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A Cut Above: Handmade Knife Storage

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We discovered Canadian designer Geoffrey Lilge and his company OnOurTable via the cutting boards he created for Luce restaurant in Portland. Recently, we were happy to learn that OnOurTable has branched out: it now specializes in knife storage of the highest order. All pieces are made to order in Alberta and typically ship within two weeks.

Knife Shelf from On Our Table I Remodelista  

Above: The solid walnut Knife Shelf, a dual-purpose knife rack and wall shelf; $125 CAD. It measures 24 inches by 4 inches by 1.75 inches. 

  A Knife Box by On Our Table I Remodelista

Above: The walnut Knife Block measures 12 inches by 10 inches by 3.75 inches; $200 CAD. 

 

Wall-Mounted Knife Rack in XL from On Our Table I Remodelista

Above: The walnut wall-mounted Knife Rack in XL measures 24 inches by 2 inches by 1.75 inches; $85 CAD. A smaller version, the Knife Rack, is also available for $75 CAD.

Above: The Cutlery Box, handmade of walnut with a lift-off lid—12 inches by 12 inches by 3.25 inches—is intended for storage of any sort, from knives to jewelry; $200 CAD. 

A Large Bias Block by On Our Table I Remodelista

Above: The Bias Block Large cutting board of edge grain walnut butcher block measures 20 inches by 20 inches by 1.5 inches; $300 CAD. It's finished in a natural oil-beeswax combination and requires occasional application of mineral oil or cutting board oil. To see more of OnOurTable's cutting boards, check out: Design Sleuth Charcuterie Boards at Luce in Portland. For orders, 

For more inspiration, browse our galleries of Kitchenware and Tabletop finds.  


Remodeling 101: Butcher Block Countertops

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Warm and accommodating, butcher block is an affordable countertop material with a lot going for it. Maintain it regularly and your butcher block will reward you by aging gracefully. But without proper upkeep, it can dull and crack. Is it the right material for you and your kitchen? Read our butcher block counter primer to find out.

Plain English British Standard Kitchen Worktops, Remodelista

Above: A butcher block countertop in a British Standard Cupboard Kitchen by Plain English. 

What is butcher block?

Butcher block is made from straight cuts of wood glued together into thick slabs that provide a particularly sturdy and stable work surface in a kitchen, whether as a cutting board, tabletop, or counter.

John Boos Edge Grain Butcher Block Counter, Remodelista

Above: John Boos Blended North American Hard Rock Maple Butcher Block with edge grain construction and finger jointed random length boards. 

Are there different types of butcher block?

There are three basic construction styles of butcher block: edge grain, flat grain, and end grain: 

Edge grain is the one most commonly used for counters because it's strong, stable, and less expensive than the others. It's made by placing long boards on their sides and joining them so that their long narrow edges form the surface. The boards can be continuous lengths of wood with no joints, or random length boards that are finger-jointed (as shown above). 

Flat grain butcher block is constructed from boards that are laid flat, their full widths forming a surface with a streamlined look. Susceptible to marks when used for chopping and cutting, flat grain is less suitable for working kitchen counters than the others.

End grain construction is made from small rectangular blocks arranged so that the ends (with growth rings showing) are visible on the surface. The strongest and most expensive type of butcher block, it's great for surfaces dedicated to cutting, because it camouflages knife marks and is gentle on blade edges (they slide into the grain rather than against it). 

Renovated kitchen in 1927 Colonial Revival house, end grain butcher block counter top, Remodelista

Above: San Francisco- based architect Mark Reilly used end-grain butcher block counters in a kitchen in a turn of the century house in Palo Alto. "The countertop was originally Formica, but the client wanted a material that didn't clink when glass or serving wares were placed on it," Reilly says. "After exploring several options, we decided on end grain butcher block because of its warmth, soft feel, and vintage-inspired look." Photograph by Mark Reilly. N.B. See how the architect created an open kitchen in a Victorian house in Remodelista Best Design Professional Space Winner: Mark Reilly.

Butcher Block Countertop Types, Remodelista

Above: End grain butcher block (L) and flat grain butcher block (R). Images via Devos Wordworking.

What types of wood are used for butcher block?

Butcher block can be made from nearly any wood. Maple is one of the best and most popular for butcher block counters because it's hard and has a clear grain. Cherry and red oak offer rich color. Butcher block can also be crafted from bamboo (it works best with end-grain construction) and sustainably-farmed exotics like wenge and zebrawood.

Roy McMakin Butcher Block Island, Remodelista

Above: Flat grain butcher block tops an island in a Seattle kitchen designed by Roy McMakin.

Does butcher block need to be sealed?

For kitchen counter applications, it's important to use unsealed, oil-finished wood. Sealed countertops are not meant to be used as food-prep work surfaces—they're not food or knife friendly. Mark Squire of Quality Kitchen Cabinets in San Francisco explains: "Using sealed wood defeats the purpose of butcher block, because it covers up the natural warm surface with plastic." Sealed butcher block does offer shine and can work well as a work desk or bar top in a kitchen that doesn't involve food. (And when needed for food prep, pair it with a cutting board.) Note that unsealed butcher block is not recommended immediately around a sink: over time, it will likely discolor and rot.

Butcher Block Countertop Aigle Design, Remodelista

Above: A long butcher block countertop and shelves warm up a kitchen by Los Angeles-based Aqua Vitae.

How do you best maintain butcher block?

At a minimum, butcher block countertops require oiling every six months to keep the wood protected. Different woods come with different finishing oil recommendations and it's best to follow the instructions of your installer. Depending on level of use, butcher block may also require more frequent oiling and conditioning to prevent the wood from cracking and looking dull. N.B.: Avoid using cooking oil to treat butcher block; it can damage the wood.  Note that because butcher block is soft, it mars more than other materials—leading some people to use it for certain surfaces only, such as work islands. Just before oiling, you can lightly remove scratches, burns, and other surface damages with fine sandpaper, and your countertop will look like new. 

Solid Oak Kitchen Counters, Remodelista

Above: Christine wanted a warm material for her open kitchen, so she selected edge grain countertops of solid oak treated with several coats of Danish oil for a hard-wearing finish. For the full story, see Rehab Diary: Sleuthing for Space in My Kitchen. Photography by Kristin Perers for Remodelista.

Can butcher block be used as a cutting surface? 

Yes, unsealed butcher blocks works well as a large stationary work surface, and has been used this way for centuries (after all, it comes by its name honestly). That said, it's not as easy to clean a butcher block counter as it is a moveable cutting board, which explains why many owners use cutting boards on top of butcher block. And, as mentioned, cutting on butcher block over time leaves marks and scratches—character defining to some, best avoided to others.

Robert Stillin, black kitchen with butcher block countertops | Remodelista

Above: In this kitchen by New York designer Robert Stilin, an edge grain butcher block is used as the countertop on the island while white Carrara marble is used for the work surfaces by the sink.

What does butcher block cost?

Prices vary depending on the type of wood, the grain construction, and the thickness. In general, custom-made quality butcher block countertops range from $75 to $150 per square foot. In other words, good butcher block is more expensive than mid-range granite, but less expensive than top-of-the-line natural stone. 

