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Object Lessons: Noguchi's Iconic Akari Lights

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"Everything is a sculpture," said Isamu Naguchi, who put this belief into practice with his Akari lighting collection. Born in the US to a Japanese father and an American mother, he studied with modernist sculptor Constantin Brâncusi in Paris for two years in the 1920s before returning to the States to design stage sets for Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. By the time he produced the iconic Noguchi table for Herman Miller in 1947, he had already become a distinguished sculptor in his own right. When traveling in Japan in 1951, he was asked to create a paper lamp for export to help revitalize the paper manufacturing industry there. His Akari (meaning "brightness" in Japanese) Light Sculptures are Noguchi's modernist response to lanterns used by night fishermen in Japan and represent the traditional form stripped down to its bones, all color and extraneous detail discarded. Because the designs were made of little more than rice paper and wire, they were inexpensive to produce and affordable. Ozeki & Co. in Gifu, Japan, has been manufacturing them by hand since 1951—the lamps are packed flat for easy shipping.

Six to buy

Above: A large Noguchi Akari light can make a big yet serene statement. See Five Quick Fixes: Oversize Noguchi Lanterns. Photograph by Melanie Acevedo

Above: The Globe Akari Lantern is available in five sizes ranging from 12 by 12 inch ($160) to 47 by 46 inch ($1,335), from the Noguchi Museum, in Long Island City, New York, which carries the full line of Akari designs. Note that because the designs ship flat, basic assembly is required.

Above: The Noguchi Floor Lamp Model UF3-Q, 57 inches tall and 22 inches wide, is $525 at Zinc Details.

Above: The statuesque Akari Floor Lamp Model UF4-J1 is 76 inches tall and 18 inches wide; $750 at the Noguchi Museum.

Above: The compact Akari XP1 Table Lamp is small enough, at 38 centimeters tall and 22 centimeters wide, to fit on almost any table; £150.83 at Nest in the UK. The XP1 Table Lamp is $105 at the Noguchi Museum.

Above: The Noguchi Lamp 3A is 22 inches tall and 11 inches wide; it's available at Surrounding for $370. Canoe in Portland, Oregon, carries a similar light, the Akari Lamp 7A, for $300.

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 iconic designs, including the Eames Lounge Chair and Kaj Franck's Teema Dinnerware. We featured her Connecticut shop in our post Purveyor of the Practical and the Timeless.

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Editors' Picks: 10 Favorite Luxury Bed Linens

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Our wellness expert Jackie Ashton says that making your bedroom a place of comfort is essential to a good night's sleep (it's No. 6 in her 10 Secrets for a Better Night's Sleep). "Invest in the best sheets you can afford," she advises. And given that we spend a third of our lives under the covers, that makes sense to us. With this in mind, we compiled our favorite luxury sheets—the ones we own or are saving up for. Here's our list.

(Have any great sheet finds? Please fill us in below.)

Jenna Lyons Bedroom with Olatz Sheets, Remodelista

Above: Julie's dream sheets are Olatz's brightly bordered designs. Made of linen or Egyptian cotton percale in Italy, Olatz Palermo Collection Sheets are available in several color combinations, including white with a choice of 17 different border shades; $400 for the queen cotton sheet and $660 for the queen linen sheet. They're also a favorite of J. Crew's Jenna Lyons (see Steal This Look: Bohemian Bath) and of Julianne Moore (take a tour of Julianne Moore's West Village Townhouse and get her Behind the Scenes Design Secrets). Photograph by Melanie Acevedo for Living Etc.

Matteo Vintage Linen Sheets, Remodelista  

Above: Alexa's idea of luxury is a full set of Matteo's Vintage Linen Sheets in greige. They're available in seven colors, including five earth tones, white, and off-white; prices range from $64 for a pillowcase to $322 for a duvet cover from Matteo, in Los Angeles.

Rough Linen Smooth White Sheet, Remodelista

Above: Rough Linen's Strong White Linen Sheets are a Remodelista favorite (Sarah, Meredith, and Christine all own a set). "There's nothing to compare with sleeping in Tricia Rose's Rough Linen sheets because they remind you on a daily basis about the simple pleasures in life," Christine says. The sheets only get better with time—and may well be the last set of sheets you'll ever need to buy. Available in strong white or smooth natural, Rough Linen's Belgian linen sheets range from $140 to $220, depending on size.

Society Limonta Garza Linen Sheets, Remodelista  

Above: Francesca loves Society Limonta bedding from Italy. Their Garza Linen Gauze Sheet is "very light and floats over you," Francesca says. The line is available in 15 colors at Society Limonta Shops in New York, LA, and San Francisco, as well as in Australia and Europe. 

Modern Plum Sheets, Remodelista  

Above: "I'm coveting sheets and a duvet cover from Modern Plum, a Chicago company started by designer Allison Warren," Margot says. "I love her use of restful colors and stripes," Modern Plum's Anna Sheeting, made from featherweight linen woven in the Czech Republic, is available in bright white, natural, and oatmeal; $215 for queen size and $230 for king size. The Aalto Colorblock Duvet starts at $556.

Coyuchi Jersey Sheets, Remodelista

Above: For Dalilah, luxury is all about comfort. She's been obsessing over Coyuchi Jersey Sheets. "They're made of 100 percent organic cotton and sleeping in them is like being wrapped up in your favorite sweatshirt." Sold in a set (one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillow cases), they're $128 to $228 depending on size through Coyuchi.

Sferra Villetta Sheets, Remodelista

Above: Janet favors sheets that are cozy but without the bulk of flannel, such as Sferra's Villetta Sheets, which are at once soft and tailored. They're European-woven, 100 percent Egyptian brushed cotton percale with a chamois-like feel. The classic hemstitching adds a hint of dressed-up refinement; $240 to $360 for a flat sheet, depending on size.

Matouk Sierra Hemstitch Sheets | Remodelista

Above: Julie is a fan of Matouk, a third-generation family-owned bedding company headquartered in Southern New England (a solar energy system produces more than 35 percent of the electricity required to operate the factory). The company's newly introduced Sierra Hemstitch line is "a beautiful basic at an introductory price," featuring subtle hemstitch details and made of 350-thread-count long-staple cotton percale. Prices start at $75 for a Sierra Hemstitch Boudoir Sham and go up to $374 for a Sierra Hemstitch King Duvet.

Pratesi Griffe Hotel Sheets, Remodelista  

Above: Pratesi linens from Italy are known as the Chanel of bedding. Izabella was lucky to come across a set at a steep discount. "The sheets are the best Egyptian cotton and truly amazing," she says. Pratesi Griffe Hotel Sheets in white and gray are $540 for a queen set at Bloomingdales.

Parachute Linens Sheets, Remodelista  

Above: Parachute Linens' line of luxurious but reasonably priced bed linens are made in a small, family-owned factory in Tuscany that's been in business for 70 years. "People think thread count is the most important factor with sheets," founder Ariel Kaye says. "Actually, it's the caliber of the thread and the quality of the fabric you should be concerned about." Parachute's sheets are made of long-staple Egyptian fibers and are available in white, powder, and ash. The Purist Set (one fitted sheet, one duvet cover, and two pillowcases) is $249 and can be ordered in percale or sateen.

Libeco Santiago Bed Linens, Remodelista  

Above: For informal luxury, consider Libeco's Santiago Belgian Bed Linens. The washed linen bedding is available in 10 colors and ranges in price from $231 to $320 for sheets; $365 to $570 for duvets; and $60 to $76 for pillowcases through Libeco.

For bedding basics, go to 10 Easy Pieces: Simple White Sheets. And don't forget about the importance of the mattress: See 10 Easy Pieces: Editors' Favorite Mattresses. On Gardenista, Rough Linen owner Tricia Rose offers Pillow Talk: 7 Secrets to Making a Perfect Bed

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Copenhagen Cool: Yvonne Koné at Work and Home

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Pale pink is our new favorite wall color: Take a look at Danish accessories designer Yvonne Koné's just-opened Copenhagen boutique, where the shade assumes a sophisticated—and decidedly ungirly—guise that serves as the perfect backdrop for Koné's dark leather shoes and bags. 

