Hurrah—having just delivered the last box of books and clothes to Goodwill, my annual New Year de-clutter is complete. No one said living small and spare was easy, but once a year I do my best to fulfill my fantasy of leading a highly edited life with minimal clutter and maximum calm. Our oldest son leaves on his gap-year travels this month followed by college in the fall and our second son is only two years behind him, so I can hide my failings in their teen mess for a few more years. And I can seek respite and inspiration in projects like this Victorian house in Stoke Newington, London, where the predominant use of the white, while far from minimal, emphasizes a clean slate. Mixing in the patinas and textures of worn and well-loved pieces, this home has withstood the test of time and will carry on doing so long past 2014.

Photography via JJ Locations.

Above: Simple roll-down blinds bring evenly diffused natural light into the kitchen. Cabinets with reveal handles (rather than hardware) and a white Corian countertop with integrated sinks keep fussy details to a minimum in this small space.

Above: A new stainless steel range is integrated into an existing arched opening in the historic house.

Above: In the white-and-black-accented dining room, a wood table and corner reading chair add a natural warmth

Above L: Pale gray walls highlight the architectural details of the ceilings, which have been painted white. The warmth of a midcentury Ercol chair contrasts with the cool gray of the painted cabinet. Above R: Carefully chosen objects create a vignette that is on the right side of clutter.

Above: A driftwood sculpture hung over a wood side table continues the natural wood theme observed in the dining room.

Above: In a sea of neutral furnishings, the foliage in the painting above the sofa pulls the greenery in from outside.

Above: A vintage clock, camera, and well-worn leather chair add a layer of time.

Above: The smooth, sculptural shape of the tall gray vase contrasts with the texture of the accordion paper pendant shade.

Above: In the stairwell, the wood bannister continues the theme of natural warmth while a sculptural white pendant shade adds visual interest.

Above: Floor-to-ceiling cupboards, painted white to match the walls, keep the bedroom clutter free, while a convex mirror gives the space the illusion of added depth.

Above: A slipper chair covered in white and a white pendant shade quiety anchor a corner of the bedroom.

Above: An accordion pendant shade and Danish Teak Slatted Chair bring the midcentury to an upstairs sitting room, where a white-framed mirror reflects light.

Above: A simple picture rail provides display space for artwork and objects. 

Above: Pale pink curtains and pale gray walls make for a sophisticated color scheme in a child's room. 

The inspiration for my annual de-clutter last year was much more severe: see Clean Slate Living with Johannes Norlander. Which approach you prefer? Let us know in the comments section below. 

Sometimes less is more when it comes to lighting. Meet the simple Beckett lighting line from Washington, DC, interior designer Darryl Carter, which looks mod now (and will not look dated in the future). It's his latest design for Urban Electric, a South Carolina company specializing in bench-made lighting fixtures with classical profiles.

Above: The Beckett wall sconce installed in Darryl Carter's Washington, DC, shop (located at 1320 Ninth Street NW).

Above: Another view of the Beckett wall sconce (we like the exposed electricals), which measures 16 inches wide and 4.5 inches high; base list price $850.

Above: The Beckett wall sconce is ideal as a photo or art illuminator.

Above: The Beckett Single in situ.

Above: The Beckett Double is 50 inches wide and 36 inches in height; available in a variety of finishes starting at $2,750.

Above: The Beckett Single is 48.25 inches wide and 36 inches high; available in a variety of finishes, including blackened steel and antique gilt starting at $2,750.

We've been Darryl Carter fans for a while now; see all our posts on the dashing designer here.

 What better way to start the New Year than with a fresh-looking calendar? Although designed to organize time, the wall calendar in our household has become a way for my husband and me to dialogue. And though we both also keep digital calendars, we rely on our wall calendar as a crucial in-full-view reminder of our daily events, commitments, and aspirations.

Above: Our family calendar of choice, the simple 12 Month Wall Calendar, handmade of recycled card stock by Red Star Ink; $25 via the San Diego graphic design studio's Etsy shop. 

Above: The Postalco One-Year Wall Calendar measures 18 by 22 inches and puts all 365 days in sight; $30 from the General Store.

Above: The Ring Calendar, designed by  Sebastian Bergne for L'Atelier d'Exercises, is a universal date-marking system: turn the wheel to arrive at the day, date, and month; £42 from Buy Sebastian Bergne.

Above: The Two Thousand Fourteen Calendar by Ige Design is printed on cotton cloth and comes with five tacks: four for hanging and one to mark the date; $28 from Ige Design. 

Above: A 2014 Wall Calendar featuring black water colors by Amy Marcella via her Etsy shop is currently on sale for $20. It has 12 original illustrations of botanicals and geometric patterns. 

Above: Snug Studio's Graphical Wall Calendar comes in black type against a white or soft pink background; $20.80 via the German studio's Etsy shop. 

Looking for more clean slate ideas? Check out our posts Clean Slate Living with Johannes Norlander and Crate and Barrel's Clean Slate.

