Shelterpop http://www.shelterpop.com Shelterpop http://www.shelterpop.com/media/feedlogo.gif Shelterpop http://www.shelterpop.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/"On the Cuff" Sponges Are All Wethttp://www.shelterpop.com/2010/02/01/on-the-cuff-sponges-are-all-wet/http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/02/01/on-the-cuff-sponges-are-all-wet/http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/02/01/on-the-cuff-sponges-are-all-wet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

These sponge bracelets aim to keep your arms dry during wet chores. Photo: On the Cuff

We're starting an occasional feature here at ShelterPop called "Field Test," in which we try out products and tell you if they're worth your money.

To kick things off, we tested On the Cuff, the name of a new company and its product--spongey bracelets that are supposed to keep water from running down your arms when you're washing dishes, the car or your face. Here's what we decided:

They basically work (except for one petite-wristed editor), but they solve a problem you never knew you had. And for $8 a pair.

I don't have a dishwasher, but don't have much trouble with wayward water when I'm cleaning cups. As for the occasional dribble when I'm bent over the sink, a hand towel always works fine for me. So I felt like I was missing something, because apparently rude rivulets are a major annoyance for the founder of On the Cuff, and for the satisfied customers behind the testimonials on the product's website.

I was more confused (and a little itchy) than dissatisfied, but another ShelterPop tester said, "I wasn't a fan. They got in the way more than anything. I'm trying to think of a creative use for them...."

Bottom line: you'll know if you need them, but you probably don't. They're available here.

 

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]]>chorescleaningfieldteston the cuffspongeJosie Swindler2010-02-01T11:17:00 00:00Lilly Pulitzer for Garnet Hill is Here!http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/01/26/sneak-peek-lilly-pulitzer-for-garnet-hill/http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/01/26/sneak-peek-lilly-pulitzer-for-garnet-hill/http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/01/26/sneak-peek-lilly-pulitzer-for-garnet-hill/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

lilly pulitzer, garnet hill, bedding, shower curtain

Yowza! It wouldn't be hard to wake up to these bright prints. Photo: Garnet Hill

Preppy princess Lilly Pulitzer has brought her signature style to housewares.

Garnet Hill has started selling a new line of bedding, bathroom accessories and more that is unmistakably Lilly.

In fact, the 50-year-old company also has partnerships in the works with MAC Cosmetics and LeSportsac and recently debuted a new green line. "In difficult times, the single best way to succeed is by being innovative," Lilly Pulitzer president James Bradbeer, Jr. recently told Women's Wear Daily (subscription required). "And in difficult times, we provide an island of happy."

The bedding collection includes the designs "Retro to Bohemian," "Happy and Bright," "Follow the Sun!" and "The Life of the Party," which was inspired by a cocktail dress, according to WWD. The bathroom collection includes towels, bath rugs and shower curtains.

lilly pulitzer, bedding, garnet hill, blue pillows

Lilly Pultizer's preppy pinks, greens and blues are now on bedding. Photo: Garnet Hill

 

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]]>bathroombeddingbuzzdesignergarnet hilllilly pulitzersheetsJosie Swindler2010-01-26T14:01:00 00:00Gingerbread House Inspirationhttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/18/gingerbread-house-inspiration/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/18/gingerbread-house-inspiration/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/18/gingerbread-house-inspiration/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're thinking of laying some foundation this weekend--on a gingerbread house, that is--remind yourself that as long as the walls stand up there's no right or wrong. Check out these amazing gingerbread houses for inspiration and go preheat that oven! Don't even think about calling in a contractor.
mug small gingerbread house

Photo: NotMartha.com

white house gingerbread house

Photo: Obamafoodorama.blogspot.com



gingerbread houses, martha stewart

Photos: MarthaStewart.com | Nook.sucasa.com

gingerbread houses

Photos, clockwise from top left: Sweetopia.net | rockrecipes.blogspot.com | Uncrate.com

russian gingerbread house

Photos: Flickr user Sweet Tortilla via Neatorama | UltimateGingerbread.com

 

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]]>christmascookinggingerbread householidaysinspirationJosie Swindler2009-12-18T16:00:00 00:00The Inflatable "Slouchback" Is No Slouchhttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/17/the-inflatable-slouchback-is-no-slouch/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/17/the-inflatable-slouchback-is-no-slouch/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/17/the-inflatable-slouchback-is-no-slouch/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Slouchback, its founders hope, is no less than a new way to sit. Presumably spurred by aching backs after leaning on cinder blocks in their dorm rooms, some recent college graduates teamed up to produce the Slouchback, a high quality inflatable backer that turns any surface into something resembling a couch. It's been on sale since August on its website, and is making its way into college bookstores across the country.

