Outdoor Summer Living

Transcription

Sharon’s
Interior design trends often blur the lines between indoor and
outdoor spaces. The professionals encourage using natural materials,
highlighting windows, and featuring pops of greenery. We spend all
year bringing the outdoors inside, so it can be a relief when, come
summer, we can enjoy nature in its pure form.
In this issue of Home By Design, we celebrate all that outdoor living has to offer. The five featured homes
are designed to capitalize on picturesque views, exceptional climates, or natural terrain. And they span
the Western Hemisphere—from South Carolina to Mexico to Hawaii. No matter where you live, you
can enjoy summertime with a good old-fashioned picnic; we suggest what to pack and where to go for
an outdoor meal. Select one or more of the recipes from this issue’s no-cook menu to bring along in
your basket. For lovely food, shopping, and outdoor activities, consider a trek to Sun Valley, Idaho; the
world-famous ski resort is a desirable destination in the summer, too.
As always, thank you for your business, support, and friendship. If you are ever in need of professional
assistance and advice regarding your home and the current real estate market, please do not hesitate to
call.You can be assured that your needs will be met with the utmost integrity and professionalism.
Sharon Medairy, Realtor®
510-450-1001
510-517-9969 cell
[email protected]
www.Medairy.net
BRE 01885305
Real Estate Source, Inc.
Photography provided by ©iStockphoto.com/ooyoo.
MOMENTS
“We would like to live as we once lived, but
history will not permit it.”
—John F. Kennedy
home by design|april|may|2014
1
Contents
april|may|2014
DEPARTMENTS
1
4
Moments
Inspirations:
It’s the Little Things…
6 In the Kitchen:
Digging into Food Trends
14 Lifestyle:
Focusing on the Foyer
16 Gardening:
History at Home
44 Destination:
Montepulciano, Italy
FEATURES
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
From Dark to Dazzling
Modern Muskoka
Modern Day Meets Yesterday
Crystal Vision
34
A nineteenth-century
Tribeca, Manhattan
building merges history
with updated style.
2 home by design|april|may|2014
Photography by (this page) Sean Karns, (opposite page) Adrian Shellard (shellardphotography.com).
20
26
34
38
PUBLISHER By Design Publishing
PRESIDENT Adam Japko
V.P. OF OPERATIONS Belinda Richardson
PROGRAMMING Bill Baker, Dan Fritscher, Todd Neumiller
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER Estee Malensky
EDITOR Maresa Giovannini
DESIGN Lindsay Fournier
CREATIVE TEAM Lori Hartmann, Jason Rebuck,
Courtney Cohoon
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ruth Wertzberger Carlson,
Brenda Crow, Ashley Gartland, Jeanine Matlow, Blake Miller,
Carolyn M. Runyon, Ronda Swaney
COVER PHOTOGRAPH Mike Chajecki
(Still Moments Photography, stillmoments.ca)
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mike Chajecki (Still Moments Photography, stillmoments.ca),
Brenda Crow, Susan Gilmore, Sean Karns, Adrian Shellard
(shellardphotography.com)
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Copyright 2014
Network Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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please disregard this information.
3
INSPIRATIONS
It’s the Little Things…
You may not have the memory
of an elephant, but you can
let one keep your jewelry safe.This
baby elephant trinket box is full of
exquisite detail and sparking jewels.
BABY ELEPHANT
TRINKET BOX
www.zgallerie.com
When lit, the decorated glass base on the
Ateriors poppy glass lamp creates a unique
gleam and glow of light. And a tall white shade
appears like a top hat, giving the overall look
one of distinction and friendly humor.
POPPY TABLE LAMP
www.lumens.com
Add color and texture to your home with the Jaipur
pillow collection. Bejeweled, natural linen pillows are hand
embroidered using the labor intensive aari technique, where each rhinestone and
bead is perfectly placed to create a glimmering surface. Experience the colors
and handicraft of India with this mod interpretation.
Luddites appreciated a simpler way of living,
and this collection is inspired by that.The set
of six side plates depicts an understated sketch
that still dresses up tableware.
JAIPUR STUDDED BEADED LINED THROW PILLOW
THOMAS LUDDITE SIDE PLATE
www.jonathanadler.com
www.libastyle.com
INSPIRATIONS
Charm your tabletop with whimsical unicorn salt and pepper shakers.
But don’t worry, the stoneware shakers aren’t as elusive as the
mythical creatures. You’ll be able to find them with ease.
UNICORN SALT & PEPPER SHAKERS
www.jonathanadler.com
The Diamantini & Domeniconi Cucu Cuckoo Clock, a
signature piece by the Italian company, pays homage
to the traditional version in its smooth, laser cut silhouette
and charming cuckoo bird. Chirping on the hour, Cucu
respects evening sleep times by automatically
silencing its call by a light sensor.
CUCU CUCKOO CLOCK
Give your cheese presentation an update. Perfect for everyday
entertaining or elegant affairs, these food safe, kraft paper sheets can
be paired with your cheese board or used to serve alone.
www.lumens.com
CHEESE SERVING PAPER
www.libastyle.com
This tufted ottoman, upholstered in silver gauze linen, is the
perfect blend of graceful and refined.The metallic accents
complement the classic style that’s finished with button
detailing for a petite place to rest your feet.
SMALL TUFTED OTTOMAN
www.zgallerie.com
5
IN THE KITCHEN
Digging into
Food Trends
Fresh and Delicious Fads to Discover Now
IN THE KITCHEN
It seems a short while ago that we were
talking about cupcakes, carbonated cocktails, and
comfort food. In the world of gastronomy, trends
take hold only to be replaced by the next best thing.
But even once faded, most trends leave an indelible
mark on the culture of our cuisine—be it an
indefinite place on the menu or a good laugh to look
back at. Regardless, they get us into the kitchen and
eating out. They keep things exciting. This year,
we’ve got our eye on some fresh new food fads that
will do just that. From goat meat to ginger beer,
here are some new discoveries to explore in food.
Written and P hotographed by
Brenda Crow
7
IN THE KITCHEN
PICKLED/CURED TREND:
JAPANESE PICKLED
CUCUMBER
Pickling has certainly seen its day in the sun
these last few years. While it was once
galvanized by hard times and a cruel
economy, it’s currently being fueled by the
DIY movement and ever-burgeoning farmers’
markets. This particular recipe is well
suited for the uninitiated and the impatient.