A fashion graduate of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Koné launched her business in 2011, and has since become known for her pared-down, architectural approach to Italian-made leather goods, including a signature "bum bag" that has us reconsidering the fanny pack. She applies the same tantalizingly simple, well-orchestrated look to the Copenhagen apartment that she shares with her husband, an illustrator, and their three kids (the Legos, scooters, and skateboards were swept out of sight on the day of the shoot, she admits). Of her work, she says, "I'm very good at leaving out that last unnecessary detail." 

Boutique photography by Line Kline via Yvonne Koné. Apartment photography by Line Kline for Elle Decoration Denmark via Est Magazine; styling by Stine Langvad.

The Boutique

Yvonne Koné boutique Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: Located in what had been an antiques shop in a landmarked building, the boutique was designed by Oliver Gustav whose own interior design shop and studio is just a few doors away. He's the one who suggested the color: "Oliver and I are both big fans of gray," says Koné, "but this time I wanted something softer. Oliver presented me with an environmentally friendly, water-based, chalk paint made from natural pigments. He showed me this exact dusty, powdery pink, and I fell in love. It's called Skin Powder."

Yvonne Koné boutique Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: Koné's satchels, wallets, and bum bags hang from hooks on an iron bar. The rusty lamp came from a Paris flea market.

Yvonne Koné boutique Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: The shelves are painted with the same dusty pink as the walls, and both are finished with two layers of environmentally friendly sealer—the paint is custom blended and is available, like many of the shop accessories, via Studio Oliver Gustav. The floor lamp, detailed with brushed brass and matte mirror glass, is from an edition of 18 made by Danish designer Kevin Josias.

Yvonne Koné boutique Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: For trying on Koné's plum pumps: an Oak Stool by German carpenter and film director Fritz Baumann

Yvonne Koné boutique Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: Display blocks made of terracotta stand in front of one of the original arched windows.

Yvonne-Koné boutique Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: Evidently, we like a lot of the same things Koné does—such as fiddle leaf fig trees and Industrial Chandeliers by Brooklyn firm Workstead (a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory).

The floors are pine and were installed by the previous tenant. "They didn't wash or treat the floors for many years," Koné says. "When I moved in, I decided to emphasize the patina, but I wanted a less yellow tone, and I like the smell of newly washed pine. So we scrubbed with soap and water, and then treated the floor with two coats of gray stain and alcohol, followed by another soap wash. Now, they're easy to maintain, and we clean them every evening with soap flakes." Intrigued? There are a lot of ways to create a pale wood effect. See Izabella's solution in our Remodeling 101 post: Easy Whitewashed Scandi Floors and go to page 221 of the Remodelista book for a soap-washed approach similar to Koné's. Note the inset doormat, another Remodelista favorite.

  Yvonne-Koné boutique Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: The boutique is located at 3 Store Strandstraede, next to Nyhavn, Copenhagen's 17th-century waterfront.

The Apartment

Yvonne Koné apartment Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: Several years ago, Koné and her family lucked into their apartment in the middle of Vesterbro, in a 1910 art nouveau-style building designed by architect Anton Rosen. Like the shop, it has tall ceilings and period details that are paired with clean-lined furnishings, such as the Mags Module Sofa, shown here, by Danish company Hay. The low tables are from eBay—"I think they were used in factories to stack," Koné says. "I bought them for a very low cost." For a long time, Koné kept the windows uncovered; they now have "very discrete white blinds."

Yvonne Koné apartment Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: "We had the bookcases built and treated the pine floor with white oil; that's it," Koné says. She singles out the shelving as one of her favorite things in the apartment: "It was custom-made by Danish firm Kobenhavns Mobelsnedkeri. The design is so simple and timeless, and brings some personality." The next room is Koné's home office.

Yvonne-Koné apartment Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above L: Dried poppy pods and a photo mural. Above R: An outsized industrial light found by a collector friend hangs from the living room's original plasterwork.

Yvonne Koné apartment Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: Brass vases that were props from a theater are paired with an African hairdresser sign, a perfect addition to the apartment's black-and-white palette.

Yvonne-Koné apartment Copenhagen | Remodelista

 Above L: There's even a balcony. Above R: The scrap-wood table was once used in a photo studio.

Yvonne-Koné apartment Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: A hallway leads to the kitchen and a shared kids' room. The runner is Tine K Home's Jute Kit. The hanging light—"very cheap and old"—was purchased on eBay Germany.

Yvonne-Koné apartment Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: In the kitchen, a white Ikea cabinet supplies essential storage, and replaces existing white wood cabinets that were new but made to look old: "I don't like fake vintage," Koné says. The table by Kobenhavns Mobelsnedkeri is smoked oak and was designed to fit the room. The odd lot of chairs are all inexpensive vintage finds.

Yvonne-Koné apartment Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above L: A kitchen tableau on a lacquered wood counter: "I didn't like the reddish color, so I stained it black and after that lacquered it many, many times to make it durable and easy to keep." Above R: A vintage cupboard holds some of the kids' artwork.

Yvonne-Koné apartment Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above: The master bedroom's platform bed frame came long ago from a futon shop. An old wall cupboard, newly painted black and white, is mounted over an old set of wooden file drawers from a doctor's office.

Yvonne-Koné apartment Copenhagen | Remodelista

Above L and R: The black-and-white theme extends to the bathroom. For more, go to Yvonne Koné.

Have a look at Black & White Interiors in our archive. Ready to go pink? See 5 Favorites: The Power of Pink by color expert Eve Ashkraft, and Expert Advice: The 10 Best Pink Paints. And for more of our favorite Scandi Designs, peruse our Photo Gallery. On Gardenista, take a look at the Most Beautiful Flower Shop in Denmark.

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Streamlined Light: Designs by Lambert & Fils of Montreal

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Back in 2010, former video editor Samuel Lambert set out to open a Montreal lighting design studio devoted to interpreting midcentury and industrial shapes in a glamorous, minimalist way. 

Although not from a formal design background, Lambert had always yearned for a way to work with his hands (his late father owned a pottery workshop). He started refurbishing vintage lamps and learned about the design and technical aspects, which eventually led to designing his own lights, fine-tuning his minimalist aesthetic, and founding Lambert & Fils.

Today the company has its own boutique and showroom on Beaubien Street, plus a separate manufacturing location. Lambert and his team make a range of lamps out of brass, powder-coated aluminum, and marble, and offer both custom and ready-made designs, all with a notably bare, elegant look. Here are a few highlights.

Photography by Lambert & Fils

Lambert Fils Atomium Lamp I Remodelista

Above: The brass Atomium pendant features two bulbs per tube and is completely built from scratch; $1,100 CAD  (US $1,002). 

Lambert and Fils Dot Suspension Lamp I Remodelista

Above: The Dot Suspension Lamp is made of brass and black nylon wire; $245 CAD (US $223). 

Lambert and  Fils Dot Murale Lamp I Remodelista

Above: The Dot Murale wall lamp is also brass and black nylon wire; $285 CAD (US $260).

Lambert and Fils Luna Lamp I Remodelista

Above: The Luna Floor Lamp has a brass body and a marble base; $625 CAD (US $570).

Lambert Fils Grue Floor Lamp I Remodelista

Above: The Grue floor lamp, a combination of brass and powder-coated aluminum, comes in matte black, matte white, and gloss pistachio; $1,080 CAD (US $984). The design is also available in a table lamp version, Grue Petite.

Lambert Fils Waldorf Large Wall Lamp I Remodelista

Above: Lambert & Fils offers several wall lamps. The Waldorf-Large, shown here, is brass and powder-coated aluminum; $625 CAD (US $569). 

Lambert Fils Store Front I Remodelista

Above: Vintage hanging lamps are mingled with Lambert & Fils designs in the work studio. Photograph via Harmless Banter.