I took the Slouchback for a test drive to see whether it stood up to, well, sitting down. (I tried as best I could to simulate a college student's grueling lifestyle. Yes, I even bellyflopped onto it.)

slouchback, inflatable couch, furniture
A built-in pump inflates the Slouchback quickly and quietly; deflation is just as simple. (When deflated, the 8-pound Slouchback fits into a bag about the size of a grocery bag that comes with it.) Even better, unlike my air mattress, the Slouchback won't slowly lose air.

The machine-washable microsuede cover is comfortably soft, but not so thick that you forget you're leaning on something inflatable. When I met with Slouchback's founder and CEO, Andrew Goetting, he acknowledged that inflatable furniture won't ever be featured in Elle Decor, but said he hoped to counter people's negative perceptions by using quality materials to create "the Mercedes of inflatable furniture." Besides, he said, it's sitting on air that sucks, not reclining on it. By putting the Slouchback on a dorm bed or day bed, people get the benefits of pop-up furniture without the downsides. And you know what? He's right. The Slouchback does what it says; it's just a matter or whether you ever encounter cinder blocks.

The Slouchback has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and I found that the product held up to all its claims--even the one about inflating and deflating in 30 seconds. It comes in navy, tan, brown, and garish pink, red and blue and, in case you forgot that it was originally marketed solely to college students, it has two build-in can holders. The Slouchback is available here for $99.99 with free shipping, but it's worth Googling around for a coupon code, as the site frequently runs promotions. Code "FRESHOME" seems to be working now for 10% off.

 

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]]>couchfieldtestinflatableslouchbackJosie Swindler2009-12-17T11:00:00 00:00Self-Publish with Snapfish Photo Bookshttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/16/self-publish-with-snapfish-photo-books/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/16/self-publish-with-snapfish-photo-books/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/16/self-publish-with-snapfish-photo-books/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's that time of year again when you can hardly bite into a gingerbread cookie without someone snapping a photo. But for me at least, all that digital cameras have done is let me bury my photos in computer files rather than burying my developed film in boxes in the closet. It's just hard to figure out a way to tastefully preserve and display the pictures. Photo books, real hardcover versions created online with digital photos, may be one way. I decided to "field test" Snapfish's photo book offerings. See how mine turned out after the jump!

BEFORE
snapfish photo books

Snapfish.com


 AFTER

Josie Swindler


I logged on, indicated that I wanted to create a photo book and I was off! After debating the merits of the 4" x 6" flipbook (a flipbook! how fun!) and the 12" x 12" signature photo book with a velvet cover (a velvet cover!), I decided to try out the classic 8" x 8" version. For a 20-page book, this size starts at $26.99 (if you're not in a hurry, wait for one of Snapfish's frequent promotions--a deal with Rachael Ray means 20% off all photo books through Dec. 24. Enter code RRBOOKS20 at checkout). After choosing a background color scheme, I was taken directly to my book editing page. Helpful tips appeared in pop-up bubbles to help me make my choices. And boy are there choices.

You can choose the background color or pattern, the size and orientation of the photos, whether or not to include text, the text font and size, and the length of the book. The sheer variety of the options got my mind racing. The possibilities really are endless. A yearbook-style family album? No problem. A cookbook full of classic family recipes? Coming right up! I grabbed a couple dozen photos from my wedding, used the easy upload feature and got to work.

snapfish photo book

Unfortunately, the downside of having all those options is the potential to overly complicate things. Even for a person who considers herself patient and web-savvy, I was overwhelmed. It would be easy to spend an entire day designing a 20-page book. On the flip side, after you upload your photos, the program gives you the option to "autofill" your book; with the click of your mouse, Snapfish will automatically place your photos in the book. If decorative flourishes and chronological order aren't that important to you, you might want to think about this. (Luckily, there's also an undo button.)

Another snag I hit had to do with the sizing of my photos. They were large files but Snapfish still kept warning me about the potential for them to print blurry due to low resolution. In the end, I ignored Snapfish's warning and my book arrived with a blurry cover. Whoops. So be sure you're working from original images at the largest dimensions possible and heed any warnings that pop up on the screen.