A quick pickle can be made overnight,
without employing a water bath canning
method.The Japanese-inspired brine is super
simple and adaptable to myriad vegetables
(carrots, daikon, and asparagus). If you can
find Persian or Kirby cucumbers, they would
be a good first choice. Otherwise, English
cucumbers are well suited.
Makes 1, 32-ounce jar
2 English cucumbers (about 13–16
ounces total), sliced ½-inch thick
2 1-inch squares of kombu, cut (with
scissors) into thin strips
2 dried chile de árbol, stemmed,
seeded, and cut into strips
1 cup water
6 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ cup rice wine vinegar
Place sliced cucumbers, kombu, and
chile strips in jar.
In a small saucepan, heat water,
then add sugar and salt. Stir until
dissolved, then remove from heat
and allow to cool. Add rice wine
vinegar, then pour mixture into the
jar to cover the cucumbers. Close the
lid, and refrigerate for at least 12
hours. They will keep refrigerated for
up to two weeks.
GLUTEN-FREE TREND:
OVEN ROASTED
WHOLE CAULIFLOWER
Gluten-free cooking doesn’t have to be a
woeful, wheatless reproduction of the foods
we once loved. Indeed, there are so many
options for gluten-free eaters, given the
abundance in the produce, meat, and fish
aisles. I recently discovered this method for
roasting cauliflower and have been refining
and riffing on it since. While we don’t often
think of roasting a whole cauliflower
in the way we’d roast a whole chicken, the
adaptation is befitting.This is my go-to for
an inclusive dinner party with gluten-free
(and gluten-ful) friends. Carve it at the
table for a dramatic presentation and
serve it alongside rice specked with fresh
herbs and seasonal fish.
Serves 4 to 6
8 cups water
2 cups dry white wine
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 bay leaves
1 head cauliflower, trimmed of leaves
½ cup yogurt
1 tablespoon tahini
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, mashed to a paste
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
extra-virgin olive oil, to drizzle on top
To a large pot (large enough to hold a
whole head of cauliflower), add the
water, wine, olive oil, butter, pepper
flakes, lemon juice, kosher salt, sugar,
and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then
turn heat down to a simmer and
carefully lower in the whole head of
cauliflower. Cook at a low simmer,
turning cauliflower occasionally, until
tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove cauliflower from broth, pat
dry, and set aside in a large bowl.
Heat oven to 475 degrees F.
In another small bowl, add yogurt,
tahini, lemon zest, garlic paste, salt, and
pepper and mix to combine.
Spread the yogurt mix all over the
cauliflower (it’s easiest to do this with
your hands), then position the head of
cauliflower onto a lined baking dish.
Bake until golden brown, rotating dish
halfway through, about 30 to 40
minutes. Serve whole on a platter,
drizzled with olive oil.
MIDDLE EASTERN
MEAT TREND:
SINDHI BIRYANI (PAKISTANI
GOAT CURRY WITH RICE)
Goat meat has been playing a bigger role on
restaurant menus of late—an eventual
trickle-down effect from our growing affinity
for goat-milk cheeses. But goat meat in the
kitchen is nothing new. It’s a trend that’s
endured through the ages, across the globe,
even if it’s a newly discovered ingredient in
IN THE KITCHEN
Japanese Pickled
Cucumber
Oven Roasted
Whole Cauliflower
9
IN THE KITCHEN
North America. Similar in flavor to lamb, yet
leaner, goat meat has a wonderfully rich
quality that lends well to long cooking.This
recipe is inspired by a traditional Pakistani
dish, boasting goat meat bathed in an
aromatic curry.Try sourcing your goat meat
at a Halal or Latino butcher. And don’t be
intimidated by the long list of ingredients.
Once sourced, the dish is a snap to prepare.
Serves 6 to 8
For the goat curry:
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 pounds boneless goat stew meat,
cut into medium sized cubes
6 cloves garlic, peeled and
mashed into a paste
1 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled
and grated
1 cayenne or Thai chile, stemmed,
seeded, and roughly chopped
1½ cups yogurt
2 teaspoons turmeric
2 teaspoons chile powder
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 cinnamon sticks
6 green cardamom pods
2 black cardamom pods
8 whole cloves
5 whole black peppercorns, cracked
4 bay leaves
2 whole cayenne or Thai chilies
2–3 teaspoons salt
½ cup pear juice
½ cup water
1½ large tomatoes, roughly cut up
juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup chopped cilantro,
roughly chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh mint,
roughly chopped
¼ cup slivered almonds
¼ cup golden raisins
For the rice:
2 teaspoons saffron
⅛ cup warm milk
2 cups basmati rice, soaked and rinsed
6 green cardamom pods
2⅔ cups water
For the goat curry:
In a large pan or Dutch oven set to
medium-high heat, add ¼ cup oil. Add
onion and sauté, sweating and lightly
browning, about 15 minutes. Push
onions to the side of pan, add remaining
IN THE KITCHEN
reduce heat to maintain a simmer.
Cover and cook 20 to 25 minutes, until
done. Once cooked, fluff with fork then
spoon half of rice into a bowl and set
aside. Add the soaked saffron and fluff to
combine, evenly distributing the saffron
so that the rice is brightly colored.
To serve:
Onto a serving platter, spoon half of the
white rice. Top the rice with half of the
goat curry, then top that with half of the
saffron rice. Sprinkle with half of the
cilantro, mint, almonds and raisins.
Repeat the layers so that your platter is
piled high with a colorful mix of rice,
curry, and garnishes. Serve.
Sindhi Biryani (Pakistani
Goat Curry with Rice)
2 tablespoons oil and then goat meat.
Season with a few good pinches of salt
and pepper, then continue to sauté,
lightly browning meat, about 10
minutes. Once browned, add garlic
paste and ginger, along with the
chopped cayenne pepper, and cook an
additional 5 minutes.
Adjust heat to medium and add the
yogurt, turmeric, chile powder, paprika,
cumin, coriander, cinnamon sticks, green
and black cardamom, cloves, black
peppercorns, bay leaves, whole cayenne
or Thai chilies, salt, pear juice, and water,
then stir to combine everything well.
Cover the pan, bring to a simmer and
then reduce the heat to medium-low to
maintain a slow simmer. Cook the curry
about 1½ hours or until tender.
Once tender, add the tomato and lemon
juice and continue to cook an additional
10 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste,
then leave the curry at the lowest heat
while you prepare the rice.
