This post is brought to you by 21c Museum Hotels.

Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, art collectors and preservationists, opened 21c in Louisville in 2006; their vision was to bring contemporary art into people's daily lives and to support the revitalization of their hometown.

Working with designer Deborah Berke, the couple converted five 19th century warehouse buildings into a 90-room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum, and restaurant, called Proof on Main. The project has created a cultural hub in downtown Louisville's Urban Bourbon Trail and on Museum Row. Earning the top honors five years in a row from the annual Readers' Choice survey in Condé Nast Traveler, the 21c Museum Hotel Louisville is located at 700 West Main Street.

Above: The entrance of the 21c Louisville location.

Above: The 9,000 square foot property includes the 21c Museum with a rotating program of curated exhibitions and site-specific commissioned installations; the museum is free and open to the public daily and year-round.

Above: The interior of Proof on Main features rotating art installations curated by the 21c Museum.

Above: At the bar, guests can choose from over 75 Kentucky bourbons as well as seasonal cocktails. 

Above: Exposed bricks and white walls feature Guapisimas, an installation of 47 guapas and manares baskets by Venezuelan artist Pepe Lopez from the 21c Museum.

Above: The Corner Suites (above and below), are 21c Louisville's largest rooms.

Above: The 90 guest rooms and suites all feature high ceilings, large windows (many have original exposed brick walls); also available is the Rooftop Apartment with a large outdoor terrace.

Above: The Luxury King City View room is equipped with Herman Miller ergonomic support chairs, Malin + Goetz bath amenities, artwork on the walls, and all the necessary tech desires (HDTV flat screen televisions, iPod docking stations, and wi-fi internet).

Location of 21c Louisville:
View Larger Map

This post is brought to you by 21c Museum Hotels.

Much like the French mariner's shirt, striped bedsheets have a nautical vibe; here are 10 we like—ranging from ticking stripes to awning stripes. 

Above: Toast's Aegean Bedlinen, a favorite of Christine's, is £65 for the fitted sheet and £65 for the flat sheet, both in a double size.

Above: West Elm's Lotus Pink Stripe Sheet Set includes a 200-thread-count flat and fitted sheet and two pillow cases; $79 for the queen size.

Above: The Parchment Stripe Ink Sheet Set in linen is $495 from Pine Cone Hill.

Above: Spotted by Sarah in Chicago at Unison Home, Sailor Navy Sheets made in Portugal; $140 for the queen size fitted and flat sheet.

Above: Aura's Ticking Stripe Sheet Set, in Tomato, Taupe, Aqua, and Smoke, is made from pure cotton and includes a flat and fitted sheet; $199 for the queen size.

Above: From Serena & Lily, the Halden Sheet Set is printed with stripes in chevron patterns; $210 for the queen size set.

Above: The Knit Stripe Sheet Set made from a fine-gauge jersey cotton in Driftwood Tan, Soft Dawn (pink), and navy is $184 for the queen size from Lands End.

Above: Dwell Studio's Draper Stripe Sheet Set is made with only reactive inks on 100 percent cotton bedding for a rich color saturation that holds up in the wash. Inspired by Dorothy Draper's use of stripes, the bedding collection is available in Poppy, Chinois Blue, and Ash (shown); $300 for the queen size from Digs Showroom.

Above: The Ticking Stripe Sheet Set is yarn-dyed on soft 280-thread-count Egyptian cotton. Available in navy and sand for $188 (currently on sale) for the king size from Schoolhouse Electric.

Above: Wider stripes also from Unison Home, the Regatta Pewter Sheet Set is $140 for the queen size fitted and flat sheet.

Above: Pottery Barn's Classic Stripe 400-Thread Count Sheet Set, in Terracotta, Sandalwood, Porcelain Blue, or Gray Mist, is currently on sale for $129 for the queen size set.

Prefer classic white sheets instead? See our previous post 10 Easy Pieces: Simple White Sheets.

Characterized by long horizontal (or vertical) panels formed by overlapping "rabbets" (grooved boards), weathertight shiplap has long been popular in areas with harsh climates. Because of this functionality, and due to the fact that it was often made from relatively inexpensive pine, shiplap has traditionally been associated with less formal structures, such as woodland cabins and coastal cottages.

But architect Sheila Bonnell of FRAMe Architectural + Design (a member of the Remodelista design directory) encourages us to break with tradition when it comes to shiplap, regarding it not as just a "rustic" or "period" material, but as a timeless detail that is as much at home in modern architecture. Recently we asked Sheila to share her insights into the myriad applications of shiplap.

Above: In the dining area of Harbor Cottage, shiplap paneling was used to unify the space and give it an updated cottage feel. Photo by Justine Hand.

Remodelista: You've used shiplap in many of the homes you've designed. What is it that draws you to this material?