When a tree falls in the UK, there's a good chance that Jonty Hampson and Sascha Gravenstein are in their dusty East London workshop sculpting it. Jonty, a carpenter and cabinet maker, and Sascha, a fine artist with a focus on landscape and sculpture, are two friends who decided in 2012 to combine their talents. Their Hackney-based company, Hampson Woods, specializes in bespoke interiors and small-batch production serving boards and other wooden designs.

"The boards started with a fine length of timber that we'd sourced locally (a fallen tree salvaged from Russell Square) for an interior commission—we wanted to make serving boards and our shapes seemed to grow in character the more we worked them," says Jonty. The resulting designs vary from wide cuts to slender bread boards, each with their own funny handle slightly leaning to one side or dipping down in the middle.

 Jonty and Sascha use only timber with a known provenance: a tree from Cumbria, one from Perthshire, another from Oxford. "We expect this information with a good cut of meat, so why not for a product that lasts a lifetime?" Each Hampson Woods board comes with its own tag identifying the origin of the wood, "a rare treat to know where your product originally had its roots," the designers say. 

Above: The Elm Board is made from British elm in a rich, deep color with a "subtle chunkiness"; £35 each. Note: Hampson Woods ships to the UK, as well as to the US, France, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Above: The 4 Peg Hanging Rack is made from English oak with London plane pegs (see the London plane boards below). The four sculpted pegs are each slightly different with a hole allowing for standard clothes hangers; £125.

Above: Made from a London plane tree and finished with olive oil, the London Plane Boards vary in price. Shown here from left to right: the Size 1 board (£35), Size 2 board (£45), and Size 4 board (£55).

Above:  "A slight angle gave a different character to a board and a thicker neck added solidity; they worked well as a family, and so our range of London Plane Serving Boards were born," says Jonty.

Above: Also made from the London plane tree, the Geometric 2 board; £30.

Above: The Porridge Spoon is a design inspired by a trip to the Isle of Skye. Made to be used for stirring, scraping, and flipping, the spoons are £14.50 each.

Above: A look at the natural wood grain and variation, all from the same London plane tree.

For more wooden boards, have a look at our post, 10 Easy Pieces: Display-Worthy Wooden Cutting Boards, and for another workshop near the Hampson Woods studio, see Fabrics & Linens: House of Hackney in London.

Is your New Year's resolution to get organized? It's ours. Maybe that's why we're drawn to these appealing (and well-priced) trestle desks, which are especially popular in Australia and New Zealand, for some reason. Anyone out there know of any similar makers in the US?

Above: The Trestle Desk with Shelves is NZ $330 from Company in New Zealand, founded by a devoted husband whose wife was in search of a "Scandinavian blond" desk.

Above: Spanish-born, London-based Tomas Alonso has come up with a stylish folding table made from beech, laminated plywood, and sailing rope; contact him directly for pricing information.

Above: The plywood Tressel Table from the Tressel Table Co. (spelling intentional!) is handmade in Melbourne by Patrick O'Brien; AU $499 (also available in several color washes, from pale pink to pale gray).

Above: The Trestle Union Table is NZ $180 for the plywood top (a glass top is NZ $250) and NZ $85 for the legs.

Above: The A-Joint Mini Raw Pine Trestle Table by Henry Wilson comes in a self-assemble kit for AUD $950.

Above: Melbourne-based Etsy seller Seven Hands High offers Handmade Trestle Tables for USD $375.

See more of our desk picks here. Desk lamps? Here are 5 Colorful Favorites.

Don't judge me by what I'm about to tell you, but when I painted my apartment white last winter, I just slopped the paint over existing dirt and dust. It felt criminal, but the act was a genuine two-for-one: a painting and spring cleaning combo. (I should also tell you that my apartment already had twenty-plus layers of paint, no doubt lead- and VOC-ridden, and I'm pretty sure other slapdash painters before me have allowed their own dirt to fossilize in the walls.)

I know it's been said before, but it's so true: a fresh coat of white paint does wonders for a room. Take this European laundry room; entirely white, it has affordable, customized storage solutions and an overall design that's accessible and replicable. Here are all the key elements needed to recreate the look—and to start the year with a truly clean slate.

Above: White walls and polished concrete floors serve as the backdrop for the all-white laundry room. Photograph from Living in Design Land.

Above: Ikea's Akurum Base Cabinet with Wire Baskets can be installed with or without steel legs and is part of the Ikea Akurum series of full kitchen cabinets; $183 each.

Above: The Vola KV1 Single Handled Faucet with a double swivel spout is $1,224 directly through Vola. For more can't-go-wrong faucet options see our 10 Easy Pieces post: Editors' Favorite Kitchen Faucets.

Above: The White Ceramic Soap Dish is £8 from the White Company. For more options, see 10 Easy Pieces: Best White Soap Dishes.

Above: The Sac à Linge Canvas is a white-painted canvas laundry bag that I own and love. The white paint gives the laundry bag more structure than your average canvas bag and there's a removable cotton lining; €64 from Lilis in France.

Above: Anthropologie's Chartreuse Waffle Towels range from $16 for a washcloth to $78 for a bath towel. Alternatively, Abyss & Habidecor's Super Pile Bath Towels come in ultra-saturated colors like Gold, Banane, and Sunset; $74 each from Gracious Home.