My book arrived days later and, apart from the blurriness, I couldn't be more pleased. Take a peek inside!

snapfish photo book
snapfish photo book

 

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]]>fieldtestphotossnapfishJosie Swindler2009-12-16T13:03:00 00:00All is Calm, All is Bright: Crazy Christmas Lightshttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/14/all-is-calm-all-is-bright-crazy-christmas-lights/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/14/all-is-calm-all-is-bright-crazy-christmas-lights/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/14/all-is-calm-all-is-bright-crazy-christmas-lights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Everyone knows that one household in the neighborhood that gets a little overenthusiastic when it comes to putting up the Christmas lights (to say nothing of the fact that they don't come down til May). Whether you love 'um or hate 'um, we can all agree that the holiday season wouldn't be the same without them. Take a look at these spirited households and just be glad they're not your neighbors -- and that it's not your electric bill!

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Extravagant Christmas Light Displays

This home, covered in 48,000 bulbs, won the title of Denmark's most beautifully decorated home. The residents' finishing touch was the 60 Santa figurines from around the world.

Extravagant Christmas Light Displays

Whoa--it looks like the neighbors in this Bristol, England neighborhood didn't get the memo.

Extravagant Christmas Light Displays

We're pretty sure there is a house under there...somewhere. It's lit up as part of a lights festival in Mandaluyong, a suburb of Manila, Philippines.

Extravagant Christmas Light Displays

This family in Glen Cove, New York really needs a few more figurines, don't you think?

Extravagant Christmas Light Displays

It might be a clue that you've overdecorated when the inflatables are bigger than your house! This one's in the Bronx.

Extravagant Christmas Light Displays

Santa Claus gets help celebrating the holiday in Two Johns, Maryland from an unlikely source: Barney the dinosaur.

Extravagant Christmas Light Displays

Unfortunately, this Pasadena, California display doesn't have a chance of being covered by snow.

Extravagant Christmas Light Displays

This Murray, Utah home is now a local landmark, thanks to its showstopping display.

Extravagant Christmas Light Displays

This homeowner in Saugus, Massachusetts needed to use his trees and the waterfront to reach a grand total of 85,000 lights.

Extravagant Christmas Light Displays

This spirited resident in this Melksham, England home starts planning his lighting display in July. He pays a lot for the extra electricity, but raises more in donations for a local hospice.

Extravagant Christmas Light Displays

Head to UglyChristmasLights.com to see even more (and to submit your own).

 

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]]>christmaschristmas decorationschristmas treeholidayJosie Swindler2009-12-14T12:00:00 00:00Tree Trimming Inspirationhttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/11/tree-trimming-inspiration/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/11/tree-trimming-inspiration/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/11/tree-trimming-inspiration/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Companies that sell Christmas accoutrements have a difficult task: every season, they basically have to reinvent the Christmas tree. But their hard work is our gain--the new decor styles provide great inspiration for the amateur tree-trimmer.

upside down, christmas tree

Photos: Josie Swindler


While browsing new Christmas lines at a trade show in Las Vegas in September (it was 95 degrees and hard to get in the spirit) I spotted this genius idea: turn your Christmas tree upside down! If you used a lightweight artificial tree I don't think it would be too hard to make it work. Then decorate as usual. Same ornaments, same tinsel, totally new look. Presents make a great tree topper, er, on the bottom.

christmas tree, santa hat


One trend became clear pretty quickly: tree toppers are out. Instead, display trees featured a creative variety. Some trees had holly branches tied to the top, like a natural extension of three, while others utilized sparkly bursts of sophisticated pipe cleaners. I especially loved this giant Santa hat on top of a Santa Claus-themed tree. Too cute!

fake flowers, white christmas tree


A white tree calls for equally bold decor. Popcorn garlands won't work here. The designer here was on to something--keep the ornaments neutral (and avoid the cliche red and green) and tuck artificial flowers in between the branches to add color. For added style, dab some Elmer's Glue on the edges of the flowers, roll them in glitter, let dry, and give your tree a look you won't see at every Christmas party of the season.
papercuts, vintage, christmas tree


Decorate on the cheap with some vintage images and a pair of scalloped scissors. This tree used homemade vintage papercuts as ornaments.

 

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]]>christmas decorationschristmas treeholidayornamentstree trimmingJosie Swindler2009-12-11T16:16:00 00:00The Prettiest Frost Everhttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/08/winter-frost-frozen-flowers/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/08/winter-frost-frozen-flowers/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/08/winter-frost-frozen-flowers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gardening content has necessarily slowed down on ShelterPop as much of the country braces for cooler weather, mittens and hot chocolate. But it appears the flowers aren't ready to retreat quite yet! When we spotted these remarkable photos of flowers hanging on well after the first frost, we couldn't help but think that spring will be here again soon. Right? Right?

