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5 Things You Can Do (Today!) To Organize Your Kitchen

Erin Loechner — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:11:00 EST

Filed under: DIY: Done in a Day, Solutions, Cleaning & Storage, Storage & Organization

How organized is your kitchen? Credit: Monalyn Gracia

From message boards to spice racks: the very best methods to get organized.

As the hub of many families' homes, I'd argue the kitchen is one of the toughest areas to keep clean and organized throughout the week. Equal parts bill-paying center, homework desk, meal preparation surface and entertainment seating, kitchens are for multi-tasking.

Yet how much love are you giving to your kitchen? Spend a few minutes today to look around -- Are things in their proper places, or are your kitchen counters a free-for-all? If you're guilty of the latter, check out these few easy steps to gearing up for a more organized kitchen (which, funny enough, equals a more organized family!).

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TwiTalk: The Best White Interior Paint...Ever

Erin Loechner — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:10:00 EST

Filed under: Decorating, Color

Which white is right for you? Credit: Erin Loechner

In our column "TwiTalk," we reach out to our readers on Twitter for their opinions. Today's topic: White paint.

We're introducing a new weekly column here at ShelterPop as a way to get you lovely readers involved with, well, the awesomeness of home decor. If you're following us on Twitter, feel free to join along, as we'll ask a weekly question and seek your advice on whatever it is that we're stumped about!

Today's question has left us reeling for years. Everyone seems to have an opinion on the best interior paint brands, but how do you choose the best color (I personally have the hardest time with white!)?

We sought the advice of some of our favorite Twitter followers, and here's what they suggested.

We asked: What is the best white interior paint you've used, and why?

Continue reading TwiTalk: The Best White Interior Paint...Ever

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A Budget Kitchen Makeover

Laura Fenton — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:10:00 EST

Filed under: Decorating

Before

Photo: Country Living

After

Photo: Country Living

Here's what you can learn from Country Living's clever and cost-saving kitchen renovation.

1. Keep the layout the same
As soon as you start moving the position of gas and plumbing lines the higher your bills will climb.

2. White is right
For kitchens and baths, white is always a foolproof choice -- it looks clean and it makes tight spaces seem more spacious. Plus, it's always a safe color for resale purposes down the road.

Photo: Country Living

3. Keep the cabinets, replace the countertops
If you're blessed with real wood cabinetry, keep them, but replace tired-looking countertops. Here the fresh Vermont soapstone countertops were cut to fit the existing cabinetry and are a major upgrade to the hokey laminate that preceded it.

4. Revive old cabinets.
The owners gave the old cabinets a new life with a fresh coat of paint and new glass-paned doors on the upper cabinets.

5. Fake the details
The addition of crown moldings and designer-looking hardware give the basic kitchen cabinets a high-end look at a minimal cost.

6. Match the architecture of the house
Instead of trying to cram a sleek, modern kitchen into an older, Tudor-style house, the homeowners were true to the house's era.

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The Beauty Of A Bare Bulb

Laura Fenton — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:36:00 EST

Filed under: DIY: Done in a Day

Photo: Craftivity (Harper Paperbacks)

Five easy ways to dress up an uncovered light bulb

Homeowners spend hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars on light fixtures, shades and covers. However, sometimes, a bare bulb in a simple fixture is beautiful all on its own.

In the early part of the 20th century when electricity was still new and rare, light bulbs actually represented luxury and grandeur, which is why you'll see fixtures with exposed bulbs in historic houses and locations like Grand Central Station in New York.

Don't worry, we're not suggesting you just leave all the bulbs in your house bare -- in many instances a shade is necessary. However, here are five examples of uncovered light bulbs that prove that bare is beautiful.

At right is "The Chandy" a creation of Scott Bodenner, which appeared in the book Craftivity: 40 Projects for the DIY Lifestyle (Harper Paperbacks). Bodenner crafted this bulb cozy from crystals of various sizes and 50 or so 1/4" jump rings.

Below is a simple makeover from the ever-resourceful Anna Dorfman of Door Sixteen. Anna turned ugly, brass sconces with frosted, fluted shades into something modern and fresh. Simply remove the shade, spray paint the sconce and replace your usual bulb with a silver-tipped round glass bulb.

