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Opinel Tools for the Garden

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While Opinel is often equated with high-quality kitchen-prep knives, the origins of the company rest in wood-handled pocket knives: perfect for the gardener.

Don't let its humble origins fool you: The Opinel knife has become a French icon, used by the likes of Pablo Picasso for carving his wooden sculptures, and is considered by some to be the best-value working knife available. Created by Joseph Opinel in the Savoie region of France as a simple working knife for farmers, winemakers, and even mushroom foragers, the numbered 1 to 12 series of knives dates back to 1897. We can see how it would be handy for taking cuttings from the garden, light pruning, or splitting woody perennials.

N.B.: The traditional Opinel knife has a beechwood handle and a carbon or stainless steel blade; carbon is susceptible to corrosion from moisture, so consider the stainless blades for lower maintenance.

Opinel No. 12 Carbon Steel Knife

Above: The Opinel No. 12 Carbon Steel Knife, an original Opinel design, is $17 at Amazon.

Opinel Pruning Knive No. 8

Above: The Opinel Pruning Knive No. 8, with a beechwood handle and Sandvik stainless steel blade, is designed for shrub pruning, grape picking or cutting ties; $19.95 at Opinel USA.

Opinel Gardener's Tool Set

Above: The Opinel Gardener's Tool Set includes a No. 8 Garden Knife, a No. 8 Pruning Knife, and a No. 12 Folding Saw in a storage sheath with a strap; $99.95 at Garrett Wade.

Opinel No. 8 Garden Knive

Above: The Opinel No. 8 Garden Knive has a spear-point blade and a tapered beechwood handle; $10.25 at Amazon.


Color in Winter: The Campovida Garden

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In Northern California, the Campovida gardens are bright with colorful vegetables and fruits, even after the grapevines have faded.

Many years ago, a friend first introduced us to the joys of picnicking at Fetzer's Valley Oaks Ranch in Hopland, a small wine-making town well outside of Napa and Sonoma. Established in the early 1980s, the center was ahead of its time in promoting organic gardening, wine, and American regional cuisine through events with culinary stars such as Julia Child. Alas, the Fetzer family closed the facilities down in 2006, and everything went dormant. But two years ago, Gary Breen and Anne Beuselinck purchased the property and revived it as an events facility, tasting room, and yes—as a public garden, which was in a sad state. "It was a huge mess, a jungle," says Ken Boek, the head gardener. "You couldn't even tell there were paths running through it."

Today, the five-acre garden at Campovida has been reclaimed: Even in the winter, the vegetable gardens are plentiful with winter greens, rows of persimmon trees are covered with fruit, and Boek can be seen on Saturdays wandering the paths giving public tours. "My official title at Campovida is the "Voice of Nature,'" he laughs. "I speak up for organic gardening and how to enjoy the fruits of the earth.'"

Photography by Lisa Robertson.

Above: Campovida is in Hopland, which is about an hour-and-a-half from Napa and Sonoma.

Above: In the summer, Anemone blanda (Grecian windflower) has blue, pink, or white flowers; their seedpods have a different kind of beauty.

Above: Red Japanese mustard leaf is protected under screen netting from migratory birds. The garden at Campovida was originally established by Jim Fetzer, along with organic gardening guru Michael Maltas, to supply gourmet produce. Today, chefs who cook for events at Campovida are encouraged to forage.

Above: Purple flowering kale sits in front of a Copenhagen cabbage head. "If you want a winter garden in Northern California, you have to plant your winter crop, such as kale and broccoli, on August 1st," says Boek. "This way they have several months to get to full size. In November, we plant fava beans, garlic, and onions—they love the winter rain."

Above: A flourishing specimen of lacinato kale, also known as dino kale for its bumpy leaves.

Above: Copenhagen cabbage is a favorite among gardeners for its compact heads.

Above: An allée of Hachiya persimmon trees. "All the leaves fall off the trees in the fall, but you have this beautiful golden fruit that stays on the tree for a month after," says Boek.

Above: The persimmons function as natural ornaments in December.

Above: There are 86 varieties of apple at Campovida, including the tasty and colorful Gala apple.

