We have all seen the old-dresser-made-to-look-new by re-painting it. But what about some more creative and innovative ways to furnish and decorate your home, while recycling materials that otherwise would end up in a land fill? Some of these pieces can be accomplished by the do-it yourself crowd, and some might need more shop skills that the ordinary person has.

Take a look at some of these pieces:

Here we have a modern chair whose seat and back is made from old CDs (probably might need some shop skills for this one).

Old ball point pens used to create a chandelier.

Old leather belts used to create flooring, but could also be applied to walls.

Wind chime created using glass rings cut from bottles.

Old entertainment center (for the giant TVs no one uses anymore) repurposed into a play kitchen for the kids.

And to reuse the giant TV, turn it into a fish tank.

Here is another chair, but this one is made from plastic water bottles.

Another chair requiring shop skills, but a great reuse for old shopping carts.

A chair made from old hard sided luggage.

 








A tiered movie/TV room made from wooden pallets.

Teacups turned into pendant lights.

As you can see, there are plenty of ideas out there to help you get those creative juices flowing. Have fun creating!

-Carol

Having just completed the previews of the winter 2012 Interior Design and Accessory Market here in Las Vegas, we thought we would share what are the latest and greatest interior design trends coming for this year and next year! As we dust off 2011 and the winter months, here are the newest ideas and trends!

Hope you are inspired!
-Larry

Hello Everyone!

Often when purchasing for a design project we have a tight budget we have to work with. In order to meet those budgets, I will often help the designers find a more affordable version of a product they have picked out. Below you will find some popular items for the home along with a more affordable alternative. You’d be amazed at the savings you will find when you take the time to research. Google Product Search  is one of my favorite methods for price comparisons.

Eileen Gray was a pioneer of the Modern Movement in Architecture. Her Eileen Gray Adjustable Side Table by ClassicCon at Design Within Reach costs $1,150.00

At Lamps Plus you can get a similar version produced by Zuo for only $238.91. A savings of 80%!

The Barcelona Chair by Knoll has been around since 1929 at Design Within Reach it costs $5,063.00.

A more affordable alternative with the same look is the Hercules Chair by Flash Furniture – Bizchair.com $299.00.

If you purchase the alternative you’ll save 95%!

The Tolix H70 Stool has been around since 1950 at Sundance it costs $250.00 ea.

A more affordable version can be found on Overstock! The Tabouret 30” Metal Barstool costs $93.59 for a set of 2!

A Savings of 81%

The Beat Light by Tom Dixon on Lumens.com costs $490.00.

Patriot Lighting produces a similar pendant that’s more affordable at Menards it costs only $29.99!

Wow, that's a savings of 94%!

The Cardiff Tufted Armchair from Pottery Barn costs $799.00.

You can go for this similar alternative available at Overstock – The Tafton Club Chair costs only $376.99

You’ll save 53% if you purchase the alternative instead!

Instead of wood, the Crate & Barrel Spool Accent Table is made from steel and aluminum, it costs $229.00.

The Bailey Accent Table looks very similar, is made of steel and costs only $93.99 at Overstock.com!

Best of all, you’ll save 59% by going with the alternative!

The Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Herman Miller is a classic, it's also very pricey, at Hivemodern.com it costs $4,499.00.

The Hercules Presidio Series Lounge Chair and Ottoman on Amazon is very similiar to the original except for the price! It costs only $699.00!

You’ll save 85% by choosing the alternative version!

Well, hello again everyone!

You know, nothing is as easy to change the look of a space or room than 30 dollars and a free afternoon. Okay and a little skill perhaps.  I have always said simply taking the time to paint a room or accent wall with a fresh coat of paint (in a wonderful color, of course) is the easiest and quickest way to make that change and breathe new life into an interior!

It’s not really that big of a deal and you will be glad you did it. Nothing makes a space feel clean and fresh like a new coat of paint. Okay, so do you struggle with selecting a paint color and type?

Hmmm… What to do… I know!  Try ….whldesign.com!