Sheila Bonnell: Put simply, shiplap is less formal way of adding interest to a wall and/or dimension to a space. The fact it has to be installed by hand and that you can feel the craftsmanship, the fact that it is a natural material, that it is textured, that it allows you to create a seamless line throughout a space, that it has historic and regional contexts, for me, all these things make shiplap very lively and engaging. 

Above: In this modern eat-in kitchen in Sweden, shiplap was employed as a warm accent behind the counters. Image via Alvhem Interiors.

RM: Where do you use shiplap?

SB: Anywhere! 

RM: Even in a formal house?

SB: Yes, if it feels right. I know it's an anathema to some, but I tend to resist "rules" and a strict adherence to historic accuracy which can become static, in favor of creating something that is effecting and engaging. So in a formal house I wouldn't automatically rule shiplap out, because actually I think it's really timeless. And because it creates texture in such a clean, unfussy way, it can work just as well in a contemporary setting. In fact, one of the things I love about shiplap is that it works both ways. Because it is hand-crafted, it can add "warmth" to what might be a more austere modern setting. Or, conversely, because it has a very clean line (particularly when painted) it can be used to make an historical setting feel more contemporary.

Above: Shiplap is quite happily paired with elegant marble counters in photographer Abi Campbell's London kitchen. Photo by Matt Clayton.

RM: How do you use shiplap in a space?

SB: Shiplap is extremely versatile so it can be used in a number of different ways, depending on the needs of the space. At Harbor Cottage, the first floor was a single, open room which served as a living room, dining area, and kitchen. To unify the space, I used shiplap on all four walls, as well as across the doors and kitchen cabinets.

You can take this continuity further by also using shiplap in the ceiling. Or you can use shiplap to accentuate a single architectural feature. In my own home, covering all the walls was beyond our budget, so we made the choice to panel the high ceilings as a means a maintaining the intimacy of the space.

Shiplap can also be used to create a nice sense of scale. For example, if you have a lofty ceiling, you might use shiplap only up to a particular height on the wall, to create more human scale as well as a secondary datum, which is architecturally more interesting.

Above: Equally at home in a modern or traditional setting, shiplap can be employed as a striking architectural accent as seen in the hallway spotted on Dering Hall, or to create a cozy nook as in this office by Tracery Interiors. 

Above: Architect Joan Heaton used a pickled shiplap in a winter cabin in Vermont. Image via Susan Teare.

RM: Painted or unfinished? What kind of wood do you typically use?

SB: Again, it depends on the space and what you are trying to acheive. In one of the first projects I did, which was a small cabin in Maine, I used Point Orford Cedar, that I left unfinished. Not only was the texture of the wood plainly visible, but the boards responded to the weather releasing an amazing aroma, all of which enhanced the feeling of the wood as a living thing. 

In my own home, we used poplar and then white-washed it, so that some of the grain came through. And then at Harbor Cottage we used poplar again and painted it Linen White from Benjamin Moore. Poplar is great if you are going to apply a finish, because it is smooth and accepts paint evenly. One thing about paint though, you want to make sure that you maintain the space in between the boards, so apply paint carefully, or preferably, paint the boards before you install them.

Above: A detail of the shiplap paneling at Harbor Cottage shows the spacing of the boards. Image by Justine Hand.

RM: I've seen the boards applied right up against each other and with a more of a gap. What's your preference?

SB: Myself, I like to maintain a bit of a channel between the boards, rather than have them right up against each other. This creates a lighter, more airy feel and emphasizes the wonderful horizontal (or vertical) accent of the boards. 

Above: At Harbor Cottage, architect/designer Sheila Bonnell employed traditional shiplap in a clean, modern way to create a contemporary space that is still very much in context with the rural Maine setting. Image by Justine Hand.

RM: Any other tips for applying shiplap?

SB: Yes. Most importantly, make sure you maintain a seamless line across your architectural features! At Harbor Cottage, you can see that the lines are carried right through the door and along the kitchen cabinets. This kind of attention to detail demonstrates "intentionality," so that even though the effect of shiplap is less formal, it still shows that someone really thought about it what they were doing and put a lot of care into the space.

Above: The flip side: Sydney-based architect Christopher Polly used vertical shiplap in striking contrast to the horizontal elements in his kitchen.

N.B. Get more insider secrets with our favorite Advice from the Experts. 

We've long been fans of marine-style hardware, and nautical cleats are no exception. Designed to hold boat lines (and handle weight of the attached bouy or boat), this tough, weather-proof, high quality piece of metal can easily take on the role of cabinet pull, drawer handle, or hook. See Alexa's DIY: Nautical Cleat as Toilet Roll Holder for another creative use of this piece of marine hardware.

Above: Nautical cleats make great cabinet pulls, especially in the kitchen an bath. Image via 215 Ash Lane.

Above: The Stainless Steel Yacht Cleat is available in six sizes ranging from 4 inches to 12 inches; $11.49 to $94.99 at West Marine.

