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Remodeling 101: Paper Composite Countertops for the Kitchen

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Paper as a countertop material? Sounds suspect—and soggy—but think again. When combined with a few key ingredients, heated, and compressed, paper turns into a material that is stone-like in appearance and durability, but softer and more forgiving. Originally designed for use in skateboard parks, science labs, and marine environments, paper composite countertops have proved that they have muscle. An excellent, affordable, eco-friendly alternative to solid-surface plastics or stone, Should paper-based countertops be on your short list?

Julie Carlson Mill Valley Kitchen with Richlite Countertops, Remodelista

Above: The countertop in Julie's kitchen is Richlite, a durable, warm-to-the-touch paper composite selected for its eco-friendly attributes and stone-like looks. "The material has a nice touch and solidity to it," says Julie's architect Jerome Buttrick. "True black is always an elegant color choice." Take a full tour of the kitchen in the Remodelista book.

What is paper composite countertop material?

Paper composite countertops are made of paper (or wood-based fibers), natural pigments, and non-petroleum-based resins. These materials are mixed, compressed, and baked at very high heat to create dense, durable, nonporous monolithic slabs.

Voila Park Kitchen with PaperStone Countertop, Remodelista

Above: Paper-based composite slabs have the look and feel of soft stone. Available in thicknesses ranging from a quarter inch to three inches, this countertop material can be easily shaped to create, among other things, drainboards. Photograph via Seattle kitchen company Viola Park.

What are the benefits of using paper composite counters?

Paper composite has an appeal similar to solid-surface composite (Corian), but with an earth-friendly bent. In particular, paper-based composite counters are: 

  • Environmentally friendly. The majority of the paper content is postconsumer recycled or comes from FSC-certified, sustainably harvested forests. 
  • Easy to install. Paper composite is lighter than stone and can be cut and shaped with ease.
  • Able to be joined with tight, clean seams. While not invisible, the seams are much cleaner than what can be achieved with stone countertops.
  • Dense and durable. Paper composite counters are harder than wood yet more forgiving than stone. 
  • Nonporous. The material is impervious to water, won't harbor bacteria, and is stain resistant.
  • Appropriate for indoor and outdoor applications. Paper composite counters can stand up to weather.

Julie Carlson Richlite Fireplace Surround, Remodelista  

Above: Not just for countertops, paper composite slabs can be used as tabletops, windowsills, cabinets, sinks, tub surrounds, and backsplashes. Julie used Richlite not only in her kitchen but also to frame the fireplace in her living room (shown here). Photograph by Maria Del Rio

Who makes paper-based countertops?

The two key manufacturers of paper composite material are Richlite and Paperstone. They differ slightly in their ingredients, recipes, and resulting colors. Two additional products to consider are Trespa and Kliptech EcoTop. Used in scientific and medical laboratories, Trespa TopLab countertops are made of thermoset resins with cellulose fiber reinforcement and are exceptionally stain resistant and durable. Kliptech makes a partially paper-based countertop, EcoTop, which is a blend of bamboo fibers, recycled demolition wood fibers, and recycled paper bound together with a VOC-free, water-based resin.

RIchlite FSC Certified Paper, Remodelista

Above: Richlite uses an especially thin paper (made of either 100 percent or 50 percent recycled cardboard, or FSC-certified sustainable pulp) in the manufacturing process that allows resin to flow very evenly through the paper to create an extremely dense slab. 

Voila Park Kitchen with PaperStone Countertop, Remodelista

Above: PaperStone prides itself on using 100 percent, postconsumer recycled paper in its product. It has a slightly more mottled appearance than Richlite. The worktop in this Viola Park kitchen is made of PaperStone in Denim. 

What colors are available?

The type of resin used to make paper-based countertops is dark and causes the resulting color choices to be limited to a range of medium to dark hues, all in a matte finish. They will darken slightly over time with exposure to UV rays.

Richlite Paper Composite Countertop Color Selections, Remodelista

Richlite's Northwest line comes in a palette of seven solid colors. The company has added a new gray option (Grays Harbor) that is lighter in tone and has a 100 percent recycled base.

Viola Park Kitchen with Leather PaperStone Countertop, Remodelista

Above: PaperStone offers 11 colors ranging from Slate to Leather (shown here, in a Viola Park kitchen).

EcoTop Paper Composite Countertops in Stone White, Remodelista

Above: EcoTop deviates from the dark, muted tones. Because the resin used in this product is clear, the counters can be made in white, black, and many colors in between. 

How do you clean and maintain paper composite counters?

Julie Carlson Kitchen with Richlite Countertops, Remodelista

Above: Paper composite countertops are pretty low maintenance. Nonporous, they're stain resistant and easy to clean. But perfectionists take note: The counter will develop a patina over time. This is especially true around the sink where soap is used, as shown in Julie's kitchen. (She's since replaced her 10-year-old sink counter with new Richlite.) Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

For day-to-day cleaning, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the surface. Skip the soap—alkaline soap, such as regular dish soap, will gradually dull the surface. With stubborn stains, try a nonabrasive household cleaner (avoid using bleach products). Plain yogurt can be used to pull stains from lighter colored material. 

It's important to note that paper composite counters are only heat resistant to 350 degrees: Hot pads or trivets are a must to avoid burning the surface. That said, surface nicks, scratches, and scorch marks can be sanded out of the top with an abrasive pad and then finished with food-safe mineral oil.

Food Grade Mineral Oil, Remodelista

Above: Manufacturers recommend a yearly application of mineral oil, such as Food Grade Mineral Oil ($7 from Brooklyn Slate Co.) or an approved finish, to help keep the top looking new. The integrity of the material won't be compromised if you choose to leave it be, but the surface may start to appear chalky and will pick up oils from fingerprints and food. 

How much do paper composite countertops cost? 

Comparable to other solid-surface composite countertops in price, paper-based countertop slab is in the low to mid-range of worktop materials, running between $30 to $80 per square foot installed. Price varies depending on the complexity of the installation, the thickness of the slab, and the cost of installation labor in your area. 

Richlite Paper Composite Countertop, Remodelista  

Above: If you're looking for the look and feel of soapstone counters, paper-based composite is an affordable alternative. Photograph via Richlite.

Paper Composite Countertop Recap

Pros

  • Durable work surface 
  • Warmer and more forgiving than stone
  • Made from recycled and environmentally sustainable materials
  • Stain and nick resistant
  • Easy to install
  • Impervious to moisture, won't harbor bacteria
  • Affordable
  • Easy to clean
  • Will develop a patina over time

Cons

  • Heat resistant to 350 degrees and can scorch
  • Limited color palette
  • Not recyclable due to resin content, but can be recut and reused
  • Will develop a patina over time 

Researching new countertops? Read 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Kitchen Countertops. And for more specifics, see: 

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6 Château-Style Cooking Ranges for the Luxe Holiday Kitchen

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When our midlife crisis hits, we'll be springing for a high-style French (or Italian) cooking range.

La Cornue Range Vincent Van Duysen | Remodelista

Above: Belgian architect and designer Vincent Van Duysen equipped his own kitchen with a Castel 75 range from La Cornue's Château Series, sparking a black appliance rage. Photograph by David Spero for the New York Times.

Vincent Van Duysen La Cornue Range | Remodelista

Above: Van Duysen's Castel 75 is surrounded by La Cornue Cuisine de Château Cabinets in matte black with stainless trim.

La Cornue Black Range Julianne Moore | Remodelista

Above: At home in NYC, Julianne Moore equipped her new kitchen with a Château 120—inspired by Van Duysen and "detailed," she says, "like a Rolls-Royce." See 5 Design Lessons from Julianne Moore and 20 Questions: Julianne Moore and Vincent Van Duysen Talk Design. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Bertazzoni Heritage Range in Black | Remodelista

Above: The Bertazzoni Heritage 48-Inch Natural Gas Double Oven Range is $10,199 from Vintage Tub and Bath.

Gullo Range in Black | Remodelista

Above: Handmade in Florence, Italy, the Officine Gullo Grand Villa OG128 is made of heavy gauge stainless steel and solid brass; prices start at $23,000. Go to Officine Gullo for more information.

Black Majestic Range | Remodelista

Above: The Italian Ilve Majestic Collection 48-Inch Traditional Dual-Fuel Range is $12,049 from AJ Madison.

Lacanche Range from France | Remodelista

Above: The French Lacanche Cluny Range can be custom configured and starts at $7,800 from Lacanche.

