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A Marble Countertop Lookalike, Minus the Maintenance

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Drawn to the look of marble countertops but scared off by maintenance horror stories (how long do you really want to remember that bottle of great red wine?). Consider quartzite, a countertop stone that looks like marble but wears more like granite.

A very hard, metamorphic quartzite rock that originated as sandstone (not to be confused with quartz composite countertops, which are a manufactured product of about 90 percent quartz and 10 percent acrylic or epoxy binder). Pure quartzite is usually white to gray (see some of the different options below) with veining, but it also can carry shades of reds or blues. Sealing it well is key, but unlike granite, even well sealed it will develop a patina.

For more kitchen counter options, see 10 Easy Pieces: Remodelista's Kitchen Countertop Picks.

Above: In this Clinton Hill kitchen by Neuhaus Design, the counters are white quartzite Luce di Luna sourced from Stone Source.

Brooklyn carriage house renovation by Jen Turner, Luce de Luna countertop, Remodelista

Above: Designer Jen Turner used a quartzite stone called Luce di Luna with striped veining for the countertop of her kitchen island. To see the entire remodel, go to The Architect Is In: Jen Turner's Grand DIY.

White Princess Quartzite, Remodelista

Above: We first learned of the material via designer and stylist Joe Williamson, a veteran of the remodeling world (see House Call: Favorite Renovation Blogs), who used quartzite Super White. "We recently renovated our kitchen and couldn't decide what to use for our countertops," he says. "Marble is the prettiest, but it scratches, chips, and stains easily. Granite is durable, but really only belongs in Jersey McMansions. Then we were introduced to Quartzite Super White, a naturally occurring stone. It looks like a heavily veined gray and white marble. We couldn't be happier with it." Williamson sourced his quartzite countertop material from the Stone Company of the Berkshires. White Princess quartzite slab. Image via Granite Gurus.

Still stuck on marble? Be sure to read How Michelle Learned to Live with a Marble Backsplash.


A Build-Your-Own Art Studio in Norfolk, UK

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The architectural program sounds simple enough: Design an art studio inspired by modern architecture. One that "captures the sky" using only sustainable materials. And that is simple enough for the clients to build themselves.

Said clients were two artists who wanted their process of "making" to begin with the very bones of their studio. Determined not to disappoint their enthusiastic clients, London-based Threefold Architects designed a long, simple structure based partly on the farmhouse/barn vernacular of the local area. A gabled roof, windows highlighting prairie views, and a bountiful produce garden all reference the rural locale (of Norfolk, United Kingdom). Conversely, all-black exterior cladding, blood-red window trim, and a notable absence of frills meet the mandate for modern design. As for the studio's sustainability program, all building timber was sustainably sourced, rainwater is collected and reused, and electricity is generated via rooftop photovoltaic cells. The heat-absorbing black cladding is actually recycled cellulose fiber, and walls are insulated with wool to retain the heat. Altogether, the studio is carbon neutral in operation. For more on the Long House and other projects, visit Threefold Architects.

Photography by Charles Hosea via Dezeen.

Sustainably Designed Artists Studio in Norfolk by Threefold Architects, Remodelista

Above: The studio interior is largely a blank canvas but reveals an enthusiasm for color.

Black Clad House in a Rural Field in Norfolk, Remodelista

Above: The entire building is clad in black corrugated recycled cellulose sheeting.

Black Siding and Red Windows with Solar Panels on the Roof and a Summer Garden, Remodelista

Above: The sun does double duty on the west side of the studio, powering both the flowers in the garden and the photovoltaic cells on the roof.

Artists Studio in Norfolk with Gabled Roof and Sustainably Designed, Remodelista

Above: One driving idea was that the simpler the space, the more room for creativity within it. (And the easier it is to build.)

Paint and Brushes in a Sustainably Built Artists' Studio in Norfolk, Remodelista

Above: The artists' setup, beneath blue sky and dappled sunlight.

Art Supplies in a Sustainably-Built Artists' Studio in Norfolk, Remodelista

Above: A painter's washbasin need not be fancy; it won't be pristine for long.

Art Supplies Under Clerestory Windows in a Sustainably-Built Artists' Studio in Norfolk, Remodelista

Above: Horizon-level clerestory windows frame a pastoral scene.

Black Clad House in Norfolk by Threefold Architects, Remodelista

Above: The architects describe the house as being "on the boundary between garden, fields, and sky."

Black and Wood Siding on a Sustainable House in Norfolk, Remodelista

Above: Where not covered in black sheeting, the studio is clad in sustainably-sourced timber.

All Black House at Night by Threefold Architects, Remodelista

Above: The house sinks into its sleeping surroundings at night.

Looking for more ideas for art at home? See 1,927 photos of Artistic Spaces in our new image gallery.

Scandi Whitewashed Floors: Before and After

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I'll never forget the day my floors were sanded during our recent months-long (and torturous) remodel. As I walked into the living room, my contractor presented his labor of love: pink-hued oak floors. With a sweep of the hand, he said, "How do you like your new floors?" I replied, "They're red!" I’m not sure if he detected the disappointment in my voice, but he said, “Of course, that's because they're red oak.”

At this point, my floor contractor realized he wasn't dealing with a typical client. To resolve the "red" problem, he suggested a range of dark stains: ebony, walnut, and chestnut, which are commonly used stains for red oak flooring. None of the above reflected my vision; I was adamant that I wanted an all white house with white floors and I was prepared to go to battle for them. But according to my contractor, if we whitewashed the floors we would risk producing an even more pastel pink floor.

"Have you ever bleached floors before?" I asked (in my research on creating whitewashed Scandi floors, I had discovered designer Betsy Brown's foolproof Recipe for creating white wood floors).

The contractor looked at me bemused, and after a pause informed me of potential damage to the fibers of the wood caused by the bleach. Apparently, I was asking him to break a sacred oath to the wood finisher’s union. He also made it very clear we would be entering into a contract from this point forward without the standard "satisfaction guarantee." We were past the point of no return.

