Re-Use = Green Thinking!

We met with a new client the other day. She has worked with a number of Interior Designers and Architects over the years on various residential and commercial properties. She commented that we are the only firm who has ever suggested keeping and reusing some existing finishes, fixtures and furnishings.

Of course, as an Interior Designer, I earn my living by selling goods and services. However, I have a conscience. I truly feel that if something is still beautiful and functional and the client likes it, why replace it? I also believe that the less we send to a landfill and need to replace, the smaller the footprint we leave on the earth and our environment.

This particular client had fabulous marble tile in the powder room. By just changing the fixtures, updating the wall coverings and adding some lighting, we can completely change the look of this all important room.

So, the next time you feel you need a change, think paint! Paint can completely change the feeling of a space. You can apply it in solid color or use a faux finish technique. Either way you are sure to have an interesting result. Benjamin Moore has a wonderful Eco Spec paint which has low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which release toxins into the air. They have also recently come out with a water based paint called Aura. With one coat you can acheive a finish which formerly required at least two coats of paint. Thus, you save on product and labor!

Try it and see! Add some new towels and accessories and enjoy the new look!

Phyllis Harbinger, ASID, NYSCID: What your Entry Door Says About You

Phyllis Harbinger, ASID, NYSCID: What your Entry Door Says About You

What your Entry Door Says About You

This is for all of you homeowners out there who wish your entry door had more panache. Most of us have done the "drive by" where we look at homes in a neighborhood. A fabulous door can truly create a focal point for your home. It can complete change the personality of your front elevation and give viewers a feel for your sense of style. There are, of course, rules of thumb to follow when selecting a door:

Check the size of your opening. While a double door is more inviting, do not sacrifice function for visual aesthetics. Choose a door appropirate to the size of the opening.

Home Style--if you have a traditional center hall colonial, you would be best off selecting a panel door with or without a fan light. Stained or painted wood are both great options for you. If you want to invite more powerful Chi (energy) into the home, choose a vibrant red paint for your door. If you wish for a more understated look, paint doors and shutters black or a more neutral color.

A French Chateau deserves a door with stature. See the photo above of a set of entry doors that we had custom made for a client. We designed the panel moldings and had decorative ironwork details added to the walnut door. It is perfectly suited to the stone facade and Chateau style.

Just be sure to marry function and style and be true to the architecture of the home. A modern home will allow you the most flexibility and if you are fortunate enough to live in such a dwelling--indulge, live on the edge and explore the possibilities of new materials such as metal, specialty glass or a combination of materials. Most important-have fun and let your individual style shine!

Architectural and Decorative Moldings

Just as jewelry can make a plain black suit look incredibly glamorous, architectural moldings can do the same for your interiors.

When a ceiling plane meets a wall plane, you can create visual interest by adding a crown molding detail. Moldings can be stacked for even greater interests.

Doors can be framed out with larger more substantial moldings, baseboards can become more interesting with a higher molding or just by adding a more interesting profile.

I urge you to assess your interior. Homes with 8 foot ceilings as well as a loft with a 12 foot ceiling can benefit from the appropriate selection of architectural moldiing details. Try it and see!