Above: "We have a lot of grasses, which are pretty in the fall," says Boek. "We wait until after the solstice in December to cut them back: We leave them long until they start to come back, so they won't be hurt by a frost."

Style Counsel: Heidi Swanson's Travel Kit

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We're delighted to introduce the first installment of Style Counsel, in which we solicit sartorial secrets from our friends in the design world. First up: Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks.

I first got to know Swanson on a flight to Portland, OR, where she was heading to a book signing. She was decked out in a navy pea coat and riding boots; her hair was tied back and her luggage consisted of a single black valise on wheels. It was immediately apparent she'd worked out the art of traveling. Here, she shares with us her essential travel kit.

Photography by Heidi Swanson.

Above: Swanson strolls through the Place des Vosges. Photograph by Wayne Bremser.

Remodelista: How do you wrangle your luggage?

Heidi Swanson: I use a compact black Samsonite carry-on with wheels.

Above: Swanson's go-to uniform is built around a Sofie d'Hoore dress from MAC (Modern Appeal Clothing) in San Francisco.

Above: Instant evening outfit: a Sofie d'Hoore dress with gold sandals from the Gap and an Erica Tanov gold wallet. For similar golden shoes, consider the Metallic City Flats from the Gap.

RM: What's your approach to packing?

HS: I'm a big believer in the Russian Doll system—lots of bags within bags. I lay everything out on the bed and put together an outfit for each day. I'll make a sketch of what I'm going to wear beforehand; I flat-pack my outfits in clear bags from the Container Store with all the air squished out. It makes dressing on the road super easy.

RM: Wardrobe basics?

HS: I have a few key pieces, such as a pair of Riding Boots from Corso Como (this is my fifth pair, I've worn them forever and they've become my uniform). I always pack some fingerless gloves as well so I can shoot a camera, work an iPhone, and stay warm.

Above: I like to sketch out the outfits I'll be wearing each day; it takes away the guesswork.

RM: What's in your travel make-up bag?

HS: Rose and tuberose perfume in a rosewood case from Frazer Perfumes, Mulitplye Mascara from Tarte (a recent discovery at Sephora), a standard brown lipstick from MAC, a Nars Lipstick in jungle red, a Nars Lipstick in schlap, Bite Vitamin Gel, and clear Butter Nail Polish.

RM: Beauty essentials?

HS: I bring two small Malin + Goetz bottles of shampoo and carry a comb instead of a brush. I'm addicted to Korres Pomegranate Wipes; I use them to cleanse at the end of the day and to freshen up after a flight. Other essentials: Boots Face Renewal Creme from the Botanics line, Aesop Tuberose Lip Heal, and Welda Wild Rose Deodorant.

Above: I pack a vintage Bakelite bracelet and other simple pieces when I travel since I like to get through airport security quickly.

RM: Analog or digital?

HS: I bring a Kindle Fire in a felt pouch for reading and movies; I don't take my laptop unless I really have to. I love Moleskin notebooks for travel notes and recipes worth remembering. The pink diary is from J Crew—I still like to write down appointments. The Micron Pens are Japanese and have an extra-fine tip which I use for book signings, and the pink MT tape is my way of making sure they don't disappear.

Above: Heidi's pin board displays story ideas for her next book and photos from her travels.

RM: Favorite places to stay when you travel?

HS: Hotels are not so important to us; we’d rather spend the money on other things. We've tried out Airbnb a few times and had good experiences. Last time we were in Paris, we did a house-swap with Clotilde from Chocolate and Zuchini, which was great. We'll also rent if we are in a place for a while. We're pretty casual travelers.

RM: Airline food?

HS: Never. I always bring my own food in a DCI Collapsible Lunch Box. These Golden Pot Stickers are a favorite for long-haul journeys as they are full of protein. I also drink plenty of water on a flight, nothing else.

RM: Travel tip?

HS: My friend turned me on to a small Tumi Just In Case Tote that slides on the top of the suitcase handles and stays fixed in place. I'll wrap my cameras in a cloth and keep them there. It's fudging the carry-on but I've never been called on it yet.

RM: Next destination?

