FALL 2012 THE BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION EAGLE FORGING AHEAD Blacksmiths at Bryan shop make metal artwork of all kinds DOWN ON THE FARMHOUSE KITCHEN This pragmatic style takes the cue from the sustainable and back-to-basics trends. Learn to balance rustic style with modern function in the farmhouse kitchen VANITY FAIR Sink into this: Your bathroom vanity will probably cost more than $1,000. ‘COTTAGE’ The Blairs’ The Bryan home of the a&m women’s basketball coach and his wife provides the pair a getaway from everyday life.
Transcript
FAL
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012
T H E B RYA N - CO L L EG E STAT I O N E AG L E
FORGING AHEADBlacksmiths at Bryan shop
make metal artwork of all kinds
DOWN ON THE FARMHOUSE KITCHEN
This pragmatic style takes the cue from the sustainable
and back-to-basics trends. Learn to balance rustic style with modern function in the
farmhouse kitchen
VANITY FAIRSink into this: Your
bathroom vanity will probably cost more than
$1,000.
‘COTTAGE’‘COTTAGE’The Blairs’
‘COTTAGE’The Bryan home of the a&m women’s basketball coach and
his wife provides the pair a getaway from everyday life.
2 Home iNStyle FAll 2012
4 if you can’t take the heat... Then choose another accent color for the kitchen. But with these red-hot accessories lighting up the housewares selection this year, why try anything else?
9 celebrating the arts: an evening in spain Tuesday, September 18th
11 texas reds festival October 12th & 13th in Bryan
14 tiling 101 Tiles, long confined to the kitchen and bathroom, are set to invade and beautify the rest of the home
22 return on enjoyment These remodeling projects will solve common homeowner problems
24 home improvement goes green Ready to get in on the DIY-handyman trend? Eco-friendly options abound
28 Q & a with monica pedersen This HGTV designer knows how to get more ‘Bang for Your Buck,’ but guess what’s missing from her own humble kitchen?
30 greek key Bold, graphic and versatile – what more can you ask for in a motif? The Greek key is appearing everywhere from metal furniture to cushy pillows.
Contents16The Bryan home of the A&M women’s basketball coach and his wife provides the pair a getaway from everyday life.
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Alan Lee and his brother, Jeff Lee didn’t consider themselves artists when they began their careers working on oil field equipment in the 1970s, but
since then, their focus has changed to making metal artwork that decorates many of their customers’ homes.
Their business, Steephollow Forgeworks, 7286 Mesco Drive, is housed in a large, non air-conditioned shop featuring a paper sign with their business name in the back, lots of metal items and the men heating metal over hot fires before hammering and bending it into whatever shape they want. Alan’s son, Carlton Lee, also works with them.
Alan and Jeff, starting in 1978, did metal work on various types of equipment on well sites for the oilfield industry in the Brazos Valley area.
“It was a hot, dirty job, but back then, it was good money,” Alan said.
“(At that time), being artistic meant having a good-looking barbecue pit to us,” he added with a laugh.
Now, the two are too busy to work on barbecue pits, and although several people ask, they don’t make horseshoes, either, Alan said, adding that horse shoes are made by farriers, a specific type of blacksmiths.
After the area oil field business shut down in 1983, Alan said most of the workers left the Bryan-College Station area and followed the oil field industry. But he and his brother stayed.
They started doing general contract blacksmith work, including for county commissioners, and eventually started doing work for homebuilders.
“It was every day cut and weld fabrication,” he said. “We always had kind of an eye and an ear for artwork, but never really did anything that paid anything.”
Because of their relationship with homebuilders, he said, the brothers’ work “kind of morphed into ornamental and architectural work.”
In 2000, Alan said he became fascinated with forging,
The eAgle www.tHeeagle.com 7
forging ahead
Blacksmiths at Bryan shop make metal artwork of all kinds
By Shauna LewiS | The eAgle
OPPOSITE PAGE TOP LEFT) Photo by Shauna Lewis. Jeff and Alan Lee pose at their Bryan shop, Steephollow Forgeworks. For information on their business, visit http://www.steepforge.com. (OPPOSITE PAGE TOP RIGHT & 2ND FROM TOP) Steephollow Forgeworks makes furniture and other useful items, such as this table and fireplace screen. (OPPOSITE PAGE 3rd from TOP on RIGHT) Photo by Shauna Lewis. Alan Lee made three pieces representing parables of Jesus for an art show at a church in Huntsville two years ago. The eye represents, “Don’t worry about the splinter in your neighbor’s eye before you take the beam out of your own.”OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOME RIGHT CORNER) Photo by Shauna Lewis. Jeff Lee made this custom bed frame that hangs on the wall at Steephollow Forgeworks. (OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM CENTER) Photo by Shauna Lewis. Alan Lee holds a bowl made by Steephollow Forgeworks. (OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOME 2ND FROM LEFT) Photo contributed by Steephollow Foreworks. Steephollow Forgeworks made this bird. The business makes other tabletop decorative items. (OPPOSITE PAGE LOWER RIGHT CORNER) Photo by Shauna Lewis. Alan Lee hammers a piece of metal to form a flower-shaped key chain. THIS PAGE TOP RIGHT CORNER) Photo by Shauna Lewis. A paper Steephollow Foreworks sign hangs in the business.
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which requires heating metal and then hammering or pressing it into pieces of art and other items. In turn, he got his brother interested in it, too.
“That set in motion everything we do now,” he said.He said he and his brother began spending time with
blacksmiths; most are willing to share their trade secrets, possibly because there aren’t many involved in the trade.
Now, most of their work comes from homebuilders, private commissions and requests for one-of-a-kind items, he said.
Alan said he discovered early on that it’s hard to make money being artistic if what he makes isn’t sold, so most of what his business makes is functional, such as tables, chairs, shelving, curtain rods, fencing, railing for staircases and balconies, fireplace tools, gates and pot holder racks; as well as, providing steel beams for structural support for homes. Non-functional items include sculptures and small decorative items.
Alan said steel is great to work with because while it is unyielding, it is also malleable and easy to form.
Alan said he prefers to use his artistic abilities to make one-of-a-kind items. Often, customers want a piece that has meaning behind it, Alan said, and it’s fun to be able to take that person’s vision and make it into something. He starts with sketching the idea out on paper.
“To give an idea shape is the challenge,” he said.He said he takes pride in being able to work in several
different styles, ranging from modern to traditional.The type of blacksmithing that Steephollow Forgeworks
does shouldn’t be compared with what’s found in large retail stores, Alan said, because that’s “mass produced and doesn’t have a soul.”
“Hopefully, people will be able to tell the difference,” he said.