Photo: Anna Dorfman/Door Sixteen

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It's A Wrap, NYIGF

Laura Fenton — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Shopping, Home Decor, Design, etc

Photo: Scintilla Limited

A round-up of ShelterPop's coverage of the New York International Gift Fair, Winter 2010

The New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) took place in New York last week, and your faithful ShelterPop editors were there to cover the latest trends in the gift, home and tabletop markets. From turquoise to faux vintage to environmentally-sound trends, 2010 is sure to be filled with some exciting new products. Here's a rundown of our complete NYIGF coverage:

Eugenia reported on the best up-and-coming designers at the fair. Among the lines that caught her eye were Bailey Doesn't Bark, Alice Supply Co., Waylande Gregory Studios, Nick Munro, Thorsten van Elten, Scintilla Limited and Jardins de Fleur. Eugenia's full coverage of new and exciting brands is not to be missed (check out the beautiful linens from Scintilla Limited above).

Photo: Jane Frieman

Jane reported on the latest news in kitchen and tabletop trends. The big themes for the new year seemed to be going green with eco-responsible designs and a slew of luxe metallics like those from Alan Lee, Michael Aram and Michael Wainwright.

Continue reading It's A Wrap, NYIGF

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9 Ways to Create a Sexy Bedroom

ShelterPop Staff — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:14:00 EST

Don't freak out! There's no need to redo your whole room. Set the vibe with these simple touches from our friends at The Nest.

1. It's true: You might end up on the floor. So make sure there's something super-soft for cushioning.
Sheared Sheepskin Floor Cushion, $159, West Elm

2. Need a little extra warmth? Wrap yourself up in this cozy blanket. Besides, who can say no to pompoms?
Blissliving Home Temi Throw, $95, PillowsandThrows.com

Photo: West Elm, PillowsandThrows.com

Continue reading 9 Ways to Create a Sexy Bedroom

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Where to Buy Knobs and Drawer Pulls

Erin Loechner — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:06:00 EST

Filed under: Solutions, Shopping, Projects

Where else are you going to find a complete equestrian collection of cabinet pulls? Photo: MyKnobs.com

The Source:
MyKnobs.com

The Goods:
What seems like a never-ending aggregator for low-quality hardware is actually a diamond in the rough that's saved me many a headache. With the best selection of cabinet pulls (hands down) and an impressive variety of door knobs, this site is a breath of fresh air amidst a smog-filled and overpriced market of door dressings.

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Decor By Mood: Charming

Erin Loechner — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Decorating

This sweet bedroom scores an A+ at charm school! Photo: Carolyn Barber

In "Decor by Mood," we tell you how to attain a feeling in your home. Here's how to decorate a charming home.

So you were never the brooding type and charismatic? Well, most of us can only wish for charisma. Yet there's one characteristic that's as easy to infuse into your own home as the ABC's: Charm. Think colorful, bright and floral; the charming aesthetic is easier to achieve than you think.

If you're charming:
You're the gal (or guy!) that everyone loves to bring home to meet the parents. Aunt Laura dotes over you, and you've never had to pay for a parking ticket (even during that whole 70+ mph debacle). Get your home up to speed in the charm department and you'll be an unstoppable force!

Find out how after the jump.

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Five Smart Fixes for Scratched Wood

Lisbeth Cheever-Gessaman — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:51:00 EST

Photo: (clockwise from top left) MCT, Covergirl, Getty, Flickr user: caseywest, Getty

Sometimes, the most common household items can be used in unexpected ways. Learn what you can use (that you probably already have at home) to fix scratched wood

It's never fun discovering that your beautiful wooden table is marred with a nasty scratch. But let's face it: It happens to the best of us. Whether you're on a budget or just need a quick fix, here are five do-it-now ways to fix scratched wood. Best of all? These solutions feature common items that you likely already have on hand. Let's get started!

1. Oh, Nuts
For scratches that have penetrated beyond the finish, try rubbing a pecan or walnut gently across the surface of the scratch. You'll fill the wood naturally, quickly and cleanly - and the natural oils in the nut will ensure that it lasts.

2. Make It Up
Because it's soft, oil-based and wood colored, eyebrow pencils work wonders at filling in and camouflaging anything from small surface scratches to much deeper ones. Choose a color that most naturally matches the wood, then fill the crack and buff.

3. Pour on the Mayo
If the wood is cracked, and not simply scratched, try a little Mayonnaise. Smooth enough mayonnaise over the crack to fill it, then wipe away the excess and let it sit for a one to three days. The protein and oils in the Mayonnaise will help the wood to swell and will actually fill that crack. When the crack has swelled sufficiently, wipe off any remainder and polish to a shine.

