Reclaimed wood works well as a rustic dining room table.

If you’ve shopped for furniture at any of the popular furnishings stores lately, you’ve probably seen a surge in reclaimed woods paired with metals such as factory zinc and cast iron. Restoration Hardware has been particularly fond of this style, but you’ll also find it at places such as Pottery Barn, Cost Plus and West Elm.

I’m a big fan of this look and used it when I recently redecorated my own home. Because the materials are reclaimed, they have a lot of durability, which is great for those of us who have kids. Since they already have a “lived in” look, another knick in the wood just adds to the character.

For some people, though, this is a little too rustic. For example, reclaimed wood can be difficult to clean – if you drop a glass of red wine on it, you won’t be able to wipe it up. If you think about an old French farmhouse, a little more red wine would just add to the table’s character. But if that’s not your style, you could still feature reclaimed wood by perhaps using a glass or metal top with a wood stand, or having the wood top sanded and refinished with a cleanable polyurethane.

Another consideration is the color. Some reclaimed wood is more of a gray while other types are a little warmer. Deciding on the look you want – more or less neutral – is an important first step to using reclaimed wood. If you lean toward more neutral, you can add interest to the room with black and white framed photos, and textures such as jutes, mohairs, and leathers to avoid creating a “flat” room with no character.

Reclaimed wood can also be part of a more contemporary look, depending on how it is styled.

If you prefer a little more color, add colorful rugs or throw pillows, upholster chairs in bright prints, and include potted plants. (Reupholstering chairs doesn’t have to be expensive – if you’re buying new, just order them in the most affordable fabric and then take them to an upholsterer who can customize them for you at less than $75 per chair.)

Don’t forget to add accessories to your new room. Antiques and vintage-style pieces go well with the reclaimed wood look. Shop around and you might find an old toolbox, for instance, that can serve as a storage spot for TV remotes. Or hang a large metal clock on the wall. The idea is to provide warmth through fun and interesting pieces, whatever that might mean to you and your family, so you can enjoy your home.

If we can help you blend reclaimed woods with your décor, or with any of your design needs, please contact us.

This gleaming Provenza kitchen floor has an antique hickory finish.

Wood floors are popular and for good reason—they are beautiful and durable. If you have children and/or pets, you can be confident a wood floor is easy to clean and is sturdy enough to withstand jumping kids, running dogs and practically anything you might drop on it.

At Style on a Shoestring we like to use distressed and beveled boards. If these types of floors are scratched, it just adds more character to the floor rather than creating an unsightly spot. A line we use a lot is Provenza, a really attractive collection of hardwood flooring.

Wood floors can be installed either by gluing or floating. I asked Trini Loveless, one of the partners who runs our supplier De-Mar Flooring, about the difference in these two processes. Glue, of course, is the most traditional way to secure wood floors, and it does provide the most solid sound when you walk on it. However, some glues have been found to have undesirable toxicity, and a glued floor allows little flexibility for change.

The newest and best way to install wood floors is floating. The only negative, Trini said, is some people—not all—perceive a hollow sound when walking on a floated floor. Otherwise, floating is preferable because it’s easier to remove. If properly installed, it is not affected by moisture from concrete as glued wood can be, and it is less expensive to install.

A close-up view of how a floated wood floor interlocks for stability.

Floating operates on a tongue-and-groove system that locks together. So there is no need for glue to secure the floor.

If you are removing carpet in favor of wood but your carpet is in good condition, consider having pieces of it bound into rugs. I’ve done this for several clients via Magic Carpet in National City—it’s a great way to repurpose your good carpet and add textural interest (and warm comfort) to your hardwoods.

Please contact us at Style on a Shoestring if we can help with choosing or installing hardwood floors, or any of your home design needs.

Recycled glass countertops are a colorful way to help the environment.

Remodeling might best be described as a few weeks of chaos that are well worth the stunning results. But even though you are likely to endure dust and clutter during your remodel, that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace some aspects of environmentally friendly planning and construction.

Perhaps the easiest way to go green is through your paint choice. At Style on a Shoestring we prefer the Dunn Edwards brand of paint, which includes options for zero VOC (chemicals). However, also be aware that all of Dunn Edwards paints are labeled “zero toxic.” Many other paint manufacturers still use ethylene glycol, a toxic compound.

A second way to keep the environment in mind as you remodel is to use recycled materials. For example, many manufacturers offer recycled glass transformed into countertops, vanity tops, bar tops and fireplace surrounds. Reclaimed wood—such as from barns, old mantels or timbers—can become a beautiful feature in your home.

Oftentimes remodels include removal of operable fixtures such as tubs and sinks, and construction materials such as doors, windows, tiles and plumbing. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to donate those items to people who can use them? Well, you can. Habitat for Humanity operates a chain of shops across the country called ReStore that accept donated items for resale. Fortunately we have a ReStore in San Diego, just east of Qualcomm Stadium. For more information, click here.

Finally, I just wanted to mention that being environmentally conscious also means thinking ahead to how we can use fewer resources. Although it is costly, a system such as Crestron offers you automation of all your home’s lighting, heating and air conditioning and audio-visual components. An integrated system such as this allows you to control your energy consumption. Plus you can even operate it from your smartphone – wouldn’t it be nice to come home to a cool (or warm) house with soothing music playing in the background?

A Crestron system allows you to operate your home's heat and air from your smartphone.

Please contact us at Style on a Shoestring if we can help in showing you how to remodel your home in an environmentally friendly way, or with any of your design needs.