Above: The teardrop shape of the Perko Chrome-Plated Zinc Teardrop Cleat is perfect to use as a towel or coat hook (hang vertically). Available in 2-, 3-, and 4.5-inch lengths; $13.99 to $22.99 per pair respectively at West Marine.

Above: The Atwood Chrome-plated Zinc Open Base Cleat is available in 4.5 and 6 inch sizes; $19.49 and $28.99 for a set of four cleats at West Marine.

Above: No-nonsense shape with a refined stainless steel finish, the Shaeffer Open Base Cleat measures 4.75 inches (larger sizes also available); $26.99 at West Marine.

Above: A Nautical Coat Rack made with reclaimed wood and galvanized boat cleats from Dockside Cottage on Etsy (it's no longer available, though). Create your own using the galvanized cleats shown below.

Above: The rustic Sea Dog Galvanized Cleats can be hung horizontally or vertically to use as hooks or cabinet pulls. Offered in seven sizes ranging from 4 inches to 14 inches; $1.99 to $24.99, depending on size, at West Marine.

Above: Picturing this white polyester-coated Dock Edge High Profile Dock Cleat in a laundry room space for hanging laundry bags and wet beach towels.

Interested in other ideas for Marine-Style Hardware?

In the summer, when the temperatures begin to head into the nineties (and higher) in the Bay Area, there's nothing better than piling into the car and heading to the more temperate climes of the coast. High on the list of places to visit? Hog Island Oyster Company, the Tomales Bay oyster farm located in the tiny hamlet of Marshall on scenic Highway One, just 45 miles north of San Francisco.

The vibe is suitably laid back, with wooden picnic tables overlooking Tamales Bay, and an open invitation to kick back and shuck your own oysters. For those wanting to stay closer to home, Hog Island has outposts in the San Francisco Ferry Plaza and Napa's Oxbow Market. For more, visit Hog Island Oyster Company.

Photography by  Mimi Giboin for Remodelista.

Above: Reserve a picnic table and shuck your own oysters: reservations come with a grill, condiments, and tools for shucking. For the novice, there is usually someone on hand to show you how (N.B. it's usually fully booked on weekends, so call ahead).

Above: Hog Island sorts all their shellfish by hand; they began farming oysters in 1983 using a French farming technique.

Above: An oyster baskets for discarded shells; there's one beside each picnic table.

Above: For those who haven't booked a picnic table, The Boat is the on-site bar where you can buy shucked raw and barbecued oysters (and beer and wine) that can be enjoyed at one of the community tables.

Above: If you are looking to take some oysters home with you or are heading to the beach, the onsite Hog Shack offers plenty of oysters and shellfish to purchase (and oyster knives).

If you are looking to shuck a few oysters, you might want to consult our Oyster Knife guide. To learn more of the region's history, take a look at the book Oyster Culture in Tomales Bay.

My favorite subject in grade school was geography, which probably explains why I love vintage maps. Lately, though, I have been drawn to nautical charts (there is definitely something about getting to know your surrounding waters). Here are 10 spaces showing wall-hung nautical maps.

Above: In Suzanne Shaker's Shelter Island house, a framed a nautical chart of Peconic Bay from New York Nautical on Duane Street in Tribeca ("It's amazing how often we refer to it," she says. "It's both decorative and functional").

Above: The interior is painted a uniform shade of white to create a sense of airiness in photographer Paul Massey's Seaside Loft in Cornwall, England.

Above: An entryway by Thomas O'Brien from his book American Modern.

Above: A nautical map hangs in the living room of Andrew Corrie and Harriet Maxwell's summer home on Shelter Island. Photo via House Beautiful. 

Above: A vintage map tacked to the wall serves as decoration in photographer Paul Massey's Seaside Loft in Cornwall, England.

Above: The NY home of photographer Matt Albiani.

Above: A map in Jen Mankin's Brooklyn home, via Design Sponge.

Above: In his Hamptons hallway, designer Robert Stilin framed a pair of vintage maps of Long Island, via Elle Decor.

Above: Suzanne Shaker's Scallop Shop cottage on Shelter Island, photo by James Merrell.

Looking for more Summer Accessories? Make sure to check out 44 posts on Nautical Style. 

Tonight in Brooklyn (Wednesday, June 12, at 7 pm), David Stark and Remodelista NYC editor Francesca Connolly talk table settings—specifically, quick DIY tricks for creating a serene summer tablescape. We especially like David's genius DIY tablecloth made from a canvas drop cloth with a wide "runner" stripe painted down the middle. Here's how to get the look:

Go to Book Court (163 Court Street, Brooklyn) for more information about David and his new book, David Start: The Art of the Party.

Above: David creates an instant table runner by painting a wide white stripe down the middle of a painters drop cloth.

Above: For more white paint ideas, go to 10 Easy Pieces: Architects' White Paint Picks.

Above: Using ScotchBlue Painter's Tape and a metal ruler, create a path for your painted runner (but don't worry if the edges blur a bit during the painting process; imperfection is part of the charm).