4. Ashes to Ashes
It's hard to believe, but cigarette ashes are the turn to ingredient to repair water rings or spots and surface marks. Make a small paste of ash and water and gently rub into the affected area, then wipe clean. Toothpaste also works in a pinch if you don't happen to have any ashes on hand.

5. Raid the Coloring Cabinet
Manufacturers actually make special wood crayons for this purpose, but why pay extra when you can use what you have on hand? Find a brown crayon around the same shade as your wood and simply color it in. Smooth any excess with a soft cloth and polish to a beautiful, scratch-free shine.

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Happytape! DIY Inspiration

Laura Fenton — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: DIY: Done in a Day, Gardens & Outdoor Living

Photo: Happytape!

Projects to make with Japanese washi paper masking tape.

If you are a regular reader of craft and design blogs, you have surely heard how Japanese washi paper masking tape has arrived stateside.

Sold stateside as Happytape!, the artful tape has been featured everywhere from Apartment Therapy to Martha Stewart Living -- and everyone is smitten.

(I discovered just how popular it had become when I needed some for a recent photo shoot -- the MoMA Design Store politely informed me they were completely sold out.)

You might think to yourself, "Pretty masking tape, woop-de-doo," and you'd be right to wonder why people couldn't just get by with the standard neutral hue or painter's tape blue.

People aren't excited about Happytape! just because it's pretty, but because you can make beautiful things with it.

Here's a quick round-up of some of our favorite Happy Tape projects on the web:

Photo: Little Green Notebook

Jenny of Little Green Notebook knocked our socks off when she created a faux-wallpaper effect in her foyer with Happytape! - and just a month after giving birth! Hello, super woman!

Continue reading Happytape! DIY Inspiration

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Obsessed: Suki Cheema Home

Laura Fenton — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:37:00 EST

Filed under: Decorating, Color, Shopping

Photo: Laura Fenton

A new line of bright and boldly-patterned textiles launches at NYIGF

One exceptional new line to launch at the New York International Gift Fair was Suki Cheema Home, and like many of the guests in attendance, your ShelterPop editors became instant fans. Suki Cheema Home's booth was filled with irresistible pillows, quilts, rugs, throws, table linens and tea towels, all made in striking, bold prints.

Photo: Laura Fenton

Suki Cheema, a textile designer, designs this line of hand silk-screened fabrics. Looking at his graphic, colorful prints, you can easily see Cheema once worked at Diane von Furstenberg -- right? Cheema says his designs in this first collection are also influenced by his travels to India, and he hopes to have a place-specific theme for each of his future collections.

Cheema describes Suki Cheema Home as a meeting of art, travel and textiles "to be cherished as modern day heirlooms." These fresh patterns were a truly delightful new find -- and Cheema himself a wonderfully friendly and enthusiastic designer. We can't wait to watch this brand grow and evolve!

Want to read more about the New York International Gift Fair?
- Check out the latest from up-and-coming designers
- Explore the wonderful world of turquoise

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New Handmade Home Accessories

Jessica Cumberbatch — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:14:00 EST

Filed under: Green Design, Shopping

PMO Designs "Bone n Cozy" cups are handcrafted by young Canadian talent and handknit by their moms. Photo: Jessica Cumberbatch

The best new handmade wares from the New York International Gift Fair

There's just something about the winter that seems to inspire creativity. Walking through the 'Handmade' section of this week's New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), on the hunt for new handmade wares, made me wonder how many were born on colorless winter days like this one. A good number, I would guess, since what I found was at once cozy and bright and totally clever.

Check out some of this year's thoroughly inspired handmade offerings at the NYIGF:

The design duo behind The Green Glass Co. use reclaimed and recycled glass bottles to make fun housewares like this coat rack (above) and tumblers (below). I also especially liked their bud vases made from bottle necks and sealed to contain water. Coat rack, $72.50 and tumblers, $32.50 for a set of four.

Continue reading New Handmade Home Accessories

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Before & After: Outdated Minnesota Kitchen Gets a Facelift

Leslie Clagett — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:49:00 EST

Filed under: Kitchen

What wasn't working about this kitchen? Just about everything.

* Editor's Note: Due to overwhelming feedback from our readers, we want to point out that our writer refers to the house as 1930s-era (not the kitchen). It is unclear when the kitchen was last updated.