Above: Create a wall of open storage cabinets by using Ikea units such as this Akurum Wall Top Cabinet Frame, $49 each, or the Akurum Wall Cabinet with 2 Doors, $58. Ikea's in-store advisors can help you create a customized plan for your space.

Above: A longstanding Remodelista favorite, Ikea's Sockerärt Vase is made from enameled steel, and can be used as a pitcher or vase; $9.99 for the 6-inch-tall size,  $19.99 for the 12-inch size.

Above: A set of Two Nesting Rope Baskets are handmade from cotton rope; $165 from Marie Marie Knits on Etsy. Another option is Ikea's Komplement Baskets, square crocheted storage baskets, at $42.49 for a set of three.

Above: The Heritage Hill Glass Jar with Lid is meant for the kitchen but can be used to store powdered laundry detergent or clothespins; $12.95 from Crate & Barrel.

Above: The Miele Decor 24-Inch Washer (W3039i) can be stacked or placed side by side (as shown). Available only in white, it is $2,399. It partners with the Miele Decor Electric Condenser Dryer (T8019Ci), which offers 3.9 cubic-feet of ventless drying, flat controls, and a cabinet door panel; $1,999, both at US Appliance. For more options, see our post, Little Giants: Compact Washers and Dryers.

Above: The Drake Cord Hung Pendant Lamp is available in a variety of shade colors and customizable features (wire cage, wattage, cord color), starting at $109 from Barn Light Electric.

Above: A smart solution for finishing a basic folding table? Paint it white. The Flash Furniture's Rectangular Wood Folding Table is 60 inches long and 30 inches wide; $60.39 at Amazon.

Above: Ikea's Frajen Bath Towel is a good budget choice for stocking up. Made from a waffle-weave cotton, the towel comes with a convenient hanging twill tab; $4.99 each. For more ideas, visit our post, 10 Easy Pieces: Basic White Bath Towels.

Looking for a laundry room in a tight space? See 10 Clever Laundry Rooms, Space-Saving Edition. And for more laundry inspiration, see our recent Steal This Look: Tiny Utility Closet (Sink Included).

My own personal New Year's resolution has to do with laundry: perhaps with these products I can learn to embrace the process rather than avoid it.

Above: The Mid-Century Ironing Board made of natural ashwood is $199 from West Elm.

Above: Store laundry powder detergent in the Rectangular Yellow Bin with Lid; $19.95 from Crate and Barrel's Clean Slate collection.

Above: We'd use the White Porcelain Scoop from Brook Farm General Store for dispensing detergent; $39.

Above: For liquid laundry detergent, consider a Ball Mason Quart Jar; $19.95 from FB Studio via Etsy.

Above: The Handmade Wooden Clothes Horse is $227.24 from Not on the High Street. For something similar, consider the Wooden Clothes Dryer; NZD $145 from Everyday Needs. In the US, the Large Wood Drying Rack is $79.95 from Crate & Barrel's Clean Slate line.

Above: Brook Farm General Store sells a pack of 20 classic Wooden Spring Clothespins in a plain muslin drawstring bag; $12.

Above: The Homz Canvas Clothes Pin Bag is $5.79 from Ace Hardware.

Above: From Tangent of Sweden, sun flower and soy bean stain remover in a brown glass bottle. The company's Natural Laundry Potions are available from Tangent Garment Care directly; we hope they make their way to the US soon.

Can't get enough cleaning solutions? We're with you. Visit all our Cleaning Supplies and Domestic Science posts, including 10 Ways to Live with Less from Zero Waste Home.

The most effective way to corral daily wardrobe essentials is a clothes valet. A definite upgrade from the bedroom chair, a well-designed valet will keep all your accessories in one place. We are particularly drawn to this modern reinterpretation by Søren Rose Studio of Copenhagen and New York. Crafted from walnut or oak, the Gentleman's Valet is detailed with an upper and lower shelf and can even stand in as a bedside table. 

Above: Søren Rose Studio reinterprets the clothes valet with minimal and contemporary detailing. Available finishes include oiled walnut, oak, and black-stained wood.

Above: Used in a traditional way, the valet accommodates a jacket and a pair of trousers; it's 48 inches tall, 18 1/2 inches wide, and 14 inches deep. 

Above: A drop-in tray holds small accessories and loose change.

Above: Modern-day accoutrements like smart phones have been taken into account in the design.

Above: A shelf at the bottom is handy for shoes or even books. See Søren Rose Studio for direct purchasing information.

Short on space? Janet unveils valet-like efficiencies for tiny closets in 5 Quick Fixes: Closet Valet Rods and Hooks, for a space-saving wall-mounted valet, see A Valet for the Modern Age.

Spotted on Dezeen: clever shelving from Singapore-based design collective Outofstock. Inspired by suspension bridges ("We've always been fascinated by the beauty and engineering marvel of the Golden Gate Bridge," the designers say), the solid oak shelves are suspended via bent steel powder-coated rods (available in green or white).

Above: The Bridge Shelf is 2,399 Kroners from Bolia in Denmark.

Above: A side view of the three-tiered shelving system.

Above: The shelving is also available with white metal supports.