For the rice:
Soak saffron in ⅛ cup of warm milk.
In a medium pot with a tight fitting lid,
add the rice, cardamom, and 2⅔ cups of
cold water. Bring to a boil, then
SPICY-SWEET
COMBINATIONS TREND:
MANGO CHILE
LIME ICE CREAM
It’s no surprise to see certain ingredients
repeatedly joining forces in recipes and
menus across time, cultures, and cuisines.
Even though the particular trend for pairing
spicy with sweet is all the rage, this flavor
combination is age-old. Spicy mango pickles
are a favorite in India, and chile-spiked
dried mango is widely available in Mexico.
For a new twist, I’ve blended juicy sweet
mango, tart fresh lime juice, and the soft
heat of the chile powder into a luscious ice
cream. Although wonderful with nothing
more than your favorite spoon, this frozen
treat is especially tasty with a topping of
crumbled peanut brittle.
Makes about 6 cups
2 mangoes, ripe
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons chile powder
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup sugar
3 large egg yolks
¾ cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
Remove the peel from the mangoes and
slice off as much flesh as possible. Add
the mango meat, along with the lime
11
IN THE KITCHEN
Mango Chile Lime
Ice Cream
IN THE KITCHEN
GINGER BEER TREND:
MOSCOW MULE
Making ginger beer at home is surprisingly
easy—and a good baby step into at-home
fermentation. But considering the amount of
well-crafted artisan ginger beers cropping up
in stores recently, I hardly find an excuse to
make my own.What I can find an excuse for?
Homemade Moscow Mules. It is one of the
easiest and most delicious three-ingredient
drinks to master. I love to serve mine in the
traditional copper cup, but a Collins glass
will also fit the bill.
Makes 1 cocktail
½ lime
1½ ounces vodka
4–6 ounces ginger beer
Into a copper Moscow Mule cup or
Collins glass, squeeze the lime and then
add the rind. Add a few large ice cubes,
the vodka, then top with the ginger
beer. Stir and serve.
juice, chile powder, corn syrup, and salt
into the cup of a blender. Puree until
smooth, then strain the pulp to remove
any fibrous pieces of mango.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the
sugar and egg yolks. Set aside.
In a medium-large saucepan over
medium-high heat, add the milk and
cream. Bring this to a simmer, watching
that it does not boil over. Add a ladleful of
the hot milk to the yolk mixture,
whisking to combine. Add another
ladleful, whisk again, then pour this into
the pot of milk and cream and bring it
down to low heat. Continue whisking the
custard on low to medium-low heat, so
that it thickens, about 10 minutes. It has
thickened enough once it coats the back
of a spoon.
Once thickened, strain the custard into
a medium-large bowl, allow to chill
slightly then add the mango puree.
Cover and refrigerate this ice cream
mix overnight or until completely
chilled through.
Add the ice cream mix to the bowl
of an ice cream maker and freeze
according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. Once the custard reaches
the soft-serve stage, stop churning and
transfer it to the freezer. It is ready
once it’s frozen through.
13
LIFESTYLE
Focusing
on the
Foyer
Dress Your Entryway to Impress
Guests and Welcome Friends
Written by Ashley Gartland
y
LIFESTYLE
Photography provided by (clockwise from top right) ©iStockphoto.com/SteveStone, ©iStockphoto.com/dogayusufdokdok, ©iStockphoto.com/Escaflowne.
You might think of the foyer as a fairly insignificant space in your
home. After all, you don’t likely do much living in your entryway
or use it for any primary functions like you do the kitchen or
bedroom. And yet, the foyer plays an important role that belies
its small size.
Though you might not spend long stretches
of time in your foyer, you do interact with it
every time you enter your home. And because
it’s the first room guests will see when they
visit, it also provides you with the opportunity
to make a good impression when someone
walks in your front door.
Ready to create a foyer that sets the tone for
your home, and provides household members
and guests with a welcoming transition from the
outside in? Read on for tips on how to create an
inviting, organized, and fabulous foyer today.
START WITH THE FRONT DOOR.
Every foyer has a front door, which means
every homeowner can make a statement with
a stylish door that turns heads. Whether you
swap your front door for one with more interesting architectural details or just update your
old one with a coat of bright paint, you’ll find
it gives your home character and instantly
increases its curb appeal as well.
MAKE SPACE. Does your front door swing
open? Easily? If not, you likely need to address
the clutter filling your foyer. Get organized by
creating dedicated storage spaces for everything from shoes to umbrellas. (See sidebar for
specific organizing ideas.) Additionally, you
should rid your foyer of any large pieces of
furniture to cultivate an open atmosphere. In
other words, a small slender console table has
its place in your entryway, but in most cases, a
large armchair does not.
ENGAGE VISITORS IMMEDIATELY.
Don’t miss out on the chance to catch your
guests’ eyes the moment they walk in your
front door. Consider hanging an interesting
piece of art, an antique mirror, or a collection
of framed letters, cards, or family photos on
your entryway wall to give the room some
much-needed personality and spark conversations with guests. Not into wall art? You can
also add interest to your foyer with small structural elements such as a great lamp or decorative bird cage, or an unexpected storage piece
like a vintage locker or an antique bench.
ACCESSORIZE. A clean entryway table is
a thing of beauty, but so too is one on which
the homeowner displays a collection of pretty,
well-thought-out objects.You might position a
few stacked books or collectibles atop your
console, or bring the outside in with potted
greenery, a small terrarium, or a vase filled
with fresh flowers. Or you can use accessories
to introduce color and pattern to the foyer in
small doses. Consider placing a decorative
vase on top of the table or updating a plain
lamp with a patterned lampshade to set
your entryway apart.
PLAY TO THE STRENGTHS OF YOUR
SPACE. Whether your home has a grand entrance or a basic one, you should celebrate its
unique architectural details. If your foyer has
great elements such as a winding staircase,
soaring ceilings, or a striking chandelier, let
those elements shine by keeping the room’s
color scheme neutral and minimizing furniture
and accessories. Alternatively, if your foyer
lacks such elements, you can make it stand out
by adding interesting furniture pieces, painting
it a rich color, or using wallpaper or wainscoting to give it some character.
Five Easy
Entryway
Organizing
Ideas
Keeping your entryway
looking sharp has
everything to do with
keeping it organized.
Here are five simple
organizing solutions for
the oft-cluttered space.
1
Pick up an attractive
boot tray to contain
shoes and keep
dirt at bay.