I handed him a printout of the instructions, which called for a tedious process of bleaching the floors (twice), mixing a stain, finishing with three layers of water-based poly (contrary to oil-based polys, which turn amber over time). Then, he needed to lightly sand in between the first and second poly layer—oh, and factor in endless hours of drying time in between each layer.

Interested in how the project turned out? Read on.

Above: My dream white bleached floors realized; for step-by-step instructions, go to How to Create a Whitewashed Scandi Floor.

Sanded Red Oak Flooring, Remodelista

Above: About 70 percent of our floors were old, and in the other areas, new floor boards were added to match the old floors. This image shows an old bedroom floor completely sanded. We added a small patch of clear poly to see how the old floor would look with a clear coat; I was shocked to see how the finish intensified the pink color.

Bleached Floor Boards, Remodelista

Above: The floor contractor patiently bleached my red oak floor boards to see what the floor would look like with three different stains: white, gray, and clear.

Bleached Floor Boards, Remodelista

Above: These test boards were bleached twice. When I saw this, I knew there was hope.

Bleach Process Applied Twice to Floors, Remodelista

Above: The floors after two rounds of wood bleach. You can still see a hint of redness. We ended up bleaching the floors three times to get the look we wanted. After the bleach dried, our contractor applied a Duraseal Country White stain to the old floors (leaving the new floors without the white stain). This process gave us the best matching result between new and old. A sealer was applied to keep the wood bleach from changing the color of the floor after the process was completed (apparently, without the sealer the bleach can cause the wood to change colors), and finally, two coats of Zenith Matte Waterborne Polyurethane Finish (for commercial use). My husband was relieved when we discovered this is the same product used on basketball courts (needless to say, our floors are child proof).

N.B.: Looking to add a little remodeling stress to your life? Here are a few of latest domestic projects you might find interesting.

Modern, Sustainable, and Adaptable (for $117 per Square Foot)

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In Raleigh, North Carolina, a young couple set out to create the home of their lives: one house which they hoped would meet their needs at all stages of life.

Designed by Raleigh-based In Situ Studio, the home is located just outside of downtown in a hip and growing urban area. The major goal of the design was to create a modern home that could adapt and grow according to the changing life needs of its owners. Other major mandates were to keep costs to a minimum and to be as sustainable as possible (and therefore no larger than what the family actually needs). The end result is a "compact but spacious" 1,450 square foot home, designed to balance utility with a feeling of openness. In Situ designated an L-shaped section of the house to be the ultra-efficient space, and preserved a vertical block at the front of the house for a double-height living and dining room. Ample glazing means the house is always filled with light, and the home is sited on a lot with plenty of room for expansion or landscaping if the owners desire.

The owners and architects made a strong effort to keep costs down--upstairs flooring is actually plywood subfloor, all kitchen appliances were purchased secondhand, and the space is devoid of luxury materials. In the end, the cost of construction was about $117 per square foot. Though the cost could always be lower--the owners could have cut functionality features from their program or not invested in the upfront costs of sustainability systems--in the end, a young couple has a reasonably priced, architect-designed home tailored to their lifestyle and needs; today and for many years to come. For more information, visit In Situ Studio.

Spotted on Architizer. Photography by Richard Leo Johnson and via Intentionally Small.

Tall Modern Blue House at Night with Bike Storage in Windows, Remodelista

Above: Young urban modernists live here: Bikes hang from the screened porch ceiling.

Home Entryway with Yellow Door Frame in Modern House, Remodelista

Above: A compact space means making some sacrifices--one owner wishes for a mud room to dump coats and shoes before entering the rest of the house. But the structure's simple geometric design lends itself to easy tweaks and expansions later on.

Modern Kitchen with Wood Cabinets and Open Shelving, Remodelista

Above: An open eat-in kitchen accommodates dinner parties large and small. The kitchen has a midcentury bodern vibe and looks far more expensive than it is. To keep costs down, the owners installed plain white subway tile and sourced their kitchen appliances from Craigslist and auctions.

Lofted Office Area in Modern House by In Situ Studio, Remodelista

Above: A lofted office space overlooks the double-height front room.

Office Study Space with Red Desk and Red Chair, Remodelista

Above: The office is the site of a someday third bedroom, planned for when the family grows.

Ensuite Bathroom with Sliding Door, Remodelista

Above: Reclaimed doors mounted on tracks hide the master bathroom and closet. The upstairs flooring is finished plywood subfloor.

Bathroom with Double Sink Vanity in Modern House, Remodelista

Above: The master bath is long and narrow, fitting all the necessities and ample storage in a compact space.

Modern Blue House by In Situ Studio, with Patio at Twilight, Remodelista

Above: On the first floor, the kitchen, bath, storage, and staircase are all aligned on the right side of the house behind the entryway, leaving the rest of the house open as a double-height living and dining area. A narrow upper-level window reveals the double height of the living space.

Looking for more ideas for tight quarters? See 2,125 images of Small Space Living in our gallery of rooms and spaces.

A Custom Bicycle with DIY Details

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The ultimate DIY bicycle? We think so. This chrome 1950s porteur-style bicycle, designed by Detail Creative Industries in East Yorkshire, is (mostly) one of a kind.

The chrome bike is inspired by designer Alex Hatfield, winner of the Bespoke Bristol Handmade Bicycle Show with his hand built porteur bike (featuring a price tag of £3,500). Detail Creative decide to make their own version for less by individually sourcing each part from eBay over a three-month period. The bike is custom built (meaning you can't buy it easily), but the Chrome Rack is $160 directly from Velo Orange and the Rack Wooden Slat Kit is available for £30.

Custom built porteur bicycle

Above: For more information on the custom bicycle project, visit Detail Creative Industries.

Oak wood slats on bicycle

Above: The handmade English Oak wood slats come with stainless steel or brass hardware and are varnished in the color of your choice. The slats can be used with or without the chrome rail.

Chrome bike frame

Above: Detail of the nickel-plated 1970s Carlton frame; visit Detail Creative Industries for more specifics on individual parts.

Brooks Swift Honey saddle

Above: A Brooks Swift Honey saddle sits on a System EX Polished Aluminum seatpost.