Above: The easy-to-assemble components.

We have an endless appetite for shelves and storage. You, too? For more ideas see our Shelving and Storage posts, including 10 Easy Pieces: Wall-Mounted Shelving Systems.

A 2013 James Beard finalist for Best New Restaurant, the Whale Wins is the latest venture from chef Renee Erickson of the (similarly) whimsically named Walrus and the Carpenter. Located in a converted warehouse space, the restaurant's interiors were designed by Heliotrope Architects and feature an airy, casual feel. (Oh, and about the name: Erickson was inspired by a painting by American folk artist Mary Maguire depicting a whaling scene.)

Photos via The Whale Wins except where noted.

Above: The interiors were designed by local firm Heliotrope Architects.

Above: The marble-clad wood-burning oven is the centerpiece of the restaurant.

Above: Shelves are stocked with artisanal goods and local products.

Above: A vintage kitchen sink anchors a corner of the restaurant; photo by Hilary McMullen.

Above: Lighting with a welcoming message.

Above: A Blue Willow-style plate holds business cards.

An old-fashioned laundry chute is the ultimate household convenience, but if you lack such a luxury, here are 10 standout laundry hampers that will do the trick.

Above: A daily workhorse singled out in the Remodelista 100 (see page 308 of our book, Remodelista, A Manual for the Considered Home), the Steele Square Carry Basket is available in a variety of sizes trimmed with gray or natural leather; pricing begins at $63.65 from Steele Canvas.

Above: The Woven Hamper, handmade in Senegal from cattail grasses and recycled prayer mats, is $145 from Brook Farm General Store; contact for restock and availability. Similar Senegalese Storage Baskets in white and natural are available in three sizes—marked down from $148 to $69.99 for the largest—at Serena & Lily.

Above: From The Laundress, Beckel's 100 percent unbleached cotton canvas catchalls come in two sizes: the Mini Hamper (16 inches high) is $32 and the Regular Hamper (24 inches) is $38; a Mini and Regular Hamper set is $63.

Above:The Marie Pi Laundry Hamper has a folding wooden frame that is easily stored when not in use; $210 from Emmo Home.

Above: The Laundry Box in a cotton linen polyester combination is a great budget option; $27.50 from Muji.

Above: A Wire Hamper with removable canvas laundry bag; $44.99 from Gracious Home.

Above: The Heavy-Duty Three-Bin Laundry Sorter on wheels is $59 from The Container Store.

Above: The tapered Wire Hamper with White Liner Set includes a canvas liner with a drawstring closure and carrying strap; $59.95 from Crate & Barrel. 

Above: The lifetime-lasting Danish Vipp 441 Laundry Bin in stainless steel on rubber casters is €399 from Connox.

Above: A good budget choice, the Umbra Round Crunch Can is $19.99 from Gracious Home.

For more laundry-related ideas, see our Laundry & Utility Room posts, including 10 Favorites: Space-Saving Laundry Rooms. Laundry potions we swear by? Have a look at our Domestic Science posts.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on Feb 19, 2008 as part of our Laundry Rooms issue.

Here's an ingenious storage solution for renters, the space-challenged, and anyone leery of damaging their walls: vertical shelving that hangs from picture railings. No wall-mounted hardware or floor space required—but, yes, you do need picture railings.

Above: Carlysle Manufacturing Company's vertical storage clothing racks and shelves were designed out of necessity when founder John Carlysle Pemberton was in need of storage for his small San Francisco apartment. He came up with the idea of using picture rails as an anchor for hanging shelving and clothes hook systems that can be installed (and removed) in minutes.

Above: Installation is easy. The top hooks of the steel support rods fit into picture railings. The support rods come in varying lengths ranging from 30 to 55 inches to accommodate different railing (and user) heights. Each shelf comes with an allen wrench and level to adjust the brackets. See Carlysle Manufacturing Co.'s Installation FAQs for more details. 

Above: All Carlysle Manufacturing Co.'s products are designed, manufactured, and tested in San Francisco. Different sizes and configurations are available. The Carlysle Coat Rack with Shelf features four large hooks and a 27-inch solid wood shelf made of walnut (as shown) or cherry; $325.

Above: Just how strong are picture rails? Weight-bearing strength is dependent on individual railings, but Carlysle recommends keeping the weight limit at or under 15 pounds per support rod, so a standard two-rod shelf can hold up to 30 pounds. See Carlysle Manufacturing Co.'s Installation FAQs for more details. 

Above: The shelving units can be combined so you can start small and add on. The Carlysle Single Shelf with a walnut (shown) or cherry shelf is available in three different shelf lengths; $275. 

For more ideas, see our Shelving and Storage posts, including 10 Easy Pieces: Wall-Mounted Shelving Systems.

Weaver and designer Adele Stafford has taken the concept of farm-to-table and applied it to textiles. As she explains, "I've built a model that puts the farmer at the heart of what we're doing and relies on the expertise of other makers—pattern makers, tailors, designers, photographers—as a way of building a collaborative industry. I'm the weaver, but it takes this team to make the work happen."