Alan said his business doesn’t have many items to show off or sale at his shop because it sells most of what it makes. But Steephollow Forgeworks showcases photos of its work on its website, http://www.steepforge.com and Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/Steepforge.
Some of Steephollow Forgeworks’ smaller items are available at Myra’s Gallery on University Drive in College Station, and will soon be available at the Jane Lee Gift Shop at the Crestview Retirement Center in Bryan. The Jane Lee Gift Shop was recently named after Alan’s and Jeff ’s mother, who was a volunteer at the retirement center for more than 20 years before dying in 2007.
Alan and Jeff also sometimes show off their artwork at First Friday events. First Friday is Downtown Bryan’s monthly signature event, and features businesses staying open late, artists showcasing their work and musicians performing. For more information on First Friday, visit http://downtownbryan.com.
Alan said he has had several requests from people to hold classes on forging because there aren’t any available locally. He and Jeff plann to start holding classes in the fall.
For more information on Steephollow Forgeworks, call 979-776-2864.
(FAR LEFT) Photos contributed by Steephollow Foreworks. Alan Lee draws out a pattern for a piece of artwork. (FAR LEFT 2ND FROM TOP) Finished piece of artwork from above drawing. (Left) Photo contributed by Steephollow Foreworks. Steephollow Forgeworks made this tree sculpture. (2ND FROM TOP, RIGHT) Steephollow Forgeworks made this metal chandelier. (3RD FROM TOP, LEFT) Photo by Shauna Lewis. Alan Lee heats metal over a hearth at Steephollow Forgeworks. (3RD FROM TOP, RIGHT) Photo by Shauna Lewis. Alan Lee bends a piece of metal to make it curved. (4TH FROM TOP, RIGHT) Photo by Shauna Lewis. Alan Lee holds a flower-shaped key ring after hammering the design on it.(BOTTOM LEFT) Photo contributed by Steephollow Foreworks. Steephollow Forgeworks of Bryan made the metal back for this stone bench.
ABOVE) Photo contributed by Arts Council of Brazos Valley. Youth performers made a surprise appearance and serenaded guests at last year’s Celebrating the Arts event. (BELOW) Photo contributed by Arts Council of Brazos Valley. Attendees at last year’s Celebrating the Arts event look over items in the silent auction.
The Arts Council of Brazos Valley will host its largest annual event, Celebrating the Arts: An Evening in
Spain on Sept. 18 in College Station.
The event will be held at 6 p.m. at the Hilton, 801 University Drive East in College Station. During the event, the Arts Council, a non-profit organization, will also celebrate its 41st anniversary.
Guests should feel as if they just arrived in Spain, the country that produced artistic masters Picasso, Goya, Dali and Cervantes, according to the Arts Council. The event will start with cocktails being served, including sangria, a Spanish drink. Each time guests buy a sangria, they will be entered in a drawing to win a piece of jewelry from David Gardner’s Jewelers.
After cocktail hour, dinner and entertainment will start at 8 p.m. The Arts Council will serve tapas created for the event by the Hilton’s executive chef. There will also
be live and silent auctions, Community Art Award presentations and live music by Isaac Bustos.
Bustos, a Texas A&M University music professor, will perform classical Spanish music, and there will also be some surprise entertainment.
Celebrating the Arts is the Art Council’s largest event, and most of the organization’s programming efforts and operations are funded by contributions to the event, Arts Council Visitor Services Coordinator Rachel Lowenstein said. It also furthers the Art Council’s efforts to promote arts, heritage and culture in the Brazos Valley.
Reservations must be made before Sept. 14 to attend the event. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased at the Arts Center, 2275 Dartmouth in College Station, or by calling 979-696-2787 or visiting www.acbv.org. To become an event sponsor, visit www.acbv.org or e-mail [email protected].
CeleBrATing The ArTs:
An Evening in Spain
The eAgle www.tHeeagle.com 9
Tuesday, September 18th
By Shauna LewiS | The eAgle
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september will be here before we know it, so mark your calendar for these fun events! From Sept. 6 to 9 the place to be
is the Brazos County Expo. You do not want to miss the Inaugural Brazos Valley Fair & Expo. The carnival covers 5 acres, with 40 rides. There will be a petting zoo, pony rides, pig races and much more for you and your family to enjoy. There will be nightly concerts featuring Texas country performances, as well as a rodeo performance each night. As part of the commitment to education, the fair will also have Southwest Dairy’s Milking Demonstration, Soup Bone Cattle Company’s Authentic Chuck Wagon and the display, “Corn is Everywhere”. The Chuck Wagon display from Soup Bone Cattle Company will include daily shows about “A Living History of Life on the Trail,” and homemade biscuits will be handed out!
Be sure to look for the open stage as there will be performances throughout the day along with
strolling clown acts. Start planning your trip to the fair by visiting www.BrazosValleyFair.com, or call 979-823-3975 for more information.
Tickets for adults 13 and over are $10; youth ages 4-12 will be $5 and kids 3 and under get in free. Season passes will also be available for those looking to attend the fair on numerous days; season passes are $25 and are good for admission all four days of the fair. The cost of admission does not include carnival rides. This event is sure to be fun for the whole family.
Another fun event to plan your visit around is the Brazos Valley Worldfest 2012. This event is held annually at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater in College Station and is free to the public. The festival will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival site includes the Global Village, with 55 cultural displays and demonstrations, arts and crafts activities, food vendors, 25 performances at three venues, World
Stage, Community Stage and the Heritage Stage in the Kid’s Village. Be sure to come early and plan on spending the day as there is so much to see and do. Remember to bring your camera as you will want a picture of the camel and be ready to learn about the different cultures and even taste some of their favorite foods. This festival is the only one of its kind in the Brazos Valley, so you won’t want to miss it!
For more information, visit http://www.brazosvalleyworldfest.org.
Children look at a camel at the Brazos Valley Worldfest last year.
10 Home iNStyle FAll 2012
Story Furnished By Pattie Sears, the Director of Tourism
for the Bryan-College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau
Fall eventsinclude Brazos Valley Fair & expo september 6th - 9th
The sixth annual Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival on Oct. 12 and 13 will feature food vendors, a steak cook-off, wine,
a grape stomp and live music, including Texas music singer Roger Creager as headliner.
The event, hosted by the City of Bryan, will be held in Downtown Bryan, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 12 and from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 13. The event is free the first night and $5 the next day.
Bryan city spokesman Allen Bruggman said the main reason for the festival is to bring visitors to Downtown Bryan, so they will get familiar with the businesses there and come back. Event organizers estimated that 25,000 people attended last year’s event, Bruggman said.