The good news is that several manufacturers offer off-the-shelf butcher block work tops in standard counter-depth sizes with variable lengths. If your setup allows, this is the affordable way to go. And the DIY-inclined can cut butcher block slabs to fit around appliances, corners, and other obstacles—not something you can pull off on your own with stone.

Smitten Studio Butcher Block Countertops, Remodelista

Above: In her cabin kitchen, Sarah Samuel of Smitten Studio installed Ikea's affordable edge grain, oiled-beech Numerar Wood Countertop, which comes in precut lengths.

Butcher Block Recap 

Pros: 

  • Butcher Block counters add warmth and natural coloring. 
  • It's a soft material that's easy on glassware and dishes: no clatter when you put down a stack of plates.
  • Wood mixes well with many other countertop materials, especially marble.
  • If maintained properly, it's a long lasting and durable choice.
  • Unlike laminate or solid surface counters, wood countertops are repairable: nicks and burns can be lightly sanded and the surface re-oiled.
  • It develops a lovely patina over time.
  • Wood has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

Cons:

  • Wood counters are not heat or stain resistant. Hot pans can't be set down on the counter without a pad or trivet.
  • Wood can swell and shrink in conditions of extreme dryness or humidity, which may cause cracking.
  • Excessive wetness makes the wood susceptible to rot and discoloration.
  • It develops a patina over time (a detail that also falls in the pro category; it's a matter of taste).
  • Butcher block requires some maintenance.
Schiffini Mesa Kitchen island with solid butcher block end | Remodelista

Above: Italian kitchen designers Schiffini use end grain butcher block at the end of a kitchen island.

Just starting to consider new countertops? Read Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Kitchen Countertops. And for more specifics on the subject, see our Remodeling 101 posts:

Rediscovering the Warming Drawer

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Whenever we have dinner parties, we find ourselves resorting to last-minute plate-warming techniques (running dishes under hot water or heating them in the microwave, for instance). Lately we've been longing for our own built-in warming drawers, which can also be used to keep food warm, as well as for bread-proofing and even slow cooking. All of which makes us think: Perhaps the warming drawer could become an indispensable appliance for the serious cook and entertainer.

N.B.: Warming drawers are available in a choice of 24-, 27-, and 30-inch widths to match the standard widths of wall ovens and kitchen cabinetry. Most large appliance makers offer warming drawers; so if you have one suite of appliances, you can likely find a warming drawer to match.

Gaggenau Warming Drawer Appliance | Remodelista

Above: With conveniently low sides for sliding big stacks of dishes on and off, Gaggenau's WS 282 30-Inch Convection Warming Drawer has a stainless steel interior and can heat things to a temperature range of 85 to 175 degrees. It has enough capacity to hold 12 place settings; $1,889 on special order at AJ Madison.

KitchenAid Warming Drawer Appliance | Remodelista

Above: The KitchenAid Architect II Series Warming Drawer heats from 90 to 250 degrees, allowing it to serve as a slow cooker as well as to warm plates and food; $1,079 for the 30-inch size at AJ Madison.

Miele Warming Drawer Appliance | Remodelista

Above: Miele's Europa Clean-Touch Steel 30-Inch Convection Warming Drawer (ESW 4816) is engineered to hold up to 30 pounds fully extended. It also has a removable anti-slip silicone pad to keep plates from sliding around and heats from 104 to 185 degrees; $1,295 at AJ Madison. 

Do you have a warming drawer—and do you put it to use? Share your finds in the comments section below.

Interested in our other appliance posts? Check out The Great Vacuum Debate: Dyson vs. Miele and Little Giants: Compact Washers and Dryers.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on November 23, 2011 as part of our Thanksgiving Entertaining issue.

Cooking with Heart at the Hart and the Hunter

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Tucked inside of Palihotel on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles is a new restaurant from Brian Dunsmoor and Kris Tominaga, who first made their mark with pop-up canteen A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing. The two entrepreneurial chefs clearly share an affinity for Aesop's fables: their latest venture gets its name from "The Hart and the Hunter". In the tale, the hart spends his time admiring his antlers and loathing his too-slim legs. When the hunter's arrow causes the hart to snag his antlers on a branch, the hart says, "Alas! alas! We often despise what is most useful to us." The significance of the fable has a secret meaning to the owners, but our guess is it's a reminder to stay humble in the midst of increasing acclaim, and to cook what they know best: California fare tinged with more than a hint of the south. Have a look around. 

Photography by Dylan James Ho from Eat, Drink + Be Merry (unless otherwise noted).

The Hart and the Hunter at Pali Hotel in Melrose, Los Angeles | Remodelista

Above: With its green and white octagonal floor tiles and family-style table, the restaurant has the vibe of a small southern kitchen smack in the middle of LA. Photograph courtesy of Palihotel. To see more of the hotel, visit our post Where the Brits Are: Palihotel in LA

The Hart and the Hunter Photographed by Dylan James Ho of Eat, Drink + Be Merry | Remodelista

Above: Seen throughout the restaurant are a collection of vintage portraits, ranging from dapper gentlemen to forest fauna.

The Hart and the Hunter at Pali Hotel in Melrose, Los Angeles | Remodelista

Above L: Palihotel aprons hang against the restaurant's glazed tiled wall (for something similar, consider Waterworks' Grove Brickworks Tiles in Hull). Above R: Lemon squares and iced cookies on the bar. Both photographs courtesy of Palihotel.

The Hart and the Hunter Photographed by Dylan James Ho of Eat, Drink + Be Merry | Remodelista

Above: Visitors from another era—the gentleman's eyes match the blue on the wall.

The Hart and the Hunter at Pali Hotel in Melrose, Los Angeles | Remodelista

Above: Cool blue is a theme throughout. The bar is the hub for the restaurant's coffee program, headed up by Christopher Abel Alameda, a barista from Handsome Coffee Roasters and Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea (LA's two main drip coffee haunts). Photograph courtesy of Palihotel.

The Hart and the Hunter Photographed by Dylan James Ho of Eat, Drink + Be Merry | Remodelista

Above: A portrait of a hart, an homage to the restaurant's namesake. 

The Hart and the Hunter at Pali Hotel in Melrose, Los Angeles | Remodelista

Above: White-painted Tolix metal chairs are fitted with custom wooden seats, and the Hart and Hunter staff aren't afraid to add a folding chair to the mix. Photograph courtesy of Palihotel.

Food at The Hart and the Hunter Photographed by Dylan James Ho of Eat, Drink + Be Merry | Remodelista

Above L: Smoked trout toast. Above R: A warm steak bowl with roasted cauliflower and green accompaniments. For more on the food, visit Eat, Drink + Be Merry.

The Hart and the Hunter Photographed by Dylan James Ho of Eat, Drink + Be Merry | Remodelista

Above: An equine portrait hangs over the dining room's old-fashioned sideboard and window into the kitchen. Book a reservation at The Hart and the Hunter 

Check out our recent post on the Palihotel's sister property, Palihouse in Santa Monica. For more of the city's standout restaurants, hotels, and shops, visit our Los Angeles Area City Guide

Location of The Hart and the Hunter in Los Angeles:



10 Easy Pieces: Entertaining Essentials

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With the holiday season suddenly upon us, it's time to think about stocking up on entertaining essentials. In the long run, it's more economical to buy than rent if you entertain frequently. We've sourced tabletop items that are versatile, durable, and readily available (in case you need overnight shipping).

