Jason Boone

08.31.2010

One of the first artists I spoke to about using salvaged materials in home design was Jason Boone. Jason was introduced to me through Lauren and was kind enough to provide a detailed look into his interest in the re-use of materials and in one project in particular where he transformed some old bowling pins into an amazing chandelier.

I was raised in rural Missouri, were I was an active part of my family, investing their life’s work into farming the land. We put our collective energy into the soil. What grew through skill, luck, and the gamble of the season was our livelihood. This is where I learned how to understand the world, I strive to see and acknowledge the energies that are embodied an object from its growth, production, refinement or manipulation. I have an affinity for materials that contain understandable visible embodied energy. For a simple example, a grain line in a piece of wood marks one year in a trees life. Through my art I try to reveal these energies and make interesting contrasts and connections between their unique personalities.

I was drawn to bowling balls and pins because of the energy embodied in them from their use. Bowling balls and pins are made solidly to take the impact of bowling a game. Pins are specifically patterned and glued up so that only end grain takes the impact from the ball, this isn’t visibly obvious until it’s cut open.

One night a friend told me she had a ball and some pins in her basement, and asked if I would use them to make something. I toyed with the idea of what to do with them for 6 months or so. I knew I wanted to cut the pins to reveal the wood – they are actually glued up maple! I eventually settled on a 3-sided “spike” which provided the most contrast, going from a completely rounded surface to hard sharp pointed surface.

I use an automotive style finishing method to paint the pins; this provides a smooth highly polished-looking finish. Selecting the appropriate color was also a big step in the process. I experimented with 3 different pinks and a yellow. I decided on pink for 3 reasons; it complements the wood, gives a good contrast to the plastic coating, and offsets the spiked-ness of the piece with a bit of a friendly flare.

The light was a different sort of evolution; I was in a show/fundraiser for Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest that featured artists who used reclaimed wood from Pittsburgh’s Allegheny cemetery. The next year’s fundraiser was similar, but in addition to sourcing, finding or reclaiming wood from the city, artists also had to incorporate a light. Before beginning the pins project, I had the idea of making a ball out of them but it just didn’t seem right at the time. Approaching the idea of creating a ball out of the spiked pins made sense. Incorporating light was a good next step which added another dimension to the piece.

The pinball is made to be assembled on site, the total weight (80-100lbs) and size (around 30-32” in diameter) of the piece make too hard to move fully assembled. Each pin is individually attached to a central hub and the lighting was simply achieved by wrapping a string of Christmas bulbs around the interior hub. As a part of an ongoing process to refine the pinball I plan to upgrade it with the next installation to LED lights that will be much smaller and be able to be positioned in a way that light has less “hot spots” providing a more even glow from the interior.

I like salvaged and found materials for a variety of reasons, but mostly I love the character that is imparted on an object from how it’s used. There is an obvious economic factor, finding a cast off for free can’t be beat. But there is also something great about being able to see potential in a cast off object and knowing that you can take it and rebuild/repurpose it into something beautiful. It reveals not only something about the object but reveals much more of your own character, and that I find fascinating.

I am much delayed in spotlighting Jason on Salvaged Grace. But I thoroughly enjoyed his projects and am so happy to share both his work and his words with you now. If you’re interested in purchasing one of Jason’s spiked pins, please send an email to salvagedgrace@gmail.com and I’ll put you in touch with the artist.

All imaged provided by Jason Boone.

The Bardessono

08.30.2010

This year may be the first of an annual end of summer “camping” trip upstate. Last weekend included: a stay at a fabulous little cottage in the woods, canoeing on the Deleware, ‘smores with guitar-playing and singing at our cottage firepit, a Mark Ruffalo sighting at the Main Street Cafe in Narrowsburg, topped off with a five-course Sunday brunch at Blue Hill at Stone Farms. Not to mention the great company.

Summer can end now, because I’m pretty sure it can’t get any better. That doesn’t mean that I’m bored of vacationing, oh no! Perhaps we can avoid the start of the week with a Salvaged Getaway. Today I’m dreaming of a fall weekend in Napa, at the The Bardessono.

The Bardessono is an example of how a new construction can be handled with as much sustainable consideration as the renovation of an old building.Located on the Bardessono family farmstead established in 1928 in California’s Napa Valley, the hotel is located in the middle of the town of Yountville.