“The main purpose of the festival is to expose Downtown Bryan,” he said.
The festival will have one new event, a Chow Down competition, sponsored by the Bryan-College Station Chow Down League. The competition will be held in front of the North Stage, starting at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, and it will continue in between band performances. A golf tournament and 5K run were held at the festival for the first time last year, but those events won’t be held again this year, Bruggman said.
Wineries can compete at the event; they will be judged on their booth display. On Oct. 12, they will have wine available to buy by the glass from 6 to 10:30 p.m. The next day, customers can buy wine tastings, wine by the glass or bottles of wine from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., organizers said.
The Arts Council of Brazos Valley will also host an art exhibition both days of the event; local artists will showcase and sell their work.
A Celebrity Grape Stomp competition will be held on Oct. 13 starting when the festival opens, in front of Carnegie Library. Local city officials and media employees will compete on teams to see who can stomp the most juice out of some grapes. After that, the competition will be open to anyone who wants to participate.
Teams can also enter a steak cook-off that will he held on Oct. 13; winners can get trophies and cash prizes. The Children’s Museum will also host a Kids Zone, including an inflatable obstacle course, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday
on Main Street.Live music will kick off with the Rock-A-Fellas
band playing from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 12, followed by The Texas Twisters from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Texas Tornados from 9 to 10:30 p.m. The next day, La Fuerza Latina will play from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.; followed by Leannasaurus Rex from 2 to 3 p.m.; Razz from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Ruthie Foster from 5 to 6 p.m.; Johnny Lee and The Urban Cowboy Band from 7 to 8:30 p.m.; and Creager from 9 to 10:30 p.m.
For those who don’t want to miss out on football, an area will be set up with a television tuned to football games.
Downtown Bryan parking can get crowded during the event, but the city has an arrangement with Texas A&M University Transportation Services to provide free shuttle bus rides to the
event. The buses will leave from Blinn College, 2423 Blinn Blvd. in Bryan. Shuttle rides will run both days of the event until about midnight.
Bruggman said event organizers will need volunteers to help with tasks such as setting up, working at ticket booths, helping at the shuttle bus parking lot and riding on shuttle buses.
To volunteer to help with the artist showcase, contact Logan Faron, Arts Council of Brazos Valley program director, at 979-696-2787 or [email protected]. To volunteer for other festival tasks, to sign up as a vendor or competitor or for more information, visit http://tr.blog.bryantx.gov.
For more details, see http://twitter.com/texasreds and http://www.facebook.com/texasredsfestival.
October 12th & 13th in Bryan
The eAgle www.tHeeagle.com 11
TexaS RedS FeSTivaLBy Shauna LewiS
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For most of us, today’s world is a go-go-go, stress-fi lled and fi nancially unsteady place. So it’s no surprise that with all the chaos
waiting outside the front door, we’d want the inside of our homes to be a little more calm and welcoming.
It’s a desire that’s resonating in kitchens across America where, aft er years of cold stainless steel and brushed nickel, the simple warmth and comfort of the farmhouse style is coming barreling back into favor.
“Farmhouse kitchens follow the sustainable movement, the green movement, the farm-to-table movement,” says Jordee Williford, a green-certifi ed project designer for Doublee Design Group in Richmond, Va. “People are going back to simpler times, and for the kitchen, that means a place everything works hard, serves a purpose and is easily accessible.”
A farmhouse kitchen isn’t all about red-and-white checkered tablecloths and ceramic roosters. It must serve as a workspace where cooking takes center stage and the family has space to gather.
Farmhouse kitchens have form, but their backbone is function.
“If you think about a farmhouse kitchen, you think about it being used,” says Jonathan Detwiler, architectural designer and partner of Berks Homes Design and Build in Mohnton, Pa. “Everything has a rustic element, a patina that shows it has served a purpose.”
Practical StyleOpen shelving, a hallmark of farmhouse
kitchens, allows dishes and serving pieces to be showcased and easily grabbed for a meal, then stacked back in place at its end. Th e style was popular in homesteading days because the shelves could easily be constructed from available materials.
Pot racks, oft en used as design elements to showcase impressive collections of shiny copper cookware, are more practical in the farmhouse kitchen. Reach up, grab what you need, and start cooking dinner.
“A farmhouse kitchen is neat but not pristine,” Williford says. “People on farms took a simple
approach to life and decorating. Th ey used materials they had on hand, not ones they spent hours picking out of a design book.”
In the past, hutches were pulled from other parts of the house to hold lesser-used dinnerware and linens. In today’s farmhouse kitchens, vintage hutches and other freestanding cabinetry add character and soft en the aesthetic edge of modern materials like tile and appliances.
Other popular salvage items include dinner tables built from repurposed doors and fl oorboards or ceiling beams pulled from old barns.
“For our current take, it’s about the honesty in the materials and appreciating their history,” Detwiler says. “It’s mixing old with new.”
Everything in the Kitchen SinkHands down, though, the most prominent
design element in a farmhouse kitchen is the sink, which is almost always deep, single-bowl and apron-front. Again, it was all about practicality: Th e deep basin allowed hand-washing of big, heavy-duty pots and the apron let you splash a
fArMHoUSEkitchen
This pragmatic style takes the cue from the sustainable and back-to-basics trends.learn to balance rustic style with modern function in the farmhouse kitchen.
By chRiSTine BOckeLmanCTW FeATures
down on the
12 Home iNStyle FAll 2012
OPPOSITE PAGE) Farmhouse chic: Simple white or cream cabinets, open shelving and a casual dining area belie the farmhouse style in this kitchen. The marbled backsplash and detailed apron-front sink give the space a style update.
Strike a balance: Exposed beams and vintage jars and cutting boards complement the modern detailing in the sinks and faucets in this light-filled farmhouse kitchen.
little water around without fear of soaking cabinet fronts below.
Today’s apron sinks have a lot more style than their predecessors. While the traditional plain, white version is still popular, copper, stainless steel and textured versions can add interest and update the overall look.
Other elements of the look might include wrought-iron hardware and other rustic finishes on lighting fixtures – no sleek stainless drawer pulls here – and even fireplaces, so long as they are actually useful.
Even if that fireplace looks pretty, if you are only going to light it once a year there might be another, better use for that space. Or, consider turning it into a pizza or brick oven, so you get the benefits of both style and having another place to cook.
Avoid These PitfallsA word of caution though: There is a fine line
between a well-executed farmhouse kitchen and a kitschy farmhouse kitchen.
“Only bring in items you will actually use,” Detwiler says.
