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Colorful, Customizable Bathroom Furniture from Sweden

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Good news for Scandi remodelers: Swoon, a new line of bathroom furniture, is devoted to offering clean-lined basics with pick-and-choose components.

The Stockholm-based company enlisted designer Fredrik Wallner to create three collections, each comprised of a sink vanity, mirrored medicine cabinet, and tall standing cabinet. Each of these ensembles—the Side, Square, and Soft collections—come with a choice of colors, knobs, handles, legs, and faucets for custom tailoring.

Swoon has transparent manufacturing (mostly carried out in Sweden and Finland, and all of it is manufactured within Europe) and ships its products to locations across Scandinavia; the company offers its products online and plans to expand its reach across Europe soon. The whole concept—good design, simple customization, and local manufacturing—is something we hope to see make its way stateside.

Styling by Lotta Agaton and photography by Kristofer Johnsson for Swoon

Swoon Square Collection from Sweden | Remodelista

Above: Swoon offers three different bathroom collections that each include a sink vanity, mirrored cabinet, and a tall, narrow standing cabinet. The Square design, shown here, combines modern shapes with neo-rustic cabinet fronts and wooden legs.

Swoon Drawer Pull Outs | Remodelista

Above: The Square sink vanity has two pull-out, soft-closing drawers built from Hettich technology.

Swoon Customizable Bathroom Furniture | Remodelista

Above: A look inside the tall cabinet reveals a metal laundry hamper; it's one of the features available in each collection.

Swoon Customizable Bathroom Furniture in Pink | Remodelista

Above: The Side collection is characterized by straight silhouettes, polished porcelain counters, and metal legs. The Side sink vanity is shown here in a deep rose, one of five color options (which include the warm gray on the plank leaning against the wall).

Swoon Customizable Bathroom Furniture in Pink | Remodelista

Above: The vanity's countertop and wash basin are both porcelain from Portuguese company Sanindusa. The faucets are from Swedish company Tapwell and are available in white, black, and chrome. Cabinet knobs, one of the customizable features, are shown here in lacquered wood.

Swoon Customizable Bathroom Furniture | Remodelista

Above: The sink vanity in the Side collection has an upper compartment that hinges open for storing lipstick, nail polish, and small accessories. The lower compartment is a retractable, soft- closing drawer for holding larger items.

Swoon Customizable Bathroom Furniture | Remodelista

Above: Furniture in the Soft series has rounded fronts and angled legs of solid ash.

Swoon Mirrored Cabinet in the Soft Collection | Remodelista

Above: A look inside a wall-mounted mirrored cabinet (the interiors of the cabinets are the same across each style). The cabinet is equipped with an outlet and an LED light that simulates daylight for makeup application.

Swoon Customizable Bathroom Furniture | Remodelista

Above: Scaled-down versions of all of Swoon's designs are presented in the Single series, sized for powder rooms and compact urban spaces. 

Swoon Customizable Bathroom Furniture | Remodelista

Above: Perfect for tiny bathrooms, the Single Vanity is just 250 millimeters (about 10 inches) deep, and 700 millimeters (27.5 inches) tall. See Swoon for more.

Thinking of upgrading a bathroom? Have a look through all our Bathroom posts —including How to Install Flattering Bathroom Lighting and 10 Favorites: Hot Pink in the Bathroom— and shop through our favorite Bath Accessories. Pure inspiration? Have a look at the 1,472 images in our Bathroom Photo Gallery.

Thinking of wallpapering a bathroom? On Gardenista, Michelle details How to Pick the Perfect Wallpaper and reveals her Pale Blue Botanical Results.

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11 Favorites: Vola Faucet Color Splash, Kitchen and Bath Edition

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Every architect I know is obsessed with Arne Jacobsen's Vola faucet (including most members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory). Lately we're spotting this icon of plumbing in shades ranging from yellow to cobalt blue to spring green—and we're onboard. 

Queen Street House by Edwards Moore/Remodelista

Above: In Australia, Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory member Edwards Moore spec'ed a marigold yellow Vola faucet in an otherwise monochromatic bath. 

Blue Vola Faucet Mjolk/Remodelista

Above: Who is the genius who paired a blue Vola faucet with a teak countertop and black cabinetry? See Design Sleuth: Electric Blue Faucet.

Pink Vola Faucets/Remodelista

Above L: In Dublin, Peter Legge Associates pair a pink Vola faucet with a gray cast concrete sink. Above R: In a modern surf shack in Southern California, LA architect Barbara Bestor adds a jolt of pink to a bathroom; via Dwell.

  Green Vola Faucet Concrete Counters/Remodelista

Above: A custom concrete countertop fabricated by Lowinfo for a London architect is animated by a lime green Vola faucet.

Oliver Freundlich Red Vola Faucet/Remodelista

Above: In Brooklyn, Oliver Freundlich added a dash of color to a black and white powder room; see more at Architecture as Alchemy: A Cobble Hill Transformation.

Life Space Journey Yellow Vola Faucet/Remodelista

Above: The ultimate bachelor pad in Melbourne features the ultimate faucet; see more at A Walk on the Wild Side, Small Space Edition

Red Orange Vola Faucet/Remodelista

Above L: A kitchen in Sweden with a red Vola mixer by DAP Architects. Above R: A kitchen by Not Only White in the Netherlands.

Orange Vola Faucet/Remodelista

Above: A kitchen by VMX Architects in the Netherlands (note the color complementary orange KitchenAid mixer).

Yellow Vola Bath Faucets/Remodelista

Above: Double faucets in a bath via Inspiration Maison in Belgium.

Orange Vola Faucet Green Sink/Remodelista

Above: So bad it's good: avocado green sinks with orange Vola faucets, via Swedish company Bygg Fabriken.

Shop our favorite Faucets & Fixtures and see them in room settings in our Photo Gallery. Outdoor utility sinks are the ultimate gardener's luxury—have a look at 10 of them on Gardenista.

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Artful Textiles from a Dutch Colorist

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Bold graphics and lively colorfields are the mark of Dutch textile designer Mae Engelgeer, who likes to finish her pieces with a shot of bright orange. A graduate of the Amsterdam Textile Institute, Mae delights in vibrant, geometric design—"art for the home," she calls it—that is designed to be the focal point of the room. Her playful style, honed in her earlier WOWW and FEST lines, has softened a bit in her latest collections, including ISH and FLOCK. Designed in Amsterdam, all of Mae's pieces are woven at TextileLab in Tilborg, a city that's the wool capital of the Netherlands.

lila+lila-total-by-Mae Engelgeer-Remodelista

Above: Made from a linen/cotton blend, Mae's new Lil+Lila placements remind me of sunset over the ocean. Available for order now. Contact Mae Engelgeer for purchase details.

ISH-neutral-blanket-Mae Engelgeer-Remodelista

Above: Neutral zigzags of merino wool are shot through with vibrant orange cotton threads in Mae's ISH 00 Blanket, available at Brooklyn's Leif Shop for $298. The blanket is also sold by SMUG in the UK for £229.

flock-table-cloth-by-Mae-Engelgeer-Remodelista

Above: Inspired by marbled stones, Mae's FLOCK pattern is available as a tablecloth or tea towel. Available for order now. Contact Mae Engelgeer for purchase details.

ISH-blanket-Mae Engelgeer-Remodelista

Above: Mae's ISH collection, including blankets, tea towels, and scarves, is available directly through her online shop. Shown here, the ISH 001 blanket in a merino/cotton blend; it's also available at SMUG for £315.

ISH_Shawl-Mae Engelgeer-Remodelista

Above: ISH scarves made from a soft blend of merino, mohair, and cotton. Contact Mae Engelgeer for purchase details.

ISH-tea-towel-Mae-Engelgeer-at-Leif-Shop-Remodelista

Above: Mae's cotton/linen bland ISH Tea Towels in yellow, green, and pink are on offer at Leif Shop for $30 each.

N.B. Looking for vivid inspiration? Browse our Photo Gallery by Color. And for more bright kitchen ideas, see Steal This Look: Neon in the Kitchen. Mae's textiles would look charming next to some whimsical paper flowers; learn how to make your own with Gardenista's latest Required Reading.

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Pretty in Pink: An Inspired Nail Salon in Osaka, Japan

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When Tokyo designer Yusuke Seki set out to create the interior of a nail salon, he began with a color palette inspired by skin tones and nail polish colors.