The hotel was built in cooperation with today’s Bardessono family descendants, Bardessono family heirs who were concerned about the impact a commercial development would have on Yountville’s small town character. The developer, Phil Sherburne developed a distinct and understated message while building the Bardessano: Intelligent design is creating beautiful places and extraordinary experiences while not harming our planet’s future.

What this means is… an underground geothermal system heats and cools the guest rooms, the spa, and the domestic hot water supply. Almost no offsite energy is used. Hidden on the flat rooftops are 940 solar panels that provide significant amounts of the hotel’s electrical demand. Occupancy sensors in guest rooms automatically decrease energy consumption when guests are not in their rooms. The large amount of glass used in each building reduces the daytime requirement for electrical lighting.

A former stone building on the property was taken apart stone by stone and saved for reuse on the exterior walls. Redwood recycled from wine casks has been used on the ceilings of some of the public spaces within the hotel, and on several public room doors.

Salvaged California Bay trees have become cut slabs for the desks in the guest rooms. The large tables in the public areas and dining room tables have all come from salvaged trees. The list of environmental initiatives goes on…

I tend to think that older buildings have more character, which is more my style. But the Bardessono has a certain calming, thoughtful, respectful feel of it’s own.

All images via The Bardessono.

River Gap

08.27.2010

Millbrook via ronsaari.com

A few years ago I went on a rafting trip to the Delaware River Gap. It was the first time I’d ever been in this part of New Jersey and I remember distinctly loving the little town of Millbrook Village. The area has become another second home destination for harried New Yorkers because it is super easy to get to (only about 1.5 hours from the city) and oozing with the rustic charm of upstate.

I’m going up to the Delaware River Gap again this weekend with BC, my cousin Em and her boyfriend Ian for a belated/early birthday celebration (belated for Ian, early for me.) We’re staying farther north, in the upper Delaware River, and it’s going to be a lovely, relaxing trip which ends with brunch at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. I cannot wait!

Have a great weekend!

PS. Check out the pics here for Millbrook Days 2009, an annual recreation of what Millbrook was like in the olden days.

International Home Magazines

08.26.2010

As you may have guessed, I spend a good portion of time searching for material for Salvaged Grace. My inspiration comes in all forms; places I’m visiting in life, people I meet, television shows or movies, of course the internet, and even (old school) magazine articles.

Vintage Treasures Vignette via Canadian House and Home

At the beginning of this year, I began a subscription to Canadian House and Home, which I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed. It was the perfect antidote to the loss of Domino. It’s well designed, chock full of ideas and pictures of amazing spaces. From what I can ascertain Canadian House and Home is one of the few international home magazines offering a good price for international subscribers.

via UK House and Garden

Then came my journey to Europe, during which I picked up British home design magazines like Living Etc, Elle Decoration UK, House and Garden. Since then, I go out of my way to a little magazine shop on 23rd Street to spend $8 on these publications every so often.

via Living Etc

As you’d expect, the English home magazines contain so many examples of old buildings being renovated and converted. For example, there was an amazing article in Living Etc. about an old schoolhouse converted into a living space.. My favorite part of the redesign was the mirrored shutters on the mezzanine above the living space which allows for upstairs privacy but takes advantage of one of the amazing elements of the original structure – those tall windows!

via Elle Decoration France

Somehow I managed to decipher an entire article in Elle Decoration France about designers who use salvaged materials in design. It’s a shame my french is so bad, I bet there’s so much more good material in there right under my American nose. But the pictures tell a good story as well. Ah yes, look at this traditional stone arched entryway, closed in with new bookshelves and a door.

via Vogue Living Australia

Another good find was Vogue Living Australia, which manages to round-up quite an international collection of properties to show. The images always spectacularly large and dramatic, in this one.

If you, like me, have an addiction to magazine page clippings, I’m telling you international home magazines provide a bastion of inspiration. And if you’re budget reading, try the online equivalents! Do you have any go-to home design magazine favorites? International or otherwise?