We've got plenty more appliance advice. Take a look at:

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A Hamptons Kitchen with a Custom Island—Sourced on Etsy

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The Scenario: Lisa and Chris Goode, NYC green-roof designers and cofounders of Goode Green, undertake a top-to-bottom renovation of their shingle-style house in the Hamptons. Having designed many projects, including Brooklyn's Eagle Street Rooftop Farm and the meadow atop New York's Crosby Street Hotel, they decide to save money by acting as their own general contractor.

The Challenge: An avid cook who likes to be joined by a crowd, Lisa envisions an island—but not just any: "An island is the one place where everyone congregates, so I wanted an overhang on two sides where we could pull up stools. This island had to be perfect and I needed to find someone to design it."

The Solution: Tight on time, Lisa begins an initial search on the Internet and soon finds herself, via Etsy, on the home page of Siosi Design & Build, a two-woman furniture workshop in Bloomington, Indiana, 860 miles away. “The image on the company's opening page had the exact aesthetic I was looking for,” she says. “From the first email and throughout the process of dimensioning and pricing, I came to really trust owners Ivy Siosi and Audim Culver. Even though I hadn't met them, I could tell they were talented and professional craftspeople; they were the ones I was looking for.”

The Result: On the same day that the Goodes moved into their newly renovated place, they received their wood-topped island—hand-delivered by Ivy and Audim, who had driven 14 hours to get it there. It's now the heart of the kitchen—and the home. 

Top Tip: The Web is smaller and more personal than you think. "When it comes to pulling the trigger on final decisions, online research is incredibly useful for comparing costs and finding discounted items, not to mention talented designer-builders." Read on to see all the kitchen elements Lisa sourced on the Internet.

Photography by Lisa Goode.

Butcher block kitchen island by Siosi Design, Black Tolix Stools, Goode Kitchen, Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: The Goode's custom kitchen island sits in the elbow of their L-shaped kitchen. As Lisa envisioned, it has a butcher-block top and two overhangs so that people can congregate around one corner, leaving the other corner free for her to cook and move around.

Dark gray under the counter kitchen cabinets and open shelves above, Shaker pegs with hats and clothing,  Goode Kitchen, Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: The Goodes incorporated shiplap paneling on the walls to match the vernacular of historic houses in the area. The walls and ceiling are painted in White Dove by Benjamin Moore. Learn more about interior shingles in Expert Advice: The Enduring Appeal of Shiplap

White Porclean Ceiling Pendant by Michele Quan in Goode Kitchen, Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: "The pendant lights are by my friend Michele Quan of MQuan who makes beautiful ceramics and jewelry," says Lisa. "The lamps are celadon-dipped porcelain and the metal finishes are brass." Quan also makes Ceramic Bells Inspired by Japanese Temples.

Butcher block kitchen island by Siosi Design, Black Tolix Stools, Goode Kitchen, Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: The countertop is Alberene soapstone, which Lisa bought directly from a quarry in Alberene, Virginia. "Sourcing the slabs from images at a distance was difficult, but I persisted because of the large cost saving," she says. "The slabs were shipped to a local fabricator, and I worked with him on setting up the patterning and seams. I love the waxy, warm feel of the stone, and this particular soapstone has a slight veining that adds depth and character without becoming too much of a pattern." See our primer Remodeling 101: Soapstone Countertops for more.

Gray kitchen cabinets and wood floor in Goode Kitchen, Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: The carpenters who renovated the house also built the kitchen's wood cabinets and painted them Midnight by Benjamin Moore. "I designed the cabinets with lots of drawer access—I think it's easier," says Lisa. The existing Douglas fir floors weren't salvageable and were replaced with new Douglas fir. "Although the new Douglas fir doesn't have the color variation of the older wood in the rest of the house, the Bona Traffic matte lacquer that we used does a great job of pulling it all together."

Butcher block kitchen island with open storage underneat, Black Tolix stools, by Siosi Design in Goode Kitchen, Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: The island has two drawers and a powder-coated metal base of open shelves. "There are several items that I use every time I cook, and I love being able to access them so easily. Also, the metal is so easy to clean," says Lisa.

Stacked blue and white plates in open storage under butcher block kitchen island  by Siosi Design in Goode Kitchen, Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: The island's butcher block is called ambrosia maple; the sink side is detailed with a continuous grain waterfall edge achieved with a miter joint. The wood is named for the ambrosia beetle that burrows in maple trees, causing the darker coloring. Lisa's everyday plates, purchased as part of an auction lot, are easily accessible.

Detail of corner wood joint in cabinet drawer by Siosi Design in Goode Kitchen, Amagansett

Above: On the inside of the island drawer, a spline-reinforced rabbet joint in contrasting wood tones is an example of Siosi's ability "to take a common joint and make it into a beautiful and defining design element."

Butcher block kitchen island and wood writing desk by Siosi Design in Goode Kitchen, Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: "Working with Audim and Ivy was a definite highlight of the project, and having them show up at my door with the island after several months of emails and phone calls was like having long-lost friends appear for dinner," says Lisa. "Anyone who has done construction knows that there are often mishaps and frustrations. Having something go so well is worth taking note." Reluctant to see the duo go, Lisa commissioned them to design and build something else—a small writing desk for a corner of the kitchen.

Wood writing desk  by Siosi Design and blue and red chair  in Goode Kitchen, Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: "I knew I wanted a spot in the kitchen for my laptop and for flipping through cookbooks," Lisa says. "Sometimes the island works for this, but it's also nice to have a chair with a back when you've been on your feet." The chair is part of a set of eight that Lisa sourced on 1stdibs. "They're Willemer Stuhl Chairs from 1958 that German artist Markus Friedrich Staab painted in 2013."

Exposed metal sliding hardware in desk  by Siosi Design in Goode Kitchen, Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: "The desk is in constant use as a place to plug in electronics," says Lisa. Contemplating your own remodel? See Remodeling 101: Where to Locate Electrical Outlets, Kitchen Edition.

Painted Massakeat sign on wood floor of Goode Kitchen, Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: The original owners named the house Massakeat after a character in The Maid of Montauk, a 1902 story by Forest Monroe. "The name was painted on the floor at the entry to the kitchen," says Lisa. "We just recently had it repainted where it originally was."

Before

Dark wood floors and door trims in Before image of Goode kitchen in Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: A decidedly different kitchen with a table in the center.

Dark wood floors and door trims in Before image of Goode kitchen in Amagansett | Remodelista

Above: A look at the walls that the Goodes removed to open up the space.

For more island inspiration, see:

On Gardenista have a look at Brooklyn landscape architect Julie Farris's Rooftop Meadow and read Michelle's domestic dispatch on The Unused Kitchen (or what she wishes she'd known when she remodeled).

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Editors' Picks: 13 Essential Kitchen Gadgets, Holiday Edition

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We all have a kitchen tool (or two) that we lean on, particularly at this time of year when we're in full chef mode. Here, our die-hard cooking gadgets that we can't live without.

What's yours? 

Range Smart Cooking Thermometer for iPhone and iPad, Remodelista

Above: I'm in charge of the turkey every Thanksgiving. Sadly, that means having to skip my group's annual cider pressing because I'm tethered to the oven, monitoring the thermometer every 15 to 30 minutes. This year might be different. Enter the Range Smart iPhone/iPad Thermometer that can (as long as you have Internet connection) send digital alerts to any iOS device when your ideal temperature is reached. It comes in three versions, each geared to different ingredients; the Ember three-inch sharp tip for meat is $70 at Provisions by Food52.

Borosilicate Glass Fat Separator, Remodelista

Above: Margot loves lab equipment in the kitchen: "My old-fashioned fat separator feels like a science experiment—you pour in turkey drippings and the fat rises to the top," she says. "If I'm really on my game, I roast a turkey wing a few days in advance and make stock, so I have it ready for basting and gravy making on Thanksgiving." The Borosilicate Glass Fat Separator is $39 at Kaufmann Mercantile.

Cuisinart Quick Prep Immersion Blender, Remodelista

Above: Julie relies on her hand blender to make gravy. The two-speed Cuisinart QuikPrep Hand Blender is $23.99 from Amazon.

Microplane Zester Grater, Remodelista

Above: The "it" tool in Sarah's kitchen is the Microplane Classic Zester Grater. "I sprinkle lemon zest on almost everything," she says. The Microplane is equally ideal for grating Parmesan cheese; $12.49 from Amazon.