Kolimo+LIM salon in Osaka is an extension of the Less Is More (LIM) hair salons in the area, and offers basic nail and eyelash beauty services. Kolimo means triangle in Finnish, and references the wall with a triangular opening that Seki created to connect the two sections of the salon. "The store layout of basic wood and white has been designed to reflect the essential color of natural skin tones, and the space itself is intended to symbolize the process of nail coloring," Seki says.

Beyond the neutral tones, subtle pastels and neons can be seen painted on ventilation screens and single walls—these color blocks reference not only nail lacquer but the colorful buildings of the surrounding neighborhood. Join us on a tour.

Photography by Takumi Ota for Yusuke Seki.

Kolmio Lim Nail Salon in Osaka, Japan Designed by Yusuke Seki | Remodelista

Above: The zigzag triangular wall is made from white-painted wood that looks as though its been crimped. Seki points out that the design refracts sun streaming in through the back windows in much the same way that glitter nail polish catches light.

Kolmio Lim Nail Salon in Osaka, Japan Designed by Yusuke Seki | Remodelista

Above: Curtains of metallic gold fabric separate treatment chairs in the back of the shop.

Kolmio Lim Nail Salon in Osaka, Japan Designed by Yusuke Seki | Remodelista

Above: A pale pink minimalist corner is designed as a place to sit while polished nails dry.

Kolmio Lim Nail Salon in Osaka, Japan Designed by Yusuke Seki | Remodelista

Above: Painting stations are furnished with chairs by Hee Welling for Hay in dove gray on a veneered oak frame. Hay's About a Chair is $360 from Huset.

Kolmio Lim Nail Salon in Osaka, Japan Designed by Yusuke Seki | Remodelista

Above: A lineup of nail stations beneath an industrial vent is where most of the work is done. The custom-built tables are kitted out with plenty of storage for manicure tools; a cutout beneath the surface is for resting the hand that's not being worked on. The puzzle-like wood floor was hand laid.

Kolmio Lim Nail Salon in Osaka, Japan Designed by Yusuke Seki | Remodelista

Above: The palette of the room, Seki says, is an expression of the Japanese proverb, "Diverse men, diverse minds," which also translates as "ten people have ten different colors"—or to each his own nail polish.

Kolmio Lim Nail Salon in Osaka, Japan Designed by Yusuke Seki | Remodelista

Above: Next to a trio of stools in the reception area, floating wooden shelves intersect the crimped wall.

Kolmio Lim Nail Salon in Osaka, Japan Designed by Yusuke Seki | Remodelista

Above: Color is applied sparingly and artfully: here, pale blue meets soft pink on a back wall, and a single ventilation screen is painted neon yellow.

Have some extra nail polish in shades you'd like to live with? Put it to use with our DIY: Easy, Colorful Switch Plate Covers. For more pale shades and paint inspirations, rummage through our Pastels Image Gallery.

Location of Kolmio + LIM Nail Salon in Osaka:

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House Tour: Pastels Go Rustic in an Italian Farmhouse

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Masters of mood and ambiance, Alexander Evangelou and James Waterworth of London-and New York-based Alexander Waterworth Interiors first impressed us when they introduced LA-Style Dining to London, Sunshine Included. The firm is also responsible for London's Best Chippy and the Summeriest Restaurant in New York.  With their recent renovation of a 17th century masseria, a farm estate in the heart of Southern Italy’s olive groves near the coast of Puglia, the pair translate their skills flawlessly into the home. We're ready to jump on a plane.

Photography by Emily Andrews

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Masseria Petrarolo, Photographs by Emily Andrews | Remodelista

Above: The masseria was refurbished for a Hong Kong-based British family who wanted a European base for their multi-generational reunions. Throughout the house, the designers placed rustic antiques sourced mainly in Italy next to bespoke modern upholstery pieces in muted pastels. 

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Masseria Petrarolo, Photographs by Emily Andrews | Remodelista

Above:  A view of the coastline is visible from one of the living rooms. The rambling estate incorporates four living rooms, eight bedrooms, and three kitchens. Still in the process of being refurbished, it's being designed as a series of private and communal living spaces—ideal for seamless family reunions. The good news: when not in use by the owners, the masseria will be available for rent starting some time in 2015. Stay tuned for more details.

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Masseria Petrarolo, Photographs by Emily Andrews | Remodelista

Above: In another living room, the pastel shades of the upholstery soften the surrounding stone and plaster surfaces. 

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Masseria Petrarolo, Stone Fireplace Mantel, Photographs by Emily Andrews | Remodelista

Above: The rooms are an exalted mix of ancient and modern, muted and shiny. Rising above the hearth, a half-plastered wall smoothes out the rusticity of the bricks without losing their texture. 

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Masseria Petrarolo, Lavender Linen Bedspread, Photographs by Emily Andrews | Remodelista

Above: A dark blue-upholstered headboard and crackly ceramic lamp create a moody contrast to the pale lavender linen bedspread.

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Masseria Petrarolo, Lavender Linen Bedspread, Photographs by Emily Andrews | Remodelista

Above: The simple bedroom with unadorned walls is rich with texture and color.

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Masseria Petrarolo, Photographs by Emily Andrews | Remodelista

Above: A desk chair with a black linen slipcover lends a touch of classic chic to the vintage rustic furnishings. 

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Masseria Petrarolo, Photographs by Emily Andrews | Remodelista

Above L: Throughout the house simple greenery in vases, such as this olive branch, enhance the calm, other-worldly ambiance. Above R: The designers retained as much original detailing as possible, including weather-worn doors. 

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Masseria Petrarolo, Wood Cutting Board, Photographs by Emily Andrews | Remodelista

Above: A still-life worthy of a painting created from a few simple household objects. 

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Masseria Petrarolo, White stucco exterior with candlles on stairs, Photographs by Emily Andrews | Remodelista

Above: The candle-lit exterior stairs lead up to a pool on the roof. 

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Masseria Petrarolo, Bell, Photographs by Emily Andrews | Remodelista

Above: "The best views (with drink in hand) are from the roof pool overlooking the sea or in the outdoor bath overlooking the orangery," says Waterworth. 

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Masseria Petrarolo, Orangery, Photographs by Emily Andrews | Remodelista

Above: The masseria's walled orangery.

Alexander Waterworth Interiors, Portrait of James Waterworth and Alexander Evangelou | Remodelista

Above: Co-founders of Alexander Waterworth Interiors, James Waterworth and Alexander Evangelou. 

For more rustic inspiration, have a look at the Modern Farmhouses in our photo gallery. On Gardenista, learn about how to bring Olive Trees Indoors (and where to find Potted Olive Trees)If you're planning a trip to Italy, consult our City Guide for our favorite places to stay, eat, and browse. 

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Remodeling 101: How to Choose Your Refrigerator

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The average life expectancy of refrigerators is 10 to 20 years, meaning we buy fridges less frequently than cars. But most of us spend just a fraction of the time and energy researching and test driving fridges than we do our next set of wheels. Meanwhile, the menu of refrigerator options in size, style, configuration, and features keeps growing. Where to begin? Simplify the process by narrowing your focus to what will best fit your kitchen, your food-shopping and storage habits, and your aesthetics.

The good news is that there's a fridge for virtually every budget, space, and cook's need. Also rest assured that the latest refrigerators are likely to more energy efficient than the one currently sitting in your kitchen—that's thanks to more efficient cooling technology and enhanced insulation. That said, the models to look for are Energy Star-certified, meaning they use 20 percent less energy than current federal standards and 40 percent less than models produced a decade ago.

Ready to start shopping? Before you begin, here's what you need to know:

SubZero Refrigerator in White Kitchen, Remodelista

Above: Refrigerators have an average life of 10 to 20 years. My refrigerator, a Sub-Zero 36-inch bottom freezer model, is turning 18 this year and is still humming. Image courtesy of Sub-Zero.

What are your kitchen's size constraints? 

Refrigerators—and refrigerator openings—are not standard in size. To figure out what's viable for your kitchen, pull out a measuring tape and jot down measurements for the following three areas:

  • The Maximum Size of Your Fridge Opening: The size of the opening where the refrigerator will live determines the types and variety of selection available. It's important to know not only the height and width, but also the depth of the opening. Also, most refrigerators need about an inch of clearance on all sides to prevent overheating. 
  • Available Space for Your Door Swing: "Not considering door swing clearance is the most common mistake we see people make," says Julie LaCap, owner of Contractor's Appliance Source in San Francisco. This is especially important if the refrigerator is across from an island or if it is placed next to a wall. If the handle of the refrigerator opens into the wall, the door can't open fully. Space considerations will affect the choice of whether the door opens from the left or the right, and the style of door configuration (see below).
  • The Size of Your Kitchen Entrance: While a 48-inch wide refrigerator may sit beautifully along your kitchen wall, it might not be able to squeeze through the kitchen door for installation. 

