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If you are going to remodel your kitchen and would like to do it in an eco-friendly fashion, consider using the following materials in your new design.

Appliances- Certified with an Energy Star label.  Use a convection oven versus a conventional oven to save energy. 

Cabinets – FSC-certified plywood, wheatboard, bamboo, formaldehyde-free MDF, reclaimed wood, recycled timber, or recycled steel.

Countertops – Granite, engineered stone, recycled ceramic tile, FSC-certified wood, recycled steel, recycled glass, recycled plastics.

Flooring –  Bamboo, cork, linoleum, stone tiles, recycled glass tiles, recycled metal tiles, reclaimed & sustainable woods.

Lighting – Copper light fixtures, recycled glass, recycled aluminum, recycled steel, sustainably harvested wood, and post-industrial waste products.  Be sure and use energy-saving fluorescent bulbs.

Storage – Store food in glass and ceramic pieces instead of plastic.  They are easier to clean, do not hold odors, and if on display, aesthetically much more pleasing.

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Are you following me on twitter?  You should be!

~ Lorrie

Today, I would like to introduce you to a very talented interior designer, Joel Robare.  Joel is recognized for his innate creativity, open approach, attention to detail and superior service in interior design.  He has been kind enough to answer a few questions and share some of his work with us today.  Thanks Joel!  Enjoy everyone!  ~ Lorrie

Could you describe your path to becoming a designer?
I was bitten by the creativity bug early, drawing and painting ever since I can remember. My first apartments lived like stage sets!  That said, it surprises most people to know that I started with a business management degree – how efficient!  I think the experience gave me the ability to run my business with my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground. A friend once told me we all have to ” do what makes our heart sing.”  If you are near me, you can probably hear my song without straining your ears too much!  I love what I do and am inspired daily.  

Can you describe your philosophy of a “lifestyle-driven approach to design?”
Have you ever walked into an interior that takes your breath away?  That is our aim when we work with our clients.  We create interiors that speak to their own inner voice – going beyond current trends and catalog pages. Our interiors speak of the people who live and work inside them.  Our life-style driven approach takes into account everything our clients are willing to share with us.  We start with an comprehensive interview that asks all the right questions. Have a dog?  Have children?  Have a problem with hiding clutter?  Don’t want to hide clutter?  There IS a perfect interior for every person, and I believe we create it…beautifully.  Our clients become intimately involved with their own homes and they love our work!  Some of their testimonials have been very touching.  

What was the inspiration for your featured project?
The featured project on our website is a home for San Francisco newlyweds.  Putting together a home is really the first decision making process any young couple takes on.  As a designer, we have to ask a lot of questions and use a bit of light psychology to bring two lives together under one roof.  Our inspiration was “a fresh start” and we worked hard to assist them in finding their combined voice.  I think they both learned a lot about each other in the process – almost as much as we learned about them! (The discussion on the nursery was important for all of us…) We layered in a lot of pure functionality (easy maintenance, extra storage, private spaces) with layered bits of personality they identified with individually.  She was most interested in the past like antiques and creating moments that stir her memory like the wallpapered powder room and painted cabinetry. He was very interested in the home’s tactile components like the Aga range, walk in shower, and building out his garage.  Our job was to add completely fresh elements, a cohesive color story and a few “wows” like the glass stripes in the kitchen floor and that lush mosaic tile backsplash.  Our work combined with their individual preferences led to a cohesive whole that both expressed their personality to the world – both as individuals as well as a new couple. 

Joel, could you share a few tips with our readers on how best to marry style with practicality/functionality?
Marry is the word of the day!  If you read my blog, you will see I love lists.  Here is one for your readers:  JR Studio’s 5 steps to making any situation stylish. 

Coastal Style has a great selection of rugs in natural fiber and wool and you can choose your size down to the inch.