Vitamix Holiday Entertaining, Pumpkin Soup | Remodelista

Above: "My ceramic grater is one of my favorite kitchen tools", says Alexa. "It gets the most use during the winter months, when garlic and ginger are essential for health. I sneak both into holiday dishes and cold-weather teas." The Kyocera Ceramic Ginger Grater is $14.95 at Crate and Barrel; it's shown here with grated cardamom.

Sir and Madam Baker's Dozen Beechwood Spoons, Remodelista

Above: Christine swears by "wooden spoons, wooden spoons, wooden spoons—I even have my mother's old ones." At Thanksgiving, she uses them for "making stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy, serving the salad—pretty much everything except the turkey." The Baker's Dozen Beechwood Spoon Set is $165 for 13 at Good. Read about the collection in The Wooden Spoon and Other Staples from Sir/Madam.

Provisions Apple Peeler | Remodelista

Above: Here's a gadget that doubles as old-fashioned entertainment. Starting each September, Justine's kids ask her to make a pie a week. A smart parent, she sets them to work with her Victorio Apple Peeler; $30 from Provisions. "It’s so easy and fun, they don’t even realize they’re helping."

Japanese Vegetable Peeler-Remodelista

Above: For Margot, the classic vegetable peeler is indispensable. "I think I like peeling potatoes because it was the first thing I learned to do in the kitchen, and, to me, the peeler is one of the all-time most satisfying inventions," she says. "I make mashed potatoes with celery root every Thanksgiving, and celery root is so gnarly, you need a good peeler." The Contemporary Japanese Peeler is $52 at Provisions by Food52.

In Oven Cooking Thermometer, Remodelista

Above: Another essential in my own kit is an in-oven thermometer. I've moved three times in the past 12 years and each of my ovens has heated differently. I now rely on an in-oven thermometer to keep my ovens honest and get the best results, especially on high-volume cooking days where the oven door is open more than closed. Consider the Taylor Connoisseur In-Oven Thermometer Set, which includes an in-oven and a classic meat thermometer; $40 at Provisions by Food52.

Norpro Turkey Baster | Remodelista

Above: The Norpro 5898 Stainless Steel Baster, $9.20 from Amazon, is an essential in Gardenista editor Cheryl's kitchen, especially around the holidays. A baster also comes in handy to water hanging plants, she notes, and to extract old water from flower arrangements and replenish with new. Photograph via Chow.

Kitchen Aid Artisinal Mixer, Remodelista

Above: Honestly, who can live without a KitchenAid standing mixer? Not Michelle. "We use it to mix the batter for Laurie Colwin's flourless chocolate cake, which we make every Thanksgiving, and for whatever other 17 desserts we decide to make in any given year." Note: We are all heading to Michelle's. The KitchenAid Artisan Series Five-Quart Mixer is $279.99 from Amazon.

Speck Handy Shell for iPad in Kitchen, Remodelista

Above: We've posted about using or, more importantly, protecting tablets in the kitchen. We've found what we think might be the best solution: the Speck Handy Shell for the iPad. It's not only a protective case but also features a handle that can act either as a hanger to keep your device (and that amazing recipe) off the counter or as a stand to keep it upright and easy to read; $54.95 via Amazon.

All Clad Slow Cooker, Remodelista

Above: To cook for a crowd in a small-apartment kitchen, Meredith uses an All-Clad Slow Cooker ($129.95 at Amazon). "I quickly fill up the range and oven space. It's so useful to have an extra cooking vessel that you can store away when not in use."

In a kitchen state of mind? See our earlier posts:

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10 Easy Pieces: Entertaining for a Crowd

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

Glassware

Sur La Table All Purpose Wine Glasses | Remodelista

Above: A Set of Six Sur la Table Wine Glasses can be used for both red and white wines; currently on sale for $23.96, marked down from $29.95.

Set of 12 Party Goblets from Crate & Barrel | Remodelista

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

Ikea Svalka White Wine Glasses | Remodelista

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

Ikea Ivrig Clear Stemless Glasses | Remodelista

Above: If you prefer the stemless variety, consider Ikea's 365+ Ivrig Wine Glasses on sale through November 25 for $2.39 each (regularly $2.99). For more ideas on affordable glassware, see 10 Easy Pieces: Everyday Wine Glasses and 10 Easy Pieces: Basic Drinking Glasses.

Dishware

Crate & Barrel Set of Four Coupe Dinner Plates | Remodelista

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

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

Above: The Caterer's 12-Piece Dinnerware Set includes a dozen dinner plates; $47 for a box set of 12 plates from Pottery Barn. A Caterer's Set of 12 Salad Plates and Caterer's Set of 12 Bowls are also available for $39 each.

West Elm Essential White Dinnerware Set | Remodelista

Above: West Elm's Essential White Dinnerware Set is made of white-glazed porcelain; $7.99 for a set of four pieces. See 10 Easy Pieces: Basic White Dinnerware for more ideas.

Flatware

Flatware from Fishs Eddy, Sold by the Piece | Remodelista

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

Antique Silver Flatware Bundles | Remodelista

Above: Source vintage silver-plated flatware in mismatched sets from flea markets or on Etsy. Photograph via Bhldn.

Set of Party Forks from CB2 | Remodelista

Above: CB2 offers stainless steel Party Forks ($9.95), Party Knives ($14.95), and Party Spoons ($9.95) in sets of six. See more of our flatware favorites: 10 Easy Pieces: Everyday Stainless Steel Flatware.

Table Linens

White Hotel Dinner Napkins from Williams-Sonoma | Remodelista

Above: A set of six cotton Hotel Dinner Napkins is $34.36, marked down from $42.95,  at Williams-Sonoma.

Williams-Sonoma Cocktail Napkins | Remodelista

Above: Williams-Sonoma's Hotel Cocktail Napkins are $26.36, marked down from $32.95, for a set of six.

Ikea Elly Dishtowel Set of Four | Remodelista

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

Chilewich White Linen Napkin | Remodelista

Above: Stock up on basic Chilewich 100 Percent Linen Napkins, $9 each at Sur la Table.

For more holiday staples, see:

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

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

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French Bohemian via Brooklyn: Table Linens by Amelie Mancini

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Brooklyn-based French painter and printmaker Amelie Mancini recently discovered a new canvas: napkins and tea towels that she patterns with her own hand-carved linocuts. Amelie grew up in Lyon in a family of "painters, musicians, actors, and psychiatrists" and has a master's degree in fine art and design from the Sorbonne. ("Sounds way fancier than it really is," she says.) Of her new company, she tells us: "I was looking for ways to join art and everyday objects. I love linocuts and have been printing on paper for years, so all I had to do was figure out the technical aspects of printing on fabric." Actually, that's not all she has mastered. Her Bed-Stuy studio is where everything gets designed, printed, stitched, and shipped. 

French artist Amelie Mancini's Tropical napkin, designed and made in Brooklyn | Remodelista

Above: Amelie's napkins and tea towels are made of what she describes as "a very nice, very absorbent blend of linen and cotton" in natural and white. They come in four patterns (each in two color options); Tropical is shown here in black; $28 for a set of two.

French artist Amelie Mancini's Amphora dish towel, designed and made in Brooklyn | Remodelista

Above: The Amphora Tea Towel; $22. Amelie says her sources of inspiration range from Sonia Delaunay's textiles to ancient Mesopotamian, Greek, and Roman art.

French artist Amelie Mancini's Tropical tea towel, designed and made in Brooklyn | Remodelista

Above: The Tropical Tea Towel; $22. Amelie uses nontoxic, water-based inks that are wash-fast.

French artist Amelie Mancini's Fern napkin, designed and made in Brooklyn | Remodelista

Above: Amelie squirrels away rocks, feathers, seashells, and branches (see pouch below) for pattern ideas. Shown here, her Fern Napkin in moss green, $28 for a set of two.

Brooklyn-based French artist Amelie Mancini's linocut in progress for her housewares collection | Remodelista

Above: The Fern linocut in progress. Amelie begins by drawing a pattern and carving it onto a block of linoleum. She then prints proofs and scans them to create a repeating pattern, which she burns onto a screen. She prints, cuts, and sews all her fabrics in her studio. "I also do some woodworking and fabric dying, as well as the less glamorous side of running a business, like invoicing and accounting." A one-woman operation since 2005, when she moved to New York, she recently was able to hire some assistants.

Brooklyn-based French artist Amelie Mancini's Fern napkin | Remodelista

Above: The Fern Napkin in black; $28 for a set of two.

Brooklyn-based French artist Amelie Mancini's Fern tea towel | Remodelista

Above: The Fern Tea Towel in moss; $22.