Ore Studios Kitchen with Slim Refrigerator, Remodelista

Above: This compact kitchen by Ore Studios has a slim but tall space that's perfect for a 24-inch refrigerator with a generous capacity. See our earlier post 5 Favorites: Skinny Refrigerators for more options.

What kind of cook and food shopper are you?

A key driver in selecting a refrigerator is storage needs, both in terms of capacity and interior configurations. Interior capacity is measured in cubic feet. The industry definition of a typical storage need is four to six cubic feet per person—but typical when it comes to food storage needs is tricky to pinpoint. That's why it's important to assess your cooking, food shopping, and food storage habits.

  • Are you a once-a-week shopper who needs to maximize capacity, or a daily market shopper who needs less space but more produce drawers?
  • Are you an entertainer? Think carefully about what you need to refrigerate and store for your dinner parties. Maximum shelf area for platters? Flexible door shelving to hold bottled drinks?
  • Do you cook and freeze? Do you keep a large selection of frozen foods on hand? Then pay close attention to the freezer configurations. Scrutinize not only the division of space between refrigerator and freezer, but also the inner configuration of the freezer itself.

LG Bottom Freezer Drawer, Remodelista

Above: A view inside the freezer drawer of the LG Bottom Freezer Refrigerator; $1,654 at AJ Madison.

What types of refrigerators are available?

There are four primary types to consider:

  • Freestanding Refrigerators: These refrigerators come fully finished on both sides and on top, so they can stand adjacent to a counter without any custom cabinetry required. Most often freestanding refrigerators slide in an alcove that has been designed for such use. This type is best for the budget-conscious buyer. Word of warning for those replacing an old freestanding refrigerator with a new one: don't assume the new fridge will be an exact fit, even if it's the same model updated: advances in energy efficiency have brought the need for more insulation and have added a few inches to the depth of many units. 

  • Built-In Refrigerators:  Installed to be flush with the surrounding cabinets, built-ins typically have custom door fronts (added to match the cabinetry), and require installation by a contractor. Most commonly offered in 24- to 48-inch widths and hovering around 84-inches tall (thanks to vents at the top or the bottom), these refrigerators are shallower than typical freestanding models. The lack of depth is typically made up for in wider widths. Some people prefer the shallower space because it's easier to see and reach items. Built-ins are at the high end of the cost spectrum. 

  • Cabinet Depth Refrigerators: Designed to give the built-in look at a lower cost and without custom cabinet work, these freestanding refrigerators align flush with cabinets (to make this work, these designs are typically 24 inches deep—standard cabinet depth—while most freestanding models are 27 inches deep). Note that cabinet-depth models require an inch or so of breathing room on the sides and top so as not to overheat. A flexible option, cabinet-depth refrigerators are available in many heights. 

  • Under-Counter Refrigerators: Refrigerator drawers and compact, swing-door models have gained traction in the past few years as a great solution for small kitchens; they also work well as second fridges for beverages and party foods. They typically measure 24-by-36 inches and fit into a standard dishwasher-sized cabinet opening. Built-in models sit flush with cabinetry and vent out the front. Freestanding compact refrigerators vent out the back and require ample room on all sides to avoid overheating.

Electrolux French Door Refrigerator, Remodelista

Above: The Electrolux Icon Professional Counter-Depth Refrigerator (E23BC68JPS) with French doors and bottom freezer looks similar to more expensive built-in models and costs $3,299 at Plessers.

GE Artistry White Refrigerator, Remodelista

Above: Introduced in 2013, the GE Artistry Refrigerator is a newly designed freestanding refrigerator with a bottom freezer and a swing door at a entry level price: it's $990 at Best Buy.  

What are the different styles and configurations?

When it comes to full-size refrigerator selection, the door style and freezer/refrigerator configuration are key. The good news is that a proliferation of sizes and styles are available at a wide range of price points. Here are the for most common types to consider: 

  • Top Freezer Refrigerators: These offer the best storage-to-size ratio of all the options— and at the most affordable prices. How are you knees and back? A drawback is that you have to bend down to access the lower fridge shelves and produce drawers. 
  • Bottom Freezer Refrigerators: Bottom freezer fridges are the bestselling style, and for good reason: most people access their refrigerator compartment ten times more frequently than the freezer, so it makes sense to have the refrigerator at eye (and arm) level. Bending down is required for freezer access, but choosing a bottom freezer drawer instead of a door makes access easier. 
  • Side-By-Side Models: Side by sides offer two full-height freezer and refrigerator compartments with doors that open from the center. The doors are half the width of standard refrigerator doors, making this style a good choice for spaces with tight door clearance. A downside is narrow interior compartments that prevent placement of platters and other large items. 
  • French Door Refrigerators: This setup has two side-by-side doors fronting the refrigerator compartment plus a bottom freezer drawer. Favored by many for their space efficiency (opening the doors requires half the space of full-size doors) and energy efficiency (opening one French door keeps more cold air inside as compared to one large swing door), they are loathed by others who complain about the clumsy two-door maneuvering (one door has to close before the other for it to seal properly).

Sub-Zero 36-inch Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, Remodelista

Above: Sub-Zero is the standard-bearer of high-end refrigerators, with dual compressors (separate cooling units for the freezer and the refrigerator provide control over temperature and humidity, and prevent freezer burn). The latest models are Energy Star–rated and feature an airier interior with brighter lighting. The Sub-Zero BI-36U 36-Inch Built-In Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator, shown here, is $9,170 in stainless with a tubular handle; ti's available through approved dealers.

What features are important to you? 

The menu of enticements offered by manufacturers is vast. Offerings range from the practical (adjustable door bins) to the over-the-top (built-in entertainment centers). One thing is certain: more features translate into a higher price tag. Before succombing to the bells and whistles, look hard at your cooking and shopping habits (see above). And, take a test drive. Visit showrooms to see, touch, and test the extras. Some of the key features to consider include: 

  • Adjustable Shelves and Door Bins: This feature is at the top of my list. Adjustable shelves and door bins increase the functionality of the interior enabling instantaneous interior configuration changes to handle the infrequent oversized birthday cake or case of bottled water for a party. Pull-out shelves are another option. 
  • Ice Makers: What used to be a rarity is now a built-in feature in many models. If not part of the package, it can be added without a huge outlay.  Bear in mind, however, that a waterline connection is required.
  • Water and Ice Dispensers: Many refrigerators have external water and ice dispenser options. This is a choice of convenience (will you use it?) and aesthetics (do you mind the dispenser-opening on the front?). Recently, more makes are offering internal water dispensers that solve the aesthetic issue.
  • Individual Cooling Zones: This is a recent phenomenon offered in high-end refrigerators enabling designated sections to be cooled at different temperatures for optimal food storage (and, manufacturers say, longer food life). 
  • Lighting: As anyone who has fumbled in the dark looking for the secret sauce in the back corner of the fridge can testify, lighting is not to be ignored. Again, try this out at the showroom. What may be illuminating for some can feel like Broadway lights to others. 

KitchenAid Architect Series Refrigerator, Remodelista

Above: The interior water dispenser of the KitchenAid Architect Series II French Door Refrigerator; $1,589 at Plessers.

Miele Drop and Lock Shelves, Remodelista

Above: Miele's engineering at work: drop and lock adjustable door bins and shelving stay firmly aligned on slide-rail framework. Move the units higher or lower with an easy tilt up and slide motion. The Miele 30-Inch Independence Series Integrated Refrigerator is $7,895 at AJ Madison.

Fisher Paykel Refrigerator Drawers Interior, Remodelista

Above: The CoolDrawer Multi-Temperature Refrigerator 3.1 by Fisher & Paykel is a chameleon for food storage, offering both cooling and freezing options. A compact drawer, the unit is designed to change from a refrigerator to a freezer to a wine cooler to an idle pantry at the touch of a button; $2,309 at US Appliance.

What about the aesthetics?

For those overwhelmed by all the options, the good news is that the finish choices are more limited in scope. Most refrigerators are offered in white, black, and stainless. High performance refrigerators tend to be limited to stainless steel or panel-ready (add your own custom cabinetry). For those who want a distinctive look or color, specialty brands like Aga, Smeg, and Big Chill are worth considering. Handles are another consideration, though many models do not offer a choice. 