HS: Paris and Morocco. I want to go back to Tokyo soon, and India is on the list. I would love to go and cook there.

A Clean, Well-Lit Apothecary

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On our next trip to Paris we're planning a visit to the futuristic Marais outpost of Australian company Aesop.

Designed by Ciguë, Aesop's new boutique in the Marais is a minimalist space featuring white concrete walls embedded with rows of metal saucers (repurposed plumbing pipe caps) that hold products in orderly rows. As in all Aesop stores, the space is part laboratory, part art installation.

Above: Polished pipe caps hold the products, like dishes proffered by ghost butlers.

Above: A polished sculptural concrete counter, inset with a sink made from a large industrial plumbing cap.

Above: The simple, industrial aesthetic underscores the organic focus of the Aesop product line.

Glamorous Fabrics Inspired by Tommi Parzinger

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San Francisco designer Matt Murphy has just launched a new line of fabrics, based on the graphics of his design hero, Tommi Parzinger.

The screen-printed fabrics are the latest from Murphy, whose San Francisco shop is known for 20th-century antiques, in particular the softer modernism of Edward Wormley and T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. After stumbling on a pair of Tommi Parzinger lamps and falling in love (see Style Court's entry on Parzinger), Matt Murphy began collecting the German designer’s work and is often consulted when a piece needs authenticating. "Parzinger did furniture, he did lighting, he did everything. But few people know about the fabrics and art he made over the years. I was dear friends with his partner, Donald Cameron, who gave me a lot of the old documents and encouraged me to run with them," says Murphy.

Murphy's fabrics can be made to order in a range of colors and fabrics. To order, contact Matt Murphy Studio.

Above: The Ogee pattern is based on a Parzinger design from the 1960s.

Above: The Ogee pattern is available in linen or silk.

Above: "The fabrics can almost go traditional, depending on the color, but there's a modern feel to them," says Murphy.

A Chandelier with a Raspberry Twist

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We've admired Jeff Jones' tobacco stick chandeliers before; so we took note when we spotted a new version draped with an unexpected pink fabric cord at Anthropologie.

Jones, who is based in Atlanta, creates his pieces using tobacco-drying lathes, reclaimed from barns in the South. A pink fabric cord winds around the frame, showcasing three bare bulbs. The Tobacco Stick Chandelier is $1,298 at Anthropologie.

Tobacco Stick Chandelier

Stylish Travel Alarm Clocks

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An alternative to the wake-up call: Here is a round-up of clocks that travel well from home to hotel.

These clocks are small enough to be tucked into a travel bag, strong enough to do their job, and stylish enough to appease the design enthusiast. Staying home? Take a look at our previous post: 10 Easy Pieces: Bedside Alarm Clocks for more ideas.

Kikkerland's Classic Travel Alarm Clock

Above: Kikkerland's Classic Travel Alarm Clock nestles into a faux-leather case in black or red; it's a handsome choice for a good price: $10 at All Modern.

Braun's Mini Travel Alarm Clock

Above: Braun's Mini Travel Alarm Clock was designed in 1971 and reissued in 2011 with the blessing of designer Dietrich Lubs. It's available in black or white and costs $30 at Fitzu.

Muji's Travel Alarm Clock

Above: Muji's Travel Alarm Clock is conveniently integrated into a small travel case; $39.50.

Punkt. AC 01 Alarm Clock

Above: From UK designer Jasper Morrison, the Punkt Alarm Clock is available in red, white, or black aluminum, with a glass face; $145.

Mondaine Swiss Railway Travel Alarm Clock

Above: One of our favorite clocks in miniature: the Mondaine Swiss Railway Travel Alarm Clock sits in a heavy brushed-silver case and comes in a black leather travel pouch; $185 through Amazon.

A Parisian Cafe with a Past

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A visit to the Hôtel du Nord is a trip back to the Paris of the 1930s: Prepare to be utterly charmed.

Immortalized by Marcel Carné's famous 1938 movie, Hôtel du Nord, the lodging is in the picturesque neighborhood of Canal Saint-Martin, where Parisians flock in the spring for a stroll or a bicycle ride along the canal. In 2005, the current owners decided to restore the restaurant to its historical past; albeit a notional one. The zinc bar, velvet curtains, low lamplight, and an extensive upstairs library imbue the premises with a retro charm.