Area rugs are the crowning touch to wood and tile flooring.  They add warmth, beauty and color to your room, not to mention how good they feel underfoot.   But there’s nothing worse than ordering a rug, laying it down and then realizing it’s a little too big or too small.  So before you start searching, it’s a good idea to figure out what size you need.  It will help narrow down your choices and give you confidence in your purchase.   Here are some room-by-room guidelines:

Dining Room

Living Room & Family Room

Hallways

Bedrooms

5 Secret Buying Tips:

• Shipping costs for rugs are pretty hefty.  Rugs often qualify as over-sized freight so be sure to take advantage of sales and free shipping offers.
• Along with figuring out the right size, it’s often worth the extra time to order the same pattern rug in the smallest size available to make sure the pattern works.  Confirm that the return policy is liberal and ask them if they will credit the freight if you order the larger size.
• If you are ordering a custom sized rug, then use the exact measurements calculated above.  If you are ordering standard sized rugs, then go up to the next size rug.
• If you have any recessed floor outlets, make sure they are covered if they are not underneath the furniture.
• Order the pad along with the rug.  That way you have the exact size you need to roll it out as soon as you receive it.

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If you are not going to go green for yourself, at least think of your tots and pups. This sofa from Greener Lifestyles is made from FSC certified wood, natural latex cushions and is available in a variety of organic hemp, cotton and wool fabrics.

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Upholstery 

I have to admit this is a tough one right now.  As a designer, there are a number of companies from whom I can buy eco-friendly upholstery.  For retail customers, the options are few.  Plus you have to be careful because some companies are taking advantage of the “eco-friendly hype” to sell mediocre furniture.  Yes, a sustainable hardwood frame and organic fabric sound great, but how is the piece made?  What’s inside? (The answers should be a hardwood frame with wool or natural latex cushions)  What is the warranty?  Some companies do not sell directly to the public but you can find an authorized dealer in your area.

• Lee Industries - Crate and Barrel carries some of their items.
• Greener Lifestyles – A great selection of mostly modern sofas.
• Williams Sonoma Home – Offering some stylish options in their Green Collection.  Look for the little green leaf.
• Eco Terric- They offer the Inside Green line from Cisco Brothers.

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I have been admiring this Viva Terra table for quite some time. Reclaimed railroad ties-made from teak, pine, and ironwood have been crafted into a nesting coffee table with sturdy metal frames that have been given a waxed finish. It has a nice clean look but the weathered wood gives it an interesting twist.

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Casegoods

Casegoods are pretty much anything that is made out of wood.  Think coffee tables, armoires and dressers.   Here we have many options to choose from.  Antiques and used furniture are the most obvious way to go green.  You can use these items in exactly the condition you find them or refinish them to your taste using earth-friendly products.  If you are handy you can create furniture out of items or wood that had a previous life.  Lastly, there are plenty of talented artists and vendors that are making new furniture from eco-friendly and sustainable materials.

• Vivaterra – One of my favorites, a lovely selection of furniture and accessories.
• Green Culture Furniture - They offer everything from bedrooms to living rooms in traditional, transitional and modern styles.
• Design Public – Great Modern furnishings for your home.

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Pottery Barn has a wide selection of organic bedding in solids and prints. The Sanibel Collection is great for a vacation home or any room where you want that beach house feeling.

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Pillows, Bedding and Other Soft Stuff

If you like to sleep as much as I do, then you spend more than a few hours with your pillow snuggled under your head.  Since these items are close to your skin for many hours at a time, it’s a good idea to go green.

• A Happy Planet - If you are going with a simple white or ivory palette, they have got you covered with vendors such as Anna Sova and SDH Purists.
• Pottery Barn – They have a nice selection of organic bedding in lovely colors.  200 thread count is fine for shams and duvet covers but make sure your sheets are 300+.
• LAUREN SPA - Their new spa collection features the trademark Lauren style but with a softer look and feel.

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I bet you would not expect this Art Deco look fixture to use a compact fluorescent light! Get the best of Old World and New at Rejuvenation Lighting.

