The Teak takes the floor

The life of an interior designer means occasionally taking on projects at home as well as with clients.  The difference between the two are the projects with clients get done much more quickly than at home.  After sitting idly for almost a year, work on our upstairs bathroom got off to a new start.  Shower and vanity tile were laid first and then came the labor intensive installation of the teak wood "boat deck" parquet over the existing pine parquet.

Our inspiration for the flooring hails from boat  decks similar to this one. We call it luxury yacht meets suburban attic. (photo courtesy of charterworld.com)


We wanted to create a unique separation of space between the bathroom and the rest of the attic without constructing hard walls that would close off the vaulted ceilings.  This floor helps distinctly define the bathroom space. 


The intent was not to create a nautical style bathroom, but a cozy zen atmosphere that touches all the senses and reminds us of our fun sailing experiences.  Besides, teak wood is exceptionally waterproof (provided you keep it oiled up) and is warm and smooth underfoot.  

Here's how we did it.  We chose to glue the parquet directly onto the existing pine flooring to form a mosaic pattern varying the length of the lat and the wood tones.  The parquet we purchased had pre-routered joints which we filled in manually with black epoxy, however teak wood parquet is also available with integrated joints for a quick install or when laying surface area larger than our 9m2.

 The next step was to tape either side of the horizontal joints so the black epoxy could be filled in without making too much of a mess on the wood.  A very time consuming and knee aching task, not to mention the obscene amount of blue tape we used.  




The epoxy was applied using a caulk gun then with the help of our little blue spatula was spread evenly to fill the groove.

Special thanks to Dean Wilson for his expertise on boat decks and joint filling techniques.

After the epoxy formed a "skin" the tape was removed to reveal a parquet with joints in tact.  

The joints were left overnight to dry thoroughly before attacking the trimming and smoothing.

The final step was to trim (with the help of a razor) the joints with excess epoxy.  The floor was then sanded using a Scotchbrite floor-sanding disc instead of an abrasive.  The last tedious job was to scrape the wood surface on other side of the joints where the epoxy had expanded leaving a precise, smooth to the touch, finish.  2 coats of oil were applied with a brush and a third will be added after a quick pass with our floor sander. 
 

This is the finished look.  If you have any questions about the process or the materials we used, please feel free to contact me. 


Now onto the plumbing...  


Stay tuned to future articles that follow the advancement of this project.


As always, if you need help pulling together your at-home DIY projects or are seeking the advise of a decorating professional, here's how to reach me: angela@relookinteriors.com

Spring is in the air

It's official, today is the first day of Spring! In honor of this yearly event and to help you get into the mood, here are 5 ways to welcome the season into your home.

1. Shed the layers: Do you still have that fuzzy throw over the back of the sofa and candles on your end tables? Now's the time to put away those warm reminders of winter. Try some bright throw pillows for the sofa or change your curtains out for lighter, sheerer ones. Even small changes like rolling up your rug and exposing the floor for the warmer months will lighten the feel in your room.

2. Rethink your room: Do you have the itch to rearrange your rooms? Go for it! Think of ways to open the space and reduce clutter areas that seem to grow over winter.

3. Clean sweep: Spring is naturally the season when we tend to deep clean. Windows get washed, fireplaces get cleaned out, and drapes get dry cleaned. Why not also take the time to de-clutter your rooms. Clean out cupboards, drawers, shelves and go threw any piles that have accumulated over the winter. Spring is also the season for flea markets and what a great opportunity to get rid of the stuff you don't need anymore and make a bit of money.

4. Surface makeovers: While dusting off your shelves, why not give your eye a change of pace for the season. Display your china, crystal or glass. Buy a couple of small green plants or a fresh bouquet of flowers to adorn your mantel.

5. Bring the outdoors in: Even if the temperatures are still too cold for T-shirts, you can bring that sunny feeling indoors. Incorporate garden furniture into your home, replant your houseplants in terracotta pots. Use floral fabrics to brighten up your rooms and by all means open up those shutters and curtains and let the sun shine in. (photo: Designer Dad)

Happy Spring relooking to you all.