Custom built porteur style bicycle

Above: The full nickel and chrome bike with leather and Oak wood accents.

N.B.: For the bicycle enthusiast, see our all posts relating to Bicycles and Accessories in our archive.

Design Dilemma: Shades of Gray

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Desperately seeking countertop advice? Need assistance on choosing a paint shade? Agonizing over which wallpaper to use? We have the answers.

When we launched Remodelista, it was partly in response to our friends asking us endless questions (we had all just completed remodels). Over the years, we have built up a wealth of knowledge and a coterie of contacts with whom we often confer. Have a dilemma? Send your queries to Design Dilemmas Solved.

Here's our first conundrum. The Smiths in London asked the following: "We are looking to freshen up our front room and hallway in gray, but we want to avoid it looking cold. We have looked at not quite 50 shades but getting close. Any advice appreciated."

We turned to our resident expert Eve Ashcraft, who, along with design writer and collaborator Heather Smith MacIsaac, advises us on paint palettes. Here's what they suggest: "We gave it some thought and came to the conclusion that the easiest answer is to use these three warm grays that Eve turns to on a regular basis."

A gray painted hallway: Remodelista

Above: In her summer house, Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa, painted her entryway a warm shade of gray. Photo by Simon Upton for House Beautiful.

Above L: Sandy Hook Gray HC-108 by Benjamin Moore. Above R: Revere Pewter HC-172 by Benjamin Moore.

Above L: Charleston Gray 243 by Farrow & Ball. Above R: Dog's Ear from Eve Ashcraft's The Essential Palette, from Fine Paints of Europe.

Not your shade of gray? Check out this Gray.

Explore more Palette and Paints.

DIY: A Red Lacquer Table for Under $500

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When Napa Valley-based chef and event planner Amy Edelen moved into her new home, a former water tower, she had to think carefully about configuring the space, as the bucolic three-story tower had sloping walls that got steadily narrower at the upper levels.

Amy, who loves to entertain, says she decided upon a custom table to fit the space because "I wanted the maximum number of people around a table, and this sits a dozen comfortably." The total cost? Under $500 for the materials plus the handyman's time. Better still, Amy says, "The table has changed my life. I have had more dinner parties in the last two months since I made the table than I did in my old home where I was for five years."

Photography by Mimi Giboin for Remodelista.

DIY red lacquer table: Remodelista

Above: "I bought cabinet-grade plywood from Home Depot," Amy says. "It's the most expensive kind of plywood because it has no grain and no knots. It comes in a 4-by-8-foot sheet, and I had it cut down to 6 by 4 feet to fit the space." The wrap-around white banquette was also custom-built to fit the space.

DIY red lacquer table: Remodelista

Above: The 1-inch-thick plywood has a 2-inch trim around the edge; the deeper trim makes the table look thicker and more substantial. Amy's handyman used 92 screws to put it together, each puttied over to give it a clean look.

DIY red lacquer table: Remodelista

Above: On the topic of color, Amy says, "I was thinking of painting the table gray, anything that wouldn't make it look like plywood. Then I happened upon a sample of Ruby Red Paint from Benjamin Moore, a poppy color that just jumped off the wall when I was looking at colors. I had also used resin before and liked the way it made color pop. When you apply it, you pour two compounds together and the mixture bubbles up on the surface. You have to blow on it to get the bubbles to disappear. I tried using a hair dryer, but blowing is better. You need to do this in the first 30 minutes. The resin levels off, but as it drops down the side you need to use one of those paint stirring sticks to clean the edges as the resin drips off. This stage takes around four hours." Amy sourced the resin from TAP Plastics.

DIY red lacquer table: Remodelista

Above: Amy covered the table in three coats of Ruby Red Paint from Benjamin Moore. The strip of black on the table legs is in fact electrical tape that Amy added to see if adding a touch of black enamel would look good. "I like the way it separates the table from the floor," she says. "The tape might just stay if I never actually get round to painting the legs."

Looking for more red inspiration, check out our post: Simply Red.

Explore More: Palette & Paints.

DIY: Scandi Sheepskin Dog Bed

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Form meets function (and budget) with this DIY dog bed project spotted on Scandinavian blog Brigg. The bed is fashioned from a children's mattress, a single sheepskin, and a pair of leather belts. For more information, visit Brigg and stock up on our sources for the DIY below.

DIY Dog Bed Made from Children's Mattresses on Brigg, Remodelista

Above: A single mattress is stacked and folded into three tiers, then topped with a mattress pad, sheepskin, and wrangled together with two leather belts.

DIY Dog Bed Made from Children's Mattresses on Brigg, Remodelista

DIY Dog Bed Made from Children's Mattresses on Brigg, Remodelista

Above: The DIY bed is sized perfectly for small-scale canines.

Ikea Ludde Sheepskin and Tejn Faux Sheepskin, Remodelista

Above L: Available at the UK Ikea store, the gray Ludde Sheepskin is £25. Above R: The white Tejn Faux Sheepskin is $9.99 from US Ikea.

Vyssa Slöa Crib Mattress from Ikea, Remodelista

Above: Ikea's Vyssa Slöa Crib Mattress has two different comfort surfaces: an eggbox-shaped surface for ventilation and pressure relief and a flat surface on the other side. Each side is covered in breathable jersey fabric and the entire mattress measures 52 inches long and 27 inches thick; $49.99.

Vyssa Tulta Mattress Pad from Ikea, Remodelista

Above: The Vyssa Tulta Mattress Pad is also made for a children's crib (it measures 52 by 28 inches) and is $12.99 from Ikea.

Vintage Leather Belt for DIY Dog Bed, Remodelista

Above: Source a couple of vintage leather belts from Etsy, such as this Vintage Paul Stuart Leather Belt; $30 from Repurposeful Robyn. Alternatively, Urban Outfitters' BDG Skinny Leather Belt is currently on sale for $9.99 each.

Looking for more DIY projects? Peruse our archives for over 200 other DIY Ideas and if you're shopping for your dog, see our Gift Guide for the Well-Dressed Canine from Dogster Editor-in-Chief Janine Kahn.


