THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
SHOW #201 REGIONAL DESIGN
This show is dedicated to decorating in different parts of the country. Christopher visits
New England, the heartland and returns to Southern California, exploring your personal
style no matter where you live.
Segment 1
Regional Furnishings - La Grange Store
A trip to La Grange gives Christopher a chance to evaluate the versatility of different
furniture styles. Dhana Solish, interior designer with The Grange, describes some
combinations. The classic leather sofa with large brass upholstery nail heads and wooden
feet is indicative of the way Easterners might furnish an upscale parlor or sitting room.
Tapestry fabric on the upper cushions gives a lush feel. Reproductions of antiques such as
an herb cabinet add a touch of whimsy. A great writing desk is made for an Eastern
library. The look of the Florida room in chartreuse is light and airy. Farmhouse furniture
such as a large farm style dining table in French cherry with a matching sideboard ground
the room and can be transitional if you move to other parts of the country. Adding
whimsical metal bistro chairs to the farm table still works. Good old fashioned California
style features wicker, rattan and natural touches that bring the outdoors in. If you can’t
make up your mind, try mixing a Louisiana chair with a decidedly Southern look to it
with an Indonesian bow-front caned chest. It becomes a great focal point. If you start
with traditional quality pieces, you’ve given yourself a blank canvas to work with. Then
you can add accessories, accent fabrics and side pieces.
Guest Info
La Grange
8715 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
310-659-7898
Segment 2
Showcase House Living Room Before/Donna Warner New England House Field
Piece
Christopher introduces the audience to the showcase house living room by showing the
room before the makeover. You’re going to get some wonderful ideas how to incorporate
not only this arched window in a simple, easy window treatment, but we’re also going to
take the two French doors on the other side of the fireplace and build these up so that
these doors have some kind of a relationship to this window. Another Spanish element is
the fireplace which is really great looking. All the adornments were taken off at one time.
It has a sloped chimney but there’s no place to put any tchochkes and maybe another
ledge up here would be nice, too. This is the focal point of the whole room. There’s an
area for a wonderful grouping by the fireplace, there’s an area for a great conversational
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grouping by the window. In our furniture we’re choosing things that have a Spanish
influence to them but are also kind of indoor-outdoors as well.
Donna Warner, editor in chief of Metropolitan Home Magazine, takes us on a tour or her
house. She liked the peaceful quality of the house. Having a large kitchen was important
to her because of her responsibilities of editing cooking articles for the magazine. She
renovated the family room area including large windows, lots of seating and plenty of
storage. With a family with kids and dogs she needed easy to clean surfaces. She used
some fun accessories including a neon sign for the kitchen. The living reflects Donna’s
eclectic personal style. The coffee and side tables came from friends and auctions. She
crafted a unique look in the master bedroom by gold leafing and copper leafing the walls.
Segment 3
Susan Sully, author “ Charleston Style”
The author of the book Charleston Style visits Christopher on set and shows photos from
the book of typical southern living. Traditional houses feature white columns, porches,
grand architectural embellishments and a formal look. Charleston has been voted as the
most hospitable city for the past 3 years. Colors are mostly muted warm tones. Most
rooms have mixed furnishings. Carriage houses feature strong Asian influences. Southern
communities were trend setters in au courant decor.
Product Info
Charleston Style
By Susan Sully
Rizolli Publications, NY
Segment 4
American Southwest Décor home of Lois Abraham
We visited the home of Lois Abraham of Ranchos de Taos, NM for a look at Southwest
style. The region integrates landscape and indoor design. The Hispanic and native
American traditions have been melded together with inspirations from newcomers.
Adobe and stone are the traditional regional construction materials. The muted colors of
the desert provide a perfect background for a prized collection of art in Lois’ house. The
dining room and chairs were crafted by local artisans. Through the use of art and native
materials the area has a beautiful look.
Segment 5
Palm Springs Decor/Adele Cygelman, author “Palm Springs Modern”
Author of the book Palm Springs Modern, Adele Cygelman discusses Palm Springs decor
of the ‘50s. The city had always been an elite playground, water was plentiful and GIs
returning from the war found inexpensive housing. It was close to Hollywood where
many stars could get away for a weekend. The architecture of the ‘50s was timeless.
Many of the same architectural lines were the same as those being built today. Because of
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SEASON ONE
the sun many houses had covered patios. Because of the heat, not much wood is used in
building materials. One of Frank Lloyd Wright houses is located in Palm Springs.
Contemporary clean lines exemplify the style. Indoor-outdoor living is the way of life.
Product Info
Palm Springs Modern
By Adele Cygelman
Rizolli Publications, NY
Segment 6
NE Vignette in Studio/Showcase House Living Room After
Christopher shows a traditional New England vignette showing two floral pictures
flanked by wall sconces and a half table. By changing the wall color and surrounding
fabrics with today’s materials, the traditional look can move into the millennium. Another
vignette features farm style furniture that works with modern appliances (a microwave)
and plates in a wall hanging hutch. Adding new fabrics brings a contemporary feel while
preserving the heartland flavor. In a Southwest/California look, the Spanish wrought iron
curtain rod and picture frames unify the style. Asian influences are very dramatic and add
spice to this interior. Add chenille or a bright plaid to kick it up a notch.
In the “after” of the showcase house living, Christopher describes the new look. Nobody
does casual living better than the Californians. Now this room might look very elegant,
but when you really study styles of the furniture, you’ll find it very eclectic and very
casual and comfortable. We put a rod across the center of the large arched window just
about where the arch begins to straighten out ,and we added a beautiful warm chenille
fabric. By the window we placed two club chairs at an angle to create a conversation
area. The rug is English and on top of that rug we have a little touch of leopard which
adds some theatre and drama to this section. Everything is very monochromatic and very
overstuffed and overscaled. It’s the little accents like the rust colors and the orange
pillows on our backless settee that give the room it’s little pop of color. The backless
settee is our cross linking device where people can sit on one side or the other. On the
fireplace we refaced the whole front with Spanish tiles It’s that Euro influence that really
makes this come alive. Just above that with our new mantle we’ve got a beautiful
Moroccan bowl. Two reproduction Spanish chairs which flank a beautiful mirror which
reflects not only the whole room, but pulls the light from the other side of the room. Palm
trees, uplights, a few bowls and a wonderful screen, all make the California lifestyle
really come alive.
SHOW 202
Architectural Elements
This show is all about architectural embellishments, those elements that give a home a
sense of style and structure. Christopher shows where to buy them, how to install them
and merchandise them.
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SEASON ONE
SEGMENT 1
Showcase House Dining Room Buffet Wall Makeover, Before
Christopher takes us on a tour of the showcase house dining room before renovation. He
describes how he is going to take regular 3/4-inch plywood, make tall free standing boxes
and attach them to the wall. A column will be placed on each side of the existing door,
and three more will be evenly spaced to create the illusion of two hutches with a center
buffet. Hand hewn beams will be used above the columns to add architecture, provide
ledges for merchandising and create the buffet.
SEGMENT 2
Showcase House Dining Room Buffet Wall Makeover, During/Christopher Demo of
Column Construction
Christopher shows the concept drawings for the buffet wall, then shows the construction
in the interim stage. In studio, Christopher demonstrates the
Hinges and door hardware
Van Dyke’s Restorers
PO Box 278
Woonsocket, SD 57385
Phone: 800-558-1234 (free catalog)
Web site: www.vandykes.com">www.vandykes.com
Arte de Mexico
5356 Riverton Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
818-769-5090
Web site: www.artedemexico.com or www.arteshowrooms.com
Flexall Flexible All-purpose Filler
Custom Building Products
Seal Beach, CA
800-272-8786
Web site: www.custombuildingproducts.com
Authentic Antique Hand Hewn Beams
Conklin’s Authentic Antique Barnwood
RR1, Box 70
Susquehanna, PA 18847
570-465-3832
Web site: www.conklinsbarnwood.com
SEGMENT 3
Freeway Building Materials Salvage Yard / Showcase House Buffet Wall After
All across America on the fringes of town you can find fabulous salvage yards where you
can pick up one-of-a-kind architectural elements for any decor.
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SEASON ONE
It’s sort of like Sanford and Son meets Demolition Decorating. When shopping at salvage
yards, bring measurements of the room and a rough sketch of what you want to do as well
as a tape measure. We found classic doors with wonderful brass hardware. The
craftsmanship of the old doors cannot be matched for the kind of money you’ll spend at a
salvage yard. Think about how much it will cost to adapt some of these architectural
embellishments to your environment. Starting from scratch might actually be more
economical. Remember you have to haul away the merchandise yourself. You’ll also
have to put the elbow grease into refinishing. Also, consider using iron gates or grates.
Showcase house dining room buffet wall after
Our showcase house dining room buffet wall “after” shows the completed buffet wall.
Joe Fenzl did a wonderful treatment on the doors and a great faux finish to match the
beams. The doors look old for very small change. The other side is just a little hutch with
plenty of room for valuable storage. Remember, when you can’t build out, build up.
SEGMENT 4
Showcase House Fireplace Before & During, Christopher Demo Mantle Ledges
Christopher describes the fireplace of the showcase house before it was renovated. In
studio, Christopher demos the mantle construction, then shows the fireplace in the
“during” stage.
In studio, Christopher demonstrates how to construct the mantle ledges.
Demo Directions
Use a large piece of crown molding as a start. Join a piece of plywood perpendicular to
the top of the molding, mitering the edge to match the angle of the molding. Join a
vertical piece of plywood at the bottom of the molding to connect to the top shelf, slightly
recessed to accommodate the wall-mounted wood block. The back edge of the shelf
should be flush with the bottom edge of the molding. Attach the strip of pine to the wall
using butterfly clips or screw into studs. Place the top shelf down onto the pine and attach
with wood screws to the top of the pine mounting strip. Attach a piece of luan to the top
shelf.
SEGMENT 5
Showcase House Fireplace After/High Rise Tablescape/Stacked Food with Deborah
Fabricant
Christopher shows the completed renovation of the fireplace of the Showcase House.
Bolivar tile used the inspiration of two old tiles embedded in the fireplace, a mottled
green that determined the color palette for several different tile patterns. The grout
matched the background color. If you can’t afford tiles, stencilling provide a similar
effect at lower cost. The double mantle concept adds height and scale to the fireplace.
Objects that are up past the mid-level of the room attract the eye upward. Everything is
very symmetrical. A piece of Majolica as a focal point flanked by two candlesticks and
two potted plants in the lovely jardinières is backlit. Containers of lemons and limes add
color.
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SEASON ONE
Deborah Fabricant shows a Manhattan sky scraper tablescape.
Starting with the invitations, Deborah used a Manhattan high-rise theme using tall
buildings. The invitations reflected the skyscraper look and the theme carried throughout
the whole tablescape. She used a three-dimensional puzzle of New York for the center of
the table with flowers and votive candles placed in between the buildings. Deborah’s
book also comes with a kit including cylinders to create stacked foods. Layer prepared
foods inside different shaped cylinders. Architectural drawings were used as the
tablecloth.
Book: Stacks, The Art of Vertical Food<br>
By Deborah Fabricant<br>
Ten Speed Press<br>
Deborah Fabricant<br>
Home Entertainment Expert and author
Los Angeles, CA
Web: www.stackitup.com
Email: fabfood@earthlink.net
SEGMENT 6
You Did It!
Viewer Luci Angeli Diecks of Chagrin Falls, OH invites us to check out the fabulous
makeover she did in her home in a “You Did It!” segment.
Show #203
Working From Home
Christopher offers a way to create an office of your dreams without sacrificing valuable
living space. Having the right environment that’s conducive to planning that corporate
takeover enhances productivity.
SEGMENT 1
Jules Seltzer Associates Office Furniture Tour
Christopher takes us on a tour through an office furniture store, Jules Seltzer Associates
of Los Angeles. The first desk combination features a glass work surface and modules
that can be interchanged. It was originally built in the ‘80s but still is functional today.
Practical compartments are great for documents. Chairs for computer work now feature
comfortable ergonomically workable lumbar support and breathable fabric. Side chairs
have a retro look with a brushed aluminum finish and are lightweight. Form and function
come together in timeless style.
Grant Seltzer
Jules Seltzer Associates
8833 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310-274-7243
Email: jsa.custserv@julesseltzer.com
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SEASON ONE
Web: www.julesseltzer.com
SEGMENT 2
Showcase House Guest Room/Office, Before
Christopher shows a guest bedroom “before” and explains how he is going to transform it
into a room that serves dual function as both a home office during the day and a guest
bedroom at night. Then, in studio, he shows the construction of the shelving unit.
Ninety percent of the time from the mail that we get, a home office ends up being the
guest bedroom. What do offices and guest bedrooms have in common? You’ve got to
stay organized. You’ve always heard me say if you can’t build out, build up. You’ll see
how that accomplishes the storage we need in the room.
SEGMENT 3
Showcase House Guest Room/Home Office, During
Christopher takes us back to the guest bedroom/home office to see the construction
during the interim stage. He reviews the drawings of the space for the makeover plans.
The entire width of the wardrobe was determined by a simple ordinary hanger. We just
increased it by a couple of inches on both sides to have wardrobe in a very small 10 by 12
space. We also added a pole and drape combination across the wardrobe space and on the
other bookshelves on the other side to close it off. We have a wonderful window seat. It’s
our connecting device that connects the bank of cabinets on each side of the window. Our
second connecting device is the shelf over the top of the window for more storage. We
built a little coffee table, put it on casters so that during the daytime, it rolls right out and
there’s a place to curl up and set your newspaper and a cup of coffee. It can actually
move anywhere in the room when you sitting at the office area and can also be used to
lay out papers. On the other side of the room, we went to IKEA again to purchase three
bookshelves and a worktable. We were inspired by a library where they have archive
shelves at right angles to the wall rather than flat up against the wall. We started by
turning one bookcase perpendicular to the wall, then turned the second bookcase facing
the first and placed the table in between. We then placed the third bookcase back to back
with the second bookcase. We put a pole and drape across the desktop opening so it can
be closed off at night.
SEGMENT 4
Rolling Bench CL Demo/Office Makeover After
Christopher describes the colors and fabrics used in the makeover of the home
office/guest bedroom. Then, in miniature, Christopher demonstrates the construction of
the rollaway bench.
Christopher reveals the new look in the guest room/home office makeover.
This small little space was transformed into a dual function room. During the daytime,
the curtains are open, everything is pulled back. On the left of the window is the
wardrobe area. On the other end of the room there is storage for office supplies in the
bins. For a little privacy, the Roman shade on the window is lowered and drapes pulled
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SEASON ONE
across the shelves. The drape is pulled across the computer work station for the guest
room feeling. A Murphy bed inside an armoire provides accommodations for guest
sleeping. There are three hockey puck lights on the top of the inside of the armoire for
guest reading.
Accessories
Umbra Inc.