Above: You can use Tulip Soft Fabric Paint ($8.99 for 4 ounces at Craft Super Center), although any white paint will do; think of this project as an opportunity to finish off a leftover can you might have lurking in your garage.

You know you've got a good gift for someone else when you're secretly coveting it for yourself. When we were putting together our Haberdashery Issue this past February, we all realized this was the case when it comes to classic menswear pieces and utilitarian accessories. With Father's Day approaching, we've rounded up 10 can't-go-wrong essentials for dad. And for more inspiration, take a look at our Father's Day-Themed Pinboard on Pinterest.

Above: Warby Parker co-founder Jeff Raider has teamed up with old friend Andy Katz-Mayfield to launch Harry's. The company, as Raider and Katz-Mayfield say, "was built out of respect for quality craftsmanship, simple design, modern convenience, and most importantly for guys who know they shouldn't have to overpay for a great shave." The Winston Set includes a handle, three German engineered razor blades made from high-grade steel, and a tube of shave cream for $25.

Above: Faribault Mill's Foot Solider Military Wool Blanket has been manufactured since 1917 and was originally designed to adapt to the varying temperatures of Cadet sleeping quarters. Made from heavy double-weave wool and available in four different colors and finishes, the blanket is $119.50 for the twin size.

Above: The ultimate Father's Day gift for the dapper dad is Sara Barner's Overnight Bag in a dark brown English bridle leather. Handmade in Portland, Oregon, the bag is $715 from Table of Contents.

Above: For the beer aficionado, Portland Growler Company's 32-ounce Growlettes are designed and manufactured in Portland, Oregon. The Matte Black, Gloss White, and Satin Gray are $48 each. For more ideas, see 5 Favorites: Gifts for the Brew Enthusiast.

Above: From Danish designer Niels Hvass, the Grill Set (a fork, spatula, and tongs) is made from stainless steel and FSC-certified solid teak wood (a weather-resistant material); $125 from Design Within Reach. We're talking tools over on Gardenista today; for more barbecue, woodworking, and hand tool sets see our post 10 Easy Pieces: Indoor/Outdoor Tool Sets.

Above: LA-based Brendan Ravenhill's Bottle Opener uses one magnet to capture the bottle cap and one to hold the opener to the fridge. Available in walnut or beech wood and four different color blocking combinations; $14 each through Areaware. Read more about Ravenhill in our previous studio visit: Live/Work in Echo Park: A Designer at Home.

Above: Everlane's recently introduced Pool Towel is 100-percent cotton terry and made in Deznili, Turkey; available in navy or white for $40 each.

Above: Because Dads need a spa break too, Aesop and Mr Porter's collaborative Dapper Gentleman grooming kit is comprised of a face cleanser, hydrating cream, shaving serum, spray-on moisturizer, and lip cream; $150 from Mr Porter.

Above: From Milan-based leather company Il Bussetto, the iPhone 5 Leather Case is made from vegetable tanned leathers that are waxed and buffed to achieve their color; $68 from Wittmore. And for the cigar-smoking dad, Il Bussetto also makes Cigar Cases in the same tanned leather.

Above: The Joey Roth Compass is made from laminated maple and East Indian rosewood for $75 directly from Joey Roth.

Above: From Save the C in Finland, the Do Laptop Bag is made from reclaimed sails and sustainable materials; for retailers, visit Save the C; in the US, Save the C bags are available from Ivana Helsinki in NYC. See more bags from our post: Bicycle Bags from Save the C.

Looking for more ideas? Shop bags, accessories, and men's clothing in our Personal Style shop section.

On a boat, the porthole window is about being water- and weather-tight. On dry land, it's about being on the boat. Here are 10 favorites: 

Above: At sea, the function of a porthole, when open, is to allow light and fresh air to enter the dark and often damp below-deck quarters. The high position of this porthole window in a garden shed offers a glimpse of light and fresh air in a similar way. To see more of this garden shed, see House Call: Lorn Road Summerhouse in London.

Above: In her summer cabin located on a small island in the Swedish archipelago, Carouschka Streijiffert has a bohemian take on nautical interiors. Photo by Martin Lof; see the project at House Call: Swedish Cabin.

Above: A white tiled window niche; photograph by Max Kim-Bee.

 Above: A porthole window in a subtly nautical stairwell; see DIY: Stair Rope Banisters.

Above: Carouschka Streijiffert's living room has a frameless porthole window. Photo by Martin Lof; see the project at House Call: Swedish Cabin.  

Above: Porthole windows in the bath allow light in while providing privacy (L image via Emmas Design Blogg, R image via House Beautiful).

Above: A round window in the home of Kirsty Davey and family in Australia; photo by Brooke Holm for The Design Files.

Above: A large modern porthole window pivots on axis; photo by Debi Treloar for The Natural Home by Hans Blomquist. 

Above: Porthole windows work well in showers; Image via One Kind Design. 