16 Radical Kids' Climbing and Sliding Spaces

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We know we're not the only ones with childhood dreams of hidden passageways, slides, and ladders. Here are 16 radical indoor spaces that fulfill those dreams and help burn off excess energy:

Sliding Bed in the Children's Room, Remodelista

Above: A short slide in a girls' bedroom; photo via Milk Magazine.

Scandinavian Kids' Hanging Wall, Remodelista

Above: A white ladder functions as a climbing wall; photo via Mrs. Jones.

Alex Michaelis' Children's Stairway Slide, Remodelista

Above: London architect Alex Michaelis created a slide for his children in his city house. For more, see 10 Radical Staircases for Tight Spaces.

East Village Penthouse Metal Slide, Remodelista

Above: A slide in an East Village penthouse designed by Turret Collaborative Architects.

Climbing Wall in Melrose from OWI, Remodelista

Above: A loft space in Los Angeles, photographed by June and John Brown for OWI.

Fire Poles as Play Structures, Remodelista

Above L: A sliding pole via My Scandinavian Retreat. Above R: A house in London designed by Anita Kaushal.

Climbing Wall in Children's Room in New York, Remodelista

Above: The climbing wall in a child's room in New York also adds colorful accents to the room. Image via AlignedNYC. See more at 5 Favorites: Children's Climbing Walls.

Wood Slide in a House in Nakameguro, Remodelista

Above: A built-in slide in a house in Nakameguro, Japan, by Level Architects.

Indoor Climbing Ladders for Kids, Remodelista

Above L: An indoor climbing ladder photographed by Louis Lemaire. Above R: A ladder in a home designed by Gustave Carlson in Inverness (R).

Indoor Climbing Wall by Feldman Architecture, Remodelista

Above: This climbing wall by Feldman Architecture allows a child to climb to the next floor. Photo by Joe Fletcher.

Skyhouse Indoor Slide for Children, Remodelista

Above: An indoor steel slide in Skyhouse, a Manhattan penthouse designed by David Hotson. Photograph via Dezeen.

Skyhouse Indoor Climbing Wall for Kids, Remodelista

Above: A climbing wall in the upper rafters at David Hotson's Skyhouse in Lower Manhattan. Photograph via Dezeen.

Concrete Slide in Jakarta, Indonesia, Remodelista

Above: A concrete slide in Playhouse, a house near Jakarta designed by Indonesian architects Aboday.

Interior Climbing Wall in Bergen, Norway, Remodelista

Above: An interior climbing wall in Bergen, Norway, by Saunders Architecture via ArchDaily.

For rock climbers in the making, see 5 Favorites: Children's Climbing Walls for even more indoor and outdoor climbing walls.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on November 27, 2009.

10 Easy Pieces: Clip-On Lights

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Ten favorite, highly versatile clip-on lights, ranging from industrial hardware-store versions to more refined takes.

Looking for more office lighting? See all 502 Modern Task Lights in our Shop section and our previous post: 10 Easy Pieces: Adjustable Task Lamps (Under $200).

Cornet Clip Lamp, Remodelista

Above: By Paris-based Tse & Tse, the Cornet Clip Lamp has a glazed porcelain shade; $235 at Horne.

Hector Small Dome Clip-On Light, Remodelista

Above: BTC Original Hector Small Dome Clip-On Light with translucent bone-china shade and cotton braided flex cord; $195 at Horne.

Tolomeo Clip Spot Light, Remodelista

Above: Artemide's modern classic, the Tolomeo Clip Spot Light in anodized matte aluminum; $165 at Y Lighting.

Lumina Naomi Pinza Clip Light, Remodelista

Above: From Italy, the Lumina Naomi Pinza Clip-On Light is finished in aluminum; $228 at Search Lighting.

Retro Metal Clip-On Light, Remodelista

Above: Rockett St. George's Retro Metal Clip-On Light has a wood base; £79.

PB Teen Hi-Light Clip Light, Remodelista

Above: Reminiscent of the beloved Jielde Lamp, the Hi-Light Clip Light is available in four colors as well as brushed nickel; $39 at PB Teen.

Black Gooseneck Clip Lamp, Remodelista

Above: Black Gooseneck Clip Lamp (also in white or chrome); $23.95 at Lamps Plus.

Fas Clamp Spotlight, Remodelista

Above: Instead of a flashlight under the covers, my kids use the Fas Clamp Spotlight for bedtime reading; $9.99 at Ikea.

Fluker's Clamp Lamp, Remodelista

Above: Fluker's Clip Lamp; $9.97 at Petco.

Designers Edge Clamp Lights, Remodelista

Above: For a loft space that we turned into my husband's office, we used Designers Edge Clip-On Lights clipped to the ceiling rafters; $8.97 at Home Depot.

Designers Edge Incandescent Cage Clamp Light

Above: For a tool-shop vibe, consider the Designers Edge Incandescent Cage Clip Light; $14.99 at Hayneedle.

On the hunt for more lights? See all 588 Pendant Lights in our Shop section.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on July 14, 2010.

DIY: An Economical Wallpaper Alternative

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When we moved into our historical New England home, my four-year-old daughter, Solvi, selected a small corner room as her own. To her, it felt like the coziest space in the big old house. To me, with its dark burgundy walls and stark white trim, it felt oppressive and cold. Something had to be done—and quick.

My first inspiration was to warm up the room with wallpaper, a pretty yet sophisticated floral from Farrow & Ball. Alas, this proved a bit (OK, way) outside my budget, even if I installed the paper myself. Then I found what seemed like an ingenious solution: a paint roller that mimics the effect of wallpaper. I browsed all the inspiring ideas from The Painted House and watched the "how to" video. It seemed simple enough, certainly easier than applying wallpaper, so I ordered one up.

I'm not going to lie, it was NOT easy. The learning curve was steep. And after several major misapplications of the stencil and re-applications of my base coat, I was ready to downsize my ambitions from a stenciled room to just one accent wall—or to throw in the towel altogether. But through sheer determination, I persevered (I was not to be defeated by one little roller). The results are well worth it. Now that I've identified the potential pitfalls, I can guide you on how to get this look yourself. Mind you, it's not exactly easy, but perhaps it doesn't have to be quite so hard.