Meneghini Refrigerator, Remodelista

Above: Old style meets new technology: Italian manufacture Meneghini makes a line of premium refrigerators based on la ghiacciaia, the icebox. Housing a sleek interior engineered by top German manufacturer Liebherr; Meneghini's original La Ghiacciaia Icebox is Nigella Lawson's choice. Learn more in Meet the Modern Icebox

Refrigerator Care Tips

  • Periodically vacuum accumulated dust from the refrigerator's condenser coils. These are typically located along the back of the machine on stand-alone models, and behind the grill vent (on the top or bottom front) of built-in models.
  • Clean the door seals once or twice a year (or as needed) with a soft-bristled brush and mild cleaning solution, such as vinegar or baking soda and water. Built-up dirt and food residue on the door seals reduces their effectiveness, allowing air to escape and requiring your refrigerator to work harder to keep cool.
  • Change your water filter periodically if your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker. Requirements vary from model to model; consult your appliance manual.

St Helena Cottage Refrigerator, Remodelista

Above: A stainless-steel French door refrigerator in a Cottage in St. Helena, CA. Photo by Douglas Sterling.

Refrigerator Selection Recap

Key Considerations:

  • Determine your budget
  • Know your size constraints
  • Assess your cooking and shopping habits to determine your storage needs
  • Explore the types and styles of refrigerators that best match your needs and desired looks
  • Take stock of the features available
  • Select a finish
  • Provide your fridge with periodic care—it's the equivalent of changing the oil in your car

For information on specific refrigerators brands and models, see our posts:

Remodeling your kitchen?  Read our Remodeling 101 Features, and don't miss Expert Advice: 15 Essential Tips for Designing a Kitchen. Thinking of using marble? Read Michelle's post on Gardenista: My Dirty Secret, or How I Learned to Live with a Marble Backsplash. Looking for nonstop design inspiration? Go to the 2,437 images in our Kitchen Gallery.

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Paints & Palettes: Spring Color Scheme

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Say no thanks to cloying colors. As an alternative to the Easter shades we see lining the aisles of our local drugstores, we assembled a springtime palette that's easy on the eyes. Members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory chimed in with their favorite vernal shades—perfect for that springtime paint project we've all been meaning to get to. 

Modern Springtime Paint Color Palette, Remodelista

Above, top row, left to right: Farrow & Ball Cinder Rose; Valspar Cathedral Stone; Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue; and Farrow & Ball Elephant's Breath. Bottom row: Benjamin Moore Cedar Path; Benjamin Moore Linen White; Valspar Royal Gray; and Modern Masters English Brown. Consider trying several of these shades in combination in a kids' room. 

Farrow & Ball Cinder Rose, Modern Springtime Paint Color Palette, Remodelista

Above: Los Angeles designer Alexandra Loew  of From the Desk of Lola chose Farrow & Ball's Cinder Rose as one of her all-time favorite pinks, noting that the color is "pinkish but not girly: it has a muddy, earthy, clay-like pigmentation that lends itself to masculine, organic, and even neutral looks." For the rest of our favorite pinks, see Expert Advice: The 10 Best Pink Paints.

Valspar Cathedral Stone Gray, Modern Springtime Paint Color Palette, Remodelista

Above: Valspar's Cathedral Stone is aptly named: it's a flat, gargoyle gray (and one of the prettiest grays we've seen).

Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue, Modern Springtime Paint Color Palette, Remodelista

Above: Farrow & Ball says its gray-green Oval Room Blue appears repeatedly in historic color schemes from the 18th and 19th centuries. (Portland, OR, designer Carole Magness chose it as one of her favorite trim colors for small urban kitchens. Get the whole story in Remodeling 101: Best Colors for Urban Kitchens.)

Farrow & Ball Elephant's Breath, Modern Springtime Paint Color Palette, Remodelista

Above: Magness painted her own farmhouse kitchen in Farrow & Ball Elephant's Breath, noting that the color has a "bright but historic feel."

Benjamin Moore Cedar Path, Modern Springtime Paint Color Palette, Remodelista

Above: Architect Amy Alper first clued us in to Benjamin Moore's Cedar Path, a bright spring green. Alper used the color as trim on a cabin remodel. For the story, see The Ultimate Creekside Cabin, Northern California Edition on Gardenista.

Benjamin Moore Linen White, Modern Springtime Paint Color Palette, Remodelista

Above: SF Bay Area landscape architecture firm Pedersen Associates likes Benjamin Moore's Linen White, a white so warm it's almost yellow. (We like it as a stand-in for an overly perky Eastertime yellow.)

Valspar Royal Gray Blue, Modern Springtime Paint Color Palette, Remodelista

Above: We used Valspar's Royal Gray in our Palette & Paints: Coastline-Inspired Blues; though it's labeled gray, it's a people-pleasing nautical blue.

Modern Masters English Brown Metallic, Modern Springtime Paint Color Palette, Remodelista

Above: We like a little metallic in our spring mix, such as Modern Masters English Brown. (See the rest of our metallic recommendations in Palettes & Paints: Modern Masters Metallic Wall Paint.)

Find more paint inspiration in our Palette & Paints posts, including Arne Jacobsen's Copenhagen Blues;  Jades and Celadon Greens; and India-Inspired Paint Colors. On Gardenista, see Black Magic: Architects' 8 Top Paint Picks.

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7 Handwoven Rugs in Pretty Pastels

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For the minimalist, striking the right balance between austere and boring depends on knowing how and where to incorporate texture, structure, and a pop of color into a room. Today, we're starting from the ground up, with 10 favorite rugs in pastel hues.

Landscape rug Remodelista

Above: A collaboration between textile artist Alyson Fox and Hawkins New York, the Landscape Rug has a hand-drawn design inspired by aerial views of a rural landscape. Tufted in silk and wool, it measures 5 by 7 feet; $2,200 from Hawkins New York.

Colorful Geometrical Rug by Oyyo | Remodelista

Above: Created by artisans in Jodhpur, India, the vivid colors of Oyyo's handwoven cotton dhurries are made from natural vegetable dyes. A modern take on a centuries-old textile-making technique, the Brick Rug is available in four sizes; prices ranging from €520 for the 80-by-140-centimeter size to €1,890 for the 170-by-240-centimeter size through Oyyo. For more on the designers, see Flying Carpets Designed by Nomads.

  Hay Color Block Carpet/Remodelista

Above: Amsterdam design duo Stefan Scholten and Carole Baijings created a line of color-blocked New Zealand wool rugs for Hay. Prices start at $1,550 for Color Carpet Rug #5, shown here—5-feet-7-inches by 7-feet-10 inches—at A+R in Los Angeles. 

Pastel Geometrical Rug from Aelfie in Brooklyn | Remodelista

Above: Designed in Bushwick and handwoven by Indian artisans, Aelfie's Morgan Rug is a triangular pattern of candy-colored wool and cotton; prices range from $217 for the 3-by-5-foot size to $1,040 for the 8-by-10-foot from Aelfie.

Handwoven Pale Blue Rug from Etsy | Remodelista

Above: Designed by Rose James in Salt Lake City, Utah,the Area Rug in Soft Blue is made from hand-dyed cotton that James weaves on a traditional loom. The rug measures 4-by-6-feet and is $288 from James's Etsy shop, Gypsya.

Serena and Lily Yellow Stripe Rug/Remodelista

Above: The special order Offset Stripe Wool Dhurrie from West Elm is available in several sizes and colors, including Horizon (the yellow shown above); prices start at $59 for a 2-by-30-foot rug and go up to $1,899 for a 12-by-18-foot rug.

Urban Outfitters Stacked Bar Rug/Remodelista

Above: 

For inspiration, browse rugs in room settings—go to our Photo Gallery to see hundreds of standout examples. And as a rug alternative, how about DIY Dramatic Floor Stencils? On Gardenista, have a look at Carpets in Outdoor Spaces.

 

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A Fashion Designer's Color-Blocked Cafe in Copenhagen

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A good friend of mine recently alerted me to a new cafe masterminded by fashion designer Henrik Vibskov (we both share an affinity for his avant-garde clothing). The cafe is located in Copenhagen's Papirøen (Paper Island), near The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts where my friend is studying, and it's the best place for a quick dose caffeine and color inspiration between classes.

Den Plettede Gris ("The Spotted Pig") is actually the result of Vibskov leasing a few buildings in Papirøen, one of which is his brand's main studio; a condition of the lease was establishing a public coffee bar in one of the locations. Where did the name Den Plettede Gris come from? "Pigs have been my animal symbol for fifteen years," Vibskov told the site Frame Web. The designer's graduation project at Central Saint Martins in 2001 was pig oriented. The cafe's wild interior design—bright blocks of pastel and black rubber bands at odd angles—is inspired by the inside of a piano. Read on to open the lid of the piano.

