youhave a smart disposal plan for all that old carpeting.
You can always check inwith the folks at SantaMonica’s
Global Green, an environmental initiative supported by
LeonardoDiCaprio. Theyhave awonderful construction
division that’s super helpful. Also, ask yourself how you
canreuseandreimagineyourold furniturebefore invest-
ing in new pieces. Fresh fabric or a set of new legs can
completely transformapiece.
So, then,you’reafanofvintageandantiqueshopping?
Absolutely! I love hunting for things on 1stdibs.com,
but I’m also a big fan of estate sales and even Craigslist
and eBay. Older pieces of furniture often come with
much better craftsmanship because they weren’t mass-
produced. Plus, if youfix themup and get creative, you’ll
endupwithsomethingcompletelyuniqueand, a lotof the
time,withagreatstory.For instance,whenIwasworking
on Jessica Alba’s home, the two of us took a drive out to
San Fernando Valley to this place that buys back furni-
turefromfive-starhotelsbeforemajorredesigns.Wewere
abletofindthecooleststuff, like fantasticmirror-covered
nightstands forhermasterbedroom.
Doyouhaveanyothermajorpassions?
I run my own nonprofit dog rescue foundation in Los
Angeles, AceofHearts,which is averybigpart ofmy life.
I think it’s important forpeople toknow that just likeyou
canmake a home kid friendly, you can do the same for
yourpets.Replacingmateri
als
likesuedeand leatherwith
ultrasuede and pleather helps furniture stand upwell to
wear and requiresminimalmaintenance; but even if you
don’t want to let your dog or cat up on the couch, awell-
designed pet bed can look great in your home and is all
your furry friendneeds tobehappy.
TRENDSETTER
“
THE
MOST
VALUABLE
THING
YOUCAN
DOISA
LITTLE
BITOF
EXTRA
RESEARCH.
”
Fiveways to freshenupyour interiors fast
1.
Embrace thepower of paint. A coupleof coats of your
favorite shade can have a dramatic effect on a room—
stickwith soft, light hues tomake your space feel larger
or brighter, or go for a dark, moody color for a cozy and
intimateambiance.
2.
Hang itup.Noroom iscompletewithoutart.Tosnagthe
bestdeals,payavisittofairsandshowsatyourbest localart
schoolswhere the talent iswell trainedand looking forabig
break.Whoknows?Youcouldbe snaggingapiece from the
nextDamienHirst.
3.
Rugsare foreverchic.Try layeringonewithaboldprint
overanaturalfiber juteor sisal rug forunexpected interest
andamoreplushexperienceunderfoot.
4.
Be a petal pusher. Fresh flowers bring a pop of color,
fragrance and nature indoors — a winning trifecta. And
the best part? They’re the ultimate design clutch for the
noncommittal:Youcanopt foradifferentbloom tofill your
favoritevaseeveryday.
5.
Reimagine and reinvent. An armful of pillows, new
upholsteryor someprettypipingcouldbeall that youneed
to turnaonce-lackluster sofa intoabeautiful newaddition
toyour livingroom.
CALVINBAINES (5)
CELEBRATED LIVING • SPRING 2015
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