Photos by Justine Hand, except where noted.

The Painted House bird roller application: Remodelista

Above: Clare Bosanquet, owner of The Painted House, found the original rollers in a market in Romania, where people have been using them as economical alternatives to wallpaper for the last century or so. For our project, Solvi and I chose The Painted House's whimsical bird pattern, which we felt was perfect for our historic home. The roller is £15 (don't forget to order the applicator as well; £10).

THE INSPIRATION

Farroe and Ball Wisteria BP 2022: Remodelista

Above: I was inspired by Farrow & Ball's Wisteria Wallpaper (yes, one of the patterns Michelle chose for her bathroom), which costs $295 per roll. Photo via Farrow & Ball.

THE MATERIALS

Wallpaper stencil supplies: Remodelista

Above: The supplies include everything you would normally need to paint a room. The only additional items for this project are the patterned roller and the applicator from The Painted House. And don't forget those gloves, they are your new best friend.

STEP BY STEP

base coat of BM Old Sole: Remodelista

Above: The first step is to apply the base coat. For the walls, I chose Benjamin Moore's Old Soul (CSP-65) in matte from the new Color Stories line, which looks almost beige on the swatch but is really a rich, warm gray. For the trim, I selected BM Linen White in an eggshell finish. For both, I used Benjamin Moore's Aura paint, which is expensive (although not wallpaper expensive) but offers excellent control and coverage. One coat nearly covered all those dark walls.

So far so good. Now comes the tricky part. Clare provides links to helpful step-by-step videos here, which I will augment with tips from my experiences. First assemble the roller and applicator. You want to make sure that both the pattern and the paint roller are secure but turn easily. And here is potential pitfall No. 1. In my set, the prongs on the paint roller were ever so slightly shorter than those on the roller, so my pattern roller would get stuck and start sliding (as opposed to rolling) down the wall. Or my paint roller would fall away from the pattern roller. I used pliers to bend the center of the applicator arms in, and the ends that hold the pattern out. This was a breakthrough. From then on, the project went from exasperating to manageable.

The Painted House bird rollers in action: Remodelista

Above: You need to saturate your paint roller well; I used a matching Linen White in matte for my bird pattern (it is very important that you use a matte finish for both the base and cover coat, or your roller will slip).

First you remove the patterned roller. Put a bit of your paint into a pan and begin to apply it to the roller, grabbing a small amount and rolling it into the high-density foam paint roller until the pigment seeps a fare way in—at least halfway to the center. Then grab your gloves. Taking your paint roller, insert it into the middle hole on the bottom set. Then insert the pattern in the top slots. Turn the patterned roller to cover it in paint and roll a few times on a piece of paper to remove the excess pigment. Note: On my 9-foot-high walls, I found that I had to get more paint on my roller after two rows, otherwise the application would become uneven.

My first piece of advice on this step is practice, practice, practice. My problem was that I practiced on some existing wallpaper that I was planning on stripping. The hiccup in this plan was that it is much easier to apply the pattern to the more porous paper, so that when I got to the walls my technique fell apart and the roller started slipping and smudging the paint.

In fact, here's what I recommend. Even before you apply the base coat, practice on the existing walls. That way you won't have to repaint your base over egregious mistakes (like I did).

Clare has marked the sides of her rollers with handy plus and minus signs so you can keep track of your pattern. For an alternating wallpaper pattern, you start each row on an alternating sign: plus, minus, plus, minus. Place your roller with the plus or minus aligned with the top of your wall (you want to be looking at an upside-down bird on your roller, in order to get a right-side-up one on your wall). Keeping your roller at a slight angle to the wall, pull down. (Ideally you want to remove all trim to get a clean edge, but my trim was impossible to remove without a contractor.)

The Painted House bird roller results: Remodelista

Above: An example of the alternating pattern on my walls. The painted wall even has the same nice raised texture as expensive papers.

For the next row start again, now with the opposite plus or minus sign aligned with top. Clare recommends overlapping the patterns slightly, and I would like to emphasize this point. In fact, if you have to err one way, it's better to overlap the pattern more, otherwise, you get stripes in between each row. Repeat until the wall is mostly covered, leaving any edges which are not large enough to accommodate the entire roller. These gaps you can paint at the end by covering your existing pattern with paper and tape.

One final word of advice: embrace imperfection. This project is best suited for rooms with lower ceilings and less trim. With my high ceilings (9 feet), applying the paint was tricky because I had to start at the top of the ladder and walk down it while maintaining a straight line. (It was pretty funny watching me scoot down the rungs to end in a grande plie at the bottom.) Inevitably, there are some wonky spots on my walls. But this is about overall effect. Besides, the few mistakes are very much in keeping with the old house feel.

Solvi's new room: Remodelista

Above: The finished product: Solvi's room is light and airy.

Now I'm excited about my newfound skill and am looking forward to all sorts of DIY projects involving furniture, paper and even fabric (perhaps with one of Clare's new patterns due out this spring). And that's a good thing, because now my son Oliver wants a deer pattern in his room.

The Painted House bird roller with bed: Remodelista

Above: Solvi's antique day bed also got a makeover in glossy Linen White.

The Painted House bird roller wallpaper: Remodelista

Above: Now one final question: to paint the floor or not? Ideally, I'd love to do something like Izabella's whitewashed Scandi floors, but until then, I'm not sure whether to paint them or leave them as is. And if paint, what color? Linen White or gray? What do you think?

N.B.: Now that I have mastered the art of stencil rollers as wallpaper, maybe I'll try my hand at other creative stenciling.

5 Favorites: DIY Fabric Light Fixtures

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It's a given: at some point in your life, you will live in a rental with a hideous light fixture that makes you weep. Here are five ideas for camouflaging unsightly light fixtures (bonus points if you're sewing-machine literate).

DIY rustic linen lampshades by Oggetti in Italy

Above: The Lampade Bigger by Vicenza-based Orietta Marcon of Oggetti can be replicated by a determined DIYer; for instructions, go to DIY: Rustic Linen Lampshade. See more of her work at Designer Visit: Civico Quattro in Vicenze.