Lambert & Fils Company I Remodelista

Above: Lambert & Fils founder, Samuel Lambert (second from left) with some of his collaborators. The studio has grown from a one-man operation to a 12-employee studio. To see the full collection, visit Lambert & Fils. Photograph via Harmless Banter

Into brass lighting? Check out Workstead's latest Brass Lighting Collection. Gardenista presents impressive products by the Garden Edit, including Carl Auböck's Brass and Cane Watering Can

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Smoke and Mirrors: A Glittery New Cocktail Bar in SF

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In SF's most hipster neighborhood, the Mission District, a new bar aims to avoid design clichés. It's called ABV (Alcohol by Volume) and was opened by three restauranteurs with serious Bay Area cocktail creds (Beretta, Dalva, and Bourbon & Branch), along with a chef who hails from local favorites Bar Tartine and Commonwealth.

The stake they claimed is a former 75-seat sushi restaurant that has undergone a modest redesign—expanded drinking space, shrunken kitchen, and aesthetic updates. But before anyone picked up a hammer, the founders vowed that they would keep the interior trend free: no Edison bulbs and reclaimed wood here. Their bar would be practical, comfortable, and affordable. As they told spirits blog Alcademics, "There's not going to be a uniform, and it's not like everyone is going to wear a certain kind of hat." 

ABV Cocktail Bar in San Francisco | Remodelista

Above: Hand-patinated wall mirrors and sconces hang opposite the bar. ABV aims to keep the drinks at under $10 each—and to make sure they're not so artisanal that they're gimmicky. Photograph by Patricia Chang via Eater SF.

ABV Cocktail Bar in San Francisco | Remodelista

Above: The bar counter is made from an elm tree that lived for more than a century on the campus of San Jose State University, south of San Francisco. Photograph by Patricia Chang via Eater SF.

ABV Cocktail Bar in San Francisco | Remodelista

Above L: At night, the mirrors and sconces have a warm sheen. Photograph by Pete Kane via SF Weekly. R: In daytime, they're a cool silver. Photograph by Patricia Chang via Eater SF.

Aged Mirrors at ABV Cocktail Bar in San Francisco | Remodelista

Above: Not much table space is required for food—the menu is all finger foods, and forks are not included. Hand-distressed mirrors and lamps give the space a glow. Photograph via ABV.

ABV Cocktail Bar in San Francisco | Remodelista

Above: Imbibers on the mezzanine have the best perch for people-watching. A pop art mural by SF artist Nathaniel Russell animates a swath of white wall (visit ABV's homepage for a video of the design being painted). Photograph by Patricia Chang via Eater SF.

ABV Cocktail Bar in San Francisco | Remodelista

Above: A sound-absorbing black foam ceiling is visible from the mezzanine. Photograph by Patricia Chang via Eater SF.

Mural at ABV Cocktail Bar in San Francisco | Remodelista

Above: In the main lounge, the mural and a light fixture designed by owner Ryan Fitzgerald share center stage. Fitzgerald also designed ABV's tables, and the founding team of bartenders did much of the construction work themselves. Photograph via ABV.

ABV Cocktail Bar in San Francisco | Remodelista

Above: The facade got a dramatic redesign, including new street-level and clerestory windows to avoid the dungeon-style club look all too common in the neighborhood. A cafe table and chairs accommodate late lunchers (the bar is open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.). Go to ABV for more. Photograph by Patricia Chang via Eater SF.

Keep exploring dining in San Francisco: See The Mill: A "Bright and Messy" Cafe, New Restaurant Alert: Souvla, and Boulettes Larder Gets Brassy. For recommended hotels, shops, and garden finds, visit our San Francisco City Guide.

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The World's Most Beautiful Bicycle (It's from France, of Course)

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Just because a product is rendered in wood doesn't necessarily elevate it above its metal or plastic original (case in point: not every wooden iPhone case is a standout; I've seen some clunkers recently). And in the world of wooden bicycles, French brand BSG makes the only model that gets my vote.

Founded in Strasbourg by Thierry Boltz and Claude Saos, BSG was the first to manufacture a wooden bike, the Wood B, entirely within France. And while that fact is commendable in light of France's diminishing tradition of produits du terroir, for me, it's the design of the frame that makes the Wood B an object of desire.

BSG French Bikes Wood B Nexus 8 Bike in Gray | Remodelista

Above: The four models of the Wood B can be customized with over 18 options of colored powder coating and six types of wood. Shown here is the Wood B Nexus 8 with a plywood ash frame and a Nexus eight-speed gear system and pedals, both from cycling company Shimano. The Nexus 8 is €3,690 (US $4,762).

BSG French Bikes Wood B Nexus 8 Bike in Gray | Remodelista

Above: A detail of the aluminum handlebar and light-gray powder-coated steel frame.

BSG French Bikes Wood B Nexus 8 Bike in Gray | Remodelista

Above: The seat is available in a saddle leather, shown here.

BSG French Bikes Wood B Duomatic Bike in Black | Remodelista

Above: The Wood B Duomatic has a Sturmey Archer two-speed gear system with a plywood ash and black combination frame. The Duomatic is priced at €3,190 (US $4,117).

BSG French Bikes Wood B Duomatic Bike in Black | Remodelista

Above: A custom leather bike bag; contact BSG for more information.

BSG French Bikes Wood B Duomatic Bike in Black | Remodelista

Above: The Duomatic's pedals are also sourced from Sturmey Archer.

For a closer look at the bikes in action, a must-see is BSG's Wood B video on Vimeo.

For bike enthusiasts, see 10 Favorites: Indoor Bicycle Storage Roundup, Bicycle Bags from Save the C, and all our bike-related posts for more.

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Remodeling 101: Flush Electrical Outlets

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Power outlets, data jacks, and light switches are the eyesores of interior design. The most common solution is the path of least resistance: We try to ignore them and their cumbersome cover plates. Others take the makeover approach and dress up cover plates to blend with backgrounds. Hiding outlets and switches is another popular option—but one that's not always possible because of code, safety, and convenience. What if instead we could make our power sources and controls almost invisible? A new generation of products is making this possible. Sorry, cover plates, we won't miss you.

N.B.: This is the second in our series of electrical outlet primers. 

Jebbia Loft Kitchen Flush Outlets, Remodelista

Above: What's missing? The Jebbia family's New York loft kitchen by architects Fernlund + Logan has clean white cabinetry and walls free of outlet covers. Instead, power is provided via flush wall outlets sourced from Vancouver lighting and design company Bocci. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista. Take a full tour of the Jebbia kitchen in the Remodelista book, and see below for a close look at the outlets.

What are flush-mount power outlets and switches?

Flush-mount power outlets (including switches, data jacks, and keypads) are installed directly into walls so that the outlet surface is flush, eliminating the need for cover plates. Flush-mount outlets integrate seamlessly with their surroundings: No more wall clutter. 

Trufig Flush Outlets, Remodelista

Above: A nearly invisible Trufig flush-mount outlet. Photograph via Trufig.

Where can flush-mount outlets be used?

They can be placed anywhere a regular indoor receptacle would go—and, thanks to their slim profile, are less restricted than other outlets from an aesthetic point of view. But note that they're subject to the same electrical codes and restrictions as all receptacles (no horizontal surface-mounting in the kitchen, for example, because of the hazard of having liquids seep into the outlets). See Remodeling 101: Where to Locate Electrical Outlets, Living Room Edition for more location considerations. 

Jebbia Loft Kitchen Flush Outlets, Remodelista  

Above: A pair of Bocci 22 flush outlets in the Fernlund + Logan loft kitchen. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Bocci-22-Flush-Outlet-Bathroom-Remodelista

Above: A single Bocci 22 outlet inset into a bathroom wall. 

Trufig Flush Mount On/Off Switch, Remodelista

Above: A Trufig light switch blends into a bathroom wall. 

How are flush-mount outlets installed?