1705 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14212
800-387-5122
Web site: www.umbra.com
Custom armoire
Newkirk & Sons
818-566-1608
Bed
Murphy Bed Products LLC
6370-3 US Highway 1 North
St. Augustine, FL 32095
888-730-3003
Web site: www.murphybedsdirect.com
Bookcases and Accessories:
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web site: www.ikea.com
Home Office Paint
The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Web site: www.christopherlowell.com
Wall color: Walnut Shell
Ceiling color: Arrowroot
Trim: Potato
Fabrics: Stroheim and Romann
718-706-7000
Web site: stroheimandromann.com
SEGMENT 5
You Did It!
Viewer Leslie Anne Knight of San Francisco, CA invites us to check out the fabulous
home office she created in her one bedroom San Francisco apartment in a “You Did It!”
segment.
SEGMENT 6
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SEASON ONE
Christopher Helps Viewer Barb Bush with her Loft Home Office
Viewer Barb Bush visits Christopher in studio for suggestions for solving her home
office decorating dilemmas. Barb works in a loft area of her home and needs privacy.
Christopher suggested using roll-up blinds but installing them at the floor level and
pulling them up toward the ceiling. Next, he provided some storage ideas for eliminating
clutter by installing bookcases and a hutch area over the top of Barb’s desk.
SHOW #204 SANCTUARY
Christopher’s show is all about creating sanctuary spaces in our own homes where we
can go to relieve the stress of daily living.
Segment 1
Connie Stevens’ Spa
Christopher visits Connie Stevens’ Spa, The Garden Sanctuary, where she creates an
oasis in the middle of Los Angeles. Here guests can pamper themselves with a massage,
tranquil atmosphere and good food. Connie Stevens incorporated the elements that help
her relax, a place to recharge. The environment centers around a large tree. Aroma
therapy and candles are both very important to triggering memorable experiences.
Guest Info
Connie Stevens’ Garden Sanctuary
426 S. Robertson
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310-288-3024
Web: www.foreverspring.com
Segment 2
Showcase House Master Bedroom Before
Christopher takes us to the showcase house where he shows the master bedroom “before”
the makeover and describes his plans for transformation.
For many of us the only sanctuary space in our homes in the master bedroom. Our
inspiration for the makeover of the showcase master bedroom was a bamboo bed
provided to us by Loose Ends. I loved its versatility, but what I really loved about it was
that it was very organic. When I think of sanctuary living I think about really honoring
nature and the outdoors. The bed will remain where it is but instead of just building
storage areas around both sides of the bed, we’re going to add 2” split bamboo that we’re
going to use to cover all the rails, the horizontal and vertical areas. There is a very tricky
wall with a very short window and a long door going outside. We’re going to put wood
plantation levelors from the top of the door to the floor and the top of the window to the
floor flanked on both sides by gorgeous fabric. We’re going to get really aggressive with
the color – a deep plum. We’re going to use a large Balinese chest and disguise a built-in
stereo cabinet in the wall with shutters. The whole idea about sanctuary spaces is...
you’ve heard me say this a million times…this is where you wake up every morning to
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SEASON ONE
start your day. This is where you end your day. When decorating your home, do this
room first.
Product Info
Loose Ends Catalog
PO Box 20310
Salem, OR 97307-0310
800-390-9979 or 503-390-7457
Web: www.4loosends.com
E-mail: info@4loosends.com
catalog includes a gift certificate toward purchase.
Colors
Paint from The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Web: www.christopherlowellpaint.com
877-743-5837
Wall color: Claret and Cream
Ceiling color: Lowell Lavender
Trim color: Burned Butter
Fabric:
Stroheim and Romann
718-706-7000
Segment 3
Tranquil Altar Spaces
Christopher talks with Kazuko Hoshino of William Heffner Architects about creating
altar spaces with items that are soothing and meaningful to you. She creates altar
vignettes using the important elements of earth, water and fire symbolizing peace and
tranquility.
Segment 4
Showcase House Master Bedroom During
Christopher takes us back to the showcase house master bedroom for a look at the
progress being made in the makeover. Then he reviews the products from Loose Ends
being used.
We built in an entire bookcase area on each side of the bed. It’s only a foot wide but
there’s plenty of storage. Remember, if you can’t build out, build up. We added the split
bamboo rails to the front surfaces of the bookcases to incorporate the bamboo theme and
tie in the bed. The bed now feels anchored on the wall. We’re going to use the thin
bamboo reeds on the doors to hide the underscale entertainment center built in to the
wall. The larger bamboo can be ordered already split, or you can split it yourself using a
table saw. We’ll have draperies on the back wall with lots of opportunity to add fabric. It
adds a sense of luxury to a room to pamper yourself. The bed linens were made from a
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SEASON ONE
plum colored silk with a stripe-on-stripe in a natural gold color for the inside of the
canopy drapes. Use lots of pillows in a sanctuary space to surround yourself in luxury.
Product Info
Loose Ends Catalog
PO Box 20310
Keizer, OR 97307-0310
800-390-9979 or 503-390-7457
Web: www.4loosends.com
E-mail: info@4loosends.com
catalog includes a gift certificate toward purchase.
Colors
Paint from The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Web: www.christopherlowellpaint.com
877-743-5837
Wall color: Claret and Cream
Ceiling color: Lowell Lavender Show #205 The Wedding Show
Christopher shares tips on inexpensive ways to add drama to that special wedding day
from planning the wedding ceremony to the reception to a backyard honeymoon cottage.
Segment 1
Planning a Wedding, author Beverly Clark
Guest Beverly Clark, author of Beverly Clark’s Weddings: A Celebration, offers her
expertise on things to remember when planning a wedding.
Allow plenty of time for planning. Hire a professional if you don’t have the time. Taking
a look at some of the photos from her book, she described a backyard home wedding
including the ceremonial look of rows of chairs used to create an aisle to the altar.
Flowers are an important part of a wedding. A gazebo with an archway can be the
location for the ceremony, then re-set for the cake cutting later. Crowd flow is very
important. Think about how guests will move from one area to another. An intimate
setting in front of a fireplace shows a bride and groom table. Another photo shows a
casual but romantic room from a second marriage. In studio, Beverly shows the wedding
accessories she designed – a guest book and pen, boxes with flowers for table gifts, the
ring bearer pillows and a small purse for the bride.
Book: Beverly Clark’s Weddings: A Celebration
By Beverly Clark
Segment 2
Transforming Your Backyard for the Wedding
Guest Van-Martin Rowe takes us on a tour of a party rental company to show us a
selection of items available to transform a backyard for a fabulous wedding. Guest Frank
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Burkhard from Burkhard Nurseries brings in landscaping accessories for the backyard
ceremony.
Van-Martin Rowe chose both silver and gold service items and combined them on the
tables. He used silver sugar bowls for place sets. Tablecloths come in a beautiful rainbow
of colors. He selected neutrals for the base colors and layered them with pink and peach
toppers. Pastels set off the silver and gold. The accessories shouldn’t compete with the
bride and groom. Round rental tables come in a variety of sizes. Decide how many you
want to seat at each table. Ladder back opera chairs look beautiful when topped with
cushions and ribbons. When completed the table looks fabulous. He used only candles,
no flowers. The candles add a beautiful soft shimmer and make everybody look
wonderful. The chapel was set with a center aisle and the altar was raised 4 feet to allow
everyone to see the ceremony.
Frank Burkhard transforms the yard with plantings and container gardens. He begins with
stepping stones to create a formal walkway. Then he places kumquat trees at the head of
the walkway and continues adding potted trees along the path. Be symmetrical. Add
topiaries and colorful container gardens. Repeat plants and colors. Add colorful plants in
between the stepping stones.
Van-Martin Rowe
Interior Designer
Van-Martin Rowe Design Studios
2580 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, 91107
626-577-4736
Web site: www.vanmartin.com
Frank Burkard, Jr.
Burkard Nurseries
690 Orange Grove Avenue
Pasadena, CA
626-796-4355
Segment 3
Floral Accents
Floral designer Dohki Mimirani demonstrates floral centerpiece arrangements and other
ways to accent the wedding with flowers. Christopher shows how stretch fabric chair
covers can transform folding chairs.
Choose a theme for the wedding and select flowers that coordinate with the theme.
Surround an arch with flowers to frame the bride and groom at the altar. Use exotic
peacock feathers to add an Asian quality. Weave rosemary and thyme or other herbs
through the flowers for aroma. Table arrangements need height so guests can see across
the table. Candelabra add height and scale with a full look. Unify the bridal bouquet and
centerpieces by using the same flowers throughout. Make centerpieces the night before.
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Use small silver vases to adorn the tables. Change the ordinary look of the house into
something extraordinary.
Dohki Mimirani
Jasmine Blue Flowers Plants
13826 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423-3629
818-986-0333
Product Info
SculptChair Stretch-to-Fit Chair covers
Web: sculptchair.com
Segment 4
Decorating the Cake Table, Christopher Demo
Christopher demonstrates a table dressing using three different fabrics for a beautiful
cake table. Then he decorates the wedding cake with orchids.
Demo Directions
Use a trash can as a base. Cut two pieces of plywood into rounds with the smallest round
being the same size as the opening of the trash can. Secure the two pieces of wood
together, centering the small disc in the largest one. Place the small disc inside the trash
can. Layer three fabrics over the table – first a tablecloth, next an iridescent organza
followed by a sheet white fabric on top. Gather the sheer fabric from the bottom and pleat
halfway up the table leg. Wrap with a rubber band. Use a T pin to pin the flowerette to
the table from under the skirt. Create scallops with the top sheer fabric. Pull up the
iridescent organza between the flowerettes and secure underneath with T pins. Add bows
to hide the rubber bands. Fluff the fabric and bows.
Use cut orchids and cascade them down the sides of the cake at the corners. Don’t
overdo. When the cake is served, include an orchid on each plate.
Segment 5
Wedding Buffet Tablescape
Home Entertainment Expert Deborah Fabricant brings her table decorating expertise to
the buffet table.
Demo Directions
Have on hand silk charmeuse, crushed velvet and raw silk fabric right from the bolt to
drape over and around the buffet table. Use handmade papers trimmed with moss and
ferns for place cards and invitations. Invest in a cake knife for a keepsake for the bride.
Rent romantic china or mix and match from Grandma’s. Use a combination of antique
and new stemware. Find beautiful paper wedding napkins. Keep finger food simple.
Make an ice ring with flowers embedded inside to surround champagne bottles.
Book: <|>Stacks, The Art of Vertical Food</|><br>
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By Deborah Fabricant<br>
Home Entertainment Expert and author<br>
Los Angeles, CA<br>
Email: <a href="mailto:fabfood@earthlink.net">mailto:fabfood@earthlink.net</a><br>
Web: <a href="http://www.stackitup.com" target="_new">www.stackitup.com</a><br>
<br>
Segment 6
Backyard Honeymoon Cottage
Christopher shows the storage shed he made over last season into the fantasy folly room
transformed into a backyard honeymoon getaway. Gracious Rooms of Calabasas, CA
provided the design and accessories.
Gracious Rooms of Calabasas, CA designed an ordinary storage shed into a glorious
romantic backyard honeymoon cottage. White fabric was shirred along the back and side
walls and romantically draped over string across the ceiling. The bed was dressed with
luxurious linens and mounds of fluffy pillows. Aromatic scents were scattered throughout
the room. Candles provided a romantic ambiance. Decadent chocolates on silver trays
were placed beside the bed. A bed tray complete with strawberries and a small bridal gift
was left across the bed. A French wash basin with luxurious vanity accessories was
placed in the corner. A romantic table for two was set with champagne on a vintage
tablecloth.
Honeymoon room design
Gracious Rooms
4776 Commons Way
Calabasas, CA 91302
818-591-9797
Trim color: Burned Butter
Fabric:
Stroheim and Romann
718-706-7000
Segment 5
Showcase House Master Bedroom After/CL Demo Bed Table
Christopher reveals the finalized master bedroom in the showcase house in its tranquil
splendor. In studio, he then demonstrates the technique for making a rolling bed table.
The whole idea is you want to feel tranquil in a master bedroom environment.
One of the key things that gives the room such an incredible mood is that the whole
background color – the deep plum contrasted by the mustard color - really sort of
envelops you and you really don’t have any idea of how big or how small the space really
is. Ceremonial spaces are places where you dream, where you recharge, where you
lumber off to sleep. The Balinese armoire is organic like the bed, but what we liked was
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it had a touch of whimsy to it. An old toolbox that we loved sits on top. You know me...I
love my fabrics, starting with the texture on a fabulous settee by Expressions Furniture.
We scattered white rugs all the way on top of the grass mat and that gives it that sort of
European well-traveled look. We added venetian blinds to both the window and door
from floor to ceiling by a company called Smith and Noble. Then we tied it all together
with a rich fabric valance across the entire wall. We have large areas to merchandise like
the bookcases, and we included one of a kind pieces. One of my favorite things is to be
able to eat in bed in luxury. So we designed a rolling table made from PVC pipe that’s
made to look like faux bamboo. We have a couple of recessed lights directly over the
bed. We have a lamp which always gives another temperature of light. That one is by
Arte de Mexico. Then we also have these great Fortuny inspired lamps which I think are
terrific. They’re soft lamps with a wonderful tassel at the bottom of them. These are
actually things you can make yourself by using a pattern from Vogue.
Instructions
Rolling Bed Table
Using 4” PVC pipe as a base, measure the height you desire the table, remembering to sit
on the bed to allow clearance for your legs. Wherever the PVC pipe attaches to another
piece of pipe, attach a plywood disc to the inside of the end, epoxy it in place and screw it
to the pipe in 3 places. Construct the legs by using two tall pieces and one cross piece.
Bolt the cross piece through both legs into the plywood disk. The cross piece should be
placed approximately halfway down the legs for structural support. Make a plywood top
and attach it to the legs with lag bolts secured into the plywood discs. Pre-stain the
plywood top. Cover the top of the table with caning from Van Dyke’s applied with
Topbond adhesive (available primarily in shoe repair shops). On the underside of the top,
construct braces made from wood strips between each leg. Miter PVC pipe pieces and cut
a wedge out of them lengthwise to fit over the edges of the plywood top. Add wheels or
casters. For a faux bamboo look along the pipes, apply a thick bead of hot glue and let
dry. Spread Flexall over the surfaces for texture and paint with a base color. Apply tinted
polyurethane over the base color for an old world look.
Product Info
Split bamboo and bed
Loose Ends Catalog
PO Box 20310
Keizer, OR 97307-0310
800-390-9979 or 503-390-7457
Web: www.4loosends.com
E-mail: info@4loosends.com
catalog includes a gift certificate toward purchase.