Photography from Henrik Vibskov and 12hrs.

Henrik Vibskov Coffee Shop in Chistianhavn, Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: Den Plettede Gris is set in a 19th century farmhouse building that Vibskov, not uncharacteristically, painted black.

Henrik Vibskov Coffee Shop in Chistianhavn, Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: Along with a tall citrus tree, flowers in terra-cotta pots form an early spring display at the entrance of the cafe.

Henrik Vibskov Coffee Shop in Chistianhavn, Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: The menu is straightforward: coffee, soda, wine, and beer; in warm weather, ice cream is also on offer.

Henrik Vibskov Coffee Shop in Chistianhavn, Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: The couture interior features a series of custom pendant lamps and low-hanging tubular light bulbs over a color-blocked counter.

Henrik Vibskov Coffee Shop in Chistianhavn, Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: Stretched between a series of pine pegs are black rubber bands intersecting and bending as they move up the wall.

Henrik Vibskov Coffee Shop in Chistianhavn, Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: The small cafe is just 14 square meters (about 150 square feet) in size.

Henrik Vibskov Coffee Shop in Chistianhavn, Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: Uniforms are an extension of the Vibskov fashion brand: oversized button-up shirts read Team Vibs.

Henrik Vibskov Coffee Shop in Chistianhavn, Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: In typical Copenhagen fashion, bike storage can be found out back.

Plan a trip to Copenhagen with the assistance of our City Guide. (And check out a Not-To-Be-Missed Flower Shop.) Hooked on color-blocking? See our posts: A Prince Charles-Worthy Kitchen and 10 Bold Color-Blocked Bedrooms.

Location of Den Plettede Gris in Copenhagen:

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An Organizer's Dream: An Art Studio with Color-Coded Built-In Storage

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This custom-designed artist's workspace in Tel Aviv is likely to induce envy in anyone who works from home—or, really, anyone who has more than a few papers lying around.

The studio is located within the artist's apartment in a 60-year-old concrete building in Tel Aviv. Presented with a long list of storage requirements—the artist wanted to have her daily tools within easy reach, to be able to display some of her work, and to have a place to archive the rest—and unable to expand the 190-square-foot space, Israeli architects Studio Raanan Stern created an inventive system of drawers and shelves.

To figure out what went where, they measured each print, book, and tool, and divided them into categories based on frequency of use, assigning a color to each category. They then color-coded the drawers on their sides (so that the colors are only revealed when the drawers are open). The setup might baffle an interloper, but it makes perfect sense to the artist in residence: there's a place for everything.

Photography by Gidon Levin via Dezeen.

Raanan Stern Artist's Studio with Stealth Storage Space, Remodelista

Above: The architects built the custom storage system in floor-to-ceiling white birch. One advantage of a tiny work space? Everything is within easy reach. 

Birch Artist's Studio in Tel Aviv with Teal Fold-Down Bed, Remodelista

Above: A sliding birch panel reveals a teal well for a fold-out bed.

Fold-Out Bed in Birch Artist's Studio by Raanan Stern in Tel Aviv, Remodelista

Above: The bed enables the studio to double as a guest room (and place for the artist to take a nap).

Storage Space with Drawers in Birch Artist's Studio in Tel Aviv by Raanan Stern, Remodelista

Above: The white birch storage units and floor were given only a clear protective coating to allow the wood grain to show through. The color coding is revealed when the drawers are open

Pastel Blue Color-Coded Drawers in Birch Artist's Studio by Raanan Stern, Remodelista

Above: The dimension of every drawer and cell was customized for the artist's tools and art collection. 

Drawers with Pastel Color Coding in Artist's Studio in Tel Aviv, Remodelista

Above: Each drawer can be removed from the unit and placed on the desk during work. 

Birch Pegboard Wall with Open Book in Artists Studio by Raanan Stern, Remodelista

Above: The sliding panel that hides the fold-away bed can also be used to display artwork or as a painting easel. 

Wall of Birch Drawers with Ladder in Artist's Studio in Tel Aviv, Remodelista

Above: All told, the studio has 36 drawers. 

Wall of Birch Drawers in Artist's Studio by Raanan Stern, Remodelista

Above: In such a small space, opening some drawers means cutting off access to others. The architects gave the artist easiest access to the things she needs most often. 

Table as Desk in Artist's Studio by Raanan Stern, Remodelista

Above: The designers hung gauzy blinds to provide some privacy and plenty of light.

For more storage solutions, see Storage: Well-Curated Wall Shelving; Mint Green from Ontwerpduo in Holland; and on Gardenista, A Writing Shed in the Garden. Looking for small-space solutions? See A Shape-Shifting Studio Apartment in London and Erin's 10 Tips for Living in 240 Square Feet.

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5 Favorites: Bright Metal Lights for Under $125

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Why not add a splash of color with a light fixture? Lately, we've detected a trend in powder-coated and painted-metal lamp designs. Here are five affordable standouts.

Shaded Pendant Lamps by OneFourtyThree I Remodelista

Above: The Shaded Pendant Lamp comes in mint green, black, white, and brass, and has a cloth twisted cord in black, white, or beige. Choose from hardwired or plugged in with an on-off switch on the cord; $85 from Las Vegas-based OneFortyThree. 

Swing Lamp in Mint Green from OneFourtyThree I Remodelista  

Above: Another colorful option from OneFortyThree, the swiveling Swing Lamp is available in eight powder-coated color finishes. It's made in three different arm lengths and comes with a white or black wall bracket; $95 from OneFortyThree.

Schoolhouse Electric Isaac Sconce | Remodelista

Above: The Isaac Sconce from Schoolhouse Electric is handcrafted from steel; it's also available in red and is $98 for the short-armed version, shown here (the long-armed version is $128.) The design are sold both as wall-mounted fixtures and a tabletop lamps with cords and plugs.

Barn Light Electric Downtown Minimalist Sconce | Remodelista

Above: From Barn Light Electric, which makes its powdercoat-finished designs in Florida, the Downtown Minimalist Sconce, $124, is available in 16 finishes.  See more at Turn on the Brights: the Veronica Valencia Collection from Barn Light Electric.

Industrial Scones in Emerald Green from Urban Outfitters I Remodelista  

Above: The steel Industrial Sconce comes in emerald green, white, and a metallic charcoal finish. The striped fabric cord has an on/off switch; $49 from Urban Outfitters. 

Check out the Remodelista Gallery for tons of Lighting inspiration, including a DIY Industrial Wall Lamp that you can make for less than $15. Gardenista has you covered when it comes to Outdoor Lanterns.

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Enter to Win: Eileen Fisher Eco Giveaway

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Celebrate Earth Day with Eileen Fisher by entering their #THISISECO Facebook Giveaway now through Sunday, April 20.

Eileen Fisher wants to know: What's your eco style? Head to the contest announcement on the Eileen Fisher Facebook page and tell Eileen which of the two pieces below fits your eco style. Once you comment, you will be automatically entered to win a $250 Eileen Fisher gift card and an exclusive eco tote bag.

The winner will be announced on the Eileen Fisher Facebook page on April 21. Click here for full Terms & Conditions.

 

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Editors' Picks: 10 Metallic Sandals for Spring

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Metallics are an easy route to bold dressing. The slip of a silver heel at the base of a garment is transformative, and its reflective quality is a perfect match for the bright light of spring and summer.

We've been taking note of the recent heavy dose of metallic shoes on the market, and, one by one, pairs of copper sandals, gold clogs, and silver pumps have been trickling into the office. Here's the full reveal:

PePe Sandals in Silver from Makie Clothier | Remodelista

Above: Justine has had her PePe Silver Sandals ($185) from Makie from years. "Once again, comfortable, effortless style from Italy. They're great for a summer evening when you want a little something special, but don't feel like wobbling around in heels."

Riudavets Metallic Avarca Sandals in Copper | Remodelista

Above: Meredith has her eye on a pair of Riudvaets Metallic Avarca Sandals in copper (they're also available in silver and gold). The sandals are handmade in Menorca, Spain, with recycled, rubber soles; $120 at La Garçonne.

Robert Clergerie Corson Sandals in Metallic Silver | Remodelista

Above: Margot spotted the latest Robert Clergerie shoe collection at Louis on Boston's waterfront. The collection includes a glint of silver in almost every shoe; the Corson Sandal is shown here in a mirrored silver.