Above: In 1938, Marcel Carné put the hotel on the map with his film of the same name. Today, the Gallic illustrations on the Hôtel du Nord's website sum up l'esprit du lieu: As you scroll over the drawings, a cat screeches, a motorbike zooms off, and a man plays his violin, taking us straight back to the Paris we recognize from black-and-white cinema.

Above: The classic zinc-topped bar.

Above: The tiled cafe is a stalwart of Parisian life.

Above: Wooden bistro chairs sit on a Moroccan-inspired tiled floor.

Above: In keeping with French intellectual life, the hotel has an extensive library for its guests.

Above: A dimly lit room with a smoky mirror and a black piano conjure up Paris in the 1930's.

Above: And of course, like any proper cafe, there are outdoor tables for people-watching.


The Yellow Building in SF by Sagan Piechota Architecture

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Is the Yellow Building SF's version of Merci in Paris? We think so: this newish one-stop concept shop brings together a restaurant, a wine boutique, and the city's most compelling clothier—all under one roof.

Located in a rambling barn that dates back to 1859, the space encompasses Piccino, a low-key trattoria; MAC, the second outpost of SF's visionary clothing shop for both women and men; DIG, an "old-school merchant de vin"; and a plein-air coffee shop—all enterprises devoted to sustainability and supporting local producers. The renovation was orchestrated by Loring Sagan of Sagan Piechota, who was focused on retaining the rustic feel of the interiors while achieving a sense of transparency among the different spaces.

Photography by Janet Hall for Remodelista (except where noted).

Piccino

Above: The day's menu, displayed on a vintage clothes hanger.

Above: Daniel Piechota's design for Piccino's interior. The restaurant's mission? Serving locally grown food in a neighborhood atmosphere. Photograph by Sharon Risedorph.

Above: "The most interesting design element is the window that visually connects the restaurant with MAC next door, encouraging patrons of each to check out the adjoining space," Sagan says. Visible through the window: MAC owners Chris and Ben Ospital. Photograph by Lydia Lee.

MAC—Modern Appealing Clothing

Above: MAC's loft-like clothing shop; housewares are located on the lower level.

Above L: Lighting by SF-based Tauro Leather (the small lamp is $298); the ceramic sculptures are by Sherry Olsen and cost from $120 to $224. Above R: A mug from Heath Ceramics ($29) and a striped wool blanket ($695).

Above: A vintage mantel displays skin-care products from Noe Valley–based Heliotrope (the mirror reflects an array of salts, spices, and herbs from SF's Boulette's Larder).

Above: Flavor-infused salts on offer from SF's Boulette's Larder.

DIG Wine Shop

Above: An Ingo Maurer chandelier offers a place for customers to add their own wine notations in the interior of Dig.

A West Village Pied-a-Terre with a View

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Architecture firm Front Studio had to solve a challenging puzzle recently: combine two small studios into a spacious pied-a-terre in New York City’s West Village.

The small firm, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory, does a lot of residential work in the city (we previously covered them in Office Visit: Front Studio in New York). In this case, the design challenge was compounded by the fact that they couldn’t move the kitchen or bath in this classic prewar apartment building (to prevent the potential of leaks to units below). The architects hit upon a way to keep the space open: They created an internal window between the bedroom and the kitchen/living area, allowing both rooms to gain light from the other during the day. "The space was so constrained and it needed to accommodate a lot. But we're pleased with how it turned out—it feels much larger than it actually is," says Front Studio principal Yen Ha.

Photography by James Ewing.

Above: The bedroom opens to the kitchen and living area through an internal window, with shutters on a sliding track. When the window is open, light can move throughout the space from the bank of windows on the left (which are the only windows in the apartment).

Above: To keep the space as uncluttered as possible, Front Studio added built-ins, including a dresser that blends into the wall (note the line of handles running down the right side of the image). The paneling is eucalyptus.