Flush-mount outlet placement is part of the drywall installation process—so it's only an option for remodelers and people doing construction. The electrical wall box/container is placed within the drywall and "mudded in" using common construction and finishing techniques by an electrician and drywall installer. This is not a DIY project. Installation varies depending on the make of the particular outlet, but generally the electric receptacle is put in after the box is embedded in the wall. Some models are designed with a fascia plate that fits seamlessly into the face of the receptacle box, flush with the wall. Not to worry, repairs do not require more holes in the wall: Outlets can be removed to access wiring after installation. 

Bocci 22 Phone Outlets, Remodelista

Above: Bocci 22 Flush Mount Electrical Accessories are designed to be installed directly into drywall without a visible cover plate or trim. They can also be set flush into wood, marble, glass or any other wall surface. Photograph via Bocci. 

Trufig Flush Mount Outlets Kitchen, Remodelsita

Above: California company Trufig offers a family of flush-mount products including switches, power outlets, data jacks, keypads and touch panels. Unlike Bocci's outlets, Trufig's come with fascias, thin faceplates that fit flush on top of the inset receptacle box. The fascias can be treated the same way as walls—they can be painted, faux finished, wallpapered, or laminated with a material, including stone. Photograph via Trufig.

Smoothline Flush Mount Outlets, Remodelista

Above: A flush-mount wall plate system for drywall and wood, Smoothline was developed by a remodeler frustrated by the lack of utilitarian elements with a clean, modern design. It's only available in white, so far, but can be painted and wallpapered. 

How much do flush-mount outlets cost?

The initial outlay for flush-mount outlets is well above that of your standard electrical outlet (the Trufig Single Outlet runs close to $300 for all the necessary parts, about 10 times more than a standard outlet). Manufacturers contend that while the initial costs are higher, other costs associated with efforts to hide outlets after installation are eliminated. To keep expenses in control, consider using flush outlets only in main living areas that are exposed.

Bocci 22 Outlets, Remodelista

Above: The Bocci 22 Single Gang Assembly is $125, and it also requires a $150 Bocci Remove Tool for installation (only one required regardless of the number of outlets installed).

Smoothline Flush Mount Outlets, Remodelista

Above: Smoothline is moderately priced: Its White 1-Gang Drywall Installation is $9.95 for a flush-mount wall box and faceplate; these work with the standard outlet electric parts (not included) for a flush-mount application. 

I'm not doing a remodel, are there alternatives to flush-mount outlets for reducing cover plate clutter? 

If you can't hide the cover plates, try to make them attractive: Work room by room to switch up the cheap plastic models with affordable metal, porcelain, or wood ones—or plates that blend into your decor. See 10 Easy Pieces: Switch Plate Covers and Switch Up Your Switch Plates for ideas. 

Consider outlet camouflage in the form of Recessed Outlets that enable you to hide protruding plugs behind furniture, appliances, or a flat-screen TV. Or try Pop-out Outlets that disappear when not in use. 

Meljac Outlet Cover, Remodelista  

Above: French company Meljac makes top-of-the-line switches and sockets—see The World's Most Beautiful Light Switches by Way of France

Flush outlets are just one touch we find to be valuable. Here are More Luxuries Worth Adding to Your Remodel. Also don't miss Expert Advice: 15 Secrets for Saving Money on a Remodel. And go to Remodeling 101 for our primers on everything from kitchen-counter materials to the ins and outs of French doors.

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Redefining the Bakery, Glamour Edition

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Located in the elegant lobby of Tribeca's 1900s Merchant's Square building at 220 Church Street, the newly opened Arcade Bakery elevates the bakery to an art form. Owner Roger Gural, a Staten Island native, worked in music and television production and dabbled in baking as a sideline. He left his day job after intensive study at the French Culinary Institute in New York City, moved to Paris for a yearlong apprenticeship at Au Duc de La Chapelle in Paris (where he learned about regional breads and perfected the baguette), and worked as head baker for Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery in Napa Valley.

When it came time to open his own bakery, he consulted Wythe Hotel owner and Brooklyn restaurateur Andrew Tarlow, who recommended Workstead designers Robert Highsmith and Stefanie Brechbuehler (members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory). 

Workstead struck a balance between past and present by using antique brass lighting and streamlined custom mahogany millwork. The couple deftly solved the problem of sloping floors by installing wall-mounted folding tables, which occupy a series of alcoves down the length of the lobby. Go to Arcade Bakery for more information.

The Arcade Bakery in Tribeca by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: "The vaulted ceilings and minimal stone and terrazzo palette inspired the language of the design," Robert says. "With the renovation, we wanted to use materials that were warm, rich, and a contrast to the existing palette. The seating alcoves occupy what were formerly little-used display cases, with rounded details that echo the vaulted ceiling above."

The Arcade Bakery in Tribeca by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: Owner and baker Roger Gural stands in front of the vintage Art Nouveau bakery cabinet that Robert and Stefanie sourced from Los Angeles and had shipped back to New York City. The small glass and brass pastry case on the front counter is an antique from a shop in New Hampshire.

The Arcade Bakery in Tribeca by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: "The unique challenge of a sloped floor throughout the space inspired us to come up with a solution in which all of the elements fold out of the wall, since they could not be stationary," Robert says. The pendant lights in the bakery retail alcove were sourced from House of Antique Hardware in Portland, Oregon.

The Arcade Bakery in Tribeca by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: The millwork was built by Ken Reynolds of Execution by Design and is either built-in hardwood mahogany or mahogany plywood.

The Arcade Bakery in Tribeca by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: The Workstead studio designed and fabricated the 18 brass wall sconces that line the walls of the bakery.

The Arcade Bakery in Tribeca by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: "The tables protrude at varying dimensions out into the space, and can be used either as standing tables or for sitting. Brass hardware pins the tables into the wall when the bakery is closed; when open, the tables fold down to rest on a solid brass bar."

The Arcade Bakery in Tribeca by Workstead | Remodelista

Above: The exterior of 220 Church Street in Tribeca, New York City.

See Workstead's design of Andrew Tarlow's hotel in Brooklyn in our post White Heat in Brooklyn: The Wythe Hotel. For more in Tribeca, see our posts Spotlight: David Weeks' New Tribeca Studio and Sensuous Simplicity for the Thinking Woman: La Garçonne in NYC. Then have a look at one of our favorite loft spaces in Moon & Hey at Home in NYC.

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High/Low: Faceted Mirror

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We first fell in love with Sam Orlando Miller's faceted mirrored pieces at Hedge Gallery, in San Francisco. Apparently we weren't the only ones to admire the British artist's take on the looking glass.

sam orlando miller faceted mirror

Above: Sam Orlando Miller's Untitled Mirror 2 can be purchased through Hedge Gallery. Inquire about pricing and availability.

restoration hardware faceted mirror

Above: Restoration Hardware's Baby & Child Jewel Mirror is $469.

We have a weakness for mirrored surfaces. You too? Have a look at Smoke and Mirrors: A Glittery New Cocktail Bar in SF. Also see Design Sleuth: 5 Bathroom Mirrors with Shelves, Through the Looking Glass, and Mirrors That Mimic Butterflies. And on Gardenista, check out Design Sleuth: Mirrored Planters from Paris.

This post is an update; the original ran on September 4, 2013, as part of our Low-Key Fashion issue.

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Artful Bathing: The Ultimate Wood Tub and Sink

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Innsbruck, Austria architect and designer Nina Mair had in mind "an exceptionally aesthetic experience" when she came up with her new Shell collection. Using high-tech machinery, she carves walnut bathtubs and basins for spa baths that gracefully dip into the old world and new. "A wood bathtub cannot be made any more delicate," she says.

Photography by Markus Bstieler via Nina Mair.

Architect Nina Mair Shell Bathroom | Remodelista

Above: Mair's Shell Bathtub is sculpted from a solid block of walnut using a CNC (computer numerical control) milling machine. "The exacting production process includes precise positioning of every corner and curve, and the ergonomic optimization of every radius and incline," she says. The Shell collection extends to the brass-and-leather stool, which is also available in black steel and leather.