Martiniano Metallic High Glove Slipper | Remodelista

Above: Alexa is awaiting the arrival of LA shoe designer Martiniano Lopez's High Glove Metallic Shoes. The flat Glove Slippers in Gold are currently available through Creatures of Comfort for $350.

Swedish Hasbeens Silver Metallic Sandals | Remodelista

Above: Christine just bought a pair of silver clog Sandals from Swedish Hasbeens: "Silver is a good color for summer. In London it can still be cool out in the summer, so I thought colored socks would look great through the cutouts in these shoes; they remind me of the school shoes I wore when I was little." The sandals are £125 through Shoescribe.

No.6 Two-Strap Clog in Pewter | Remodelista

Above: Michelle's pick? No.6's Two Strap Clogs with a medium height heel in a pewter finish; $265 from No.6.

Sandgren Clogs in Tokyo Gold | Remodelista

Above: Erin has worn her pewter-colored clogs for years. "They're by Sandgrens (formerly Ugglebo) and were a custom design and color—a service, unfortunately, no longer offered," she says. Sandgrens' Tokyo Clogs ($129) are a similar look in gold.

 

Arizona Silver Birkenstocks for J. Crew | Remodelista

Above: Francesca and Julie are both on board with Birkenstocks; especially the Birkenstock Metallic Leather Arizona Sandals from J. Crew; $130 at J. Crew.

Sven Low Heel Silver Clogs | Remodelista

Above: Sven's Plain Clogs in pewter are, as Sarah says, "great for knocking around in: super comfortable, great for traveling, and reasonably priced." Shown here is the Sven Low Heel Plain Clog; $170 (the Sven Medium Heel Plain Clog is available for $195).

Charlotte Stone Barton Sandals in Rose Gold Metallic | Remodelista

Above: Dalilah likes Charlotte Stone's Barton Sandal in Rose Gold ($128). She's eager to pair the simple sandals with white denim for spring and summer.

Golden Ponies Shoes from Mexico | Remodelista

Above: Izabella likes the metallic handmade shoes from Golden Ponies, a company in Guadalajara, Mexico. She discovered them through French stylist Aurélie Lécuyer of Le Dans La. The Pony Oxfords, shown here, are made of soft leather and ideal for dancing; $40 each.

For a look at our other favorite style accessories, visit our posts on sensible underwear, reimagined housecoats, pajamasFrench rain boots, and how to solve the evening bag dilemma. On Gardenista, see our daily uniform choices in Out of the Closet: The Essential Minimal Wardrobe.

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The Magic of Two Courtyards in Melbourne

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Melbourne architecture firm Edwards Moore’s insertion of two internal courtyard gardens into the existing fabric of a small and narrow urban house might at first seem counterintuitive. With limited space, does it make sense to carve more out?

Designed to distribute daylight and ventilation evenly through the difficult-to-reach areas of a long and narrow site in Fitzroy, Melbourne—13 by 75 feet and originally built as a worker’s cottage—the two garden courtyards pull off a difficult feat. The large glass doors create an additional circulation zone throughout the courtyards while allowing continuous through-views as well, making the seemingly connected spaces seem bigger than they actually are. Clever and ingenious? We think so. 

For more, visit Edwards Moore in the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory.

Photography by Fraser Marsden via The Frame

The Doll's House by Edwards Moore | Remodelista

Above: Light is drawn into the living room through a window to the first courtyard. The open bookcases are reminiscent of wood framing.

The Doll's House by Edwards Moore | Remodelista

Above: The fireplace mantel is a reminder of the cottage's past.

The Doll's House by Edwards Moore | Remodelista

Above: Large full-height glass doors open out into the first courtyard. 

The Doll's House by Edwards Moore | Remodelista

Above: Access to the bedroom beyond is either through the naturally-lit hall or the courtyard.

The Doll's House by Edwards Moore | Remodelista

Above: A raw, unfinished aesthetic runs throughout the house, underlining the continuity of the spaces. 

Above: A brass backsplash behind the sink brings unexpected glamour to the kitchen. 

The Doll's House by Edwards Moore | Remodelista

Above: An open and airy through-view from the back of the house to the front.

The Doll's House by Edwards Moore | Remodelista

Above: With borrowed light and space from the garden courtyard, the bedroom and hall feel bigger.  

The Doll's House by Edwards Moore | Remodelista

Above: Concrete floors complete the raw and unfinished aesthetic. 

The Doll's House by Edwards Moore | Remodelista

Above: The bedroom doors open straight onto the courtyard garden. 

The Doll's House by Edwards Moore | Remodelista

Above: A three-dimensional model illustrates the series of spaces and the interrelationship between the interior and exterior spaces. 

Did you notice the brass backsplash Edwards Moore used in the kitchen? See 91 more examples of how brass is used in interiors in our Gallery of Rooms and Spaces. Also see 5 Favorites: Brass Faucets for the Kitchen. Another Melbourne discovery? Read about flower shop and cafe Fowler's Flowers on Gardenista.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on July 24, 2013 as part of our Australia by Design issue.

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Current Obsessions: Found Art

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This past week, we looked at a DIY kitchen overhaul for under $500 and bunny decor for the design-minded. With Earth Day looming, we're dedicating our next issue to eco-friendly and sustainable living. Until then, take a look at a few things we've got on our minds.  

Hanna Eshel Loft | Remodelista

Above: Alexa hopes to someday visit the sculpture-filled New York loft of artist Hanna Eshel, whose work (and decades-long living quarters) has been discovered in late career. Her place is spotlighted on T Magazine and 1st Dibs.

No need to use chemicals this Easter; dye your eggs naturally with a How-To from Real Simple.

Table Runner | Remodelista

Above: Our friends at Darby Smart created a kit for this DIY Stitched Table Runner designed by House of Earnest. 

Saturday Night Live's Cecily Strong gets some home decorating help from the stylists at West Elm. 

Sherry and John at Young House Love recently revamped their office (clever couple; they used a shade from our Happiness-Inducing Paint Palette).

Neon Rain Detail Wallpaper | Remodelista

Above: When the desktop on Dalilah's computer isn't cluttered with pictures and folders, this work by Brit Brass is her screen saver (she discovered it on Design Love Fest, which offers a slew of free downloadable images to use as backgrounds for computers and phones). 

Perfect for spring tables: Jadeite Plates made since 1959 in Ohio of hand-pressed glass. You can also find a bonanza of Vintage Jadeite on Etsy.

We wouldn't mind downsizing if it were in any of these Tiny Houses

  Joanna Laven Stockholm apartment | Remodelista

Above: The wooden floor fixation continues—we've been admiring prop stylist Joanna Lavén's Stockholm apartment with its grand proportions and parquet.

Stuff for Your Home $20 and Under—a small, tasteful roundup that includes a marble utensil holder.

Joy the Baker Chocolate Cookies | Remodelista

Above: Meredith, Remodelista's resident baker, is whipping up a batch of Double Chocolate Chip Cookie from Joy the Baker for her Easter party (Meredith, feel free to bring leftovers to the office.) 

1940s Streamline Mobile Bar | Remodelista

Above: Summer road trip? Here are 10 Vintage Trailers for sale in the classifieds on Tin Can Tourists. 

Napa Valley Home | Remodelista

Above: Meet Sarah at the 17th annual Kitchens in the Vineyards event in Napa, where five homes located in the middle of wine country will open their doors for a home and garden tour. Sarah will be there signing Remodelista books on Saturday, April 26. Find out more details about the event here

Go to Shades of Pastel to catch up on our most recent posts and don't miss out on Gardenista's Getting Ready for Easter issue. 

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New Restaurant Alert: Souvla in San Francisco

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When the proprietors of new SF restaurant Souvla contacted us recently, we were happy to learn 1) that owner and designer Charles Bililies is a Remodelista devotee (he found inspiration for his design on RM), and 2) that the food is inspired by the simple, rustic cuisine of the Greek islands. Bililies, an alum of Thomas Keller and Michael Mina ventures (most recently RN74), has been ruminating over Souvla for a long while. After a decade of working in restaurants, Bililies took a recent trip to Greece where he undertook all manners of painstaking research for Souvla, eating and drinking included.

He eventually landed on a restaurant concept named for the traditional meat-roasting method that forms the cornerstone of the Souvla menu. (Their version of a "souvla," or rotisserie, is a gigantic Rotisol French roaster: "the Ferrari of roasters," according to marketing manager Jen Pelka.) Curious, I stopped by last week to chat with Bililies and Pelka, the day before Souvla's official opening. Here's my report:

Photography by Meredith Swinehart

Facade of Souvla Greek Restaurant in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: Souvla is located in SF's Hayes Valley neighborhood. Owner Charles Bililies designed the space in partnership with Brian Ford of Metropolis Design.