Brooklyn-based French artist Amelie Mancini's Cactus dish towel | Remodelista

Above: "2014 is the Year of the Cactus," says Amelie of her best-selling pattern. The Cactus Tea Towel is $22.

Brooklyn-based French artist Amelie Mancini's Savanna napkin | Remodelista

Above: The Savanna Napkin, $28 for two. "The design was inspired by a woodcut by my grandmother. She was a talented artist and the person who got me into art in the first place."

Brooklyn-based French artist Amelie Mancini's brass arrow spoon | Remodelista

Above: This just-issued Brass Arrow Spoon, $95, is part of Amelie's collection of arrow-shaped spoons that sell out almost as soon as they're offered. She carved it in wax and then had it cast in solid brass in Manhattan's jewelry district.

Brooklyn-based French artist Amelie Mancini's fabric samples | Remodelista

Above: Sample patterns and dye colors.

Brooklyn-based French artist Amelie Mancini's pillows | Remodelista

Above: Amelie also makes pillows of 100 percent linen with brass zippers and solid black linen backs. Shown here in her Greenpoint, Brooklyn, apartment: the Amphora and Shingles patterns; $75 each, optional feather/down pillow inserts are $15 each.

Brooklyn-based French artist Amelie Mancini's Cactus pouch | Remodelista

Above: A linen-cotton Cactus Pouch; $38.

Brooklyn-based French artist Amelie Mancini's  Bed Stuy studio with her printed designs | Remodelista

Above: Amelie's studio. To see more, go to Amelie Mancini and also browse her Etsy shop.

Take a look at what some of Amelie's kindred-spirit neighbors are up to:

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Head & Haft: A New Old-Style Woodworker in Cornwall

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Chris Thorpe of Head & Haft, in Cornwall, England, describes his outfit as "a multidisciplinary product, furniture, home design, and manufacturing business, adhering to the principles of function, beauty, quality, and craft longevity." His materials include "air-dried, Cornish-cut, seasoned ash, sycamore, beech, and oak, really nicely figured," as well as wood he finds on his rambles, and local granite, too. 

Head Haft Stool | Remodelista

Above: Milked Side Tables are "inspired by the form and function of old milk stools"; £130 ($205.75).

Head Haft Light | Remodelista

Above: The Quake Pendant Light is hand-turned and available in walnut, sycamore, and oak; £250 ($395.67).

Head Haft Bowl | Remodelista

Above: XL Ash Bowl, £150 ($237.40), is one of many hand-turned bowls by Head & Haft; it's made from a special slab of ash supplied by a tree surgeon in Cornwall who deemed it "too good to be cut for firewood."

Chris Thorpe of Head Haft | Remodelista

Above: Chris Thorpe in his studio, near Falmouth.

For US artisan-made furniture, have a look at Sawkille's Color-Stained Designs and Richard Watson's Furniture with a Feminine Touch (and a Masculine Name).

This post is an update; the original story ran on July 29, 2014, as part of our Summery Kitchens issue.

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Trending on Gardenista: Garden-to-Table Carousing

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The Gardenista team has been getting Thanksgiving and the winter festivities started. Have a look at their DIY wreaths, garages transformed into guest quarters, zero-cost tablescapes, and boozy new use for apple peels. "The secret to making any holiday season look easy is mindful planning," says Michelle. "We're here to help (we're talking to you, procrastinators.")

A zero-cost holiday tablescape by Beth Kirby of Local Milk for Gardenista

Above: A few weeks ago, we featured the Star Is Born Kitchen Remodel of stylist and blogger extraordinaire Beth Kirby. Now, Beth moves on to her dining room and presents zero-cost holiday tabletop ideas just for Gardenista. Go straight to Thanksgiving on a Budget

DIY Bitters recipe | Gardenista

Above: Learn how to make your own bitters (shown here) and apple-peel bourbon in 7 Boozy Holiday Recipes—"all you do is add alcohol and then wait for the deliciousness to steep," says Cheryl.

DIY eucalyptus and sage wreath by Erin Boyle | Gardenista

Above: Using farmers market greenery, Erin came up with a Silvery and Fragrant Holiday Wreath for $20 and points out that it's designed to last from Thanksgiving clear through to New Year's.

Model Carolyn Murphy's garage turned painting studio | Gardenista

Above: Where to put the out-of-town company? Meet Garages Gone Glam, a look at 10 garages converted into guest quarters (this one belongs to model Carolyn Murphy). 

DIY sage smudge sticks | Gardenista

Above: Say no thanks to scented candles. Instead perfume the air subtly with DIY Sage Smudge Sticks (we're adding them to our Good Ideas for Holiday Presents list).

Classic Forest Stove from Morso | Gardenista

Above: The final ingredient: In this week's 10 Easy Pieces, Janet introduces the new generation of fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible wood-burning heaters—"not your grandmother's stove."

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DIY: A Holiday Tablecloth Dyed with Red Cabbage

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The last time I experimented with natural plant dye, I was in the fifth grade and away at nature camp. I've always wanted to try it again, and the need for a Thanksgiving tablecloth seemed like a good excuse. Perhaps something in a soft gray? 

DIY Natural Red Cabbage Dyed Table Cloth, chopping cabbage, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: After doing a bit of research, I discovered that red cabbage is a good ingredient to achieve the color I was after—with caveats: Some dyers advise against red cabbage, especially for clothing, because it's not very colorfast; others are fans. Bottom line: It's easy, so I decided to give it a try. Here's how I did it.

Materials

DIY red cabbage dyed table cloth, supplies, Remodelista

Above: The project requires very few ingredients, most of which you probably already own. Here's what you'll need:

  • 2 heads of red cabbage
  • A length of unbleached, natural cloth, sized to cover your table. Cotton, linen, silk, and wool all work (but will react to the dye in different ways). I went to my local fabric store and bought several yards of natural cotton fabric for $15.
  • 2 stainless-steel or enamel stock pots large enough to accommodate your cloth
  • Measuring spoons
  • A small container of alum, an astringent compound found in the spice section of most grocery stores
  • A big plastic bucket
  • Heavy-duty rubber gloves
  • A large mesh drawstring bag (optional). I used a nylon vegetable bag; mesh bags for delicate laundry also work 

Instructions

DIY Natural Red Cabbage Dyed Table Cloth, bagging cabbage, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Steps 1 and 2: Chop the cabbage into one-inch chunks, and then gather the cabbage in a mesh bag—doing this makes for slightly easier cleanup, but the project works just as well with loose cabbage. Note that anything you put into your pot will react with the dye, so don't use a zippered bag; the metal will change the dye.

DIY Natural Red Cabbage Dyed Table Cloth, covering cabbage with water, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Step 3: Place your cabbage in a pot and cover with water (the ratio of water to cabbage should be about 2 to 1). A stainless steel pot is a good choice for dying because its own chemical properties won't react with the dye. Place on high heat, but when the water starts to boil, immediately reduce. Simmer for 20 to 40 minutes, until the color has leached out of the cabbage. Note: Be careful not to let the water boil too long; high heat is said to "kill the dye" (translation: the color will be less potent).

DIY Natural Red Cabbage Dyed Table Cloth, wetting fabric, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Step 4: While the dye bath is on the stove, prep your fabric. First wet it in cold water.

DIY Natural Red Cabbage Dyed Table Cloth, adding alum, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Step 5: Prepare your mordant, a compound that combines with dye and fixes the color in the material. I used alum, the least toxic of all the mordants. Mix 1 teaspoon per gallon of water; you want enough liquid to fully submerge your cloth. Unbleached, natural fibers absorb plant dyes the best, but all require a mordant. 

NOTE: Alum was once used in cooking, but has more recently been found to be harmful in large doses. Therefore, do not treat your fabric in a pot used for cooking. I used my candlemaking pot, which is enamel, another good, nonreactive choice for dying. The same goes for the measuring spoons. These cheap red ones are for crafts only.

DIY Natural Red Cabbage Dyed Table Cloth, dye and mordant, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Step 6: Wearing rubber gloves, steep fabric in the mordant bath and simmer for one hour. Here, both my dye and fabric steam away.

DIY Natural Red Cabbage Dyed Table Cloth, dye results, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Step 7: After the color has leached out of the cabbage, discard the leaves and keep the liquid dye. Here's a small sample of the color I got.

