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...

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.

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,...

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.

   

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

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...

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...

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, ...

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...