Happy to have found a solid, 1930s-era home in a Minneapolis suburb, the couple realized that to better serve the household of four, some updating of the kitchen was in order. Before moving into their new home, they called on the talented designers at The Woodshop of Avon to transform the space into a more contemporary, family-friendly environment.

While the old kitchen certainly had its share of cosmetic issues -- dilapidated laminate counters, a tired linoleum floor and cabinets dating from the dark ages -- its real problem was the space-squandering floor plan. An entire exterior wall was occupied by a built-in desk. The refrigerator was pushed up against the counter, protruding into the room and cutting off valuable work surfaces as well as storage. And just look at that radiator! Talk about eyesore.

THE BEFORE

WHAT'S NOT WORKING

1. Tons of Wasted Space
An inefficient floor plan robbed the kitchen of valuable storage and work space. The entrance to the kitchen was awkward, with a peninsula blocking access.

2. Hardly Helpful
Not only didn't the appliances live up to the performance needs of the homeowners, but they were positioned poorly in the room.

3. Eyesore, not Eyecatching
The palette of materials and colors was dowdy and outdated. The cabinet style -- arched-top, raised-panel overlay doors -- was archaic, too

The team at The Woodshop of Avon created a design solution that surpassed the homeowners' expectations. Read on to see the spectacular results.

Continue reading Before & After: Outdated Minnesota Kitchen Gets a Facelift

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Get the Look for Less: A Glamorous Bedroom

Tisha Leung — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:22:00 EST

Filed under: Decorating

A Bedroom That Will Help You Get in Touch With Your Inner Starlet

If I ever decide to go "glam," this is the way I would go. This bedroom would fit my lifestyle - a 9-to-5er with a bedroom fit for a movie star. It's not over-the-top but it's infused with fantasy. In other words, this bedroom is daring but oh-so-livable.

Invite a dash of 40s glamour with accents of gold and shimmer.

Photo: Living Etc. published by IPC Media

Neutral tones in the furniture are amplified with touches of bronze and gold. The rug is chocolate with a bit of shine, not to mention it's shag, which brings a ton of texture to the room and goes nicely with the gold/bronzy coverlet.

I wouldn't normally put together hot pink throw pillows with a shiny black chandelier. However, they look fabulous in this setting; shades of pink and brown complement each other.

But my favorite element is the wallpaper. It's on one wall only -- and that's all that's needed. Graphic yet neutral, the wallpaper's background has a slight shimmer that is in keeping with the room's glam aesthetic. To get in touch with your inner starlet, scroll through some products to get the look for less.

Accessories with shine like gold or bronze will strike a perfect balance with brown wood furniture. It's an instant personality change.

Retro Platform Bed, $499; 28" Floor Vase, $69.99; Tahoe Chest, $399

Not only do pinks and browns achieve the 40s feel but so does a bedroom side table with a retro silhouette.

Saturna Silk pillow, $49.95; Madeleine Coverlet, from $243; Century Nightstand, $199

Consider either crystal, leather or shag to add texture to your room. Together, however they can bring the look to a whole new level.

Crystal Chandelier, $297; Ottoman (available in Eggshell), $499; Dalyn Shag Rug, from $79

Here, a stylish welcome as you enter the bedroom. Go bold and flocked on a neutral background wallpaper for instant understated glamour.

Faux Flocked Wallpaper, $48

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Philippe Starck's Wind Turbine

Kristine Hansen — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Celebs

Philippe Starck's wind turbine is compact enough to fit on a small city lot. Photo: Pramac

Finally! A wind turbine just for city dwellers.

Wind turbines have long been equated with rural areas - so where does that leave city dwellers who long to be off the grid?

Thankfully, designer Philippe Starck recently strayed from his polycarbonate-plastic armchairs, household products and hotel interiors to develop sleek, contemporary wind turbines made for small lots.

Continue reading Philippe Starck's Wind Turbine

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Space-Saving Bathroom Sinks

Leslie Clagett — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:11:00 EST

Filed under: Decorating, Solutions

12 pedestal sinks that will give you more space in your bathroom.