Glassware

Sur La Table All Purpose Wine Glasses | Remodelista

Above: The All-Purpose Wine Glasses from Sur La Table can be used for both red and white wines; currently on sale for $23.96 for a set of 6.

Set of 12 Party Goblets from Crate & Barrel | Remodelista

Above: A set of 12 Party Goblets are $24.95 from Crate & Barrel.

Ikea Svalka White Wine Glasses | Remodelista

Above: For large parties, Ikea's Svalka White Wine Glasses are good to have on hand in multiples; $4.79 for a set of six. N.B.: They are not the most durable, but for the price they can't be beat.

Ikea Ivrig Clear Stemless Glasses | Remodelista

Above: If you prefer the stemless variety, consider Ikea's 365+ Ivrig Wine Glasses for $2.99 each. For more ideas on affordable glassware, see 10 Easy Pieces: Everyday Wine Glasses and 10 Easy Pieces: Basic Drinking Glasses.

Dishware

Crate & Barrel Set of Four Coupe Dinner Plates | Remodelista

Above: A set of four Coupe Porcelain Dinner Plates is $12.95 at Crate & Barrel.

Pottery Barn Caterer's 12-Piece Dinnerware Set | Remodelista

Above: The Caterer's 12-Piece Dinnerware Set includes a dozen dinner plates; $50 for a box set of 12 plates from Pottery Barn. A Caterer's Set of 12 Salad Plates and Caterer's Set of 12 Bowls are also available for $41.50 each.

Brook Dinnerware Set from West Elm | Remodelista

Above: West Elm's Brook Dinnerware Set is made from white-glazed stoneware; $19.99 for a set of four plates. See 10 Easy Pieces: Basic White Dinnerware for more ideas.

Flatware

Flatware from Fishs Eddy, Sold by the Piece | Remodelista

Above: Fishs Eddy sells Open Stock Flatware by the piece, starting at $1.99 for a salad fork.

Antique Silver Flatware Bundles | Remodelista

Above: Source silverplate flatware in mismatched sets from flea markets, or consider Bygones Flatware Bundles (includes 10 pieces; choose from fork, knife, or spoon sets); currently on sale for $24 at Bhldn.

Set of Party Forks from CB2 | Remodelista

Above: CB2 offers stainless steel Party Forks ($9.95), Party Knives ($12.95), and Party Spoons ($9.95) in sets of six. See more of our flatware favorites: 10 Easy Pieces: Everyday Stainless Steel Flatware.

Table Linens

White Hotel Dinner Napkins from Williams-Sonoma | Remodelista

Above: A set of 12 cotton Hotel Dinner Napkins is $42.95 at Williams-Sonoma.

Williams-Sonoma Cocktail Napkins | Remodelista

Above: Williams-Sonoma's Hotel Cocktail Napkins are $32.99 for a set of 6.

Ikea Elly Dishtowel Set of Four | Remodelista

Above: Ikea's Elly Dish Towels make affordable (and charmingly rustic) napkins; $3.99 for a set of four.

Chilewich White Linen Napkin | Remodelista

Above: Stock up on basic Chilewich 100-Percent Linen Napkins, $8.50 each at Sur La Table.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on November 23, 2011 as part of our Thanksgiving Entertaining issue.

Need a cutting board? See 10 Easy Pieces: Display-Worthy Wooden Cutting Boards.

Design Sleuth: Oversized Cabinet Pulls

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British interiors phenom Faye Toogood likes to play with scale in her furniture and room designs; case in point, her serene London kitchen, which features unexpectedly oversized oak cabinet pulls.

Faye Toogood Kitchen Remodelista

Above: Toogood's modest London kitchen features inexpensive Ikea cabinets customized with oversized oak cabinet pulls. Photo by Henry Bourne for T Magazine.

Muuto Dot Hook Remodelista

Above: Designed by Tveit & Tornnoe, Muuto's Oak Dots are available individually from the Finnish Design Shop; they come in three sizes: 3.5 inches ($25.70), 5.1 inches ($33), and 6.7 inches ($38) in diameter.

Pinching your pennies? See High/Low: Dot Wall Hooks.

Spotlight: Dining Rooms for the 21st Century

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Whether formal or casual, single focused or multipurpose, a well-used dining area is all about sharing and merriment. As these rooms are readied for the holidays, we turned to the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory and winners of the Remodelista Considered Design Awards 2013 for inspiration. Here, a roundup of their standout designs. Actual dining room not required.

 

Michael Neumann, Remodelista Design Awards, Best Professionally designed dining room, rustic wood circular dining table, large vase of pussy willows | Remodelista

Above: MNA (Michael Neumann Architecture) created this atelier-style open living/dining/kitchen area by mixing warm and rustic textures. Winner of the Remodelista Considered Design Award 2013, Best Professionally Designed Dining Space, it features a round table surrounded by French Tolix chairs and a monumental arrangement of pussy willow branches.

Above: A mix of rustic (stone walls and floors) and modern (Saarinen office chairs) defines a dining room in a house in Croatia designed by Rees Roberts + Partners of New York. Francesca also swears by Saarinen office chairs in her dining room; she says they're the reason her family lingers at their dining table for hours every night. Photo by Scott Frances.

Above: Located in a former printing house in lower Manhattan, this loft designed by Specht Harpman belongs to a young family. The metal chairs are classic Emeco Navy Chairs, originally made in 1944 for use on US Navy submarines. Photo by Michael Moran.

Above: Anabelle Seldorff of Selldorf Architects anchors the dining space in this loft with a pair of George Nelson Ball Pendant Lamps. Photo via Selldorf Architects.

Above: The UFO that came to dinner: this oversized black hanging pendant in a dining room by Kriste Michelini Interiors has a sculptural quality that unites the space—and makes it interesting. Photo via Kriste Michelini Interiors.

Above: Buttrick Wong Architects integrated a built-in side board into a wall of storage cupboards in this Berkeley dining room with an updated Mission-style table and chairs. Photo by J. D. Peterson.

Above: Brooklyn-based Workstead created an intimate dining area in this Prospect Park project; the geometric cabinetry and the mismatched Wishbone chairs add visual interest to the space.

Klopf Architecture, Mid century renovation in San Franciscso, gray wall in dining rom | Remodelista

Above: In their Renovation of a Mid-Century Modern House in San Francisco, Klopf Architecture use a reflective gray wall to mark the dining area while enhancing the feeling of space. Photograph by Mariko Reed

Above: This West Chelsea dining room by Deborah Berke & Partners Architects features an antique ensemble set off by black walls, white paneling, and a collection of shimmery mercury glass pendants.

Own Entity, Nolita apartment with banquette seating in dining room, black pendants, black window frames | Remodelista

Above: Own Entity of New York created this cozy dining nook; banquette seating that ensures there's always room to squeeze in one more guest.

For more dining spaces, visit the Dining Room Gallery on the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory.