Colors
Paint from The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Web: www.christopherlowellpaint.com
877-743-5837
Wall color: Claret and Cream
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Ceiling color: Lowell Lavender
Trim color: Burned Butter
Fabric:
Stroheim and Romann
718-706-7000
Setee
Expressions Custom Furniture
401 11th St. NW
Hickory, NC 28603
800-544-4519
Web: www.expressionsfurniture.com
Venetian blinds
Smith and Noble
800-426-8555
Web: www.smithandnoble.com
Caning fabric
Van Dyke’s Restorers
PO Box 278
Woonsocket, SD 57385
Phone: 800-558-1234 (free catalog)
Web: www.vandykes.com
Faux fur area rugs
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web: www.ikea.com
Woven rug and tray table
Loose Ends Catalog
PO Box 20310
Keizer, OR 97307-0310
800-390-9979 or 503-390-7457
Web: www.looseends.com
E-mail: info@looseends.com
catalog includes a gift certificate toward purchase.
Hanging lamp pattern
Vogue Pattern #2056
Butterick Co.
800-766-2670
Web: www.sewingtoday.com
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Table Lamp
Arte de Mexico
5356 Riverton Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
818-769-5090
Web: www.artedemexico.com or www.arteshowrooms.com
Candles
Illuminations
1995 South McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, CA 94954
800-621-2998
Web: www.illuminations.com
Armoire privately owned.
Segment 6
Soothing Sounds/Sharper Image Catalog
Christopher shows some products from Sharper Image that provide soothing sounds and
lights.
Christopher shows a sound machine with a number of natural “white noise” sounds to
add tranquillity to an environment. Next he showed The Heart Soother, a unique alarm
clock. Then he demonstrated the Sunrise alarm that has a light that gets brighter to wake
you up. Another product was a CD player for playing a number of nature-inspired CDs
on the market. Nothing soothes like the sound of running water, and fountains like the
ones from Tom Torrence add tranquillity to the environment. The Asian influence of a
traditional bong also provided by Tom Torrence rounds out the show.
Product Info
All products
The Sharper Image
650 Davis St.
San Francisco, CA 94111
800-344-4444
Web: www.sharperimage.com
Fountains
Tom Torrence fountains
Atmosphere Inc.
702 Enterprise
Suite 1
Loredo, TX 78045
956-791-0506
Web: www.atmospherei.com
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SHOW # 206 Color Courage
Christopher revisits some of his classics in this show that will illustrate how color can
add drama and excitement to your home.
Segment 1
Christopher's Color Philosophy
Christopher gives us pointers on color. Color is simply a frame for all the things you love.
Christopher discusses the strong influence color has on how we feel with Leatrice
Eiseman, Author of "Colors for Your Every Mood" as well as an depth discussion of
color pallets from Leah's book and how they translate to your home.
Tips
Stick with the same hue value.
Carry a consistent theme all the way through.
Unify with an accent color on woodwork.
Use walls as your creative canvas.
Guest Name
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director
Pantone Color Institute
Product Name
"Colors for Your Every Mood" ( Discover Your True Decorating Colors) by Leatrice
Eiseman
Contact Information
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director
Pantone Color Institute
590 Commerce Blvd
Carlstadt, NJ
www.pantone.com
Phone: 201-935-5500 or 877-265-6764
Fax: 201-896-0242
E-mail: pci@pantone.com
Product Information
"Colors for Your Every Mood" ( Discover Your True Decorating Colors)
Author: Leatrice Eiseman
Capital Books, Inc.
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Segment 2
How Do You Choose Color?
Christopher tells us how to choose the neutral shade in your favorite color and how to
match hues and use neutrals for your background colors. Christopher visits with Lynne
Beavers in here Spanish style home in the Las Villas neighborhood of Los Angeles,
where color rules. Lynne's home demonstrates how color adds texture, depth and
emotion to your home.
Segment 3
How to Make Color Work From Room to Room
Christopher discusses how to move color from one room to the next by using different
colors in the same hue value. In a visit to the showcase house he shows how he use colors
of the same hue value to add unity and flow to the rooms.
Segment 4
Using Flamboyant Colors
A tour of the home of Mark and Leslie Maddox of Northport, Alabama, who have
painted their home in flamboyant colors and designs. Mark and Leslie discuss with
Christopher how it evolved and visitor's reactions when they walk into their home. If you
let yourself experiment, just a little bit with color, you can add all sorts of personality to
your home.
Segment 5
How Color Alone Can Really Transform a Space
Christopher demonstrates how Color can really transform the look of a room even if the
accessories remain unchanged. Takes a look at three identical settings with the wall
colors changed to see the dramatic difference in the mood that happens; from a boring
white, to a deep rich European terra cotta to a modern chartreuse.
Segment 6
How Changing Accessories Can Transform a Room
Christopher demonstrates more color Palettes that will bring out the artist in you by
changing the bright colored accessories in room and leaving the background colors the
same. Christopher uses Beware in bright colors and animal prints in foreground with teal
backdrop for a high drama effect. Then Christopher moves the teal backdrop to beeware
in only black and white for a modern, crisp look and then once again as a backdrop to
earthy-pastel colors with the same hue value for a monochromatic look.
Christopher share some viewer mail that shows a harlequin wall in shades of eggplant
that looks subtle and interesting as a backdrop to stainless look accessories. Another
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viewer regrets choosing a very bright red color for her counter tops and asks Christopher
what to do to tone it down. Christopher suggests taking the color to a paint store and find
the shade and then choose the next to the lightest shade for the walls and the very lightest
shade for the trim in the room. If you can't change it, go to it.
SHOW # 207
Walls and Doors
Christopher looks at walls and doors as design elements in our homes.
Segment 1
Christopher Visits Arte De Mexico
Christopher and David Stoffers tour Arte De Mexico to see the different ways they have
used doors collected from all over the world; as tables, beds, and even as doors.
Guest Name
David Stoffers, Vice President
Arte De Mexico
Contact Information
David Stoffers, Vice President
Arte De Mexico
1000 Chestnut Street
Burbank, CA 91506
www.artedemexico.com
Phone 818-753-4559
Fax: 818-563-1015
E-mail: arteshowroom@aol.com
Segment 2
Doors as a Design Element
Christopher calls on Joe Fenzl of Decorative Arts of Los Angeles to show us how to take
an ordinary door and turn it into an object of art for an elegant addition to Christopher's
showcase home.
Materials:
Pine Door
Scraper
Scrap of wood with several nails driven through (points then rounded with a file)
Wire brush
Small chain with random metallic items attached (i.e. keys, nuts, bolts)
Fine Sandpaper
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Jel'd Stain
Glaze
Instructions:
Use a scraper to round off all the edges on the door to make it look old and worn. Even
the inside edges on the raised panels. Scrape across the face of the wood to give it some
scratches and lines. For wormholes whack the door randomly with the nail tool. Go over
the door with a wire brush (brush with the grain) to open up the grain. Use the chain to
beat the wood. Sand to smooth down the edges further and smooth some of the roughness
out. Apply Jel'd Stain (Oil or water based) liberally with a brush and wipe off with a
clean rag. This will show you right away the effect of your "distressing techniques" and if
it needs more, now is a good time to do it. After staining the door, use a glaze (deep/dark
green color) to darken up some of the recesses. Brush on really thick and wipe off will
give it a dusty look. To give the door an even dustier look use a dark gray glaze on the
low lights (brush on and wipe off.)
Guest Name
Joe Fenzl, Decorative Arts of Los Angeles
Product Name
Jel'd Stain™
Contact Information
Joe Fenzl
Decorative Arts of Los Angeles (DALA)
15047 Hamlin
Van Nuys, CA 91411
Phone: 818-997-0116
Website: jdfenzl@earthlink.net
Product Information
Wood Kote Jel'd Stain™
Wood Kote Products, Inc.
8000 N.E. 14th Place
Portland, OR 97211
Phone: 800-843-7666
www.woodkote.com
E-mail: info@woodkote.com
Segment 3
Hollow Core Door Table
On the telestrator Christopher shows us frescoes painted by a Muralist on the walls of a
room and it's exposed upper hallway. Christopher also takes a look at some past projects
made out of hollow core doors: 1. A wall out of two doors attached together using wiggle
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
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board to fill the hollow. 2. Folding room divider made with three hollow core doors
hinged together and covered with cloth and Styrofoam "life preservers" with mirrors
inside for a nautical look. 3. Banquet made with hollow core doors for the seats and back.
Make sure the doors are joined well together and reinforcement where they will bear
weight. Then Christopher shows us the step by step to make a side table out of hollow
core doors:
Materials
2X2's
half of a hollow core door
remnant of leather
wood screws
Decorative screw plugs
Instructions
Build a frame from 2X2's for each end of the table. Frames will consist of two legs
joined at the top and middle by 2X2's with wood screws. You will then join the two
frames to each other with two 2X2's (the same width as the door) positioned half way
down the legs. Christopher then used a tinted polyurethane to stain the frame.
Christopher next cut a piece of 2X2 to fit into the hollow end of the door and screwed it
in place. Christopher covered his door/table top with a scrap of leather, suede side down
and leather side up. Just center the material and staple, beginning in the middle of each
side and stretching the leather or material as you go so it will lay smooth, stapling out
towards the end. The top then fits in between the two end frames and is screwed on with
wood screws. Christopher's final touch was to cover all the screw holes with decorative
plugs.
Product Name
Decorative Screw Plugs
Product Information
Van Dykes Restorers
P. O. Box 278
Woonsocket, SD 57385
Phone: 800-558-1234 (free catalogue)
www.vandykes.com
Segment 4
Faux Finishes on Doors
Designer Kurt Cyr and Christopher shows us the technique of faux macassar ebony on
doors. First choose background color (red-orange) use a semi-gloss paint for the
background color it allows the top paint to slide on. Tape off your design. Make a glaze
mix of half glaze and half black oil based epoxy paint. Brush on liberally with a cheap
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disposable brush in any direction. Drag a comb over the wet paint and kind of squiggle it
a little (wavy) for an exaggerated wood grain effect exposing the base color. (A comb
can be fashioned out of cardboard or, as Kurt did with a rubber squeegee.) To open up
the grain and soften its hardness go back over by dragging clean cotton swabs through the
heavy rows of paint created by the combing. Let dry. Apply a mixture of 1 part amber
shellac with 5 parts denatured alcohol. The shellac will isolate this glaze layer to keep it
from lifting during subsequent steps. Remove tape while glaze is still wet. When dry,
mask the alternate areas. Repeat the above process. When the surface is completely dry,
apply the stain mixture (equal parts of dark oak and dark walnut stain). Brush stain in the
direction of the painted grain. Allow the stain layer to dry completely. Apply another coat
of shellac to isolate the stain layer. When dry, apply three coats of polyurethane sealer.
Materials
Red-Orange semi-gloss paint
Prepared glaze coat
Black Oil-based paint
Dark oak stain
Dark walnut stain
Amber shellac
Denatured Alcohol
Disposable paint brushes
Cotton swabs
Squeegee, cut and notched
Cotton rags
Clear polyurethane sealer (gloss finish)
Guest
Kurt Cyr, Author
Product
Book: Centerpieces Through The Years
By: Kurt Cyr
Contact Information
Kurt Cyr, Author and Interior Designer
www.kurtcyr.com
Product Information
Centerpieces Through The Years
By Kurt Cyr
Self published, available on his website www.kurtcyr.com or call 1-877-KURTCYR
(587-8297)
Segment 5
Bringing Nature into the House
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Christopher shows us a long white hallway with three wood finished doors and a trophy
case along one side and on the ends and French doors on the other long side. Christopher
wants to invite nature into the hall and begins by painting the walls and trim the colors of
nature. He next tackles the doors by adding caning, twigs and bamboo in a wonderful
combination that does bring nature right through the French doors into the hallway. The
trophy case is turned into a bar by removing the door and painting the opening the same
color as the walls. Two oval mirrors are placed against the back of the case to reflect
nature and glass shelving is added.
Materials
Doors:
Caning
Bamboo
Twigs
Nautical Rope
Topbond Adhesive
Instructions
Doors: First prepare by removing the doorknob and placing the door on a flat work
surface. The finish on the door doesn't make any difference since you are going to cover
it anyway. Measure and cut the caning to fit the door. Attach the caning to the door with
Topbond. Be sure to use this adhesive in an open, well-ventilated area and do not use if
pregnant. Apply the adhesive to the backside of the caning with a brush. Smooth out
any wrinkles and weight down until completely dry. The adhesive dries to a yellowish
color. Apply tinted polyurethane sparingly to the front of the caning and wipe with a
clean rag for an antiquish look. Let dry completely and reinstall the doorknob. Measure
and cut the twig pieces to fit around the edge of the door. Mitering where ends meet and
cutting around the doorknob. Attach to the door with finishing nails. Measure the large
piece of bamboo to fit in between the twig frame about a foot above the doorknob, this
will be the centerpiece of the door. Be sure this piece is placed at the same height on all
of your doors. Attach with finishing nails. Next apply nautical rope with hot glue and
finishing nails all around the inside of the twig and bamboo "frames."
Product
Caning
Bamboo
Twigs
Nautical Rope
Topbond Adhesive
Product Info
Caning
Van Dykes Restorers
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Phone: 800-558-1234 (free catalogue)
www.vandykes.com
Bamboo, Twigs and Nauticle Rope
Loose Ends
P. O. Box 20310
Salem, OR 97307
Phone: 503-393-2348
Fax: 503-390-4729
www.looseends.com
E-mail: info@looseends.com
Catalogue: $7.00
Topbond Adhesive
All purpose adhesive available in specialty hardware stores and shoe supply shops.
Segment 6
Walls And How They Can Surround You With Style
Christopher and Decorative Artist, Yolanda Parra show us a finishing technique that
stems around Premixed Concrete Patch.
Instructions
Apply first coat with a wide putty spatula in a thin/skim coat being sure to work into a
smooth finish. Let dry completely before applying the second coat in a similar method.
While the second coat is still wet using whatever kind of decorative stamp/mold you like
press the stamp/mold into the wet concrete over and over to create the effect you like.
The degree of pressure you apply with the stamp/mold will also effect the finish. Can
also use combing tools for a different kind of finish and to divide the wall into different
directions. Mix water with glaze and universal tint and apply liberally with a brush the
dab with a sponge or rag or both for a great old world finish.
One wall was done with just a smooth finish and large shiny steel bolts were screwed
directly into the wall in rows from the bottom up to about wainscoting height.
Guest
Decorative Artist, Yolanda Parra
Guest Information
Decorative Artist, Yolanda Parra
Athens Decorative Painting
8726 Wonderland Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Phone/Telefax: 323-656-2106
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SEASON ONE
E-mail: hkeresztes@earthlink.net
Product
Premixed Concrete Patch
Product Information
Pre-Mixed Concrete Patch
Custom Building Products
Seal Beach, CA
800-272-8786
www.custombuildingproducts.com
SHOW # 208 The Lighting Show
This show takes a look at light fixtures and their different functions throughout the home
and office.
Segment 1
A Lamp Is A Lamp Is Not A Lamp
A visit to Highlights Lighting showroom in Santa Monica gives you the feel of an art
gallery. Christopher has a discussion with Lori Rose of Highlights on the different light
fixtures and their functions throughout the home and office. Lori Rose's best advice in
selecting lighting is to have an open mind.