2
Purchase metal
storage bins or
baskets for each
member of your
household, and use
them to store everything
from school bags to
sporting equipment.
Arrange the bins under a
bench or simply line them
up in an orderly fashion
along a wall.
3
Mount hooks or
knobs on a wall
or inside a nearby
closet to contain
bags and jackets and
keep bulky items
off the floor.
4
Set a small
bowl, basket, or
decorative tray
on a narrow table to
house everyday clutter
such as sunglasses,
keys, and mail.
5
Install a rod
extender in
your entryway
closet to double your
hanging space.
15
GARDENING
History at Home
w
Tips and Tricks for Creating Your Own Period Garden
Whether it’s a Greek Rival, French provincial, Dutch Colonial, Craftsman, or Georgian
structure, there is a complementary garden and landscape design for the home. But
unlike varying architectural styles of homes, museums, universities, and the like,
knowing just what landscape architecture fits with a specific style of dwelling is often
left the professionals. Enter horticulture experts Denise Wiles Adams and Laura L. S.
Burchfield, coauthors of American Home Landscapes: A Design Guide to Creating
Period Garden Styles (2013, Timber Press). For years, Adams and Burchfield have been
installing period gardens for clients and even themselves. Here, they dish on which
period gardens are most popular, what to consider before attempting one yourself,
and more manicured details.
Written by Blake Miller
GARDENING
WHAT INSPIRED THIS BOOK?
Laura L. S. Burchfield: My dear friend Denise, asked me if I would be
interested in collaborating with her. After her first book, Restoring America's
Gardens: An Encyclopedia of Heirloom Ornamental Plants, 1640-1940, which
was primarily about the history of garden plants in the United States, she
realized there was an interest in historical design information, as well.
She thought with our combined talents—hers as a garden historian, researcher, and horticulturist, and mine as a landscape designer and horticulturist with the love of historic preservation—that we would be
able to create a book that would fulfill that need.
WHAT ARE PERIOD GARDENS?
WHAT DEFINES THEM?
LB: A period garden is a garden where the style and materials
coordinate with those of the period of the house or other
significant historical period. The range of what constitutes a
period garden can be as broad or narrowly interpreted as one likes.
It might be a historically accurate restoration of a designed garden for a museum. Or
it could be a homeowner creating a garden with the historical touches that match the era of their
home while still allowing for modern use.
WHICH REGIONS FEATURE WHICH STYLES?
LB: The style of a region would follow the architectural style that was predominating during a
period of time when the community was being developed. For example, in Louisville, Kentucky
there are a large number of Victorian homes. A city might have individual neighborhoods representing Victorian, Arts and Crafts, and Modern; however, it’s unlikely that you would find an
Adobe ranch house anywhere but in the West.
Photography provided by ©iStockphoto.com/ivannna. Cover provided by Timber Press.
IS CREATING A PERIOD GARDEN A TASK FOR THE NOVICE GARDENER?
LB: Anyone can create a period garden. The main thing is to do the background research for the
period you’re interested in, and implement the features and plants from that period which work
for the particular climate and landscape that you like.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PERIOD GARDEN STYLE?
LB: I really cannot say I have a single favorite garden period style. I might say it would be
whatever I’m working on currently. Right now I’m working on a small garden in Charleston,
South Carolina for a circa-1850 single house. I’ve been poring over the work of Loutrel Briggs,
a mid-twentieth century Charleston landscape architect, for ideas.
Denise Wiles Adams: I am very attracted to the Arts and Crafts style. During that period the
landscape was connected to the residence with plantings in a simple and harmonious way. Native
plants and local materials were recommended whenever practical. It was not unusual to find a
vegetable garden in the front yard or a luxurious herbaceous border along a fence. Many of the
garden trends of today originate in that period.
DO YOU NEED TO HIRE A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT TO INSTALL
A PERIOD GARDEN?
LB: No. It is more important for a landscape design professional to be knowledgeable about historical
landscape design and familiar with the plants and materials that will work in your landscape. Most
of all, you should look for someone who understands what you want to accomplish.
Determining
Your Garden’s
Style
Adams and Burchfield
recommend using the
following resources to
determine the period
garden style that’s
appropriate for your home.
Wills, Probate Materials,
Letters, and Personal
Papers. Dig into wills and
probate records of early
property owners, which
can clue current
homeowners in on what
the landscape formerly
looked like. Other
revealing paperwork
might be found in
closets or the attic of a
historical home.
Travelers’ Accounts.
Luckily, avid travelers often
keep detailed accounts
of the landscape and
gardens of a region.
Review regional
travel journals for
vivid descriptions.
Maps. Review
neighborhood maps at
the local library or check
out the National Archives
in Washington, DC, which
boasts a collection of
more than 15 million
items including maps,
charts, aerial photos, and
architectural drawings.
Newspapers. Flip
through historical
newspapers for
period information on
gardening; the Boston
Gazette featured seeds in
the first known published
advertisement in 1719.
17
Every home has a story to tell. The following homes communicate
their stories through an impressive combination of modern
and historical architectural elements.
Designer Elizabeth Metcalfe’s Toronto-based
clients enlisted her to “liven up” their living spaces.
By complementing a bold color palette with neutral
tones, she kept the rooms elegant and sophisticated.
FROM DARK
TO DAZZLING
A Canadian Designer Breathes New
Life into Her Clients’ Dated Home
WRITTEN BY BLAKE MILLER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE CHAJECKI
(STILL MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY, STILLMOMENTS.CA)
When homeowners in Kingsway, just west of Toronto,
Ontario, tired of the current look of their home’s main living
areas, they desperately wanted a makeover without the hefty
price tag of a renovation. Dark, wood paneling coupled with
furniture and accents with heavy finishes, were no longer a reflection of the homeowners’ extroverted personalities and entertaining styles. So they enlisted Mississauga, Ontario-based
interior designer Elizabeth Metcalfe to maintain the integrity
of the building, and modernize the interiors on a budget.
To achieve this transformation from heavy and dark to bright
and elegant, Metcalfe looked to a color palette of bold
colors—deep teals and rich corals—with an ivory backdrop
complemented by a handful of neutral accent pieces to keep the
look balanced and refreshing.
Metcalfe started with the dining room, which had been
unofficially designated the “forgotten room.” Although the
homeowners are avid entertainers, the decor didn’t quite fit
with their personalities, and they eventually lost interest in the
space. “The dining room felt disconnected from the rest of the
home,” says Metcalfe. “We wanted to take the warm coral color
from the living room and use it in a much bolder way to really
make it something special.”