Getting ready for the holidays? See our catalogue of Napkins, Glasses, and Plates for all your entertaining needs. Alexa's post 5 Quick Fixes: Elevating the Napkin, Thanksgiving Edition has easy ideas for setting the table with panache. 

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on November 20, 2011.

Handmade in LA: Atelier de Troupe's New Torche Sconce

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The truth is: we can't say enough good things about Los Angeles-based lighting designers Atelier de Troupe. And friends of mine feel the same way—they swear by Atelier's Potence Jib Lamp as, "an instant upgrade to any drab city apartment." Now, it's one of the workshop's latest designs, the Torche Sconce, that's on our wish list.

Atelier de Troupe Torche Wall Sconce, Remodelista

Above: The Torche Sconce is made from darkened steel with a brass jib and an adjustable dark steel arm and shade. Handmade in California, it's 14 inches tall, and has a 6-inch shade and a 5-by-6-inch square backplate; $575 from Atelier de Troupe.

Atelier de Troupe Torche Wall Sconce, Remodelista

Above: The jib arm pivots 180 degrees and the shade swivels 360 degrees, offering a full expanse of illumination. The Torche is UL listed for safety and comes hardwired or with 8 feet of twisted cloth cord (in cream or black).

For more designs by Atelier, see our previous post on their Navire Collection, and the Potence lamp that my friends swear by is part of our 5 Favorites: Prouvé-Inspired Swing Arm Lights.


DIY: An Old-Meets-New Dining Table (For Under $125)

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We like this magically reimagined dining table from Los Angeles based interior designer Faye McAuliffe of You Are the River, created from a vintage walnut table sourced from Craigslist and a pair of Ikea table legs.

DIY Dining Table Project from Fay McAuliffe of You Are The River | Remodelista

Above: The table cost $50 on Craigslist—and was intact before Faye deconstructed it. After assembling a coffee table from an old top and  hairpin legs, Faye decided to make a dining table from married parts.

DIY Dining Table Project from Fay McAuliffe of You Are The River | Remodelista

Above: Faye removed the rusty screws and old table legs, sanded down the top of the table, and added a pair of nickel-plated legs.

DIY Dining Table Project from Fay McAuliffe of You Are The River | Remodelista

Above: The U-base table legs are no longer available through Ikea, but alternate options are their nickel-plated Sjunne Legs (a similar shape to those shown above) for $15 each or the Lerberg Trestle Legs in white or gray for $10 each. Another source for something similar is Legs and Bases.com which offers a variety of stainless steel table legs.

DIY Dining Table Project from Fay McAuliffe of You Are The River | Remodelista

Above: The finished table, an agreeable mix of rustic and modern (and at a great price—the project easily comes in at under $125).

For more DIY tables from unexpected and inexpensive materials, pick up a copy of the Remodelista book. See the rest of Faye's Los Angeles home in our post, Designer Visit: Faye McAuliffe in Venica, LA.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on June 16, 2011 as part of our Rugged and Rustic issue.

A Napa Valley Winery with a Sense of Whimsy

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Living in the Napa Valley, as my family and I do, means hosting a steady stream of visitors who come for the local wineries. Whenever I notice our guests' enthusiasm waning from all the heady terminology, I know where to send them: Swanson Vineyards' Sip Shoppe, a happy reminder that wine should be fun.

I'm not sure whether it's the wooden bird cages hanging from the trees or the carnival-like candy-striped interior of the Sip Shoppe, but the overall atmosphere is one of unexpected whimsy and delight. The brainchild of Alexis Swanson Traina, whose family owns Swanson Vineyards, the Sip Shoppe was created with help from retail genius Andy Spade, among others, as a casual counterpart to Swanson's elegant tasting salon next door. An inveterate entertainer herself, Alexis pulls together both high and low elements in her decor, a skill she attributes to her mother, Elizabeth, who is responsible for the "fairy dust," the small inspired touches scattered throughout the Sip Shoppe.

Photographs by Mimi Giboin for Remodelista.

Swanson Vineyards

Above: Swanson Vineyards sits in the heart of the Napa Valley.

Swanson Vineyards

Above: Weathered blue shutters and a wire plant holder in the gardens.

Swanson Vineyards Garden Tbble

Above: German beer garden tables are paired with red-painted bentwood chairs.

Swanson VIneyards Garden

Above: Elizabeth Swanson built a towering wooden structure in the garden to ward off evil spirits.

Swanson Vineyards Sip Shoppe

Above: Vintage fruit picking baskets are filled with wine.  The interior is furnished with a mix of rustic European finds. Salvaged window architecture serve as frames; one presents Alexis's favorite pairing: Swanson Vineyards' Crepuscule Late Harvest Semillon and kettle corn.  

Swanson Vineyards Flowers in coffee can

Above: In a classic high-low move, Elizabeth Swanson displays flowers in old coffee cans. Want to add a note of Sip Shoppe cheekiness to your table? Check out Alexis's Modern House Wines (now on sale in-store for $12.99 at Target) with witty names like "Expensive" and "Here's to You." And for her tips on entertaining, see her blog, Alexis' Napa for the Curious & Eccentric.

Swanson Vineyards Sip Shoppe

Above: Candy-striped tenting fabric covers the interior of the Sip Shoppe, and a collection of watering cans serve as unexpected decor.

Looking for some design-worthy places to visit in the Napa and Sonoma valleys? Check out our Winery Tasting Room Roundup.

A Scandi Kitchen in Brooklyn

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Commissioned to remodel a 1901 Brooklyn brownstone for a Swedish-American family of four, architects Solveig Fernlund and Neil Logan transformed the first floor into the beating heart of the house. Wanting to create an open, loft-like space that contrasts with the rest of the structure's hallways and rooms, the architects took inspiration from Mies van der Rohe's use of built-in storage cabinets as an alternative to walls. Fernlund and Logan also solved the trickiest riddle of the room—where to place the staircase—by turning tradition on its head and building an open-tread stair at the back end of the space; their stair design like the first floor itself is at once low key and undeniably grand.

N.B.: The architects headed the firm Fernlund Logan when they worked on the project, which was done in close collaboration with the father of the family, Jakob Trollbäck. The architects have since opened their own offices: Solveig Fernlund Design and Neil Logan Architect.

Photographs by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: The wide-open kitchen revolves around a modernist picnic table and mobile-like Ingo Maurer light, the Zellel'z 5 Chandelier, clipped with pieces of paper decorated with drawings and notes. The combination of white walls, modernist wood furniture, and pale floors lend the design a Scandinavian feel.

Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: The table's bench seating is inset with shaggy seating cushions. It was purchased at ABC Carpet and Home in New York.

Brooklyn townhouse kitchen remodel Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: The kitchen work area features cabinets of Douglas fir laminated to multi birch ply and an elegant, wafer-thin stainless-steel counter that's also laminated to the ply. The range and hood are both Viking designs. The sink is from Italian company Alpes Inox—see our post Race-Car-Style Appliances for Compact Kitchens—and the faucet is by Bulthaup. 

Brooklyn townhouse kitchen remodel Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: A detail of the stainless countertop. A signature of the architects is to leave the striped edges of the plywood exposed. 

Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: A large custom cabinet of Douglas fir laminated onto birch multi ply sections off the kitchen from a small living room area by the entry. The kitchen side of the cabinet conceals the refrigerator and freezer as well as storage shelves behind closed doors.

Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: The cabinet knobs are custom made of Douglas fir.

Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: A Sub Zero refrigerator is tucked into the end closest to the sink.

Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: Shallow shelving designed for glassware.

Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: The other side of the cabinet is divided into open shelves that section off the living area, which functions as a casual parlor.
Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: The front entry presents another built-in divider, a coat closet made of Douglas fir. The armchair is Han Wegner's 1951 classic Papa Bear Chair.

Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: The living area is used for practicing and playing music.

Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: The staircase has open risers that are made from old floor joists removed from the house and glued together to get the desired width. The open riser design allows the whole space to be light filled and oriented to the French doors. The down staircase, meanwhile, connects the first floor with the garden level of the house. The floor itself is newly installed oak that's painted in Benjamin Moore Platinum Gray enamel. It has radiant heat and is made from best-grade wood to prevent it from warping due to the heat. For more on the subject, see Remodeling 101: Things to Know About Radiant Floor Heating.

Brooklyn townhouse kitchen remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: The picnic dining table is used for kids' art projects as well as for family meals and dinner parties. French doors open the kitchen to a terrace and ground floor garden.

Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: Rising from the back of the kitchen, the stair presents a dramatic V-shaped profile.

Brooklyn townhouse kitchen remodel Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: The stair has a rail that's wrapped in Spinneybeck leather. It's stitched in place and the seam runs on the underside where fingers are placed. It took two tries for the fabricators to get the design right.

Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: A new kitchen terrace extends over a ground floor garden patio. The long weathered table is surrounded by French Tolix chairs.  

Brooklyn townhouse remodel by Fernlund + Logan | Remodelista

Above: A floorplan of the newly opened-up first floor shows the use of built-in cabinets as room dividers. The brownstone is 24.5 feet wide and the first floor is 900 square feet.

To see the brownstone's attic bathroom, turn to pages 238-241 of our new book, Remodelista, A Manual for the Considered Home. Also check out another Fernlund + Logan project at Architect Visit: Fernlund + Logan in New York. And for more inspiration, browse our photo gallery of Scandinavian design

DIY: How Do You Make an Extension Cord Beautiful? You Bead It.

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Remodelista + Home Depot Fixed Logo Placement

Whether your quarters are tiny or expansive, chances are you're living with more extension cords than you'd like—and the holiday season is about to add to the tangle. I've complained about the cord problem in my apartment in the past (see 5 Favorites: Alternative Extension Cords). Recently, I decided to be proactive and make my own alternative extension cords. The plan? Bead them.

First, I took a trip to The Home Depot to gather the hard materials and glean a little electrical advice. Then I hit my local bead store for the soft goods, the wooden beads. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to make an extension cord worth looking at.

Finished Product

DIY Beaded Extension Cord, My First Apartment, Home for the Holidays with Home Depot | Remodelista

Above: The beaded extension cord is perfect for powering holiday window lights and extending out out from underneath the Christmas tree. Original photography shot with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR. The filmmaker's camera.

Materials

DIY Beaded Extension Cord, My First Apartment, Home for the Holidays with Home Depot | Remodelista

Instructions

DIY Beaded Extension Cord, My First Apartment, Home for the Holidays with Home Depot | Remodelista

Step One: Unscrew the connector to open it up; inside you'll find three screws. Word of caution: If you are using lamp wire, as we did, keep in mind that it should never be used on anything exceeding 300 Volts.

DIY Beaded Extension Cord, My First Apartment, Home for the Holidays with Home Depot | Remodelista

Step Two: Separate your lamp wires into two and strip off about a 1/4 inch of the wrapping to reveal copper wires. Taking the bunch of copper wires, place each one in between the connector's small metal plate and the screw; tighten each screw until it's clamped onto the copper cord between the screw and the metal plate. Now you are ready to put the plug back together and start beading. Note that if you are using a robust Multi-Use Electrical Cord, attach like color with like; if you are using Lamp Wire, just attach the two and leave the green screw empty.

DIY Beaded Extension Cord, My First Apartment, Home for the Holidays with Home Depot | Remodelista

Step Three: As you would with a necklace, string the beads to your liking but keep in mind how much room you want for the beads to move around; the less slack at the end, the more rigid the cord; conversely, the more slack, the more cord you're going to see.

DIY Beaded Extension Cord, My First Apartment, Home for the Holidays with Home Depot | Remodelista

Step Four: Just as you did in Step One, divide the lamp wires, expose the copper wires, and attach inside the second plug connector.

DIY Beaded Extension Cord, My First Apartment, Home for the Holidays with Home Depot | Remodelista

Above: Once you've finished the extension cord, it's time to test it on a small appliance or electric clock.

DIY Beaded Extension Cord, My First Apartment, Home for the Holidays with Home Depot | Remodelista

Above: The end result is something I don't mind snaking across my dining room table.

-Alexa Hotz

Remodelista + Home Depot Fixed Logo Placement

Design Sleuth: Retro Wood Accordion Sconce

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Spotted a while back in a Danish modern kitchen in Adelaide, Australia: a vintage wooden accordion sconce that we have been coveting ever since. To find one like it, we expected to make late-night 1st Dibs searches and early morning flea market visits. But then, we came across a lookalike at West Elm ringing in at under $200.

Wood Accordion Light at Adelaide Home | Remodelista

Above: The vintage Danish accordion sconce of our dreams, shown here in the renovated Victorian home of Rebekah Cichero and family. Photograph via The Design Files.

West Elm Steel Sconce Remodelista

Above: West Elm's vintage-inspired Accordion Sconces, available in steel (shown above) or wood, $179 each.

Wood Accordion Light from West Elm | Remodelista

Above: The wooden version comes with a red cloth-covered cord threaded through the accordion base.

Interested in all things accordion-related? See an accordion partition in The Art of Flexible Living, Yokohama Edition, a DIY Accordion Book Keepsake from Angela Liguori, and more accordion sconces in Design Sleuth: Le Klint Wooden Accordion Lamp and An SF Architect's Guest Bedroom.

Trending on Gardenista: Top 5 Posts This Week

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This week, the Gardenista crew tackled practical matters—gutter cleaning, garden plotting, spring bulb orders, and impatiens alternatives—while also fitting in some world-class field trips. And Erin showed us the new way to drink Champagne on a fire escape.

Variegated Plants Gardenista

Above: Lindsey takes a trip to Broken Arrow Nursery in Hamden, CT, which has a cult following in the garden community for its interesting variegated plants (photo by Maria Robledo).

Gardening 101 Drawing a Plan Gardenista

Above: In her latest Gardening 101 installment, Michelle tells us how to draw a garden plan.

Begonia Rise Liao Gardenista

Above: Jeanne comes up with some impatiens alternatives for shade gardeners fighting the blight.

Kontextur Copper Watering Can Gardenista

Above: For early bird holiday shoppers, Janet put together a Gift Guide for the Houseplant Enthusiast.

