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10 Shops and Restaurants Made from Shipping Containers

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If they've already paved paradise and put up a parking lot, an innovative way to use an vacant lot or urban space in decay is to introduce an old shipping container. We've noticed container shops and restaurants popping up from San Francisco to London to Christchurch, New Zealand. The mall of the future, it seems, is one that brings resourceful architecture and small businesses together. Here are 10 of our favorite uses of castoff containers.

N.B.: Have a look at our exploration of container homes in our previous post, 10 Houses Made from Shipping Containers.

Del Popolo San Francisco Pizza Truck Made from Shipping Containers, Remodelista

Above: Jon Darsky's Del Popolo Pizza Truck is made from a transatlantic shipping container mounted to a Freightliner M2 truck. The container houses a 5,000-pound Stefano Ferrara wood-fired brick oven to make Darsky's Neapolitan pizza. For more, see our post: Gastronomy on the Move: Del Popolo Pizza Truck.

Boxpark Shipping Container Mall in Shoreditch, London | Remodelista

Above: Opened in 2011 in Shoreditch, London, Boxpark is a shopping mall made from stripped and refitted shipping containers for a series of low-cost, pop-up stores (the mall will be open through 2015).

A Shipping Container Shop: Lila B. Floral Design in San Francisco, California | Remodelista

Above: San Francisco floral designer Baylor Chapman's shop, Lila B. Design, utilizes a shipping container as office and retail space alongside her open-air floral studio. For more on the shop, read our post on Gardenista, Lila B. Design at Stable Café in SF's Mission District.

Hellmannn's Pop-Up Sandwich Shop in Copenhagen, Denmark | Remodelista

Above: An inspired shipping container pop-up restaurant from an unexpected source: Hellmann's mayonnaise company opened a 45-square-meter restaurant to serve free sandwiches for a day in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Sis Deli and Cafe in Finland | Remodelista

Above: Set up temporarily for Design Forum Finland in Helsinki, SIS Deli + Café featured a fully functioning bakery with Tassel Lamps by Aalto + Aalto and furniture by Tero Kuitunen, two up-and-coming Finnish design studios. Photograph from Weekday Carnival.

Evergreen Nursery by Levitt Goodman Architecture in Toronto | Remodelista

Above: Evergreen Brickworks, an environmental community center in Toronto, has a welcome hut made from a repurposed 20 foot shipping container that architect Levitt Goodman renovated and painted bright green. He installed a rainwater chain to direct excess water into a rain barrel on the side of the hut. See Photograph by Ben Rahn via Inhabitat.

Intrigued by rainwater chains? Have a look at Gardenista's 10 Easy Pieces on Rain Chains.

Porchetta Shipping Container Restaurant | Remodelista

Above: In collaboration with Muvbox, a company that specializes in shipping container conversions, product designers Guillaume Noiseux and Guillaume Sasseville opened Porchetta Box, a temporary restaurant in Montreal during the summer of 2012. Photographs courtesy of Guillaume Noiseux via Design Boom.

Suppenkuche Biergarten in San Francisco, Remodelista

Above: Architects Envelope A+Dmembers of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directoryput a shipping container to use when designing Suppenküche's outdoor German biergarten. The restaurant is part of the Proxy Project in San Francisco's Hayes Valley neighborhood. For more, see Restaurant Visit: Suppenküche Biergarten in SF. Photograph by Janet Hall for Remodelista.

Softroom Architects Shipping Container Restaurant Wahaca in London | Remodelista

Above: In London's Southbank, Softroom Architects designed a two-story building from eight shipping containers for Mexican restaurant Wahaca. The upper story container has an outdoor terrace on one side and large sliding glass doors on the other. Photograph by Joseph Burns via Design Boom.

 

Aether Shop Made from Shipping Container in Hayes Valley, San Francisco

Above: Envelope A+D collaborated with Thierry Gaugain and Chris French Metal Studio to design the storefront for LA-based tech clothing company Aether. The shop, located in SF's Hayes Valley, is built from three stacked shipping containers. To see more, go to The Shipping News: Aether in SF Opens.

For more small living ideas, see our post on 10 Airstream Trailers for Living Small and our Small-Space Living Room Gallery.

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Steal This Look: A Scandi-Inspired Bedroom, Small Space Edition

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When a German couple hired design team Lea Korzeczek and Matthias Hiller of Studio Oink to remodel their Wiesbaden apartment, they had a few items at the top of their wish list: each room needed be tailored according to its function, and have a clean Scandinavian aesthetic.

We're particularly taken with the bunk area—an elevated podium made from plywood with built-in storage that extends along the bedroom wall. Here's a look at the airy space followed by the essential elements for recreating the look.

Photography via Studio Oink

Weisbaden Apartment Designed by Studio Oink in Germany | Remodelista

Above: The idea of the podium was to keep the bedroom clean and focused on its function as a quiet and relaxing space. Go to Remodeling 101: The Ins and Outs of Plywood for the scoop on eco-friendly plywood. 

Bedroom designed by Studio Oink I Remodelista

Above: A full view.

Ivar Cabinet from Ikea I Remodelista

Above: The sleeping area is elevated and surrounded by pine cabinetry. For a similar look, consider the Ivar Cabinet; $80 from Ikea. 

String-shelf-Remodelista  

Above: The String Pocket Shelf was designed in 1949 by Swedish architect Nils Strinning. It comes in several colors and materials; the white and ash combination, shown here, is €148 from the Finnish Design Shop. LA-based A+R also offers the String Pocket Shelf in nine colors for $195.

Senovinis Fog Linen Cotton Blanket I Remodelista   

Above: The Senovinis Fog Linen Cotton Blanket, designed by Yumiko Sekine of Fog Linen in Tokyo, has an open weave with a 7 inch border and a navy blue accent; $134 from Muhs Home. Looking for more bedding ideas? Check out our favorite White Sheets and our top Mattress picks. 

Le Klint Pendant 153 I Remodelista  

Above: The 153 Pendant Light (nicknamed the "Pine Cone") was designed by Andreas Hansen in 1964 for Le Klint. The angled lamp shade is made from anti-static PVC; $659.60 from Lighting Deluxe. 

Aina Linen Curtains from Ikea in White I Remodelista

Above: Aina Curtains in 100 percent linen come in white, natural, gray, and pink; $49.99 for a pair from Ikea. And here are a few more Linen Curtain options to consider.

Cobra-Lamp-Remodelista  

Above: The Cobra Table Lamp, designed by Greta Grossman for Gubi, is $455 from DWR. The lamp also comes in black, charcoal, blue- gray (shown), putty, and salmon.

Creating a serene bedroom retreat? These Cloud Pendant Lights definitely have a calming effect. And what about adding plants in the bedroom? Gardenista has the answer. Also check out our Bedroom Gallery for more inspiration. 

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Hello, Llama: Eco Housewares from a Danish Design Team

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Aiayu (pronouned Eye-aye-you) is a small Danish company devoted to creating sustainable knitwear, designed in Copenhagen and woven in Bolivia. Run by a team of five women, the brand, which has housewares and fashion collections, focuses on creating new classics and keeping its production simple and transparent. In 2009 and 2012, Aiayu won Denmark's Ethical Brand of the Year prize. "Ethical fashion means being socially aware and style conscious at the same time," say the company founders.

Aiayu llama wool pillows | Remodelista

Above: Aiayu focuses on one material—top quality llama wool—and produces its designs in El Alto, Bolivia, where the fleece and weaving and knitting expertise come from. All of Aiayu's products are made in one factory that employs 80 and uses mostly natural colors in lieu of dyes. 

All of Aiayu's designs are available directly from the company's online shop, as well as from retailers in the US (including ABC Home and Carpet, Ochre, and Erica Tanov), Europe, and Japan. The Aiayu site also lists webshops for each of its products.

Aiayu handknit llama wool throw | Remodelista

Above: Llama fleece is notable for being exceptionally lightweight and soft, and the variety Aiayu uses has long fibers that makes it less prone to pilling. The Illimani throw is hand knit from baby llama wool in natural colors, and measures 130 by 160 centimeters; €376.

Aiayu organic cotton duvet cover and pillowcase | Remodelista

Above: In addition to knitwear, Aiayu makes organic cotton bed linens. The Aiayu Sleep Double Set comes with a double duvet cover and two pillowcases and costs €207.20. It's available in four colors, including Ash, shown here. 

Aiayu baby llama wool pillow | Remodelista

Above: The Main pillow cover is 100 percent baby llama wool; it's available in three color combinations and two other geometric patterns; €87.20, not including an insert.

Aiayu llama wool throw | Remodelista

Above: The ribbed Havana throw, 150 by 180 centimeters, is slightly larger and lighter than Aiayu's other throws; €256.

Aiayu llama wool Hollie throw blanket | Remodelista

Above: The Hollie throw, 130 by 160 centimeters, has a herringbone pattern and gently zigzagging edges. It's available in six bright colors and six natural shades for €256. 