Guest
Lori Rose
Highlights
Guest Information
Lori Rose
Highlights Lighting
169 Pier Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone 310-399-8210
Segment 2
Furtuny Lamps
Christopher and Suzanna Stratton-Norris of Butterick Company show us how to make
our own Furtuny lamp with the help of a Vogue Pattern.
Materials:
3/4 yard 45" to 60" wide fabric
8" square wire frame (made of Armature wire available in art supply stores)
2 1/4 yards 1/8" cord
1/4 yard 1/16" cord
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One 1 1/4" metal ring
Three beads, approximately 1"
One 4" tassel
Instructions:
Start with a frame fashioned out of steel wire (Armature wire that sculptors use). Can
make one by hammering a u-nail into a board far enough that it is stable but leaving
enough room to slide the wire under the u-shape to bend it into a square about 8-10
inches each side. Join the ends with tape. This is the frame that will support the lamp.
This lampshade is sewn together using a seam technique called a French seam. First,
with wrong sides together, stitch the lamp sections together at the sides, in 1/4" seams.
Next, trim the seam allowance close to the stitching. Turn the lampshade to the wrong
side. Crease along the seam and press. Stitch along the seam lines (in 1/4" seams),
encasing the raw edges.
Turn the lampshade right side out. Crease the shade along each seam and press. Turn in
1/4" on the upper edge and press.
Insert the 8" square lamp frame into the lampshade, aligning the corners of the frame
with the seams. Fold the upper edge of the lampshade down over the frame. Hand sew the
folded edge in place.
For the tassel, you may need to attach a hanging loop to accommodate the peads you
have chosen to use with the tassel. To form loop for the tassel, insert the 1/16" cord
through the tassel loop or the top of the tassel if no loop exists. Slip the beads onto the
loop. Trim any excess cord. Tack the loop to the lower end of the lampshade.
For the lampshade hanger, cut the 1/8" cord in half. Fold each piece of cord in half and
insert the folded edge through the opening in the ring. Thread the ends of the cord
through the loop and check that they are extended evenly. Draw the cord taut around the
ring.
To attach the cords of the hanger to the lampshade. Pin the ends of the cords to each
upper corner on the outside of the lampshade. Adjust the cords so that the lampshade
hangs straight. Knot each end of the cord and tack securely in place. Trim any excess at
the ends of the cords.
Designer tip: for light weight or sheer lampshades, drop a clear marble into the shade to
aid in keeping it's shape. Assemble and install the lighting equipment you have chosen,
following the manufacturer's instructions.
Guest
Susanna Stratton-Norris
Vogue Patterns for Living
Product
Vogue Patterns for Living #2056
Fortuny Lamps
Guest Information
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Susanna Stratton-Norris
Vogue Patterns for Living
1-800-435-8083
Fax: 1-800-338-8165
Product Information
Vogue Patterns for Living #2056
$9.71 available in Fabric stores that carry Vogue Patterns
1-800-435-8083
Fax: 1-800-338-8165
Fortuny Lamps
Made in Italy by Venetia Stadium
www.fortunylamps.com
Segment 3
Lighting And Lighting Design For Public Spaces
A visit to the W Hotel in Los Angeles with Designer, Dayna Lee. Dayna discusses the
many unusual ways she found to light every corner of the public spaces in the hotel. She
underlit the registration desk so the glass top glows under the sign in sheet, backlit the bar
for an inviting effect and enclosed the sinks in the bathrooms and lit them.
Christopher shows us how to do a fun project with the young people in our lives, painted
lightbulbs.
Materials
Lightbulbs
oasis.
Porcelaine Paints (comes either in small tubes or bottles)
Paintbrush
Christopher shows us how to draw a stained glass design with black Porcelaine paint
from a tube and then comes back with bottled Porcelaine in jewel tones and fills in the
color with a brush. This paint is used for painting on dishes and usually has to be "baked"
in an oven at a very low temperature to set and cure the paint, but this is not necessary on
the light bulbs because the heat from the bulb will serve the same purpose.
Guest
Dayna Lee, Designer
www.whotels.com
Product
Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Paints
Contact Information
W Hotel (a Starwood Hotel)
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SEASON ONE
930 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: 310-208-8765
Fax: 310-824-0355
Product Information
Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Paints
Available in art supply stores
www.pebeo.com
E-mail: info@pebeo.com
Segment 4
Christopher Makes a Great Chandelier
Christopher begins with a small five light chandelier made with candlestick type electric
sockets in a shiny brass color and transforms it into a large and beautiful old world look
chandelier with candles and electric lights.
Materials:
small five light chandelier made with candlestick type sockets
Flexall
Dimpled/pounded copper hardware fixtures
3/4 inch plywood
Hot glue gun and amber/heavy duty glue sticks
Spray Paint
Pearl Ex
Tinted Glaze
Eye Hooks
Chain
Using your chandelier to judge the size, cut a doughnut shape large enough to easily set
the chandelier down inside of the hole. The doughnut itself should be about 3-4 inches
wide, this will be your candle ledge. Coat the candle ledge with Flexall and let set till the
Flexall is almost dry, but still pliable and then dimple it all over using the rounded end of
a pencil eraser, doweling or some similar tool. Let dry completely and then turn over and
do the other side and edges.
Christopher then divided his candle ledge into even sections and marked where he
wanted the candles. He used candle cups purchased at Ikea that already had than dimpled
look and mounted them to the candle ledge with hot glue. Do not use the normal craft
glue but purchase the amber, heavy-duty glue sticks for this job.
Next is the painting technique. Using spray paints, bronz, flat rust and brown and then a
bottle of Pearl Ex which is a pigment that has a little bit of bronzing powder in it he
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SEASON ONE
painted all of the surfaces just by spritzing this color here and that color there randomly.
Then he painted over it all with a tinted glaze and let it dry.
Screw four eye hooks into the top of the candle ledge and run chain from the eye hooks to
the main chain. Then use the bronze pieces for decorations on the candle ledge.
Product
Flexall
Spray Paint
Pearl Ex pigments with bronzing powder
Product Info
Flexall Flexible All-purpose Filler
Custom Building Products
Seal Beach, CA
800-272-8786
Web: www.custombuildingproducts.com
Krylon Spray Paint in Bronz and flat rust
Krylon Paints
Sherwin Williams Diversified Brands, Inc.
Krylon Product Group
1460 Midland Bldg.
101 Prospect Avenue, NW
Cleveland, OH 44115
800 247 3268, fax: 216-515-4016
Email: askrylon@krylon.com
Web: www.krylon.com
Web: www.sherwin.com
America's Finest in Brown
TrueValue Hardware Stores
TruServ Corp
8600 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630
Phone: 773-695-5000
Website: http://www.truevalue.com
Pearl Ex Pigments with bronzing powder
Jacquard Products
Rupert, Gibbons & Spider, Inc.
P. O. Box 425
Heddsburg, CA 95448
Phone: 800-442-0455 or 707-433-9577
Fax: 707-433-4906
Website: www.jacquardproducts.com
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Segment 5
A Lighting Makeover
A 70's style home receives a 90's makeover using light fixtures as the art. Christopher
talks to Bruce Leibert of Bruce Liebert Lighting and Interiors, Hollywood about the
transformation and how he used different types of lighting to highlight the different areas
of the home. Some of the fixtures featured are: Oversized Denmark fixture for the
outside light. Step lights and wall mounted fixtures for the courtyard. Main living area
combinations low voltage recessed and puck lights for illuminating objects and task lights
and another adjustable, low voltage fixture on a stem to highlight large colorful painting,
A cable system runs the length of the living area gives a general light accents the ceiling
and the architecture and also gives the opportunity to have directional lighting a you can
use the lights in different levels. O myma by Inglemaur, a German designer in the Dining
room featured in the Museum of Modern Art in New York made of silver leafed paper
with iridescent colors on top
Christopher has fun with Lynn Winter of Lynn's Paradise Café, Louisville, Kentucky as
she hosts the ugliest lamp contest, the winning lamp is a dead fish creation.
Guest
Bruce Leibert
Lynn Winter
Guest Info
Bruce Leibert
Bruce Leibert Lighting and Interiors
1228 Dunsmuir
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Lynn Winter Lynn's Paradise Café
984 Barret Avenue
Louisville, KY 40204
Phone: 502-583-3447
Segment 6
Punched Tin Lampshades
Janice McCarty of Janice McCarty Design shows us how to create beautiful lampshades
from a kit for punched lamp shades of aluminum. Janice shows us some variations to use
in conjunction with her kits including scalloping the bottom of the shade by tracing on
the scallop design and cutting with regular scissors. She recommends wearing thin cotton
gloves when handling the metal. Some are adorned with looped wire and washers. The
shades made of tin rather than aluminum can be painted with patina. She uses a Santa
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cake mold for the base of one lamp and a chandelier with small metal shades as well as a
wall sconce.
Next Christopher uses the telestrator to advise a viewer on what kind of lampshade to use
for a very large driftwood lamp. Christopher recommends a white canvas in a very
architectural design, very wide at the bottom, narrowing at the top.
Guest
Janice McCarty
Guest Information
Janice McCarty, Fashion/Home Designer
Janice McCarty Design
310-393-6858
SHOW #209 DECORATIVE TOUCHES
It’s about those do-dads and special little things you can add to your home to make it a
reflection of your personality.
Segment 1
Grommets
Christopher discusses the new trend of using grommets with Lisa Morrice of HoulesUSA. Christopher and Lisa demonstrate that with the Nicodecor selection you don't need
tools and they hae a 6 color selection. Christopher and Lisa show us how to apply
grommets and eyelet tape to add visual interest. Christopher and Lisa discuss some of the
Nicodecor products and how well they introduce color into your home with a
sophisticated, yet youthful touch. Lisa also shows some other accent pieces from the
Nicodecor collection.
Materials
2 yards of curtain fabric
2 packages of eyelet tape
1 package of eyelet
Instructions
This curtain is very simple to make. It measures 108" long X 72" wide, or approximately
2 yards of fabric. You just finish the edges with a sewing machine. Apply the eyelet tape,
open the tape at the bottom. Put the thermo-adhesive tape on top of the eyelet tape. Place
the fabric on top of the termo adhesive. Place another strip of thermo adhesive on top of
the fabric, close the bottom of the eyelet tape, and iron it. You can also sew the fabric
directly to the tape. The tape has holes for the eyelets. Take an eyelet, open it, and put the
side with the small spikes on the under side of the curtain. Place the other half of the
eyelet on the topside of the curtain and push the eyelets halves together.
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Guest
Lisa Morrice
Product
Grommets and eyelet tape
Drapery/Toiles-Beurtin/Code 13016
Throw/Haras/Code 78520
Pillows/Borgia/Codes 78056 & 78100
Tablecloth/Byriade/Code 78659
Tassel Tie-Back/Precieuse/Code 35358
Rod/Tantulo/Code 66472
Finial/Atlas/Code 66599
Napkin Rings/Festin/Code 37781
Guest Information
Lisa Morrice
Publicist for Houles
1335 Coral Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: 949-497-8335
Fax: 949-497-9142
E-mail: lhmorrice@aol.com
Product Information
All products shown available from:
Houles - USA
8584 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90069
310-652-6171
E-mail: houlesusa@houles.com
Web: www.houles.com
To Purchase on line: www.drapesnthings.com
Segment 2
Hunting Lodge Transformation
Michael Rudin, owner, Michael L. Rudin, Inc. gives us a tour of his home in the hills
above Los Angeles. He has transformed a 1940s hunting lodge in a European style
hideaway. The lure for Michael was in the play of the inside and the outside and the play
of the light. He put French doors where windows were for access to the veranda from the
living area and added windows to bring light into the naturally dark rooms which are all
pine paneled. He wanted something a little more European and a little less American in
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a very American house. He accomplished this very eclectic look with his accessories
from all over the world. Most of his pieces have been inherited and collected over his
lifetime. Michael very successfully blends pieces of contemporary and antique side by
side. Arranges in 3's, 5's or 7's - the oriental design way.
Guest
Michael Rudin
Guest Information
Michael Rudin
Michael L.Rudin, Inc.
8132 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: 323-658-7601
Segment 3
Decorative Touches Throughout the House
Christopher talks about how colorful, decorative touches can make a room come alive.
We take a look at the showcase house for some demonstrations of this technique. In a
bathroom, large, black cubbyholes over a counter area were stuffed with rolled gray and
white towels for a great spiral effect. Also on the counter area is a collection of candles
which, when lit change the whole ambiance of the room. In an archway over the tub area
a valance of velvet on velvet in a step design gives it that special touch. You can also add
decorative touches in finishes. Christopher uses a wonderful graining technique to adorn
a door in the bathroom of the showcase home.
A Stenciled cornice with shirred fabric added, dressed up a window area.
In the kitchen are crackled finished cabinets and he has used stainless steel towel bars and
utensil bars for door and drawer pulls and added open shelves, painted the same color as
the walls and filled with stainless steel utensils. To the kitchen window he simply added
three shelves across the double window and painted them the same color as the walls for
holding pieces that we don't mind leaving in plain view. The shelves double as a window
treatment because they break up the view. In the living room he uses cornice pieces over
doorways and pillows; and in the back hallway - bowl of flowers. Christopher used lots
of Pottery Barn accents - pillows in velvet and chenilles (and they also provide covers to
change the looks from velvets to sweater material), clocks, candles.
Product
Pillows in velvet and chenille
Pillow Covers, etc.
Product Information
Pottery Barn
800-922-9934
Website: www.potterybarn.com
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Segment 4
Mosaics
Joe Fenzl, Owner of Decorative Arts of Los Angeles shows us how to do the ancient art
of mosaics
Instructions:
Direct method: Pour cement into your frame first then choose a pattern and trace in onto
tracing paper with a water soluble pen. Press the paper into the wet cement to transfer the
design . Using a mallet and hardy break the smaltie glass tile into the sizes you need and
apply to the wet cement design..
Materials
Frame
Cement
Smalties
Mallet and Hardy
Tracing Paper
Water soluble Pen
Guest
Joe Fenzl
Guest Information
Joe Fenzl, Owner
Decorative Arts of Los Angeles
Segment 5
Making Your Own Decorative Switchplates
Kevin Loughran of Longhran Designs' House Jewlery, shows some of his doorbells,
switchplates and dimmers in beautiful designs. Then he and Christopher demonstrate
how to make some ourselves.
Instructions
Switch plates & dimmer switches: Using matte board line up your current plate and cut to
match. Paint the matte board with copper topper then add patina green. You can add an
old earring to a round dimmer switch to top it off.
Picture Lights: Kevin uses the same painting technique on picture light shades. He uses
the matte board cutting a jagged edge and then bending and gluing to the lamp.
