An antique bureau gets repurposed as a bathroom vanity.

I seem to be using the word ‘repurpose’ more than ever. When I talk with clients about their goals for a home, a room, or a piece of furniture and I use the word ‘repurpose’, I see a sense of relief come over their face. They seem to relax knowing that I understand the values they want the project to be based upon.
And I do. We’re all looking for increased value right now. We want more usefulness, flexibility and longevity out of our renovation and decorating investments.
Here are just a few of the many projects we’re proposing and working on right now that are underpinned with this value:
- The renovation of a lower level walkout into a luxury master suite. (I’m convinced it can be done, thanks to a custom-designed millwork package that will transform the space into several adjoining French-spirited salons.)
- A whole house renovation prompted by the generous passing of the home from one generation to the next.
- Repurposing a houseful of antique upholstered furniture acquired in the sale of the home. We’re helping a young couple transform these wonderful antiques and then blending them with updated furnishings for a fresh, youthful interior grounded in the classics.
- One of my favorite project types – the transformation of a spare bedroom into a master bath.
- The renovation of a once-third floor apartment into living, sleeping and bathing quarters for three sisters. A special place for them, for years to come. (Complete with the adaptation of antique European commodes into bathroom vanities.)
One of the easiest ways to catch the repurposing spirit is to re-imagine a find or a piece you already own. To inspire you, here are a few snaps from the idea files:

1. Reuse an antique bureau as a bathroom vanity by placing a vessel sink on top, or a top mount sink onto an antique commode with a marble top already in place.

2. Paint and reupholster wicker chairs from the front porch and repurpose them as captains’ chairs at the holiday dining table, like this interior designed by Vincente Wolf.

A wicker chair from the front porch gets repurposed in the dining room.

3. Add trim to your existing draperies to instantly upgrade a ready-made pair into a custom treatment for your home.

Basic draperies are reused and freshened with new trim.

May they serve useful in whatever form of repurposing you may embark upon…

I’ve met with several new clients the past few weeks to discuss bathroom renovations. The bath is undoubtedly the most personal of all spaces to design and renovate. To do it well, we need to get personal.

Clear Glass Shower Enclosure with Sandblasted 'Belt'; Photo by Robyn Ivy Photography

In doing so, there are several questions during the intitial information gathering sessions – held with people I’ve known for perhaps 45 minutes or so – that get personal. My most favorite question and resulting conversation revolves around shower enclosures.  (Personally, I have a very modest preference towards my shower enclosure.  My glass will always be obscured.  When I first started designing bathrooms it was interesting to find others far less modest than me.)

So, when I talk with clients about shower enclosures and the options available ranging from half walls with glass on top for a little ‘lower’ privacy to obscured glass to full clear glass enclosures, clients have very definite opinions that usually indicate their modesty level for the rest of the bath design.

Here are several of my recent shower enclosure designs. One of my favorites is the glass wall and door with a sandblasted band to provide privacy just where you need it most. A nice solution for those moderately modest people.

Maybe the sandblasted band will be enough privacy even for me someday. Maybe.

Half Wall with Glass Top Shower; Photo by Robyn Ivy Photography

Clear Glass Shower Enclosure; Photo by Robyn Ivy Photography

Clear Glass Shower Enclosure with Window for Natural Light and Fresh Air; Photo by Robyn Ivy Photography

Glass Shower Enclosure with Awning Window; Photo by Robyn Ivy Photography

Veranda magazine does an amazing job of featuring floral art. This month, fall floral arrangements grace their pages. I was so inspired by these, I’m working with my local floral designer at Secret Garden to create a similar arrangement for an over scaled planter outside my office.

I’ve collaborated with David at Secret Garden on several projects and focal pieces this past year. His quality and creativity are top notch; we’re fortunate to have his talent in Jamestown.

I’m sure our interpretation of these luscious pieces will represent a creative evolution of ideas. And, properly mark the recent restoration of the brick facade on our office building (a small town movie theater in the 1960′s).

Here are a few of my favorite floral creations from the October issue of Veranda.

Enjoy, and be inspired to create your own interpretation…

After long admiring Mark Hutker’s work, I had the opportunity to meet him recently at the grand opening of the Woodmeister Master Builders Newport showroom and office.

Mark’s work is a beautiful interpretation of New England vernacular. Thoughtful and thorough, his homes are evolving our local architecture, while honoring its roots. Such a difficult balance to achieve, and one that comes only with considerable study and ongoing discipline, no doubt.

The best part of my conversation with Mark was the discovery that he is as gracious and thoughtful as his work. Open and generous in nature, Mark is a pleasure. I look forward to seeing him again, and continuing to watch and learn from his work.

Jan Shower’s work never fails to inspire me. Headquartered in Dallas, Showers creates beautifully decorated and styled rooms that exude southern grace – yet always suited to modern life. I love this bedroom, and think her inclusion of the upholstered bench with lucite legs (a design of her own) is brilliant.

Decoration of this caliber is artful. And while Jan’s aesthetic it may not be your personal style, I hold it up as an example of the right way to completely execute a newly renovated space – right down to the legs on the bench at the end of the bed.

Photo by Robyn Ivy Photography

My favorite client quote of the week came during a prospective client meeting, when talking about their home, and creating a scope of work for my services. 

When describing their goals, she said, “For us its not about the house or the things we put it in, its about who we are when we’re here, and how it embraces our children, our grandchildren and their friends. Can you help us do that?”

It was music to my ears. Needless to say, we’re off and running to create a home that better supports them and their lifestyle.

Stay tuned…

Dining Room; Photo by Robyn Ivy Photography

We were pleased this week to learn of Taste’s receipt of the gold award in the 2009 Rhode Island Monthly Annual Design awards. The distinction was bestowed for the ‘Fair Winds’ project – an extensive renovation and redesign of a home in Jamestown, Rhode Island.  This is Taste’s third award in as many years; many thanks to the team at Rhode Island Monthly for their ongoing support and recognition.

As always, our best work is the result of collaboration with exceptional people. This time, we were honored to work with Ron DiMauro Architects and Furtado Medeiros Construction. Together with our clients, we were able to create a home that’s personal the homeowners and within their renovation budget. Many thanks to all who contributed, especially Sharon and Ted.

A few of my favorite photos, captured by Robyn Ivy, follow. I hope they inspire you to create a home personal to you and yours…

Office; Photo by Robyn Ivy Photography

Living Room; Photo by Robyn Ivy Photography

Dining Room; Photo by Robyn Ivy Photography