Lawn aeration involves the removal of small soil plugs or cores out of the lawn. Although hand aerators are available, most aeration is done mechanically. Known as a core aerator, it extracts 1/2 to 3/4 inch diameter cores of soil and deposits them on your lawn. Aeration holes are typically 1-6 inches deep and 2-6 inches apart. Other types of aerators push solid spikes or tines into the soil without removing a plug. These are not as effective because they can contribute to lawn compaction. Core aeration is a recommended lawn care practice on compacted, heavily used turf and to control thatch buildup.

As lawns age or sustain heavy use from play, sports activities, pets, vehicle traffic and parking, soil compaction can result. Soil compacting forces are most severe in poorly drained or wet sites. Compaction greatly reduces the pore space within the soil that would normally hold air. Roots require oxygen to grow and absorb nutrients and water. Compaction reduces total pore space and the amount of air within the soil. It has a negative impact on nutrient uptake and water infiltration, in addition to being a physical barrier to root growth. This results in poor top growth and lawn deterioration. Core aeration can benefit your lawn by:

• Increasing the activity of soil microorganisms that decompose thatch.
• Increasing water, nutrient and oxygen movement into the soil.
• Improving rooting.
• Enhancing infiltration of rainfall or irrigation.
• Helping prevent fertilizer and pesticide run-off from overly compacted areas.

Awnings can be a great way to add value and curb appeal to your home. In addition to making sure your property is nicely groomed, adding awnings to your home will make it more attractive to prospective buyers and can  increase your chances of getting a good sales price from the home.

Aluminum awnings are probably the most popular types of awnings for homeowners. One good reason for installing aluminum is the fact that they are virtually maintenance free. Although canvas awnings can usually last between five and ten years, they will eventually fade with time. Most experts agree that canvas awnings will need to be replaced within ten years. Aluminum awnings, however, can last for an indefinite amount of time.

A major  drawback of aluminum awnings is the range of options available. Aluminum awnings do not come in such a wide variety of colors, styles and options as canvas awnings. If you’re looking to add color to your patio and design to your patio, this type of awning may not work for you.

Aluminum awnings usually provide better protection against solar heat. Because they are made of metal, they are more effective than fabric or canvas awnings at reflecting heat away from the home and windows. This reflection proves to be a great energy saver and can greatly reduce energy costs. This is especially true during the very hottest of the summer months.

 Home awnings are perfect for a wide variety of uses, on windows, doors, porches, and decks. Retractable awnings allow you to have fun outside without getting burnt by the sun or overheating and help you create a comfortable space outdoors to enjoy in the summer time.

                                                                  

Another benefit is that awnings can actually help keep you cool without having to spend a lot of money. In fact, retractable awnings can save you money on energy costs by cooling your home. Because awnings block the sun’s rays you won’t need the air conditioner as much, and energy costs will go down. Plus, you’re helping out the environment. Retractable awnings also protect furniture and carpets from fading due to excessive sun exposure.

Patio awnings protect windows and doors from weather damage and provide shelter and protection when you leave the house, especially on rainy days.  The great thing about retractable awnings is that you can have them custom made to fit anywhere  outside your home. Patio awnings, as well as other types, come in a wide range of colors too. It’s easy to match them to your home. And if you purchase a retractable awning for a window or deck, you won’t have to manually put up and take down the awning every time you go to use it.

Awnings can be made of a wide variety of different materials. They are made of canvas, aluminum, and other materials. Aluminum awnings have different benefits and drawbacks compared to canvas awnings – it depends on what you want to use the awning for.

Keeping sunlight out of a home is an efficient and effective way to regulate temperatures and ensure your home is comfortable.

Even if you don’t need awnings to cool your home, they are great additions to the exterior of a home, making it easier to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Also, stronger fabrics are used for awnings, so you don’t have to worry about the elements taking their toll on the fabric and causing premature fading. Beautiful fabrics make a wonderful addition to any backyard or patio, and you can choose colors and patterns that match your outdoor décor and patio furniture.

Stylish seating is just a stone’s throw away.

Trying to figure out how to make an attractive seat for two in the yard without breaking the bank? Take a second look at that slab of rock laying around in the backyard. The idea originated with landscape designer, Michael Glassman while he was shopping for stone at a rock yard. Glassman used stone to make loose-stacked stone benches and tables.Stone is more durable than wood and other materials garden furniture is usually made of. Stone benches and tables are virtually maintenance free. Plus, the ones you construct using separate pieces of stone can often cost less than most pre-made wood, iron or concrete benches at the garden center.

Have you gone GREEN yet?

What a great way to go green- with Organic Bath Towels! West Elm now sells these great towels and have many color options to choose from. If you have been wanting to go green but haven’t yet, then this is a great place to start.

Vetrazzo Countertops are the newest rage in Green Design. It is a product made from recycled glass bottles, windshields, glass windows and also decommisioned traffic lights! This product is very durable and easy to maintain. Many compare it’s strength to granite, as well as it’s scratch and heat resistance.  85% of the surface is glass which cannot stain, however certain types of liquids like red wine, lemon juice or vinegar may etch away the surface if not cleaned promptly.  Other types of countertops such as butcher block or marble have an aged look over time, but Vetrazzo will not age and will stay beautiful and new forever if taken proper care. Vetrazzo cleans up with simple soap and water since it is mostly glass.

Vetrazzo countertops are the new trend in the design world today. If you would like more information Style on a Shoestring would be more than happy to provide that for you.