Adele graduated from RISD in 1999 and spent the following five years in Rhode Island living in an old mill town along the Blackstone River that had one time been an important part of the domestic textile industry. Now based in Oakland, California, she found herself with direct access to farmers producing cotton and wool. As she explains, it was a visit to Northern California's pioneer organic cotton grower Sally Fox where "I saw a clear opportunity to make products that embody the stories of domestic fiber farmers with a unique approach to the way that they work."  Adele launched Voices of Industry last month and was part of our Remodelista Holiday Market in San Francisco where almost all of her pieces sold out. You can view her limited-edition designs at Voices of Industry and contact her directly to receive notice of her next production: each month she's able to create 15 to 20 pieces of work.

Photography by Brian Ferry. 

Above: Cloth 6 of 7, Warp 1, a design that can be used as a throw, wrap, or scarf; $465. 

Above: Cones of organic naturally colored yarn on display. Adele tells us, "In a weaving class, I was introduced to Sally Fox's cotton and couldn't believe that it grew in such a spectrum of colors."

Above: Adele hand weaves on a mechanical loom. Every piece comes with a record of the farmer who grew the fiber, the warp on which it was woven, and the order it appeared on the loom. 

Above: Views from the Voices of Industry studio in Oakland. When Adele lived in an old Rhode Island mill town, she avidly researched the history of the region and came across the story of Sarah Bagley, a factory loom operator during the mid 1800s who organized the first all-womens' labor reform movement and edited its publication, The Voice of Industry—the namesake for Adele's company.

Above: Painter Afton Love models Shirt 1 of 7, Warp 1, the Voices of Industry signature shirt, sewn from a single piece of woven cotton with selvedge-edged sleeves and a pleated shoulder; $390. "We are influenced as much by the modernist heroines, like Anni Albers, Agnes Martin, and Sheila Hicks, as we are by traditional textile makers like Harris Tweed and Swans Island," says Adele.

Above: Wooden shuttles and other weaving implements in Adele's tool kit.

Above: Cloth 6 of 7, Warp 1 worn as a wrap. 

Above: The source for Voices of Industry's organic cotton: Sally Fox's California fields.

For more Studio Visits, see Small Trade Company Gets Big, Accidental Doll Maker Jess Brown, and London Artist Sue Williams A'Court at Home.

Interior designer Suzanne Shaker has my dream kitchen: a simple, sun-lit, clutter-free space with one long wooden shelf running across the wall above the sink. It's the addition of the wood in the otherwise monochromatic kitchen that succeeds in adding an organic touch and warmth to the space.

Open shelving in kitchens seems to divide people into two camps: those who love the look (that would be us) and those who think open shelves attract dust and require too much editing. Ready to be persuaded? Here are 10 examples with wooden shelves that we find appealing.

Above: Interior designer Suzanne Shaker's kitchen in Shelter Island, NY, designed by Deborah Berke & Partners Architects; both firms are members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory.

Above: A kitchen in a renovated fisherman's cottage in Norway designed by Norm Architects has a thick wooden shelf that runs the width of the sink wall. (A halogen lighting strip was attached at the front edge of the open shelving for under-counter lighting.) See more at Kitchen Lighting from Norm Architects.

Above: Wooden shelves in the former San Francisco kitchen of photographer Heidi Lender; see Steal This Look: Simple San Francisco Kitchen.

Above: A pair of wooden shelves add warmth to a compact stainless steel kitchen. Photograph via Wooninspiratie.

Above: The San Diego kitchen of Im and David Shafer is lined with shelves made of unstained, unfinished MDF plywood. Photograph via Dwell.

Above: A Dutch kitchen features two small wooden shelves in the same thickness as the wooden counter top. Photograph via Vt Wonen.

Above: Wood milled from a century-old Kentucky barn beam lines the walls of the Food 52 kitchen in midtown Manhattan; see Steal This Look: Food 52 Kitchen. Photograph by Nicole Franzen for Remodelista. 

Above: Two long plywood shelves line a concrete wall above an industrial looking Ted countertop in a Tokyo apartment by Naruse Inokuma Architects.

Above: A rustic wood shelf runs the length of a triple bay of windows. Photograph by Janis Nicolay for BC Home & Garden via Pinecone Camp.

Above: Jewelry designer Ted Muehling's New York kitchen. Photograph via Automatism by Christophe Kicherer for Maison Francaise.

Okay, now how do you feel about open shelving in kitchens? Place you vote in the comments sections below. And for more storage ideas, see our collection of posts on Kitchen Shelving Solutions. Need maximum storage? See our recent Remodeling 101 post 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Kitchen Cabinets.

The small Belgian town of Wevelgem in West Flanders was once devoted to flax cultivation (weavers would soak their crop in the De Leie river running through town). Today, the area, within biking distance of the French border, is known for its old churches, WWI cemeteries, cycling and walking trails, and Heerlijkheid van Marrem, a historic farmstead available to rent.