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First Frost

These beautiful frozen flowers prove that springtime isn't the only season in bloom.

First Frost

These beautiful frozen flowers prove that springtime isn't the only season in bloom.

First Frost

These beautiful frozen flowers prove that springtime isn't the only season in bloom.

First Frost

These beautiful frozen flowers prove that springtime isn't the only season in bloom.

First Frost

These beautiful frozen flowers prove that springtime isn't the only season in bloom.

First Frost

These beautiful frozen flowers prove that springtime isn't the only season in bloom.

First Frost

These beautiful frozen flowers prove that springtime isn't the only season in bloom.

First Frost

These beautiful frozen flowers prove that springtime isn't the only season in bloom.

First Frost

These beautiful frozen flowers prove that springtime isn't the only season in bloom.

First Frost

These beautiful frozen flowers prove that springtime isn't the only season in bloom.

First Frost

 

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]]>flowersgardeningplantswinterJosie Swindler2009-12-08T15:04:00 00:00Newsmakers Christmas Tree Quizhttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/04/newsmakers-christmas-tree-quiz/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/04/newsmakers-christmas-tree-quiz/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/12/04/newsmakers-christmas-tree-quiz/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Styled by Gina Provenzano, Written by Josie Swindler

Who Made News in 2009?

Which squeaky clean beauty queen turned out to have an X-rated past ?

  • Miss Universe
  • Miss California USA
  • Miss America

Tiger Woods' multiple affairs came under media scrutiny after he crashed his car outside his home in which Florida town?

  • Clearwater
  • Lady Lake
  • Windermere

Name the airplane captain who received a hero's reception after making an emergency landing on the Hudson River.

  • Chesley

 

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]]>celebritieschristmaschristmas treenewsornamentsquizJosie Swindler2009-12-04T12:44:00 00:00Good Deal Alert: Snapfish Photo Books Now 50% Offhttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/25/good-deal-alert-snapfish-photo-books-now-50-off/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/25/good-deal-alert-snapfish-photo-books-now-50-off/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/25/good-deal-alert-snapfish-photo-books-now-50-off/#commentsFiled under:

snapfish photo book
Spare yourself this Black Friday. Instead of hitting the malls at 4 a.m., make professional quality, homemade gifts while you're in your pajamas. And now you can do it on the cheap.

Rachael Ray featured Snapfish's photo books on her show Wednesday morning and she kicked off a great deal. From now until Dec. 2, use the code RRBOOK to get all photo books 50% off! What's more, $1 from every photo book sold will be donated to a food bank in your state. It seems like a great Thanksgiving weekend project.

Check in next week to see how mine turned out (it's in the mail as I type) and to get the full review. That's a sneak peek up above!

 

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]]>dealsphoto booksPhotoBooksphotosrachael rayRachaelRaysnapfishJosie Swindler2009-11-25T15:44:00 00:00Tori Spelling's Dramatic Homehttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/17/tori-spelling-hollywood-home/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/17/tori-spelling-hollywood-home/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/17/tori-spelling-hollywood-home/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Well, a reality show can't be filmed just anywhere, now can it? Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott had a mighty task ahead of them when they decided to redecorate the 3,300-square-foot, 5-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath home in Westwood, California featured on their show Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, which chronicles their life in Hollywood with two babies.

The results are remarkable. Spelling (and/or her professional decorator) managed to create a home that's at once bold, bright, Gothic and inviting--complete with two eye-popping nurseries. Take a look at our gallery to see before-and-after shots from Spelling's home sweet home. For even more, head to Oxygen.com.

Late last year, Spelling put the home on the market for close to $2.5 million. Worth it?


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Tori Spellings Fixer-Upper

Tori Spelling, her husband Dean McDermott and their children Stella and Liam truly made a house a home when they redecorated their Los Angeles space. After all, the home had to be ready for its close-up; it was featured prominently in the clan's reality show.

Tori Spellings Fixer-Upper

The master bedroom before.

Tori Spellings Fixer-Upper

And after, with Spelling's unmistakable shabby chic touch.

Tori Spellings Fixer-Upper

The original nursery was all wrong for baby Liam, born in March 2007.

Tori Spellings Fixer-Upper

After a funky renovation, including octopus-themed wallpaper and a zebra rug, Spelling was ready to welcome home her first son.

Tori Spellings Fixer-Upper

In the nursery for daughter Stella, born in June 2008, Spelling embraced pink, pink, pink!