Above: An over-scaled porthole window negates the need for any art on the walls. Image via Den of Opulence.

Above L: Porthole windows with metal frames lend an industrial submarine like character to the doors. Photo by Henri Del Olmo via Côte Maison. Above R: A round window is fitting for a door by the beach in Cape Town. Photo by Frank Features via Tant Johanna.

We've said it before—windows play a large part in determining the character of a space. See Windows in our Gallery of rooms and spaces to see 1,192 window options. 

Our love of the Swiss Army Cross blanket is well documented; lately, we've developed an obsession with the U.S. Navy blanket (best use of anchor motif ever). Here are a few sources:

Above: Faribault Woolen Mills U.S. Navy Blanket; $150 from Three Potato Four.

Above: The Foot Soldier Military Wool Blanket in navy and cream is $184.50 for a twin size from Faribault.

Above: A pair of vintage U.S. Navy Blankets is $130 from Etsy seller Lisa B. Retro.

Indigo is a color that captivates. Derived from the dye of the True Indigo shrub, the hue has the essence of blue and purple and has been used by various civilizations for centuries. 

What we love most about the shade is the opportunity it presents for interpretation: One person's idea of the color may derive from a well-worn pair of denim; another's from an inky blue flower. We decided to explore the many faces of indigo with Sherwin-Williams color tools. Armed with the Color Snap Studio for iPad and Color Snap for iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry, we took photos of objects and then sourced the matching paint colors.

What does your indigo look like? Read on to see a few of our ideas, as well as inspiration on translating it to an entire room.

Above: We love the deep indigo hues in Michele Michael's Elephant Ceramics platters; to find the paint sibling, we uploaded the image to our iPad to find a match via the ColorSnap Studio.

Above: In the photo, we tapped on each of the platters and discovered the following matching paints: Danube, Loyal Blue and Rainstorm.

Above: For inspiration on adding a bold and dramatic look to an interior, we turned to this quilted indigo tote bag by designer Matt Dick. Photo by Mimi Giboin.

Above: Of the 1,500 + colors to explore, two of the matches we found via the app were Valiant Violet (L) and Dewberry (R).

Above: We then explored the colors further by uploading an image of the white guest bedroom at the Hourglass Winery and painting its walls in both of the shades.

Shed 5 opened last year as a modern Greek restaurant located in Melbourne's newly renovated docklands on the Yarra river. Melbourne's Loop Creative chose a contemporary industrial look for the interior using steel and wood in keeping with the history of the 19th century heritage listed docklands.

N.B. We just got word that Shed 5 is closed to create a new expanded concept (we hope the tiled wall stays). For more, visit Shed 5.

Photography via Restaurant and Bar Design Awards.

Above: The large tiled wall is a nod to the 19th century railway station. The antique blue and white tiles are a Mediterranean touch, which tie in with the Greek food being served.

Above: On the ceiling are vintage lights from a British railway station sourced from Trainspotters in the UK. The 120-year-old wood flooring is original to the space.

Above: On the wall is a row of Pressed Glass Bowl Wall Lights by Tom Dixon.

Above: A custom steel banquette runs the length of the wall. The round Screw Top Tables with oak tops are by Tom Dixon with Replica Jean Prouve Standard Chairs.

Above: Custom steel shelving behind the bar, with a selection of Greek fare on display. The Work Stools at the counter are by Sean Dix.

UK designer Caryl Terlezki has lived on islands for the past twenty years, developing and designing commercial and residential properties. From beach bars to luxury residential beach homes and mega-yachts, she is well versed in the island habitat, so it was only natural that when she moved back to the UK, she should look for a place by the sea; her beach cottage in the village of Aberporth in Cardigan Bay where she used to holiday as a teen. “Having sailed and lived on boats and in homes on the sea in the Mediterranean, the States, the West Indie's and the Virgin Islands, I have been heavily influenced by the beach and sea," she says. "My style has evolved around this striking natural environment.”

Photography by Kristin Perers.

Above: Undaunted by the notoriously unpredictable and changeable weather in Wales, Terlezki weaves a casual island aesthetic around the reality of the weather in Wales. "My wood stove is a fantastic source of heat," she says. "I do also have under-floor heating and radiators, though—after all, this is Wales." By painting the brick walls, Terlezki created a white background for her personal mix of natural finishes and textiles. The wood chest carved from a tree trunk holds the kindling wood for her wood stove.

Above: "I keep a neutral background and layer paintings, art, and different fabrics and textiles with lots of color," Terlezki says. "I think this emphasizes their originality and character." Terlezki is currently opening a branch of her company Design Stuff UK in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, where she has developed a selection of boat paraphernalia converted into functional home decor.  For more information, contact her at Design Stuff UK.

Above L: The designer found this wingback chair and had it covered with odd scraps of fabric that she had been collecting for years. "I loved all the swatches which were a mixture of Welsh plaid wool, deck chair stripe,s and old French mattress covers, but they were all small and I wasn't sure what I would use them for," Terlezki says. Above R: The designer covered her coffee table with a vintage leather gym mat. "I love a coffee table where you can with your feet up," she says. "This one is over two meters (six feet) square."