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Lighting

Again, we can arrive from two directions.  Take what you have to a lighting store, make sure it’s safe and add a new twist with shades, beads or crystals.  There is also some great refurbished antique lighting on the web.  Bare in mind that compact fluorescent bulbs are available in many sizes.  You can also look for Energy Star approved fluorescent lighting that require 2/3 less energy than standard lighting, generates 70% less heat, and lasts up to 10 times longer.  Some people are concerned that they won’t get the same warm light from a compact fluorescent but if you select a fixture with that has opaque glass, you can hardly tell the difference.

•  Chameleon Fine Lighting – If you are interested in finding a period fixture or just something funky for contrast, they have a beautiful selection.
• Rejuvenation Lighting- One of the few places where you can get an perfect antique reproduction that takes a compact fluorescent bulb!
• LBC Lighting - You also have the option of selecting light fixtures that are made of recycled glass or grass clot for an interesting twist.

I hope this helps you jump into the world of eco-friendly furnishings.  Just remember: consider what you can reuse, analyze what you really need and then do your research.  There are lots of great companies offering a wonderful selection of products that will make your home beautiful and eco-friendly.  Now that’s a smart way to go!

Reuse and Recycle 

First, consider the items you have that might just need a little TLC.

• Friendly Facelift - Sometimes an old favorite just needs a little pick-me-up.  Try a sunny coat of paint on an old table, a new shade for Grandma’s lamp, or reupholstering your favorite chair.
• On the Move – Consider moving accessories, lighting and furniture to another room.  You will be amazed how different the piece looks and how it dramatically changes up a room. 
• Friendly Swap – Talk to your friends and family about what you are looking for and what you are willing to part with.  You might just have a perfect match.
• Dispose With Care – If you have decided that you are ready to part with that sofa, chair, or rug, do your best to pass it on to someone else  who can use it.  (www.freecycle.com, www.craigslists.com, & www.goodwill.org)

Ready to Purchase ? 

Let’s start from the ground up in the world of eco-friendly decor.

This Hickory Hand-Scraped Flooring is from Eco Timber Flooring. The fantastic character and warmth would be perfect in any room. It is Certified according to the Principles & Criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as well as being LEED certified.

Flooring 

There are lots of eco-friendly options ranging from cork to reclaimed wood.  My best advice is to do your research like you would for any other purchase.  Be honest with yourself and make sure the flooring works with your lifestyle (and the dog’s and the kids’).  And it’s not just the wood or cork you have to consider.  Make sure you have information on any adhesives and sealents that will be used as these often contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)  Just because the flooring is eco-friendly, does not mean the vendor is customer friendly.  Assume nothing and ask a lot of questions.  Get a firm quote, ask about warranties and post-installation care. (Though I have not specified it for any of my clients, my flooring company tells me they are getting a lot of service calls for bamboo flooring, so be vigilant.)

• Eco Timber - Sustainable exotics and hardwoods.
• The Reclaimed Wood Council can steer you in the right direction for beautiful antique wood.  Don’t forget to check out your local architectural salvage companies for great deals.
• epanko – Cork options for every style.

An Angela Adams rug is truly a thing of beauty. The design, colors and textures mimic the beauty of the natural world.

Carpet & Rugs 

This is where things are getting interesting.  Area rugs can be made from a variety of natural and recycled materials bringing us a fantastic array of textures and designs that are truly amazing.  Along with checking that the rug is made from a sustainable material (recycled items, wools, cotton) make sure it’s made using earth and people friendly practices.  All the better if it’s made in the USA!  This will lessen the use of fossil fuels for transport.

• Flor - Carpet tiles for your whole room or just an area rug.  You can send your old tiles in to be recycled.
• Rug Studio - Sisal, Sea grass and Jute are a good, natural place to start.
• Angela Adams at Velocity – One of my personal favorites.  She makes earth-friendly wool rugs and they are a member of Rug Mark – assuring your rug is child-labor free.

