rugs, clusters of lanterns, and vintage treasures. I love that it's not too colourful or overdone, and that it is modern while still paying tribute to tradition.

All above images via Lonny

Is this a look that you like? Have you tried it in your home?

22.5.12

creating a beach chic guestroom

I'm working with a client on turning her spare bedroom into a beachy chic room that will wow her guests this summer. This is a lovely theme when not overdone and when mixed with modern pieces. Her colours will be white with a punch of sea blue and natural materials.

We start work on the room soon, so watch for some DIY project posts - these are what will help us come in on budget! Here is the design board for the project.

Will you be hosting guests this summer at your home or cottage? If so, you'll want to check out this post on creating an inviting guest bedroom.

21.5.12

monday refresh: IKEA LACK table refresh

I've had a black IKEA LACK side table sitting in a closet forever, and I finally dug it out this weekend to give it a quick refresh.

I painted the top in semi-gloss white and wrapped the legs in wood grain contact paper from the dollar store. I think it gives it a modern look and fits well in my office holding a vintage card catalogue drawer I picked up recently. I also picked up a vintage wool spindle and some great mason jars at a garage sale, which hold craft stuff.

I did this in an hour and for $1. You can't beat that for a cheap and sustainable way to refresh a piece of furniture! Have a great week everyone.

18.5.12

find it friday: sustainable patio furnishings

Yesterday I shared ideas on how to extend your living space outside this summer without spending a lot on unsustainable furnishings. Here are some sources for budget and earth-friendly outdoor decor.

acacia wood folding chair from IKEA: $15

recycled glass pitcher from Pottery Barn: $40

vintage wicker side table on Etsy: $16

recycled wine barrel chairs from Gaiam: $200

Wooly Pockets green wall plant pockets: $150

various vintage wicker furniture on Ebay (photo via Sunset)

outdoor pillow from Pier 1: $24

eucalyptus wood patio set from backyardcity.com: $1165

100% recycled plastic chair by Loll Designs: $559

17.5.12

green idea: sustainable outdoor living space

I'm a big outdoor gal so I love to make the most of any outdoor space I have at home. But big or small, furnishing and decorating an outdoor space can be costly - to the environment and the wallet. Buying a lot of new plastic and steel patio furniture isn't the most sustainable way to create a stylish outdoor room.

Instead, think about:

-handmade wooden furniture, or a diy wooden table or bench
- used and vintage furniture that would look great when weathered
-old wicker furniture spray painted a cool colour
-an ugly old kitchen table and with a beautiful tablecloth over it
-camping chairs made chic with colourful pillows and throws
-your own indoor decor and rugs brought outside

-candles in mason jars or lanterns
-clay pots and baskets for interest
-flowers and greenery as natural decoration