When owners Natalie and Dominque purchased the farm in 2007, they leaned on their remodeling and interior design experience to renovate the property, which was built in the mid-18th century but has parts that date to the 15th century. First, they tackled the caved-in stable walls in the gatehouse, then the carriage house, the square main farmhouse, and so on, preserving all of the original features and artfully mingling them with spare modern rustic designs. Heerlijkheid van Marrem, Dutch for "The Glory of Marrem" (marrem refers to the marshland in the area), accommodates 20-23 people in four buildings—it's available only to one group at a time and is ideal for families or groups of friends. The couple, who live at the farm with their three young sons, have also added a flock of floppy-eared black and white British Suffolk sheep, some donkeys, and a Belgian draft horse. Come have a look.

Above: The arched entrance opens to the main house and farm buildings arrayed around a cobblestone courtyard.

Above: The main house has an integrated dining area and new kitchen. (Refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, and dryer are all stored in a room off the kitchen.) 

Above:  A fresh interpretation of the farmhouse kitchen: concrete countertops, a gas range, and pale wood paneling.

Above: Rustic wood cabinets framed with concrete. Interested in recreating the look? See our Remodeling 101 post on concrete countertops. 

Above: In each building, Natalie and Dominque adhered to a palette of raw natural materials (concrete, linden wood, and linen) and pale colors (chalky white and gray).

Above: Ladders, stools, and other rustic antiques were sourced from France and Italy.

Above: Set up for families (or groups who like togetherness), the sleeping loft in the farmhouse has multiple beds and an en suite bath tub. "The playful original architecture has led to a fascinating sequence of living, sleeping, and relaxation areas connected by stairs, walkways, and mezzanines," explain the owners.

Above: The building known as the Hayloft has a spacious dining room and sleeps six. 

Above: The farm's answer to the home office. For those who are interested, the owners sell some of their farmhouse antiques and decorations.

Above: An all-white bedroom in a 17th century barn with a towering ceiling.

Above: No need for a spa—Heerlijkheid van Marrem has its own wood-paneled sauna and shower area in the main house.

Above: Olive oil toiletries by Compagnie de Provence.

Above: The sauna has room for six.

Above: Canal-side picnicking. The Heerlijkheid van Marrem farm is available to rent from a Friday to Sunday, or Monday to Friday. For more details and reservations, go to Heerlijkheid van Marrem; also visit the farm's main site.

See our recent post that the Heerlijkheid van Marrem kitchen inspired: 10 Favorites: Rustic Wood Clad Vent Hoods, and check out surrounding places to visit in our Belgian City Guide.

Location of Heerlijkheid van Marrem Guesthouse in Wevelgem, East Flanders:

Set in a newly converted former factory in Dumbo, this Brooklyn loft had everything its owners wanted, including a sleek, well-detailed kitchen. But how to make the wide-open setup feel like home for a young family of four? Husband-and-wife team Marco Pasanella and Rebecca Robertson swept in and, collaborating on structural changes with the building's architect-developers, Alloy, showed what the best designers can do: they introduced comfort, interest, humor, and a hint of whimsy to the place. 

Photography by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Above: An all-white kitchen is at the center of the open 40-foot-long living space, and fits seamlessly in thanks to touch-latch Corian cabinetry and an inset sink and work area. Designed by the building's architect-developers, Alloy, headed by Jared Della Valle and Abby Hamlin, the well-detailed kitchen was one of the loft's selling points for the new owners. The stools are Organic Modernism's Manu design, a version of the popular Tractor Barstool; they introduce warmth and a visual connection to the exposed beams. The room's white oak floor was spec'ed by the architects.

Above:  A wall of open shelving—introduced by Robertson and Pasanella on the opposite side of an entry they built—displays the couples' collection of cafe au lait bowls and adds an injection of color and pattern to the setting. A former decorating editor at Martha Stewart Living, Robertson, not coincidentally, is at work with Fritz Karch on a book about living with collections that will be out next fall from Abrams. For a better look at the wall of cafe au lait bowls, see page 288 of our new book, Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home.

Above: Hidden on the inside of the island is a microwave and oven. (The stovetop is incorporated into the opposite counter, next to the sink.)  

Above: The kitchen is further pushed in a playful direction thanks to kids' paintings hung with colored washi tape. Note the flatware stowed in ribbed tin cans—another detail spotlighted in our book (see page 285).

Above: The focal point of the living room is the owners' eclectic collection of art united in a salon-style grouping with mirrors. Robertson and Pasanella made kraft paper templates of each piece and, over dinner one night, the two couples laid out the templates on the floor and then the wall, fiddling with the pieces for hours to get the arrangement right. They hired one of the contractors to hang the art. The Lake Credenza by BBDW in oxidized maple stands under the collection. The armchairs, draped in sheepskins, are Hans Wegner designs from ABC Carpet & Home. Similar French Gilt Mirrors can be sourced from Wisteria.

Above: The brick walls had been unfinished and dominant—the ceilings are 13 feet high. The owners were inclined to paint the brick but nervous; Robertson and Pasanella unhesitatingly agreed. They went with Winter's Gate from Pratt & Lambert ("much more affordable than Farrow and Ball"); it's a pale gray that reads as white and brightens the space dramatically. 

Above: "We organized the main room by using furniture to define living, dining, and study areas," says Rebecca. The dining area is sectioned off from the living room by a low two-sided bookcase designed by Pasanella. Vintage armchairs in cognac leather from 1st Dibs and an African stool create a satellite seating area adjacent to the library.