Guest
Kevin Loughran
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SEASON ONE
Guest Information
Kevin Loughran
Longhran Design's House Jewelry
RR1 Box 264
Gaviota, CA 93117
Phone: 805-968-4394
Fax: 805-968-5774
Website: www.housejewelry.com
E-mail: Kevin@housejewelry.com
Segment 6
Christopher Makes Decorative Knobs
Christopher demonstrates how to make your own decorative knobs with clay molds and
Hydrocal.
Instructions
Choose a knob that your would like to copy and spray it with vegetable spray before
mashing it into your block of clay, you may have to pound it with a piece of wood to get
a good imprint. You can make as many molds as you need in this manner, cutting the
clay with a piece of wire. Next, mix your Hydrocal by adding the Hydrocal to water.
Using rubber gloves and a plastic bucket, mix with your hands, it feels very liquid but
will thicken. Keep adding till it gets to a paste quality. Get the mixture to a thick
mayonnaise consistency and transfer into a container with a pour spout so you can pour
into your molds. Once the molds are full, imbed a screw or nail while the mixture is wet.
Materials:
Decorative Knob
Hydrocal
Clay #1
Wire
Vegetable spray
Screws or Nails
Products
Decorative Knob
Hydrocal
Product Information
Decorative Knobs from
Restoration Hardware
15 Koch Road, Suite J
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Corte Madera, CA 94925
Fax: 415-446-4188
Website: www.restorationhardware.com
Hydrocal
USG Corporation
125 South Franklin Street
Chicago, IL 60606
312-606-4000
800-874-4968
Website: www.usg.com/proplast
Show #210 Flea Market Show
Like uncovering buried treasure, on this episode, Christopher shows us how to decorate
with one-of-a-kind charm using flea market finds.
SEGMENT 1
Christopher's Flea Market Shopping Tips
Our first destination is the Long Beach flea market in Los Angeles with Christopher
where he gives shopping tips and finds some great pieces along the way.
Tips
Come early for the best stuff
Stay late for the best deals
Take plenty of cash
Dress comfortably in layers (but don't look too prosperous)
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Take water
Take a tape measure
Take a tote and some plastic grocery bags
SEGMENT 2
Flea Market Interiors with Nancy Soriano of Country Living Magazine
Nancy Soriano of Country Living Magazine shows off great flea market inspired interiors
and displays choice pieces that can be injected into any interior. Nancy suggests coming
prepared to flea markets with sunhat, notepad and a list of some specific things you want.
Nancy shows us how she used some flea market finds to decorate in a monochromatic
white on white for a very sophisticated, contemporary look. She suggests massing
collections together for display and drama. Don't be afraid the use things out of context,
i.e., a vintage hanky for a napkin. Mix time periods and follow your instincts.
Nancy Soriano
Country Living Magazine
P. O. Box 7138
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SEASON ONE
Red Oak, IA 51591
800-888-0128
Web site: www.countryliving.com
SEGMENT 3
Recycling Fleas Market Finds with Lindley Boegehold
Don’t know what to do with the finds after you get them home? Lindley Boegehold,
publisher of Eco-Deco discusses the unusual pieces she’s recycled including everything
from wine corks to vintage car seats. Then she demonstrates a wooden planter box made
from recycled wood. Examples of her pieces include a border of old wine corks around a
fireplace, wine bottle table, ring curtain of plastic bottle rings, contemporary shelving
made of cinder blocks, a rag rug and curio cabinet made of driftwood.
Demo Directions
Driftwood Planter
Build a frame of 1 by 2s the size you want the planter. Add four uprights of 2 by 2s with
blocks on the bottom for legs with felt added frame out the top with 1X4 mitering the
corners to fit. Add on the driftwood or beat up wood with glue over the lumber to make
it look rustic. Take pieces of driftwood and cut to fit upright between the top and bottom
frame and mount with glue and/or nails and use the cut off pieces and glue to the top of
the top frame to make it look like the driftwood extends right through the wood frame.
Book: Eco Deco: Chic Ecological Design Using Recycled Materials
By Stewart Walton, Sally Walton
Lindley Boegehold, Publisher
SEGMENT 4
Flea Market Art with Jim Shaw
Artist Jim Shaw displays paintings from a collection of over 300 pieces he has purchased
from vintage stores around the country.
Christopher visits with artist Jim Shaw who has an extensive collection of flea market
paintings of every sort.
Product Information
Book; Thrift Store Paintings
By Jim Shaw
Heavy Industry Publications
35 S Venice Blvd,
Venice, CA 90291
310-822-6338
Segment 5
How To Fix Flea Market Finds, Christopher Demo
Christopher updates a wooden console table by creating a customized stain.
Demo Directions
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Start with base peachy terra cotta color then apply polyurethane as a barrier between the
paint and Minwax stain. Apply stain with brush and comb to create a grain look. Use a
blue tinted glaze, apply it to the chest, then blot the glaze with a clean rag to tone down
and antique the chest. Using lathing strips as a straight edge to paint straight, gold bands
on the chest. Christopher used Ralph Lauren gold paint which usually needs a couple of
coats. Add decorative hardware.
Minwax Stain
Phone: 800-523-9299
E-Mail: askminwax@minwax.com
Web site: www.minwax.com
Ralph Lauren Gold Paint
Sherwin-Williams Corp.
101 Prospect Avenue N.W.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216- 566-2000
Web site: www.sherwin.com or www.sherwinwilliams.com
Segment 6
Vintage Lampshade Makeover with Rebecca Russo
Designer Rebecca Russo demonstrates how vintage lampshades can be remodeled into
decorative art paper leaf shades.
Demo Directions
Look for lamp shades with metal frames and use a razor to cut material off. Clean the
frame thoroughly. If the frame will show, apply Rub ‘n’ Buff (found in art or craft
stores) to put a finish on the metal frame. Cover the shade with sheer rice paper. Cut out
leaf shapes and use a glue gun to layer leaves onto the frame. Overlap the leaves until the
entire shade is covered. Use fabric trim around the top and bottom for a finished look.
Rebecca Russo, Decorative Artist
323-931-6890
Rub 'n’ Buff
American Art Clay Co., Inc.
4717 W. 16th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46222
800-374-1600
Web site: http://www.amaco.com
SHOW #211 WINDOW SHOW
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SEASON ONE
This show is all about all sorts of different treatments to cover and enhance your
windows.
Segment 1
Showcase House Dining Room Window “Before” & “After”
Instructions
Allow plenty of time for planning. Hire a professional if you don’t have the time. Taking
a look at some of the photos from her book, she described a backyard home wedding
including the ceremonial look of rows of chairs used to create an aisle to the altar.
Flowers are an important part of a wedding. A gazebo with an archway can be the
location for the ceremony, then re-set for the cake cutting later. Crowd flow is very
important. Think about how guests will move from one area to another. An intimate
setting in front of a fireplace shows a bride and groom table. Another photo shows a
casual but romantic room from a second marriage. In studio, Beverly shows the wedding
accessories she designed – a guest book and pen, boxes with flowers for table gifts, the
ring bearer pillows and a small purse for the bride.
Product Information
Beverly Clark’s Weddings: A Celebration
By Beverly Clark
Running Press
Segment 2
Transforming Your Backyard for the Wedding
Guest Van-Martin Rowe takes us on a tour of a party rental company to show us a
selection of items available to transform a backyard for a fabulous wedding. Guest Frank
Burkhard from Burkhard Nurseries brings in landscaping accessories for the backyard
ceremony.
Instructions
Van-Martin Rowe chose both silver and gold service items and combined them on the
tables. He used silver sugar bowls for place sets. Tablecloths come in a beautiful rainbow
of colors. He selected neutrals for the base colors and layered them with pink and peach
toppers. Pastels set off the silver and gold. The accessories shouldn’t compete with the
bride and groom. Round rental tables come in a variety of sizes. Decide how many you
want to seat at each table. Ladder back opera chairs look beautiful when topped with
cushions and ribbons. When completed the table looks fabulous. He used only candles,
no flowers. The candles add a beautiful soft shimmer and make everybody look
wonderful. The chapel was set with a center aisle and the altar was raised 4 feet to allow
everyone to see the ceremony.
Instructions
Frank Burkhard transforms the yard with plantings and container gardens. He begins with
stepping stones to create a formal walkway. Then he places kumquat trees at the head of
the walkway and continues adding potted trees along the path. Be symmetrical. Add
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
topiaries and colorful container gardens. Repeat plants and colors. Add colorful plants in
between the stepping stones.
Guest info
Van-Martin Rowe
Interior Designer
Van-Martin Rowe Design Studios
2580 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, 91107
626-577-4736
www.vanmartin.com
Frank Burkard, Jr.
Burkard Nurseries
690 Orange Grove Avenue
Pasadena, CA
626-796-4355
Segment 3
Floral Accents
Floral designer Dohki Mimirani demonstrates floral centerpiece arrangements and other
ways to accent the wedding with flowers. Christopher shows how stretch fabric chair
covers can transform folding chairs.
Instructions
Choose a theme for the wedding and select flowers that coordinate with the theme.
Surround an arch with flowers to frame the bride and groom at the altar. Use exotic
peacock feathers to add an Asian quality. Weave rosemary and thyme or other herbs
through the flowers for aroma. Table arrangements need height so guests can see across
the table. Candelabra add height and scale with a full look. Unify the bridal boquet and
centerpieces by using the same flowers throughout. Make centerpieces the night before.
Use small silver vases to adorn the tables. Change the ordinary look of the house into
something extraordinary.
Guest Info
Dohki Mimirani
Jasmine Blue Flowers Plants
13826 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423-3629
818-986-0333
Product Info
SculptChair Stretch-to-Fit Chair covers
Web: sculptchair.com
Segment 4
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SEASON ONE
Decorating the Cake Table
Christopher demonstrates a table dressing using three different fabrics for a beautiful
cake table. Then he decorates the wedding cake with orchids.
Instructions
Use a trash can as a base. Cut two pieces of plywood into rounds with the smallest round
being the same size as the opening of the trash can. Secure the two pieces of wood
together, centering the small disc in the largest one. Place the small disc inside the trash
can. Layer three fabrics over the table – first a tablecloth, next an iridescent organza
followed by a sheet white fabric on top. Gather the sheer fabric from the bottom and pleat
halfway up the table leg. Wrap with a rubber band. Use a T pin to pin the flowerette to
the table from under the skirt. Create scallops with the top sheer fabric. Pull up the
iridescent organza between the flowerettes and secure underneath with T pins. Add bows
to hide the rubber bands. Fluff the fabric and bows.
Use cut orchids and cascade them down the sides of the cake at the corners. Don’t
overdo. When the cake is served, include an orchid on each plate.
Segment 5
Wedding Buffet Tablescape
Home Entertainment Expert Deborah Fabricant brings her table decorating expertise to
the buffet table.
Instructions
Have on hand silk charmuse, crushed velvet and raw silk fabric right from the bolt to
drape over and around the buffet table. Use handmade papers trimmed with moss and
ferns for place cards and invitations. Invest in a cake knife for a keepsake for the bride.
Rent romantic china or mix and match from Grandma’s. Use a combination of antique
and new stemware. Find beautiful paper wedding napkins. Keep finger food simple.
Make an ice ring with flowers embedded inside to surround champagne bottles.
Guest Info
Deborah Fabricant
Home Entertainment Expert and author
Los Angeles, CA
Email: fabfood@earthlink.net
Web: www.stackitup.com
Segment 6
Backyard Honeymoon Cottage
Christopher shows the storage shed he made over last season into the fantasy folly room
transformed into a backyard honeymoon getaway. Gracious Rooms of Calabasas, CA
provided the design and accessories.
Instructions
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SEASON ONE
Gracious Rooms of Calabasas, CA designed an ordinary storage shed into a glorious
romantic backyard honeymoon cottage. White fabric was shirred along the back and side
walls and romantically draped over string across the ceiling. The bed was dressed with
luxurious linens and mounds of fluffy pillows. Aromatic scents were scattered throughout
the room. Candles provided a romantic ambiance. Decadent chocolates on silver trays
were placed beside the bed. A bed tray complete with strawberries and a small bridal gift
was left across the bed. A French wash basin with luxurious vanity accessories was
placed in the corner. A romantic table for two was set with champagne on a vintage
tablecloth.
Product Info
Honeymoon room design
Gracious Rooms
4776 Commons Way
Calabasas, CA 91302
818-591-9797
Show #212 Paint Party Show
Christopher shows how to throw a paint party where guests can have a good time and the
host’s white walls disappear.
SEGMENT 1
Prep the House
Christopher shows how to prepare the house for the party and design the invitations using
painting supplies as the theme. Christopher uses an empty paint can stuffed with some
painting accessories and applies the invitation to the outside of the can like a paint label.
Tell your guests not to wear jewelry or good clothes. You might want to have a raffle or a
giveaway.
Take a look at your room and decide what paint will be used on each area, i.e.
wainscoting should probably be painted the same color as your trim. Tchochkes should
be removed to a box. Remove pictures and nails and spackle the holes. Move furniture
into the center of the room and cover it all with clear plastic drop cloths, taping the plastic
to the bottom of furniture legs to keep it from sliding off. Lay at least 2-3 feet of paper
around the perimeter of the room to prevent any spilling onto the flooring. Write on the
paper with arrows and labels pointing to the walls, trim, etc. and write the name and
number of the paint color for each one. Be sure all paint cans are well labeled. Tape off
around windows along edge of baseboards, etc.
SEGMENT 2
Tools and Paint Equipment with Lesley Carlson
Lesley Carlson of The Home Depot and Christopher discuss some of the tools and
equipment needed. They include drop cloths, paint trays and paint tray liners, extra paint
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buckets, rollers (3/8 inch for use on drywall), roller extensions for ceilings, brushes
(synthetic for latex paint), rubber gloves, painter's tape, paint can keys, spackle, paint can
inserts and paint cleanup wipes.
Lesley Carlsen
Home Depot
2455 Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta, Ga 30339
800-553-3199
Web site: www.homedepot.com
SEGMENT 3
How to Apply the Paint
Christopher shows his guests how to apply the paint to the different areas.
Load the roller with paint, then roll some off onto the top of the tray so the roller is not
overloaded. When rolling the paint on the wall work in an X pattern then go back and fill
in. When cutting in around windows, corners and moldings use a small straight edge
brush. Always apply two coats of paint to trim with a small, straight edge paintbrush.
SEGMENT 4
Walls With Style with Michael Walsh
Christopher welcomes guest Michael Walsh who shows how to paint designs on walls
with the help of "Walls with Style™" kits by EZ PAINTR. The kits have special rollers
for striping, plaids, stippling and rag finishes. Simply apply a base coat and go back over
it with another color using the special rollers in the kits. Michael painted the center wall
of the paint party room with the rag roller kit and Lowell Lavender Paint.
Michael Walsh
"Walls with Style™"
EZ PAINTR
Division of Newell Rubbermaid
6833 Statler Drive, Suite 100
Rockford, IL 61108
800-424-1941
800-558-3958
Web site: www.ezpaintr.com
SEGMENT 5
Paint Party Tablescape
Christopher shows how to build a paint party tablescape out of tools from the paint store.