Aiayu socks | Remodelista

Above: Aiayu also offers a fashion collection, including socks, scarves, and sweaters, made of llama wool.

Aiayu llama wool designs made in Bolivia | Remodelista

Above: Aiayu's designs are produced in the highlands of Bolivia, 4,000 meters above sea level, an area with a centuries-old knitting tradition. All of the llama wool is sourced locally.

More throw blankets? See 10 Textural Throws and, for pink mohair, go straight to Pink Is the Navy Blue of India.

Looking for summer blankets? See 10 Easy Pieces: Lightweight Cotton Blankets. And while we're on the subject, have a look at 7 Secrets to Making the Perfect Bed.

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12 Natural Garment Washes and Detergents

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It only takes a few dry cleanings to notice the chemical film on your favorite garments and the degradation of the fibers.

I, for one, have lost a few good sweaters to a year of over zealous dry cleaning, during which I turned a blind eye to perchloroethylene, one of many solvents used in the process. Perchloroethylene is labeled carcinogenic to humans by the EPA, and its disposal must be handled as hazardous waste. In fact, the solvent will be illegal in California by 2023, but we're not quite there yet. Until then, we're finding a cleaner way to wash and preserve clothing with these 12 green fabric care solutions.

N.B.: For more on maintaining a wardrobe over a lifetime, have a look at our Expert Advice with Antonio Centeno, author of the Real Men, Real Style blog.

APC and Aesop Fine Fabric Care, Photograph from Fantastic Man | Remodelista

Above: A collaboration between French fashion brand A.P.C. and Australian skincare company Aesop, Fine Fabric Care is made with lemon and cedar wood for washing delicate garments. The 17-ounce bottle is undeniably pricey—it's $39 at Aesop and €29 at A.P.C.—but only a half tablespoon is needed per wash. Photograph by John Verde for Fantastic Man magazine.

The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar | Remodelista

Above: Founded by two graduates of Cornell University's Fiber Science, Textile, and Apparel Management and Design program, The Laundress is a company that takes garment care very seriously. Their lavender-scented Stain Bar is eco friendly, 100 percent biodegradable, and free of artificial colors and dyes. It's $6.95 at Crate & Barrel, which also carry the rest of The Laundress's clothing care line.

Simply Clean Pure Soap Flakes for Laundry | Remodelista

Above: Formulated without the use of phosphates, volatile organic solvents, and any toxic acids or nonylphenols, Simply Clean's Pure Soap Flakes are for laundering and hand washing delicate fabrics; $12.99 CAD from Well.ca.

Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Cleaning Soap | Remodelista

Above: If you haven't heard the story of Emanuel Bronner, the documentary, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox is worth a watch. Bronner came from a German soap making family and emigrated to the US in 1929 before founding his own soap company, Dr. Bronner's. The line blends pure organic ingredients with a slightly religious slant (carried out as text written on the outside of the bottle). Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds are an all-purpose liquid cleaner intended for use on laundry, dishes, floors, and more; $8.99 for the 16 ounce size.

Tangent Garment Care from Sweden Textile Wash | Remodelista

Above: Recently founded Swedish company Tangent Garment Care is devoted entirely to natural laundry care products. Its Textile Shampoo, shown here, is made with coconut and orange extracts. Contact Tangent Garment Care for buying information. Additionally, they carry a Fine Wash with Orange Oil (€12), Soy Bean Stain Remover (€12), Denim Wash (€12), and Peach Oil Fabric Softener (€12). For more see our post: Natural Laundry Potions from Sweden.

Vaska Oxygen Clothing Brightener, Bleach Alternative | Remodelista

Above: Berkeley, California, company Vaska offers a smart bleach alternative: its Color-Safe Oxygen Brightener is chlorine- and odor-free, and 100 percent natural; $5.99 for a 42 ounce size from Soap.com.

Swedish Company L:A Bruket's Detergent for Wool/Cashmere and Cotton/Denim | Remodelista

Above: From Swedish company L:A Bruket, No. 96 Detergent for Cotton and Denim has a patchouli and lavender scent, and No. 97 Detergent for Wool and Cashmere has a sandalwood fragrance. Both are biodegradable detergents made from either cottonseed oil or lanolin; $249 SEK each from L:A Bruket.

  Murchison-Hume Garment Groom Stain Remover & Clothes Refresher | Remodelista

Above: Our go-to line of a household cleaners here at Remodelista is from Australian company Murchison-Hume. Their gentle alternative to dry cleaning is the Garment Groom Stain Remover & Clothes Refresher. Eco-friendly and with a white grapefruit scent, the spray is $7 from The Line.

  Common Good Laundry Detergent | Remodelista

Above: The Common Good Laundry Detergent is an ultra concentrated formula good for up to 96 high efficiency wash loads; it's plant-based and 100 percent biodegradable. The detergent is $31.99 for a 32 ounce glass bottle from Common Good, and the bottle is refillable at one of many retail locations found on the company's site. 

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent | Remodelista

Above: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Baby Blossom Laundry Detergent is made from plant-derived Anionic Surfactants, stain-fighting enzymes, and fragrant essential oils; $15.99 for the 64-load size from Mrs. Meyer's.

Wendyl Nissen Laundry Powder from Everyday Needs | Remodelista

Above: Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Wendyl Nissen has created a cleaning product line using only essential, natural ingredients. Above L: The Patchouli Laundry Powder is made from castile soap, patchouli, ylang ylang, and frankincense essential oils; $12.50 NZD. Above R: The Mild Baby Laundry Powder is made from Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild castile soap, baking soda, and washing soda; $16.50 NZD. For more on the products, see our post: Wendyl Nissen's "No Nasty Chemicals" Philosophy.

JR Watkins Powder Laundry Detergent | Remodelista

Above: J.R. Watkins Fragrance-Free Powder Laundry Detergent is all natural and free of dyes, ammonia, chlorine, phosphates, bleach, sulfates, and sodium hydroxide; $12.99 for the 80 ounce size.

Ready to make your own cleaning solutions? See Sarah's posts: Move Over, Mrs. Meyer and DIY: 10 Ways To Use Vinegar in the Home. And on Gardenista, get the recipe for Erin's DIY window cleaner: The Secret to Making Windows Shine Bright Like A Diamond. Sweet smelling dish soap? Look through our Eco Dish Soap Roundup. 

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Object Lessons: Lodge Cast Iron

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Cast-iron cooking pots are extremely durable. In fact, they last so long that we know that the Chinese were cooking with cast iron in the 5th century BC. And yet, cast iron has seen a decline in the kitchen since Teflon aluminum pans were introduced in the 1960s. But because of the health hazards now associated with Teflon and other nonstick-coated cookware, cast iron is making a comeback.

As with many good things that are built to last, an iron cooking pan requires maintenance: a new pan needs to be seasoned with vegetable oil and baked at a high temperature for about an hour, then, over time and through use, it will develop its own entirely natural nonstick surface. The pan can be washed with a dollop of oil and some rough sea salt; no soap required. 

Our favorite purveyor is Lodge (it's the oldest family-run foundry in America), founded in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee by Joseph Lodge. In 1992, Lodge replaced its coal fire furnaces with an electro magnetic induction melting system, which cut hazardous waste production to a fraction. And if having to season your own cooking pan is still too much of a bother, Lodge recently introduced pre-seasoned cast iron cookware. Here are some examples from Lodge's full range:

Lodge large skillet from March in SF | Remodelista

Above: The Lodge 15 ¼-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is $80—and comes pre-seasoned—from March in San Francisco. Unlike its Teflon and other nonstick counterparts, a cast iron skillet can be transferred from stove top to oven.

Lodge cast iron skillet | Remodelista

Above: Cast iron handles can get extremely hot, so Lodge has produced a pan with stainless steel handles. The Lodge 10-Inch Signature Cast Iron Skillet is $55 at Mills Fleet Farm.

Lodge square cast iron pan from March in SF | Remodelista

Above: The Lodge 12-Inch-Square Cast Iron Griddle is $54 at March; it's also available in a 5-inch square for $38, and both pans are pre-seasoned.

Griswold vintage cast iron skillet | Remodelista

 Above: Vintage cast iron skillets are readily available on eBay, Etsy, and at flea markets. 

Best Made Co NYC vintage cast iron cookware | Remodelista

Above: Best Made Co. sells reconditioned vintage skillets at their Tribeca shop, and, from time to time, offers workshops in cast iron cookware restoration.

Object Lessons columnist Megan Wilson is the owner of Ancient Industries and curator of the Remodelista 100, a collection of essential everyday objects presented in the Remodelista book. Watch for her column every Tuesday, and have a look at her past lessons on the Pastel Enamel Pot, Ercol Stacking Chair, the Trusty Tiffin Box, and the Humble Cotton Cleaning Cloth.

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A Good Seed: Eileen Fisher Fifth Avenue

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Eileen Fisher is trying something new. The company's Fifth Avenue boutique is meant to function not only as a store, but as an exploratory space for the forward-thinking brand. By encouraging creativity in a place where customers can immediately respond to it, Eileen Fisher hopes to inspire greater ingenuity throughout the business as a whole. 