To breathe new life into the space, Metcalfe opted to forgo
the traditional dark walnut finish on the table, for example, and
instead applied an ivory lacquered finish, which immediately
brightened the space. To keep the room light and airy, Metcalfe
also added an antique mirrored buffet, which adds sparkle and,
she says, a beautiful lift to the once dark room. Complementing
the rich coral wall color are velvet diamond-tufted chairs in
the same color palette, which look dramatic against the ivory
trim and molding.
To create interest, the designer added a large-scale,
neutral-tone wall covering with crystal detailing. Similarly,
stunning custom-made dining room chairs by Metcalfe’s company, Elizabeth Metcalfe Interiors & Design, in a striking coral
and two chairs featuring a large-scale cut velvet motif on the
backs and a pale-taupe tufted front, bring in a subtle warmth
to the vibrant room.The vintage chandelier—the homeowners’
THIS PAGE: The once dark dining room was transformed into a bright and airy entertaining space with the addition of a rich, coral wall
color, ivory trim and molding, and a table that was refinished in an ivory lacquer. OPPOSITE FROM TOP: An oversize, turquoise feather
headdress serves as a dramatic focal point in the living room. Throw pillows in various fabrics, textures, and colors flood the traditional
sectional and provide pops of color to the otherwise neutral room.
sentimental keepsake—and the transitional crystal cube sconces
shed a soft glow against the coral walls, making the room ideal
for entertaining day or night.
Now complete, the dining room seamlessly transitions into
the living room, yet another space that needed updating. “There
wasn’t an exact inspiration for this room,” explains Metcalfe.
“It was more about giving the home a complete transformation.
. . . We had to find the perfect marriage between the strong
accent colors and our design aesthetic of refined elegance.” Metcalfe struck this delicate balance by incorporating neutral tones
23
Metcalfe incorporated a custom patterned
rug in the living room, which stands up to
the bold accent colors. The custom sofa is by
Elizabeth Metcalfe Design.
and fabrics throughout both the living
and dining rooms. “When you use a lot
of strong bold colors it is just as important to use neutrals to balance the visual
weight and impact.”
To achieve this seamless balance, each
piece was strategically placed throughout
the rooms to form a cohesive, well
thought-out plan; a necessity when planning an interior, as every piece contributes to the design. “Beauty results
when balance, form, shape, color, texture, contrast, scale, and proportion
come together in a state of harmony,” says
Metcalfe. “Every piece has a role to play.”
The feather headdress above the fireplace
that was sourced from Snob in Toronto,
does just that as the round shape plays off
the linear molding details and the feathery texture against the wool, silk, and
velvet textures in the room. The custom
area rug is yet another accessory carefully
selected as a soft contrast to the bold
colors. It works well because it has “a
pattern strong enough to balance the
weight of the room,” says Metcalfe.
In the end, the designer proved that
the homeowners never needed to renovate their home after all. Some tweaking
and an overhaul of the aesthetic invigorated the two entertaining spaces with
new life sans knocking down walls and
building up new ones. “The homeowners
were very open to change,” says
Metcalfe. And change—at its best—is
exactly what they got.
25
Mirrors are the perfect way to add sparkle and light,
particularly for an interior space like this dining room.
They echo existing light sources in the room and can
reflect architectural details for interest.
MODERN
MUSKOKA
A Little Country in the City
WRITTEN BY CAROLYN M. RUNYON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIAN SHELLARD
(SHELLARDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM)
Interior designers shape environments for a variety of
situations. They design apartments, townhomes, mid-size
homes, and mansions for singles, couples, and families. But what
happens when there is an unoccupied house with no client to
represent? How can a designer develop a home with personality
and style identity with no one to interview? LeAnne Bunnell of
elle design in Calgary, Alberta, came up with a clever solution
to this challenge.
When elle design was asked to style the interior of a local
builder’s showcase home, Bunnell simply invented her client.
“We felt that the home and neighborhood were appropriate for
a family, so we created a couple with a child,” says Bunnell. “We
actually assigned names to them.” Her staff chose occupations,
hobbies, likes, and dislikes, and used these details to create a
showcase home with individual character.
This 2,075-square-foot house with three bedrooms and twoand-one-half baths, is located in Calgary but the “owners” love the
outdoors and wanted their home to resemble the so-called cabin
cottages in the scenic countryside of Muskoka, Ontario.The imag26 home by design|april|may|2014
inary homeowners tended toward a softened contemporary style
with traditional aspects combined with an essence of nature.
The original house had smart use of available space, according to Bunnell. “It was not ‘over grand,’ but rather well laid out
and reasonable in size. We kept a neutral canvas of black and
white, and then added touches of nature, history, and a little
whimsy,” she says. “This new construction had a modern flair,
using contemporary and family-friendly elements and modern
finishes for a more carefree home. We needed to humanize it
and add some depth and personality.”
The kitchen, although interior, is kept bright and airy by light
cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a crackled glass-tile
backsplash. “Our ‘owner’ is an avid baker, so we added a dark
wood bake center,” says Bunnell. “It grounds the room with a
traditional feel, yet, because of the open shelf, it doesn’t block
the flow of the area visually.” The kitchen opens to a dining area
and living room where mirrors reflect the light of the large living room windows. A light, birch-pattern wallpaper introduces
a touch of nature to the dining space. And a natural wood bench,
Patterns don’t have to be loud or bold to make a statement. Bunnell used subtle stripes in basic black and white to stimulate the eye in this
space. She combines pattern with texture to create an understated appeal. Vintage touches like the aged paperbacks in a basket and the
snowshoes hanging on the stairway wall, give the house a lived-in feel and add character.
delicately scaled modern seating, and a simple serving piece
keep the airy, light feel.
In the living room, the fireplace surround is a neutral
stone. “We used texture and pattern to add interest and a
sense of structure and order,” says Bunnell. “Stripes are very architectural. We introduced them in the rustic flat-weave wool
rug and decorative pillows.” The classic Hudson Bay blanket
adds a touch of history and an outdoorsy Canadian feel to the
space. A brightly colored cork lampshade and vibrant pillows
add a soft splash of color against the neutral chairs.