Repurposing Drawers

08.25.2010

It’s extremely smart, this trend to re-purpose old drawers. How many times has a chest of drawers ended up on a curb because one of the drawers broke but all the others are fine? Fit the drawers into other pieces. Hang a drawer on a wall to make a shadow box. Sit in an open shelf to use like a basket. There are so many awesome ways to use old drawers.

via Jose Villa

Source unknown

via Apartment Therapy

via Shabbynest

Savannah Hope Vintage

08.24.2010

I love it when readers send me recommendations. A few months ago Jessica sent me the link to Savannah Hope Vintage in New Jersey where she’d just purchased some new furniture. She told me how the store owner took great care to finish all the furniture in a shabby chic style. She raved about the selection and how it is also reasonably priced. With my ode to shabby chic yesterday and summer coming to a close in a few weeks, thought it was high time to look at Savannah Hope Vintage.

It’s all so sweet, isn’t it? I really hope someone with a little girl buys that twin headboard – it would have been my dream bed growing up.

Shabby Chic

08.23.2010

Last weekend I went to Charleston for my friend Caroline’s bachelorette party. We stayed in a beautiful home on the Isle of Palms and had a great weekend full of lots of laughter, and wine. My plan on Sunday was to get up early and spend some time alone in Charleston walking around taking pictures to share with you. But then… remember that “lots of wine” part? Somewhat debilitating, at least in terms of getting up early.

I fully expected the beach house we stayed in to be decked out with fluffy white couches and antiqued white furniture, as I’ve seen in beach houses from the Hamptons to LA. I was excepting the style commonly known as Shabby Chic, and here are a few things I learned about the style:

1. Rachel Ashwell did not coin the term Shabby Chic.

Despite the fact that her name is synonymous with the Shabby Chic I grew up with, the term “shabby chic” was first reference in The World of Interiors in the 1980′s. That said Ashwell’s Shabby Chic lifestyle brand and store (established in 1989) spurred renewed interest in the casual, comfy style.

2. Shabby Chic is derived from English Country.

Another term of shabby chic is cottage style and it was derived from English Country, with it’s florals and wood. I think this picture of the two white, worn leather Chesterfields perfectly exemplifies the combination.

3. Shabby chic incorporates everything from Swedish painted furniture to American Shaker influences.

Oh, I love Gustavian painted furniture, which always reminds me of Vermeer, for some unknown reason. Shabby Chic makes it easy to take aging pieces and renew them with a little paint. It is an easy evolution for old European pieces that makes them look distinctly American.

4. Recycling old furniture is an important part of Shabby Chic style.

When expensive decor became fashionable with the upper middle classes, Shabby Chic was an alternative for modern Bohemians and artisans. The original Shabby Chic interiors were considered works of art themselves. It’s a design style that is both totally popular but also accessible and easy to replicate.

For the record, the house we stayed in was not shabby chic. It was reminiscent of the inside of a yacht; deep dark wood (on the ceilings as well) and shiny metal accents. Somewhat unexpected for a beach house, yet totally appropriate and amazing!

Pralines

08.20.2010

Within the row of buildings on the left side of the Old City Market, there stands a confections store. I will walk by this store at least twice to get samples. Then I will purchase a dozen pralines and make every effort not to eat them all before returning to New York.

Happy weekend, indeed!

Image via Low Country Vintage Postcards.

The William C. Gatewood House

08.19.2010

I came across the website of restoration experts, G.P. Schafer Architect, and found this incredible restoration of the William C. Gatewood House in Charleston. Thought we could take a little tour?

And for more eye candy, check out their portfolio. Absolutely amazing work!

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Speaking of Charleston …guess where I’m headed tomorrow!?

From Diapers to Drinks

08.18.2010

The other night I came out of the subway and stumbled upon a nice looking, brass shelf sort of thing. My heart jumped a little – a perfect Salvage Challenge! I snapped pictures very quickly and headed home.

Upon passing again in the daylight I noticed 1. the piece isn’t brass at all and 2. it’s actually broken. In fact, it doesn’t appear to be a shelf, but a child’s diaper changing station! Sheesh.

Well, it’s not a Salvage Challenge without the challenge. So here’s what I’m thinking.

1. I’d paint the whole thing a cheery red, like this one from Benjamin Moore.

2. I’d remove that bottom shelf altogether, keeping the legs in tact, or re-attaching them, if needed. Then I’d place a small Ikea storage ottoman, covered in this fantastic Liberty of London fabric, in the space underneath the 2nd shelf. The ottoman would serve as extra seating at parties and additional storage.

3. The remaining two shelves would be covered in this ebony faux leather wallpaper (via DesignYourWall). This may be a phase; I’m thinking about covering my desk in faux leather as well!