As for the store, expect unique takes on decor and merchandising, plus wares from other designers (including jewelry, hats, and bags). Visit regularly for the full effect.

Photography by Nicole Franzen for Remodelista. 

Eileen Fisher Fifth Avenue Store, Remodelista

Above: The Eileen Fisher Fifth Avenue store, located at 166 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, is flexible in fixtures and furnishings to encourage creative use of the space. 

Eileen Fisher Recycled Cardboard Ampersand in Fifth Avenue Store, Remodelista

Above: At Eileen Fisher, the "&" symbol represents the company's efforts to protect the environment, empower women and girls, and preserve traditional crafts and cultures. For the Fifth Avenue store, the Eileen Fisher team created an ampersand out of cardboard recycled from the company's New Jersey distribution center.

Eileen Fisher System Collection in Fifth Avenue Store, Remodelista

Above: The System collection forms the core of the Eileen Fisher brand: easy-to-wear, covetable basics—the beginning of any outfit or an end unto themselves. 

Eileen Fisher Style Tipster Nicole B in Fifth Avenue Store, Remodelista

Above: Eileen Fisher style "tipster" Nicole B. wears pieces from the spring collection.

Eileen Fisher Fifth Avenue Store and Style Tipster Nicole B, Remodelista

Above: Nicole browses through the racks for her favorite pieces. 

Eileen Fisher One Eleven Sample Collection at Fifth Avenue Store, Remodelista

Above: The One Eleven capsule collection is exclusive to the Fifth Avenue store. Chosen by the Eileen Fisher design studio, these pieces are hand-picked, one-off designs that push the brand in new directions. (And they're sold at reduced, sample sale prices.)

Eileen Fisher Green Eileen Initiative - Donate Gently Used Eileen Fisher Clothing, Remodelista

Above: A playful display highlighting the Green Eileen initiative: customers can donate their gently worn Eileen Fisher clothing and receive a $5 Eileen Fisher gift card for each piece. The clothes are then sold at reduced prices and all proceeds go to programs helping women and girls.

Facade of Eileen Fisher Fifth Avenue Concept Store, Remodelista

Above: Starting in 2014, Eileen Fisher committed to increasing its use of organic fibers by 10 percent each year. To celebrate Earth Month, the Fifth Avenue storefront windows have been decorated to share the company's eco message.

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10 Easy Pieces: Compact Cooking Appliances

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Being confined to small cooking quarters doesn't mean being limited to subpar appliances. Yes, we've seen cooks be creative with camping stoves and fireplaces. But if you're living day to day with a tiny kitchen, there's a growing selection of compact cooking appliances that offer big performance in a small package. Here's our roundup.

Have a tiny kitchen? Share your experience with cooking appliances in the comments section below. 

Reduced-Size Ranges

BlueStar Companion 24-inch Range, Remodelista

Above: Professional style downsized: the BlueStar Companion Series 24-Inch Freestanding Gas Range in stainless steel has a generously-sized 3.5-cubic foot convection oven and four open burners with up to 22,000 BTUs. Available for natural gas or propane fuel source, it's $3,814 at AJ Madison.

Bertazzoni 24-Inch Professional Series Range, Remodelista

Above: The freestanding stainless steel Bertazzoni 24-Inch Professional Series Gas Range has four sealed aluminum burners, a 2.4-cubic foot convection oven, and a storage drawer; $1,999 for natural gas or liquid propane fuel at AJ Madison.

Aga 24-Inch Companion Range, Remodelista

Above: A tiny kitchen can house a taste of the British countryside (for a price). At 24 inches wide, the Aga Duel Fuel Companion has four burners, two ovens, and is made of cast iron with three coats of glossy vitreous enamel. Available in 11 colors, it ranges from $5,699 to $6,199 depending on color at AJ Madison.

Summit 20-Inch Range, Remodelista

Above: Super small but well detailed, the Summit Professional 20-Inch Slide-In Gas Range has four burners, a 2.5-foot capacity oven, and a broiler drawer; $899 at AJ Madison. 

Summit Professional Electric Range, Remodelista

Above: Limited to electric? Summit offers its electric professional style ranges in 20-inch and 24-inch options. The Summit Professional Series 20-Inch Electric Range and the Summit Professional Series 24-inch Electric Range in stainless steel feature four coil elements, towel bar handles, and a storage drawer; $859 and $899 respectively at AJ Madison.

Compact Cooktops

No room for a range? Consider a cooktop. 

Miele CombiSet Two-Burner Gas Cooktop, Remodelista  

Above: The demure Miele Double CombiSet Gas Cooktop measures just 12 inches wide. Designed to coordinate with other built-in, independent cooking modules, it also works well on its own. It has sealed burners, a cast iron grate, stainless knobs, and electric ignition. Available for natural gas or liquid propane; $999 at AJ Madison.

Fagor Metro Suite Two-Burner Cooktop, Remodelista  

Above: A more affordable option is the Fagor Metro Suite Gas Cooktop. It measures 12 by 20 inches and is $449 at Wayfair.

Broil King Double Burner Portable Cooktop, Remodelista  

Above: No hard wiring required. The electric plug-in Broil King Professional Double Burner Space Saver Range is fully portable and features two cast-iron burners with a stainless steel body. It measures 13.5-by-22.75 inches and is $224.99 at Compact Appliance. 

Fagor Portable Induction Cooktop, Remodelista

Above: The Fagor Portable Induction Cooktop offers energy-efficient, high-power cooking in a small package. The 12-by-14 inch induction burner packs 1,800 watts of power and seven power level settings, ranging from warm to boil. It plugs into a standard outlet and has a hard-wearing Schott Ceran glass surface; $129 at Amazon.

Countertop Ovens

Your compact cooktop needs a partner: a new generation countertop oven. What used to be known as toaster ovens have moved far beyond just toasting, while still maintaining a countertop-sized footprint. More aptly called countertop ovens, here are two to consider:

Breville Countertop Convection Oven, Remodelista

Above: The Breville Smart Convection Oven is a countertop convection oven with nine operating modes, including bake, broil, toast, and roast. It measures 18.5-by-16.25-by-11.25 inches, and has a 0.8 cubic-foot interior—large enough for a 13 inch pizza (and yes, 13-by-9 baking sheets are available); $249.95 at Williams-Sonoma.

Cuisinart Countertop Oven, Remodelista

Above: The Cuisinart Combo Steam Convection Oven (CSO-300) is a countertop convection oven that also has steaming and poaching capabilities. It has nine single and combination functions, enabling it to bake, broil, steam, and even proof bread. The water reservoir limits the interior to a 12-inch maximum width, but it's able to hold a 5-pound chicken and 12-inch pizza; $299.95 at Williams-Sonoma.

For more small kitchen ideas, see 10 Ingenious Space-Efficient Kitchens. And for more space-saving kitchen appliances, see our posts on Compact Refrigerators, Skinny Refrigerators, and Dishwasher Drawers

Considering a kitchen remodel? Go to our Remodeling 101 posts for advice on choosing a layoutcabinets, countertops, and much more. And if you're considering a formal eat-in kitchen, you'll likely be further convinced by Michelle's Domestic Dispatch on The Death of the Dining Room.

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Architect Visit: The Look of Things to Come

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At first glance, the unconventional shape of the Just K house in Tübingen, Germany, might lead you to assume that we've stumbled upon an architect’s folly . Closer scrutiny of this innovative, zero-energy construction reveals a concerted and thoughtful method to the madness.

Designed by architects Björn Martenson, Sonja Nagel, and Jan Theissen of German-based design practice AMUNT, the house was awarded the prestigious AR 2011 House award (not a surprise in this age of conscientious building). Conceived with a passive energy system, sustainable building materials, and a limited budget, the Just K house skillfully accommodates a family of six in a mere 1,500 square feet, offering a viable, efficient, and appealing vision of future living.

Photography by Brigida Gonzalez via Yatzer.

Just-K-Zero-Energy-House-AMUNT-Tubingen-Germany-AR2011-Awards-chamfered-form

Above: The chamfered form of the house has the dual function of preserving views of Hohentübingen Castle while repelling wet and stormy weather.

Just-K-Zero-Energy-House-AMUNT-Tubingen-Germany-AR2011-Awards

Above: "Based on considerations of sustainability, the physics' requirements of passive houses, and the opportunities to reduce the construction phase by using prefabricated materials, we decided to build the house with solid wood construction," says architect Jan Theissen. "Also as a renewable resource, wood has a very favorable energy balance."

JustK Eco House in Germany by AMUNT | Remodelista

Above: The kitchen is an integral part of the main living area, optimizing the use of the available space in terms of functionality and flexibility.

JustK Eco House in Germany by AMUNT | Remodelista

Above: Just K is made of 136 prefabricated pieces that arrived onsite with precut notches, drill holes, and grooves so that the house could be put together like a three-dimensional puzzle. The staircase accommodates a utility room and is also used for seating.