The media room also has a neutral foundation. “We found
chairs upholstered in a fabric with Old World Latin sayings to
add a subtle pattern to the room without overpowering it,” explains Bunnell. “Heirloom film reels lend an interesting and appropriate history to the space; vintage items always add
character to a home.” Bunnell’s vintage touches can be seen
throughout and make a new construction house look more lived
in. Accessories such as old snowshoes on the wall of the stairway
and a basket of classic paperbacks in the living room, give the
home a feeling of humanity and add a comfortable warmth.
Bunnell mellows the contemporary attitude of this new construction home with a mix of classic and modern touches. A traditional wood bake
center in the kitchen blends nicely with the more modern cabinets and stainless appliances. The clean, contemporary lines of the living room
furniture are softened by decorative pillows, and a beautiful Hudson Bay blanket casually resting on the back of a sofa.
Natural elements play heavily in Bunnell’s design. Some are real—like the framed butterfly collection—and some are whimsical—like the
bright yellow papier-mâché deer head in the master bedroom. Max’s room offers youthful sheets with a leaf and tree graphic accented by a
fanciful owl pillow. The fishing pole adds a boyish touch and another element that connects with the outdoors.
Pieces of nature appear all over the
house. Gatherings of stones, framed collections of butterflies, vases with bunches
of leaves or flowers, small statues of animals traditionally found in the Canadian
wild, driftwood, charger plates that are
actually slices of real logs, and, of course,
the delicately patterned birch wallpaper,
are there to remind the “owners” of the
countrified land they love. The master
bedroom repeats the soft neutral tones.
Striped plush bedsheets are subtle against
an upholstered box and cream coverlet.
A multistripe Hudson Bay blanket adds a
punch of color as does the whimsical
bright yellow papier-mâché deer head
that hangs above the headboard.
The “son,” Max’s room features more
punches of color with blues and yellows.
The basic room is neutral to blend with
the rest of the house, but Max’s name in
cutout blue letters on top of the rustic
cabinet and the blue headboard keep the
room youthful, yet not overdone. The
walls are adorned with a playful puzzle
moose head and animal artwork by a
Vancouver, BC artist.
Bunnell looked to the “owners” as if
they were real clients. “We established
what they would like and what furniture
and decor would actually work for their
family,” she explains. Real owners might
consider following the same steps when
redesigning their own homes. Analyze
your family, lifestyle, work, hobbies,
likes, and dislikes, and use this information to create an environment that fits
exactly who you are, and a place you can
grow into for the future.
33
The Caboche Chandelier by Foscarini is the stunning
centerpiece to the open two-story stairwell of this
penthouse. The view looks up to the outdoor terrace
and down into the kitchen and living room.
MODERN DAY
MEETS YESTERDAY
This Nineteenth-Century Tribeca
Structure Merges History with Updated Style
WRITTEN BY RONDA SWANEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN KARNS
Construction on this modern New York City
apartment began by completely gutting a circa-1870, five-story
building.Where do you start a design when all you have is an empty
shell? Asifa Tirmizi, cofounder and principal of Tirmizi Campbell—a New York City-based architecture and design firm—was
hired by the developers of the property to answer that question.
“The clients wanted the best value for the property,” says Tirmizi. “In this location, larger units are more desirable.We knew
full-floor residences would be the best option.” Typical for the
neighborhood, the first floor remained commercial space, but
the other four floors, plus the rooftop addition, would each become residential units. “We came up with the idea of doing a
penthouse duplex,” says Tirmizi. “The fifth floor and new sixth
floor combine to create larger units.”
Before the project could begin in earnest, a few things required
fixing.There was a lot of water in the soil underneath the building
and it was compromising the structure. “The building leaned about
eighteen inches and was sinking into the ground, which was one
of the main reasons why we had to gut the structure.”
In New York City, the Landmarks Preservation Commission
identifies city landmarks and regulates changes to designated
buildings. Tirmizi Campbell worked with the commission on
restoring the brownstone façade and determining what color it
should be.The cast iron roofline was also kept.The front windows
retained wooden frames, and the back, steel windows were
refurbished and reinstalled. Other challenges included an elevator
shaft that took up one row of the front windows. The shaft was
moved toward the center of the building to free up the
window and allow more light into the units. A new core stairwell
was added, but because most people use the elevator, the stairwell
was narrowed to conserve space. A mesh stainless-steel screen
decorates the lobby stairwell and points the way to the new elevator. And porcelain floor tile shines with a metallic texture that
mimics the look of the screen.
During the gut, all timber inside was removed and replaced
with a steel structure. But the wood did not go to waste. Instead, the team shipped the beams to a Wisconsin mill where
the timber was machined into planks that were then used as
flooring in each of the residences.They were careful to maintain
many of the original materials in one way or another, including
brick. Tirmizi speculates that the building next door was likely
an original sister building to the structure. “I think the two were
OPPOSITE: The floor of the master bath is covered by slabs of bianco dolomiti marble tile, and the mosaic version of the tile lines the walls.
The curved Americh tub softens the room’s hard surfaces. CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The brownstone exterior façade was restored, and
the cast iron roofline was also saved. The penthouse master bedroom maximizes natural light. Steel windows provide a view to the city
skyline and open-air terrace.
connected inside when they were built,” she says. “There is an
original archway on the party wall between the two buildings.
As part of our design, we kept the brick in the units because
you could see that hint of an outline.”
The fifth floor plus the new rooftop floor combine to make
penthouse suites. Because the added story is set back, the design
was able to incorporate outdoor terraces. New steel windows
that match the existing windows elsewhere in the building were
added to bring the outdoors in. The second level of the penthouse contains the master bedroom, bath, and bonus room, and
an open stairwell comprised of steel and glass connects the two
floors. “We added skylights to draw in natural light. The stair
treads also use the machined original timber,” explains Tirmizi.
The main floor of the penthouse includes a living room and
kitchen.The chef-quality kitchen features marble counters atop
the walnut island. White cabinets pair with steel appliances,
hardware, and countertop edge. The dark floor grounds
the otherwise airy space, and the arch of the front
windows adds delicate curves to balance the sleek, modern
finishes. Similar finishes are found in the full-floor residences
on the second, third, and fourth floors. Glass tiles add a sparkle
to the kitchen backsplash, and every inch of space is used
to its maximum potential.
Deep hued tiles warm the powder room. Wall-mounted
fixtures create a sense of openness. There are more floating
fixtures, from the toilet to the vanity, in the master bath.
The same warm tile from the powder room is carried over to
the open master shower.
