Browsing Archive: August, 2011

Hooked!

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, In : Hardware

After searching for some time for something unusual, just a little different, and a little rustic to use in an entry to hang coats, scarves, bags, and any number of things on...

I found these wrought iron hooks! They are available in 4 or 6 inch lengths for just $6 online at Brook Farm General Store.

I used a row of 6 of these hooks in a clients white entry but I could also see these in a kitchen or bath for towels, in a mud room or laundry room...they have so many uses!

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Antique Junk Re-do

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Friday, August 26, 2011, In : DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects

Remember the Antique Center that I mentioned last week?

Here are a couple of tables and lamps that I found for a client's little girl's room. All I had to do was clean the lamps, add the shades from Omega Too, and clean, prime and paint the tables pink with a touch of special gold trim! See the prime and paint tutorial for the tables here.

Pair of porcelain vintage lamp bases $25.00
Pair of vintage wood end tables $25.00
Pair of lamp shades $75.00
Paint and Primer for tables $20.00

What do y...
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Ikea Metamorphosis

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Tuesday, August 23, 2011, In : Furniture

I have to show you this amazing mid-century modern faux credenza!

Believe it or not, this is made by using the Ikea Akurum Wall Cabinets. It is a very simple process.

I love the very clean and sophisticated lines. It looks like a custom built piece. Of course, it is!

If you'd like the really simple and detailed directions, visit the very talented Morgan Satterfield at The Brick House and check out how to make your own "Fauxdenza"

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It Looks Like a Junkyard...

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Friday, August 19, 2011, In : Second-hand shops

But it's not! It's a cross between a giant garage sale and a small flea market. Let me tell you, I have found some real jewels here over the past few years!

I'm talking about the "Antique Center" on the southern end of Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley. James Cross has been in business here for over 50 years. With the help of his mother Pamela, a retired interior designer, they find homes for many wayward chairs, end tables, lamps, mirrors, and more.

Antique Chair...change the seat fabric and polish...

The Law Of The Light Bulb

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, In : Light Bulbs

You may have heard some buzz about incandescent light bulbs.

New York Times

If not, let me tell you what it's all about...in a nutshell.

There was a bill passed in 2007 that made the incandescent bulb subject to stringent changes beginning in January of 2012. Some of these changes have already gone into effect in California. The changes will make the current 100 watt bulb, that we all know and love, obsolete. The manufacturers have been mandated to make these bulbs at least 25% more efficient ...
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Bathing Beauties

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Friday, August 12, 2011, In : Bathroom

When you get tired of your old cotton bath mat, try warming up your bathroom a bit with an antique rug!

Attic Magazine

A well worn antique rug has seen worse than damp feet.

Kristin Buckingham Bathroom

Most of these old wool rugs have lasted centuries in sometimes very harsh conditions.

You can find a small old persian rug on Craigs List, Ebay, and even at the Alameda Antiques Faire for as little as $25.

Attic Magazine

To clean it, all you need to do is take it outside, hose it down, scrub it ge...
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Bring The Outdoors In...And Light it Up!

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, In : Indoor Plants

I love the outdoors, especially my peaceful tropical garden. So I decided to bring some green indoors.

Fiddle Leaf Fig - Super easy to care for and just needs filtered light

One beautiful green plant in just the right corner of your home can really add some dimension.

Kentia Palm - Needs a bit more sunlight

It adds another texture to your room.

Philodendron - Also easy to care for

It adds another height to your room, which keeps the eye flowing through.

Banana Trees - Indoors they need consisten...

Designer Bubbles

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Thursday, August 4, 2011, In : Water Bottles

Water is one thing I drink throughout the day.

I get tired of regular tap water and much prefer bubbly water.

I'll even add bubbly (seltzer) water to a bit of lemonade or orange juice for a refreshing drink in the afternoon. The kids love it too! It's just like an italian soda with half the sugar.

A few years ago I decided to invest in my own seltzer water bottles. I was tired of filling the recycle bin with so many plastic bottles.

I always have a bottle of bubbly water on the dinner table an...
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Fabulous Fabric Find

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, In : Fabric Sources

One of my secret sources for unique and beautiful fabrics is right in Berkeley!

Laura & Kiran Colorloom Fabrics are not only colorful, but also hand dyed and embroidered with great care with the traditional textile techniques in India. Here are some of my favorites.

Laura and Kiran both met and married in India and moved back to the states to bring us their colorful contemporary designed products and texiles.

Their collection of stripes is unbelievable!

If you are in need of some special fa...
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About Me

As an Interior Designer, I am constantly looking for new ways of re-purposing and re-using what people already have as well as finding new resources for affordable furnishings. This is just a place to share great resources, ideas, information about the trades, and ways of doing things yourself to help make your own home fabulous!

- Lori Pepe-Lunché, more about me...

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