What's new for 2012

What do I love most about moving into a new year? Seeing what will be popping up in the world of interior design, of course!
This year, largely due to the fact that the economy is keeping people put in their current homes, there is a lean towards recreating rooms that have become boring by incorporating small affordable changes that offer a maximum of comfort and personality.

Let's take a closer look.


Color trends:
Adding color to a bland room is the most effective and affordable way to make a change to a room. This year vivid colors (especially jewel tones) are put in combination with ivory, brown, silver, and camel/caramel yellows for a chic and comfortable atmosphere. Keep in mind to balance the color scheme in your room - 50% neutral, 30% color, 20% coordinating or contrasting accent color.

Materials and textures:
This year the push is towards smooth glossy surfaces and luxurious textured fabrics. Velvet and polished wood fit well into the continuing trend of the industrial look. Whereas tufted upholstery and sleek steel or glass fit well together for a chic vintage room makeover. Introducing rich fabrics such as silks, wools and velvets in patterns and solids in the form cushions, draperies, and rugs add elegance and comfort at an affordable price.

Decor and more:
This year the trends are mixing decorative accessories made of materials such as stone, metal, wood and glass - think polished, shiny and flashy. Large mirrors and mirrored tiles as well as metallic or beaded wallpapers can also be a unique and spectacular addition to your rooms. That being said, your choice of decor should enhance the existing style of your rooms. It should represent your unique character and work as a whole to bring your room to life.


With trends coming and going year by year, most people are hesitant to incorporate them into their homes for fear they will go out of style too quickly or cost to much to implement. However, while working with clients I find most of them already have the latest trends lurking on their shelves or in their closets. Yes, recycling an old stained embroidered tablecloth from your mother-in-law into throw cushions for your bed or repainting that tired end table high gloss black are low cost relooking options that people don't even think of. So if you're inspired by these ideas and need help getting your new look or want some ideas on how to update your rooms. Give me a call. Happy relooking for 2012!

WC relooking

It's been a busy month of August around our homestead. Lots of changes for everyone and practically every room. One of the smaller projects I took on, was the relooking of the WC (or as we affectionately refer to it as, the throne room).

This busy little room quickly moved up my "must be relooked" list due to the large gray PVC evacuation tube that was installed vertically along the back corner linking the attic bathroom (yet to be installed) to the rest of the toilets in the house.

When we moved into this house a few years ago I used what I had to make it harmonious, comfortable, and functional. The first thing I did was put up a linen panel over the window for privacy, then hung a small storage unit and toilet paper dispenser on the wall that was white with natural wood accents. This was bought from Ikea years ago. On the opposite wall I hung a natural wood frame with 3 photos. The rest was a mismatched green garbage pail and pink rug that injected a hint of color.


For my relooking, I opted for a simple, clean and monochrome approach. Since the whole room needed to be repainted, I used a basic white and kept the white linen curtain. I sanded and spray painted black the natural wood from the storage unit and paper dispenser and replaced the white toilet seat with a shiny new black one. Added a black and white rug and then turned my attention to the blank white wall.

My idea was to create a photo montage using the family portraits that were recently taken by the very talented and self taught photographer Céline Piat from Make every pic happy (www.makeeverypichappy.com). Céline took so many excellent photos of us that I wanted to display them ALL.

I chose simple black frames to hang 12 individual photos which became the focal point and highlight of my room. To create this harmonious arrangement, I mix and matched sizes and formats and hung the frames using 3M Command hooks (see my last blog entry) so I can cleanly remove, rehang or add to this collage. The effect is spectacular and meaningful for everyone in the family.

The overall time it took to relook this room was a little over a weekend, including repainting the entire surface and the multiple coats to cover the PVC tube. Total cost of the relooking was 60€.

This was just one of the summer projects completed around our house, stay tuned for more articles on my relooking and organizing adventures.

Kitchen remodel - The follow up

Heavens me!
I completely left you hanging by a thread to see the finished kitchen.

Well, without further ado...



The feedback I've had is amazing. Some actually thought we expanded the size of the kitchen by building out, others thought we added the back door. By far, the most heard comment was, "it's so spacious and organized". This was music to my ears.