Tori Spellings Fixer-Upper

With furnishings to rival Spelling's luxe flea market aesthetic, baby Stella looks to be following in her mother's famous footsteps.

Tori Spellings Fixer-Upper

The living room before Spelling went to work on it.

Tori Spellings Fixer-Upper

The living room after. Spelling painted the fireplace and added a more dramatic mantle.

Tori Spellings Fixer-Upper

The plain bathroom wouldn't do for Hollywood royalty like Spelling.

Tori Spellings Fixer-Upper

 

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]]>celeb-homescelebrity homesCelebrityHomesdean mcdermottDeanMcdermottnurseryremodelingtori spellingToriSpellingJosie Swindler2009-11-17T10:00:00 00:00All About the Shotgun Househttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/12/shotgun-house/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/12/shotgun-house/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/12/shotgun-house/#commentsFiled under: , ,

shotgun house

A typical shotgun house. Photo: Flickr, Traveling Mermaid

A shotgun house is so named because you can stand at the front door, fire a shotgun and see your slug fly straight through the house and out the back door. Shotgun houses are generally under 12 feet wide and have three to five rooms in a row, starting with a living room, with bedrooms in the middle and ending with a kitchen at the back.
shotgun house inside

Shotgun houses have a linear floorplan and can be seen straight through from front to back. Photo: Flickr, Katie Dureault


Shotgun houses are usually built about three feet off the ground and have wood frames and small front porches. Sometimes there aren't even windows on the sides of shotgun houses because they were built so close to neighboring homes that sunlight wouldn't be able to reach side windows.

Shotgun houses developed after the Civil War in New Orleans and remained popular through the 1920s across the South, according to Wikipedia. The style gradually became associated with the poor.

There are variations on the shotgun house. "Double-barrel" shotgun houses have two straight homes side by side, sharing a center wall. "Camelback" shotgun houses have a raised second story on the back.

The floorplan of a shotgun house had two main benefits: it allowed developers to fit more homes on a single block, and it allowed for increased airflow in the days before air conditioning.

See This Old House's renovation of a New Orleans shotgun house.

 

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]]>architecturehousereal estateRealEstateshotgun houseShotgunHousetypes of housesTypesOfHousesJosie Swindler2009-11-12T10:37:00 00:00All About McMansionshttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/11/mcmansions-real-estate/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/11/mcmansions-real-estate/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/11/mcmansions-real-estate/#commentsFiled under: , ,

mcmansion, mansion, new home

McMansions are very large homes with disparate architectural elements. Photo: Flickr, Dean Terry

"McMansion" is a term with negative connotations for a large, newly-constructed home that lacks architectural character or clumsily mixes architectural styles. Imagine a massive home that combines neoclassical architecture like columns and a Mediterranean roof. According to Wikipedia, these types of homes are also called "garage mahals," "starter castles" and "Hummer houses." Developers started building McMansions in large numbers in the 1980s.

Typically, McMansions take up a large portion of their lots, leaving fairly small yards, and occupy a lot of square footage (3,000-square-feet and up). Multi-car garages are often attached to the main house and are sometimes closer to the street than the house is. Inside, McMansions generally include a grand foyer, a formal dining room, an open floorplan in the kitchen, a master bedroom suite and high ceilings.

McMansions have been growing while the size of the American family shrinks. Newsweek points out that the average new single-family house size in 1970 was 1,400-square-feet; in 2003 it was 2,300-square-feet. McMansion construction has stalled along with new construction during the country's recession. The Wall Street Journal reports that there is a glut of McMansions lingering on the market, unable to find buyers. Even before the economic downturn, community preservationists, environmentalists and irritated neighbors set their sights on the jumbo homes.

See McMansions gone wrong and McMansions done right in a slideshow on Slate.

 

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]]>architecturehouseluxury real estateLuxuryRealEstatemansionmcmansionreal estateRealEstatetypes of housesTypesOfHousesJosie Swindler2009-11-11T12:02:00 00:00All About A-Frame Houseshttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/10/a-frame-houses/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/10/a-frame-houses/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/11/10/a-frame-houses/#commentsFiled under: , ,

a frame house, a-frame home, architecture

A classic A-frame house. Photo: Flickr, davetoaster

An A-frame house looks like it sounds: two sides of a steep roof meet high in the middle, forming the shape of a capital letter A. The inside of an A-frame house is open, exposing the roof's angles and the ceiling's rafters. The sloping roof has several benefits: because the roof reaches the ground, there is less outside maintenance required on the house, wind resistance is reduced and heavy snowfalls can't pile up and weigh down the roof.