DIY Natural Red Cabbage Dyed Table Cloth, putting fabric in dye, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Step 8: After an hour, remove the fabric from the mordant bath and rinse it in cold water. Pour the dye into a large container—I used my enamel pot in case any of the alum remained—and submerge the fabric in the dye. Your fabric should have enough room to move around freely in its bath. Don't worry if some cloth floats to the top, it will still absorb the dye. You can also stir occasionally with a disposable stick or gloved hands. 

DIY Table Cloth Dyed with Red Cabbage, dye overnight, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: The longer you leave your fabric in the dye, the darker it will become. After soaking overnight, my cloth achieved a deep lilac hue.

DIY Table Cloth Dyed with Red Cabbage, dye changing color, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: Note how the dye changed color as it cooled, morphing from magenta to amethyst.

DIY Table Cloth Dyed with Red Cabbage, rinsing dyed fabric, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Step 9: Wearing rubber gloves, place dyed fabric in a large bucket (or stainless steel sink) and rinse with cold water. Your fabric will lighten quite a bit.

DIY Table Cloth Dyed with Red Cabbage, drying fabric, by Justine Hand for Remodelista_edited-1

Step 10: Hang your tablecloth out to dry over any surface that won't be affected by the dye. (Your white enamel tub may not be the best choice.) Also make sure there are no creases in the fabric; these will cause uneven coloration. N.B.: I used an unhemmed piece of fabric—I wanted a rough, wrinkly look. If you choose to add a hem, you might want to do it in advance of dying, and if you use 100-percent cotton thread, the stitching and fabric will more or less match.

DIY tablecloth dyed with red cabbage, results 4, by Justine Hand for Remodelista

Above: My new lavender-gray table cloth looks lovely, especially paired with warm wood and golden accents.

Looking for more ways to DIY your Thanksgiving? Consider making your own:

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Current Obsessions: Across the Pond

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Take a look at a few things we've been noticing lately. 

The New Craftsman in London, venue for the Remodelista Market, Nov. 15, 2014

Moonish Wallpaper | Remodelista

  • Jennifer Lopez's new Manhattan penthouse (if you're keeping track, it makes her neighbors with Chelsea Clinton).

Food52 Provisions Advent Calendar | Remodelista

Joy Bryant's Home in Lonny's November Issue | Remodelista

Instagram and Pinterest Picks of the Week

Remodelista Instagram Pick of the Week: Emma27Lee

  • Above: We're enjoying fall in London via photographer Emma Lee's (@emma27lee) Instagram feed.
  • Peruse the 940-plus pins on Emma Loughridge's Home board on Pinterest. 
  • We're thrilled to meet our UK readers at the London Remodelista Market next Saturday, November 15.

This past week, we kickstarted our Holiday Preparations, while the editors at Gardenista showed us how to style a Thanksgiving table and make a DIY wreath during their Holiday Prep week. 

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The Architect Is In: A Passive Solar House for a Family of Stargazers

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This weekend Jennifer Beningfield, founding principal of London's Openstudio Architects and a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory, talks to us about a passive solar house she designed in the Great Karoo, a semidesert region of South Africa. She'll be available for the next 48 hours to answer any and all questions about her design solution. Ask away!

The Scenario: A family of stargazers want to build an energy-efficient vacation place in a faraway location that is the antithesis of their home in London. They choose the remote, semidesert region of the Great Karoo in South Africa thanks to its cloudless skies and dark nights—perfect for stargazing. 

The Challenge: The area's harsh climate—cold winters and 104-degree summers—lead Beningfield to explore various state-of-the-art, energy-efficient solutions. But she's concerned that the location—4 1/2 hours from Cape Town, the nearest city—means high installation and maintenance costs.

The Solution: Beningfield turns to the age-old principles of passive solar building design to create a house that heats and cools itself—without technology. 

The Result: A green house that responds to the site's dramatic landscape and climate, harvesting its own energy. And the stars? They, too, have a say in Beningfield’s design. “The positions of the windows and shutters in the house are linked to the constellations,” she says. “These openings are also light sources at night, so they tie the details of the house to the night skies.”

Beningfield's Top Tips

  • Don’t start the design process with preconceptions of how a building should look. Let the language of the architecture develop from the surrounding environment.

  • When working in a remote location, it's critical to have a complete and coordinated set of drawings. We spent a lot of time planning this project and it really paid off—very few issues cropped up during construction.

For the next 48 hours, Beningfield is available to answer any and all questions. Ask away!

Photography by Jennifer Beningfield.

LIme-washed plaster house in front of Swartberg Mountain range by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: The site conditions—sun angles, the surrounding Swartberg mountain range, and harsh temperatures— determined that the house have an east-west orientation and an irregular floor plan (with spaces at varying heights). It also helped determine the choice of brick and concrete, building materials with a high thermal mass.

"The house's orientation means that primary rooms with large openings, such as the living room, face north and catch the sun during most of the day," says Beningfield. "The geography of the mountain ranges generates the irregular geometry of the house and the layering of the volumes connects to the layering of the mountains. It was important to us that the house meet the profile of the mountains in a subtle way."

 Limed-washed plaster walls, ash wood doors and dark brick floors in living room of Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: The limited materials palette unfolds in the living spaces, where the finish on the walls is the same limewash-on-rough-cast plaster that's on the exterior. The dark bricks are laid on edge in a herringbone pattern and the ash window frames hint at more warm accents to come. The pair of Wood and Leather Ashanti Chairs are from Weylandts, a Namibian/South African furniture company.

Ash wood bookshelves and dark brick floors in dining room of Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: Ash reappears in the dining room, where it's used for bookshelves. The vertical supports echo the building's slot-shaped openings and incorporate LED lighting strips. "There are no surface-mounted light fittings in the house; all the lights are integrated into the architecture or joinery details," says Beningfield. "We lowered the energy consumption of the house by limiting devices that consume power."

Dining room view of mountain range, Hans Wegner inspired chairs in Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: In the dining room, the view is to the south, across a neighbor's vineyard and toward the Swartberg mountains. The teak Hans Wegner–inspired Shanghai Chairs are also from Weylandts. 

Ash wood veneer kitchen cabinets and solid wood turned handles in Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: In the kitchen, the cabinets are faced with ash veneer and have turned handles of solid ash. The dark brick floor is in contrast to the living room's herringbone. "The brick floor is just a paving brick laid on edge, but we were very careful about the patterns in which it has been laid," says Beningfield. "This is how we added texture and complexity to the building."

Limed-washed plaster walls, ash wood doors and dark brick floors in living room of Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: In the winter afternoon sun, shadows from an external wood shutter are cast on the brick floor in the living room. "The light patterns in this house are always moving," Beningfield says. "As the house acts to intensify light and to modulate heat and cold, its inhabitants are highly attuned to living in the natural world."

Small slit window openings in lime-washed plaster, Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: "In the summer, a cooling wind blows from the mountains, and the tall spaces of the living room and library have high shutters that dissipate hot air during the day and bring in the cooling breeze at night," says Beningfield. "The small pivoting shutters are used primarily for ventilation, while the slot windows let in slivers of light."

Hallway with dark brick floors and lime-washed plaster walls in Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: The minimalist palette continues in the hallway that leads to the master bedroom suite. "I chose ash because it's a sustainable wood for which we could get certification," explains Beningfield. "Its lighter color contrasts well with the dark brick, which was chosen because it absorbs heat and is a material that can be used both inside and out. White limewash is a typical material in this area and connects to the history of building in the Karoo." 

Sun casting shadows on dark brick floor of Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: In the winter with the shutters open, the dark brick floor collects and stores heats and then radiates it in the evening when it's cooler.

Outdoor terrace of Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: On the terrace, metal-framed, ash shutters slide on bottom-rolling tracks and are used to create shade and a degree of insulation.

 Limed-washed plaster walls, ash wood doors and dark brick floors in living room of Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: The various volumes of the house were put to use as a rooftop escape: "The owners can retreat into different spaces on the roof depending on the time of day, the season, and how much privacy they're seeking." 

 Limed-washed plaster walls, ash wood doors and dark brick floors in living room of Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: "During the summer, the evenings are warm and the desert sky is full of stars," says Beningfield. "The roof terrace has a circle of seating that surrounds a fire pit with a partial wall to screen out the strong wind that blows off the mountain. This is a social place where the family can sit out at night and see the whole of the sky."

West elevation of lime-washed plaster Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: "The house has an interesting scale. It looks small against the mountains but also has a significant presence in the landscape." Of the western elevation, shown here, Beningfield says, "We didn't add many openings because the sun is burning hot in the summer."