JustK Eco House in Germany by AMUNT | Remodelista

Above: All of the wooden surfaces have been sanded down and soaped to give a uniform light feel throughout the house. "We wanted to achieve the maximum in spatial qualities with the minimum use of materials," says architect Sonja Nagel.

JustK Eco House in Germany by AMUNT | Remodelista

Above: "In the main living space, the different functional areas—sunken courtyard, entrance, cloakroom, kitchen, eating area, balcony, living area, window seating area, mini office, and staircase—overlap imaginatively, creating a living environment that gives the inhabitants a feeling of spaciousness, and provides different atmospheres and potential uses of the space despite its small size," says Nagel.

JustK Eco House in Germany by AMUT | Remodelista

Above: Just K sits slightly elevated above the ground in order to accommodate a ground-air heat exchanger beneath it, which enables the house to benefit from the stack effect, a passive energy system. In the winter, solar panels on the south face insulate the envelope of the house; the hot air then circulates and rises up through the house. In the summer, the system draws the cooler night air in from outside and funnels it down, ensuring comfortable daytime temperatures.

Above: In order to maximize solar gain, windows are placed on the south side of the house with operable shading panels working as traditional shutters. The sliding door between the kitchen and balcony allows the space to expand another 130 square feet.

Browse our Architect Visit posts to tour other new house designs, including a 750-Square-Foot Modern Farmhouse with a birch cube in its center. Gardenista has Architect Visit posts, too—have a look at a Small Footprint Cabin on Stilts in Washington's Olympic Peninsula.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on April 30, 2012 as part of our Beyond Bauhaus issue.

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Handmade in LA: VVoods Bedroom Furniture

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LA-based furniture company VVOODS is the work of two design-minded Brits, Gareth Walsh and Helen Cooper, who moved to the city and instantly fell for the aged patina and graining of California old-growth wood. The fascination led them deep into to demolition sites—and a new business.

Gareth, a designer and professor at UCLA's Design Media Arts department, and Helen, a textile and surface design artist, started VVOODS (the name is a play on the word "woods" using two V's) from a shared interest in sustainable and local manufacturing. "Domestic manufacturing has a far lighter impact on the environment than foreign imports," they explain. The two sourced a former production house as their workshop, and began hunting for unused vintage wood at the sites of buildings slated to come down. Gareth and Helen first met at school in Bolton, Manchester, at the age of 11; they moved to California as a couple, and over the years their relationship evolved into a friendship and business partnership. VVOODS was officially established last year, and Helen and Gareth are already offering nine small collections of bedroom furniture and dining tables, and there's more in the works.

VVOODS Wilshire Platform Bed | Remodelista

Above: The minimalist Wilshire Platform Bed is designed with airflow in mind: it has a base of 13 reclaimed wood slats ideal for natural latex mattresses. The bed is available in all major sizes and a variety of finishes (shown in Rustic Gray); $1,750 for the twin size.

VVOODS Wilshire 5-Drawer Dresser | Remodelista

Above: Like the other pieces in the Wilshire collection, the 5-Drawer Dresser is inspired by midcentury designs; its handle-free drawers pull out from the bottom. Shown here in a Rustic Raw finish, the dresser is $2,220.

VVOODS Wilshire Drawer Table Ends | Remodelista

Above L: The Wilshire 1-Drawer End Table has full extension metal drawer glides, midcentury-inspired legs, and a single drawer for storage; $625. Above R: The Wilshire 2-Drawer End Table is designed with the same specs but includes a second full extension drawer; $725.

VVOODS Amenity Home Muir Platform Bed | Remodelista

Above: The Muir Platform Bed is part of the Muir collection designed in collaboration with Nicole Chiala, cofounder of green design company Amenity Home. The bed is handmade from reclaimed Douglas Fir and made without particle board, MDF, or veneer. It's available in all sizes, from twin to California king, and five different finishes that use water-based, non-toxic wood stains and a low VOC sealer; $1,750 for the twin.

VVOODS Melrose Bookcase | Remodelista

Above: The Melrose Bookcase is five units of deep shelves in reclaimed Douglas Fir planks; $1,125.

VVOODS Melrose Bookcase | Remodelista

Above: The bookcase comes in six different stained finishes (Rustic Grey is shown here). The Melrose collection, like the other VVOODS designs, is named after a boulevard in Los Angeles.

Shopping for more bedroom furniture? Have a look at our recent post, 10 Easy Pieces: Modern Wooden Bedside Tables. For more design inspiration, sift through all our favorite Bedrooms in our Room Gallery. And go to Gardenista to see the World's Best Indoor/Outdoor Teak Furniture.

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Fantastic Plastic: Lamps Made from Recycled Soda Bottles

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Are the containers in your recycling bin talking to you? In the last few years a lot of people have made attempts to give empty bottles a second life. One of the most artful we’ve come across is Alvaro Catalán de Ocón’s PET lamp project.

The Barcelona-based designer—a 2004 graduate of Central St. Martin’s school of art in London—came up with the concept of combining traditional wickerwork with castoff plastic bottles. In 2011, Catalán de Ocón unveiled the first PET collection, a series of colorful, hatlike pendant lights fabricated by artisans in Colombia. More recently, in collaboration with Si Studio, he’s brought the design idea to a group of wicker artisans in Chile, resulting in a new series, Chimbarongo PET lights, named after the city near Santiago where the shades are woven.

The tradition in Chile is to use natural, rather than dyed, wicker, so this collection gets its subtle coloring from the soda bottles themselves. Catalán de Ocón plans to keep introducing the PET concept to different weaving communities around the world, and to continue his mission of “searching for alternatives of production" and ways to fuse "original artisanal and industrial techniques.” As he says, “The PET Lamp for us has become a pretext for getting to know different countries and cultures and to enter into the lives of people in a manner that would not have been possible any other way.

 
Photographs from the PET Lamp workshop.
Chimbarongo PET lamp by Alvaro Catalan de Ocon | Remodelista
 
 
Above: Catalán de Ocón got his inspiration for the shape of the lights from Japanese bamboo tea whisks. Shown here, the Chimbarongo S-A (€275); like all of the designs, it's available directly from PET Lamp.
Chimbarongo PET lamp by Alvaro Catalan de Ocon | Remodelista
Above: The bottom of the soda bottle is cut off and the body is shredded into strips that are interwoven with natural wicker. The bottle necks form the top of the light and give the shade structure. A bulb is hung below the neck and a cloth cord threaded through the top. No two are exactly alike; this example, the Chimbarongo S-B, is €275.
Chimbarongo PET Lamp by Alvaro Catalan de Ocon | Remodelista
Above: "The whole city is involved in working with wicker," Catalán de Ocón told Dezeen, referring to Chimbarongo, Chile, where he spent a month working with traditional weavers and introducing plastic castoffs to their work. The Chimbarongo M-A is €325.
Chimbarongo PET Lamp by Alvaro Catalan de Ocon | Remodelista
Above: The violet-hued Chimbarongo M-B is €325. Each of the designs is available with an E14 lamp holder and a 7W fluorescent bulb or, for an additional €25, an E27 lamp holder and a Plumen 001 Baby lightbulb. If you haven't discovered the Plumen, see World's Most Stylish Lightbulb, Version 002.
 
Pet Wicker Lamp Trio/Remodelista
Above: The lights are sold individually and as sets strung together (the largest features 18 lights). The Chimbarongo Set of 3 (shown above) is €2,250 and hangs from a cylindrical iron stem; the cloth-covered electrical cord was designed, says Catalán de Ocón, to have "the perfect texture and fall." Go to Alvaro Catalán de Ocón to learn more about the project.
 
See the PET Lamps in situ in our post Restaurant as Social Experiment about a Milan cafe built by prisoners. Go to Gardenista for another version of green lighting—A Chandelier That's Also an Herb Garden. And for more of our favorites, browse the 445 images of Lighting in our photo gallery.

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Remodeling 101: All You Need to Know About VOCs in Paint

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As Remodelista's resident paint palette expert, I've spent a lot of time in the last few months researching paints. If you're like me, you might be a bit confused about Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs) in paint. To get a handle on the issue, I decided to turn to the experts for help decoding all the information that's floating out there. Here's our report on what you need to know about VOCs in paint:

Sample Paint Pots, Remodelista

Above: I have a lot of extra paint lying around from Remodelista posts on recommended Paint Colors.

What are Volatile Organic Compounds, and why are they in paint?

VOCs are carbon-containing chemicals that are labeled "volatile" because they evaporate easily at room temperature, thereby entering the air we breathe. To learn more, I called up Dr. Steven Fedder, a senior lecturer in chemistry at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA (he's the professor who instilled in me a lifelong interest in environmental chemistry). According to Fedder, VOCs can be naturally produced by plant and animal processes or manufactured by humans. Some of the better known VOCs are benzene (in cigarette smoke), formaldehyde (in building materials), and toluene, xylene, acetone, methylethyl ketone, and ethyl acetate (in paint).