The Archer sink by Kohler (left) has clean, tailored lines but a traditional form, making it good for transitional decor, $360. Philippe Starck's sleek sink by Duravit (right) combines simple geometrical forms in this striking sink from the Starck X collection. Photo: Kohler, Duravit

In a powder room or half-bath, where the close quarters often preclude installing a full-size vanity, a pedestal sink can save the day -- and make a style statement. Their slim silhouettes are more proportional to a small space and won't over-crowd the room, either physically or visually.

If you feel you're going to miss the storage capacity of a vanity cupboard and its attendant counter surface, look for pedestals that have broad "shoulders" that can keep necessities conveniently sink-side. Ask, too, if an integral towel bar is available; it will spare your room the added clutter of wall-mounted towel racks or rings.

Installing a pedestal sink can be tricky, as it requires careful alignment of connections and leveling the base. Unless you're confident and precise and patient with a tape measure, drill and basin wrench, it's best to have a pro handle the job.

A roundup of 10 more perfect pedestals after the jump.

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Anderson Cooper Buys A Firehouse

Laura Fenton — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:36:00 EST

Filed under: Celebs, Architecture

The exterior of Anderson Cooper's future home. Photo: Huffington Post

CNN anchor buys historic New York firehouse for $4.3 million

The New York Post reports that CNN's Anderson Cooper has purchased a firehouse in downtown New York. With a $4.3 million dollar price tag, we have to imagine Cooper plans to convert the old firehouse into a home. While Cooper has not yet filed plans for a residential conversion, the Post reports that he has hired Cary Tamarkin, an architect known for residential conversions of former industrial spaces.

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Jennifer Aniston Shows Off Her New Home

Van Sias — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Decorating, Green Design, Celebs, Luxury Living

Jennifer Aniston's remodeled home is featured in the latest issue of Architectural Digest. Photo: Architectural Digest

Take a tour of Jennifer Aniston's newly renovated Beverly Hills house.

Game room with vintage pool table? Check. Kitchen with a pizza oven and wine room? Got that. His-and-her baths? Hers is there, but forget his.

Jennifer Aniston has opened the doors to her recently renovated Beverly Hills home to Architectural Digest, and not surprisingly, fun and comfort appear to be the dominant themes.

"I entertain for a living, and I entertain," the 40-year-old actress told the magazine. "The house has a rather glamorous, old-fashioned Hollywood quality. I can imagine the Rat Pack stopping by; someone is playing the piano and people are laughing in the next room."

Continue reading Jennifer Aniston Shows Off Her New Home

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Smart Designs At NYIGF

Jane Freiman — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:46:00 EST

Filed under: Green Design, Shopping, News & Trends

Small-kitchen ideas are always invaluable, which is why I fell for Desu's 1-Line Spice Rack ($200). The sturdy, 30-inch stainless frame works as a platform for 15 colorful spice bottles and holds a bottle of olive oil or vinegar. Think of it as space-smart wall jewelry. Photo: desudesign

Effort-saving gadgets, handy organizers and space-smart gizmos at the New York International Gift Fair

At the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), New York's largest wholesale trade event, which closes today, there was a ton of great design to be found. As your ShelterPop editors walked the show, we found ourselves thinking about "smart" designs -- items that are intelligent because they make your life easier, because they're good for the earth or because they'll save you money. I found nearly a dozen clever products that present practical, green or more space-conscious solutions for all of us with busy lives. (Because this is a trade show, all retail prices listed are approximate.)

You'll always know what time it is with a clock projected on the wall or ceiling. Custom colors, dimmers and sizes are created by light beams from an igloo-shaped mechanism that sits on a shelf or mounts on a wall. About $200 from Timebeam by Design, London. Remaining photos: Jane Freiman

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Mad Men Turns PlayBoy

Erin Loechner — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:36:00 EST

Filed under: Celebs

What makes a mad man go Playboy? Credit: Luxist

Move over, Hef. Mad Man actor Bryan Batt is taking his interior design business in an unexpected direction.

"Mad Men" star and interior designer Bryan Batt teamed up with Playboy Enterprises to create a loveseat that, much like the hit TV show, pays homage to early 1960s style. Nicknamed "The Hef," the couch is a limited-edition piece (autographed by Hugh Hefner, of course) and it's been designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Playboy Clubs.

Want a peek at the couch? You'll have to make a trip to Vegas, where the gray mohair loveseat is on display for the duration of the Las Vegas Market trade show until Friday. Or, of course, you can snag one of the fifty limited editions...if you're lucky (or mad!).

Find out more about Batt's $15,000 Playboy couch at Luxist.

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