Old baskets, for example, not only add to the casual, homemade feeling but can actually be used as practical storage. Also, don’t mix and match the finishes or the furniture too much, and be sure to keep a focal point in the overall design.
“You have to have a plan,” Williford says. “You need to have a cohesive color scheme, and you need to thoughtfully tie together hardware and lighting. This isn’t about pulling together everything you can find from a flea market and calling it a farmhouse kitchen.”
Universal AppealIt might not seem so at first, but elements of the
farmhouse style can be easily adapted to almost any design preference. A minimalist would appreciate the clean-lines of the open shelving, for instance, even if the worn floorboard look is off-putting.
The farmhouse style can be modernized with high-end stainless steel appliances, new chairs around a vintage table or mixed metals instead of traditional wrought iron.
Touches of the style can be brought into any home by simply removing the doors from existing upper cabinets and painting the insides to mimic the look of open shelves. Even adding glass fronts to cabinetry can help. Display some old Mason jars or start a collection of vintage cookie cutters.
“Farmhouse style is really about bringing kitchens back as the heart of the home, where people can gather and cook real food,” Williford says. “It’s about family.”
Tiles have long been happy in the back– ground, dutifully covering surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms without causing
too much excitement. But lately, they’ve started pushing their way out of the background and into the spotlight – showing up all over the home in bold ways.
“For as long as I’ve been designing interiors, tiles have been used in backsplashes in kitchens and on floors and shower walls in the bathroom,” says Marie Blackburn, principal designer at MLBdesigngroup, Seattle. “But they aren’t stuck in those two rooms anymore. They’re showing up in living rooms, around fireplaces and in outdoor areas to give the spaces an interior vibe.”
The New LookThe biggest change isn’t just where the tiles are
found, it’s what they look like.“There are two hot trends in tile right now,”
Blackburn says. “The first is to have lots of texture – whether they’re carved, raked, etched or patterned in some other kind of way.”
The other trend is that, while tiles used to be small, these days they’re getting larger and larger. By decorating with large-format tiles, 18 inches by 36 inches, for example, grout lines are minimized,
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living room lounge: Flashy tile accents can glam up any space, like this recessed wall of shiny tiles that complement
textured wallpaper in an ultra-modern living room.
making for a cleaner, more streamlined look.And while natural stone products (limestone,
marble and granite) are still the most-used type of tile, other materials are gaining in popularity. “There are tiles made from leather, wood, cork and more,” says Bev Adams, founder and president of Interior Intuitions, Denver. “Because eco-friendly materials are always desired, there’s also a surge in demand for reclaimed materials.”
Adams recommends using more than one type of tile in a room to add interest to the space. “Mixing materials is really hot right now,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to combine glass with metal and ceramic. It’ll look great.”
Design DecisionsThe overall design of a tiled surface requires more
than simply choosing tiles. For example, how is the edge going to look? “If you’re using natural stone tiles, you can just soften the tile edges a little bit and it will look beautiful,” Blackburn says. “But you can’t do that with other materials, like porcelain and ceramic. For those tiles, you have to buy special edge pieces.”
Don’t forget the grout that will bring it all together. “Some grouts are less likely to stain or are easier to
work with,” Blackburn says. “When you pick out tile, talk to the salesperson about what type of grout is going to work best. The people who work in tile showrooms know a lot about specific kinds of tile and will be able to advise you on the best option.”
Staying on BudgetNot only can tiles have hugely different looks,
they also can vary widely in price and how much maintenance they require. “The general rule of thumb is that the more exotic the material, the pricier it’s going to be – up to $70 a square foot,” Blackburn says. “So a rare limestone full of fossils is going to cost more than a simple ceramic square,” which can cost as little as $1 per square foot.
She says that one way to incorporate pricier tiles on a budget is to use them as an accent in a small area or design layout, instead of tiling an entire wall.
And then there’s maintaining the tile. “If it’s a natural stone tile of any kind, you’re going to need the tile to be sealed at installation and at regular intervals afterwards,” Blackburn warns. “How often depends on the frequency of use and type of stone. This is another topic you should bring up to the salesperson before you make your decision.”
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‘COTTAGE’The Blairs’
16 Home iNStyle FAll 2012
The eAgle www.tHeeagle.com 17
The Bryan home of the A&M Women’s Basketball coach and his wife provides them with a getaway from everyday life.By Shauna LewiS
The eAgle
phOTOS By chandLeR aRden
The Bryan home of Texas A&M women’s basketball Coach Gary Blair and his wife, Nan Smith-Blair was built and designed to feel like home to them
and their small dog, but also to provide a good location for entertaining a group of exceptionally tall, athletic women.
Th e earth-toned, charming home, in the luxurious Traditions residential community , shows traces of both Blairs, who moved in about two and a half years ago. Paula Wyble, of Paula Wyble Interiors in Bryan, said she worked with the Blairs from the blueprint stage to fi nish, and that Nan was a great client to work with because she knew what she wanted, even though others tried to discourage her from having some of her ideas come to fruition. It took about 18 to 20 months to complete the approximately 3,600-square-foot house.
Wyble said when she meets with new clients for the fi rst time, she oft en hears, “Th ere’s a house in Traditions that looks like it came from somewhere else.” And she immediately knows they’re referring to the Blairs’ home. Th e front of the home, built by Ellis Custom Homes of College Station, is set back from the street a ways, and the back of the home overlooks the private Traditions Club golf course.
Th e “soft , woodsy” brown color of the stone and brick on the house exterior sets it apart, Wyble said.
Lush grass, a stone path leading up to the house and colorful fl ower gardens that include a statue of a woman standing amongst plants invite guests to the home. Nan said when she found the statue in Round Top, she measured her Mini Cooper and decided it would fi t inside. But the salesman pointed out that it weighed so much that it would pop all her tires, so he delivered it to her home.
The “Cottage”Nan said her vision for the home from the start was an
informal English cottage, so Wyble said they went with a vintage theme. Red touches throughout much of the home provide color and help to tie the rooms together.
Nan said she couldn’t think of one thing in the home that stood out, and that’s how she wanted it. Each room has features that make it beautiful and fl ow with the adjoining rooms.
“When we started the house, Nan said she didn’t want a great big party house,” Wyble said.
Gary is at the home more oft en than Nan, who teaches nursing at the University of Arkansas, but he also travels oft en with the A&M basketball team. Th eir son, 26, and daughter, 30, have their own homes, but Gary oft en brings recruits for the A&M women’s basketball team to the home or invites the team over to hang out.