A-frame houses generally have either 1 and 1/2 stories or 2 and 1/2 stories, making them ideal for loft-style living. Often, A-frame houses have large windows at the front and back and deep-set eaves.

Though triangular dwellings have been around for centuries, the modern A-frame design is largely credited to architect Andrew Geller, who created the Reese House on Long Island, New York in 1955.

The heydey of the A-frame style was in the 1960s. Many A-frame homes that are still standing look dated; remember that it may not be the style that is dated, but rather the 1960s-era architectural flourishes and decor.

Because A-frame houses have very little vertical hanging space, they can be hard to decorate in traditional ways. But, because they are relatively inexpensive to build, many Americans adopted A-frame houses as vacation homes.

 

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]]>a framea frame homea frame housea-frameAFrameAFrameHomeAFrameHousearchitecturebuildingtypes of housesTypesOfHousesJosie Swindler2009-11-10T12:35:00 00:00All About the Cape Cod Househttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/22/cape-cod-house/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/22/cape-cod-house/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/22/cape-cod-house/#commentsFiled under:

cape cod house, cape cod style house, cape cod home

The style of this clapboard Cape Cod house is clear from the chimney in the roof's center. Photo: The Library of Congress

A Cape Cod house is a modest symmetrical style that originated in colonial New England and became popular again in the 1930s, '40s and '50s. Today, examples of the Cape Cod style can be seen across the United States. The name was coined by Yale President Timothy Dwight when he traveled through the region in the 1790s, says Architecture Week.

According to the Library of Congress, Cape Cod houses are sometimes also called "Cape-style houses." Originally, Cape Cod houses had just one story and two rooms, situated side-by-side. When the style enjoyed a resurgence in the 20th century, Cape Cod house plans became larger with more rooms. The homes generally have a simple rectangular frame, often clapboarded, with a ridge roof that can allow for attic living, and a large chimney in the center of the roof, directly above the front door (as it is on a saltbox house). See photos of historical Cape Cod houses from The Library of Congress.

Cape Cod houses have served their purpose as sturdy, economical dwellings for centuries, says About.com. It is easy to tell the difference, however, between colonial Cape Cod houses and modern ones. Telltale giveaways are any adornments, like shutters and dormers, which are protrusions from the roof. See photos of a dozen Cape Cod houses on About.com.

 

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]]>architecturecape codcape cod housecape cod housesCapeCodCapeCodHouseCapeCodHouseshousetypes of housesTypesOfHousesJosie Swindler2009-10-22T09:28:00 00:00All About the Saltbox Househttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/22/all-about-the-saltbox-house/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/22/all-about-the-saltbox-house/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/22/all-about-the-saltbox-house/#commentsFiled under:

saltbox house, saltbox home, sloping roof, library of congress

The style of this saltbox house is made apparent by its sloping roof in the back. Photo: The Library of Congress

A saltbox house is a Colonial style that was first built in New England in the 1650s. The saltbox house floorplan is extremely unique: saltbox homes have two stories in the front portion of the house but just one story in the back. The roof, as a result, is short in front and long and sloping in the back. The large chimney is in the center of the roof, as it is on a Cape Cod house.

Saltbox houses can be constructed from scratch, or developed by adding a one-story addition onto a two-story house. The homes were named for actual colonial salt containers with sloping lids, according to CNN Money.

According to legend (and this New York Times article from 1900), saltbox houses jumped in popularity because of a tax loophole. England's Queen Anne, who ruled from 1702 to 1714, instituted a new tax during her reign on homes over one story tall. Saltbox houses, because the backs were just one story, were exempt from the tax. The owners were generally well-off, however, if they could afford a multi-story, spacious saltbox house, says Architecture Week.

See pictures of historical saltbox houses, sometimes also called "breakbacks" or "lean-tos," from The Library of Congress.

 

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]]>architecturehousesaltbox homesaltbox houseSaltboxHomeSaltboxHousetypes of housesTypesOfHousesJosie Swindler2009-10-22T08:24:00 00:00New Uses for Ball Jarshttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/21/new-uses-for-ball-jars/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/21/new-uses-for-ball-jars/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/21/new-uses-for-ball-jars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

ball jars, mason jars, preserving

Ball canning jars can do more than preserve foods. Photo: Design*Sponge

Over the last 125 years, Ball jars have cemented their reputation as the very best containers for canning and preserving foods. But that's not all they can do.