Demo Directions
Christopher builds up rather than out, since all the furniture is placed into the center of
the room. Christopher uses paint cans for lifts and levels elevating platters and small
bowls of dip. He also uses lettuce lined quart paint cans. Gallon paint cans could also be
used for soup. He used artist palettes as platters and putty knives for spreading pate. Mud
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SEASON ONE
trowels come in handy as candle holders and for serving crackers and chips. Be sure to
select colorful foods.
SEGMENT 6
Treasure Hunt on Walls
Christopher shows us how to accessorize our newly painted room.
Demo Directions
Christopher used a purple brocade fabric and tacked it in a draping effect directly to the
wall. He then swagged it back with a gunmetal tieback with fleur de lis design. He added
a casual hand-painted narrow table under the window which picks up the color of the
wall. He placed one large abstract piece on one of the side walls and two smaller black
and white pictures on the other side wall. He added a birdcage between the table and the
pictures to bridge the two. He finished by adding a pedestal and a topiary.
Show #213 Ocean Living
A beautiful ocean side decor can be achieved no matter where you live and in this
episode Christopher gives the design how to’s to do just that.
SEGMENT 1
Ocean Views from the book, Waterside Homes
Christopher takes us to the sea shore featuring interiors from the book Waterside Homes.
The book highlights the use of white or muted colors, window treatments that let in the
light and neutral furnishings. Pale blue color on the walls of a bedroom along with the
print fabric of the bed drapes and flea market finds all painted white bring the ocean look
to the room. Rattan furniture is used often in the oceanside theme to give the room a
natural outdoor feel. In the room we see a harlequin patterned fabric that ties in with the
rattan chaise. Simple white sheers hung from bed posts give a bedroom a whispy look.
Typical cabana strips colors add a lot of theatre to a room and immediately say “spa.”
Light colored trim and dark colored walls bring the eye to the light color.
Book: Waterside Homes
By Marcie Stuchin, Susan Abramson
SEGMENT 2
Past Ocean Makeovers/Kid’s Bedroom, Before
Christopher takes a look at three bedroom makeovers from previous shows using an
ocean theme. Then he takes a look at the “before” of kid’s bedroom and preparations for
the ocean style makeover.
SEGMENT 3
Boat Bed, Christopher Demo
In his workshop, Christopher demonstrates how to create the boat bed that inspired the
room makeover.
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SEGMENT 4
Kid’s Bedroom, During/Hancock Park Design House
It’s back for the “during” phase of the makeover where the both the bed and wall mural
are taking shape. Christopher returns to the kid’s bedroom during the interim stage of
construction to show the progress on the room.
Next, we take a look at the Hancock Park Design Showcase House for a tour of Carolyn
Oliver-Broder’s ocean inspired powder room. She used pale sage background color
accented by natural furnishings and materials. The glass sink and mosaic floor along with
the soft background color all combine to make a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. No
matter where you live the right combinations of color, light and accents can bring the
decorative elements of the oceanside home.
Hancock Park Design Showcase House
Assistance League
1370 North St. Andrews Place
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-469-1973
Showcase House Hotline: 877-482-3237
Web site: www.assistanceleague.net/
Web site: www.designhousela.org/archives/2002/history.shtml
SEGMENT 5
Kid’s Nautical Themed Bedroom, After
Christopher reveals the completed nautical kid’s room and takes us on a full tour. A little
plywood, a little paint and a lot of creativity a fabulous fantasy room is created. Boat
cleats and a light to the bow of the boat bed complete the look. It is painted in red, white
and blue, with hockey puck lights along the front of the cabin. Blue linens dress the bed.
Just the bed by itself would be a fabulous fantasy. Giving the gift of imagination to your
kids is a wonderful experience. It’s a great place for your kids to spend some quality
fantasy time. A boxy bureau was painted in a cartoon style with exaggerated wood
graining. The floor was painted to look like the ocean with waves lapping up on the sand.
Footprints were painted in the sand. The mural has a deco feel to it that’s all about
illusions. A child can sit at the dock desk and project himself out onto the pier. The
lighthouse bookcase provides the essential storage kids really need. And it’s dressed with
the things that kids really love. Lighting makes a big difference, too. An inexpensive
wood toy chest was covered with a piece of foam and painted to match the cartoon style
of the wood grained bureau. The canvas window treatments were made from PVC pipe,
grommets and nautical rope that lashed a piece of canvas to the pipe.
Paint
Wall color: Dusted Mint
Ceiling color: Kiss of Grape
Trim: Cherry Dust
The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Web site: www.christopherlowell.com
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Armoire, trunk
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web site: www.ikea.com
SEGMENT 6
Shell Furniture with Guest Sandi Reinke
Guest Sandi Reinke of Loose Ends joins Christopher to show some samples of furniture
she embellished with shells and natural organic materials for the look of the seashore.
Christopher and Sandi review photos from Coastal Living Magazine that show examples
of a table decorated with shells and a corner hutch lined with seashells.
Materials for Small Console Table
Gold metallic tissue sheets
Rice krispy shells, 2 to 2-1/2 lbs.
Burnt krispy shells, 2 to 2-12 lbs.
Catalina Cockles
Shell scallops
Capiz Disc shells
Golden’s Gel Medium – extra heavy gel (matte)
Hot glue and glue gun
White glue and water mixture
Antique gold and brown acrylic paint
Olive green acrylic paint
Demo Directions
Distress gold tissue paper and use white glue and water mixture. Glue on table. Wrinkles
are OK and will give it a more opulent look. Dry overnight.
When table is dry, wipe with soft cloth, dab on paint and rub into piece giving the table
an antiqued look. Dry overnight. When table is completely dry you can start gluing
shells.
Tips:
Heavy shells must be hot glued in place. Shells should all face the same direction. Work a
3 to 4 inch area at a time, especially when working with small shells. Covering piece with
paper first helps the shells stay on when glued.
Use palette knife to put on gel.
Loose Ends
2065 Madrona Ave. SE
Salem, OR 97307
503-390-2348
Fax: 503 390-4724
Catalogue: $12.00
Email: info@looseends.com
Web site: www.looseends.com
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SHOW #214 THE ROOM THAT SHAGGED ME
Retro furnishings and décor have lasted the test of time. The show takes a look at the
comeback of the retro look.
Segment 1
AUSTIN POWERS SET DESIGNER
Cindy Charette, set designer for the movie Austin Powers joins Christopher for a review
of the retro look. Photos from the movie sets of Marilyn Monroe movies, Sunset Strip
(not yet released), Vampire in New York and of course Austin Powers showed the
influences of the retro style. A scene from Joe Dimaggio’s house in a Marilyn Monroe
movie featured a cylindrical lamp with three legs. Another floor lamp from a ‘70s hotel
room scene from a new movie called Sunset Strip was made with a long chrome curved
neck with a chrome globe on the end. Cindy finds retro looking furniture and accessories
from prop houses in Hollywood or has things made. She renders many of her own
drawings for her set designs but also uses illustrators for putting ideas down on paper.
Many of the materials used to distinguish the retro look are Plexiglas, Lucite and molded
plastic. Another view of the hotel room showed a sunken living room with a large semicircular “pit” sofa. A boutique room featured an “over the top” Janis Joplin look with
bold colors. Rattan furniture was used in a room of the Vampire in New York set. And of
course the retro look wouldn’t be complete without a look at the Austin Powers movie.
Bold, bright colors and overscale psychedelic designs demonstrate the look…even down
to the use of the molded plastic hand shaped chairs with shag pillows.
Segment 2
RETRO ROOM MAKEOVER BEFORE
Do you enjoy the influences of the past but aren’t really quite sure how to integrate them
into today’s lifestyle? We’ve got furniture randomly placed and we see lots of influences.
We see a retro rug with an interesting ottoman. And we have dorm furniture at best. We
got our friend HarRy Siegel who’s going to come in and bring us all sorts of incredible
furniture that he’s designed. And we’re going to literally transform this space into, well,
kind of a retro ‘50s, ‘60s millennium thing. The whole idea is about being creative, about
taking bold color choices and retreating the surfaces. We’re going to take corrugated
aluminum and use it as a wainscoting. And incorporate very bold black and white stripes
on the walls, shag carpet on the floor and lots of bold colors for accessories.
Christopher reviewed his drawings for the makeover of the space and showed samples of
fabrics, speckled linoleum designed fabric and bold, mod colors. Some of the nature
inspired, classic patterns and chenilles also fit together.
Segment 3
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RETRO ROOM DURING/PELICAN HOTEL TOUR
Christopher takes us back to the retro room makeover for a look at the progress so far.
Then he visits the Pelican Hotel in Miami Beach, FL for a look at the retro decorating of
this classic hotel.
What inspired the wall treatment for our retro room or kind of mod, hip room is
corrugated tin which is available at just about any hardware store. Before we installed it
all the way around the room as a wainscoting, we first marked off the room with very
large stripes and painted alternating vertical black and white stripes. They add height to
the room and the corrugated tin adds a high-tech feel.
That’s what makes going back to other periods and bringing them forward really work.
For the radiator cover, we took plumbing flanges and elbows, carved foam cushions and
threaded galvanized pipe through the middle of them. This was inspired by the old
radiator look but what a contemporary feel it has and it’s a great sculpture look. We’re
going to come up with a very interesting sort of amoeba linoleum wall treatment that
actually goes on the floor to make that sort of interesting. And then HarRy Sigel is going
to bring in his furniture and really show us how you can be really over the top and have
some fun.
Pelican Hotel Tour
Hotel guests at the Pelican Hotel have two dozen different themed rooms to choose from
when checking in. They all feature bold colors with furnishings from all over the world.
Designers used broken mosaic tiles on countertops, a mirror made from hundreds of
recycled bottle caps and a lot of plastic. Each room was designed to be as different and
unique as possible. They tapped into their imaginations to create an environment that
makes us smile. The hotel is a place where you can feel comfortable and free.
Noelle Stevenson
The Pelican Hotel
Miami Beach, FL
Segment 4
RETRO ROOM AFTER/HARRY SIGEL/RIBBON LAMP DEMO
In this segment, Christopher describes the features of the retro room after its
transformation, interviews HarRy Sigel about the furniture he designed and demos the
ribbon lamp shown in the retro room.
Retro Room After
There is so much going on in this room and whether you love the mod or you don’t love
the mod, there are so many great ideas in here that are applicable to almost any
environment. And it really it’s about color and it’s about using your imagination and your
sense of humor to make an interior that is actually quite credible. In the corner here we
just basically took Christmas lights and we found these storage bags at IKEA, cut little
holes in them and basically strung them right to the top of the Christmas lights. Now we
have this wonderful illuminary column that sort of is a focal point of this wall. The
window treatments are pieces of art paper folded and cut out like snowflakes. The paper
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was unfolded, ironed and hung as background over the windows. This helps filter the
light, obstruct the view a little bit and, more importantly, it adds a modern pattern to the
room. The rugs are just linoleum which was randomly cut into rounded, spirited shapes,
just a little paint stippled on them, and we scattered them around the room to break up the
texture of the no so great hardwood floors. The radiator bench has been covered with
stretchy fabric in coordinating colors and is not only comfortable but can moved
anywhere in the room. It’s a great alternative to the formal ottoman. We found these
really interesting storage bins, bought 5 of them, bolted them together in a stairstep
pattern to give it a really mod look, repainted them and left the wheels that were
originally on them on both ends. So this is a completely movable unit.
HarRy Sigel Interview
HarRy Sigel was inspired by the ‘20s, ‘50s and ‘60s and designed a line of furniture that
is an expression of his artistic nature. He incorporated bold colors and textures into his
designs. All ages of people are interested in his furniture, especially those who appreciate
the high energy of the color.
Ribbon Lamp Demo
Christopher shows how to make the ribbon lamp.
Instructions
Ribbon Lamp
Cut 1’ to 1-1/2” wide ribbon into lengths. Vary the lengths by color.
Turn a lampshade upside down so that the largest diameter is on the top and the harp is
on the bottom.
Hot glue the longest lengths of ribbon to the rim of the shade.
Layer the ribbons around the rim adding the next layer of slightly shorter ribbons.
Complete as many layers as desired, using shorter ribbons with each layer.
Use light colored ribbons so the light will come through.
Hot glue braid trim around the edge of the shade to hide the ribbon edges and finish the
edge of the shade.
Hot glue seam tape on the inside of the shade.
Try using layers of different types of white ribbon. The white on white look is absolutely
gorgeous.
Guest Info
HaRry Sigel
Interior Designer
HaRry Fine Art Furniture
8639 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
310-559-7863
www.harryartfurniture.com
Product Info
Storage units
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IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web: www.ikea.com
Segment 5
ECHOES Magazine, Guest Scott Cheverie
Christopher invites guest Scott Cheverie, Publisher of Echoes Magazine to show some
pieces that will stand the test of time. The magazine is devoted to the idea of modernism.
It’s sometimes hard to tell the difference as we remember retro rooms for their multiple
colors and vibrant tones. Fabric on furniture is whimsical. Red accent pieces pull the eye
toward them. Many of the accent pieces are bright. Backgrounds are neutral. Vintage
pieces such as molded chairs are making a comeback. Today we’re reinvesting back into
the rich wall colors that stand the test of time. Lines of the furniture are classic and
timeless.
Guest Info
Scott Cheverie
Publisher
Echoes Magazine
Deco-Echoes
PO Box 155
Cummaquit, MA 76237
800-695-5768
508-362-3822
Web: www.deco-echoes.com/magfirst.html
Segment 6
RADIATOR OTTOMAN DEMO
Christopher shows us how to make the retro looking ottoman out of plumbing hardware,
stretch knit fabric and upholstery foam.
Attach a plumbing flange to accommodate 2” galvanized steel pipe to a short pieces of
pipe representing the desired height of the ottoman. Attach a plumbing elbow to the other
end. Make two of these, one for each end of the ottoman. Cut a piece of galvanized pipe
the length of the ottoman, measuring the depth of the upholstery foam and multiplying by
the number of foam pieces you’re using. We used 6 pieces of foam.
Carve six pieces of upholstery foam at least 4” thick into large squares that will be placed
upright so that the seat will be formed by the edges. Round the edges. Make a paper
template of the face of the foam pieces to use as a pattern for cutting out fabric. Cut two
pieces of fabric about an inch larger than the template. Cut a strip of fabric the width of
the foam long enough to go all the way around the piece of foam. Construct each cushion
cover by stitching a front and back to the center boxing strip. Turn right side out. Cover
all the foam pieces with batting using spray adhesive to adhere the batting to the foam.
Slip the covers on all cushions.
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Find the center of each foam cushion and cut a round hole for the pipe to go through.
Thread the pipe through the center of each cushion and attach the pipe to the elbow at the
other end of the bench.
Show #215 Seven Layers of Design
Christopher explains his fabulous Seven Layers of Design one layer at a time.
