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Well, this poor little blog has been much abused by neglect. So I’m going to be trying to start me up again… Maybe this time I’ll never stop … I’ll make a grown man wild … Ok so so my sense of humor is a little dated. At any rate I’m blogging from the iPod now!  brass window mirror We’ve used columns as a primary feature in an outdoor room, architectural millwork features as interior decor objects in living and dining rooms, and had lamps made from architectural spindle posts. Additionally I’ve replaced ‘improved’ modern doors with historically appropriate doors in houses from the 1920’s, 1910’s and the 1890’s. These were such dramatic and huge improvements, and so easy! I have a particular mania for original doorknobs. Did you know that it was relatively easy to replace your “wrong” modern doorknobs where originals are missing, and match your existing originals? It just takes a little sleuthing. This is one area where pricing is all over the map, and you may pay just slightly less than, about the same as, or even substantially more than you would for a comparably-made, high quality modern reproduction replacement. I’ve also been able to reuse architectural ‘odds and ends’ being removed from parts of homes that are in renovation, and reused them in other parts of the same homes’ projects. It’s so satisfying to work with original materials that are usually better made, from better materials, and have a beautiful patina of age that makes them feel such a sense of history and gravitas. Here are some of our favorite resources for architectural antiques of all kinds: New England Demolition & Salvage, 508-992-1099; Olde Bostonian, oldbostonian.com; Olde Good Things, oldegoodthings.com. This is my new site on Flavors.me – click here to check it out! It’s a new service that aggregates your various web presences. So I have a few interior design photos, links to my facebook profile, etc. on here. I’m a little unsure if it’s of any use. What do you think?  Interior ANSWERS Gift Certificate Are you renovating your kitchen or bathroom? Considering a do-it-yourself project but don’t want to get in over your head? Or maybe you’re thinking of an investment in furniture and having a hard time deciding between options. Perhaps you just want to rearrange your existing pieces, or are wondering how to get the most bang for your buck with a small investment. Interior Answers is an opportunity to brainstorm solutions to your interior design or renovation questions with a professional interior designer. You receive an entire hour via phone consult, with a designer who specializes in problem-solving, artful living, green design, & renovations. Interior Designer Brenda Be helps you bring your dreams to life. She can give you resources, tools, directions & ideas to complete your project with confidence, pleasure and success! For a small investment, you get a large leap forward in your project and a huge increase in peace-of-mind. Normally $125, now through July 17, these consults are only $99! Here’s how it works: Step one, a brief phone or email exchange to go over your general situation and get your ‘homework assignment’ such as assembling photos, measurements, questions, or links to share during your consultation as appropriate. Step two, make your payment via American Express, Paypal, or check. After your initial hour, extra time can be purchased if needed in 15 minute increments. Step three: your consult is scheduled. Brenda Be will give you a call, so no long distance issues. Skype is available for international consults, too. If you are interested in scheduling your consult just email us at be_at_beTMdesign.com and tell us about your project.  Green Home Checklist It’s easy being Green: one step at a time! From the super-easy, to the ultra-hardcore, this checklist gives you steps to take to make your home healthier and your planet happier. This month, we invite all subscribers to Chartreuse, the ArtfulGreen newsletter, to download your PDF of the Green Home Checklist. Click here to download now! Over time, we’ll be featuring concepts from the Green Home Checklist here on ArtfulGreen.com, with detailed explanations of the why and how of each item. Click the subscribe to RSS feed button, or fill out the feedburner form (posts in your email), to be sure and get the skinny. And if you’re not already subscribed, sign up now for Chartreuse, the artful green monthly newsletter! It takes five seconds, on the form on the far right of this page.  new spring green The beautiful greens of new spring leaves can be an inspiration for a fresh, uplifting palette. Try it on walls in entryways, foyers, or hallways. It can even inform your entire palette for living rooms or kitchens. And like most greens, it would be lovely in a bath.
 dappled sunlight Let the natural effect of dappled sunlight be your guide to implement a pattern such as variable monochromatic tile. In planning your ‘random’ effect, be sure to integrate ‘pools’ of similar color tiles among other areas of alternate similar color tiles. This is particularly useful when using several shades of a single color (three ‘off-whites’ for example) which within themselves, are also rather variable. Tile patterns can be boring. I get bored pretty easily with things I’ve seen too many times. I also find a lot of tile layouts way too busy. I’m less than amused by a layout of one pattern, followed by a second pattern, surrounded by two liners or listellos, finally, surmounted by yet a third completely different pattern – oh yeah -there’s probably at least two other patterns in other parts of the room. Ever noticed how most of the time all those tiles are the same shade of beige, too? So many sizes, and yet all so very bland. At the other extreme, a monolithic layout of a single solid color can really help *yawn* you get to sleep. If you’re thinking of using tile in an upcoming project, here are 5 artful ways of including pattern. Continue reading Gimme five |
This blog chronicles my inspirations, ideas, and thoughts on all things artful and green. Check out my website: betmdesign.com |
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Copyright © 2012 beTM - All Rights Reserved - Graphic Design by Megan Rose |
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I am an interior designer on a mission. Save the world from ugliness and pollution by way of smart design. 