Outdoor Seating at Souvla Greek Restaurant in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: The outdoor seating arrangement is still being tweaked, but at least a few seats will be outdoors next to the olive trees.

Traditional Copper Carafes at Souvla Greek Restaurant in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: On his research trip to Greece, Bililies saw wine served in traditional copper carafes and adopted the practice at Souvla. The restaurant offers Greek wine by the glass, bottle, or 250ml or 500 ml carafe, alongside Greek beer and cherry soda.

Counter Stools with Names at Souvla Greek Restaurant in San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: Keeping the gods happy: two Restoration Hardware stools at the back counter are honorarily "reserved" for Bililies' lawyers. 

Olive Branches in White Vase at Souvla Greek Restaurant in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: Olive branches displayed in a modern vase show off Souvla's barely-gray take on the traditional blue-and-white Greek color scheme.

Greek Diner Coffee Cups at Souvla Greek in San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: Paper coffee cups waiting to be filled with Greek frozen yogurt to go. 

Menu and Copper Edging at Souvla Greek Restaurant in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: The Souvla menu is short and well-priced: main courses are available as salads or sandwiches, wrapped in Souvla's housemade, daily-baked pita. (Note the patinated copper edging at the bar, finished with copper nails.)

Front Restaurant Bar at Souvla Greek Restaurant in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: Bililies chose oak flooring for his wood countertop surfaces for its durability. Copper edging and copper tabletops were custom made by Berkeley metalworker Chris Mast and pre-aged. 

Copper Pot and Coffee Pot at Souvla Greek Restaurant in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: Greek hospitality is in Bililies' blood: his grandfather ran a Greek diner in Chicago 50 years ago. Antiques from that restaurant now line the walls of Souvla: here, a copper stock pot, a traditional coffee pot, and a string of Greek prayer beads.

Carrara Marble Penny Tiles at Souvla Greek Restaurant in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: Vertical surfaces sport Carrara marble penny tile and custom copper edging.

Greek Orthodox Priest at Souvla Greek Restaurant in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: Greek memorabilia in the bathroom includes photos, notes, and antiques.

Drunk Greek Photograph at Souvla Greek Restaurant in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: A communal dining table sits beneath a photograph by Nikos Economopoulos, taken in Alexandroupoli in the early 1990s. (Pelka called it the "original sobriety test.")

Blue and White Enamelware at Souvla Greek Restaurant in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: Food is served in enamelware. 

White and Copper Pendant Lights at Souvla Greek Restaurant in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: The white pendant lights are from Crate & Barrel. The ceiling beams are ornamental.

Seeking more Greek inspiration? See An Aegean Idyll on a Greek Island; A Greek Taverna on the Beach—Breeze Included; and on Gardenista, DIY: Whitewashed Greek Walls.

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Trending on Gardenista: Green Eggs and Other Signs of Spring

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The Gardenista crew spent this week reveling in their own (and their neighbor's) blossoming backyards—and like the rest of us, discovering the power of pastels. Looking for cafe-style outdoor furniture, the perfect spring table decorations, and the sweetest smelling shade plant? Come see.

Cotswolds rectory garden by Dan Pearson | Gardenista
Above: "Of all the old rectories and vicarages in the Cotswolds, the one with garden by Dan Pearson is the standout," writes Kendra (who happens to live in the vicinity). In this week's Garden Visit, she shows us around the place and details Pearson's relaxed formality, rose-framed front door and "slightly shaggy boxwoods," included.

Cafe chairs at Villa Augustus | Gardenista

Above: Just about right now, you're likely starting to dream about eating meals outside. In 10 Easy Pieces, Janet sources Outdoor Dining Chairs in Shades of Spring.

Erin Boyle's DIY wheat grass eggs | Gardenista

Above: Say spring with green eggs. Follow Erin's easy DIY: Grow Your Own Wheat Grass Eggs—and consider using eggshells for your seedlings, too (all you have to do, Erin explains, is crush the shells when you plant them).

Field guide to lily of the valley | Gardenista

Above: Meet the flower that some say stole the show from Kate Middleton at the royal wedding. The week's Field Guide presents a personality profile of the tiny but mighty (and shade loving) Lily of the Valley.

Architect Barbara Chambers' Mill Valley garden | Gardenista

Above: There was no keeping Michelle out of her neighbor's brand new garden: she guides us on a Sneak Peek of Architect Barbara Chambers' House in Mill Valley, CA (which Chambers designed in tandem with her plantings, so that every window presents a green and white view). How does Chambers' lawn look so lush? You'll be very surprised to hear.

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This Week's Table of Contents: Going Green

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When it comes to design, we're broad-minded, anti-rules, and all about mixing things up—but we do have a few firmly held beliefs. Considered living is what we're all about—and that includes buying only what you need and opting for thoughtfully made goods over mass-produced bargains. Join us this week as we gear up for Earth Day with our Going Green issue. Going Green Issue Image | Remodelista

Above: In the days ahead, we'll be looking at sustainable design, from new building projects to smart renovations, and from investment-piece furniture to our paint and cleaning products picks. 

Monday

Industrial Loft in Portland, Oregon | Remodelista

Above: Sarah shows us around an energy-efficient new loft planted atop an industrial building in Portland, Oregon, with design nods to its historic neighborhood.

Tuesday

Weisbaden Apartment Designed by Studio Oink in Germany | Remodelista

Above: Who wouldn't want to sleep here? For this week's Steal This Look, Izabella decodes the look of a lofted bedroom in Germany designed by Studio Oink.

Wednesday

KitchenAid Stand Mixer in Mint Green | Remodelista

Above: Kitchen counter space is hard to come by pretty much wherever you live. Janet rounds up appliances well suited to small spaces for this week's 10 Easy Pieces. We like KitchenAid's Stand Mixer thanks not just to its made-to-last design, but its many attachments and functions, including pasta maker, grain mill, food grinder, juicer, and ice cream maker.

Thursday

Koning Eizenberg LA buildings with solar panels | Remodelista

Above: Christine delves into what's happening in the world of solar paneling in Remodeling 101. Shown here, a curtain of solar panels on the exterior of an LA building by California firm Konen Eizenberg, members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory. (If you're looking to hire an architect or designer, our vetted directory is the source.)

Friday

Vitsoe Olive Green Chair Series | Remodelista

Above: We've long admired the work of furniture company Vitsoe, producers of Dieter Rams' designs. On Friday, Christine sits down with managing director, Mark Adams, to learn about the company's green manufacturing system and commitment to producing furniture that adapts to its owners' changing needs. 

Did you know that you can explore all of our posts dating back to 2007? Go to our Back Issues and start browsing; it's all there, from Vol. 1, Issue 1, In the Pink, to last week's Shades of Pastel. And also don't miss Gardenista's Archive. In the comments section, fill us in on themes you'd like us to cover in the future.

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Loft Living: An Energy-Efficient Oasis in Portland, Oregon

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When J and J (who wish to remain anonymous) left the advertising world in New York, they headed to Portland, Oregon, with the aim of creating something like the Tribeca loft they had left behind. I met them at our Remodelista Market in Portland during their first week in the city. That was three years ago, and they had just bought a one-story, nondescript industrial building on top of which they planned build a warehouse-style living space. Fresh from Manhattan, they were enthusiastic about their new hometown, and the feeling has since only grown: "We are crazy about this city. At its core is a young, creative spirit driving an amazing food, fashion, and retail scene. Here, you can be local and buy local; everything we sourced for the loft came from Portland retailers and artisans.” 

Local history is what informed the look of the loft, too. It's located in Southeast, Portland, near Ladd's Addition, the city's oldest planned residential development, now a historic district. (The couple themselves owned homes for over two decades in Florida's groundbreaking planned community, Seaside, where they were exposed to New Urbanism and leading American architects.) Another inspiration is the nearby 1914 Ford building, originally an assembly plant for the Model T, sensitively adapted for use as creative offices and retail space by Emerick Architects of Portland, the firm that J and J hired for their own place. The architects were given a mandate: to create a net zero-energy loft—meaning it generates the energy it consumes—that looks very much at home in its setting. 

Photography by Lincoln Barbour except where noted. 