Ground Floor Plan of Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: The ground-floor plan of the house illustrates its east-west orientation and irregular floor plan. 

http://www.gardenista.com/posts/garden-visit-my-mothers-garden-in-constantia-south-africa

Above: The second-floor plan illustrates the separate volumes that form the roofscape, including the circular seating and a long bench that can be used for lying down to take in the stars.

North Elevation of Swartberg House by Openstudio Architect in Great Karoo, South Africa | Remodelista

Above: A drawing of the main elevation shows the sliding wood doors that can be closed to block the sun and opened for air circulation.

See other examples of Openstudio's environmentally thoughtful design in our posts:

Gardenista contributor Marie Viljoen takes us on a tour of her Mother's Garden Outside Cape Town.

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Table of Contents: London Calling

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We’re excited to be hosting our first Remodelista London Market this Saturday, November 15, organized in conjunction with The New Craftsmen and held at the collective's exhibition space in Mayfair. In anticipation, we’re devoting this week to our latest favorite UK design discoveries, including a new Bloomsbury-style farmhouse (for rent), an Oscar winner's classic English kitchen, plus work by several stars of our forthcoming London show.

N.B.: We'll also be hosting Remodelista Markets next month in SF and LA; here are the details.

London Calling Remodelista Issue

Above: Michelle McKenna draws color from the gray skies of London in her restored Clerkenwell townhouse. See The Power of Pastels: A London House Reimagined, and the New Romantics in the Remodelista book. Photograph by Emma Lee.

Monday 

Durslade Farmhouse in Somerset | Remodelista

Above: Worth the pilgrimage: A just-opened art center in Somerset comes complete with farmhouse lodging. Julie leads the tour in today's Hotels post.

Kirsten Hecktermann Velvet Pillows | Remodelista

Above: Stylist Kirsten Hecktermann makes the nicest velvet Cushions we've ever come across—and will be selling her hand-dyed designs at the Remodelista London Market. Take a look in the first of our Market Spotlights.

Tuesday

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: A new housewares shop in Brighton specializes in the tried and true. Watch for Tuesday's Shopper's Diary.

Wednesday

Spring Restaurant at Somerset House in London | Remodelista

Above: On Wednesday, Meredith shows us London's talk-of-the-town Restaurant, in a sprightly palette we plan to replicate. 

Thursday

  Tilly Blue convertible furniture designs, including a chair/backpack and a table/suitcase | Remodelista

Above: Remodelista London Market vendor Tilly Blue specializes in convertible furniture. The table, above, turns into a suitcase; discover what the other pieces transform into in Thursday's Market Spotlight.

Friday

Remodeilsta picks: best London apt rentals, this one from  Air BnB | Remodelista

Above: Live like a Londoner, even if you're just passing through. On Friday, Meredith presents our Editors' Picks short-term London Rentals, including this one available from Airbnb for $131 a night.

Saturday

Jersey Ice Cream Co.'s kitchen remodel for Beth Kirby of Local Milk | Remodelista

Above: This weekend, we're inaugurating a new monthly Kitchen Conversation. First up: We're presenting the work of design/build duo Jersey Ice Cream Co., and owners Percy Bright and Tara Mangini will be on standby to answer your kitchen questions and quandaries. Like the looks of this example? Go to The One-Month Makeover: Beth Kirby's Star-Is-Born Kitchen.

The blooming side of London? Gardenista is adopting an English accent all this week.

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Durslade Farmhouse in Somerset: The New Bloomsbury?

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It's an unlikely love story. High-flying, edge-loving Swiss art dealers Iwan Wirth and Manuela Hauser of Hauser & Wirth (they have contemporary art galleries in London, New York City, Zurich, and Los Angeles) fell for the ancient, King Arthur–esque landscape of Somerset, England, a while back, and moved there full time with their four children. This past summer, they opened an ambitious arts center with a gallery, artists residencies, a bookshop, a learning room, a restaurant, a farm shop, and a 1.5-acre perennial meadow by Dutch master garden designer Piet Oudolf. The centerpiece? Durslade Farmhouse, a six-bedroom historic structure restored in a completely idiosyncratic fashion and available for rent. Join us for a tour.

Photography by Aaron Schuman and Dominic Brown via Durslade Farmhouse.

Durslade Farmhouse in Somerset | Remodelista

Above: Paris architectural firm Laplace & Co. and conservation specialists Benjamin + Beauchamp oversaw the renovation of the 200-year-old farmhouse. The facade features a neon installation by British conceptual artist Martin Creed.

Durslade Sitting Room in Somerset | Remodelista

Above: In the sitting room, a wall is papered in Sanderson toile de Jouy.

Durslade Farmhouse in Somerset | Remodelista

Above: Another view of the sitting room. The house is filled with work by Hauser & Worth artists.

Durslade Farmhouse Kitchen | Remodelista

Above: The kitchen is anchored by a Smeg range tucked into the hearth.

Durslade Farmhouse in Somerset, England | Remodelista

Above: A detail of a kitchen shelf.

Durslade Farmhouse Kitchen | Remodelista

Above: The kitchen features traditional amenities, including a farmhouse sink. The vintage plates on the wall reference Bruton, the town in Somerset where the house is located.

Durslade Farmhouse Kitchen | Remodelista

Above: The designers stripped back layers of paint and paper to reveal the original surfaces.

Durslade Farmhouse Dining Room | Remodelista

Above: Buenos Aires artist Guillermo Kuitca painted the dining room mural during a five-week summer residency at Durslade. "I had no previous image or script in mind," he says.

Durslade Farmhouse Dining Room | Remodelista

Above: Kuitca also selected the chairs, tablecloth, plates, and glasses: "I feel as though there is a religious, almost austere quality to the room and wanted to retain this feeling," he says.

Durslade Farmhouse Bedroom in Somerset | Remodelista

Above: A view from one of the bedrooms into the dining room.

Durslade Farmhouse in Somerset | Remodelista

Above: Bedroom Three on the first floor features a patchwork floor and views of the dovecote.

Durslade Farmhouse Bedroom Green Floor | Remodelista

Above: A settee upholstered in a traditional English print.

Durslade Farmhouse in Somerset, England | Remodelista

Above: A mix of vintage furniture animates the space.

Durslade Farmhouse Bedroom with Hangers | Remodelista

Above: Old-fashioned wood hangers on brass hooks.

Durslade Farmhouse Bedroom | Remodelista

Above: A wall is papered in a design by Paul McCarthy in Bedroom Five.

Durslade Farmhouse Attic Bedroom | Remodelista

Above: Bedroom Six has a white-painted floor and views of the countryside.

Durslade Farmhouse Attic Bedroom | Remodelista

Above: A detail shot of the bathroom, with a privacy screen.

Durslade Farmhouse Bath | Remodelista

Above: A bath with a view.

Durslade Farmhouse Attic Bedroom | Remodelista

Above: The bed is tucked under the eaves.

Durslade Farmhouse Exterior | Remodelista

Above: Consisting of a group of outbuildings dating to the mid-1700s, the compound includes a threshing barn, stables, cowsheds, an engine house, a giant stainless steel dairy pail sculpture by Subodh Gupta, and more.

Piet Oudorf Meadow Durslade | Remodelista

Above: A meadow designed by Piet Oudolf, the Genius Behind New York's High Line. (See more of his work in Gardenista's Steal This Look: Piet Oudolf's Private Garden and Garden Visit: Piet Oudolf in Yorkshire.)

Below: The center is located in Bruton, Somerset, approximately 2 1/2 hours by car from London (train service also available). Go to Hauser & Wirth Somerset to see the full setup. To inquire about rental details, go to Durslade Farmhouse.

Planning a trip? Go to Hotels & Lodgings for our favorite places to stay all over the world, and consult our UK Travel Guide for restaurants, shops, house rentals, and more.

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Remodelista London Market Spotlight: Kirsten Hecktermann Textiles

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After years of creating textiles and costumes for film sets and magazines (including many features in The World of Interiors), London designer/stylist Kirsten Hecktermann launched her own lines of spoons and textiles for the home. The spoons are designed by Kirsten and handcrafted by artisans in her father's shop on the Kenyan coast, where she grew up. Her hand-dyed textiles are available in an array of fabrics, from linen to velvet. Though distinctly different mediums, both her spoons and textiles bear her signature look of sumptuous texture mixed with elegance and restraint. Kirsten will be showing her latest work at the Remodelista London Market this Saturday, November 15.