Above: In a West Village duplex, MR Architecture + Decor created a three-tiered canvas ceiling fixture.

An oversized pendant Koushi lamp made from fabric

Above: The Koushi lamp is equally at home in modern or traditional settings; photo via Mark Eden Schooley. Remodelista Alexa created a DIY version; see her instructions at DIY: Koushi Lamp.

Above: Take inspiration from Casamidy's Delphine light fixture and whip up a canvas version of your own.

Above: A strip of fabric tacked to the ceiling creates an instant light fixture in Ted Muehling's NYC apartment.

DIY: Instant Cardboard Box Shelving

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Earlier in the week we featured the home of artist and graphic designer Wendy Furman, who had turned her second bedroom into a showroom for Whim & Caprice, her line of pillows and table linens. Not seen in the post was this clever wall of display shelving that Wendy created herself.

As she tells us, "These shelves were a simple case of form follows function. I needed something to display the pillows at home and something simple that had portability for shows. It wasn't about the expense but the function. I made my first set of shelves for the Remodelista Market in LA and they worked really well. I also loved that there was this element of reusability; once the show was over, I could use the boxes for shipping the pillows."

Read on for DIY instructions.

DIY: A Set of Shelves made from Cardboard Boxes: Remodelista

Above: Floor-to-ceiling boxed shelving in Wendy's second bedroom. Wendy uses 18-cube-inch Corrugated Boxes ordered from Uline ($1.64 per box for a minimum order of 20).

DIY: A Set of Shelves made from Cardboard Boxes: Remodelista

Above: Wendy used 1-inch nuts and bolts for the front of the box where the cardboard doubles over; then three-quarter-inch nuts for the back of the box where the cardboard is only one layer.

DIY: A Set of Shelves made from Cardboard Boxes: Remodelista

Above: The box flaps are folded inward and screwed down with two nuts and bolts at the front and one in the middle at the back. The center column is attached together with a nut and bolt on either side of the the box. Wendy created a base for the display from boxes that she cut in half.

Nut and bolt in a cardboard box: Remodelista

Above: Use a screwdriver to poke holes for the nuts and bolts.

DIY: A Set of Shelves made from Cardboard Boxes: Remodelista

Above: Wendy suggests reinforcing each level with an extra piece of cardboard, inserted under the folded flap and taken from the side of a box if you want to make them to carry a heavier load. That said, the boxes can support up to 200 pounds in weight.

In case you missed it, see more of Wendy's house here: Living Large in a Tiny House, Downsizing Edition.

If you favor wood over cardboard, check out our DIY Wood Shelving post.

Explore more Storage.

Expert Advice: 10 Secrets for Living in a Small Space

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When I recently interviewed artist and graphic designer Wendy Furman for the post Living Large in a Tiny House, Downsizing Edition, I was struck by how much thought she had given to her surroundings and her consideration of what it means to live with objects, particularly when the space is small. Here she shares her insights, with applications for spaces both large and small.

White Napa Valley kitchen: Remodelista

Above: Wendy removed the doors from the cupboards to create open shelving. She painted the whole space in Behr Ultra Pure White with, as she says, "an extra hit of Pure White, around 5 percent. They think you're nuts when you ask for it at the paint store, but it makes the white colder and more opaque."

Remodelista: You used the term "reduction" in reference to how you live. Can you explain?
Wendy Furman: Design should be a feast for your senses in a restrained way. That said, someone like the architect John Pawson is too extreme—he strips down too much, especially for a visual person like me. I think he takes too much away and I want to be able to live with art. You don't need to own everything and less is certainly more, but your possessions should bring you pleasure.

Green bowl grouping: Remodelista

Above: A collection of green bowls offset by the collage propped against the wall.

RM: Ideas for showcasing what you have?
WF: Create a few sculptural elements in the space. I grouped some green pots on top of a shelf in the kitchen, then added the art.

open white shelves with gray painted backdrop:Remodelista

Above: Wendy turned her kitchen shelves into an installation of sorts by painting the frames white and the back wall a custom flat graphite gray, to contrast for the white dishes on display.

RM: Easy fix?
WF: Even if you are in a rental, make the space yours since you're the one that has to live there. A coat of paint goes a long way and is a cheap investment. Flooring is a bigger investment; putting in new blinds can also make a big difference.

Above: Bark Cedar Flatware from Calvin Klein home. The line is discontinued but pieces are available online at Replacements.

RM: Shopping philosophy?
WF: Take your time when you buy something. Don't go for fads, and only buy what gives you the most pleasure. Understand that you will be living with pieces for many years. Ask yourself a lot of questions: "What does this add to my life?" "What is its beauty, its function?" It took me five years to find the perfect flatware. I looked at George Jensen and reissued Russel Wright patterns but none of it was perfect. Then I came across the Calvin Klein Bark Cedar flatware and that was it—it was something about the combination of beauty and balance that appealed.

RM: I read recently that you should go through your wardrobe twice a year and cull what you don't wear. How does that apply to the home?
WF: Cherish and value what you have. If it gives you no pleasure, get rid of it. Don't be afraid to let go. I bought some small space furniture for outdoors, and I hated it so I sold it. You are reminded of your mistakes daily, so choose carefully. Look at everything with a curator's eye.

Sheepskin in basket; Remodelista

Above: A custom maple wardrobe. The basket is refurbished with rope handles.

RM: Choice of materials?
WF: Keep a simple palette, both with materials and color. I am more comfortable with wood than highly polished steel. Wood has an organic element that warms a small space but without dominating it. I carry this over to the art on my walls. I only have wood frames that are natural wood or white.

RM: Favorite color?
WF: Create a white palette. In a small house white makes everything look cleaner and larger, it's optical. Avoid dark colors unless you specifically want to create a dramatic focal point. Once you've created a white backdrop allow the objects to fill the space. This comes from the museum and gallery world. Curators like to use specific whites and a lot of galleries like the Dunn Edwards palette. They have blue whites that make the work look crisper and are great for showing off art.