I hear they have an awesome “virtual designer” site that can take the sting out of these selections.

But here are a couple of tips anyway.

First off, know the surfaces that you are painting and the conditions that they are in and do the necessary preparation work required to receive the paint. If you are not sure, you can use the “Ask the Designer” feature at whldesign.com that is totally free! Never turn down a good free opportunity!

Next, make some paint selections and if the store has small samples, get them! The colors will look SO different in your house based on your lighting type and how much daylight you get.

Everything will look different in the evening too! So paint a small area and look at it for at least 24 hours in the morning, mid-day, and evening - with lights and television on too!

The only time this is not necessary is if you have had warehouse lighting purposely installed in your house. You know, like Lowes?

 If this is the case, forget the paint! You have bigger issues to deal with!  

Some paints require primers or first coats to make sure that the color reads correctly. This is mostly true of deeper saturated colors. It is also true when you are painting a darker wall lighter or a lighter wall darker!

PRIMERS / SEALERS:
These coatings are designed to provide a surface for the finish coats of paint or clear finishes.
Primers seal the surface off and provide a "tooth" for the finish paint; they are used on bare wood and metal, previously painted surfaces that have been repaired or are in poor condition (flaking or peeling), or if the existing surface is to be painted with a new color that is much darker or lighter than the existing color. Primers/Sealers are also used to block out stains like water stains, crayon, smoke, soot, ink, and on woods that will bleed through a paint coating, i.e. cedar or redwood.

Primers/Sealers insure a longer lasting paint finish, as the resins in the finish paints stay on the surface, creating the "wear layer" as they are designed to do. Peeling and premature failure is eliminated and this is by far the most important part in getting a long lasting, durable finish.

FINISH PAINTS:
There are two types of paints used today, latex and alkyd. Alkyd paint is also known as oil-based paint. Latex provides an excellent finish, while being an easier paint to use. Latex paint cleans up with soap and water, dries quickly, has less odor, is non-flammable, easy to touchup, and remains more flexible and allows moisture to evaporate through the film, thus reducing blistering, cracking and peeling.

Inexpensive latex paints use softer vinyl resins (binders) and more water in the formulation, while the more durable of the latex paints use 100% acrylic resins and less water (you only get what you pay for). The term "Enamel" is normally associated with paints that have some gloss to the finish. Enamels are formulated with higher concentrations of resin, as they are intended to be subjected to more wear and tear.

LEVELS OF GLOSS:
The sheen of paint is the amount of light reflected by the surface of the paint finish. There are four basic sheens: flat, satin, semi-gloss and gloss.

Flat Paints:
These paints exhibit non-reflective properties, providing a matte finish. This finish helps hide surface imperfections, and is normally used for ceilings, and walls in areas not subjected to a lot of wear and tear, like dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms not used by small children.

Satin Paints:
Also know as eggshell finish, satin paints provide a soft luster sheen similar to that of an eggshell. A satin finish provides a harder surface finish, which is more durable and more stain resistant than a flat finish. This durability makes satin finish paint a good choice for walls in children's rooms, hallways, stairways and family rooms.

Semi-gloss Paints:
These paints are very durable; they are easier to clean and are more stain resistant than satin finish paints. Semi-gloss paints are most often used on heavy wear surfaces or in areas that are frequently cleaned, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Semi-gloss paint is also used on wood trim and cabinets.



Gloss Paint:
This is a harder, more durable, more stain resistant paint finish. It is easier to clean than all the other paint finishes. Gloss finishes generally make surface imperfections more noticeable. Gloss finishes are the best choice for heavy wear areas like kitchens, bathrooms, furniture and cabinets, floors, stairs, handrails, high traffic doors and trims.

Which type of paint should you use?
Two properties you need to consider: how much wear and tear will the surface get and is a sheen or gloss to the finish going to conflict with your decorating scheme. If you are painting a storage room or other area which will be subjected to hard use and frequent washings, go with the highest gloss, as these paints are designed for just that. If the "feel" of the room is important, such as a living room or bedroom, choose the lower gloss finishes for a calm, soothing feeling.