Architect Nina Mair Shell Bathroom | Remodelista

Above: Mair suggests pairing the tub with a copper-piping spout. For freestanding tub filler ideas, go to 10 Easy Pieces.

Architect Nina Mair Shell Bathroom | Remodelista

Above: The bathtub is polished and oiled by hand "many times." 

Architect Nina Mair Shell Bathroom | Remodelista

Above: Like the bathtub, the Shell Double Basin is carved from a block of walnut using a CNC milling machine. It's then meticulously finished and integrated into a minimalist concrete wash table with a towel rail and drawer. The Adorer Mirror can be hung horizontally or vertically and its deep brass frame serves as a ledge for accessories.

Architect Nina Mair Shell Bathroom | Remodelista

Above: The basin is also available in a single size. "The sophisticated drain and overflow are integrated and lie flush with the surface," Mair notes. Her collection—which even includes concrete soap dishes in two shapes—is available to order directly from Nina Mair. Prices available on request; the firm ships worldwide and delivery takes six to eight weeks. 

More tub inspiration? See 10 Easy Pieces: Modern Freestanding Bathtubs and 10 Easy Pieces: Classic Freestanding Bathtubs. And have a look at the World's Tiniest Spa Bath. On Gardenista, Michelle has an Easy Tip for Adding a Spa Element to your bathroom (hint: aromatic plants are involved).

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The Ultimate High/Low Housewares Shop, Belgian Edition

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Back in 2010, we first heard word of Belgian interiors shop Magazyn; it continues to earn a spot on our hit list, especially now that the shop sells its collection online and delivers worldwide.

Owned by Thomas Haarmann, a former art director from Düsseldorf, Germany, Magazyn sells a range of tableware, furniture, and objects—everything from Astier de Villatte ceramics and Lobmeyr glassware to basic cotton laundry bags. Back in 2012, Haarmann moved the store from a location within Antwerp's central mall to a spot near Nationalestraat, a street featuring the likes of Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester. The store is more spacious with a palette of concrete and white walls cast in low lighting from Michael Anastassiades.

Photography courtesy of Stephanie Duval of 70percentpure, except where noted.

Magazyn Shop in Antwerp, Belgium, Photograph by Dieter Vander Velpen | Remodelista

Above: Behind a large composite island is a thin shelf displaying a variety of ceramic serving pieces from French company Astier de Villatte. Photograph courtesy of Dieter Vander Velpen of The Epic Guide.

Magazyn Shop in Antwerp, Belgium, 70 Percent Pure | Remodelista

Above: The Tube Chandelier by London-based Greek lighting designer Michael Antassiades hangs above the island.

Magazyn Shop in Antwerp, Belgium, Photograph by Dieter Vander Velpen | Remodelista

Above: Ultra-thin crystal decanters and vases from Lobmeyr. Photograph courtesy of Dieter Vander Velpen of The Epic Guide.

Magazyn Shop in Antwerp, Belgium, 70 Percent Pure | Remodelista

Above: A trio of Antassiades's large and small Ball Lights hang over a mock kitchen sink. Further down the countertop are various sizes of Oak Cutting Boards leaning against the wall.

Magazyn Shop in Antwerp, Belgium, 70 Percent Pure | Remodelista

Above: A rolling pin, an oil and vinegar glassware set, and Iris Hantverk Washing-up Whisks.

Magazyn Shop in Antwerp, Belgium, Photograph by Dieter Vander Velpen | Remodelista

Above: Haarmann showcases a collection of furniture—stools, storage shelves, and seating—on seasonal rotation. Photograph courtesy of Dieter Vander Velpen of The Epic Guide.

Magazyn Shop in Antwerp, Belgium, 70 Percent Pure | Remodelista

Above: Linen tote bags hang artfully from the ceiling by thin black leather ties.

Magazyn Shop in Antwerp, Belgium, Photograph by Dieter Vander Velpen | Remodelista

Above: A vintage dining table and a set of rattan and steel chairs for sale in store. Photograph courtesy of Dieter Vander Velpen of The Epic Guide.

Magazyn Shop in Antwerp, Belgium, 70 Percent Pure | Remodelista

Above: A custom sofa in deep gray suede sits at the entrance to the store. In the background are a stack of Sisman SuperSputnik stools.

Magazyn Shop in Antwerp, Belgium, 70 Percent Pure | Remodelista

Above: Visit Magazyn at 34A Steenhouwersvest, in Antwerp.

Traveling to Belgium? Have a look at our favorite places to eat, sleep, and shop in our Antwerp City Guide.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on April 22, 2010, as part of our Postcards from Belgium issue.

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A Glamorous Bachelor Pad in Australia, Small-Space Edition

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An uninhabitable, century-old worker's cottage has been reimagined as a drama-filled bachelor's abode, full of edgy details and custom furniture and lighting. The street-front exterior was reinstated to its pristine original state; the only hint that all is not what it seems is the gleaming gold-painted front door. The overhaul is the work of Glenn Lamont of Melbourne design and manufacturing practice LifeSpaceJourney (they're the team behind coffee bar Common Galaxia). Is this the ultimate bachelor pad?

Photography by Armelle Habib via LifeSpaceJourney.

Life Space Journey House Facade

Above: The restored facade looks respectable enough.

Life Space Journey House Door Remodelista

Above: Lamont designed the house for himself. "Now that we painted the original front door gold, I can always find my place after a big night out," he says.

Life Space Journey House Fireplace Remodelista

Above: An original fireplace lends a traditional note to the otherwise pared-down space.

Life Space Journey Amber Apothecary Bottles Remodelista

Above L and R: A meticulously arranged group of amber apothecary bottles form a decorative tableau.

Life Space Journey Living Room Kitchen

Above: Vintage plow points mounted on the wall create a modernist collage.

Life Space Journey House Living Room Remodelista

Above: A view to the kitchen; all furniture, fixtures, and fittings are from LifeSpaceJourney.

Life Space Journey House Kitchen Remodelsita

Above: A yellow Vola faucet adds a dash of color to the black kitchen. For the Vola in a rainbow of options, see 11 Favorites: Vola Faucet Color Splash, Kitchen and Bath Edition.

Life Space Journey Bedroom View Remodelista

Above: Tucked behind the living area, the small bedroom is enlarged by mirrors.

Life Space Journey House Bedroom Remodelista

Above: The arrangement is kept simple, with a suspended reading light and not much more. 

Life Space Journey Bedroom Full View Remodelista

Above: Life Space Journey's Copper Lights provide bedside illumination.

Life Space Journey Lock Detail

Above: A row of vintage lockboxes serve as a wall mural.

Life Space Journey Bathroom

Above: A minimalist bachelor bath with more amber bottles.

Life Space Journey Deck View Remodelista

Above: A view to the small, fenced-in deck area off the rear.

Life Space Journey deck fire pit

Above: The steel fire pit is made by LifeSpaceJourney. (On Gardenista, have a look at an architect-designed Geometric Fire Pit—it's portable. Also see 10 Easy Pieces: Fire Pits and Bowls.)

Life Space Journey House Shed Remodelista

Above: A toolshed is cleverly concealed behind the deck walls.

Life Space Journey House Side View Remodelsita

Above: A side view of the house.

Life Space Journey Rear Deck

Above: Entry to the deck area is via sliding steel doors. To see more, go to LifeSpaceJourney

For more architecture and interior design in the region, have a look at: Rugged Sophistication in Australia, The Indoor/Outdoor Life in Sydney, and Slow House: A Serene Cabin in the Woods.

This post is an update; the original ran on July 23, 2013, as part of our Australia by Design issue.

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Design Sleuth: The Perfect Gold Paint

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Nothing says glamour like a gold-painted front door (it sounds gaudy, but done right it can be surprisingly understated).