According to Shari Steber (owner of Timber Pro Coatings, an eco-friendly stain manufacturer based in Portland, Oregon), the biggest contributors to VOCs in paints and stains are chemical solvents—the materials that enable the other ingredients to blend together—as well as the chemical driers: materials that allow the product to dry.

Above: White enamel paint from my DIY post on How to Refinish a Bathtub—likely the most toxic household project I've ever undertaken.

What are the health risks?

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, health risks of exposure to VOCs include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, memory impairment, and nausea. Not to mention damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. The EPA also notes that some VOCs are either suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. One common side-effect of VOCs is Sick Building Syndrome, or reports of breathing problems and respiratory irritations experienced by the occupants of a new or newly renovated building.

"There's no question that the VOCs in paint and spray paint are toxic," Fedder says. "It just depends on which compound you're talking about, since they vary in toxicity." 

Above: Photograph via DIY Window Boxes: Build It Yourself for a Perfect Fit.

Is paint the only source of VOCs?

Not even close. The US EPA cites a slew of VOC-containing products, including cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, and office equipment (such as copiers and printers, correction fluids, and permanent markers).

If they're toxic, why aren't VOCs regulated?

It's a complicated situation: "Every state has different rules and regulations on what the allowable VOCs are," Steber says. "Los Angeles County has some of the strictest VOC regulations in the country due to their air pollution issues. But I've noticed when traveling there that retailers are selling exterior stains in LA County that are illegal to use there."

Modern Masters Metallic Paint Sample Jars, Remodelista

Above: From Palettes & Paints: Modern Masters Metallic Wall Paint

How can I find out whether my paint contains VOCs, which compounds, and how much it contains?

A complete toxicity review is available for all pure chemical compounds manufactured and sold in the US, contained in each product's Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS. If you've never looked for the MSDS, start paying attention and you'll see it attached to many chemical products sold online. If it isn't, ask the company for it. 

Unfortunately, the MSDS is not the last word, and both MSD sheets and regulatory information can be confusing. Says Steber: "Just to refresh myself I went online this afternoon to see what's happening in the Southern California coastal area where they have some of the strictest VOC allowable levels in the country, and the information I found was confusing even to me, an industry professional."

Even more disappointing? According to chemist Monona Rossol of the nonprofit Arts, Crafts, & Theater Safety, MSD sheets and accompanying information may still neglect to list everything you need to know. In her book The Health and Safety Guide for Film, TV, and Theater, published in 2011 and now in its second edition, Rossol writes, "The technical definition of a VOC is any chemical that 'participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions.' However, many solvents, such as acetone and ethyl acetate, react negligibly in the atmosphere. These are called 'exempt compounds' and are not labeled as VOCs."

In other words, some VOC measurements include all VOCs emitted from a product into the immediate air environment, while other measurements include only those VOCs that are regulated to control smog levels. Therefore, acording to the EPA, "VOC labels and certification programs may not properly assess all of the VOCs emitted from the product, including some chemical compounds that may be relevant for indoor air quality. This is especially true of most wet products, such as paints or adhesives that may be labeled as 'low-VOC' or 'zero VOC.' "

Are there VOC-free paints?

Above: Mythic paint of New Jersey claims to be completely VOC-free.

It's open to debate. As with all industries requiring regulation, reporting standards are imperfect. And if you consider Rossol's argument that "low-VOC" or "no-VOC" products only address a limited range of compounds, it becomes even murkier. (We're not suggesting that any one company is intentionally misleading consumers; we're pointing out that the definition of "low" and "no" can be open to interpretation.)

For instance, Mythic paint says its products contain "zero-toxins, zero-carcinogens, and zero-VOCs." I spoke with someone at Mythic (who declined to be quoted) and he said that their paints are absolutely zero VOC. He noted that unlike their competitors, Mythic's base and tints are both completely free of VOCs, whereas several competitors still use high-VOC tints even if their base product is low- or no-VOC.

Consumer Reports tested Mythic and several other "VOC-free" paints in 2009—the latest year for which we could find independent testing data—and found VOCs in all of them. However, Consumer Reports adds this cautionary note about its findings: "Those test results could reflect an inherent flaw in [the test], which has been known to yield high error rates in paints with no or low levels of VOCs." 

What are the best paint choices?

Latex-based paints will always have lower levels of VOCs than oil-based paints. Beyond that, go as low-VOC as you can.

Here are some numbers for interior wood stains, courtesy of Sheri Steber: "When we first started manufacturing back in the early 1990s, 'low-VOC' was 350 grams per liter and it took fifteen or more years to get it down to 250 gpl. Personally, I don't consider 250 gpl to be very low anymore; I think the maximum allowable VOC content should be lowered to 150 gpl." (For reference, the VOC levels in Sheri's company Timber Pro's products range from zero to 86 gpl.)

Consumer Reports quotes Janice Nolen, assistant vice president of the American Lung Association, regarding VOCs: "Generally speaking, less is always better." To start sourcing, see 10 Easy Pieces: Eco-Friendly Paints on Remodelista and 5 Favorite Eco-Friendly Stains on Gardenista. 

For more stories on how to make smart household choices, see Remodeling 101: The Ins and Outs of PlywoodThe Great Lightbulb Debate; and, on Gardenista, Tap In: Use Water More Efficiently

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Restaurant as Social Experiment: 28 Posti in Milan

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Located on a quiet side street in the heart of Navigli in Milan, 28 Posti is a 28-seat trattoria as social experiment. Designed by architect Francesco Faccin and fitted out by inmates of the nearby Penitentiary Institute of Bollate, the interior features a mix of ancient (crumbling brick and plaster walls) and modern (lamps made from plastic bottles, sleek custom dining chairs).

Photographs by Filippo Romano.

28 Posti Milan Restaurant Remodelista

Above: The restaurant's glazed entrance with its number stenciled over the door.

  28 Posti Restaurant Interior Remodelista

Above: The original brick walls are still visible; the concrete floor is a new addition. On the menu: sprightly vegetarian and seafood dishes, such as cod confit with blu-violet potatoes.

28 Posti Concierge Desk Remodelista

Above: The concierge desk was made from reclaimed wood by trained inmates working in a prison carpentry shop. You can read about the program here.

28 Posti Milan Restaurant Remodelista

Above: Faccin designed all of the furniture and it was fabricated in the prison workshop. It's hoped that the restaurant will become a showcase for the work that the detainees can do.

28 Posti LIght Fixture Remodelista

Above: The whimsical PET lamps are made in Colombia from reused plastic bottles and textiles (I spotted the pendants at Conran in London last summer and wasn't sure what to make of them; seeing them in situ, I'm now on board). The lamps can be purchased directly from PET Lamp (prices start at $200 for the smallest size; medium, shown here, are $280). For the latest collection of PET Lamps, see our recent post Fantastic Plastic: Lamps Made from Recycled Soda Bottles. Photo via Why Not Monday.

28 Posti Milan Restaurant Remodelista

Above: The tables, banquettes, doors, and wall paneling are all made from scrap lumber.

28 Posti Milan Restaurant Remodelista

Above: Illuminated niches display Kenyan sculptures and artifacts.

Heading to Milan? Also don't miss Pave Cafe, design gallery Spazio Rossana Orlandi, and the World's Biggest Vertical Garden. A glam place to stay? Have a look at the Grand Hotel.

Below: Here's where to find 28 Posti in Milan's Navigli district.

This post is an update; the original ran on December 4, 2013.
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7 Favorites: Fair-Trade Bedcovers

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We stand by the concept of fair-trade goods, but the products often leave something to be desired design-wise. Here's a trove of fair-trade bed covers that retain the spirit of the place in which they were made, but also look at home just about anywhere. 

Roman and Williams Mexican Bedspread/Remodelista

Above: New York designers Roman & Williams use a Temoayan bedcover in their own Montauk house; Laura Aviva sources her handknotted Temoayan Blankets from Temoaya, a town in the state of Mexico. The blankets are "woven on wooden looms using virgin undyed cotton and represent a fusion of ancient Persian carpet making techniques and modern Mexican design." A twin/full size is $285 and a queen/king size is $345.

L'Aviva Indigo Bed Cover/Remodelista

Above: L'Aviva Home's Indigo Bedcovers are made in Burkina Faso, West Africa, and are hand stitched and dyed; $345 for a 75-by-90-inch bedcover.

Gray Border Bedspread, Remodelista

Above: The Border Bedspread from Alicia Adams Alpaca of Hudson, New York, is made from the wool of alpacas raised in Hudson, then fabricated by artisans in Peru; $895 for the queen size.

Fair Trade Bed Cover, Remodelista

Above: The Kilim Noir Bedspread is hand-printed and hand-sewn in India; $149.99 for king size at Saffron Marigold. 