18 Home iNStyle FAll 2012
TOP LEFT & ABOVE) Nan Smith-Blair said the kitchen is her favorite room of the Bryan home she shares with husband, Texas A&M University women’s basketball Coach Gary Blair and their King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Abby. Features include soap stone counters, sage green cabinets, a maroonish island and a refrigerator with a glass door. Detail work on the large vent over the stove and white tile behind the stove add to the character of the kitchen.
The eAgle www.tHeeagle.com 19
The house has an arched entryway with a vine growing from the right side and hanging over the light fixture at the top. When walking in the front door, guests might notice the copper toned faux finish on the ceiling and a painting with red hues on the wall to the right.
Immediately to the left of the front door is a study room with distressed beams and green-and-white-checkered carpet. Nan had seen photos of such a carpet and had decided she wanted it, even though some people questioned the idea. Wyble said the carpet makes a statement and adds personality to the room, as does a photo of the St. Andrews golf course, a gift Nan gave Gary in remembrance of him taking golfers to Scotland.
When walking straight into the house, people will find themselves in the living area, with a high ceiling with distressed beams, an arched art niche and the main focus of the wall – a red and gold art piece that scrolls up to reveal a television. The art was a compromise between Gary, who wanted the television, and Nan, who didn’t want a television as the focal point on the wall. It also features a soft tan couch and matching chair, with coordinating throw pillows; a plush red chair; and a tan and red carpet that highlights the distressed mesquite floor.
The large kitchen, with a slightly arched stone entryway, continues the vintage feel. Three hanging light fixtures, a window behind the sink and an open layout also bring in lots of light. The layout also gives anyone in the kitchen a view of the living and dining rooms, and because of large windows in those rooms, the view continues to the backyard.
The counters in the kitchen feature soapstone surfaces, which is a product that has been used for centuries, Wyble said. It’s typically a grayish-greenish color when dry, but turns into a darker, blackish color when oiled, she added. Woven detail work carved on the edge of the large sage green venthood over the stove also adds to a pretty kitchen, as does the vintage, handmade, cream colored tile used on the backsplash.
The sage green kitchen cabinets, a distressed red island, a white farm sink and a handpainted plate showing the front of the home, add color and uniqueness to the kitchen.
One noticeable trait in the kitchen is a stainless steel refrigerator with glass doors that shows neatly arranged produce and food items inside. The kitchen also features the same distressed beams as the great room. Nan said she was surprised to see carpenters standing on ladders and hammering and chiseling the beams to distress them, after they were installed, rather than before.
She said the kitchen is her favorite room because she loves to cook.
The original plans included a large pantry attached to the kitchen. Nan thought the space could be put to better use, so the plans were reworked. The front section was turned into a wine storage area with a small serving bar, wine cooler, and a rack holding A&M wine glasses. The back part is used as a pantry, and even includes a window with a view of the front gardens.
(MIDDLE LEFT) A chandelier and touches of red add sparkle and color to the Blairs’ living room. The main focal point is artwork that is scrolled up to use the television behind it. A large window overlooks a woodsy backyard and brings in lots of light. (BOTTOM LEFT) The dining room is has minimal décor, making the focal point the table with a floral centerpiece. (BOTTOM CENTER) A green-and-white checkered rug and distressed beams lend to the unique look of the office. (BOTTOM RIGHT) A red bed frame and a red and yellow theme make for a colorful guest bedroom with a vintage feel. The window overlooks the front yard. (TOP & CENTER RIGHT) The Blairs decorated their master bedroom (top) and one of two guest bedrooms with red, gold and brown colors. The master bedroom’s big windows give the Blairs a view of their backyard.
20 Home iNStyle FAll 2012
The eAgle www.tHeeagle.com 21
A dining area next to the kitchen features a large 'old world' sideboard and a beautiful botanical arrangement on the round dining table.
The master bedroom large scale European style furnishings, with two large windows providing Gary's favorite view of the golf course. When walking into the connected large master bathroom, a waterfall feature over the bathtub first catches guests’ attention. A gorgeous crystal chandelier that hangs above the garden tub brings the metallic tiles used in the corner shower to life. The spacious bathroom also has custom faux-finished, dark green cabinets with soapstone counters, and his-and-hers sinks. It showcases family photos and even a whimsical Gary Blair bobble head.
Behind the bathroom are walk-in closets for each of them, complete with leopard print carpet. When Gary first saw his closet, he wanted more room, Wyble said. By displaying his tie collection in glass-front drawers that resemble those found in men's clothing stores, they were able to group the ties by color, helping to organize the space. With the organization of his closet and some room in Nan’s closet, he found room for his wardrobe.
Around the corner from the master bath, a half bath features an arched door, a vessel sink installed in a bombay chest, and a large painting Nan found of a woman done in red tones that compliments the coppery-red faux finish on the walls.
Off to the left of the living room is Nan’s art room, where she can dabble on her paintings. The art room is by a closed-in porch at the back of the house, on the opposite side of the home as an outdoor patio.
The home doesn’t have much A&M memorabilia. With busy work and travel schedules, Nan said their home is a place to get away and relax.
Behind the “Cottage”The living and dining areas, with their large windows,
overlook the stunning backyard, which includes an open outdoor patio with lawn furniture, a grill and a television mounted over a fireplace. Gary spends a lot of time in the comfortable outdoor living room, Nan said, it's his favorite part of the house.
A water feature and flowerbeds add charm, and an open backyard that overlooks the golf course through the trees, gives it what Wyble called a “secluded, woodsy, ” atmosphere. Perfect for the Blair's to relax from their very busy lives.
(TOP LEFT) A water feature over the bathtub, along with a chandelier, is the center of attention of the master bathroom. Behind the bathtub is an open shower. (TOP RIGHT) An open patio featuring a fireplace and television is Gary Blair’s favorite part of the home. He and his team spend a lot of time in the comfortable outdoor hangout. (RIGHT CENTER) Glass-front drawers for Gary Blair’s tie collection helps to keep his closet organized. (BOTTOM CENTER) Gold-colored painted wallpaper on the ceiling and a colorful painting and rug are the first thing guests see when they walk through the arched front door. (BOTTOM 2ND FROM THE RIGHT) A red and brown bowl sink, along with one of Nan Smith-Blair’s paintings (not pictured), are features of the half bathroom. (BOTTOM RIGHT)Yellow paint and pretty flowers lend to a simple, country look of a guest bathroom. (BOTTOM FAR LEFT) The Blairs’ laundry area is long and narrow with plenty of cabinet space.
22 Home iNStyle FAll 2012
These remodeling projects will solve common homeowner problems - but can they boost home value as well as quality of life?
Return On enjoyment
K itchen and bath remodels are widely considered the best return on investment for
homeowners. But designers caution that people should prioritize house updates that will make their lives more comfortable, especially if they will be staying put for a while.