Sky Deck Torafu Gardenista

Above: Erin discovered Sky-Deck, a tiny portable table for urban dwellers with a fire escape; she also tracks down five good gutter guards for optimal drainage.

Brooklyn Plant Studio Gardenista

Above: Finally, Jeanne drops in on Tara Douglass, a New York-based horticulturist and floral designer who is planning to grow her own wedding flowers—all 4,325 of them (read how she's doing it).

 

10 Easy Pieces: Simple Gravy Boats

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At my grandmother's Thanksgiving table, gravy issued forth from the mouth of a Dansk fish. It was perfect for her, but I'm in the market for something a little more traditional (and less "animalian"). And so I've been trolling all over in search of the ideal gravy boat. Here are my best finds.

Martha Stewart at Macy's gravy boat

Above: Graceful and balanced, Martha Stewart's gravy boat is the closest I've found to the classic antique version. Available at Macy's; $15.

Pillivuyt gravy boat with warming base, Remodelista

Above: A slightly more contemporary take, this French-made porcelain gravy boat by Pillivuyt comes with a warming base that holds a tea light candle. Available at Williams-Sonoma; $79.95.

west elm gravy boat, Remodelista

Above: Even more modern, West Elm's black stoneware gravy boat is currently on sale; $9.

Luigi Bormioli gravy boat, Remodelista

Above: Another traditional option at a reasonable price, Luigi Bormioli's gravy boat is available at Bed, Bath and Beyond; $14.99.

Porcelain Sauce Boat Food 52 Remodelista

Above: The Revol Porcelain Sauce Boat from France is $65 from Provisions at Food 52 (it's an exclusive).

Heath Ceramic Pouring bowl, Remodelista  

Above: Heath Ceramic's versatile pouring bowl goes beyond the Thanksgiving table; $135.

LSA Sauce Boat Remodelista

Above: LSA DIne Sauce Boat with Oak Stand £32 from John Lewis, the Gravy Boat and Oak Plate; $69 from Lekker Home.

conran for wedgwood gravy boat; Remodelista

Above: Leave it to Jasper Conran to adapt the classic porcelain gravy boat for the modern world. The Wedgwood Jasper Conran Gravy Boat is available at Bed, Bath, and Beyond; $89.99.

Noritake White Gravy Boat Remodelista

Above: The Noritake Colorwave Gravy Boat is $44.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Eva Zeisel gravy boat, Remodelista

Above: For mid-century fans, Crate and Barrel has brought back Eva Zeisel's Classic Century Sauce Boat first introduced in 1952; $49.95.

Antique Ironstone gravy boat, Remodelista

Above: My favorite is still a good old-fashioned Antique Ironstone Pitcher, like this one from Little Kitten Vintage; $26. Fortunately there are many such pourers to be found on Etsy

N.B. Looking for more details for your Thanksgiving table? Check out DIY: A Thanksgiving Centerpiece (for Under $10), and Alexa's tips for Elevating the Napkin.


10 Easy Pieces: Simple White Sheets

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As fall comes to a close, you may well be stowing sheets for the season or stocking up for winter. Here's a roundup of white sheets to see you through all seasons, from budget options to higher-end finds.

NB: For more guidance, consult Shopping with Julian Tomchin ("the debunker of thread-count myths") in the NYT. Note that all sheet sets are priced at a standard queen size.

Italian Vintage-Washed Percale Sheet Set

Above: Italian Vintage-Washed Percale Sheet Set is $349 from Restoration Hardware.

Matteo's Vintage Wash Linen Sheets

Above: A small company based in LA, Matteo is a Remodelista favorite for luxury bedding. Its Matteo's Vintage Linen Sheets are said to be the softest on the market. Available in seven colors, including five earth tones, white, and off white (shown above). Prices start at $225 for a queen size flat sheet, view the entire vintage linen collection at Matteo Home.

300 Percale Sheets from Coyuchi, Remodelista

Above: Coyuchi's organic percale 100 percent cotton sheets are available in white or ivory. The 300 Percale Sheets are $89.60 for the flat sheet, fitted sheet, and $32 for a set of 2 pillowcases directly from Coyuchi.

Organic Cotton Frayed Edge Sheets

Above: West Elm's Organic Cotton Frayed Edge Sheets are made of 230-thread-count organic cotton and are sold in a set: one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillow cases; $99 for the queen size.

PB Organic 400-Thread-Count Sheets

Above: PB Organic 400-Thread-Count Sheets are made from 100-percent organic US cotton; $199 for the queen set.

Wamsutta Pinpoint Egyptian Cotton 360-Thread Sheets

Above: For the budget conscious, we recommend the Wamsutta Pinpoint Egyptian Cotton 360-Thread Sheets; prices range from $24.99 for a pair of standard pillow cases to $29.99 each for the flat and fitted sheets at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Percale Sheet Set

Above: Design Within Reach's Percale Sheet Set is made in Italy; $250 for the queen set.

Comfort Wash Linen Sheets

Above: The Company Store offers reasonably priced Comfort Wash Linen Sheets; $69 for a pair of pillowcases and $89 each for the flat and fitted sheet.

Hotel Charme Sheet Set | Remodelista

Above: Frette has long been supplying posh hotels with linens (think the Savoy in London and the Ritz in Paris). The Hotel Charme Collection costs from $425 for the set.

Savoy Bed Linen Collection

Above: The UK's White Company offers Italian 400-count, cotton percale sheets. The Savoy Bed Linen Collection runs from £25 for pillowcases to £70 and  £72 for the fitted and flat sheet respectively.

Linens are a low-commitment way to upgrade a room. Browse our full gallery of Fabric & Linens posts. Open to some color? See our recent post A New Linen Line Inspired by Modernists.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on July 13, 2011.

DIY: French Grain Sack Pillows with Rope Ties

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Spotted on La Source d'Angèle: French blogger Elvezia's DIY cushion covers made from cotton bags tied with hemp cord. It's a project simple enough to pull off in a matter of minutes, if you have the right ingredients.

Elvezia was inspired by the old gray cotton sacks she discovered on a visit to Benoit & Marie, a shop specializing in stylish surplus on Île de Ré, off the west coast of France. She returned home with some bags, installed a few grommets, inserted cushions, and tied the ends together with hemp. Voilá, instant throw pillows.

La Source d'Angèle DIY Linen Pillowcase | Remodelista

Above: Can't make it to Île de Ré? Source antique grain sacks by searching on Etsy and eBay. Or gather some linen yardage from sources such as The Textile Trunk or Rough Linen.

La Source d'Angèle DIY Linen Pillowcase | Remodelista

Above: For adding grommets to fabric, you need grommet pliers in the right size. The Dritz Grommet Plier Kit sets 3/8 inch grommets; $9.95 from Amazon. Eight Grommets in Antique Brass are $4.81, also from Dritz via Amazon.

La Source d'Angèle DIY Linen Pillowcase | Remodelista

Above: A 262-foot spool of natural Hemp Twine Cord measuring 1.5mm in width is available from Amazon for $5.30; 4 mm-thick woven Hemp Drawstring is priced at $1.20 per yard from Hemp Basics.

La Source d'Angèle DIY Linen Pillowcase | Remodelista

Above: Elvezia's pair of rustic-chic pillows—no sewing required.