Above: Terlezki designed her kitchen extension to look like a brick barn. "I included a porthole because it is an obvious seaside window and is a practical way to let in light while creating character at the same time," she says. 

Above L: Terlezki hangs "Jubilee," a wool wallhanging by Lucinda Chambers from The Rug Company, for dramatic effect in her kitchen. Above R: The kitchen table pairs a Carrara marble top with a custom-designed painted wood base. 

Above: The designer uses a vintage Welsh metal milk churn as a bar stool in her kitchen. Terlezki's kitchen cabinets are a mix of bespoke (metal fronts on the cabinets around the island) and standard (white high gloss cabinets).  

Above L: The steel-trimmed bathtub, like all the bathroom fixtures, were sourced from a local bath shop in Cardigan. Above R: A collection of objects that represent Ty Y Mor's (Welsh for The House at the Sea) color scheme include a Welsh dragon from a local craft shop, a gray-veined pebble from the local beach, a white plaster watering can from Italian designer Paola Navona, ash bowls whittled locally by Dai the Wood, and wooden spoons that Terlezki designed, "A contemporary twist on the Welsh classic," she says.

Above: In the bedroom, the palette tones down into a black and white color scheme. "Not every room has to have a riot of color," Terlezki says. The black and white bed linens have been collected through her travels. 

Above L: "I have always enjoyed sourcing old Welsh quilts and blankets," Terlezki says. "They have such a rich history and tell wonderful stories and I particularly love the dragon red Welsh hand-woven tapestry blankets." Above R: Terlezki's beach cottage in Wales was built 40 years ago.

Above: Terlezki's outdoor furniture collection includes a few Adirondack chairs and an old plank table top found on a visit to France. She inserted a galvanized strip of metal to extend the width of the table and placed the plank on French forms which were once used for bending industrial metal parts. "I have some old French mattress covers that I have stuffed with duvets," she says. "On cold nights, we light up the fire pit,  drink some lovely wine, and look up at the sky full of stars."

Hints of red throughout Ty Y Mor bring warmth and contrast. See Red in our Gallery of rooms and spaces to see how other designers use this vibrant color. 

So I have this notebook where I keep a list of DIY ideas for future execution. The other day, I realized that more than half of them are incredibly involved; some require renting power tools, using potentially harmful chemicals, or at least three weekends worth of work. I have to remind myself that I can only do so much.

I've learned that the best DIY projects are simple, inexpensive, and can be knocked out in a few hours. We recently spotted this project at On My Honor, a blog by three sisters from the Pacific Northwest, who adapted an idea seen in Martha Stewart Living for the towel bars in their bathroom.

Above: Install a few eye bolts like the Zinc-Plated Eye Bolt for $.70 to $2.67, depending on size, from Home Depot. Next, thread through some natural rope like Everbilt's Natural Sisal Rope for $5.58 or Natural Jute Rope for $2.33, also from Home Depot.

Above: Fix the ends with a sturdy knot and adjust the rope's slack as desired.

Above: Hang your towel and—you're finished.

Looking for more DIY projects for the bath? See Nautical Cleat as Toilet Paper Holder, Houseplants as Camouflage, and Leather Shower Curtain Rings.

As a native Cape Codder, I've always been fond of seaweed. So when I recently ran across designer Karen Robertson's pressed seaweed DIY on Garden Design, I had to give it a try.

Above: Any project that starts with, "Step 1, head to the beach," is going to be a-okay with me. Here I employed my little helpers (Oliver and Solvi) to assist in finding seaweed specimens. We carried them home in a bucket of clean seawater.

Materials: For this project all you need is: seaweed, 140-lb water color paper, cardboard, weed cloth or other mesh fabric, an artist's brush, two pieces of wood, and something heavy to weigh the prints down. 

Above: After you gather specimens, place them in your sink or a white bucket filled with clean seawater.

Above: Fill another bucket with 2 inches of water. (I used the other half of my double sink.) Then slide a piece of watercolor paper into the tub and arrange the seaweed on top keeping both paper and seaweed submerged.

Above: Carefully lift the paper out of the water tilting it this way and that so the water drains away, but you still maintain your design (more or less). Then using a small brush, reposition the seaweed into the desired composition and brush away any unwanted bits of seaweed or sand. 

Above: Carefully place your arrangement on a piece of corrigated cardboard and then gently place a piece of mesh fabric on top. You can layer several prints this way.

Above: Place all your prints between the two flat boards and place something heavy on top, like a brick or your Introduction to World Art books. Wait several days depending on the relative dryness of your climate. A fan also helps.

Above: After several days, remove the weights and layers to reveal your prints. (If they are not yet dry, then it is fine to just put them back under the weight.) Using Google, I looked up the names of my specimens and wrote them in pencil.