Now that you have the floor covered, are you ready to start adding some furniture?  Then stay tuned for the Eco-Friendly Furnishing Guide Part II this Friday! 

The Urban Retreat by Garrow Kedigian

Today, I would like to introduce you to Garrow Kedigian.  Born in Montreal, Canada, Garrow attended the prestigious architecture program at McGill University before moving to Boston to work in the in the office of renowned interior designer William Hodgins.  After six years with Mr. Hodgins, Garrow moved to New York and went on to work with designers Marjorie Shushan and Eric Cohler.  In 2001, Garrow established his own design firm and since then he has successfully presided over a wide variety of projects.  His portfolio includes a 20,000 sqaure foot barn-turned-residence in Greenwich CT, a multiplicity of apartments and residential projects in Manhattan,  residences in the ever stylish Palm Beach, and large corporate headquarters and office spaces in New York.

This year, Garrow has been invited to participate in the presitigious Kips Bay Decorator Show House.  As a Kips Bay newcomer, Garrow didn’t get first pick of the major rooms.  In fact, he ended up with the smallest room, 95 square feet, tucked away on the 5th floor of the house.  Having a love for small intimate spaces, Garrow was ready to take on the challenge. 

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Garrow’s theme is based upon one of his first projects he ever did, for a client on Park Avenue.  “She was an intellectual, versed in the classics, who needed a place to get away from her husband and kids, where she could read, eat and be away from the day-to-day hassles,” he explained. 

In Garrow’s Own Words

“We turned a small maid’s room into a multi-use space, with vibrant colors, the underlying classical theme of Greek mythology. The walls are a deep orangey/brown, and painted paneling lines characterize the walls and ceiling throughout in a softer deep mocha color, making the space like a jewel box. Color and paint are key. The room is all about the paint, since there is little original architectural character to the space, the wall paint and colors create architectural detailing from where there is none.”

“The banquette, which anchors the corner, is upholstered in a deep chocolate brown velvet for sumptuousness and surrounds a quirky high table, from Amy Perlin Antiques, which double duties as a dining table or work surface. The marble console writing table, from 145 Antiques, has accents of the wall colors coming through in places. Whimsical pillows accent for color and texture and thread the Greek theme through again. The ceiling light, from John Sallibello, is an explosion of whimsy, brass and elegance. The carpet is a custom Greek Key, done in tones to compliment the walls. Above the banquette is an interesting mirror to help expand the small space, in gilded geso. At the opposite wall from the mirror a giant painting of the Russian poet, writer, and idealist Maya Kovsky.”

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“I like painting small spaces dark and dramatic colors.  This helps give the room boldness when it is lacking in its size. The use of mirrors strategically placed help expand the space and manipulate color/light source into the space.”

Congratulations Garrow and thank you for sharing this wonderful room with us!  The Kips Bay 2009 Decorator Show House is open from April 17th – May 17th in New York. 

Are you following me on twitter?  You should be!

~ Lorrie

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 I hope you are enjoying the guest experts who have come on board with My Design Secrets over the past few weeks.  I know you guys love listening to me but the wonderful thing about interior design is that every expert brings  a unique point of view.  One of my goals for 2009 is to bring you information from experts that specialize in certain areas and styles so you can get the inside tips and trick on how to achieve these designer looks on your own.  So if you are intersted in a topic we have not covered yet, please contact me at questions@mydesignsecrets.com and let me know.  I will be happy to share my expertise with you.  And if I don’t have the answer, I will find someone who does!

Enjoy this next article on light control by Larry Bem, a lighting expert here in West Palm Beach, Florida.

~Lorrie

There are options for every budget, whether you want to spend under $100, have several hundred set aside, or are willing to invest more than $1,000.