Fair Trade Cotton Bed Cover, Remodelista

Above: The yarn of this cotton Zapotec Bedspread is dyed with natural pigments and woven by hand on a traditional whip loom in Mexico; it's on sale for $134.99 for the king size at Novica, a partner of National Geographic. 

 

Above: The Calm Waters Bedcover is handmade by artisans in India; $370 for the queen size at Ten Thousand Villages. 

Fair Trade Alpaca Throw, Remodelista

Above: This striped Alpaca Throw Blanket is made by the Shupaca cooperative in Ecuador. It's shown here in a stripe called Fireworks and is available in several other colors and patterns; $99.95 for the small size at Greenheart Shop. 

Looking for earth-friendly goods? See Accessories: Beeswax Candle Roundup; Banish the Plastic Wrap—Bees to the Rescue; and on Gardenista, Palette & Paints: 5 Favorite Eco-Friendly Stains

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Rehab Diary: A Napa Valley Kitchen Makeover, Ikea Cabinets Included

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When designers Michael Roché and Jackson Butler were asked to renovate a small Napa Valley house, the mandate was to stay within a tight budget. Built as a cabin in the 1920s, it had been added onto over the years, and when purchased was half renovated and in a state of disarray. Its selling point: the structure is set in vineyards on a west side slope overlooking the Napa Valley floor. The owners, retired hockey star, Valeri Bure and his wife, actress Candace Cameron Bure, have their own wine label, Bure Family Wines, and were in need of a place where Val could stay, work, and entertain during his regular visits north from LA, where the couple and their kids are based.

The Bures had worked with the designers on the redesign of a modest ranch house and so their likes (a clean look) and dislikes (pricey appliances) were well understood. The kitchen was the tricky part. Roché explains “We knew we wanted the kitchen to be connected to the main living space, and the living space to be connected to the vineyard view.” The challenge was how to match the kitchen to the reclaimed barn siding used to clad several walls in the living room. The solution? Ikea cabinets refaced with barn wood. Here’s how they did it. 

Photography by Mimi Giboin for Remodelista.

Michael Roche Napa Valley kitchen | Remodelista

Above: The kitchen is trapezoid-shaped to lend the feeling of openness and create an easy flow from the living room. For a clean look, Roché selected Dovedale countertops made primarily of quartz from Cambria, a Minnesota-based stone company that supplied counters for the Bures' previous house. “We like that it's a continuous material, virtually seamless, and we wanted to do a waterfall edge," says Roché. "It also introduces a good contemporary contrast to the barn wood.” To unify the space, the designers extended the surface to wrap around the refrigerator. 

Michael Roche Napa Valley kitchen wood clad cupboards | Remodelista

Above: For the cabinets, Roché chose Ikea Akurum boxes with Applad doors and drawer faces, which he had also used in Bure’s previous house. As he explains, “We knew they worked well, but none of their finishes matched the living room's barn wood. We happened to discover that one of the contractors is a master cabinetmaker, so we had him create face frames for the Ikea boxes from the same reclaimed wood used in the living room.”

Michael Roche Napa Valley kitchen with reclaimed wood cupboards | Remodelista

Above: Cabinet details: all of the vertical ends are finished with a 45 degree miter to continue the grain. Roché tells us, “It really makes a difference—instead of fresh-cut raw wood, you see a weathered edge that has a seamless look”.

Michael Roche Napa Valley kitchen | Remodelista

Above: The stainless counter is custom-made and fitted with an undermount sink. The swivel-spout faucet is the Kraus Commercial Pre-Rinse Chrome Faucet sourced from Overstock.com for $299.95. “We played a lot of digital tennis on this project," says Roché. "I would email something fancy and Val would come back with something similar and cheaper from Overstock." When Roché suggested the Tara Dornbracht, Van countered with the Kraus. 

Michael Roche Napa Valley kitchen | Remodelista

Above: Roché extended the island 18 inches into the living room area so the kitchen feels more generous and connects the living and dining area. The walls are covered with paint impregnated with sand to achieve the look of plaster on a budget: Ralph Lauren’s Crested Butte was mixed with white sand, then troweled on to create a textured look.

Michael Roche Napa Valley kitchen | Remodelista

Above: A three-and-a-half inch frame was used on the counter to make it feel like a "chunky island". The shelves are lined with reclaimed barn siding sourced online from Pioneer Millworks.

Michael Roche Napa Valley kitchen | Remodelista

Above: With the exception of one splurge—a state-of-the-art commercial dishwasher that washes glasses in minutes—all ofthe appliances are by Jenn Air, another detail from the Bures' prior house that they had like and found reliable. “Why reinvent the wheel?” asks Roché.

For more Ikea upgrades, see how an LA couple created a SemiHandmade Ikea Kitchen Remodel and read about Superfront, an online shop specializing in fronts, handles, and legs for Ikea products. And have a look at other inventive uses of Reclaimed Wood, including a Potting Bench on Gardenista.

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The Derelict Furniture Co. of Estonia

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Tonis Kalve and Ahti Grunberg, graduates of the Estonian Academy of Arts, source their wood from "an old camper's house in the deep Baltic forests or from the decaying 1920s Tallinn Hippodrome." The result?  "Each piece has a story to tell," as they say. 

Derelict Furniture/Remodelista

Above: The Big Mama Table has adjustable painted metallic legs (available in a range of colors). The Shut Up Chair features a niche for storing books and a painted stripe. Contact Derelict Furniture for pricing and ordering info.

Derelict Furniture/Remodelista

Above: A Big Mama Table and Shut Up Chair with white accents.

Derelict Furniture/Remodelista

Above: A Big Mama Table anchors an Estonian dining room.

Have look at our Furniture posts for more designs by resourceful makers, including Sawkille Co's Color-Stained FurnitureChristopher Berry's Lamps Made from Pallet Wood, and Studiomama's Pallet Chair. On Gardenista, see DIY: Garden Pallet as Instant Tool Shed.

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10 Easy Pieces: Recycling Bins

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Call to action: better trash cans needed. When my next-door neighbor Felicity asked me where to find good-looking recycling bins, I spent days trying to solve the riddle. Everybody recycles—and every community has its own requirements and regulations—but somehow the design world has been slow to respond to this household need. Built-in compartmentalized trash cans are the most seamless approach, but not always a viable option. For those like Felicity in need of bins, here are 10 tidy, compartmentalized choices (plus one prototype):

  Manufactum 4 bin trash cupboard | Remodelista

Above: The metal 4 Bin Cupboard from Manufactum is €167; it's also available as a 2-Bin Cupboard for  €121. Each bin holds 13.5 liters. And yes we realize that there's an irony built into creating more plastic for the sake of recycling—but so far, there are few alternatives on the market.

Wesco Double Boy Bin with two cans | Remodelista

Above: Made in Germany by the venerable Westermann & Co, Wesco Recycling Big Double Boy Bin has a stainless steel lid and step pedal, and a powder-coated steel exterior that holds two 4.75 gallon bins. It's also available in red, black, and almond; £199.99 from Binopolis. N.B.: Wesco's Single Boy 3.4 Gallon Trash Can (with a single 3.4 gallon liner) is $129.95 at Crate & Barrel. For more on Wesco, see our post The Mercedes of Trash Bins.

Steel bar recycling bin from SimpleHuman | Remodelista

Above: SimpleHuman's sturdy 48-Liter Steel Bar Recycler is made of fingerprint-proof stainless steel with a reinforced steel step bar, a silent-close lid, and two inner buckets; $250. 

Samuel Wilkinson recycle bins | Remodelista

Above: Created by British industrial designer Samuel Wilkinson—co-designer of the Plumen 001 (aka The World's Most Stylish Light Bulb)—these Recycle Bins are a prototype made of powder-coated aluminum prototype detailed in three shades of green. Notes Wilkinson, "Each bin fits standard tall paper bags that can be used until recycled themselves." We hope the design goes into production soon.

Simple Human pullout trash bins | Remodelista

Above: For those with available cabinet space, pull-out trash cans are a good, out-of-sight option.The SimpleHuman 35-Liter Under-Counter Pull-Out Recycler has twin cans, a chromed steel frame, and commercial-grade tracks; $80 from SimpleHuman.

Rev a Shelf Pullout Bins | Remodelista

Above:  The Rev-A-Shelf Pull-Out Top Mount Waste & Recycling Bins unit, with four 27-quart containers, is $157.93 from KitchenSource.com.

Pivoting Recycler Container Store | Remodelista

Above: The 2-Bin PIvoting Recycler from the Container Store is made of steel and can be secured to a wall for stability. It's 30 3/4 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and 13 inches deep; $179.

 

Hailo Oko Duo Trash Can | Remodelista

Above: The Hailo Eco Duo Rubbish Separator is a made of coated stainless steel by European company Hailo, which has been manufacturing trash cans and ladders since 1947. The pedal-operated can has two inner compartments and is available in stainless or 12 colors. The interior bins are green and brown plastic. It's available on Amazon UK for £50.73. 