Above: Two framed prints now grace my mantel. The most delicate specimens and simple compositions turned out to be my favorite.

Above: After trying this project, I do have one addition to Karen's tutorial: more translucent and delicate seaweeds make better (and less messy) prints. 

N.B. This project is also a great summer project for kids. For a kids' friendly homage to spring, see my DIY Leaf Prints.

Located in the coastal village of St. Mawes, the Hotel Tresanton is a converted yacht club overlooking the Fal Estuary, which is notable for a pair of matching castles built by Henry VIII on either shore. Overhauled by Olga Polizzi of the Forte Hotel clan, the Tresanton is actually a cluster of small buildings set into a hillside; the interiors feature a maritime theme without being heavy-handed, and rooms are furnished with antique pieces, Welsh blankets, and Cornish art.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on April 13, 2009.

Location of Hotel Tresanton in Cornwall:

"Like cricket, the Wellington boot, or the Mini, Cornishware is a source of pride and even passion at home and a symbol of great Britishness abroad," according to T.G. Green & Co. "Its history, however, has not been without its ups and downs."

T.G. Green & Co. first produced Cornishware in the 1920s in Derbyshire (the pottery is named for the blue sky and white-crested waves of Cornwall), a county famed for its pottery. Despite its popularity, the pottery closed in 2007 when the company found it impossible to compete in the modern market. Fortunately, lifelong admirers Charles Rickards and Paul Burston teamed up with designer and branding consultant Perry Haydn Taylor to rescue the company and reintroduce the distinctive English classic line of banded pottery. Today, the pottery can be ordered directly from T.G. Green & Co.

Above: The company has introduced new colors (inspired by old croquet balls), including jet black, russet red, racing green, and Cornish blue. A set of Four Mugs is £40.

Above: Mugs can be personalized at no extra charge; a Couple of Mugs (available in blue or red) is £18.

Above: The Storage Jar is £45.

Above: Bowls are available in a variety of sizes, a Pudding Basin is £24. All pieces come in a distinctive blue and white Cornishware box.

Recreate this refreshingly crisp bedroom at the Hotel Tresanton with the following elements.

Above: Stripes and patterns.

Above: Waves Fabric from the 1930s collection of Borderline Fabrics in the UK. In the US, it is available through Classic Revivals in Boston, MA (One Design Center Place, Suite 534; 617-574-9030). You can also find Borderline Fabrics at Lucy Rose Design in Chicago.

Above: Broad Stripe 100-percent wool blankets, handwoven in Wales, are available from Melin Tregwynt. Gray and Oatmeal Stripe available for £83 at John Lewis. For more blanket ideas, go to 10 Easy Pieces: Wool Blankets.

Above: Coyuchi's organic percale 100 percent cotton sheets are available in white or ivory. The 300 Percale Sheets run from $86 to $140, depending on size. For more ideas on simple bedlinen: go to 10 Easy Pieces: Simple White Sheets.

Above: Traditional Jenny Lind Table Lamps by Barbara Cosgrove; $545 at Gore Dean.

Above: One of our favorite sources for vintage pieces, Leonards New England Antiques (it's where Michelle and Barack Obama got their bed when they moved into the White House carries an assortment of Antique Sea Chests and Boxes to use as a bedside table.

Above: Driftwood Birds by Osamu Harihara; contact Niagara House directly for information.

Above: Sophie Conran by Portmeirion Large Pitcher; $24 at Amazon.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on April 14, 2009.

Next week, we're heading outdoors with summer houses as our theme, so stay tuned for a trip to the backwoods. In the meantime, here's what's on our radar:

Above: Over at Gardenista, landscape architect Scott Lewis is on call for the weekend to answer any and all garden-related queries; go to In SF, Scott Lewis Architecture Turns a Small City Backyard into a Green Oasis.

• Spotted on Honestly WTF, bucket bags by LA-based Building Block.
• A modern Viennese Weekend cabin in Vienna, prefab style? Via Architizer.

 

• Izabella has been obsessing over this Stockholm apartment with rooftop terrace by Oscar Properties.
•  With Father's Day in mind, consider making your own homemade Barbecue Sauces and Rubs or better still, just go out and buy a bottle of The Salt Lick.

• Over at Gardenista, our own Meredith Swinehart launches a new series, The Novice Gardener. In her first installment, she explores the mysteries of lavender (in her SF window box, one dies, the other lives).

• If, like us, you've had your eye on one of these black walnut cutting boards, now is the time to buy one. Starting June 17th, the MoMA Design Store will be marking them down from $115 to $79.95 (also available online at MoMA). Be sure to check out the Perimeter Tray from Ladies and Gentlemen, too.
• Stacey is looking forward to enjoying the spiced roasted salad at The Viceroy in Santa Monica this weekend.

• We're ending nautical week with some Gaultier stripes from the Elle Decoration suite the French fashion designer created in conjunction with Roche Bobois. See Yatzer's interview with Jean Paul Gaultier.