Above: Made of oiled black walnut and Cor-Ten steel topped by a 1.5-inch-thick slab of soapstone, Pasanella's bookcase is 36 inches tall and extends for 12 feet. It was fabricated by Official, LLC of Brooklyn. Pasanella, by the way, is the owner of one of our all-time favorite wine shops, Pasanella & Son Vintners in New York's South Street Seaport; he's also a celebrated designer and writer: he documents his journey through the wine world in his book Uncorked. Have a look at his and Robertson's own loft here.

Above: A light that doubles as sculpture, the Lindsey Adelman Custom 7-Globe Branching Bubble chandelier is the dining area's focal point. The antique oak table is from Ochre; it's surrounded by vintage aluminum dining chairs, similar to the classic Emco design but made by Good Form of Youngstown, Ohio. "The palette is very tonal," says Robertson, "we used a lot of gray and this helps to knit the whole loft together."

Above: Another Robertson/Pasanella touch: zebra wood radiator covers fabricated by Official, LLC.

Above: An alcove opposite the dining area has been cleverly put to use as a library, thanks to an extended kitchen wall and shelves added by Robertson and Pasanella. The yellow lamp is a vintage Jielde from France (still in production, the Jielde Loft Desk Lamp is available from Horne, as is a special Remodelista edition of the Jielde Signal Desk Lamp in bronze). The curtains are unlined heavy gray linen—made in India and $14 per yard from one of the fabric warehouses on 39th Street—installed on a hospital track.

Above: Where to put the piano? Robertson and Pasanella solved the riddle by building a nook that gives "the piano a place to live as well as to be celebrated." Working with the loft's architects, they inserted the piano niche (note the inset point light), which fronts a new bedroom (see below).

Above: Stairs next to the piano lead to a family room and roof terrace. Bisected by sliding glass doors, a fire exit, and the stairs, the small, boxy space was Robertson and Pasanella's biggest challenge: "How to use it? There's no bathroom upstairs and it's exposed to a lot of light, so its didn't work well as a bedroom." Their inspired (if not exactly inexpensive) solution? They paneled walls, floor, ceiling, and door in white oak, transforming the room into a bespoke urban cabin. The Bubble Chandelier with a gold finish is by Pelle of Brooklyn. The Serge Mouille-style light is the Praying Mantis from White on White. The walnut cabinet is the Siena 4 from White on White.

Above: The kids' Lego Star Wars creations are tidily displayed in the family room on Room & Board's steel Slim Media Console.

Above: Under the stairs, the designers carved out a child's bedroom. The wall is painted with chalkboard paint and a headboard is playfully sketched in: "saving space but keeping it fun," says Robertson. Open to the stairs thanks to an upper-story window, the room is indirectly lit by a skylight.

Above: The guest bathroom is papered with Little Whales by LA company Pottok Prints. 

Above: Serenity reigns in the master bedroom, which has a wall of Cole & Son Woods wallpaper. Curtains were initially part of the plan, but after Robertson inserted Hunter Douglas blackout shades, everyone liked the room as is.

Above: The bentwood bed is the Case Study Alpine Bed from Design Within Reach with companion Case Study Alpine Bedside Tables; the bedside lamps are Ikea's rice paper Väte design, $9.99 each.

Above: A TV needn't be intrusive—a small model rests opposite the bed atop the Grove Six Drawer Dresser from Room & Board.

Above: Another of the loft's original attractions: in lieu of a bathtub, a marble-tiled shower for two. The vintage chair is a French captain's seat from a ship.

Above: The loft's elevator initially opened directly into the living space. To lend the setup a more human scale, Robertson and Pasanella sectioned off an entry, which is small but regal thanks to a wall of hand-painted silvery wallpaper made for the space from family company Gracie in New York's D & D building. The pierced silver light is the Filigree Sphere from Terrain; the bench is from Ikea.

Above: The loft's layout was conceived by New York architect-developers Alloy; Robertson and Pasanella collaborated with the Alloy team to introduce a few structural additions, including an entry foyer and bedroom inserted under the stairs.

More lofts? Tour some of our favorites here, including A New York-Style Loft in Barcelona and our Steal This Look on Fashion Designer Vanessa Bruno's Paris Loft. More wallpaper ideas? Browse our suggestions here—and don't miss, Instant Architecture: Trompe l'Oeil Wallpaper.

It's a continual conundrum: where to store those important items you need when you leave the house? Bowls on the entry table? Wall-mounted storage units? Your coat pockets? Here's an idea we like: the Walhub, a switch plate with storage for keys, outgoing mail, leashes, and other objects that often come and go with you. 

Launched in 2013 as a Kickstarter-funded product, Walhub switch plates are designed and manufactured by Upwell Products, the result of a partnership between a design studio and a plastic injection molder on the West Coast. Made of white ABS plastic, Walhub switch plates are offered in two styles: "Hang" with two hooks, and "Keeper" with two hooks and a storage pocket for letters. Prices range from $13.95 to $18.95.