LifeSpaceJourney House in Australia with Gold Door | Remodelista

Above: One of our favorite front doors; see the whole project in today's post A Walk on the Wild Side, Small-Space Edition.

Modern Masters Metallic Paint Warm Silver | Remodelista

Above: Though the name is a bit misleading, we think opaque Warm Silver is the perfect shade. It's not too bright or too yellow, and it has a subdued shiny finish.

Modern Masters Warm Silver Paint | Remodelista

Above: A 32-ounce pot of Modern Masters Warm Silver Metallic Paint is $36.74 from Amazon. 

See more at Palette & Paints: Modern Masters Metallic Wall Paint. And find the perfect color to mix with metallics in our Palette & Paints series, which includes expert advice on Happiness-Inducing Shades.

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Trend Alert: Bakery Chic in Japan

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An 80-something-year-old bakery in Kiryu, northwest of Tokyo, recently received a remarkable facelift courtesy of Sunao Koase, the principal at Snark, a young, up-and-coming Japanese firm that has its hand in everything from architecture to furniture and event design. Koase's solution for Style Bakery was to create a clean, light-filled shop with a modern edge using a palette of grays paired with white walls and pale oak. It's a combination worth applying at home.

Photography by Ippei Shinzawa.

Style Bakery Snark Architecture-Studio Japan photography Ippei Shinzawa | Remodelista

Above: Large floor-to-ceiling windows were introduced to allow light into the bakery and maximize the height of the space. 

Style Bakery Snark Architecture studio Japan | Remodelista

Above: Light gray subway tiles with dark gray grout are used as facing on the counters and on a central wall where the bakery's sign in metal lettering serves as a focal point. 

Style Bakery Snark Architecture-Studio Japan photography Ippei Shinzawa | Remodelista

Above: A trio of white pendant lights showcases the bread on display, and echos the smaller trio of white lights over the counter.

Style Bakery Snark Architecture-Studio Japan photography Ippei Shinzawa | Remodelista

Above: A metal-and-wood rack lined with various types of pan (the Japanese word for bread, derived from the French pain). Bread was first introduced by missionaries, but it only really gained ground with the country's postwar Westernization.

Style Bakery Snark Architecture-Studio Japan photography Ippei Shinzawa | Remodelista

Above: In addition to the pendants, a square of neon strips introduces more lighting.

Style Bakery Snark Architecture-Studio Japan photography Ippei Shinzawa | Remodelista

Above: Solid oak is used for shelving and countertops. Read about affordable wood counters in our post Remodeling 101: Butcher Block Countertops.

Style Bakery Snark Architecture-Studio Japan photography Ippei Shinzawa | Remodelista

Above: In the window, a vintage wooden table displays the goods for sampling—with a toaster oven for shoppers to help themselves.

Style Bakery Snark Architecture-Studio Japan photography Ippei Shinzawa | Remodelista

Above: Books and baked goods fill the oak shelves. 

Style Bakery Snark Architecture-Studio Japan photography Ippei Shinzawa | Remodelista

Above: Industrial caged lighting in the entrance.

Style Bakery Snark Architecture-Studio Japan photography Ippei Shinzawa | Remodelista

Above: The gray floor harmonizes with the tiles and grout. Curious about concrete? Read our Remodeling 101 posts on Polished Concrete Floors and Concrete Countertops.

Style Bakery Snark Architecture-Studio Japan photography Ippei Shinzawa | Remodelista

Above: A neon sign welcomes shoppers. To see more, go to Snark

For another notable Japanese bakery design, check out our post on Panscape. Close to home, our own favorite bakery (with bread worth waiting for) is The Mill, in San Francisco, and on the East Coast, it would have to be Vergennes Laundry, in Vermont.

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New on Gardenista: Glamour, Wild and Tamed

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"Glamour in the garden is definitely not an oxymoron," says Michelle. This week she and her team at Gardenista joined us in our celebration of high-style simplicity. Take a look at the highlights, including a new Before and After series.

Camphor Trees at Vergelegen in South Africa | Gardenista

Above: South Africa's famous wine estate Vergelegen, east of Cape Town, is home to 18 self-contained gardens—plus these elephantine camphor trees that, along with the house, date from the 18th century. In Garden Visit, Marie leads us on a tour.

Pottery Barn cafe lights | Gardenista

Above: It's the time of year to switch to a darker palette on the patio. Read how in Little Black Accessories, Outdoor Edition

Hancock Park LA Garden Naomi Sanders | Gardenista

Above: Before and After: A Grande Dame in LA traces the transformation of "very fussy garden" in Hancock Park as it is streamlined by landscape designer Naomi Sanders for a True Blood producer. Shown here, the newly opened-up backyard with patio, pergola, and original fountain and palms.

This week, Gardenista also launched a second new column: Airbnb Visit with a look at a B&B on the Italian island of Ischia, ultimate courtyard included.

Skultuna brass flower pots | Gardenista

Above: A new variety of showstopping flowerpots. They're made by a 400-year-old Swedish metal manufacturer. And, yes, they're all brass. See Pots & Planters: Brass Tacks for the full details.

DIY hanging vase by Erin Boyle | Gardenista

Above: Tie one on: Erin explains how to weave a hanging vase from simple black wire in this week's Small Space DIY.

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11 Design Details to Steal from High-End Bespoke Kitchens

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Have you ever wandered around a Henrybuilt showroom (or Boffi or Bulthaup or any number of high-end outfitters) and experienced kitchen envy? Or admired an architect-designed kitchen detail?  I have. Here are 11 ideas to steal from the kitchen masters (carpenter required, in most cases). If you're embarking on an update, consider incorporating one or more of these design details. And let us know how it goes.

Riva 1920 Kitchen Plate Drainer Remodelista

Above: A custom dish drainer via Italian company Riva 1920.

Cabinet Pulls Paulette Taggert/Remodelista

Above: Custom etched cabinet pulls in a Telegraph Hill residence by Paulette Taggart Architects in SF. Photo by Bruce Damonte via SF Chronicle.

Blanco Stainless Steel Bucket Compost Pail/Remodelista

Above: Blanco Solon Compost System inset compost bucket.

Concealed Faucet Claudio Silvestrin | Remodelista

Above: In the home of Italian architect Claudio Silvestrin, international master of minimalism (and Kanye's architect of choice), a custom sink with a discreetly positioned faucet. Photograph by Sarah Blee.

Henrybuilt Concealed Outlet | Remodelista

Above: A concealed outlet via Henrybuilt. For more outlet inspiration, Remodeling 101: Flush Outlets.

Peter Henderson Furniture Plate Rack | Remodelista

Above: A bespoke plate rack by Peter Henderson Furniture in the UK.

Viola Park Bread Bins | Remodelista

Above: Inset bread bin from Viola Park.

Pull Out Cutting Board | Remodelista

Above: A pull-out cutting board; via J. Ingerstedt.

Built In Teak Drainer Remodelista

Above: A built-in dish drainer by architect Eric Bommel.

Chabon Waldman House Counter-Inset Compost Bin | Remodelista

Above: Oakland-based writer Michael Chabon devised this clever in-counter compost solution; see more at The Mysteries of Berkeley: A Literary Couple at Home. Photograph by Aya Brackett for Remodelista.

Viola Park Knife Storage | Remodelista

Above: Via Viola Park, a genius thin steel shelf that runs the length of the counter and allows for an inset knife block.

Updating your kitchen? Have a look at 15 Life-Changing Kitchen Storage Ideas and 14 Kitchen Tricks to Steal from the Bathroom. For more inspiration, browse our Kitchen Photo Gallery.

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Current Obsessions: Autumn Is a Second Spring

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Take a look at what's on our radar this week.

House of Brinson Kitchen | Remodelista

Design Junction 2014 in London via Design Milk | Remodelista

  • Above: Mark your calendars: Design Junction is coming to the London Design Festival, September 18-21 at the Sorting Office, 21-31 New Oxford Street, London. Photograph by Tom Mannion. 
  • On view at the Royal Institute of British Architecture, an exhibit of Edwin Smith photographs curated by Margaret Howell. 
  • There's no way we'd live in a house that hangs off a cliff, but we like admiring it from a distance. 