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The Most Bang for your Buck

Installing a dimmer is one of the most impressive and cost effective ways to use light. If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, this is it. The Lutron Maestro IR® preset dimmer, which is controlled by an integral micro-processor and can be programmed to recall a favorite brightness is a great solution for the do-it-yourselfer looking for a fast, dramatic effect. The product is easy to find (Home Depot, Lowes, online) and easy on the budget, at $47.50 MSRP. As an added bonus, dimmers like this reduce energy consumption of the light source.  

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A Touch of Luxury

For the next level of programmable dimmers, try the Lutron GRAFIK Eye QS®, a more advanced lighting control system that allows you to manipulate light from six zones or sources to create four scenes. As an added bonus, this system can integrate light control with the control of up to three groups of Lutron’s Sivoia QS® precision controllable shades, and with the RS232/Ethernet interface which taps into audio/video and building management systems.

For this level of control and customization, you’ll need the help of an electronics integrator. The equipment itself will cost $1,360 for control of 6 zones, $1,120 for control of 3 zones. Bem says, “If you combined the power of three of these systems, you’d get a whole house makeover. An investment in GRAFIK Eye QS provides the level of lighting control you’d see in a more expensive lighting system i.e. microprocessor control, astronomical clock, and QED shade integration.” The system comes with a four button panel for control. You can add multiple remote keypads at each entry to the room.

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This cut little side chair is bound to stir a lot of interest. The colors and fabric pattern are cute, but buyer beware. The description of the chair is purposely evasive such as "made of wood" and "hand upholstered construction." ($259.99)

Tips for Avoiding Cheap Furniture

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Materials 

Casegoods - The end tables I saw had chipped legs from just being taken on and off the shelf.  The description says they are made of “solid wood.”  If they are not telling you what type of wood, you can be sure it’s not a quality hardwood. 

Upholstery - The most important parts are hidden from view.  When it comes to upholstery, you can get some information on the cushion tag.  When it comes to the frame, you need to ask questions.  Don’t buy a sofa without speaking to a salesperson and getting the details.  The best sofas are made from kiln-dried hardwoods such as oak, maple and poplar.  Soft woods such as pine will warp and break down.

Finish

The table says is had a chocolate finish.  It does not say stained, which is not surprising because to apply a stain finish you need to start with a decent quality wood.  So these items are painted to look like they are stained. 

Painting = Chipping.  That is a tough repair.

This floor lamp has a nice silhouette but it might not look like this when you receive it. I noticed that some lampshades shipped in the same box with the base. The fabric shades are collapsed in the box, leaving you with wrinkles that may never go away. ($69.99).

Claims 

Especially in upholstery, if they claim a “no-sag” cushion, take a pass.  A good quality sofa is made with a hardwood frame and 8-way hand tied coil springs.  Cheaper lines use zig-zag springs in the seat, which should only be used in back cushions.  Find out what the warranty is and get it in writing.

Cost 

There is nothing more expensive then a cheap piece of furniture.  I know the upfront costs may be a little more than you wanted to spend but when you divide it over the life of a piece, it is well worth it.  If you buy a cheap sofa for $600 and it only lasts one year, that is much more expensive than a $1,200 sofa that lasts 6 years.  ($600/year vs. $200/year)

The Darby table is by designer Victoria Hagan, whose designs I adore. But the chips and dents I saw don't speak well for the materials. Remember that they pay big bucks to license a well-known designer's name and you are paying for that. ($69.99)

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I am just using Target as an example but there are many stores like this that are a  Jack of All Trades, Master of None.  They use big designer names to suck you in but you must remember that your expectations for a t-shirt are very different than those you have for a piece of furniture.   So be thoughtful on where you purchase furniture and get the facts before jumping in.  Big sales can be tempting but I want you to find the best quality furniture that you can afford.

~Lorrie

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This custom cabinet, designed by Erika Carolina Soza, is stylish and multifunctional.

Custom Wine Fridge Cabinet by Erika Carolina Soza.