Above: The Walhub 2Hang Toggle (shown) comes pre-assembled with a pair of wall hooks and replaces a standard two-toggle switch plate; $15.95.  

Above: The Keeper models features two hooks and a storage pocket that can hold often forgotten mail and other items like sunglasses. The Walhub Keeper Toggle fits a 1 gang standard toggle switch; $18.95.

Above: The Walhub Keeper Rocker fits a standard Decora switch and is $18.95.

Above: Walhubs are easy to install: Just unscrew the existing switch plate and screw in the Walhub (screws provided). No drilling holes or fitting wall anchors required. 

Above: The Walhub Keeper Rocker is compatible with many switch types. As long as the light switch or outlet fits a standard rocker/Decora or toggle opening, it will work with Walhub (including brands like Lutron). Here, the Walhub Keeper Rocker is used with a standard rocker-sized outlet, making it a great choice for a smart phone storage and charging station.

For more switch and outlet innovations, see Invisible Plugs (Recessed Outlets) and Remodeling 101: Pop-Out Outlets.

Located in a 1750s sea captain’s house in Sag Harbor, New York, Wellnest is a concept store devoted to "sustainable health and overall well being."

Founded by NYC internist and radio health show host Dr. Richard Ash (he stripped the house to its original timber beams and preserved the uneven floors and other historic features), the shop is set in a series of wellness-themed rooms with an emphasis on good design: wander through the space and you'll discover an apothecary stocked with vitamins and alternative remedies, an organic juice bar, a Le Labo parfumerie, and the Eco Room, featuring a wide selection of "eco-practical" housewares and furnishings. Wellnest is located at 125 Main Street in Sag Harbor.

Above: The mid-18th century sea captain's house is cloaked in white including it shutters.

Above: The palette continues inside: The exposed lath walls, the cable spool table, and the wide-planked floor are unified with a coat of white paint.

Above: Spools of twine serve as scissor holders.

Above: The vitamin room is stocked with Dr. Ash's Pure Essentials line.

Above: A wall mural made from elegant paper picnic ware from Japanese company Wasara. See our post on Wasara Paper Goods.

Above: In the Eco Room, sustainable wares are displayed atop vintage cable spool tables.

Above: Wood Magno Radios and Torch Flashlight, both by Areaware.

Above: In the Le Labo room, a wall is stripped to the lath.

Above: A DIY curtain made of reused fabric and rope on iron hooks

Above: A selection of Sebo Vacuum Cleaners, which are known for their superior filtration (and are used in the White House and Buckingham Palace).

Above: A serene lounging space under the rafters.

For more wellness-related posts, see Jackie Ashton's 10 Secrets for a Better Night's Sleep and 10 Reasons to Bring the Outdoors In. And did you read last week's post 10 Ways to Live with Less from Zero Waste Home?

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on January 24, 2011 as part of our Shades of White issue.

We're always looking for ways to make Remodelista easier to use. Towards that end, we've introduced three new features we want you to know about:

1. Browse Back Issues of Remodelista

Above: Every week we run a new issue of Remodelista, and you can now easily browse all our back issues, dating back to Remodelista's first posts in 2007. Navigate to back issues via the "Inspiration" tab at the top of any page, and click "Back Issues."

Above: Alternatively, click on any issue name throughout the site—for example, "New Beginnings," shown here—and to see more, choose "All Back Issues" at the top left of every issue's landing page.

Above: Remodelista issues are organized by theme and are a fun, targeted way to browse the site. See all Back Issues here.

2. Save and Bookmark Gallery Photos

Above: We've made it easy to save and bookmark photos from our vast Image Gallery. When you click to view any photo, you can then click to "See Image on Full Page."

Above: The image will open in a new window, allowing you to "Save As," bookmark or share the URL, or clip the image to Evernote or any other photo organizing tool you like to use. Get started in our Photo Gallery by browsing our galleries of Art in the Kitchen and Books on Display. 

3. Receive Our Newsletter Daily Digest

Above: Newsletter subscribers now have the option of receiving a shorter Daily Digest version of our newsletter featuring teasers and links to each post without the entire post body pasted into your email.

Above: Update your preferences by scrolling to the bottom of any newsletter and clicking "Update Your Profile."

Above: Choose which version of the newsletter you'd like to receive—the Daily Digest, the full version, or both. Subscribe to our newsletter here. New subscribers will receive the Daily Digest version, but you can update your settings any time to receive either or all versions.

Have requests for future improvements? Fill us in in the comments section.

A couple of days ago we posted on The Whale Wins, a newish restaurant from Renee Erickson (a Seattle culinary star). Today we're taking a look at Narwhal, Erickson's oyster bar on wheels.

Above: Erickson enlisted a vintage 1960 Divco dairy van turned food truck, which appears at the Queen Anne Farmers Market and other locales around the city.

Above: The menu includes fried oysters, smoked trout salad, and celery soda.

Above: Making the rounds, cafe seating included.

Above: Seattle artist Curtis Steiner came up with the swirly scripted logo.

Our other favorite mobile cafe? Check out Pizza del Popolo (they sold out at our recent Remodelista Holiday Market at Heath Ceramics).