Steps can be pushed flat against the wall, then tilted out to 80 degrees for climbing.

Ladders that roll on tracks across a tall expanse of a bookcase or entertainment center are an elegant luxury. They are also practical since they allow access to top shelves close to very high ceilings. Ladders can be metal but the most charming ones come in  a variety of hard woods from maple, to ash, mahogany, birch, walnut, oak and teak.  Bottom wheels are turned sideways (like a ballerina in second position) and can be equipped with charming vintage-style iron covers.

In an East Hampton, NY library [above], the oak ladder moves across the bookcases on a brass track. The owners are furniture collectors who included a lovely Heriz rug in the room along with a rare gypsy-willow rocking chair.

At one end of a wide arched hallway in her house in Cattolica, Italy, on the Adriatic Sea, designer  Alberta Ferretti built a library nook in a space that connects the garden and pool. The slender, modern black ladder looks like powder-coated steel and it rolls on a black rail against a white bookcase. The ladder top has a grab-bar on the left but is curved on the right. Wheels are unadorned.

This expansive bookcase was built in a New York City loft that occupies a former art gallery space. The young owners, who are art and furniture collectors, opted for an ebonized bookcase and matching ladder that glides across a nickel-finish rail. Bottom wheels are embellished by contrasting decorative metal brackets. In front of the ladder is a Jean Prové Compas table.

An 1870 Gothic Revival home office in Illinois was decorated by the staff of Renovation Style, which added a small storage room to expand a study and layered the look with a rolling oak ladder in front of an existing bookcase. An insert at the top, right of the magazine page includes a “before” photo of the area.

Be sure to pop over to Low Tide High Style and read the first of Kat’s three part series The Women of Atticmag.

Sources: Domino, Town & Country, Renovation Style, Hamptons Cottages & Gardens)

To transform any bed, choose from these eleven pillow shapes and sizes

When it comes to dressing a bed with pillows, there are no rules. Some like them firm; others prefer soft. There are a variety of fillings from space-age memory foam to old-fashioned goose down. however, size matters, as does the number of pillows used and their style since that affects the look of a bed as well as the comfort.

One of the most useful guides to pillows is Pottery Barn’s tale of the tape with names and sizes [top]. It shows how each size relates to the others, and helps deconstruct inspiration photos.

It goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) that in my mother’s day, bed pillows were placed flat and concealed under a bedspread designed to coordinate with the room decor [above]. I call that a ‘closed” bed.  Throw pillows (often 18” x 18”) usually went on top as accessories. I feel this looks really dated now.

These days  “open beds” rule, thanks to duvets and designer sheets. Pillows are placed upright and angled against the headboard and often layered. This king bed is simple and has a nice variety: double king-size pillows in cases to match the duvet and sheets, plus a neck roll and accessory lumbar.

I’ve been collecting bed-pillow photos for some time (my bedroom isn’t finished). This handful shows various approaches, which of course, are endless and ultimately super-personal.

Designer Michael M. Smith takes a straightforward approach with two pairs of ultra-plump (probably goose down) standard pillows stuffed into shams.

Twin beds each feature a single standard pillow encased in shams plus matching lumbar accent pillows.

Designer Bunny Williams has a potpourri of pillows, notably a pair of Euros (perhaps resting against standard pillows), a pair of boudoirs in shams and what appears to be a 16 x 16-incher in between, either to fill the gap or be tucked in the back for reading.

Carolyne Roehm’s bed features a trio of matching Euros resting on standard pillows in cases.

A hotel room bed offers a double layer of king pillows in cases lying flat, with accent Euros and a lumbar on top to coordinate with upholstered furniture in the room.

Two pairs of kind pillows in cases are “finished” by a giant bolster roll.

Designer Jay Jeffers did a fantasy bed with a giant bolster plus accent pillow. Sleepers need not apply.

(Sources: Pottery Barn, NY Social Diary, Michael M. Smith, Domino, Jeffers Design Group, Sheetmoss, Internet)

Each dining room needs a core idea — call it personality — for visual success.

The dining room can be the most romantic place in the house or the most dysfunctional. Too often, it’s a space that isn’t used often, doesn’t have a point of view, and basically turns into a mini-museum of display.

I’ve written about dining rooms before as I feel they should be multi-purpose spaces. In response I received a variety of comments from “it’s true” to “we eat in ours every day” to “I have extra space and want a formal room.” Fair enough.  Still, the simpler the room, the easier it is to see what makes it tick.