SEGMENT 1
Overview of the Seven Layers
Christopher reviews the Seven Layers of design from years past by showing a room that
was redesigned using Christopher’s formula for decorating a room. The system is
designed to keep you on budget and out of overwhelm. An overview of the layers is:
Layer 1:
Paint & Architectural Elements
Layer 2:
Installed Flooring
Layer 3:
High-ticket Upholstery Items
Layer 4:
Accent Fabrics
Layer 5:
Accent Side Furniture, Non-upholstered Furniture, “Workhorses” of the
room
Layer 6:
Accessories
Layer 7:
Plants and Lighting
SEGMENT 2
LAYER 1: Paint and Architectural Elements
Now in Layer number 1 it’s a two parter, it’s Paint and Architectural Embellishments.
We’ve turned an innocent looking fireplace into a real focal point of the room by adding
a two tiered mantle made from pine shelving and crown molding. Next we need to add
paint. A beautiful oak chest against a white background looks like a big black hole.
That’s why, by warming up the walls, the furniture will feel warm, too. That’s
architectural embellishments, part l. Dollar for dollar, adding crown molding at the
ceiling will be returned on the investment. It also gives us a way to stop our wall color
and transition into the ceiling color, and that’s really key. Prime and paint the crown
molding first before you put it up. Wainscoting can be beautiful. Adding to molding can
also give a room a wonderful presence. We painted our walls a buttery beige and then for
the trim, we chose a color which is the same color only it’s about 22 million shades
lighter. That we’ve done over all of our architectural embellishments. The mantle looks
great. And we added some tile to the fireplace. That’s also part of the shell of the room.
Color adds warmth to the room.
Paint
The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Web site: www.christopherlowell.com
877-743-5837
Wall color: Clay Cotta, Burned Butter
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Ceiling color: Burned Butter
Trim color: Vanilla Mist
SEGMENT 3
Layer 2 & Layer 3
Christopher reviews Layer 2: Installed Flooring and Layer 3: High-ticket Upholstery
Items.
Layer 2: Installed Flooring. For those of you who have wall to wall carpeting, that’s
considered to be installed flooring. Anything that’s installed wall to wall like hardwood
floors, wall to wall carpeting, marble or tile go into this layer. Once the painting is done
and the floor is in, the entire shell of the room is complete. Live in this environment for a
little while and let it talk to you. You’ll find that after you’ve painted and your floors are
done, the room usually takes on a character all its own.
Layer 3 High-ticket Upholstery Items. This is where you’ve got to start spending some
money. You can pay anywhere from $700 to $7000 for a sofa. Keep these neutral which
doesn’t mean beige. It can be any solid color or any fabric that’s textural. The amount of
furniture in the room is also important. We’re using a backless sofa that is the crosslinking device between conversation areas. The ottomans in this layer are considered high
ticket upholstery items because they are small pieces but they are pieces you wouldn’t
consider upholstering yourself. In this layer if you keep things neutral and textural with
enough comfortable seating.
SEGMENT 4
Layer 4: Accent Fabrics and Layer 5: Non-upholstered Furniture
In this segment, Christopher describes the features Layers 4: Accent Fabrics and Layer 5:
Non-upholstered Furniture.
Layer 4: Accent Fabrics.
Adding accent fabric to your room can really be a pleasurable experience if you’ve kept
your high ticket upholstery items neutral as we have. The eye goes to the accent color.
We’re using a Mexican throw over the back of the sofa. The two pillows with our same
theme, the color of pumpkin tie in the sofa and settee beautifully. A cinnabar shade
pillow brings the clay cotta color of the wall into the furniture grouping. By adding two
more pillows to our club chairs we’ve cross-pollinated the room and allowed you to view
the room by bringing the eye to the color. Drapes are accessory fabrics, too. We’ve
incorporated the fabric all the way up into the arches. There’s one more opportunity to
incorporate accent colors into the room, and that’s with area rugs. You can place them
over existing wall to wall carpeting or over hardwood floors. By using area rugs in the
club chair area, we’ve defined both spaces to make wonderful furniture conversation
groupings.
Layer 5: Non-upholstered Furniture
It doesn’t matter how beautiful your rugs are, how fabulous your accessory fabrics are,
how beautiful your sofas are, if you don’t have surfaces in your room. What do we mean
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by surfaces? Surfaces mean coffee tables, side tables, hutches and storage cabinets. We
have a great big coffee table. Remember these surfaces are as much for your guests as
they are for you. This big oversized coffee table makes this area work. Between the two
club chairs, we took a couple of pedestals, laid a piece of glass on top. That’s some place
where you can put a lamp now, a tchochke or two or more importantly, a beverage.
Underneath the table between the two Spanish chairs there is an old trunk.
Furniture
Expressions Custom Furniture
401 11th St. NW
Hickory, NC 28603
800-544-4519
Web site: www.expressionsfurniture.com
Accent fabrics
Shroheim and Romann
716-706-7000
Web site: www.strohiemandromann.com
SEGMENT 5
Layer 6: Accessories
Christopher describes Layer 6: Accessories.
A word of caution, little tiny tchochkes can look like room dandruff. If you stand at the
threshold of the door and can’t identify an object on the table, it’s too small. On the
mantle, we chose a couple of focal point accessories on the top, a Majolica dish on a little
primitive box. On the lower ledge we used a big Moroccan bowl. Keep the scale big. For
symmetry we added jardinières piled with lemons and limes on both sides. Mirrors are
considered accessories as are pictures or anything that goes up on the walls. We have a
beautiful watercolor on one side of the mirror and two primitive bowls on the other side
in black that look great against the terra cotta wall.
SEGMENT 6
Layer 7: Plants and Lighting
Christopher describes Layer 7: Plants and Lighting.
Once you’ve successfully navigated layers 1 through 6, it’s time to really bring the room
alive. This is the time when the accessories are backlit, creating shadows in the room. All
that’s done by varying temperatures of light as well. As much light should be coming
from the floor shining up as from above shining down. Uplights below plants cast
wonderful shadows on the ceiling. Keep the light in the mid-range of the room and
below. Light coming from above is called ambient light. In our particular case it’s from a
track light that runs the entire length of the room. Keep everything on a dimmer so you
can control the brightness accurately. Next, we have task lighting, usually from table
lamps, to aid in the activities of the room. Finally, we have the warm flicker of firelight
and candlelight, giving the room a warm, inviting, intimate feeling.
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Layers 1 through 7 are designed in a sequence to keep you out of overwhelm and on
budget.
SHOW #216 IMPORT DECOR
Christopher shows how to add unique items from exotic, far-away places to your home.
In some cases you don’t even have to leave home to shop for these imports, and they’re
also available in stores locally as well.
Segment 1
BPA Showroom with Lynne Beavers
Lynne Beavers of BPA Collectibles in Los Angeles gives Christopher a tour of her
wonderful showroom filled with pieces collected during her 50 plus trips to Asia.
Some advice from Lynne and Christopher: You don't need a lot of import pieces, just one
or two very impressive pieces. Kimonos and obis are for more than wearing. Either can
be displayed on a wall from a rod or in a shadowbox. Obis can be used as table runners,
especially beautiful during the holidays. Inexpensive wooden stands come in many sizes
and are usually made of rosewood; they are great for showcasing pieces that alone do not
seem spectacular. You can get a look at Lynne Beavers' private home in Christopher's
Color Courage Show.
Guest
Lynne Beavers
Guest Information
Lynne Beavers, Owner
BPA Collectibles
1315 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
Segment 2
Organic Textures with Sandi Reinke from Loose Ends
Christopher and Sandi Reinke of Loose Ends talk about using organic materials in your
home and demonstrate how important texture is in adding beauty and interest.
Sandi shows us some pieces available in the Loose Ends catalogue: Paper Japanese
banners with iron-on Pellon on the backs for body; marsh grass used to cover a wall;
paper and bamboo luminary; pumice bowl filled with stones and bamboo candles;
jardinières covered with organic paper and a Zen collection.
Guest Information
Sandi Reinke
Loose Ends
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Salem, OR 97307
Phone: 503-393-2348
Fax: 503-390-4729
www.looseends.com
E-mail: info@looseends.com
Catalogue: $7.00
Segment 3
Arte de Mexico Tour
Christopher and David Stoffers show us around the Arte de Mexico showroom. It is like
taking a trip around the world when you visit Arte de Mexico. Christopher finds the Taj
Mahal Room and has great fun showing us the different pieces and how to arrange import
collectibles.
Guest Information
David Stoffers
Arte de Mexico
5356 Riverton Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
818-769-5090
Web: www.artedemexico.com or www.arteshowrooms.com
Segment 4
Leather and Straw Wall Hanging Demo
Christopher shows us how to create vignettes with imports. He suggests updating some
old inherited imports with new formal fabrics and shows us some of the more popular
pieces you can find today like small chests and ironwork. Then Christopher shows us
how to create an import look wall hanging.
Materials:
Leather/suede placemats
Twig placemats
Half yard of naugahyde
Leather strips
Wooden poles/sticks (from your backyard)
Decorative Tacks
Instructions:
Lay placemats out side by side in the design you like with wooden poles at the top and
bottom. Glue the naugahyde strips lengthwise along the seams where the placemats meet
and up the two outside edges. Glue to one side first and go back and glue the other side.
Be sure to cut the strips long enough to wrap around the poles at the top and bottom of
the hanging. Wrap the strips around the poles and glue in place. Using the leather strips,
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do the same thing across the seams where the placemats meet from side to side. Hammer
in a decorative tack at each place the two strips cross and at the top and bottom where the
poles join to the hanging.
Product Information
Ironwork from
Cost Plus
Web: www.costplus.com
Clips
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web: www.ikea.com
Segment 5
Global Design with Brad Blair from Lotus Antiquities
Christopher and Brad Blair, owner of Lotus Antiquities, talk to us about global style and
design, a mixing of many cultures in the same area using good taste. Brad shows us a
dining room he designed with looks from all over the world. The windows are hung with
a wonderful textured material and double lined for an opulent drape. This is paired with a
grass screen that has a center pulley for raising and lowering. The window seating area is
flanked by an Indian wine pouring vessel on one side and a Japanese box lantern on the
other. The centerpiece of the room is a magnificent Italian Fortuni chandelier of
handpainted and beaded silk. The table is a 1910 American pedestal table that Brad has
ebonized and added everyday French chairs which he has covered in a beautiful nubby
raw silk, leaving nail heads exposed. He has two matching Chinese 19th Century
wardrobes on either side of the room and a quartet of butterfly scrolls. The carpet is a
commercial grade plush to which he has added a four inch border in a contrasting color.
Guest Information
Brad Blair, Designer/Owner
Lotus Antiquities
158 N. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
213-938-4531
Segment 6
International Gift Wrap/Import Buying/Asian Tablescape
Christopher shows us how to add an international flair to our gift wrapping with a visit to
Koichi Hara, Artist/Designer at Japanesque in San Francisco. Then Christopher shows us
where to find some great import buys at CIRCA AD, with Joel Martin; Interior Perdue
with Pamela Fritz; and Cost Plus. Last, he shows us a You Can Do It! mural from a
viewer who painted her basement stairwell to resemble a French vineyard scene.
Instructions:
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Koichi Hara, Artist/Designer at Japanesque in San Francisco demonstrates a gift
wrapping technique using only paper and twine. Hooray, no tape! Koichi nests bubble
wrap between sheets of tissue paper for the first layer. Then he pre folds gold rice paper
(using a straight edge) and then inserts the package, tucking the ends into each other. He
then takes and folded piece of white paper and folds and wraps hiding the tucked area. He
wraps and ties a colorful, thin twine around the entire package to hold it together.
Cost Plus Tablescape: Christopher builds a tablescape in the Cost Plus store from things
on their shelves. He begins with a tablecloth covered with placemat runners then uses
straw doormats for placemats covering them with a smaller cloth placemat and then a
round placemat for under the charger plates. He uses bamboo boxes to hold the
silverware and also provides chopsticks. The centerpiece is of bamboo candleholders
filled with candles and orchids.
Tips:
Joel Martin of CIRCA AD discusses how to tell the difference between Korean or
Japanese furnishings and Chinese furnishings. The Korean and Japanese furniture does
not usually have legs because of the delicate grass (tatami mats) mats, whereas, Chinese
furnishings will have legs because their tile floors are usually heated.
Guest Information
Koichi Hara, Artist/Designer
Japanesque
824 Montgomery
San Francisco, CA
Joel Martin
Circa AD
3867 Fourth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
619-293-3328
Pamela Fritz
340 Bryant St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-543-1616
Product Info
Cost Plus
Web: www.costplus.com
Show 217 Small Spaces
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Show #101
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
Christopher shows us how to transform small spaces into fabulous and intimate
showcases.
Segment 1
Telestrator Inspiration & The Skinny House
Christopher shows us on the telestrator how to take advantage of small spaces. Next
Christopher takes us to Long Beach, California for a visit to Laurie Atherton's skinny
house. The house is on a 10 X 50 foot lot, with rooms only 9 feet wide. The unusual
house still has many of the original details still intact: great stenciling, stucco walls,
swirled ceilings and stained glass portal, wall sconces, iron banister and tiled bathrooms.
Christopher tips on utilizing small spaces
First, Christopher discusses an eat-in kitchen with a large table but no room for big
chairs. Solution: build a window bench for seating along two sides of the table. Next,
Christopher arranges two large, overstuffed chairs and a table in a small corner for a big
feeling in a small space. Wall space in a corner between two windows inspires
Christopher to add some storage shelves. Christopher shows us how to take advantage of
a hallway that is usually used only as a pass-through. He adds a built-in hutch at the end
with an overhead shelf and a still life down one side on a very narrow table. Christopher
next shows us how to utilize another pass-through, the space beneath the stairwell. He
fills it with a mirror, table and chair and object de arte. In a teeny tiny kitchen recessed
shelving is added from floor to ceiling for storage.
Segment 2
Showcase House Hallway Altar Before
Christopher tackles a small, curved alcove at the end of a hallway in the Showcase
House. He decides to add a shelf, built into the curve under the window which overlooks
a courtyard, to make a kind of altar. He plans to curve the outside edge of the shelf in and
out so it will be a great tchochke place.
Christopher drew a template by placing a large piece of paper on the floor and outlining
the curve of the wall for the back edge of the shelf. He then designed the front edge to
come around evenly from both ends forming a ledge just wide enough for some candles
and then swirls out in the center so the shelf is deeper directly under the window.
Christopher plans to add stenciling along the wide edge of the altar as well as on the wall
below and above the altar and window. Swing arms are installed high on the wall on
either side of the window to add some fabric to the space that will have a multi function
of improving the acoustics and adding privacy.
Segment 3
Tackling the Candle Ledge
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
Christopher shows us how to actually build his candle ledge/altar. You could use the
same procedure and just add legs for a great coffee table.