RM: Rules to live by?
WF: You should never have more than five main pieces in a room, otherwise it is too much. You need a table, a lamp, and a sofa—just the basics. Apply reductive thinking.

RM: Favorite sources?
WF: Flea markets are your friend. Don't be frightened to buy something used and upgrade it. I found my Thonet chairs at a junk store then upgraded them with Knoll fabrics. I find my Russel Wright and silverware at flea markets. Collections are good, but don't buy to buy. Find the best of the styles you collect.

RM: Any other tips?
WF: Live by the Coco Chanel rule. She recommended that when you accessorize, flip around and look at yourself in the mirror, then remove whatever catches your eye. It's a reductive way of living. Do the same in a room with the objects you own.

RM: Your perfect space?
WF: My perfect room would contain a Rothko painting and a Gaudi chair and nothing else.

In need of some wardrobe wrangling/ Check out this Expert Advice.

Explore More: Style Counsel

The Designer Is In: Barn Style Without the Barn

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Sometimes, a few select moves is all you need to completely transform a space—that's the easy bit. The hard part is knowing which moves and that's where a designer's skill comes into play. This week San Francisco based designer Lisa Collins from Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design tells us about the key moves she used to turn a typical 1100 square foot 1950’s California post and beam house into a Modern Barn. She is available for the next 48 hours to answer any and all questions. Ask away!

Although Collins founder of Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design and a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory has over twenty years of design experience in graphics, stage sets and products, she only went back to school to get her degree in Interior Design and Architecture after remodeling her own home. The client of this Marin County house had admired Collins’ own modern and minimalist renovation (see link) and came to Collins seeking a more rustic version. From this brief, Collins evolved the concept of the Modern Barn. “As a design junkie, I love aspects of many styles and work eclectically fusing the modern, industrial, natural and classic,” she says. “And I prefer to make bold, simple statements – not a lot of clutter. To me, it’s in the materials and the details where the exciting things happen.”

Photography by Mark Adams.

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, sliding barn door, Remodelista

Above: Collins removed a partial wall that divided the kitchen from the rest of the room in order to create a Great Room with kitchen, living room and dining room combined into one. With windows all around, the Great Room can now take full advantage of the surrounding views. "I wanted this area to be the ‘outside’ of the farmhouse and lined it with horizontal sliding to represent the exterior of a farmhouse, complete with outdoor barn lighting," Collins says. "The second purpose of the siding was to add interesting architectural details to an otherwise very plain room."

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, sliding barn door, Remodelista

Above: The designer introduced light and contrast into the home with white 'farmhouse' siding introducing an industrial aesthetic with black kithcen cabinets. "When it came time to purchasing the stools for the island, my initial instinct was to go for black," she says. "Ultimately I went for red, which is an iconic barn or farmhouse color - a little pop of color for fun."

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, sliding barn door, Remodelista

Above: Collins created a design opportunity out of an awkwardly located structural post which had been in the partial wall she removed. "Once the wall was removed, the post seemed to be standing in the middle of nowhere," Collins says. "I decided to create an architectural detail around it. Not only is it now more structurally supportive, it also introduces a farmhouse vernacular, which reinforces the Modern Barn."

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, kitchen, Remodelista

Above: The kitchen cabinets are from Ikea. The designer and the client agreed that with young children and dogs, the doors could be easily and inexpensively replaced when required.

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, zinc top, Barn Electric pendant, Remodelista

Above: (L) For a more eclectic aesthetic, Collins made the kitchen island out of a piece of furniture rather than match the cabinets and ordered a custom made zinc top. "I love using zinc, especially with this design, because it feels more rustic and weathers to a great worn patina," she says. "The more you use and abuse it, the better it looks. It’s a great material for spaces that need a little more warmth, but want that industrial feel." (R) The glass pendant lamp over the sinks acts as a feature light.

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, caesarstone countertop, Home Depot butler sink, Remodelista

Above: The countertops are a caesarstone product from Ikea while the farmhouse sink is from Home Depot.

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, sliding barn door, Remodelista

Above: The small house has a linen closet right behind the hallway door which leads to the private spaces of the house. When the original hallway door was open, access to the linen closet was difficult and the owners removed the door altogether, leaving a gaping hole in a visually critical location of the Great Room. Collins solved the problem with a sliding barn door; enabling the hallway to be closed off when needed without a door swing.

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, sliding barn door, Remodelista

Above: Collins is a big proponent of barn door hardware. " Although very trendy right now, it has been around forever and is a good alternative for tricky spaces where a swinging door does not work," she says. "It's also helpful when an an interesting design detail is needed. The hardware is easily customizable, and there are quite a few styles, from uber-modern to traditional farm style."

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, sliding barn door, barn lights, vent holes, Remodelista

Above: In keeping with a bold industrial feel, Collins had a black steel plate made for the upper beam and painted it black to match the hardware. "In this project, I wanted classic barn hardware," she says. "I went back and forth on whether to use raw steel, or finish it in black. In the end, I went with black because I wanted that crisp contrast of the black on white."

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, vent hole detail, Remodelista

Above: Collins used owl holes near the top of roof pitches in barns as her inspiration for this vent cover. "We couldn't move the vent and it drove me crazy each time I walked in the front door," she says. "I love this detail because it solves a problem and adds another detail to the look of the Modern Barn at the same time."

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, sliding barn door, Remodelista

Above: Collins used a high gloss white paint on the horizontal paneling to create a modern look to be juxtaposed with the old barn door she found in her favorite salvage yard. "We did have to cut it down slightly, but it could not have been more perfect for the space as it had the perfect weathered white patina to contrast off the shiny white paneling" she says. "It even had that little hole cut in it so we didn't even need a handle."

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, Remodelista

Above: The "Great Room" of the house looking down the "doorless" hallway of the blank entry wall.

Lisa Collins, Studio One|San Francisco Interiors & Design, Remodelista

Above: "This became such an opportunity to do something really fun and make it important," Collins says. "The 'Great Room' is such a significant space in the home, and it really deserved to be designed that way."

Obsessed with sliding barn doors? Join the club and see 666 images of Sliding Barn Doors in our Gallery or rooms and spaces.


