con·cep·tu·al·ize – thinking in concepts

I wanted to rejuvenate my living room and get rid of the nasty carpet that has been haunting me for years. Several months ago I was able to remove the carpet in my front room and put down some cheap, but attractive stick-on tile. I was very happy with the results and how well it held up so I planned on continuing the flooring into the living room. Much to my dismay the tile I used was discontinued from where I ordered it, (Brylane Home), and other retailers that sold the same pattern charged much more than I previously paid. I considered cleaning up and staining the subflooring, but underneath the carpet was some terrible tile that has obviously been there for several years, and underneath that the boards were destroyed by glue and mold. My solution was risky but I am thrilled with the results.

After doing some research online I decided to decoupage over the old tile. I used a roll and a half of brown packaging paper. One was light and had a glossy side purchased from my local craft store, and the other was your standard dark brown paper that I found at Target, both were only $5. Two quarts of wallpaper paste, (make sure it’s intended for glue less wallpaper), and a quart of clear semi-gloss polyurethane. The whole process went more quickly than I expected. Tear off strips of paper and crumple them up. Make sure for the edge on one of the sides is a straight line. Then you simply apply some glue to the clean floor and/or to the back of the paper, press and flatten out with your hands and brush more glue on top. Keep repeating this until the area is covered. Switching between the dark and light papers and changing the size and shapes of the torn pieces create an interesting affect. The glue dries clear and fairly quickly. I was worried that when I applied the protective coats that it would take several hours between them, but since it’s going on paper it dries enough to reapply within 30 to 45 minutes. Using fans also speeds up this process. The polyurethane will darken and enhance the fold lines on the paper. This dries lighter than it first appears depending on the paper you use.

The end result is an inexpensive new floor that looks like stone. If you make a mistake or bubbles form after it dries you can easily cut, rip up and/or repast fresh paper on top. Make sure you recoat the area after this. I have a dog and a cat and the area is heavily trafficked by everyone. So far it is holding up beautifully. Spills wipe up easily and remember if anything major happens it can be fixed in a heartbeat. We were able to find a very cheap oversized area rug for the center of the room since we still wanted some form of carpeting. As a finishing touch, the walls were repainted green and the base boards dark brown which contrast beautifully with the floor.

I had a large piece of ply wood that I found in the trash which I painted on with the left over wall paint. I also found some broken pieces of bark in our neighborhood park which I pinned to the wall surrounding the new art piece. The entire room was completely transformed for just under $200 with the most expensive item being the 8 X 10 area rug. Anyone can do this and turn their home into a work of art. I would love to hear about your own self- done renovations!

Keith Haring’s extensive body of work — ranging from paintings to sculpture to subway murals — can still be seen worldwide, and his influence on the ’80s New York art community remains an important piece of history. From his early days drawing with his father in his hometown of Kutztown, PA, through his time at the School for Visual Arts in New York City, to his involvement in the Pop Art scene, Haring was a revolutionary and generous individual. His work with children, the community, and AIDS awareness still remains inspirational for many people.

“Everything is constantly changing. Every second from birth is spent experiencing; different situations, different interjections, different directional vectors of force / energy constantly composing and recomposing themselves around you.”

“The freedom of the artist is symbolic of the human spirit in all mankind.”

Propellor Design creates some amazing eco-friendly light fixtures.   They are based in Canada, and specialize in custom lighting, furniture, and interiors.  I came across them last year when I was researching light fixtures for a class project, and they have been an inspiration ever since.  My favorite is a pendant light entitled The Galliano.  The fixture itself is made from the wood of Douglas Fir. The twig is a piece of Arbutus branch collected from the Galiano Island. It serves as a pull switch for the light.  They also have these incredible chandeliers featuring numerous squares of colored glass.

Last weekend I finally made it out to the Piazza in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia for a street festival.  It was a humid, yet otherwise gorgeous day.  I had lunch and drinks with friends at Bar Ferdinand.  The restaurant may be a bit small, but it’s decorated beautifully!  I was particularly drawn to the amazing chandeliers in front of the bar. Sheer fabric draped ever so meticulously over iron ellipses.  I wanted to take pictures but the place was too crowded.  Luckily their website has great photos of the lights along with the rest of the incredible decor.  Designer information is listed as well, but unfortunately not for the lighting, as of yet.

 I had the MANCHEGO FRITO which consisted of Membrillo stuffed fried Manchego, frozen apple foam, and walnut membrillo purée.  It was incredible.  I left there feeling inspired, and I highly recommend you checking it out if you are ever in the area.

IANNONE DESIGN LTD. is a Philadelphia based design/build firm dedicated to the creation of eco-friendly modern furniture.  Their contemporary pieces are beautiful in their simplicity and will give any space a refreshing atmosphere.  IANNONE DESIGN LTD. chooses their materials for their environmentally sound attributes and natural beauty, while each piece is finished with a water-based topcoat or an all natural hand applied finish.  For more information and product images please visit their website.

Kvadrat textiles have an exciting an innovative line called Clouds.  These individual tiles of fabric are designed to be joined together with special rubber bands, and their formation is completely your decision.  Each component come with crease lines which allow you to manipulate them freely, similar to origami.  You can create large installation pieces, or simple small accents.  Their color options should fit any personal style.  Kvadrat Clouds is designed by renowned designers, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec.  For more information and images please visit their website.