Ball recommends several projects for its canning jars that have nothing to do with canning. With a few craft store supplies and a little ingenuity, you can have a candle, vase or bank in a matter of minutes or just a few hours.

Do you sometimes forget to water the houseplants? Believe it or not, a Ball jar can help. The Ball jar plant dripper project couldn't be easier. Simply fill a Ball jar with water, punch a hole in the jar's lid and string a cotton cord from the water to the planter. The cord will serve as a conductor of water from the jar to the plant's roots. No green thumb needed.

Craftynest's tutorial on mason jar lanterns requires just wire, wire cutters, pliers, votive candles and the jars. Easy!

You've probably seen expensive layered ingredients in Ball jars for sale in stores, but you can make your own easily and more cheaply. (If you need guidance, you can even rely on The Mason Jar Cookie Cookbook!) Just gather the dry ingredients needed for a favorite recipe, layer them in the jar by using a funnel (vary them by color, amount and texture), seal the jar and tie the holed-punched recipe around the lid so the gift's recipient knows which wet ingredients to add.

Craft magazine tells you how to make a terrarium with just a Ball jar and some supplies from the garden shop.

The smart Ball jar lamp craft calls for replacing an expensive lamp base with a Ball jar, which can be filled with trinkets from past vacations or other meaningful items. This mason jar lamp kit for sale on Amazon should make it easy. A crafter on Design*Sponge even made these hanging pendant lights out of mason jars!

Another favorite from Design*Sponge are these cute knitted covers that make old jars look runway-ready.

The dried fruit oil light jar craft from Ball, basically a mason jar candle, would be perfect for the holidays when filled with cinnamon sticks and dried berries.

Ball's kids bank is easy to make, fun to decorate and lets kids watch the coins pile up, unlike a piggy bank.

Ready to get crafty? Buy mason jars on the Ball jars website.

 

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]]>bell jarsBellJarscraftsDIYjarslampmason jarsMasonJarsprojectsterrariumJosie Swindler2009-10-21T15:29:00 00:00All About Split Level Homeshttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/21/all-about-split-level-homes/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/21/all-about-split-level-homes/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/21/all-about-split-level-homes/#commentsFiled under: ,

brady bunch house, split level, ranch house

The Brady Bunch "lived" in an archetypal split-level home. Photo: Flickr, Dave Malkoff

Split level homes are houses with a floorplan characterized by several small staircases and multiple, staggered levels. The best example in popular culture is probably the Brady Bunch house in California's San Fernando Valley. Remember how the Bradys had to descend four or five steps when they came in to the living room or climb them to get to the kitchen? (Read more about the history of the Brady house from the Los Angeles Times.)

According to Antique Home, split level houses are characterized by low-pitched roofs, deep eaves, rectangular or L-shaped floorplans, integrated garages and open interior layouts. Today, they're prime candidates for renovations. See before-and-after split level remodels on MSN Real Estate.

Split level houses became very popular in the 1950s, '60s and '70s, as a compromise between the modest bungalow and the more expansive ranch house. Realtor magazine says that split levels evolved from ranch homes, which had evolved from Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie house style.

Split levels are sometimes also referred to as "raised ranches." Other variations include the split entry--where the entryway leads to two staircases, one for bedrooms and one for living areas. Find more information on split level houses, visit SplitLevel.net.

 

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]]>brady bunchbrady bunch houseBradyBunchBradyBunchHousehousereal estateRealEstateremodelrenovationsplit levelsplit level homesplit level housesplit-levelSplitLevelSplitLevelHomeSplitLevelHousetypes of housesTypesOfHousesJosie Swindler2009-10-21T14:08:00 00:00National Design Award Winners 2009http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/21/national-design-award-winners-2009/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/21/national-design-award-winners-2009/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/21/national-design-award-winners-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The winners of the 2009 National Design Awards have been crowned. The honored designers, whose work includes everything from silverware to newspaper infographics to landscaping, will be honored in a gala dinner in New York on Thursday night.

To celebrate the National Design Awards, The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum is offering free admission to all visitors through the end of National Design Week, Oct. 18-24. An exhibition of past winners, "Design USA: Contemporary Innovation," is on display through April 4, 2010. This year's National Design Awards Honorary Patron is Michelle Obama.

The competition, now in its 10th year, recognizes good design in all its forms by selecting winners and finalists in 10 categories: lifetime achievement, design mind, corporate & institutional achievement, architecture design, communication design, fashion design, interaction design, interior design, landscape design and product design. "This year's winners and finalists affirm that good design positively impacts both our economy and our everyday lives," said John Maeda, president of the Rhode Island School of Design and chair of the 2009 National Design Awards jury.