Tirmizi has a professional background in architecture, but
she stresses that architecture and interior design go hand in
hand. “Architecture and interior design are one and the same,”
she says. “With architecture, you often focus on the exterior,
base building, and structural details. But I think a good interior
designer has to understand the architectural elements of
the entire building to solve interior problems. I think they
help each other.” And in the end, Tirmizi’s architectural
sensibility helped extract the true historical beauty of this
once-deteriorating building.
The living room of this carriage house home is
furnished with newer pieces that have a sense of the
past. Color is a major player throughout the interiors.
CRYSTAL
VISION
An 1890s Carriage House in St. Paul,
Minnesota Gets a Lively Update
WRITTEN BY JEANINE MATLOW
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUSAN GILMORE
Preserving historical architecture may be the right way
to go, but that doesn’t mean you can’t breathe new life into an
old soul. That was the approach taken by Jen Ziemer, interior
designer and co-owner with Andrea Dixon of Minneapolis,
Minnesota-based Fiddlehead Design Group, when it came time to
design her one-time home.
Ziemer’s St. Paul, Minnesota residence, a carriage house that dates
to 1893, has such a unique history that it originally served as a stable
livery. Though the structure had been restored before she and her
husband bought it, that didn’t stop the designer from adding her
distinctive personal stamp.
Many of the original features stayed intact, including the wood
floors on the main level and the wood ceilings and beams that were
painted black by the previous owners. A barn door speaks to the site’s
origins while quirky details like a pulley, though not original, lend
charm to the striking interiors.
“Nothing is level, which adds to the authenticity. It’s just such a
cool place,” says Ziemer, who describes the architecture as farmhouse
style. The 3,500-square-foot home boasts four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a living room, family room, and loft space. It also includes a
laundry room, an attached garage, and features central air.
Wood ceilings painted black by the previous
owners, ground the master bedroom where
classic wallpaper sports a bold color palette.
Another carriage house is visible through
the window.
Though Ziemer purchased new
furnishings for the home, she made
sure that they could easily pass
for older pieces; the designer didn’t
hesitate to lift the interiors to new
heights. “They’re very layered and eclectic. It’s still a modern farmhouse in
that regard,” says Ziemer, who introduced an equestrian theme along with
some nods to nature.
She approached the aesthetic in a
respectful yet playful way that shows a
historical structure can serve as a
modern-day dwelling while honoring its
roots. Birds, owls, bunnies, and more,
appear in fabrics and artwork. “We have
young kids, so I wanted it to be fun and
whimsical,” says Ziemer. “It felt like you
were in a tree house when you were on
the second floor.”
Tall window treatments and
wall-mounted lanterns fill the negative
space left by the high ceilings in the
family room. “I love color and strong
contrast,” says the designer, who
introduced a splendid mix of patterns
throughout, that pop against the
preexisting black wood details.
Cheerful wallpaper in the master
bedroom blends a traditional floral motif
with a fresh palette, once again mixing
old and new in a refreshing way.
The black wood ceiling creates a stark
contrast, while the gray flannel
upholstered bed lends a cozy vibe.
The view outside the window shows
another carriage house. “The whole
area is just surrounded by amazing
architecture,” says Ziemer.
Houndstooth grasscloth covers the
walls in the loft space, offering another
41
Breathing
New Life
If you’re redesigning your own historical
home, consider Ziemer’s advice for
breathing new life into old structures.
1
2
Respect for architecture is
important, but you don’t have to
be a slave to it.
When designing, focus on the
family who lives there and their
lifestyle instead of purely
preserving traditional layouts.
3
Don’t take design too seriously.
Adding a touch of whimsy and
layering makes a room more
comfortable and more authentic.
modern interpretation of a classic material. Modern art punctuates
the look while a traditional chair fabric and a white ceiling take it
down a notch. “You need a place for the eye to rest,” says Ziemer.
Small-scale subway tiles run vertically in the powder room
for a change of pace. Woodsy wallpaper creates the perfect
backdrop for a bunny watercolor done by a friend, and the old
trolley cart and sink were installed by the previous owner.
The living room is visually quieter than the rest of the home.
Neutral grasscloth walls set a subtle stage for the space that was
primarily used for entertaining. “It was a little more traditional
and subdued; a more formal space,” explains Ziemer, who
couldn’t resist adding an unexpected green rug.
Though Ziemer has since moved out of the house to gain
more indoor and mostly outdoor space for her family, she won’t
soon forget living there. The carriage house may no longer be
the place they call home, but it has a permanent place in their
hearts. “I am hoping we can buy it back again someday after the
kids go to college,” she says.
OPPOSITE FROM TOP: The living room was intentionally kept more neutral than the rest of the livery turned residence. A sliver of Ziemer’s
son’s room shows wallpaper with a dog motif that can be seen from the loft space; a striking vision in black and white. THIS PAGE: Wood
stairs painted black and accented by a striped runner lead to the first-floor entry, where shapely stools sit beneath an antique console.
Montepulciano,
Enjoy
La Dolce Vita
in This Tuscan Town
Written by Ruth Wertzberger Carlson
DESTINATION
w
“Wine should never be influenced by trends because
wine is a long process . . . like life,” a Montepulciano, Italy vintner told me, explaining why he refuses to irrigate his vines even
during a drought. Traditions are important in this Tuscan hill
town that’s built on a limestone ridge. Located a couple of hours
southeast of Siena, there is evidence Montepulciano was known
for its wine dating back to the 700s, when it was dubbed Vino
Nobile or wine for nobles.
Wine is such an intrinsic part of life here that the Renaissance-era buildings in the Piazza Grande (the town square) represent what could be deemed the city’s holy trinity:
government, the Catholic Church, and wine! Known as the Pearl
of the Sixteenth Century, Montepulciano earned this nickname
largely because its piazza looks the same as it did during the
Medici dynasty. And it has a remarkable number of other architectural riches. The piazza is banked by several major treasures:
the Nobili-Tarugi Palace, designed by the renowned Italian architect Sangallo the Elder; The Cathedral of Santa Maria
Assunta, or the Duomo of Montepulciano; and the Palazzo
Comunale (the town hall), where you can climb to the
top for a panoramic view of red-tile roofs leading to rolling
hills of vineyards.
If the photos look familiar to you, they probably are.The area
has been immortalized in films such as The English Patient, Under
the Tuscan Sun, and most recently, The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
Directors like the fact that this walled city remains virtually unchanged since medieval times.