Alan Zielinski, National Kitchen & Bath Association president and owner of Better Kitchens in Niles, Ill., would prefer that ROI really be called ROE, or return on enjoyment. “Many homeowners are staying in place and upgrading their existing properties for their own enjoyment, not for resale,” he says.
So what remodeling projects make sense to take on whether an ROI or ROE is more important? We asked several remodeling experts for advice on whether these projects are truly worth the money.Problem: My master bath isn’t
the spa-like sanctuary that I’ve always wanted.
Bathroom remodeling offers a 68.7 percent return on investment, according to a National Association of Realtors survey; bathrooms are second only to kitchens in renovations that help sell a home.
“For the most part, today’s projects remove the tub in its entirety, since bathtubs were always too small,” Zielinski says. “There should be a tub – not a Jacuzzi – in the house for resale value. In the life of a house, a Jacuzzi is used maybe 10
times and requires a lot of maintenance. Instead, air tubs are recommended.”
The bathroom update can have widely varying costs. Those who shop for bargains and frequent outlet stores can create a beautiful space with just $5,000. For those with bigger budgets, a luxurious marble bathtub can cost more than $5,000 alone. Other costs that can climb quickly: tile, vanities and luxury amenities like heated floors.
ROI: For a master bath remodel, “You could even expect an 80 percent return,” Zielinski says.Problem: My kitchen and dining
room are closed off from each other. For many homes, the kitchen and
dining room are separate rooms, but in today’s newly constructed homes, great rooms are more popular. The open space makes it easier to cook and entertain family or guests at the same time, so the cook is not always sequestered to the kitchen.
“An open kitchen remodel can cost approximately $50,000 to $60,000,” but homeowners can expect a huge boost to resale value, says Herman Chan, from HGTV’s “House Hunters” and “My House Is Worth What?”
“Now, you’re not just cooking, you’re entertaining and socializing... People are willing to invest more money in that and pay for it as a premium,” he adds.
ROI: Chan says homeowners will recoup up to 95 percent of the cost.Problem: Forget the gym, I want to
work out at home.Those who exercise a lot may want an
at-home gym that will save time as well as money.
But be ready to pony up. It would take $20,000 to convert a two-car garage into a state-of-the-art gym.
ROI: “This is not a good return on your investment,” Chan says. “Most people spend seven years in a home and the next homeowner is going to want that garage, so you’ll have to put it back to a garage.”
ROI is less than zero since you’ll have to pay for the conversion back when it’s time to sell. But don’t forget that an at-home gym has other benefits, like better health and savings on gym membership fees.Problem: My energy bills are
through the roof. New windows or doors can do the
trick. They will improve energy efficiency and can offer greater privacy.
Some windows offer energy-saving layers of insulated glass sandwiching argon or krypton, which are colorless, odorless gases that minimize the heat penetrating the window.
Chan recommends dual-pane windows. The cost will be anywhere from $500 to $1,500.
ROI: The National Association of Home Builders puts window/door replacement ROI at 44 percent, not including the money saved on energy bills.
Quick TipsStill worried about remodeling on a tight budget? Here are ways to upgrade the kitchen and bathroom without breaking the bank.
inSTaLL addiTiOnaL LighTing: “It doesn’t cost a lot, but it adds ambiance to the room, and there is lighting to fit any budget,” says Alan Zielinski, president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association and owner of Better Kitchens, Niles, Ill.
Think aBOuT whaT’S mOST viSiBLe: “In the kitchen, it’s the countertops, cabinets and flooring,” says Danny Lipford, veteran remodeling contractor, home improvement expert and syndicated television host. “mOdeRnize ThOSe [eLemenTS] and it makes the biggest difference, compared to just putting in a new stove.”
ReSTain The gROuT: “It’s a popular DIY project that works amazingly well and makes your bathroom look much better,” Lipford says. “It’s a great return on your investment since you may only spend $15 for the stain.”
upgRade FixTuReS: “Small style upgrades are important,” Zielinski says. “Upgrading to energy-efficient, low-flow faucets and more can help modernize your bathroom.”
By LiSa iannucciCTW FeATures
The eAgle www.tHeeagle.com 23
industrial processes made way for iconic modern furniture design, where mass-produced pieces became as respected as handmade antiques
mass-produced marvels
Lounging in style: The Eames lounge chair and ottoman were designed by Charles and Ray Eames and introduced in 1956. A symbol of mid-century modern style, this chair is now produced by Herman Miller and used in countless
interiors to ground a design in the modern era.
Furniture as we know it today is seldom the work of a lone cabinetmaker, carving and sanding and dovetailing so that we may
have a place to sit, eat and store our belongings. For generations, furniture has been mass-produced, but not necessarily at the expense of creativity.
Some visionary designers at the turn of the 20th century and beyond boldly made use of industrial technologies and mass production to create iconic pieces that capture the spirit of our modern times in ways that older pieces simply cannot do, no matter how much we delight in their worth on
“Antiques Roadshow.” Starting in 1859 with the “No. 14” bentwood
chair designed by Michael Thonet, which used steam-bending technology and just six pieces of wood, 10 screws and two nuts, “Furniture begins to look like it’s the result of the technology that’s producing it,” says Professor John Dunnigan, head of the furniture design department at the Rhode Island School of Design.
To be sure, industrial technologies had been used before, but earlier designs were intended to produce pieces “that still looked like the old style,”
says Dunnigan.In other words, ornately handcrafted from
wood.The No. 14 chair, or “bistro chair,” easily
assembled by unskilled laborers, went on to become one of the best-selling chairs of all time.
Modern furniture design spans a century or more, with iconic styles ranging from spare and unadorned to fun and fanciful.
“One thing that holds it all together,” Dunnigan says, “is this embracing of industrial technology, new materials and mass production.”
in the past, the hassle of finding eco-friendly building materials would outweigh the benefits of using them. But green home
improvement is a growing trend, from retail stores to websites to labels that are designed to help you make sustainable, efficient choices for your home.
As the green movement continues to sprout, it’s reaching a new – and sometimes unfamiliar – audience.
“If construction is not your first language,” says Kevin Graham, a home improvement store is “not always a comfortable place to be”. Graham is the vice president of marketing at green home improvement center TreeHouse in Austin, Texas.
He says, “People often do come in overwhelmed or highly skeptical.”
Those who dabble in green home improvement know it’s difficult to find all the right products in one place. TreeHouse wants to solve that problem, Graham says, so eco-friendly builders, remodelers and DIYers can get their desired materials without visiting multiple stores and vendors, which takes a lot more time and know-how. They also provide green-building information so amateur DIYers can ask questions and get what they need.