Muji recycling bins | Remodelista

Above L: Muji's narrow polypropylene PP Dust Box with Lid (21 inches tall and 8 inches wide) works well for tight spaces; $25.25. Above R: The bins can be stacked using Muji's Steel Dust Stand ($22.50). The PP Dust Box with Lid is $19.95 for the small size (shown on top) and $25.25 for large (bottom).

Neu Home Dual Compartment Trash Can | Remodelista

Above: The Neu Home 2 Compartment Step-on Recycling Bin is made of stainless steel and has two lids for twin 20-liter bins; $116.49 from Casa.

PRIMO trash bin from Dieffebi | Remodelista

Above: Takiro Yuta PRIMO Recycling Unit for Dieffebbi has three bins and a bottom compartment for storing garbage bags. It comes in white, aluminum, and gray, and has a glass top for easy cleaning. For pricing, email pvits@wingpartners.com. 

The most beautiful trash cans in the world? See The Last Trash Can You'll Ever Buy and Trash Bins from a Cleanliness-Obsessed Nation. For more kitchens ideas, browse our favorite Kitchen Designs in our Photo Gallery.

Getting ready to remodel, don't miss our Remodeling 101 posts, including 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Kitchen Cabinets and How to Choose an Overhead Light Fixture.

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Q & A with Molly de Vries, Mill Valley's Queen of Green

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Ambatalia shop owner Molly de Vries grew up in Mill Valley, CA, when the Marin town was still a haven for artists and musicians (i.e., The Grateful Dead). Her family was “very DIY,” as she says; her mother sewed, her father was a woodcarver in his spare time, and their idea of a family outing was a thrifting trip to the Sausalito flea market. Molly fell into hairdressing as a career, but after twenty years she decided it was time to do something she was truly passionate about: singing. On her fortieth birthday, she stood up in front of her family and friends and sang.

 “I was mediocre, but it was the doing of it that felt so great. It made me think hard about what I was truly passionate about,” she says. Her passion proved to be sustainable textiles, and in 2004 she opened the first incarnation of Ambatalia in Mill Valley, selling organic cotton, hemp, vintage fabric, and Matt Dick’s indigo fabrics (long before he started Small Trade Co.). She closed her shop in 2008 to focus on producing denim aprons, laptop cases, and more in her home studio. When the opportunity arose to take a space in the newly revitalized Mill Valley lumberyard, she was persuaded to set up shop again—this time in a shipping container.

Here, Molly talks about Ambatalia and her commitment to providing cultural and environmentally sustainable everyday linens for a nondisposable life. 

Photography by Mimi Giboin for Remodelista.

Ambatalia Molly de Vries Mill Valley | Remodelista

Above: Molly de Vries in a denim jacket of her own design.

Remodelista: How did you become an environmentalist?
Molly de Vries: It comes naturally; even when I was hairdressing and nobody was thinking about plastics in the late nineties, I would get people to bring in their empty bottles and fill up on bulk shampoo.

Ambatalia shop Mill Valley | Remodelista

Above: Molly's Mill Valley shop is located in a shipping container converted into retail space. She shares the space with Bloomingayles, a flower shop.

RM: Tell us about your new store space?
MdV: The shipping container was on the property for years. When I moved in, I did a really simple fix up. I painted the ceiling white and installed some reclaimed windows I had in storage and added some birch plywood to some of the walls. The wood floors were already there. 

Ambatalia shop interior Mill Valley | Remodelista

Above: Molly's desk is illuminated by a Frank Gehry lampshade, which she inherited from a former landlord.

Ambatalia Frank Gehry Lamp shade | Remodelsta

Above: The Frank Gehry Easy Edges Lampshade is made from cardboard.

Ambatalia tea towels | Remodelista

Above: Tea towels with Molly's depiction of the Ambatalia woman.

RM: What’s the meaning of Ambatalia?
MdV: Ambatalia means mother. She’s the woman that is carrying her baby and also a big humungous basket on her head. I am playing with the idea of a woman carrying a big load. 

Ambatalia shop Mill Valley | Remodelista

Above: Molly tying a Natural Linen Furoshiki Towel. See our post DIY: How to Wrap a Furoshiki for the details.

RM: How do you use your furoshiki?
MdV:  The Japanese use square cloths for carrying everything, and I do the same. I use them for carrying dishes to a potluck, and since mine have twill tape I also can use them as an apron. I’ll sometimes wear them as a scarf when I'm out shopping, then take it off and wrap what I buy in it.

Ambatalia shop Mill Valley bowl covers | Remodelista.

Above: Ambatalia bowl covers available in store and online at Quitokeeto

RM: I am a huge fan of the cloth bowl lids. How did you get into making them?
MdV:  Tyler Florence (the well-known chef and Mill Valley local) wanted me to do some textiles for his kitchen store. He got me into the whole food aspect of textiles and I started thinking more about how not to use plastic.

Ambatalia shop Mill Valley | Remodelista

Above: Bowl covers on display with ceramics made by Molly's sister, Colleen Hennessey.

RM: How do you like to use them?
MdV: We are so addicted to plastic, and while a plastic lid will often keep things fresher, every vegetable needs a different climate—some want moisture and others need a dryness. The cloth lids offer a good solution for fridge storage or even for veggies on the counter. Also they’re useful if you are bringing something to a party. The ecology center in Berkeley offers a good guide about how to store vegetables.

Ambatalia Mill Valley | Remodelista  

Above: Molly made the shelving using wood planks held up by braided fabric scraps.

RM: What do you hope to achieve with your sustainable approach to retail?
MdV: I hope to inspire people. I am obsessive to a fault (I use my bath water to flush the toilet), but I know perfection is not going to happen. It’s about doing what you do so you can enjoy life and contribute. 

Ambatalia Mill Valley | Remodelista

Above: Molly's sewing machine where she works in her shop.

RM: Tell us about your devotion to green fabrics. 
MdV: I like to work with linen made from flax or organic cotton and wool, but most stuff is petroleum based. All the people in yoga and bike clothes don’t know it, but they're all wearing petroleum. It's a crazy idea for me. 

Ambatalia denim bags Mill Valley | Remodelista

Above: Selvedge Denim Basket Bags hanging from the wall. 

RM: Do you have a solution? 
MdV: I'm making old-fashioned yoga pants in linen, like Gandhi wore. Also, I mostly buy thrift and vintage clothing. I wear a uniform and I like to make my own things and mend them. It’s satisfying. Buy less and buy better.

Ambatalia shop Mill Valley denim furoshiki | Remodelista

Above: A furoshiki for wrapping bread. 

RM: Any helpful suggestions for living a more eco-minded life?
MdV: There are a few things I feel everyone can do.

  • Don’t buy bottled water.
  • Use a mug for takeout coffee. People drinking out of Starbucks cups with plastic lids are like kids with sippy cups. I carry a mug in my purse. Bring one to a party if people are using disposables.
  • Use your own plates if you throw a party. Forgo the disposables.
  • Don’t take plastic bags at the bulk section and the farmers' market. Bring your own reusable bags. Why are all the hippies using plastic bags when they buy in bulk?
  • I get my shampoo from EO in Mill Valley. They don’t use large gallon containers for bulk but have a bigger 20-pound bin that comes from the factory.
  • Line dry your clothes.
  • Buy vintage or thrift clothing.

For more eco-friendly solutions for the home, check out our posts on Reusable Food Storage Wraps and Coyuchi's Organic Bedding. Also read about Mill Valley's other green queen, Bea Johnson of Zero Waste Home. For an alternative food storage idea, see A Refrigerator-Free Kitchen on Gardenista.

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DIY: How To Wrap a Furoshiki Cloth

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At a recent dinner party, I was entranced when a friend unpacked her backpack to reveal each of her dinner contributions: a bottle of wine, half a loaf of fresh bread, and six Bosc pears, each group intricately bundled in specifically-knotted furoshiki cloth wraps. The wrapping was not only practical, preventing the wine bottle from smashing into the delicate pears on her walk over, but also elevated the whole experience and made the packages feel like gifts.

Furoshiki is a centuries-old tradition in Japan as a way to bundle and transport belongings and presents. It's waste-free too—which explains why the Japanese Ministry of the Environment issued a pamphlet detailing the different techniques to use depending on what you want to wrap. Furoshiki can be applied to just about any object, large or small, and uses simple knots and folds, all of which are fairly easy to master. Here's a look at four of our favorite techniques:

Photography by Leigh Patterson for Remodelista.

The Basic Wrap

DIY Furoshiki Cloth Basic Wrap How-To | Remodelista

Above L to R, Top to Bottom: Place your object in the center of the furoshiki (most are pre-cut square cloths sized anywhere from 18 to 45 inches; you can easily make your own—any knottable fabric works). Take two opposite corners of the square and tie them into a knot in the center; if the ends are long you can tuck them in. Then take the other two opposite corners and knot them just above the first knot.

DIY Furoshiki Cloth Basic Wrap How-To | Remodelista

Above: The result is a simple and sturdy satchel. 