Most people enter the piazza by walking up the winding main
corso (street), because cars are not allowed in the historic city
center. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to stop and rest
along the way, including the Maledetti Toscani leather shop,
which is touted as the oldest shop in Montepulciano.Wandering
along the cobblestone street is like visiting a living museum.
You can see a mother and son hand weaving scarves, a jeweler
welding a fleur-de-lis (the Florentine symbol), and venture
through centuries-old underground wine cellars that once
connected to the main palace.
To protect and promote the city’s wine culture, local
Photography provided by (previous page) ©iStockphoto.com/ROMAOSLO, (these pages, clockwise, left to right) ©iStockphoto.com/LuisPortugal, ©iStockphoto.com/Shaiith, ©iStockphoto.com/Pasticcio, ©iStockphoto.com/Perseomed.
DESTINATION
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A Tuscan valley hidden by the morning
fog. Montepulciano vinters use supplies like these (and other more
modern conveniences) to create their renowned wines. The “Street
of Love” in nearby Pienza is a romantic attraction.
winemakers formed a consortium, Consorzio del Vino Nobile
di Montepulciano (consorziovinonobile.it), and opened a tasting
room in the piazza. The consortium has also been a sponsor for
the annual Bravio celebration of—what else? —wine. The
Bravio is a competition and a showcase for the eight Contradae
(districts or neighborhoods). Every August, the event culminates with the barrel race where young men, each sporting
jogging shorts in the colors of their district, roll heavy wooden
wine barrels up steep cobblestone streets, past cheering fans.
Montepulciano has only about 14,000 residents, but surprisingly there is enough to see and do for several days. Stay
a few days in town at a hotel and then escape from the crowds
to a villa. Don’t worry about being in the countryside—most
everyone speaks English. Staying in a villa provides a great opportunity to make friends with locals, who often have vineyards
on their properties. If you ask, they’ll be happy to teach you
how to make pici. Similar to thick spaghetti, pici is made with
just flour and water (and occasionally an egg depending on the
family recipe), rolled with the palm of your hand on a wooden
table, and served with a spicy tomato garlic sauce. They
will be sure to have olives plucked off the trees in their
backyard. And if you’re lucky, they may be serving salami or
pastrami made from the Cinta senese, a local wild boar that is
considered a delicacy.
You can visit Napa, France, Spain, South Africa, and other notable wine regions around the globe and you will taste some great
wine. But if you want to experience the rich history of people
who have lived with their terroir, you must visit Montepulciano.
“Wine is like life,” one vintner told me. “You make a bad decision
and you have to live with it for years to come.” Instead, make a
good decision and visit Montepulciano, Italy.
Montepulciano is a great place for your home base
during a trip to Tuscany, as it’s perfectly situated in
the region. Although it’s within driving distance to
Siena, Florence, and Rome, consider exploring
some of the small neighboring villages with—wait
for it—great wineries! Valiano is home to the
Avignonesi Winery, where perfectly sculptured
cypress trees bordering the rows of vines, earned
the slogan “Healthier wines for healthier people,
but also a healthier environment to pass on to
future generations.” There are still tourists here, but
there are also many locals prowling the boutiques
and wine cellars downtown. In these small villages
you can still find handmade items such as hats,
peddled by the artisans. Other nearby villages include Montefollonico, Pienza, and Sarteano. You
never know what you’ll find in their boutiques but
you are always guaranteed to find great wine!
47
Resources
20 From Dark to Dazzling
Elizabeth Metcalfe Interiors & Design Inc.
Mississauga, Ontario
905-820-3443
www.emdesign.ca
34 Modern Day Meets Yesterday
Tirmizi Campbell
New York, New York
212-255-2926
www.tirmizicampbell.com
26 Modern Muskoka
LeAnne Bunnell, elle design
Calgary, Alberta
403-451-1677
www.elledesign.ca
38 Crystal Vision
Fiddlehead Design Group
Minneapolis, Minnesota
612-747-6431
www.fiddleheaddesigngroup.com
Photography by Adrian Shellard (shellardphotography.com).
april|may|2014
510-450-1001
510-517-9969 cell
[email protected]
www.Medairy.net
BRE 01885305
Caring for Outdoor Furniture
Even if you only spend time on your patio during the sweet summer months, your outdoor
furniture needs regular attention. Patio sets are often made to withstand the elements, but if
left unattended they can still develop rust, mold, and stains. Give the materials a bit of TLC to extend
the life of your seating.
Most outdoor furniture can be cleaned with soap and water. If you have a lot of grime to remove,
use a pressure washer on a low setting. Avoid excessive force or harsh chemicals that can strip finishes.
Plastic, wrought iron, and aluminum can all be cleaned with water, soap (try a mild dishwashing
detergent), and a rag. After you rinse, set the items in the sun to dry for a short while; if left too long
the furniture could warp or get too hot. Other common outdoor materials such as wicker and teak,
can be washed with a mild oil-based soap and a soft scrub brush.
Cushions (or cushion covers) should be spot cleaned or machine washed, according to directions.
Let fabric dry completely before storing it to prevent mildew. Wash umbrellas at the beginning of the
season; wooden poles should be refreshed with wax, and metal poles with WD-40. When summer
comes to an end, clean your patio furniture and store it in a dry place so it will be ready for next year.
Scan Code
with
Smartphone
App
A Suite Sleeping Porch
In some regions, summertime can produce sweltering temperatures at all hours. Instead of
turning up your air-conditioning at night, escape the heat by retreating to a sleeping porch. The
indoor-outdoor room, usually screened in on three sides, is designed to catch the breeze and create a
comfortable, open-air space. Whether your home already features a sleeping porch or you plan to add
one, consider the following factors to help make it a dream destination for you and your guests.
Because sleeping porches feature large open screens and windows, consider your privacy. If
neighbors are close-by, plant hedges or hang canvas curtains. Or, select another window dressing that
flatters the decor. Approach the design the same way you would tackle a traditional indoor room.
Incorporate color, artwork, and decorative linens, but keep it simple. The most important piece of
furniture here is a bed. Choose a daybed, bunk bed, or hanging bed—whatever fits your needs.
You will want to feature decor essentials. And because this room is open to the elements, use
durable weather- and fade-resistant materials.
510-450-1001
510-517-9969 cell
[email protected]
www.Medairy.net
BRE 01885305

Outdoor Summer Living

Transcription

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