Looking for more things to make with linen? Visit DIY: Rustic Linen Lampshades from Italy. Have some extra hemp or twine or cord on hand? Put it to use by making this Kitchen Scrubber Knitted from Twine.

Steal This Look: GE Monogram Appliances in the Kitchen

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GE Monogram and Remodelista Logo  

At Remodelista, our kind of kitchen is one that's easy to clean, void of fussiness, and arranged so that appliances, sink, and counters are all within easy reach of the cook. We found a GE Monogram kitchen that fits the bill, and sourced the elements so you can recreate the look at home. 

GE Monogram Kitchen in Chicago, Remodelista

Above: Our inspiration kitchen is from the GE Monogram Design Center in Chicago.

Bay Counter Stool in Walnut, Remodelista

Above: The Bay Counter Stool in solid walnut is $359 from Room & Board.

All-Clad Paella Stainless Steel Pan, Remodelista

Above: The All-Clad Stainless Steel 13-inch Paella Pan in 18/10 stainless steel; $209.95 from Wayfair.

Leather Strap Cutting Board, Remodelista

Above: This Leather Strap Cutting Board from Jayson Home is good looking enough to hang on a wall when not in use; $72.

Axor Montreux Widespread Bridge Faucet, Remodelista

Above: The Axor Montreux Widespread Bridge Faucet by Hansgrohe features a 13-inch spout; $695 from Amazon.

Fireclay Tile Glazed Brick in Fern, Remodelista

Above: Glazed Thin Brick tiles by Fireclay Tile are made in California from up to 100-percent recycled content. Shown here in Fern; contact Fireclay for pricing.

Bruce Natural Maple Solid Hardwood Flooring, Remodelista

Above: Bruce Natural Maple Solid Hardwood Flooring is $3.99 a square foot at The Home Depot.

GE Monogram 42" Custom Panel Side-by-Side Refrigerator, Remodelista

Above: The GE Monogram 42" Custom Panel Side-by-Side Refrigerator is among the largest capacity built-in refrigerators on the market; MSRP $7,799.

GE Monogram 30" Professional Advantium 240 Speed Cook Oven, Remodelista

Above: The GE Monogram 30" Professional Advantium 240 Speed Cook Oven cooks up to eight times faster than a conventional oven and features four cooking modes: speedcook, true European convection, sensor microwave, and warming; MSRP $3,499.

GE Monogram 48" Professional Range with Four Gas Burners, Grill, and Griddle, Remodelista

Above: The GE Monogram 48" Professional Range with Four Gas Burners, Grill, and Griddle delivers restaurant-quality cooking power, including a full spectrum of simmer temperatures and high-output grilling and griddle capabilities; MSRP $11,399.

GE Monogram 36" Professional Range Top with Six Gas Burners, Remodelista

Above: The GE Monogram 36" Professional Range Top with Six Gas Burners offers minutely adjustable heat settings; MSRP $3,899.

GE Monogram and Remodelista Logo

Pillow Talk: 7 Secrets to Making a Perfect Bed

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If you count all the hours we allot to plumping pillows, smoothing sheets, straightening shams, and fussing over how the whole thing looks, we spend as much time on our beds as in them. Yet the results never look as good as pictures in magazines. Enough already. I am a busy person and so are you. Here's a foolproof system to make a bed inviting enough to make it hard to say goodbye each morning:

For tips on bed-making (and a philosophical discussion about what the state of your bed says about you), I turned to Tricia Rose, a bedding expert who owns Rough Linen and has given a lot of thought to the topic.

"Virtually any bed looks beautiful if it has a woman lying naked in it, on her side, seen from behind, with a sheet carelessly draped across her bottom," Tricia said.

"I could try that, I suppose, but I don't know if it's sustainable," I said. "What about on days I have to go into the office? How can I make it look good then?"

"Easy," she said. "You have to get to the heart of it—what is your bedroom for?"

Cote Bastide Bed

Above: Photograph via Cote Bastide.

Your bedroom is the most private room in the house, and it should be the most personal. Your bed should feel like the ultimate sanctuary and make you happy every time you get into it. "Show-off-y beds are a thing of the past," Tricia said.

So are fussy pillows—remember the era of "my husband has to throw 14 tiny pillows onto the floor so he can get into bed?" It's over. Instead:

Secret No. 1: Get the right pillows. By all means keep your favorite pillow—the flat, dingy one you've been carting around since childhood because it has just the right squish factor to lull you to sleep—but also invest in a pair of beautiful goose down pillows. On her bed Tricia has a White Goose Down Pillow; available in standard, queen, and king sizes at prices ranging from $39.99 to $49.99 at Warm Things.

Goose down pillows will look plump and make your bed look welcoming no matter whether you lay them flat or prop them up against the headboard. "Some people do pillows like a stack of pancakes and others like magazines in a rack that faces forward, and either looks good," said Tricia.

linen-flat-sheet-and-linen-pillowcases-via-Gardenista

Above: A set of standard size Garment-Dyed Linen Pillowcases is $79 and a Garment-Dyed Linen Flat Sheet is available in 18 colors; from $69 to $105 depending on size at Restoration Hardware.

Secret No. 2: Buy a bolster. Then push it up against the headboard and leave it there. A twill 30-inch-long Bolster Cover is available in eight colors for $49 and a 30-inch-long Synthetic Bolster Insert is $34; both from Pottery Barn.

"If you read in bed, having a bolster to fill in that horrible corner where the mattress meets the headboard, feels so much better," said Tricia. "And it's no work at all, because you don't touch it. You don't have to move it to make the bed in the morning. It stays put."

linen sheets look good even when they're mussed via Gardenista

Above: Bed linens made of linen; a Linen Summer Set in Smooth White includes a Summer Sheet ($154) and a Summer Cover ($185) and is available from Rough Linen.

Secret No. 3: Instead of cotton sheets and pillow cases, put linen on your bed. (After all, this category of textiles is called bed linens for a reason.) "What I love about linen is you can stand at the end of the bed and with both hands go 'flick," and it looks beautiful, wrinkles and all," Tricia said. "It doesn't have to be perfectly smooth or perfect at all, because linen already is perfect."

Linen linens look good even when mussed. But I have to point out this is not the way I was taught to make a bed. Housekeeping had very strict rules. My mother ironed bed sheets and taught me to make hospital corners before she taught me to read. On each bed: a fitted sheet, a top sheet, a blanket, a quilted bedspread, and two pillows. She folded back the spread, precisely placed pillows on it, then re-folded. Bed making took about 10 minutes, and the result looked like a dead body was lying under the spread at the head of the bed.

How did your mother make the bed? Prepare yourself emotionally for Tricia's next suggestion; my mother (and probably yours) would consider it heresy:

how to make a bed with linen pillow shams via Gardenista

Above: Photograph via Julia's Vita.

Secret No. 4: Ditch the fitted sheet and instead tuck in a flat sheet around the mattress. "Fitted sheets are an excrescence," said Tricia. "Mattresses are all different depths. Fitted sheets never fit properly and they never look good." Instead, she suggests, use a big flat sheet—if necessary, buy one that's a size larger than your mattress—and tuck it tightly around the mattress.