Okay these might be a little “Sciency”, but they are easier on the environment!

Types of Non-Toxic Paints and Finishes:
The term "non-toxic" is used here in its broadest sense. With paints and finishes, it's more a matter of degree. Even Zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) formulations contain some small amounts of toxins. There are three general categories of non-toxic (or low-toxic) paints: Natural Paints, Zero VOC, and Low VOC.

Natural Paints and Finishes:
These are paints made from natural raw ingredients such as water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils; natural minerals such as clay, chalk and talcum; milk casein, natural latex, bees' wax, earth and mineral dyes. Water-based natural paints give off almost no smell. The oil-based natural paints usually have a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils. Allergies and sensitivities to these paint types are uncommon. These paints are the safest for your health and for the environment.

Zero VOC:
Any paint with VOCs in the range of 5 grams per liter or less can be called "Zero VOC", according to the EPA Reference Test Method 24. Some manufacturers may claim "Zero VOCs", but these paints may still use colorants, biocides and fungicides with some VOCs. Adding a color tint usually brings the VOC level up to 10 grams per liter, which is still quite low.

Low VOC:
Low VOC paints, stains and varnishes use water as a carrier instead of petroleum-based solvents. As such, the levels of harmful emissions are lower than solvent-borne surface coatings. These certified coatings also contain no, or very low levels, of heavy metals and formaldehyde. The amount of VOCs varies among different "low-VOC" products, and is listed on the paint can or MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets). Paints and stains, to meet EPA standards, must not contain VOCs in excess of 200 grams per liter. Varnishes must not contain VOCs in excess of 300 grams per liter. As a general rule, low VOC paints marketed by reputable paint manufacturers usually meet the 50 grams per liter VOC threshold. Paints with the Green SealStandard (GS-11) mark are certified lower than 50 grams per liter (for flat sheen) or 150 grams per liter (for non-flat sheen). Low VOC paints will still emit an odor until dry. If you are particularly sensitive, make sure the paint you buy contains fewer than 25 grams per liter of VOCs.

Okay now…

Christmas time - to some it is the most wonderful time of the year! And to others? Well… stress comes to mind!  Entertaining, shopping, decorating, cooking, travel- shall I continue? 

Let’s take the sting out of decoration! Don’t let your holiday control you! You control it! There are many simple, very designer chic and impacting techniques that will make the house festive and jolly, yet will not break the back, spirit and most of all, the bank!

Here are some wonderful ideas courtesy of Kendall Cronstrom and Annie Schlechter…

Take several lengths of heavy-gauge wire, knot one end of each, and string through a jingle bell and a Clementine (yes, your hands may get a bit sticky). Twist all the wires into a cluster and secure with a large bow. Hang on a newel post or your front door.

Try hanging something unexpected on the tree, like a bunch of fragrant cinnamon sticks or a sparkling metal garland inspired by nature.

Fill pretty glassware with sugar and mini marshmallows, then stuff old-fashioned stick candies inside, for a holiday display that looks good enough to eat. 

Here’s one roaring fire that isn’t a huge bother to get started. Simply slip this DVD into your laptop and place the virtual flames on an end table.

Show off some of your most eye-catching ornaments (that might otherwise get lost in your tree). Thread them with different lengths of thin ribbon or string, then tie them to a long, wide grosgrain ribbon wound around a banister. 

Gather a bunch of doilies in white and silver, then tape them together (or secure with a dab of glue) to form a one-of-a-kind table runner. For an inexpensive wintry centerpiece, fill glass vases and large compotes of different heights with pinecones. Spray-paint them gold and silver for extra sparkle, or leave them as nature intended.

If each member of your family has, oh, four or five scarves, put some of them to work as a tree skirt. Arrange in a pinwheel fashion around the base of the tree and secure with safety pins.

It’s all about trying to keep it simple, easy and impacting!


 Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at WHL Design Group!