I can report that the ergonomie turned out to be better than expected. Everything is at a hands-reach for what we use on a daily basis. Even the little one can get what she needs to make her own breakfast in the morning. The textured granite countertops are amazing. Easy to clean and no cuts, burns or dings on the surfaces. I highly recommend this type of countertop.

The inconvenience for me is my 5'2" stature. I still need to use a step-stool to reach the rice cooker and other rarely used items stocked on the upper shelves. But at least I have a space for them in the kitchen, rather than having to store them in the basement.



A project well done! Next on the docket, the attic! Stayed tuned, José and his guys start Nov 15.

5 ways to spruce up your interior

With the Spring cleaning behind you and Summer soon within reach why not turn your attention to some small ways to spruce up your interior.

1. Musical chairs - Rotate your collection of knick-knacks to change the look of your rooms. Dig those treasures out of the basement or back of the cupboard. Think outside of the box. Bowls and plates can be used as planters or hung on walls.

2. Flea market madness - Tis the season for flea markets. Anything and everything can be had at these events, and for cheap. Here's an idea, pick up a bunch of clothes with texture, a swede jacket, a velvet dress, a wool sweater. Wash them accordingly and then sew them into cushions for your sofa or bed.

3. Bring the outside in - If you don't have a yard, or are tired of getting eaten by bugs try bringing outside elements into your home. Zinc pots filled with impatience, geraniums or even pansies are a great effect in any room. Mini fountains are an inexpensive way to bring the outside in and improve your interiors feng shui energy. Garden furniture can be used to lighten and brighten any interior and often it is very comfortable.

4. It's all in the details - Opt for small changes like a quilt on your bed instead of the heavy bedspread or change out heavy curtains for light weight sheers. Sometimes just putting on a colorful tablecloth can be a refreshing change.

5. Color up your world - Perhaps it's time to inject some color into your interior. This can be done by painting a wall, changing a rug, artwork, or soft furnishings such as: curtains, bedspreads, table clothes and cushions. Wallpapers are back in fashion and can be a great way to spruce up a neutral room.


These are just a few ways to enhance your interior for little or now cost. Here at Relook Interiors we specialize in reusing your interior furnishings to give your rooms a whole new look and feel. Give us for your personalize consultation on how to spruce up your rooms.

You need an interior professional if...

Do you need the expertise of an interior professional?

That depends largely on YOU. Do you have the time and patience, creativity, resources and interest to take on a decorating or organizing project? Here are some common interior dilemmas that lead to people hire a professional.

• You have little or no free time to take on a relooking, staging or organizing project.
• You need to prepare your home to sell, but don't know how to give it the "model home" look.
• You need help with lighting.
• You want someone else to deal with the hassles of organizing your home.
• You need help choosing furniture that is ideal for your room.
• You want to have quality work done, but don't have your own list of reliable workmen.
• You want to get your home organized once and for all.
• You've tried to decorate your home and have purchased some nice items, but really need help pulling it all together.
• Your move date is coming up quick and you feel overwhelmed by everything you need to pack.
• You want to create a cohesive style in your home that reflects you.
• You've just moved in and need help getting installed
• There is something not right with your rooms, but you can't get your head around how to improve it.
• You and your partner can't seem to agree on anything for the home.
• You're tired of buying things here and there without an overall plan.
• You have pack-rat tendencies and need help deciding "what stays and what goes" in your home.
• You want to add some color into your interior, but you're not sure what will look the best
• You've just inherited furniture and need help incorporating it into your existing decor.

Perhaps one or many of these sound familiar to you. Relook Interiors specializes in relooking, organizing and staging solutions that respond to your dilemmas. Don't put it off, give us a call - make your home livable again.

Small bathrooms made bigger

Does your bathroom feel small and cramped? Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your small space, without breaking any walls.

1. Go white - colored sinks, tubs and toilets can have a dramatic affect in a bathroom, but they also make the area feel smaller. When your bathroom fittings are white you create a uniform and spacious feel. Doses of color can be used in rugs, towels and lighting.
2. The door war - When possible trade out your standard door for a sliding door or panel. It's a great way to save interior space in your bathroom.
3. Light it up - Lighting is an important factor in any sized bathroom, but when the space is small it becomes a necessity not only for practical reasons but also because it helps make the space seem larger. Consider having both a ceiling light and wall mounted lighting.
4. Class with glass - You can visually enlarge your bathroom by replacing wood shelves with glass ones. You can take this a step further and remove a wall hanging cupboard and replace it with shelves.
   