Above: To make sure the kitchen had enough counter space and storage, the architects created a window instead of implementing pocket doors.

Above: The massive wooden corbels in the living room are finds of the client. Front Studio added green marble shelving and used the same marble for the fireplace. Underneath the display of candles, a marble lid lifts to reveal a gas fireplace.

Above: The architects added a bar counter for dining, since the space was too small to fit a proper dining room table.

Case Study V-Leg Bed

Above: The bedroom features the classic Case Study Bed.

Eileen Gray, Adjustable Table E1027

Above: The bedside table is another classic, Eileen Gray's Adjustable Table E1027.

Above: "The bathroom was kooky—it had had all these bump-outs and beams, and it had to be raised to fit the plumbing. So to smooth it all out, we covered everything in sea-green tile," says Ha. The walls and shower surround are tiled in Sicis' Glimmer Mosaic Passion Flower, and the floor is tiled in Ceramica Magica's Gallery in Tate Green.

Palette & Paints: Green Room Roundup

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Attribute it to the darker days of January: we're currently obsessed with the color green, specifically used to add a springlike note to interiors.

From a spot of mint to a wash of acid lime, we've rounded up five rooms that help us fast forward to spring.

Above: Green-painted door frames by Alexandra Loew of From the Desk of Lola in Santa Monica.

Above: Green-painted furniture, pendant lights and bright foliage accent this stark white room in Steal This Look: Green Dining Room in Amsterdam.

Above: Dark green walls in the dining room of a restored home from the 1890s on the Greek island of Nisyros. Photograph by Vangelis Paterakis via Yatzer.

Above: Green bedding and pendant lamps at the Casa Honoré in Marseilles.

Above: Two wide green stripes define a bedroom; photograph by Francois Halard.

Rolling Storage Crates from Serena & Lily

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Toddlers in the house? Consider these rustic Rolling Storage Crates from Serena & Lily, perfect for corralling toys and such.

We like the idea of being able to wheel away projects under the bed in the shallow carts; think Lego creations, dressing-up clothes, art projects, the list is endless (of course, not solely confined to the young).

Rolling Storage Crates

Above: The crates have a rustic appeal.

Rolling Storage Crates

Above: Rolling Storage Crates

Under Bed Rolling Storage Crate

Above: Under Bed Rolling Storage Crate

Fabrics & Linens: Anichini Portuguese Blankets

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Susan Dollenmaier, founder of Anichini, specializes in hand-crafted textiles from around the world; we especially like her line of lightweight cotton blankets from Portugal.

Dollenmaier, who is based in Vermont, travels the world in pursuit of products that reflect her mantra of "enlightened luxury." These 100 percent cotton blankets were sourced from Portugal, a country with a long and illustrious history of cotton weaving. Durable and washable, the blankets work equally well as a bedspread.

Above: A pile of blankets from Anichini.

Honeycomb Blanket

Above: Honeycomb Blanket; prices start at $240 for a twin and go up to $345 for a king size.

Chevron Blanket

Above: Chevron Blanket; prices start at $240 for a twin to $345 for a king size.

10 Easy Pieces: Switch Plate Covers

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As an often-neglected finishing touch to a room, the humble light-switch cover deserves more than a little attention. Here are several simple, high-quality options.

N.B.: While we show single- and double-switch models, all of these are available with the appropriate openings for outlets, dimmers, and so on.

Clark Switch Plates

Above: Rejuvenation Hardware's stamped-brass Clark Switch Plates are available in three finishes (brushed nickel, burnished antique, and oil-rubbed bronze); $70 for a pack of 10 or $9 each.Leviton Decora Stainless Steel Switch Plates

Above: A favorite of architects, Leviton Decora Stainless Steel Switch Plates, which we like like paired with gray switches; $14.50 (as shown) through Amazon.

Double-Toggle Porcelain Switch Plate

Above: Rejuvenation Hardware's Double-Toggle Porcelain Switch Plate comes in white, black, or green; $12.

Aluminum Switch Plate Cover

Above: Restoration Hardware offers an Aluminum Switch Plate Cover; $9.50.