Industrial Portland loft with stainless steel kitchen | Remodelista

Above: The loft was built atop a one-story structure with an 8,000-square-foot footprint. An 11 foot setback was required for the addition, and this area became a wraparound terrace and garden. Factory windows were used to create a sense of history. In the kitchen area, the owners sourced a stainless kitchen counter and units with integrated draining board from a restaurant supply company. They note, "The best counter is stainless; it gets a great old patina and you can put anything on it, from blueberries and lemon juice to hot and cold plates.” The architects designed the industrial custom hood in keeping with the look. For more on stainless counters, see Remodeling 101.

Industrial Portland loft kitchen | Remodelista

Above: The stainless steel kitchen island is topped with Carrara marble, chosen because, as one of the Js explains, "I wanted it to look like a 1924 Paris baking table." To give it a worn patina, the marble is honed rather than polished. The ceiling lighting is based on the idea of an old sprinkler system; Emerick Architects enlisted the help of local company Schoolhouse Electric to help in the execution.

Industrial Portland loft with dining table | Remodelista

Above: The loft's floor is Douglas fir painted a very warm vanilla cream—the painters had to be persuaded not to fill the natural knots and dings in the floor and to leave it with a weathered look. The wood on the ceiling was stained to replicate the look and feel of the original. Tar paper tacks from the roof were added for some visual wear. The harvest table was sourced from Seek the Unique and originally sat in Oregon's Aurora Historical Society. The built-in open metal shelving houses Fishs Eddy dinnerware mixed with old ironstone and clear glassware.

  Terrace of Portland warehouse loft | Remodelista

Above: A 13-foot-wide-opening with accordion doors connects the dining area to the terrace, and allows for indoor-outdoor living; the Tolix chairs are often brought out for pre-dinner drinks.  J and J explain, "The inspiration for the penthouse came from living in a loft in Tribeca. We always loved loft living, but in New York if we wanted to enjoy the outdoors, we had to ride down the elevator and go to a public space. We wanted to incorporate outdoor space and Portland's lush greenery into our living space, and essentially bring the outside in." 

Industrial Portland terrace garden desk | Remodelista

Above: The couple tell us that their wraparound rooftop garden "tends to be a combination of lavender, tall grasses, boxwood, and kitchen herbs with jasmine across the west and south wall, a four-in-one espaliered apple tree on another wall, and a grape leaf arbor very much in progress with sedum as ground cover." Solar panels on the new construction make it a net zero-energy building. 

Industrial Portland loft | Remodelista

Above: The loft has two concrete masses that anchor the space, one that houses the fireplace, the other the elevator. Two shelving brackets above the fireplace serve as an architectural detail and are used to hang seasonal floral displays by Portland florist Anna Mara. The owners enlisted local metal worker Aaron Busch, who made the brackets, to also fabricate some fire tools that hang from the wall by magnets. The nine-foot-long wingback sofa is from a hotel lobby; the armchairs are by Cisco Brothers, an LA company on the vanguard of using green materials and methods in its furniture. The 18-inch-square coffee tables were made from an Oregon farmhouse beam by Salvage Works in Portland.

Industrial Portland loft vintage desk | Remodelista

Above: The library-office area is anchored by a custom 16-foot-long counter with a walnut top sourced from nearby Tillamook and drawers that hide everything, including a printer.

Industrial Portland loft metal sliding barn door| Remodelista

Above: In keeping with the warehouse vernacular, the living area is separated from the bedroom and bath by a sliding fire door. In lieu of the traditional kickstand to prop open the door, a pulley-and-weight system was created. 

Industrial Portland loft bedroom | Remodelista

Above: In the master bedroom, the backdrop wall is painted Cracked Pepper from Behr, the only color in the loft. In the corner, a Steele Canvas Basket is used for stowing the bed's extra pillows at night. The bed linens are from Matteo, and the couple created their dust ruffle from a king-sized sheet: "We prefer it to a store-bought dust ruffle because you can mush it however you want." The white filmy curtains used throughout the loft are hung in panels allowing them to be moved as needed to block the sun.  

Industrial Portland loft bathroom | Remodelista

Above: In the bathroom, J and J opted for a salvaged French urinal over a Kohler double sink because it's thinner and longer in form, though it required the drilling of holes for plumbing. They opted to keep the patina on the bottom of the sink.

Door handle and light switch details in Portland industrial loft | Remodelista  

Above: The Black Porcelain Doorknobs and Push-Button Light Switch Plates were sourced from Rejuvenation.

Industrial Portland hallway | Remodelista

Above: The ground floor of the building houses guest quarters and a laundry room, and leads to the loft. The building's entry has a floor of classic hexagonal tiles that incorporate a mat. The wooden ceiling was taken from the original roof that had been covered in tar paper, but had faced the elements for over 75 years. The couple insisted on using the weathered side because they loved the patina. For the doors, they wanted old reeded glass, but building codes required tempered glass; instead, they were able to source something that looks like historic reeded glass. They hired local sign painter, Pete Mckearnan who specializes in historic fonts, to come up with the 1924 lettering that he hand-painted on the doors. Photograph via Emerick Architects.

Heading to Portland? Allow us to point you to our Favorite Places in the city, including the original Ace Hotel, a Shaker-Inspired Portlandia Cafe, Pistils Nursery, and much more. For inspirational lofts the world over, have a look at our Photo Gallery

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Beyond the Microwave: Speed Ovens

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Do you like the convenience of a microwave but feel frustrated by the results? Or, do you loathe microwaves, but wish conventional cooking could speed up? In both cases, a speed oven might be the answer.

Julie's architect Jerome Buttrick (a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory) is the one who first put speed ovens on our radar. In our post 15 Essential Tips for Designing a Kitchen, he recommends considering a speed oven in lieu of a microwave. What exactly is a speed oven? Smaller in size and faster in cooking speed than a standard wall oven, a speed oven combines convection, microwave, and, in most cases, a grill element. Together these cooking technologies reduce cooking times significantly—and without the colorless, tasteless, and rubbery results of a microwave. Most of these ovens can be operated on a single mode (for instance, microwave only for defrosting) and come with pre-set roasting and baking programs (a baking cycle might be 90% convection and 10% microwave) that yield great results at reduced times.

Caveat: This cooking technology comes with a steep price tag, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 (they're similar in cost to medium- and high-end wall ovens). 

Have a speed oven? Share your experience in the comments section below.

Miele Speed Oven In Situ, Remodelista

Above: Most speed ovens are configured as built-in wall ovens. The Miele MasterChef 24-inch Speed Oven is at the top of the line in terms of features and technology—and price. Kitted out with 1,000 Watt microwave, a True European convection oven, and infrared broiling, it has 15 operating modes and over 100 automatic cooking programs; $2,999 at AJ Madison.

Miele Speed Oven Interior, Remodelista

Above: The interior of the Miele MasterChef 24-inch Speed Oven features an infrared broiler and convection fan; it can also operate as a full-power microwave.

Miele Brilliant White Speed Oven, Remodelista

Above: The Miele MasterChef 24-inch Speed Oven in Brilliant White; $2,999 at AJ Madison.

Smeg Speed Oven, Remodelista

Above: The Italian-designed Smeg 24-inch Built-In Speed Oven combines a 1,000-Watt microwave with a European convection and conventional broil oven. It has a fingerprint-proof stainless steel finish and 10 cooking modes; $1,699 at Compact Appliance. 

GE Monogram Speed Oven, Remodelista

Above: The professional-style GE Monogram Built-In Oven with Advantium Speedcook Technology is 30 inches wide and offers four ovens in one: True European convection, a microwave, a warming oven, and the combination "Speedcook" oven; $2,799 at Elite Appliance.

Jenn Air Speed Oven, Remodelista

Above: The Jenn-Air 30-Inch Built-In Microwave Oven with Speed-Cook System combines microwave cooking with convection cooking and broiling for results that are up to three times faster than conventional ovens. It has a clean front with a curved handle, and comes with several auto sensor cooking modes; $1,849 at Plessers.

Bertazzoni Speed Oven, Remodelista

Above: In addition to European convection, the Bertazzoni 24-Inch SO24PROX Speed Oven offers conventional electric-oven cooking modes and an electric grill. These can be combined with the microwave functions to cut cooking time by more than 50 percent; $1,699 at AJ Madison.

Want to stick with a microwave? Consider a Built-In Microwave to free-up counter space and get an integrated look. Not ready to commit to a built-in, but enticed by the notion of an out-of-sight microwave? See Julie's 10 Strategies for Hiding the Microwave. Also have a look at more of our featured Ovens and Ranges. And over on Gardenista, you can learn about Oven Canning.

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