Home for Sale in Majorna, Sweden via Stadshem | Remodelista

  • Above: Our new favorite real estate website? Stadshem, a compilation of stylish Swedish houses on the market, including this two-bedroom apartment in Gothenburg. Photograph by Jonas Bergman. 
  • Fashion designer Vera Wang talks to the New York Times about her early career and her studio
  • The Citizenry's Butterfly Chair in copper and leather went on sale yesterday—it's already sold out in white. 

Transcendent Objects at Room 406 | Remodelista  

  • Above: Transcendent Objects, which opens September 19 at Room 406, in Chicago, will feature the work of Ryota Aoki, Lilith Rockett, and Sarah Nishiura. 
  • Our friends at Bà & Me, a Vietnamese restaurant in Upstate New York are currently crowdfunding for their second outpost. 
  • We're inspired by a bathroom transformation spotted on Hometalk (spoiler: concrete counters are involved). 

Homemade Modern DIY Garment Rack | Remodelista

  • Above: This weekend Dalilah is planning to construct a DIY garment rack found on Homemade Modern. 
  • Would you spend the night in an Ikea showroom? A reporter at UK newspaper Telegraph jumped at the opportunity. Read about it here.
  • Calling all California-based design professionals: Here's your chance to enter the 2015 California Home & Design Awards

Designer Lena Corwin's Home in Brooklyn, NY | Remodelista

For more from this week on Remodelista, have a look at our Minimalist Glamour issue, and head over to Gardenista to see Glamour in the Garden

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Table of Contents: Style on a Budget

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Here at Remodelista, we take a high/low approach to design and remodeling: Splurge here, save there. Now that it's fall, the desire to tear up our rooms has hit us yet again. And so we're delving into cost-conscious solutions this week. Join us for a celebration of standout design and remodeling ideas that are irresistibly affordable. 

Corinne Gilbert Hardware Solution from The Remodelista Book, Style on a Budget Issue

Above: Corinne Gilbert's doorknob alternative with a bell. See her French bohemian Brooklyn townhouse in Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Monday

Thonet chairs from Etsy vendor CoMod Clasics | Remodelista

Above: Some of the best finds for our own homes come from vintage and secondhand sources. Later today in Editor's Picks, Dalilah rounds up our favorite websites for affordable furniture—Julie has her eye on these Thonet chairs that are just like the ones around her dining table. 

Tuesday

10 Room Tweaks (for Free) by Justine Hand | Remodelista

Above: In Tuesday's DIY & Remodeling post, Justine presents 10 zero-cost, room-changing improvements. Something like a wardrobe edit, these design tips and are all about using what you've got to full advantage. Photograph by Justine Hand.

Wednesday

Danielle Arceneaux's DIY kitchen remodel for less than $500 | Remodelista

Above: On Wednesday, stay tuned for an inspired Reader Rehab, a DIY kitchen remodel (new paneling and backsplash, included) for less than $500.

Thursday

Lee Build's hand-carved clothespins | Remodelista

Above: In Thursday's Domestic Science posts, we tour a compact, second-floor laundry room that uses a barn door and Ikea drying racks to full advantage. And we also take a look at old-fashioned, handmade laundry pins that have us getting out our own whittling knives.

Friday

Berg'n in Brooklyn Douglas Lyle Thompson | Remodelista

Above: Our favorite new hangout in Brooklyn features a budget-minded design by Annabelle Selldorf of Selldorf Architects, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory. Read about it in Restaurant Visit.

Saturday

  Open Shelves in Pulltab Project on White Street, Tribeca, New York, Photos, Mikiko Kikuyama | Remodelista

Above: Pulltab Design, another member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory, is this weekend's Architect Is In. The firm's principals will be on standby to answer questions about their Tribeca loft design and its 21st-century Shaker kitchen.

Over at Gardenista there's more Style on a Budget this week.

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Calm and Collected: At Home with the Duo Behind Aesthetic Movement

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How to live cost-consciously—and exceptionally well—in NYC? Creative consultants and product developers Jesse James and Kostas (Gus) Anagnopoulos solved the riddle for themselves and their daughter, Olympia, by leaving Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for Jackson Heights, Queens, a melting-pot neighborhood best known for its Indian restaurants and markets. Mysteriously less celebrated are the area's grand, historic apartment buildings: the one that the family settled in is a landmarked, 1924 Tuscan-style garden complex that has griffins standing guard over its gates. Inside the family's "classic seven"—a living room, dining room, kitchen, and four bedrooms—things are equally magical (and of an age). Jesse and Gus have a shared, longstanding weakness for overlooked and unfashionable antiques. And when what they like becomes desirable, as it invariably does, they move on to the next. Have a look at their fresh approach to living with vintage.

Photography by Philip Ficks; styling by Pam Morris.

Jesse James Kostas Anagnopoulos of Aesthetic Movement and their daughter photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: Jesse James, Gus Anagnopoulos, and their daughter, Olympia, 7, outside their apartment building in the Jackson Heights historic district. Designed by Andrew J. Thomas as a co-op, the complex is comprised of eight brick buildings surrounding a block-long central garden—and there's even community composting.

Jesse and Gus are the founders of Aesthetic Movement, a multifaceted New York City design office that provides wholesale representation to small makers, develops its own product lines, and creates retail spaces—among other things. By day the couple note that they're surrounded by newly minted objects, which explains why at home, they gravitate to antiques, drawn not by provenance, but by patina and soulfulness—and anonymity: "We prefer not knowing every detail of how, when, and where something was produced—because that's what we do at work," explains Jesse. "With old things, there's a mystery, a life that preceded us." Photograph by Philip Ficks via Kinfolk.

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos apt in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: The apartment was last remodeled in the early 1990s by the son of the original owners, who stripped the entry of its woodwork and painted the walls in brown and gold stripes. To bring back the apartment's original bones, Jesse and Gus introduced transoms, chair rails, and moldings. 

Many designers who spend their days surrounded by color and pattern take a palette-cleansing approach at home and opt for all white. Not Jesse and Gus. Their foyer is painted Farrow & Ball Off Black, and, like the rest of the apartment, given over to display. The central botanical, shown here, is a John Derian mailer on newsprint for a Hugo Guinness show; the couple mounted it on linen and added a frame. Photograph by Philip Ficks via Kinfolk.

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos apt in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: The living room has a cove ceiling and large wood-burning fireplace. The sofa came from the now defunct Classic Sofa, and the green armchair is a yard sale piece reupholstered in a jacquard from the Silk Trading Company. The Husbands poster of Peter Falk, from a 1970 John Cassavetes film, was a wedding gift. Travel souvenirs are another of the couple's specialities: They purchased the room's antique area rugs on a trip to Marrakech shortly after their daughter's first birthday.

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos apt in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: A mantel still life includes a tag sale stoneware bottle that, Jesse notes, "looks like it stepped out of a Giorgio Morandi painting." 

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos apt in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: In a corner of the living room, a small table from a Catskills antiques shop is where Gus spends his mornings writing—in addition to his work at Aesthetic Movement, he's a poet. His published work includes the collection Moving Blanket. Gus is also a master at displaying collections. "Like things with like things" is his longstanding motto—and explains the pairings and clusters of objects and colors found throughout the apartment. Shown here, a framed sketch by Jesse's cousin Ashley James, a weathered mirror, and a watercolor by Ginna Triplett, a friend of Gus's since high school.

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos apt in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: A Thomas O'Brien Aero Studio Goodman Light with a bronzed interior hangs over the dining table, which came from Jesse's grandmother, an aesthete and great collector herself. Jesse tells us: "Our approach is to layer and edit a room starting with a few well-chosen anchors. Then we add and subtract elements until we strike a balance of symmetry and asymmetry, of positive and negative space. When you get it right, it feels sort of magical—carefully considered but not decorated, beautiful but not precious."