The Bottle Wrap

DIY Furoshiki Cloth Bottle Wrap How-To | Remodelista

Above, L to R: Place a bottle in the center and, as with the basic wrap, take the two opposite corners of the cloth and bring them together above the bottle in a knot with long ends. Twist the ends as though you were wringing out a towel and tie the twists together in another knot above the first, creating a little loop over the bottle. Finally, take the other two opposite ends and knot them at the front of the bottle.

DIY Furoshiki Cloth Bottle Wrap How-To | Remodelista

Above: The bottle wrap is a reusable alternative to a wine bottle gift bag.

The Card Wrap

DIY Furoshiki Cloth Card Wrap How-To | Remodelista

Above L to R: Place a card at a diagonal in the center of the cloth. Fold two corners over the card to create a point (like the shape of a party hat) on one side of the card. Next, fold the sides in on a straight line as if you were forming an envelope. Fold the bottom end of the triangle over to create the bottom of the envelope, and finish by tucking in the point.

DIY Furoshiki Cloth Card Wrap How-To | Remodelista

Above: Tie up the package with string, and you have a nice protective cloth for your gift card.

The Carry Wrap

DIY Furoshiki Cloth Carry Wrap How-To | Remodelista

Above L to R: While the other three wrapping styles work nicely for a single object, the carry wrap is ideal for a group of things, such as these purple heirloom potatoes. Place the objects in the center of your cloth (since I'm wrapping produce, I opted for cheesecloth for breathability; the cloth is a rectangle but you can also use a square). Gather two corners of the fabric along the same end, rather than opposing sides, and knot them together. Repeat for the other side to create an open shopping bag-style pouch.

DIY Furoshiki Cloth Carry Wrap How-To | Remodelista

Above: The result is a great option for an impromptu tote, such as to carry farmers' market purchases. If you keep the cloth in your bag, you have it as needed. 

For other styles and more diagrams, visit Furoshiki.com. And go to Sarah's post on Mill Valley shop Ambatalia to see a Natural Linen Furoshiki Cloth and one in  Nordic Blue, both $28. For more inspiration browse the Japanese Designs in our Photo Gallery, and don't miss A Wabi Sabi Housewares Shop in Japan.

Heading to the market? See our Gardenista posts on Farmers' Markets Across America and How to Recreate the Perfect Farmers' Market Bouquet

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Trending on Gardenista: Growing Green

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This week, the Gardenista crew has been filling us in on sustainable gardens, steel cabins, and Henry David Thoreau's collaboration with today's climate scientists. Here are five of the most popular posts:

Tasi Masi concrete planter | Gardenista

Above: What every windowsill needs: a tiny Concrete Planter from Tasi Masi, Anna Macoboy's online shop. Of her material of choice, she explains, concrete is "affordable, accessible, and customizable." (For more on the topic, see our Remodeling 101 posts on Concrete Countertops and Polished Concrete Floors.)

Olson Kundig Sol Duc steel cabin | Gardenista

Above: Meredith shows us around an astonishing  Steel Cabin on Stilts that gives new meaning to minimal footprint.

High blueberry flower near Walden Pond | Gardenista

Above: In Global Warming: Tracking Climate Change, Courtesy of Thoreau read about how climate researchers have teamed up with the 19th century naturalist—and take a look at what's blossoming at Walden Pond.

Garage turned studio apartment by Hearth Studio | Gardenista

Above: Erin, our resident small-space-living guru, has us all captivated by the Outbuilding of the Week: A Garage Turns Studio Apartment. Most of the materials were repurposed or salvaged, including the kitchen sink. (And, yes, those are DIY leather cabinet pulls.)

Dahlia arrangement by Basil and Bergamot Flower Farm | Gardenista

Above: Did you know that 80 percent of flowers sold in the US are imported? And that 77 percent grown domestically come from California? Online resource Field to Vase is out to plant seeds across the country. Discover the Local Flower Farm Movement in Sophia's report—and where to source flowers from PA to CA. The dahlia arrangement shown here is by Emily Daniel of Basil and Bergamot Flower Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. 

Wishing you could instantly identify flowers and trees? See There's An App for That. Need help getting going on your garden? Let Michelle fill you in on 10 Essential Gardening Apps.

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The World's Greenest and Most Economical Shelving System?

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During our recent remodel, my husband and I realized a dream we've had since we met in architecture school: we purchased our first set of Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelves. Designed by Dieter Rams in 1960, they're one of the design world's early alternatives to fast furniture—and continue to represent the ethos of "living better with less that lasts longer." Rams conceived the 606 Universal Shelving System as an answer to his growing concerns about the limited resources in our natural environment. Comprised of a kit of standard parts that can be configured and reconfigured to suit any situation, the adaptable shelving system was designed for longevity. 

So when I met Mark Adams, the managing director of the UK-based company for the last 25 years, at a Vitsoe event in London recently, I was ready to get some behind-the-scenes intel. Adams, whom loyal customers introduce as “the guy who makes the cheapest shelving system you can buy," walked me through the company's green initiatives and explained the company's philosophy: "In the long term, it’s cheaper and better for our ailing planet to make designs that last."

For the last 25 years, Adams tells me, he's been working to make the company's production and manufacturing processes as sustainable as the furniture itself (in fact, Ph.D. candidates at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College use Vitsoe and its manufacturing ecosystem as a case study for their research on industrial sustainability)."Our goal is to generate as little waste as possible," Adams says. "I think Dieter Rams sums it up quite nicely in this quote, 'Striving for good design is of social importance as it means, among other things, absolutely avoiding waste.'" 

Vitsoe Shelving in Situ 

  Christine Chang Hanway Living Room, Vitsoe 606 Shelving | Remodelista

Above: The newly installed Vitsoe shelving system in our London living room. If we ever move, we'll disassemble it and take it with us ("it's like Lego for grownups," one of my sons observed). Vitsoe's 606 Universal Shelving system is available in various shelf widths and lengths, drawers, desks, and tabletops that can be configured to suit a range of storage needs. Photograph by Kristen Perers.

  Christine Chang Hanway Living Room, Vitsoe 606 Shelving | Remodelista

Above: With cabinets running approximately $1,000 each and the shelves costing between $90 and $100, depending on length, the 606 is an investment. Available in black, off-white, or beech, in the US through the Vitsoe Shop in New York or LA and online at Vitsoe. Photograph by Kristen Perers.

606 Universal Vitsoe Shelving, Dieter Rams | Remodelista

Above: A Vitsoe 606 kitchen (the owners have since moved and repurposed the shelving in the study of their new home). Photograph courtesy of Vitsoe.

Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System, Dieter Rams | Remodelista

Above: An impromptu closet made from the 606 Universal Shelving system. "My own children have had Vitsoe furniture since birth; when they headed to university, they took a small amount of the shelving system from their bedrooms to make student accommodation more habitable," says Adams. "To them that’s the natural thing to do. And for us, it’s almost cost-free because the investment was made 20+ years ago." Photograph courtesy of Vitsoe.

Behind the Scenes

Dieter Rams and Mark Adams talk design at Vitsoe | Remodelista

Above (L to R): Dieter Rams and Mark Adams. In 2013, Vitsoe received the exclusive worldwide license to all of Dieter Rams’ designs. "To this day, Dieter is constantly reminding me of the importance of single-mindedness in getting something done right," Adams says. It's worth noting that Rams was ahead of his time when he drew the attention of designers to an “increasing and irreversible shortage of natural resources” in his prescient Design by Vitsoe speech in 1976. “I imagine our current situation will cause future generations to shudder at the thoughtlessness in the way in which we today fill our homes, our cities and our landscape with a chaos of assorted junk,” he warned. Photograph courtesy of Vitsoe.

Vitsoe Stillage for 606 Component | Remodelista

Above: "Over the years, we've invested in reusable solutions to avoid packaging waste; for instance, our wooden stillages (shown above) for transporting components between suppliers have been in continuous use for 20 years." Photograph courtesy of Vitsoe.

Vitsoe Cab Bag and 606 Universal Shelving System Installation | Remodelista  

Above: Cabinets are transported to customers in reusable custom bags that cost £100 each. After delivery, Vitsoe's installers remove the bags and reuse them for future deliveries. Adams says, "The bonus is that many of our costly investments have repaid quicker than we expected, which always gives us the confidence to invest in similar solutions." Photograph courtesy of Vitsoe.

Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System, Dieter Rams | Remodelista

Above: "Furniture only stays long-living and relevant if you continue to evolve it," Adams says. To that end, Vitsoe continues to research sustainable materials and investigate sustainable manufacturing processes. "A furniture system’s ability to be flexible and adapt is just as important as how well it’s made and how long it will last." Photograph courtesy of Vitsoe.

Interested in learning more about my remodel? See Rehab Diaries: Searching for Storage in Unexpected Places and Sleuthing for Space in My Kitchen. Over on Gardenista in Outbuilding of the Week, a Garage Turned Studio Apartment is an exercise in efficiency. 

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