Glass  – The dining room [top photo] looks surprisingly comfortable despite the stripped-down architecture. The windows bring in natural greenery as a “wall” plus they provide the openness of a view. The combination of armchairs and a sofa (on the far side) is contemporary but cozy — often a difficult combination.

Stone – Walls and floor set the tone here and the steel rim doors and windows scream “industrial.” However, those elements are muted and pushed to look Euro-rustic by virtue of the rough and natural wall texture. The addition of a wood ceiling and a fabric-draped table play off against the smooth floor. With a neutral chair style, the key to countrified is the wrought-iron chandelier inset with glass votives.

Paneling and Wallpaper – There’s a subtle blend of updated Arts and Crafts in this Midwestern dining room with a new white-oak herringbone floor and and paneling that says “old house” although it’s new.  Scenic wallpaper embellishes the space above the wainscot with a light, less expected style than heavier period papers would provide. It also contrasts well with the blockiness of the buffet. The mid-century drum pendant and iconic Nakashima chairs are an unusual mix, but one that modernizes.

Color – Tuscan-yellow walls as a backdrop for ’70s vintage, high-back violet leather chairs and an Edward Wormley metal table say it all. Violet and yellow are opposites on the color wheel so it’s no surprise this lively combination, in an L.A. dining room, pops.

Wood – Brazilian cherry floors set the warm tone in a room some might find bland while others deem it soothing. The walls appear to be paneled but actually are painted in a Donald Kaufman terra cotta color that blends seamlessly with the woods. Klimos chairs, from Holly Hunt, and a zebra wood table are new but the look is purely mid-century.

(Sources: Met Home, Elle Décor)

I’ve started thinking about bedrooms again – particularly our guest room where a proper bed frame is needed.  One of my favorite styles is the iron canopy bed that comes in many variations and also looks great with fabric panels. Designer Vicente Wolf also cleverly added an upholstered headboard to this white beauty in addition to a bed skirt draped over the mattress support so the frame color acts like a top border of the fabric.

Beds of this type are fairly typical in Tuscany, where I first encountered one in the master bedroom of the house we rented in San Casciano dei Bagni for a month. Similar locally made beds were used by my friend Daniela Boni throughout her Sette Querce hotel [above] in San Casciano, which was designed by Trisha Guild. This one has simple white canvas panels tied on, and tied back, all around.

The origin of these skeletal beds is European campaign beds used during the 19th Century to furnish military tents – the sturdy frames could be broken down and reassembled as needed. In this little girls’ room by New York designer Robert Passal, the bed remains undraped but is pushed up against a padded panel fixed to the wall so the room’s fanciful colors dominate.

Because the lines are so slim and elegant, Thad Hayes used this bed to help push the visual height of the ceiling.

I’ve been inspired by images of benches made from vintage headboards like the photo [above] from Vintage Home Lifestyle.  I’m not a DIY’er, don’t own a tool belt or sharp-bladed machines, so any alterations to the headboard I own would strictly be done by my savvy carpenter friend Bill.

My twin-sized headboard and footboard came from my grandmother’s house and was part of a suite of furniture.  The headboard [above] is quite heavy.

Headboard side view

It appears to have book-matched veneer (one side echoes the other) and a mahogany stain which is visible from the overlapping onto the backside (not shown).

I’ve always liked the simple curves at the top of both ends of the bed. The foot board [above] is not fussy yet just dramatic enough for me.

Footboard details

The real draw  of this set, to me, are the casters [above right]. When I am antique shopping and find vintage furniture with casters – well, let’s just say if it fits in my car, it’s going home with me.

I have two spots in my home where a headboard turned into a bench would work perfectly.  I would want the seat upholstered and nice and cushy, too.

Two Victorian headboards-turned-benches from (l) flickr-birdiemurphy (r) flickr-sunshineyrie

My question to all you handy builders-crafters-trash-to-treasure experts is:  do you think my set is a good candidate for a bench?  It’s suffered some scrapes and nicks from being bustled about before landing in my garage so it definitely needs some TLC.

How do you see this transformation-waiting-to-happen becoming a reality?

Paint it? If so, what color?  Refinish the wood? If I can affix a cushion to the backrest section — that would be a definite plus. But my creative gene is devoted to restoring rugs, not furniture, so please take pity on me and throw out some suggestions – any and all are welcome!

(Top photo via: Vintage Home Lifestyle)

“Mr. Watson — come here — I want to see you”.

March 10, 1876:  With his assistant, Thomas Watson in another room, Alexander Graham Bell speaks into his new invention, the telephone, for the first time. An entry in his lab book on that day describes the results of his experiment:

”To my delight he came and delivered that he had heard and understood what I said.  I asked him to repeat the words – he answered “you said Mr. Watson — come here — I want to see you”.