Not many hardware stores are green product-only, but more of them are carrying eco-friendly options.
In Annapolis, Md., the shelves of K&B True Value (opened in 1974) are stocked with green options alongside more traditional products. Owner Jared Littmann likes to present customers with eco-friendly options when he can.
“You don’t have to jump in and be a completely environmentally friendly store,” Littmann says. “You can dabble. It’s the same thing for a customer. You don’t have to change all the lightbulbs in the house at once.”
Littman saw the importance of sustainability in his previous life as an environmental lawyer. After transitioning to the hardware business in 2007, he says he enjoyed bringing more green products
Home Improvement Goes
By aLySSa kaRaS CTW FeATuresGreen
The eAgle www.tHeeagle.com 25
ready to get in on the DiY-handyman trend?ECo-frIENDLY oPTIoNS ABoUNDto the store and helping his customers see the benefits of green thinking.
Susanna Schultz, marketing manager for the home improvement chain Green Depot agrees. “It’s not like if you choose to live more sustainably, you have to gut your house,” she says.
If you’re unfamiliar with green home improvement, it’s easy to start small and at a low price-point. Simply switching out showerheads and faucets or using non-toxic paint can make a difference, Schultz says. Installing a dual-flush toilet is a good starter project, too.
Sometimes it’s as easy as going down the light bulb aisle and learning the difference between a typical incandescent light and an energy-saving compact fluorescent bulb, Littman says.
For those who are unfamiliar and skeptical about spending money on purported eco-friendly
products, in-store guidance, comparison and testing can help.
For instance, TreeHouse customers can flush a standard toilet and a dual-flush toilet and decide which one is more efficient. The same testing process goes for light bulbs and single- versus double-pane windows. The store also has an idea center where customers can chat with architects and interior designers about their green home improvement projects. And the building itself has many green features.
Expertise in sustainability is a bonus especially for home improvement amateurs. Green products can be more pricey, so don’t break your bank with products that are “greenwashed” with good marketing but not many green credentials.
Plus, make sure you understand what you are trying to accomplish with your green products.
Some may be motivated by concern for the environment; others want a healthier home for their families.
“One of the main reasons homeowners should consider going green is because of indoor air quality concerns,” Schultz says. “Indoor air quality can be five times more polluted than outside.”
“Green” is a broad term, and Graham encourages homeowners to think about what it means to them. Is it health, efficiency or sustainability?
In the future, however, he hopes homeowners won’t have to think about it at all. “We always say we hope that ‘green building’ in the future is just called ‘building,’” Graham says.
“It’s hard to argue with this idea of efficient homes, sustainable homes,” he says.
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26 Home iNStyle FAll 2012
There’s a lot more to choosing a bathroom vanity than you might think. First and foremost, do you even want one? Pedestal
sinks are pretty, popular and don’t take up much valuable floor space. However, the downside is they don’t offer much space for storing bathroom essentials like toilet paper and extra hand towels.
“Even the ledge space on a pedestal is limited,” says Meredith Getty, showroom manager at the Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in Rochester, N.Y. “They tend to work best in
powder rooms, unless there are other storage options available, like a closet.”
Vessel sinks – the decorative sink bowls that sit atop the counter – might also be better suited for less-trafficked powder rooms because they require more maintenance.
“An undermount porcelain sink is easier to take care of than a glass or stainless steel vessel sink that will show water spots,” says Leslie Fine, president of Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc., in Boston.
Function also trumps form when it comes to
Vanity Fairsink into this: Your bathroom vanity
will probably cost more than $1,000. Consider this before you
drop the big bucks
By chRiSTine BOckeLmanCTW FeATures
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selecting the bath cabinet itself.Height is a big decision. Thirty-three to 34 inches is
typical, but Fine has used vanities up to 36 inches for taller customers. Steer clear of shorter vanities, even for kids' bathrooms. “Children grow quickly, and vanities are meant to last a long time,” Fine says.
Also, don’t forget to consider the height of the sink. A vessel could raise the working height of the vanity quite a few inches, making that nice 33-inch bath cabinet unintentionally uncomfortable to use.
“I’ve had customers use vessels on a higher vanity, and something about the overall angle means they end up with water running down their arms as they are washing their faces,” Getty says.
Countertop material is largely a personal preference. Granite and marble continue to be favored for their good looks, Getty says, but a lot of people go with easier-to-maintain options.
“People put makeup and other products down on the countertops, so it can be good to have something like quartz that doesn’t stain,” Getty says.
Recycled glass and polished concrete also are becoming more popular countertop materials. Both are eco-friendly, modern and low-maintenance.
For the cabinet itself, a big trend is using furniture-like styles – and actual pieces of furniture – to add character to the space.
Before converting that vintage dresser into a vanity, though, have a professional take a look. Sometimes, the piece will have a top drawer that’s too shallow for the depth of a sink, or not enough space front-to-back to accommodate both the sink and faucet. Consider the arrangement of plumbing coming through the walls, since changing the pipes can be far more expensive and time-consuming than just choosing a different vanity.
“I’ve seen some people make mistakes because they didn’t think it through,” Getty says.
No matter your aesthetic preference, carefully consider how you want your sink and vanity to function (and get some professional advice) to avoid renovation regrets.
(OPPOSITE PAGE) Name that vessel: Vessel sinks sit on top of the counter and come in all materials and shapes. This Native Trails vanity features
a hammered copper sink that contrasts with the bamboo base and glass shelf. (LEFT) Cabinet talk: A bath cabinet with an undermount sink has a
traditional look and provides more storage.
28 Home iNStyle FAll 2012
monica pedersenThis HGTV designer knows how to get more ‘Bang for Your Buck,’ but guess what’s missing from her own humble kitchen?
Without setting foot in them, Monica Pedersen has been in perhaps a million American homes – maybe even yours.As a designer on HGTV’s “Designed to Sell,” Pedersen shows viewers how to add value to their homes while working within a tight budget. On “Bang for Your Buck,” she showed which remodeling investments were likeliest to pay off.And here, she offers advice on low-cost kitchen and bath renovations, revealing a surprise about her own kitchen in Highland Park, Ill., a Chicago suburb.
Q:What are the best low-cost updates for the kitchen and bath?
A: In the kitchen, a new countertop, a new faucet and a new sink. This
mini makeover is not invasive in terms of construction and can be done in a day. Adding an apron-front sink is an affordable option that totally changes the look of your kitchen.
In the bathroom, switch out the hardware. The finish people are gravitating toward is polished nickel. With a product like Kohler’s HydroRail, you can also convert a normal showerhead installation to a spa-like experience with multiple water sources.