Photography courtesy of Kirsten Hecktermann.

kirsten hecktermann velvet pillows: Remodelista

Above: Kirsten's cushions are hand-dyed in an ever-changing array of subtle hues. Toroque One (the turquoise shade) and others shown here are £64 each ($101.68).

bone spoons from Kirsten Hecktermann: Remodelista

Above: Kirsten's Bone Spoons are made through Marine Projects and Coastal Community Crafts, and a portion of the proceeds goes to support the Local Ocean Trust: Watamu Turtle Watch; they start at £8 ($12.71). The round-bowled design is available through Analogue Life for $12.19.

velvet cushion by Kirsten Hecktermann: Remodelista

 Above: The hand-dyed velvet cushions feature hidden zippers and linen backs.

paddle spoons from Kirsten Hecktermann: Remodelista

Above: Kirsten's Wooden Spoons, such as these paddles, are carved from locally managed, East African hardwoods; £10 ($15.89). 

gray strip velvet cushions from Kirsten Hecktermann: Remodelista

Above: Patterns, such as this soft gray stripe, are hand-painted by Kirsten and then digitally transferred. A Marine Grey Linen Stripe Cushion Cover is £58 ($92.15).

spoons from Kirsten Hecktermann: Remodelista

Above: Kirsten's Wooden Spoons are also available at Analogue Life in various shapes; $9.59 to $19.16.

hand dyed colors from Kirsten Hecktermann: Remodelista

Above: A sampling of Kirsten's hand-dyed cotton velvets. Her Fabrics are available starting at £70 ($111.22) per meter and can be dyed to order.

blue striped velvet cushion from Kirsten Hecktermann: Remodelista

Above: Kirsten's Marine Grey Printed Velvet Cushion is £62 

Kirsten and her designs will be in good company this Saturday: Take a look at the Remodelista London Market announcement to see our roster of vendors. And go to Kirsten Hecktermann to view the full collection.

For more ideas and inspiration, go to:

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Art and Industry: Responsible Plastic Made from Wool

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On the vanguard: A new structural plastic made of sustainable wool and bio-resin. Created by Devon-based designers Justin and Hannah Floyd, Solidwool offers a nontoxic and responsibly manufactured answer to plastic. Here are some ways that Solidwool might make its first appearance in your home.

Gray Solidwool Hembury Chair with wood legs, inspired by Eames Chair | Remodelista

Above: The Floyds developed Solidwool as a response to the declining wool industry in their centuries-old market town of Buckfastleigh, Devon. "Once manufacturing left, the heart of the town went with it," says Justin. He and Hannah hope to bolster the local economy—and, perhaps, to change the way we all look at plastic.

Gray Solidwool Hembury Chair with wood legs, inspired by Eames Chair | Remodelista

Above: The Hembury Chair was inspired by the Eames Plastic Side Chair; the wool used for the first batch comes from Herdwick sheep of the UK's Lake District: £395 ($625) from Solidwool.

Calendar with Solidwool clipboard, Collaboration with Artifact Uprising | Remodelista

Above: In collaboration with Artifact Uprising, a 2015 Calendar (customized with your photos) comes with a clipboard of Solidwool; $37.99 from Artifact Rising.

Kitchen knive with Solidwool handle sitting on tree trunk, Blok Knive Collaboration with Soldwool | Remodelista

Above: An upcoming project with master craftsman Benjamin Edmonds of Blok Knives will result in a limited-edition, handcrafted, 10-inch kitchen knife with a handle of Solidwool. Contact Blok Knives of Derbyshire for details.

For more design out of Devon, see:

On Gardenista, Clemmie Hambro writes An English Gardener's Diary: The Autumn Tidy in Devon.

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5 Favorites: New Bath Classics from DXV by American Standard

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DXV by American Standard, Remodelista  

There's a new line of luxury fixtures and faucets in town: DXV by American Standard, which includes more than 70 pieces in a range of styles spanning the decades and presented in four movements: Classic (1880 to 1920), Golden Era (1920 to 1950), Modern (1950 to 1990), and Contemporary (1990 to today). Each contains bathroom fixture suites—freestanding tubs, toilets, sinks, and lavatories, as well as complementary faucet collections that reimagine and reinterpret historic designs.

How to choose? That's where the DXV Design Panel comes in. American Standard assembled a group of notable designers to create rooms showcasing their products. Here are our top picks. 

DXV by American Standard Bathroom in White by Mary Douglas, Remodelista

Above: Not surprisingly our favorites in the DXV by American Standard fixture collections are white (specifically DXV's Canvas White). Designer Mary Douglas Drysdale's inspiration bathroom features a mini-library (and toilet paper storage spot). 

DXV by American Standard Bathroom in White by Mary Douglas, Remodelista

Above: "As a bathroom designer, I have been asked a hundred times where the magazines and reading materials could be stored," says Drysdale. "This bathroom offers a wall of shelves that can be used for books." The Seagram One-Piece Elongated Toilet is perfectly proportioned for smaller spaces; the high-efficiency toilet in canvas white is $895. 

DXV by American Standard White Bath by Mary Douglas, Remodelista  

Above: In the same bathroom, the designer mixes two pieces from the DXV Golden Era Collection: the Pop Round Bathroom Vessel Sink ($425) and the Randall Vessel Faucet in polished chrome ($605).

DXV by American Standard Fitzgerald Freestanding Tub, Remodelista

Above: A serene room by designer Cheryl Kees Clendenon is devoted solely to bathing. She chose the Fitzgerald Freestanding Soaking Tub in canvas white ($5,550) and the Traditional Floor-Mount Bathtub Faucet with Landfair Cross Handles ($2,225). 

DXV by American Standard Bathroom by Corey Klassen, Remodelista

Above: Designer Corey Klassen outfitted an airy loft bath with clean-lined DXV by American Standard fixtures and fittings. The St. George Freestanding Soaking Tub in canvas white ($5,250) is the focal point. The bath and shower fittings are from the DXV classic Landfair Collection

DXV by American Standard Bath by Corey Klassen, Remodelista  

Above: Klassen also equipped the loft bath with the Fitzgerald Two-Piece Elongated Toilet ($760) and Fitzgerald Bidet ($495), both from the DXV Golden Era Collection.

The DXV product portfolio is available exclusively in showrooms. Use the DXV Showroom Locator to find the one nearest you.

DXV by American Standard, Remodelista

 

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Steal This Look: A Classic English Kitchen for an Oscar-Winning Set Designer

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Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Duran (she's known for her work on Anna KareninaPride & Prejudice, and Atonement) commissioned Mark Lewis Interior Design to overhaul her North London kitchen. Her mandate? She wanted to preserve the existing structure while adding a note of modernity. The team repainted the existing wood floors in a checkerboard pattern, lime-washed the antique shutters, and fabricated new faucets made from reclaimed copper piping. Here's a look at the kitchen and where to source its key elements.

Mark Lewis Interior Design Tufnell Kitchen | Remodelista

Above: The original wood floors are painted in a black and white check. Photograph by Rory Gardiner for Mark Lewis Interior Design.

Mark Lewis Tufnell Park Kitchen | Remodelista

Above: A trio of copper piping faucets. Duran requested Carrara marble counters because she likes to make pastry. Photograph by Rory Gardiner for Mark Lewis Interior Design.

Mark Lewis Kitchen Tufnell in London | Remodelista

Above: The designers restored and limewashed the original window shutters. (Stay tuned for our Remodeling 101 on interior shutters on Thursday.) Photograph by Rory Gardiner for Mark Lewis Interior Design.

Mark Lewis Interior Design Kitchen in Tufnell Park | Remodelista

Above: A custom wall-mounted pot rack hangs above the single Italian kitchen range. Photograph by Rory Gardiner for Mark Lewis Interior Design.

The Materials

Benjamin Moore First Snowfall Paint | Remodelista

Above: First Snowfall is a pale bluish gray from Benjamin Moore; $36.99 for a gallon of Ben Interior Paint.

3-by-6 Inch White Ceramic Subway Tile | Remodelista

Above: A patch of subway tile sits behind the wash basin. Three-by-Six-Inch Ceramic Tile is available from Subway Ceramics; inquire about showrooms and pricing.

Lighting & Furniture

Schoolhouse Electric Wayland Pendant Light Fixture | Remodelista

Above: The Schoolhouse Electric Wayland Pendant Light Fixture is $129.

Oak Stretch Expandable Table at Lekker Home | Remodelista

Above: The Ethnicraft Oak Stretch Expandable Table is $2,700 at Lekker Home.