Current Obsessions: New Season, New Shops

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What's piquing our interest this week? A trio of newly opened design shops, a glamorous Londoner at home, and kids' sliding, climbing, and swinging spaces.

The Future Perfect in San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: Earlier this week, Julie and Sarah dropped in on the just-opened SF outpost of The Future Perfect (best of all, it's next door to March, one of our favorite ktichenware shops anywhere).

• Three don't-miss design shops have just opened: The Future Perfect in San Francisco, Karkula in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Steven Alan's new home store in NYC.

• After this week's post on Radical Kids' Climbing and Sliding Spaces, we're looking at these Six Modern Houses Harboring Secret Slides for more.

• Loving Ashley Helvey's reinvigoration of Nordstrom's art direction and styling.

• Taking a look at these 19 Kitchen Decorating Ideas that include a kitchen opening into a main dining room (see Michelle's The Death of the Dining Room).

Above: You've seen her house on Remodelista (A Free-Spirited Film Director, at Home in London); now see Gaby Dellal on This Is Fifty by photographer Kristin Perers.

Taylor Bag for Of a Kind by Sarah Barner, Remodelista

Above: Alexa has been scoping out Remodelista Market alumna Sarah Barner's limited edition Taylor Bag for Of a Kind.

House E4 in Austria from Architizer, Remodelista

Above: A project in Irrsee, Austria, by Bembé Dellinger on Architizer.

• Sarah just read Rob Forbes review of the book Walkable City.

Sleeping Cot as Guest Bed on Le Dans La, Remodelista

Above: Admiring these 6 Great Guest Beds; photograph from Le Dans La.

• Inspired by these 9 Ways to Update Your Kitchen for Under $100; we especially like the idea of replacing hardware and purchasing a bar cart on wheels.

A Sliding Barn Door Mirror

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Who doesn't need a full-length mirror? Here's a genius idea for incorporating one into a bedroom space, courtesy of a sliding barn door.

Above: A sliding barn door is faced with a mirror. Photograph by Jody Kivort.

Above: The sliding mirrored door covers the entryway when closed.

We admit it; we're mad for mirrors: here are 52 of our favorite Mirrored Rooms from our Image Gallery.

High/Low: Metal Shelves

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Shelf shopping? Some of our favorite storage pieces come from Canvas Home Store in NYC. Too pricey? Consider Ikea's new shelving system, called Vittsjö.

Angle Metal Shelf from Canvas Home Store in New York, Remodelista

Above: The Angle Metal Shelf is $520 from Canvas and measures 33.5 inches wide by 13.75 inches deep by 82 inches tall. The Pipe Frame Shelf (seen in the background) is $760 and measures 31.5 inches wide by 15.75 inches deep by 74.5 inches tall.

Wire Shelving from the Canvas Home Store in New York, Remodelista

Above: The Wire Shelving collection from Canvas run between $95 and $300, depending on the number of cubbies. It's available in four different sizes.

Ikea Vittsjö Shelving Unit, Remodelista

Above: This Ikea Vittsjö combination costs $70. The shelving is made from metal and glass.

Ikea Vittsjö Shelving Unit, Remodelista

Above: A narrow Vittsjō shelf unit is $40 from Ikea.

N.B.: It seems nearly impossible to live without some type of shelving system; whether for displaying your ceramic collection or organizing your books. View our Room Gallery for shelving ideas and inspiration.

10 Bold Color-Blocked Bedrooms

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Is color block the new dip dye? We're beginning to think so; here are 10 bedrooms featuring clever color block details (all that's required is a can of paint and some painter's tape).

Above: Barb Blair of Knack Studios revived a scratched wooden bed frame with a stripe of blue; image via Knack Studios, first spotted on Poppytalk.

Above: In the Soho loft of designer Thomas Jayne, a yellow color block creates an anchor for the Victorian bed (it belonged to Jayne's grandparents and has been in continuous use for three generations). See the whole project at Jayne Design Studio.

Above: We like the combination of deep blue and green in this high-ceilinged bedroom; via Solid Frog.

Above: In a Mission-style bedroom, photographed by Francois Halard, two wide stripes painted on the wall create instant headboards.

Above: A headboard outlined in pink paint; see more at Steal This Look: Pale Pink Bedroom by Alexandra Angle.

Above: In a Piet Hein Eek-designed room at the Hotel Chateau Bethlehem in Holland, a half-painted motif continues across the wardrobe and the bunk beds.

Above: A colorblocked wall in the home of Sally and Mark Bailey; see more at The Handmade Home.

Above: A half-painted wall in a bedroom via French by Design.

Above: A half-painted wall creates a headboard effect in a guest bedroom/study by Italian firm b-arch; see more at A Family Apartment in Italy, Modern Classics Included.

Above: Stylist Lo Bjurulf painted an off-kilter block of neon yellow in an otherwise austere space; image via Agent Bauer.

Obsessed with color and looking for new ideas? Consult our Paints & Palettes posts for inspiration.

Instant Color Band Accents from Jane Cumberbatch

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Our friend Jane Cumberbatch just tweeted us about her new line of instant border accents; as with everything Cumberbatch (her mission is "creating simple, timeless, natural interior spaces with a heart"), this genius little hand-painted accent strip is pleasing and economical.

Fennel Colour Band

Above: A 10-meter-long hand-painted Fennel Colour Band is £30 and comes with a paste that you mix with water to create an adhesive.

Toast Colour Band

Above: A fireplace defined with a Toast Colour Band border; £30.

Cornflower Colour Band

Above: A Cornflower Colour Band in the kitchen; £30.

Cake Colour Band

Above: A Cake Colour Band in the bedroom; £30.

Marmalade and Duck Egg Colour Bands

Above: The Colour Bands come in eight colors, including Marmalade (L) and Duck Egg (R); each roll is 10 meters long and 4 centimeters wide and costs £30.

For more glimpses of Cumberbatch at home and at work (the two are one and the same, she says), see Passion Play: Jane Cumberbatch's Tulip Garden, Tablescapes: Tea in the Garden with Jane Cumberbatch, and Paints & Palette: Jane Cumberbatch Green.

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