• Sarah's rounding up her sumac, dried limes, and rose petals to tackle the recipes in the The New Persian Kitchen by Louisa Shafia. Check out Shafia's Cold Pistachio Mint Soup on her blog, Lucid Food.
• It's not a summer house but we like Kendra's idea of renting a wing of Wiveton Hall in the UK, featured on Gardenista.
• Christine enjoyed how a Wallpaper Installation by Deborah Bowness could bring empty and forgotten spaces in and around York in the UK back to life.

This week, architect Devin O’Neill and Faith Rose from the New York firm O’Neill Rose talk about rescuing an 18th century Connecticut long house from a 1970's renovation and giving it a new lease on life. They are available for the next 48 hours to answer and any and all questions. Ask away!

Closed off from its surroundings as a result of the 1970s renovation, the historic 18th century house had been left stranded in the landscape with little connection to the surrounding lake and countryside. Devin O’Neill and Faith Rose, founding partners of O'Neill Rose and members of the Remodelista Architect and Designer Directory, were tasked with reorienting the house to the lake and creating a more relaxed and comfortable home to accommodate the needs of a big lively family whose primary use of the house was during large holiday gatherings and summers by the lake.

Wetland regulations prevented the architects from going with the seemingly obvious option of making the house bigger by extending it. Working within the constraints of the existing footprint, the architects produced a series of moves that had a cumulative effect of making the house seem bigger without an addition. They lifted the roof off an earlier rear addition in order to increase headroom and to fit in a workable bathroom; ensured that the landscape was visible from any position in the house with the strategic relocation of windows; and then opened up the side of the house that faced the lake with a large glazed window and door. And finally, while additions might not have been allowed, there were no regulations against porches; and the architects doubled the amount of usable space with an elegant series of porches that wrap around the house, extending it out into the landscape while bringing the views back in—staying in the box by thinking out of it.

Photography by Michael Moran.

Above: A view of the front of the house and new porch. "While we couldn’t create an addition, we could create porches," O'Neill says. "They touch down very lightly on the landscape and therefore do not affect the natural grade." The architects simplified the detailing of the porch to be as clear and minimal as possible whilst still using the materials that worked with the traditional house. "We wanted the porch to be its own element in relation to the house but not feel like an alien," Rose says. 

Above: A view of the lake from the open porch. "We wanted to provide degrees of engagement with the outside; there is a screened porch, an open porch, and an outdoor room created by the edge of the porch and the new stone wall," O'Neill says. "The idea of this view is that when you occupy the swinging bed, you are really suspended in the outdoors with space and views all around you; and hopefully you are gently swaying in the breeze."

Above: O'Neill Rose opened up the side of the house with a door and large glazed windows - the new screened porch sits beyond. To ensure maximum daylight in the low ceilinged (just over 7'-0") house, the architects brought the door openings straight up to the ceiling, matching the proportions of the kitchen windows and porch panel frames. The kitchen cabinets and island were designed to feel light like freestanding furniture.

Above: The screened porch can become a glazed porch and becomes usable for three seasons; sometimes even in the winter when the weather is mild, which gives the family more space during the winter and yet retaining its airiness in the summer. "We wanted the option for the kitchen to feel like it is outside in summer or winter," O'Neill says. "The counter is designed to feel like a piece of furniture that is both inside and outside and while it will likely be used more in the summer, the porch is heated and can be used in the winter."

Above: "Sitting at the other end of the screened porch surrounded on all three sides by the landscape feels like being on the bow of a boat," O'Neill says.

Above: "If you were to look at the porches in plan, you would see that they spiral out rather than simply wrapping the house," Rose says. "We did this so they would really reach out into the greenery rather than just hugging the house like another layer."

Above: The quintessential red New England barn stores equipment for the farm.

Above: The side of the barn, which was built after the original house, faces the front of the house, blocking the views from the living room out toward the landscape; in great contrast to the newly expansive views at the side of the house.

Above: The architects raised the roof on the 1970's addition and cantilevered the second floor over the mudroom, enabling them to fit in a bedroom and bathroom with proper head heights.

Above: As another way of bringing the outside in, the architects used materials in the mudroom which are typically used on the exterior like exterior cypress square grooved siding and slate floors. N.B.: Want to know more about using siding indoors? See Justine's post on the enduring appeal of shiplap.

Above: Built in storage enables a clutter free mudroom. 

Above: The architects extended the slate from the mudroom into the bathroom to maximize the sense of space between the two areas. They created movement on the walls by using a standard tile in a herringbone pattern.

Above: The material of the standing seam porch roof is terne coated stainless steel. 

Above: The plan illustrates the way the porches spiral out from the house and extend out into the landscape. 

At Remodelista, we are all partial to a good porch - especially in the summer. See Five of our Favorite Screened Sleeping Porches or 156 images of Porches in our Gallery of rooms and spaces.