Decades later, as the telephone progressed from wall-mounted to a stationary corded version, furniture makers introduced a combination hall-bench and table to set those heavy phones on.  Gossip (also called Telephone) Benches, allowed the caller a place to sit and talk, and featured a space to hold a phone book. They came in various styles to fit with the decor of the period.

The bench pictured above features a pierced seatback with gothic inspired quatrefoils designs.  Circa 1930’s.  (Photo via GoAntiques).

This Duncan Phyffe style mahogany bench with an inlaid design has both a door concealing an area for storing phone books as well as a pull out writing tray above. (Photo via WorthPoint).

Paging all mid-century modern enthusiasts, this chair-style bench, albeit in need of a good cleaning, is one cool piece of furniture. Fashioned more like a comfy accent chair, this fully upholstered variation in a retro shade of teal dates to the 1950-60’s.  (Photo via WorthPoint).

For the most elegant of spaces, this American Federal Lyre Back bench with scalloping crest rail is made of mahogany and dates to 1920. The padded brown leather seat is framed with upholstery nails.  There is a shelf beneath the seat for storing a phone book. (Photo via RubyLane where the bench was listed at $695 and marked as Sold).

Two vintage 1940-50’s vinyl chair style benches in era-popular colors and trimmed in upholstery tacks. The twist on these benches is the seat lifts up for storage.  (Photo left via Worthpoint, right via Picasa Densel).

Gossip benches are still being produced and can be found in various reproduction styles. Vintage examples like the ones above come up at auction.   The benches pictured here are from previous auctions and (sadly) not for sale.

Pencils down!  I used to associate pencils with schoolwork and exams.  That is, until I viewed the portfolio of Sue Lowenberg, also known as “The Pencil Lady”.  This talented artisan creates eye-popping designs by calculatingly applying pencils of all types to occasional tables, picture frames, mirrors and fashion accessories.  Both of the tables pictured here also feature a piece of vintage advertising, something she often incorporates into her work.  Her website, Pencillady.com has a wide array of unique colorful pieces and she also does custom work.

Home decor has “gone to the dogs” — literally.  Over 77 million dogs and 93 million cats are part of U.S. households.  It’s no wonder designers routinely feature our furry companions in photos of their work.  (Photo via Sara Barnard Design).

If you have an indoor pet, chances are you have made a few decor decisions based upon the type of pet you have.

When I was shopping for furniture a few years ago, the salesperson led me towards a super comfy looking sofa that had a fringed skirt.  I chuckled and found myself saying out loud “obviously you don’t have a cat.”  No fringe, no tassels, no pleated skirts.  I need bare legs!  (Photo via Bohl Architects).

How many of you have chosen bedding, rugs or upholstery with your pet in mind? If this canine isn’t a prop then it’s fair to assume the homeowner has a thing for shades of gray and black.  (Photo via My Home Ideas).

The late Charles Eames once commented that his goal in creating the Eames lounge chair and ottoman [above] was that it be “a special refuge from the strains of modern living.”  This image says it all.  Mission accomplished Mr. Eames.  (Photo via Laser Rosenberg)

Has anyone figured out why dogs and cats like to sleep on top of pillows and sofa backs?  (Photo via Cottage Living).

No pets in your home?  There’s always the fluffy, stuffed variety.  (Photo via Coastal Living).

Décor can reflect gender in very direct ways. While today’s bedrooms look more gender- (and everything else) neutral to me, these two send out a very different message. Both seem to have a real guy-thing going and I’m intrigued by design elements that help them transmit that vibe.

Belgian fashion designer Edouard Vermeulen’s stunning guest room [above] seems inspired by men’s shoes – the old-fashioned reddish-brown cordovan leather kind usually worn by the pre-Nike generation. Those leather-covered side chairs and Baroque-style bureau even look shoe-polished, no?

A bleached-white wood floor and white ceiling frame the walls and provide drama through the play of dark and light. A soft peach-color bed cover and wing chair add variation without contrast.

The second bedroom was in a famous London house that once belonged to the 19th century dandy Beau Brummell (TCM sometimes airs the 1954 namesake movie starring Stewart Granger and Elizabeth Taylor). The aristocratic couple who owned it for some fifty years kept separate bedrooms. This is his.

Back and beige striped wallpaper makes me think of men’s suit material or ties. That sets the mood and provides a handsome backdrop for ebony accents of framed art on the bed wall. The lone incongruous note is the rattan headboard that reeks of an inexpensive replacement for something that may have worn out.