Cooper-Hewitt, founded in 1897, is still the only museum in the U.S. focused purely on design. It became part of The Smithsonian in 1967.
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National Design Award Winners and Finalists

Winner Tsao & McKwon Architects. The Beresford, Central Park West, New York, NY.

National Design Award Winners and Finalists

Winner Tsao & McKwon Architects. SoHo Loft.

National Design Award Winners and Finalists

Finalist WORKac. Fifth Avenue apartment, New York, NY, 2006.

National Design Award Winners and Finalists

Finalist WORKac. Spotwelders, New York, NY, 2005.

National Design Award Winners and Finalists

Finalist WORKac. Lee Angel showroom and offices, New York, NY, 2005.

National Design Award Winners and Finalists

Finalist Ali Tayar/Parallel Design. House, Block Island, RI, 2005.

National Design Award Winners and Finalists

Finalist Ali Tayar/Parallel Design. Michael's Table, New York, NY, 1991.

National Design Award Winners and Finalists

Winner HOOD Design. The New de Young Museum, San Francisco, CA, 2005.

National Design Award Winners and Finalists

Winner HOOD Design. Lafayette Square Park, Oakland, CA, 1999.

National Design Award Winners and Finalists

Finalist Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture. Brookvale Residence, Hillsborough, CA, 2003.

National Design Award Winners and Finalists

 

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]]>architectureawardcooper hewittCooperHewittfashioninterior designInteriorDesignlandscapingnational design awardsNationalDesignAwardsproductsJosie Swindler2009-10-21T10:00:00 00:00The Ace Hotel's Inspiring Interiors, From New York City to Portlandhttp://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/20/ace-hotel-new-york-city-portland-seattle-palm-springs/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/20/ace-hotel-new-york-city-portland-seattle-palm-springs/http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/20/ace-hotel-new-york-city-portland-seattle-palm-springs/#commentsFiled under: ,

ace hotel, portland, bedroom

Brent Wick's "Drippy Kitty" artwork in a guest room at the Ace Hotel in Portland. Photo: Jeremy Pelley

Ace Hotel, the four-hotel chain with arguably the most indie-cred in the nation, started out as three Seattle friends imagining the kinds of places they, and their creative friends, would like to stay. Every design decision--and there are many--flows from the concept that a hotel should contribute to your understanding of the area in which you're traveling. That's why the Ace Hotel's branches in Seattle, Portland, Palm Springs and New York have distinctive designs. The burgeoning hoteliers, Alex Calderwood, Wade Weigel and Doug Herrick, say they want the experience of staying in an Ace Hotel to be like staying with a local.

The decor in each Ace Hotel was inspired partly by a minimalist/bohemian aesthetic, and partly by what salvaged materials were nearby. The first Ace Hotel opened in Seattle with 28 rooms in 1999. Portland followed in 2007, then Palm Springs and New York City. One-of-a-kind murals share wallspace with salvaged barn doors, while stacks of vintage suitcases serve as bedside tables. Rotary phones are as at home as the free Wi-Fi internet. A formal velvet couch can be flanked by a log, and it only adds to the charm.

See more of the Ace Hotel's inspiring interiors after the jump.

ace hotel, palm springs, bedroom

Room 434 in the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. Photo: Douglas Lyle Thompson and Jon Johnson


ace hotel, new york, bedroom

Room 214 at the Ace Hotel in New York. Photo: Douglas Lyle Thompson


ace hotel, seattle, bedroom

A standard guest room at the Ace Hotel in Seattle. Photo: Ace Hotel


ace hotel, portland, couch, cat mural

Room 415 at the Ace Hotel in Portland. "Larry" mural by Brent Wick. Photo: Jeremy Pelley


ace hotel, portland, bedroom

Room 428 at the Ace Hotel in Portland. Mural by Kenzo Minami. Photo: Jeremy Pelley


ace hotel, new york, art

Room 210 in the Ace Hotel in New York. Artwork by Ryder E. Robison. Photo: Douglas Lyle Thompson and Jon Johnson

 

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]]>ace hotelace hotel nycace hotel palm springsace hotel portlandace hotel seattleAceHotelAceHotelNycAceHotelPalmSpringsAceHotelPortlandAceHotelSeattlebedroomsdailydroolhotelnew york cityNewYorkCitypalm springsPalmSpringsportlandseattleJosie Swindler2009-10-20T08:00:00 00:00