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Find: Factory 20, if only for the browsing

May 04, 2010

Rarely do I find a website that satisfies that inner craving for a day of flea-market browsing like the one I recently stumbled across with a Google search for "modern industrial shelving." This site strips away the pedantic conventions of virtual antiquing and brings online the thrill of discovery that's usually only experienced between the musty shelves of a roadside junk shop. (Even if the prices are a bit higher.)

Factory 20 sums up their purpose best: "Factory 20 is a multi-disciplinary art and design collective which strives to create an ever-evolving nonlinear consumer lifestyles collection. Discovering intrinsically valuable decorative arts and furnishings to convey a different impression of 20th-century design. Reclaiming salvaged materials, using uncommon combinations and adhering to modernist tenets we are confident that we can give to you the unexpected and the unforgettable."

That they do, very well. Browsing the site is refreshing. With a scroll-for-days list of inventory anchored at the left of the content area, it's easy to blindly click through the offerings and wonder at the vintage beauty that unfolds. The photography is superb— a real treat for Ebay-weary eyes. There is a loose categorical setup: tables, storage, seating, lighting, mirrors & wall, art, fashion, objects, oddities. Beyond that, you're on your own to discover industrial furnishings, reclaimed objects, cast-off office furniture, primitive cabinetry, chippy metal stools, all manner of lighting fixtures, shapely mirrors, one-of-a-kind art, giant gas station signage… you get the idea.

While the prices may seem steep at first glance, compare them to similar new items and then account for the uniqueness factor. After all, it's hard to put a price on authentic patina or a piece with a story. Here's a small sampling of my favorite finds for the home from Factory 20. Happy browsing! —Diane

Half the fun is in the finding, so I'm leaving these images linkless! Head over and see what you discover yourself.

Last day to enter the Dwelement giveaway! Email me three photos of your room to have a chance to win a free Mini-Makeover!

TAGS: factory 20 vintage modern industrial 20th century antiques unique unusual home accessories mod moderne one of a kind

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Find: Mountain Range Coat Rack

Mar 22, 2010

The best pieces for the home are those that balance form and function, especially when an object's beautiful form is its function. Add in a sense of humor and sustainable materials, and I'm hooked. (Quite literally in this case!) The Coat Range from Brave Space Design is hanging storage made from the cast-offs from their furniture manufacturing operation. Walnut veneer is cut away at an angle to reveal the mountains' snowcaps (FSC-Certified Maple). Hang your coat on a snowy peak, or just enjoy the view of the minimalist landscape.

Brave Space Design showcases a variety of sustainably made wood and bamboo products that are as playful as they are well made. Most of the pieces are modular, encouraging homeowners to develop their own configurations and multiple uses for each piece. I'd love to play around with these Tetris-inspired storage pieces! —Diane

TAGS: brave space design coat range tetrad sustainable modular modern furniture

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Find: Easy, Affordable Countertop Revamp!

Feb 18, 2010

Countertops can make or break a kitchen. If you're the unlucky owner of dated counters in an otherwise nice kitchen, you're probably facing a dilemma. You don't want the expense of replacement, nor the hassle of a time-consuming DIY fix like painting. If you think you might sell the house within a few years, it seems foolish to invest in high-end stone tops.

Modern Masters Countertop Transformations is a new product available at Lowe's. In 4-6 hours of active DIY time, it creates a stone look over laminate countertops (even if you have a wood or metal edge) for around $250. It's easy to do yourself. Check out the how-to video.

These before-and-after shots came from their site. I'm not sure they illustrate the dramatic results you could achieve in say, an 80s kitchen with worn mauve tops, or the effectiveness of this change combined with a coat of paint on old cabinets. The potential is great.

The kit is available in five colors and includes all of the specialized materials and equipment needed to complete the project. Some basic tools like paint rollers, trays, painter's tape, and gloves are also required, so unless you have that stuff on hand you'll be spending a little bit more. Not sure how it will look? Try uploading a picture of your kitchen here and trying out the various colors.—Diane

Need some ideas to spiff up your kitchen? I can help, with an eDecor Plan. Cosmetic redesigns for kitchens are $400 and include 3D renderings, color scheme development, an Inspiration Board with loads of cabinetry, furniture, hardware, fixture, and accessory ideas, and a to-do list that helps you get it all done on your own time schedule. Questions? Just email me. —Diane

TAGS: kitchen bathroom budget renovation countertop revamp affordable counter transformation modern masters countertop transformations lowes diy stone look faux granite surface how to paint counter tops

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Find: Graphic Wildlife Prints by Eleanor Grosch

Jan 21, 2010

Art makes a great gift. For Christmas my husband bought me a print (The Fox and the Crow, above) by Eleanor Grosch of Pushmepullyou Design. Eleanor has a way of minimizing wildlife to a geometric simplicity, reminiscent of the great modernist illustrator, Charley Harper. Eleanor sells her prints on her own site but also at charleyharperprints.com, which states: "Eleanor may be the protege [Charley] never knew he had." There certainly are many pleasing parallels between the works. But the differences are equally enjoyable. Eleanor's work features a lot of asymmetry and has a fine-lined flow that contrasts with Harper's harder-edged symmetry and repetition.

While Charley's work has increased in value since his late-in-life popularity and his death in 2007, Eleanor is a young artist whose work can be had for a reasonable price… for now. Here are a few of my favorite prints. Most are 12.5"x19" signed limited edition prints for $40, printed on heavy French Paper made right here in Michigan.

TAGS: eleanor grosch pushmepullyou design charley harper charles graphic prints limited edition serigraph

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Find: Fresh Ideas for Decorating Wreaths

Dec 02, 2009

Here's a quickie post today, just some fantastic visuals to get your creativity charged up for wreath decorating. I scoured my sources for photos of the most inventive! Have a unique wreath you want to share? Email it to me ASAP and I'll share your ideas here on Room for Inspiration. —Diane

Frame it!