Corian Switch Plate

Above: For a vast choice of colors, including 13 shades of white, consider a Corian Switch Plate; $21.50 (as shown) at Switch Hits.

Baldwin's Classic Square Bevel Design Solid Brass Switch Plate

Above: Baldwin's Classic Square Bevel Design Solid Brass Switch Plate is available in several finishes, including polished brass, satin nickel, and polished chrome; $11.01 (as shown) at ATG Stores.

Lewis Switch Plates

Above: Made of hot-forged brass, the heavy-duty Lewis Switch Plates offer a slightly rustic feel. It is available in nine finishes, including oil-rubbed bronze (shown here); $18 at Rejuvenation Hardware.

Nanz's No. 9810 Switch Plate

Above: Make a singular statement with Nanz's No. 9810 Switch Plate, featuring stepped molding. Contact Nanz for pricing and finish options.

Wood Switch Plates

Above: Arnev offers Wood Switch Plates in 40 different types of wood, including ash (pictured above left) and Western maple (pictured above right); prices start at $10.95.

White Steel Toggle Switch Plate

Above: Our budget pick is the White Steel Toggle Switch Plate; $2 at Wall Plates Online.

Going Local: A Vida Portuguesa in Porto

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In our recent post on Baixa House, many of the rooms featured locally handmade goods sourced from A Vida Portuguesa, a charming shop in Porto and Lisbon.

Opened by former journalist Catarina Portas in 2007, the store is a celebration of all things fabricated in Portugal, from ceramics, soaps, books, bags, and linens to sardines, olive oils, and more. By partnering with established brands, Portas is helping to keep her country's traditional goods alive and relevant. If you're not planning a trip to Portugal anytime soon, the goods can also be ordered online at A Vida Portuguesa.

Above: The shop exterior.

Above: A wall of ceramic swallows, a Portuguese national symbol and a portend of spring.

Above: The long rustic wooden tables display a collection of Bordalo Pinheiro pottery.

Above: Encerite Lavender Floor Wax (shown above in yellow cans) and Coração Metal Polisher (lower shelf) in their original packaging.

Above: A display of Viarco pencils, which have been in production since 1914. Photograph via Kase Faz on Flickr.

Above: Traditional teas and sweets on sale.


Cable Knits for Your Coffee Cup

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Add a little romance to your quotidian coffee with these charming coasters from Red Bird Ink.

Inspired by hand-knit sweaters and scarves, the Atlanta-based letterpress company creates the Cable Knit Coasters, using an antique Chandler & Price printing press.

Cable Knit Square Coasters

Above: The Cable Knit Coasters are $10 for a set of 4.

Cable Knit Round Coasters

Above: The 4-inch-square coasters feature a warm gold print on thick paper; they're also available in a round version with a silver-grey print.

Coffee Unplugged: Presso Espresso Maker

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Espresso aficionados take note: An affordable espresso machine that requires only hot water and a bit of physical effort.

A reader brought the Presso espresso maker to our attention, and we are smitten. Made from polished aluminum, the Presso is a non-electric pump espresso maker that provides enough pressure to produce a rich shot of espresso. Light enough to take on the road, the Presso can be used anywhere you can boil water and gives us new hope for campsite breakfasts.

Presso Espresso Maker

Above: The Presso Espresso Machine comes with a manual milk frother, chrome filter, two-cup adapter, and a combination scoop/tamper; $150.

Presso Espresso Maker

Above: After you place the grounds in the filter, you pour boiling water into the cylinder at the top. Then you lift the lever arms and press down, forcing the water through the coffee; to watch a video, go to Presso in Action.

Presso Espresso Maker

Above: Bonus points: the Presso Espresso Machine features a counter-worthy design.

Lighting Mashup from NYC's Apparatus

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Discovered via David Johns' You Have Been Here Sometime: handcrafted, utilitarian fixtures from Brooklyn-based Apparatus Studio, made from a combination of salvaged and new components.

Collaborators Gabriel Hendifar (a former fashion designer) and Jeremy Anderson manufacture the pieces in their New York studio, using reclaimed pieces (aged brass, found objects) as well as contemporary materials. A small selection of lights is available at L7 in Los Angeles and through Apparatus Studio in NY. To read Johns' interview with the Hendifar, go to You Have Been Here Sometime.