(Fitted sheet or no? Where do you stand on the subject? Tell us in the comments section below.)

perfectly made bed with hospital corners via Gardenista

Above: A generously sized Flat Sheet big enough to be tucked in all around the mattress is available in four sizes at prices ranging from $138 to $192 from Rough Linen.

Housekeeping is a personal thing. Next to religion, I can't think of a topic on which I have stronger opinions. (Don't get me started on bleach.) Your mother, like mine, knew how to make hospital corners. Perhaps you still employ this technique every time you make a bed. If not, re-learn; eighteen-year-old Army recruits can do it. Here's a Basic Training Video to refresh your memory.

Secret No. 5: You don't need a top sheet. Instead, stuff a comforter inside a duvet cover (preferably a linen one) and let the cover do the job of a sheet. "The only function of a top sheet, if you have a duvet, is to wrap itself around your legs while you sleep and to become untucked," said Tricia.

Bonus: by eliminating a top sheet, you will be able to make the bed faster and more easily in the morning.

goose down bed comforter via Gardenista

Above: A White Goose Down Comforter is from $328 to $528 depending on size and a Down-Alternative Comforter is from $118 to $148 depending on size from Garnet Hill.

Secret No. 6: Buy the right size comforter insert to stuff inside the duvet cover. "The silly thing is there isn’t a standard for the sizes of duvet infills, so you can't just buy 'queen' or 'king' and be done with it; you have to measure your duvet cover," said Tricia. "To fill it up, buy an infill that is at least two or three inches larger. You can even buy one that's six inches larger, and the infill should mush nicely in there." On Tricia's bed is a Down Comforter from Warm Things.

Secret No. 7: Buy non-slip casters and place them under the feet of your bed to keep it from moving. Then you can lean against the headboard and read without fearing you will slide all over the room. Under her bed's legs, Tricia has placed a set of Non Slip Furniture Cups; they're $16.71 for a set of four from Wayfair.

"This is all I have to do to make my bed look as good as if a naked woman were lying in it on her side?" I asked.

"Well, to make it look nearly as good," Tricia said. For some things, there are no substitution.

See more Domestic Dispatches to understand why you should Ditch Your Dining Room and Be Careful With That Glue Gun.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original ran on March 18, 2013. 

Editors' Picks: 10 Best Pajamas for a Good Night's Sleep

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Last week, Julie was on a panel at the Design Leadership Summit in NYC along with two other sleep-deprived bloggers from Lonny and AT (it's the nature of the business!). So we took note when Arianna Huffington, the next speaker, held forth about the importance of a good night's rest when it comes to our health and mental acuity (sleep is her new cause). Good design, she told her audience of architects and interior designers, enhances our sense of well being. She also advocated for nap rooms in work places (we're in complete agreement). But no matter what our surroundings are, we find that putting on a favorite pair of pajamas is a sure-bet way to unwind. Here, the sleepwear that we swear by—plus some investment pieces that we dream about.

Steven Alan Pajamas Remodelista

Above: Julie's coveting the Boyfriend PJ Top is $178 and the matching New PJ Pant is $145; both at Steven Alan.

Dosa Kurta Pajamas Remodelista

Above: The Dosa Tassel Kurta ($205) and Dosa Tassel Pants ($150) are a night and day wardrobe staple made of the lightest khadi cotton by Dosa, one of our favorite fashion lines; both are available at Tiina the Store.

Olatz Pajamas Remodelista

Above: For the woman (or man) who has everything: the silk Pajama Set from luxury bedding purveyor Olatz (Schnabel); $750 at Tiina the Store.

Hanro Gray Button Up Pajamas Remodelista

Above: Julie's favorite: Tonight Button-Front Pajamas from 130-year-old Swiss company Hanro, made from their signature silky mercerized cotton; $198 from Neiman Marcus (pricey, yes, but they last for years).

Araks Pajamas Remodelista

Above: Understated luxury from Araks: the Ally Pajama set is made of cotton wool with contrasting silk chiffon piping, mother of pearl buttons, and cotton twill tape drawstring. The Kate Pajama Top in Aranthera Heather is $280 and the Ally Pajama Pant in Aranthera Heather is $192.

Brooks Brothers Pajamas Remodelista

Above: Brooks Brothers' cotton poplin Stripe Pajamas feature a boxy cut and satin piping; $98.50. A similar design for men: Brooks Brothers' Wrinkle-Resistant Oxford Pajamas, $98.50. 

Paley Pajamas Sleepy Jones Remodelista

Above: Stitched in the US of European end on end fabric, the cotton Paley Pajama Shirt is $165 and the Paley Pajama Pant is $154 from Sleepy Jones (Andy Spade's new sleepwear line).


J Crew Pajamas Remodelista

Above: Francesca uses the same white towels (from Land's End) and white sheets interchangeably throughout her house. She sleeps—no surprise—in a white J. Crew Vintage Pajama Set; $95. A similar J.Crew design, the Classic Cotton Poplin Pajama set, $69.50, is available for men.


Liberty Pajamas Sleepy Jones Remodelista

Above: On my wish list: Sleepy Jones's Henry Pajama Shirt, $142, and Sol Pajama Pant, $136, in the same floral Liberty Print as a smocked dress that my daughter wore many years ago ( I'm not usually one for florals, but I liked this one so much, I saved the dress). I just discovered that these pajamas are for men, so my husband may be in for a surprise. (Sleepy Jones offers a darker Liberty Print, the Marina Pajama Shirt and Marina Pajama Pant, for women.)

Coyuchi Heather Flannel Pajamas Remodelista

Above: Coyuchi's Women's Flannel Pajamas are made in Germany by a family-owned mill founded in 1885 and feature mother of pearl buttons; $212 from Coyuchi (includes a wood gift box).

 

JCrew gingham flannel pajamas | Remodelista

Above: Erin loves the throwback look of J. Crew's Pajama Set in Gingham Flannel; $95. She's so petite, she wears xx-small—yes, it's a real size.

  Calida Pajamas Remodelista

Above: Meredith is a fan of Silky Seduction, a one-piece modal getup, €119 from Calida, a Swiss brand that Izabella also swears by. Says Meredith, "I've been in my pajamas during a few morning Skype meetings; the neckline looks like a daytime shirt, and if I slip on some earrings, my cohorts are none the wiser."

Petit Bateau Pajamas Remodelista

Above: Christine swears by the soft coziness of Petit Bateau pajamas; she got hooked on them when her teenage sons were babies. They may no longer wear them, but she can't break the habit because she has not found any pajamas more comfortable. The Girl's Pajamas in Opale Blue are £37 from Petit Bateau (women can order teen sizes, which go up to age 18).

Marigot Pajamas Remodelista

Above: A reader tipped us off to Marigot, a NY-based maker of sleepwear. We like the Azalea Classic Long Pajama Set, made of 100 percent cotton (available with five different piping colors); $132 from Marigot.

The perfect settings to go with these pajamas? See our gallery of Bedroom posts. Want to see our editors' handbags of choice for a night out? Go to 10 Easy Pieces: The Evening Bag Dilemma Solved

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