The idea for this custom wine fridge cabinet came from the client’s desperate need for storage.  My client needed storage for her serving dishes and glassware, but didn’t necessarily want to display them.  We searched for the perfect piece that would coordinate well with her new dining table, yet fit perfectly in the space underneath the window, while still leaving room for the wine fridge they wanted to keep in the space.   Apparently we had too many requirements and the ideal piece was no where to be found without going way over budget.

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Personality Plus!!

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I came up with the idea of a custom piece, because this way we could get it built to our exact specifications, accommodate the wine fridge and choose the color that would coordinate well with the rest of her furniture. I then decided to give the cabinet “personality” by lining the inside with a large patterned black and white vinyl wallpaper (for easy cleaning and durability) and adding crystal knobs for glam.

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Since we were also using the top of the cabinet as a bar, there would be a high likelihood of drops and spills, so it was essential to add a glass top to prevent damage to the paint and wood.

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The end result was a unique multi-purpose piece that fulfilled all of the client’s needs and looked good while doing so.

Thanks ~ Erika Carolina Soza

Thank you for sharing Erika!  ~ Lorrie

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Patrick J. Baglino, Jr.

Get ready to take notes boys and girls.  Or at the very least, bookmark this page!  You are about to get a lesson in good design with Washington D.C. based interior designer, Patrick J. Baglino, Jr.  Patrick is not only sharing a few photos from his portfolio (which you must see), but he has also been kind enough to answer a couple of my questions. 

Working out of the trendy and vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, Patrick has established himself as one of the premier interior designers in Washington D.C.  His interiors - he refers to them as ”Urban Sophisticated” - are innovative, eclectic and traditional with a contemporary twist.  Welcome Patrick!

Some of our readers, including Alicia’s husband,  are under the impression that furniture should be purchased as a “set” and should “match.”   I should note that Alicia vehemently disagrees with her husband!   

And I do too!

Patrick, in this living room that you designed, which is fabulous by the way, you have incorporated a variety of different materials and finishes.  Can you explain to our readers why this works?

I enjoy an eclectic mix in most rooms I design. I believe the use of different materials and textures add visual interest and excitement.  This living room combines dark wood finishes along with painted finishes as well as metal, mirrored glass and natural stone. Additionally, leather, damask, embroidered satin, smooth silk and velvet fabrics are employed in this design.

These different finishes and materials not only look beautiful individually, but they work well together to create a harmonious mix.  The red velvet chair and crimson painted bench adds dramatic “punch” to the room.  The painted tables provide a nice foil to the java wood finishes.

A graceful swirl design is found in the silk tufting of the rug, the stone ivory lamp, the legs of the coffee table, the curve of the klismos chair back and the base of the metal mirrored side table.  While the materials of each of these pieces are different, they all share one common element or theme.  They are united by the flowing curves and swirl design.  This commonality is best defined as harmony in interior design.

Next, let’s tackle lighting!

Patrick, our readers express their frustration when trying to achieve the proper balance with lighting.  The common complaints are that it’s too bright, too dark, provides no ambiance, etc…  You have done a nice job of striking a good balance in this particular bathroom you designed.  How were you able to accomplish this?

In order to properly light any space it is always important to consider different types of lighting methods.  Generally, a well-designed room will benefit from general or overall lighting, task lighting and accent or decorative lighting.

In this bathroom, I used recessed halogen lighting in the ceiling to provide general lighting throughout the space. These lights are on dimmer switches. (I am a strong believer in the use of dimmers, as they have a magical way of adding instant ambiance and comfort to a space.)

In order to provide crisp, bright lighting near the sinks and mirrors, I installed task lighting fixtures in between the mirrors.  The lights, which are essentially glass cylinders, provide up-lighting, down-lighting and is the perfect task lighting for applying make-up, shaving, etc.

The open shower also has a light set into the ceiling which not only balances out the recessed lighting and the fixtures at the mirrors, but also provides additional task lighting for the shower area.  This light looks great when left on while all the other lights are turned off.  It is the perfect night-light or accent light.

Thanks for the great decorating tips Patrick.  Have a great day everyone!

~ Lorrie

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