Browsing Archive: May, 2011

Inside Out Pillows

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, In : DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects 


This past weekend was perfect for spiffing up the outdoor party area.  I decided to wash all the chair and chaise cushions as well as the throw pillows.




Everything came out perfectly except for the large throw pillow covers.  They were VERY faded, stained, and looked terrible even after washing.  They are about 3 years old, so probably about time to replace…although not at the top of my list for spending money on.


I took them out of the dryer and briefly turned one inside out and was very...


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Create A Tropical Paradise In Your Own Backyard

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Friday, May 27, 2011, In : Garden 
It is actually fairly easy to grow a tropical paradise in your own backyard. Despite the fact that it does not feel very tropical here in Berkeley, it is moist here and temperatures rarely dip below freezing. If you have even the smallest south facing exposure, you have what you need to create a tropical paradise in your Bay Area backyard!





Hawaii is one of my favorite places, mostly because of the weather, the plants, the water, and the pace.





You find incredible colors as well as a...

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Simply Modern

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, In : Second-hand shops 


A beautifully curated collection of modern beauties, that is what Modernaire contains in its small space on the corner of Shattuck and Dwight in Downtown Berkeley. 




Bruce Crawford opened Modernaire in Berkeley about 3 years ago after having had stores in Massachusetts and Hawaii.






Similar Driftwood Table 
(Pinterest via Elements of Style)
   
 

His inventory covers a wide range, from Art Deco through Post War and Mid-Century. 


You will find Scandanavian designers such as Hans Wegner, Greta Falk,...


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Let Your Home Go Wild...or at least in that dark, plain hallway.

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Friday, May 20, 2011, In : Chinoiserie 


We all have at least one space in our home that is completely boring. It could be a dark hallway, the laundry room, or even the half-bath down the hall. There is no good reason not to spiff it up.


   
Pepe-Lunché Designs
 

I used to walk through my upstairs hall without a glance. Then one day I decided to bring the outdoors in and liven it up a little. Now when I walk through (several times a day) I feel like it’s spring!...even when it’s dark and dismal outside.


   

Pepe-Lunché Designs


 What...

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Spotlight on... Robert Lavezzo.

Posted by Janelle Renée on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, In : Metal Artisans 

Robert Lavezzo in his studio with some of his creations.

Lavezzo Designs is a design and metal fabrication studio located in Emeryville, and last week Lori and I had the pleasure of interviewing its owner, Robert Lavezzo. I know Robert very well since we co-owned Lavezzo Designs for 12 years until I left a few years ago to pursue other interests. 


Lori: How did you get started in metalwork, Robert?

Robert: I started working at a metal shop while I was still in high school. I realized that I like...
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DIY Butcher Block Island Part 2 of 2...The Finale!

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Friday, May 13, 2011, In : DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects 


I left off last time with a completed frame with a butcher block top firmly attached.  I decided to put casters on my Butcher Block (just in case I need it out of the way in a hurry).


 


To do this, either cut a piece of wood the same width and length as the frame that is sitting on the floor (this will also give you a bottom shelf) or just cut 2 pieces of wood the same width as your frame, but only about 4 inches long.  I opted for the latter as I thought that I would prefer to have this spac...


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DIY Butcher Block Island (Part 1.5 of 2)

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, In : DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects 

OK! Now it is time to put everything together.


On Friday I took a break after assembling the 2 rectangles made out of shelf brackets. Now place one of the rectangles on the floor with the flat side up. This will be the base of your island.


You will be attaching the 4 legs (also shelf brackets) to this. Be sure that your 4 legs are the same length (about 2” less then you would like your final counter height to be).




Snug one leg base up against one outside corner of your rectangle base.  Bo...


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DIY Butcher Block Island (Part 1 of 2)

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Friday, May 6, 2011, In : DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects 

 

A few weeks ago I found a butcher block top at the Crate and Barrel Outlet which had been part of an island that was damaged. I have always wanted more butcher block counter space (on a small island) but never found the right size at the right price for my small kitchen. The one I found was perfect at 42” by 21”.  The question then for me was, what should I do for a base?


I figured it out…and I don’t think anyone has anything like it.  You can do it too!




All you need are some nuts, ...


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Make Your Own Modern Rustic Chic Table

Posted by Lori Pepe-Lunche on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, In : DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects 

Remember the glossy white laminate shelves I found at Crate and Barrel Outlet for $7 each?  Well I added some rustic gnarly sandblasted grape wood legs and made one of them into a chic coffee table!




I find the juxtaposition of the slick white top with the grape wood branches very rich. I would place the table on either a dark ebony stained wood floor or a very light creamy white rug to help it stand out even more.




Here is how you can make your own:




Purchase at least 3 (that is what I used) an...


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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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