Brass Compass Chandelier

Brass Compass Chandelier

Above two photos: Custom Brass Compass Chandelier was inspired by cartographic imagery; contact Gallery L7 for pricing.

Large Custom Cloud Chandelier

Large Custom Cloud Chandelier

Above two photos: Large Custom Cloud Chandelier, made from an organic cluster of 37 glass orbs (each globe is frosted by hand to recreate the look of 19th century glass frosting techniques).

Above: A custom fixture in a NY apartment.

Above: A hanging light made from lengths of chain and Edison bulbs.

5 Quick Fixes: Canvas Drop Cloths as Instant Decor

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One of the easiest—and most underutilized—interior design strategies is the draping of furniture in simple, cotton canvas painter's drop cloths.

Above: Wrapped in a drop cloth, a sofa becomes a Christo-like work of art; this one is in antique store owner Hitoshi Uchida's home in Kamakura, Japan. Photo via The Selby.

Above: A chair is invitingly rumpled, via OWI.

Above: A covered chair from Le Dans La.

Above: An instant bedspread, via Kikette Interiors. Although this one appears to be linen, a laundered painter's drop cloth would also work.

Above: The draped sofa adds a casual note to a potentially formal space; photo by Jim Franco.

Above: At the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, beds are draped in covers resembling drop cloths from Free City in Malibu.

Heavy Weight Canvas Drop Cloth

Above: Cotton canvas drop cloths are available from several online sources. Ace Hardware offers heavyweight Canvas Drop Cloths in several sizes, ranging in price from $25.99 to $34.99.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on March 13, 2009.

The Story of Casa do Conto

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Casa do Conto, or the "House of Tales," is a structure whose walls actually talk: they bear the stories of the home and its architectural history.

Located in Portugal's second largest city, Porto, the hotel was ready to welcome visitors three years ago after a painstaking modernization of its 19th-century structure. Several days before the big event, most of the structure was lost in a fire.

Determined to start again and reinvent the home once more, architect group Pedra Liquida ("Liquid Stone") decided to let the lost work rest. Instead, Casa do Conto's next life would reveal what had come before. The architects commissioned six writers—all familiar with Porto and its architecture--to draft vignettes on Casa do Conto, its transformation, and its role in Porto. Graphic design firm R2 used Styrofoam letters to set the stories into concrete, weaving tales in and among the rooms.

The result is a building where every turn is a juxtaposition of yesterday and today: As in the original home, the hotel features an entrance hall, now fitted with an open concrete staircase. The building maintains the grandeur of 19th-century Oporto architecture, but behind the granite facade, contemporary materials like plywood and corrugated steel create a ghost-like homage to what came before. Regularly playing host to art installations, short films, concerts, and thematic discussions, Casa do Conto is cementing its role as a place where art and stories are born and told.

casa do conto, text on ceiling, concrete art, porto hotel

Above: In the Alvaro Domingues guest room, the story on the ceiling is a distinct part of the decor.

casa do conto, porto architecture, portuguese facade, portugal door

Above: The plaque over the front door reads "No. 703." Alluding to the building's former lives, a smaller plaque to the right reads, "It was No. 513."

casa do conto, portuguese tile, modern hotel portugal

Above: In the dining room, modern steel tables are inlaid with traditional Portuguese tile.

concrete walls, casa do conto, portugal, porto hotel

Above: The original home's central stair has been reinterpreted with a skylight and board-formed concrete walls.

steel staircase, casa do conto, leather stair, Porto hotel

Above: Leather lacing embellishes the steel railing.

Casa do Conto, Porto, Oporto, Portugal hotel, words on ceiling, graphic art

Above: In the shared guest office, midcentury pieces are are businesslike but still warm.

Casa do conto, concrete art, Porto, Oporto hotel, art hotel Portugal

Above: The graphic designers at R2 let the story dictate the choice of font.

Casa do Conto, Porto hotel, Oporto, Portugal, words in concrete

Above: A gilded period mirror has a lot of impact in this modern space.

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