Oak Chair LS Arms by Ethnicraft at Lekker Home | Remodelista

Above: The Ethnicraft Oak Chair is $500 at Lekker Home.

Appliances & Fixtures

Bertazzoni Professional 36-Inch Gas Range in Black | Remodelista

Above: The Bertazzoni Professional 36-Inch Gas Range has six burners and is shown here in Nero Black; $5,519 at Amazon.

Alfi Brand Short Wall Double Bowl Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink | Remodelista

Above: The Alfi 32-Inch Double Bowl Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink is $812.50 at Faucet Direct.

Dualit New Generation Classic 4-Slice Toaster | Remodelista

Above: The Dualit New Generation Classic Four-Slice Toaster in silver is $339.95 at Williams-Sonoma.

Accessories

Ikea Bondis Wall Clock in Black | Remodelista

Above: Ikea's Bondis Wall Clock in black is $19.99.

West Elm Reclaimed Wood Shelves with Basic Brackets | Remodelista

Above: Stacking a series of Reclaimed Wood Shelves with Basic Brackets (in the two- and four-foot lengths) creates a similar effect to the shelving in Jacqueline's kitchen; $58 to $98 each from West Elm.

Ikea Grundtal Towel Hanger/Shelf | Remodelista

Above: Ikea's Grundtal Towel Hanger/Shelf in stainless steel can be mounted above the sink for additional dish drainage; $19.99 each. For more, see Ultimate Budget Storage: 10 Kitchens with Ikea's Grundtal Rail System.

Traditional Wooden Plate Rack from Nutscene | Remodelista

Above: The Traditional Wooden Plate Rack is available in three sizes from Nutscene; prices start at £89 ($141). For more, see 10 Easy Pieces: Wall-Mounted Plate Racks.

Crown City Hardware Modern Bin Pull in Oil Rubbed Bronze | Remodelista

Above: Crown City Hardware's Modern Bin Pull with concealed screws offers a clean look. It's available in four finishes (shown here in oil-rubbed bronze); $17.99 each. For other choices, see 10 Easy Pieces: Modern Bin Pulls.

Schoolhouse Electric Nouveau Cast Iron Wall Hook | Remodelista

Above: From Schoolhouse Electric, Nouveau Cast-Iron Wall Hooks are $6 each.

Wayfair Old Dutch Bookshelf Rack with Grid | Remodelista

Above: The Old Dutch Bookshelf Rack with Grid is made of steel with an oiled bronze finish; $86.23 at Wayfair.

Williams-Sonoma Duralex Picardie Glass Tumbler Set | Remodelista

Above: The Duralex Picardie Glass Tumbler Set of Six is $21.60 for the 12-ounce size at Williams-Sonoma. 

For more cool, clean kitchens, see our posts:

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Remodelista London Market Spotlight: Mourne Textiles

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Who: Mourne Textiles is a third-generation run workshop Northern Ireland, set up in 1954 by the pioneering textile designer and weaver Gerd Hay-Edie. The studio is currently run by Gerd's grandson, Mario Sierra, and his mother, master weaver Karen Hay-Edie.

What: Hand-loomed woven rugs, throws, cushions, and placemats made from locally spun yarn.

Insider scoop: Mario will be joining us this Saturday at the Remodelista London Market, where he'll be showcasing new cushions from the forthcoming Mourne Monochrome collection featuring black and white weaves. He'll also be taking preorders for a new line of baby and children's blankets, and offering Remodelista Market shoppers a 15 percent discount on goods for sale on the day.

Mourne Textiles wool throws | Remodelista.

Above: A selection of Blankets and Throws will be available from £195 ($309).

Mourne Textiles wool pillows| Remodelista.

Above: The Shaggy Dog Cushion (L) and the Mended Tweed Cushion (R) are made from custom-spun merino wool from Donegal yarn and are both revived designs created by Gerd Hay-Edie. The Hillie and Co. sofa is covered in a Gerd Hay-Edie fabric and was commissioned by the iconic furniture designer Robin Day. (Side note: I grew up with this very sofa in this fabric.)

Mourne Textiles wool placemat | Remodelista.

Above: Handwoven Placemats; £85 ($134.68) for a set of four.

Looking to go undercover? Check out these posts:

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The Clove Club: London's Restaurant of the Moment

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The Young Turks of London (consisting of chef Isaac McHale, along with Daniel Willis and Johnny Smith, his "front-of-house charmers," as the Sunday Times calls them) have settled down. Last March, they launched their first brick-and-mortar restaurant, The Clove Club, in the Shoreditch Town Hall. The restaurant occupies two rooms: one is a bar (food on offer), the other is where the serious culinary prix-fixe menu happens.

Clove Club in London | Remodelista

Above: Located in the Shoreditch Town Hall, built in 1865 as a government outpost ("one of the grandest vestry halls in the city") and now an arts center, the Clove Club occupies a suite of rooms on the premises.

The Clove Club in London | Remodelista

Above: In the bar, drinks and small plates are on offer.

Clove Club London | Remodelista

Above: Bentwood bar stools; nothing too fancy.

Clove Restaurant London | Remodelista

Above: Chefs at work against a backdrop of blue tiles.

The Clove Club in London | Remodelista

Above: The Young Turks describe the offerings: "An ambitious, five-course menu, focused on often overlooked British ingredients and produce, is served in the dining room."

The Clove Restaurant in London | Remodelista

Above: The five-course set menu might include mackerel, pickled rhubarb, and Tokyo turnip.

Clove Club Flowers in London | Remodelista

Above: A quiet corner, floral arrangement included. Photograph via The Dining Diary.

Clove Club Dining Room | Remodelista

Above: The environs are simple; the emphasis is on the cuisine.

For more, go to The Clove Club.

 

Searching for London hotspots? Consult our London City Guide for our favorite hotels, restaurants, and design shops. And go to Gardenista for a tour of Liberty's Floral Fabrics and a look at the Bees of Buckingham Palace.

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A New Emporium Devoted to the Tried and True

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At Brighton's new general store Workshop, the focus is on tried-and-tried housewares of wood, ceramic, and linen. "Simplicity is what best defines our aesthetic," says Jayson Tane-Smiler, a veteran of the retail world, who opened the store with fellow aesthete (and former financier) Ryan Kersop. An easy day trip from London, the shop is set in the seaside town's historic Lanes district. It's worth making a pilgrimage to stock up on hard-to-find basics and take in the ocean, a two-minute stroll away.

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: Workshop is set in an old office building that the previous occupants converted into an art gallery. The stucco facade is original; Jayson and Ryan painted it in a charcoal called Railings from Farrow & Ball. "The wire plant rack is, in fact, one of our window security grills that get removed each morning," says Jayson. "We adorn them with various potted plants; the ones shown are Alpine shrubs."

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: "We opened Workshop to share our passion for products that have a usefulness in everyday life," says Jayson, whose creds include working as an operations manager for Diptyque Paris. The utility corner is stocked with Beech and Horsehair Dustpan Brushes, £15 ($23.78), that hang from Birch Peg Rails; £14 ($22.20) for a four-peg length.

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: Jayson tells us: "We stripped it back the interior to its core, salvaging the concrete floor, and fitting it very simply with shelves of reclaimed timber and a butcher's zinc sink." 

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: The vintage sink displays kitchen tools, including Wooden Lemon Reamers that are based on 19th-century designs; £3.50 ($5.55).

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: Solid oak Wooden Soap Dishes are £5 ($7.93) and horsehair Body Brushes are £15 ($23.78).

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: Plant-based bath products from France in displayable brown bottles.

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: Workshop has an extensive line of dishwasher-safe white enamelware; Casserole Pots (top right shelf) come in three sizes and start at £25 ($39.64). Enamel Measuring Jugs (bottom row) are £12 ($19).

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: Beech Chopping Boards; the smallest is £12 ($19). 

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: Woven from a fiber called hogla, rustic Storage Baskets are offered in five sizes, starting at £18 ($28.54).

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: White stoneware by ceramicist Charlotte Storrs is housed in a custom-made display chest.

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: Recycled Glass tableware for serving wine and water. The Recycled Glass Bottles work equally well as vases; £13 ($20.61).

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: Succulents in white stoneware are lined up under a copper utensil rail.

Workshop in Brighton, England | Remodelista

Above: The kids' section is filled with French Wood Toys made of sustainable beech. To see more, go to Workshop.

If you like Workshop's approach to housewares, take a look at these kindred UK shops:

 Below: Workshop is situated just blocks from the Brighton Pier. Brighton is an hour and a half from London via British Rail.

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