Floral striped curtains and bedspread are definite softeners but the dark wood tones of the table and bureau clearly say “men’s club.”  Another light floor – this time pale wall-to-wall carpeting – seems key to keeping such darkish rooms from taking on cave-like qualities.

What if the traditional furniture was stripped out of these rooms but the color schemes were preserved and more modern pieces moved in. I’m not sure the effect would be any different though it makes for an interesting conversation.

(Sources:  Maison Francaise 2-3/05; WOI 3/05)

The renovation and repainting of our apartment was completed yesterday. This is the 60-inch space in my dining room [please excuse the construction photo] for a new “budget” dining room cabinet. The old one measured 48-inches and fit well. It held my silverware, table accessories and linens but my husband hated it and insisted on giving it away. It has been happily re-purposed by another family. I love being green.

We have marble kitchen counters now so I’m hoping to find a remnant of polished calacatta d’oro, a white Italian  with caramel and gray veining, to coordinate with the kitchen and top off the new dining room piece. Here’s a kitchen that shows calacatta well.

One point of the renovation was to modernize our apartment’s décor. So I’m considering a contemporary cabinet or console table – not sure which. Still, it needs to blend with our distressed cherry transitional dining table and blue-upholstered Miles chairs [both below].

The kitchen and dining room are open to each other and the island that separates the two was repainted in Farrow & Ball’s Dauphin, a cocoa. Walls are Farrow & Ball’s Stony Ground, a wonderful café au lait that color-shifts during the day, which is why it looks gray in the photo at the top.

There is no dark wood in the room (or anywhere).  My floors are original unstained white-oak parquet from the 1920s. (Since the contractors are just out, there is no overall photo.)

From the standpoint of budget, style and size I found several cabinet and table options at West Elm. I’m not thrilled about the “assemble-it-yourself” aspect of these nor is the very dark (java) finish ideal. One table comes in a lighter wood and one comes in white.

However,  a cabinet would be more functional.

Also, my nagging green-gene wants to search for a  finer piece (with its own marble top) at an auction or a show. Often they don’t cost more  as the marble remnant involves fabrication cost.

I’d love to hear opinions on whether to go for a new WE cabinet or table from the ones  selected here (all these are the right size). Which would look best with marble on top? Or, should I search out a unique, vintage piece?

Feeling a little neutral lately?  Are the sandy beach colored sisal rugs and summer decor leaving you lusting for a jolt of primary shades?  Here’s some color drenched inspiration guaranteed to boost your mood.  (Photo above via Portland Mitchell).

These birch clocks are handmade and hand painted.  See the entire line including furniture at Boston based Chroma Lab.

Designer Martha Angus features locker inspired furniture in this boy’s room.  You can get the same look from Pottery Barn Teen [below].   Choose a frame then customize by mixing or matching drawers available in 11 different colors.

If you just can’t bear to part with your sisal rug, try layering a bold flat-woven carpet on top like these crewel work styles from Anthropologie.

Mimosas, Pantone’s color of the year is the background color for the Mila rug [above] or get spicy with the Hibiscus Vista rug in tomato red and this coming year’s hot new color, plum [below].

There’s nothing as convincing as a picture to prove the effect an area rug can have on a room.  When I came upon the image above from Maria Killam’s blog Colour Me Happy, I knew it was one I wanted to share with you.  Maria was hired to update a room originally decorated by a designer 10 years earlier.  She accomplished the task with just a few minor modifications — switching out the drapery fabric and rods, toss cushions and by adding a rug.

Look closely at the accessories in the room in the before shot [above].  The prints on the fireplace wall lack definition, are too small and unbalanced.  The result is a disjointed appearance.  Also, don’t overlook minor details like changing the bun feet on the chairs to a sleeker leg that matches the lines of the coffee table and the coordinated placement of accessories on the fireplace mantel [after photo below].

Her choice for a rug was to go semi-custom.  Rather than try and find a square rug to fit the room, she chose textured neutral colored carpeting cut to size and had it bound in a herringbone navy fabric.  The binding instantly creates a frame around both the carpet and the seating area, helping to define the space.  The binding color also compliments the existing blue striped fabric on the chairs.  There’s one more element connecting the colors and that is the addition of dark colored objects added to the bowl on the coffee table.

Maria has demonstrated a key factor in selecting the right area rug for a room.  The trick isn’t to choose something just because it is pretty or a design you are attracted to, but instead to focus on how the rug works with the other objects in the room. Paying attention to scale, style, motifs and color in a carpet is the ultimate key to success in choosing one that integrates into and compliments the overall appearance of the room rather than becoming an overwhelming distraction.