5. Love your curves - Square sink units take up space and create sharp angles. Curved sinks and furniture take up less physical area and are safer to get around.
6. Up on a pedestal - Pedestal sinks can be a great replacement for a vanity. However, you will loose precious storage space, so consider shelves or stacking boxes to hold your essentials.
7. Be like Switzerland - Neutral colors (pastels, soft beiges and whites) reflect light and can make a room feel larger. Painting walls, doors and trim the same color will keep visual consistency so they all flow into one another.
   
8. Up we go - Create a visual illusion of a higher ceiling by using a vertical stripe, a wallpaper boarder at ceiling height or installing a molding 15 cm down from the ceiling.
9. Mirror, Mirror - Mirrors visually double the space in a room. Traditionally they hang above the sink, but why not consider extending that mirror to cover the whole wall or a floor to ceiling mirror adjacent. Another way to create space using a reflective surface is to replace your shower curtain with a glass panel.
10. Clutter be-gone - In a small bathroom, clutter is your enemy. Keep counter tops cleared off and store only what you use on a regular basis in your bathroom. If you don't have built in storage, avoid having several different boxes and baskets to hold your necessities or try hiding your storage behind a curtain or screen.

I hope these tips offer you fresh ideas for a room that is oftentimes overlooked.

What's new for 2010

Don't panic, if you have recently redecorated your rooms using beige and accents of violet. They will be around for a while. However, this year there are some new trends coming to the surface. Here's a snapshot!

Styles
Just page through some of the rooms presented in the IKEA or Pottery Barn catalog and you will have a pretty good idea of what experts have forecasted for 2010. These trends circle around African patterned textiles paired with modular furniture, a vintage feel using flea market finds and distressed leather and a 60's revival with bright floral colors balance out by metallics or pure white.

Be on the look out for:

• Tribal prints on curtains and cushions
• Vintage tables and lamps
• Antique rugs and furniture
• Simple sofas and chairs with clean lines
• Oversized floor cushions in bold colors or funky patterns
• Brightly colored sofas complimented by neutral colored throw pillows

Colors
Earth tones! I'll say it again...neutral colors derived from minerals, dirt and plants such as beiges, browns, rusts and greens.
Sherwin-Williams forecasts color palettes from Aboriginal and Native American cultures, as well as from the Bauhaus style of architecture. Mixing earth tones and global tones, which tend to be vibrant and bold will make for a complimentary palette. Expect to see browns, greens and other neutrals in combination with pinks, blues and yellows or purples.

The upstart colors for 2010 are yellow and green. Yellow can be used in the kitchen to stimulate digestion, but be careful not to overdo it. Green is perfect for use in the bedroom to create a calm and soothing haven. I also see the emergence of blue in all rooms in the home, especially in soft furnishings such as cushions, curtains and bedding. Purple will again be in the 2010 color palette, rich plums and vibrant violets are popping up in fabrics, flooring and even kitchens cupboards to create a stunning and unique statement.


The new awareness
All forecasts point yet again towards "going green" and sustainable products. There is an increasing desire to get back to basics with durable, high quality interior furnishings old and new. Gone are the days of the so called "disposable" flat pack furniture. People are shopping smarter, replacing their furniture less and demanding quality from manufacturers. Waste and obsolescence are no longer just accepted without question. 2010's emerging vintage look is directly related to this shift towards using furniture and accessories that stand the test of time. Flea markets and antique shops are packed while furniture store showrooms remain for the most part void of shoppers. German interior designer Annetta Palmisano states: "The desire for sustainability continues to be important and will remain so in the future. This is not a trend, but more of a new awareness, a measure of value and duty towards the planet that falls to all manufacturers, buyers and consumers. No one can shut their eyes to this issue if they are trying to look to the future."

Sources:

Lenzing Fibers

Hospitality Design

Cosmoworld

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