Q:What about removing the tub altogether? Some say this hurts
resale value.
A:I’m asked that all the time, it’s crazy. But people are afraid to do it.
I’ve done that on “Bang for Your Buck,” so I’ve asked Realtors and they always say as long as there’s a tub somewhere
in the house, you’re fine.
Q:Do you agree with the conventional wisdom that the kitchen and bath
are the best rooms to remodel?
A:For resale value, absolutely. Those are the rooms we spend the most
time in, and as a buyer, you don’t want to plop down a bunch of money to bring them up to date – that factors into your decision. But setting resale aside, I think those are smart updates anyway. You spend so much time in those rooms, you might as well enjoy them.
Q:Describe some features in your own dream kitchen.
A:I’m still waiting for my fantasykitchen! I live in a 1920s Tudor-
style home, and back then, kitchens were utilitarian. It’s not a great space, but I’ve had the cabinets redone a creamy whiteand added some pretty molding pieces. For my fantasy kitchen, I’ll need to blow out a wall. But I’m so busy doing other people’s projects that I haven’t had time.
Q:And once that wall’s blown out?
A: I have island envy. Islands are so mainstream now. They’ve turned
into the kitchen table, they’re great for entertaining, they’re a great place for kids to do their homework. Eventually I’ll get my island. But I do love my old home with all its charm.
withQ&A
By dawn kLingenSmiThCTW FeATures
by Georgianne ZemanekRegistered Interior Designer
Creating Intimate Interior Design for your Home or Office
A basement remodel is the perfect project with long-term benefits
Basement Bonus space
if basement remodeling has been at the top of your to-do list for some time, now may be the best time to do it. John Habermeier, owner
of West Chicago, Ill.-based Synergy Builders, recommends that homeowners think long-term when planning a basement project that will improve their quality of life.
“If you are talking to a young couple with young kids, they will have different needs than homeowners with teens or those with no children living in the home,” Habermeier says. “Homeowners who plan on living in the home for a long time will have different needs than people who are moving in two or three years.”
Homeowners must first determine whether their existing basement space is even feasible for a remodel. Not all are, says Dan Fritschen, author of the book “Remodel or Move? Make the Right Decision” (ABCD Publishing, 2005) and founder of Remodelormove.com.
“Basements are enticing,” Fritschen says. “Homeowners view it as an inexpensive way to add feasible space. But there can be challenges: These are typically darker spaces. Some basements have water problems that need to be fixed. You have to consider the limitations with light and moisture. Your basement space might not support a remodel.”
Then, there are cost concerns. Basement remodels can cost as low as $5,000 or as high as $50,000 or more for a remodel that includes a new bathroom, wet bar and bedroom space, Fritschen estimates. A pricey remodel might not make financial sense for owners who plan to move in two or three years.
Then, there is the matter of resale value. Some people are most interested in enjoying their new basement space, while others want a remodel that boosts resale value. Those interested in the latter should commission a basement remodel that mainly consists of bright, open space. Potential buyers can then visualize their own family using the space in their own way.
Keith Trembley, owner of Keith Trembley
Building Services in Portland, Maine, recommends that homeowners be specific about their basement goals. Builders will take a different approach if the main goal is to provide young children with an additional play space than they would if homeowners were mainly interested in creating an area that appeals to adults.
“Don’t just say you want more space,” Trembley says. “Tell us what kind of space you need.”
Possibilities, galore: A well thought-out plan for basement remodels should consider the needs of a family and the limitations of the space to provide maximum return on investment.
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30 Home iNStyle FAll 2012
it sounds too good to be true: A design element that works in traditional and modern, casual
and formal. But that’s exactly what the Greek key motif does.
“It’s a very classic symbol that represents unity by displaying an eternal band that doesn’t end,” says Laura Casey, an interior designer based in Charlotte, N.C. “It displays order, structure, proportion and symmetry – all of which are classic principles of design, which is why it works with so many different looks.”
Originally used in ancient Greek art and architecture, the Greek key pattern fits in nicely with current home décor trends. “Design is moving into a graphic look, and Greek key is a great way to get into the trend while referencing an ancient design motif,” says Wendy Estes, co-founder of home
décor shopping site Layla Grace and its modern alter ego, Zinc Door. “Because [the pattern] has been around for so long, it fits into traditional settings, but the graphic element gives it a modern edge, too.”
Greek key is versatile enough to be used in different colors and iterations, depending on the vibe of the room.
“In traditional homes, keep it more subtle by adding a Greek key edging to curtain panels, a smaller insert on a throw pillow or adding an accessory like a tray with the pattern on it,” Estes suggests. “In more modern settings, blow it up and use it on a larger scale or on more pieces throughout the room.”
Another way to make the Greek key pattern look modern is to go crazy with the colors. “Traditionally, Greek key is made with one dark and one light color,” Casey says. “But don’t be
By aLice OgLeThORpe CTW FeATuresGreek
Bold, graphic and versatile – what more can you ask for in a motif?The greek key is appearing everywhere from metal
furniture to cushy pillows.
The eAgle www.tHeeagle.com 31
afraid to go bold with the color in a modern setting. It’s such a simple pattern that you can use bright colors – hot pink or turquoise – and it still works.”
Also, think beyond textiles. “Greek key fabrics are used on curtains, rugs and pillows, but the pattern is also showing up in furniture,” Estes says. “It might be a chair where the arms curve around in the shape of a Greek key or a dresser with Greek key trim inlaid into the wood.”
Estes cautions that, while it may be tempting to go overboard and put Greek key everywhere in a room, the end result might be an overly busy look. “Add some elements into a room, but don’t make every single piece of furniture and every accessory match with the Greek key look. That’s too much,” she says.
Because the demand for Greek key home décor items is stronger than ever, more and more companies are making products that feature it. “We put Greek key on a lot of our pieces, and those are always popular with the designers we sell to,” says Neal Edwards, vice president of sales and marketing at Worlds Away, Memphis, Tenn.-based home accessories wholesaler.
Edwards says, “Most designers today love to work a little bit of Greek key into their interior designs because it can go with any other pattern, whether it’s floral, paisley or another geometric graphic.”
stronger than ever, more and more companies are making products that feature it. “We put Greek key
and marketing at Worlds Away, Memphis, Tenn.-based home accessories wholesaler.
Edwards says, “Most designers today love to work a little bit of Greek key into their interior designs because it can
another geometric
Furniture fretwork: The Greek key pattern has moved out of its safety zone of fabrics and into the world of furniture, such as this (LEFT) Jonathan Adler étagère and (Below) Worlds Away side table.
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