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos apt in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: Cylindrical art pottery vases from the 1950s—each picked up individually and inexpensively—form a striking ensemble on the dining room armoire. "They don't look like anything on their own," says Jesse. "That's how most of our collections come together: This is stuff that's at any antiques mall, but no one ever looks at it because it's kind of ugly on its own. For whatever reason, we slowly start buying more and more." The lamp and small bud vase are Danish Art Deco by Schollert. The armoire—retrofitted to hold a printer and office materials because the dining table often gets used for work—is painted Pigeon, a gray-green from Farrow & Ball.

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos apt in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: A lineup of pink milk glass goblets top a French wall-mounted cabinet that holds etched glassware by Japanese artist Shizuyo Saegusa. Transferware platters—part of a large collection of 19th-century Aesthetic Movement designs that are the source of the couple's company name—are displayed in a wood church hymnal, a piece that Jesse and Gus replicated for Sir/Madam, their tableware and kitchen goods line; see it in our post The Wooden Spoon and Other Staples.

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos apt in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: Green batter bowls are gathered on a dining room sideboard."They're 1920s Deco but we're not ever sure who made them," says Jesse. "We love bowls; we put them everywhere and use them to store things—some have rocks from a trip or piles of photos." The pleated lampshade could have come from a thrift store, but it's actually a several-years old find from Anthropologie paired with a bronze-finished light.

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos kitchen in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: The kitchen required a bit of triage (and investment) to return it to its 1924s guise. In addition to having cabinet faces rebuilt, Jesse and Gus added an AGA Legacy range and a cast-iron farm sink, which took four people to install. The runner is Swedish and the industrial stepladder was purchased on a trip to Chicago, the couple's shared hometown. Photograph by Philip Ficks via Kinfolk.

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos apt in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: Restored pantry cupboards in the hall outside the kitchen have drawer pulls and cabinet latches from House of Antique Hardware. The brass pepper mill is an Atlas from a hardware store in Nafpaktos, Greece, where Gus's paternal grandmother lived. Read about the design and where to source it in Object Lessons. Photograph by Philip Ficks via Kinfolk.

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos apt in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: The master bed is covered with a vintage kantha quilt from India, and a collection of Czech and Polish film posters sit waiting to be hung. The framed photograph is of Jesse's father.

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos apt in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: A French secretary in the bedroom holds important papers and displays favorite small paintings and a sturdy dried leaf.

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos garden apt building  in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: Griffons perch at one of the apartment complex's six gates. The structure was one of many that went up in the speculative frenzy following the construction of the Queensboro Bridge, which linked Queens to Manhattan, in 1909.

Jesse James and Kosta Anagnopoulos apt building Italianate tower in Queens, NY, photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: Four Italianate towers adorn the buildings. Not surprisingly, the area has become a magnet for creative young families—Jesse estimates that at least 25 friends and relatives have moved to the neighborhood. 

Jess James and Kostas Anagnopoulos apt door photographed by Philip Ficks | Remodelista

Above: Metalwork quatrefoils pattern the entrance door. Architect Robert A.M. Stern has singled out Jackson Heights' garden buildings as "a model urban suburbia that demonstrates as none have since what high-density housing in the city could be."

To see more work by Aesthetic Movement, have a look at our posts Now Serving: Perfected Tableware from the Past and Vintage Revival: Kitchen Essentials Made in India, go to Izola, and take a tour of Jesse and Gus's former country house here

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Editors' Picks: 10 Favorite Sources for Bargain Vintage Furniture

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Here at Remodelista we've participated in our share of eBay auctions. We've also have been known to obsessively check the local Craigslist listings for that Eames lounge or set of bentwood chairs at an amazing price. But eBay and Craigslist are just the start. 

To celebrate our week of Style on a Budget, we're sharing our favorite sources for affordable vintage and used furniture. True, bargain shopping requires stamina—all treasure hunts do— but it's not only more affordable but better for the planet to buy secondhand goods than brand-new. Word of advice: Most sites allow you the option to focus on local sellers; we recommend doing that for large objects so that you can pick up your purchase and avoid shelling out for shipping. 

Have your own secret source? Let us know in the Comments section below. 

Vintage Thonet Chairs on Etsy, Budget Furniture | Remodelista

1. An obvious place to start for any vintage hunter is Etsy. Michelle used the online shop to find A 1970s Style Wooden Hanging Planterand, recently, Julie has had her eye on this pair of Thonet Plywood Chairs, $249, through seller CoMod Classics. Justine is our resident Etsy prowler. And because it's a vast marketplace, she suggests singling out favorite vendors and following them. Hers include Solstice HomeEthanollie, Object + Light, Owl Song, Lackluster Co.Haven Co., and Gallivanting Girls.

2. "Rubylane is a site that's been around awhile," says Margot. "For those of us in need of a regular vintage fix, it offers the equivalent of digging around in a group antiques shop." 

White Tolix Stools Ebay Budget Furniture | Remodelista

3. For years, Julie kept this one to herself: Design Within Reach sells slightly dented and flawed merchandise in its own Design Within Reach Outlet shop on eBay. This set of Three White Tolix Stools is going for $227.50—they're normally $295 each. 

Eames for Herman Miller Molded Plywood Coffee Table, Budget Shopping | Remodelista

4: Lately I've been turning to Craigslist to find vintage furniture for my apartment. As with most of these sources, it's important to make sure that what you're buying is the real deal. In this listing for an Eames for Herman Miller Molded Plywood Coffee Table in Walnut, $600, the SF seller provides photos of the Certificate of Authenticity and Herman Miller logo. A brand-new version of this table sells for $949. 

George Smith Norris Bench on Previously Owned by a Gay Man | Remodelista

5. We learned about the Oakland, California–based online used furniture shop Previously Owned by a Gay Man when Michelle found the perfect cocktail table on the site. Currently, a custom-made George Smith Norris Bench, normally $7,900, is selling for $2,500. 

Tomado Shelving Unit on Amsterdam Modern, Vintage, Budget | Remodelista

6. Amsterdam Modern, an LA importer of midcentury furniture from the Netherlands, is a favorite pro source that's also open the public. Its selection of goods ranges from Eero Saarinen armchairs to old elementary school desks and chairs. A metal Tomado Industrial Shelving Unit is $155 and stands ready for pickup in the company Glendale Avenue warehouse. 

7. Midcentury LA imports vintage goods from Denmark and Sweden. The online shop is updated regularly, and its roster of designers include Hans Wegner, Arne Norell, Peter Hvidt, and many more. 

Chairish Vintage Tripod Light, Budget Shopping | Remodelista

8. Chairish is a platform for "design lovers to buy and sell pre-loved decor to one another." Its sellers are based in most major cities across the US and the goods are pre-screened by co-founder and "chief curator," Anna Brockway. A Vintage Wooden Tripod Floor Lamp with brass trimmings is $250 with a flat-rate shipping cost of $29, or free pickup for those in the Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, area. 

Vintage Eames at Chairloom | Remodelista

9. Janet is a fan of Philadelphia's Chairloom and its "beautiful repurposing of upholstered furniture." An Eames-Style Lounge Chair can be purchased for $975 as is, or you can opt to have it reupholstered for an extra $725. Chairloom founders Molly Andrews and Tracy Jenkins specialize in reviving old sofas, sections, and armchairs. Take a look at their Before and After projects here and the story behind their outsized floor stencils here. To learn about the original version of this chair, see Object Lessons: The Iconic Eames Lounge.

10. Francesca likes Sit and Read in Brooklyn, a creative agency run by Kyle Garner that offers a small selection of well-priced vintage furniture as well as a few pieces of his own design.

For vintage inspiration, see The Bauhaus as Your House and, on Gardenista, Steal This Look: A Midcentury Mod Townhouse Garden in Brooklyn

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