Instructions
Candle Ledge/Altar: Draw a template by placing a large piece of paper on the floor and
outlining the curve of the wall for the back edge of the shelf. Then draw the front edge to
come around evenly from both ends forming a narrow ledge and then swirl it out in the
center so the shelf is deeper directly under the window. Use this template to cut a top and
bottom for you shelf out of 3/4" plywood. Next, from 3/4" plywood cut blocks to use
between the top and bottom of the shelf to gives it the depth needed and provide the
inside supports to nail the wiggle board onto. You will need 7 blocks: a block for each
end of the ledge, two blocks on each side where the narrow ledge part meets the
expanded center piece and another piece to go directly down the center of the ledge for
support. Nail these blocks to the bottom of the shelf and then lay the top of the shelf on
the blocks and nail down. Next, cut 3 pieces of wiggle board to fit the front of the shelf,
one piece for each narrow side of the shelf and another to fit around the large curved
center of the shelf. Nail the wiggle board to the top and bottom pieces of the shelf and to
the blocks, butting the side pieces of wiggle board into the center piece of wiggle board
where they meet. To mount the shelf, cut more blocks that are measured to fit in between
the top and bottom parts of the shelf, mount these blocks directly onto the wall, slide the
shelf onto the blocks and nail the shelf from the top and bottom onto the mounted blocks.
Caulk, sand and prime.
Segment 4
Showcase House Hallway Altar After
Christopher shows us the alcove after he is finished decorating. The shelf is installed and
his friend Jan Dressler did a faux stenciling. There is a brick pattern going all along the
edge of the ledge and underneath. The top is stenciled in a granite or Jerusalem stone
look. That color is tied down into the area below the shelf. So it really grounds the space.
Remember, that we didn't want to put anything on the floor to trip over, but now the
space feels very furnished. As we look up to the top of the window, we see it framed by a
fabulous wooden relief stencil with tassels.
Stroheim and Romann donated the material for the drapes hanging from the swing out
rods from IKEA. The drapes are tied back with Consco tiebacks. Then at the end of it all,
in an effort not to overburden this space, Christopher put a nice big plant in the center and
stepped down from that with wonderful candles by Illuminations
Product Information
Jan Dressler Stencils Co.
253 SW 41st St.
Renton, WA 98055
888-656-4515
Web: www.dresslerstencils.com
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Show #101
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
Email: dresslerstencils@msn.com
Stroheim and Romann
718-706-7000
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web: www.ikea.com
Consco
800-845-2431
Web: www.consco.com
Illuminations
1995 South McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, CA 94954
800-621-2998
Web: www.illuminations.com
Segment 5
Stencil Techniques by Jan Dressler
Jan Dressler of Dressler Stencils shows us some of the techniques she used on the
stenciling in the Showcase House alcove, including how to "gray down" a color by
mixing a little color from the hue opposite it on the color wheel. All of the Jan Dressler
Stencils come with complete directions on techniques and tools to use in the application.
Guest Information
Jan Dressler
Jan Dressler Stencils Co.
253 SW 41st St.
Renton, WA 98055
888-656-4515
Web: www.dresslerstencils.com
Email: dresslerstencils@msn.com
Product Information
Jan Dressler Stencils Co.
253 SW 41st St.
Renton, WA 98055
888-656-4515
Web: www.dresslerstencils.com
Email: dresslerstencils@msn.com
Segment 6
Furniture Arranging
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
Christopher shows us how to arrange furniture in a long L-shaped room breaking the
room in several groupings but still maintaining the flow.
Christopher introduces us to David Beer of YesterTec Design Company. YesterTec
designs beautiful cabinets that conceal and disguise some very useful household
appliances like refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers.
Viewer mail shows us how to utilize a pass through area for extra seating and storage,
from an old waterbed! Another viewer has a problem with her small living room and a
sectional sofa. Christopher shows her how to split up the sectional, cozy it up to the
fireplace and still have a spacious look in a small space.
Guest Information
David Beer
YesterTec Design Company
The YesterTec Kitchen Works
PO Box 190
Center Valley, PA 18034
Phone: (610) 838-1194
Fax: (610) 838-1937
E-mail: info@yestertec.com
Website: www.yestertec.com
Product Info
YesterTec Design Company
The YesterTec Kitchen Works
PO Box 190
Center Valley, PA 18034
Phone: (610) 838-1194
Fax: (610) 838-1937
E-mail: info@yestertec.com
Website: www.yestertec.com
Show #212 Paint Party Show
Christopher shows how to throw a paint party where guests can have a good time and the
host’s white walls disappear.
SEGMENT 1
Prep the House
Christopher shows how to prepare the house for the party and design the invitations using
painting supplies as the theme. Christopher uses an empty paint can stuffed with some
painting accessories and applies the invitation to the outside of the can like a paint label.
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SEASON ONE
Tell your guests not to wear jewelry or good clothes. You might want to have a raffle or a
giveaway.
Take a look at your room and decide what paint will be used on each area, i.e.
wainscoting should probably be painted the same color as your trim. Tchochkes should
be removed to a box. Remove pictures and nails and spackle the holes. Move furniture
into the center of the room and cover it all with clear plastic drop cloths, taping the plastic
to the bottom of furniture legs to keep it from sliding off. Lay at least 2-3 feet of paper
around the perimeter of the room to prevent any spilling onto the flooring. Write on the
paper with arrows and labels pointing to the walls, trim, etc. and write the name and
number of the paint color for each one. Be sure all paint cans are well labeled. Tape off
around windows along edge of baseboards, etc.
SEGMENT 2
Tools and Paint Equipment with Lesley Carlson
Lesley Carlson of The Home Depot and Christopher discuss some of the tools and
equipment needed. They include drop cloths, paint trays and paint tray liners, extra paint
buckets, rollers (3/8 inch for use on drywall), roller extensions for ceilings, brushes
(synthetic for latex paint), rubber gloves, painter's tape, paint can keys, spackle, paint can
inserts and paint cleanup wipes.
Lesley Carlsen
Home Depot
2455 Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30339
800-553-3199
Web site: www.homedepot.com
SEGMENT 3
How to Apply the Paint
Christopher shows his guests how to apply the paint to the different areas.
Load the roller with paint, then roll some off onto the top of the tray so the roller is not
overloaded. When rolling the paint on the wall work in an X pattern then go back and fill
in. When cutting in around windows, corners and moldings use a small straight edge
brush. Always apply two coats of paint to trim with a small, straight edge paintbrush.
SEGMENT 4
Walls With Style with Michael Walsh
Christopher welcomes guest Michael Walsh who shows how to paint designs on walls
with the help of "Walls with Style™" kits by EZ PAINTR. The kits have special rollers
for striping, plaids, stippling and rag finishes. Simply apply a base coat and go back over
it with another color using the special rollers in the kits. Michael painted the center wall
of the paint party room with the rag roller kit and Lowell Lavender Paint.
Michael Walsh
"Walls with Style™"
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
EZ PAINTR
Division of Newell Rubbermaid
6833 Statler Drive, Suite 100
Rockford, IL 61108
800-424-1941
800-558-3958
Web site: www.ezpaintr.com
SEGMENT 5
Paint Party Tablescape
Christopher shows how to build a paint party tablescape out of tools from the paint store.
Demo Directions
Christopher builds up rather than out, since all the furniture is placed into the center of
the room. Christopher uses paint cans for lifts and levels elevating platters and small
bowls of dip. He also uses lettuce lined quart paint cans. Gallon paint cans could also be
used for soup. He used artist palettes as platters and putty knives for spreading pate. Mud
trowels come in handy as candle holders and for serving crackers and chips. Be sure to
select colorful foods.
SEGMENT 6
Treasure Hunt on Walls
Christopher shows us how to accessorize our newly painted room.
Demo Directions
Christopher used a purple brocade fabric and tacked it in a draping effect directly to the
wall. He then swagged it back with a gunmetal tieback with fleur de lis design. He added
a casual hand-painted narrow table under the window which picks up the color of the
wall. He placed one large abstract piece on one of the side walls and two smaller black
and white pictures on the other side wall. He added a birdcage between the table and the
pictures to bridge the two. He finished by adding a pedestal and a topiary.
Show #213 Ocean Living
A beautiful ocean side decor can be achieved no matter where you live and in this
episode Christopher gives the design how to’s to do just that.
SEGMENT 1
Ocean Views from the book, Waterside Homes
Christopher takes us to the sea shore featuring interiors from the book Waterside Homes.
The book highlights the use of white or muted colors, window treatments that let in the
light and neutral furnishings. Pale blue color on the walls of a bedroom along with the
print fabric of the bed drapes and flea market finds all painted white bring the ocean look
to the room. Rattan furniture is used often in the oceanside theme to give the room a
natural outdoor feel. In the room we see a harlequin patterned fabric that ties in with the
rattan chaise. Simple white sheers hung from bed posts give a bedroom a whispy look.
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
Typical cabana strips colors add a lot of theatre to a room and immediately say “spa.”
Light colored trim and dark colored walls bring the eye to the light color.
Book: Waterside Homes
By Marcie Stuchin, Susan Abramson
SEGMENT 2
Past Ocean Makeovers/Kid’s Bedroom, Before
Christopher takes a look at three bedroom makeovers from previous shows using an
ocean theme. Then he takes a look at the “before” of kid’s bedroom and preparations for
the ocean style makeover.
SEGMENT 3
Boat Bed, Christopher Demo
In his workshop, Christopher demonstrates how to create the boat bed that inspired the
room makeover.
SEGMENT 4
Kid’s Bedroom, During/Hancock Park Design House
It’s back for the “during” phase of the makeover where the both the bed and wall mural
are taking shape. Christopher returns to the kid’s bedroom during the interim stage of
construction to show the progress on the room.
Next, we take a look at the Hancock Park Design Showcase House for a tour of Carolyn
Oliver-Broder’s ocean inspired powder room. She used pale sage background color
accented by natural furnishings and materials. The glass sink and mosaic floor along with
the soft background color all combine to make a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. No
matter where you live the right combinations of color, light and accents can bring the
decorative elements of the oceanside home.
Hancock Park Design Showcase House
Assistance League
1370 North St. Andrews Place
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-469-1973
Showcase House Hotline: 877-482-3237
Web site: http://www.assistanceleague.net/
Web site: http://www.designhousela.org/archives/2002/history.shtml
SEGMENT 5
Kid’s Nautical Themed Bedroom, After
Christopher reveals the completed nautical kid’s room and takes us on a full tour. A little
plywood, a little paint and a lot of creativity a fabulous fantasy room is created. Boat
cleats and a light to the bow of the boat bed complete the look. It is painted in red, white
and blue, with hockey puck lights along the front of the cabin. Blue linens dress the bed.
Just the bed by itself would be a fabulous fantasy. Giving the gift of imagination to your
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
kids is a wonderful experience. It’s a great place for your kids to spend some quality
fantasy time. A boxy bureau was painted in a cartoon style with exaggerated wood
graining. The floor was painted to look like the ocean with waves lapping up on the sand.
Footprints were painted in the sand. The mural has a deco feel to it that’s all about
illusions. A child can sit at the dock desk and project himself out onto the pier. The
lighthouse bookcase provides the essential storage kids really need. And it’s dressed with
the things that kids really love. Lighting makes a big difference, too. An inexpensive
wood toy chest was covered with a piece of foam and painted to match the cartoon style
of the wood grained bureau. The canvas window treatments were made from PVC pipe,
grommets and nautical rope that lashed a piece of canvas to the pipe.
Paint
Wall color: Dusted Mint
Ceiling color: Kiss of Grape
Trim: Cherry Dust
The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Web site: www.christopherlowell.com
Armoire, trunk
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web site: www.ikea.com
SEGMENT 6
Shell Furniture with Guest Sandi Reinke
Guest Sandi Reinke of Loose Ends joins Christopher to show some samples of furniture
she embellished with shells and natural organic materials for the look of the seashore.
Christopher and Sandi review photos from Coastal Living Magazine that show examples
of a table decorated with shells and a corner hutch lined with seashells.
Materials for Small Console Table
Gold metallic tissue sheets
Rice krispy shells, 2 to 2-1/2 lbs.
Burnt krispy shells, 2 to 2-12 lbs.
Catalina Cockles
Shell scallops
Capiz Disc shells
Golden’s Gel Medium – extra heavy gel (matte)
Hot glue and glue gun
White glue and water mixture
Antique gold and brown acrylic paint
Olive green acrylic paint
Demo Directions
Distress gold tissue paper and use white glue and water mixture. Glue on table. Wrinkles
are OK and will give it a more opulent look. Dry overnight.
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
When table is dry, wipe with soft cloth, dab on paint and rub into piece giving the table
an antiqued look. Dry overnight. When table is completely dry you can start gluing
shells.
Tips:
Heavy shells must be hot glued in place. Shells should all face the same direction. Work a
3 to 4 inch area at a time, especially when working with small shells. Covering piece with
paper first helps the shells stay on when glued.
Use palette knife to put on gel.
Loose Ends
2065 Madrona Ave. SE
Salem, OR 97307
503-390-2348
Fax: 503 390-4724
Catalogue: $12.00
Email: < info@looseends.com
Web site: www.looseends.com"
SHOW #214 THE ROOM THAT SHAGGED ME
Retro furnishings and décor have lasted the test of time. The show takes a look at the
comeback of the retro look.
Segment 1
AUSTIN POWERS SET DESIGNER
Cindy Charette, set designer for the movie Austin Powers joins Christopher for a review
of the retro look. Photos from the movie sets of Marilyn Monroe movies, Sunset Strip
(not yet released), Vampire in New York and of course Austin Powers showed the
influences of the retro style. A scene from Joe Dimaggio’s house in a Marilyn Monroe
movie featured a cylindrical lamp with three legs. Another floor lamp from a ‘70s hotel
room scene from a new movie called Sunset Strip was made with a long chrome curved
neck with a chrome globe on the end. Cindy finds retro looking furniture and accessories
from prop houses in Hollywood or has things made. She renders many of her own
drawings for her set designs but also uses illustrators for putting ideas down on paper.
Many of the materials used to distinguish the retro look are Plexiglas, Lucite and molded
plastic. Another view of the hotel room showed a sunken living room with a large semicircular “pit” sofa. A boutique room featured an “over the top” Janis Joplin look with
bold colors. Rattan furniture was used in a room of the Vampire in New York set. And of
course the retro look wouldn’t be complete without a look at the Austin Powers movie.
Bold, bright colors and overscale psychedelic designs demonstrate the look…even down
to the use of the molded plastic hand shaped chairs with shag pillows.
Segment 2
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
RETRO ROOM MAKEOVER BEFORE
Do you enjoy the influences of the past but aren’t really quite sure how to integrate them
into today’s lifestyle? We’ve got furniture randomly placed and we see lots of influences.
We see a retro rug with an interesting ottoman. And we have dorm furniture at best. We
got our friend HarRy Siegel who’s going to come in and bring us all sorts of incredible
furniture that he’s designed. And we’re going to literally transform this space into, well,
kind of a retro ‘50s, ‘60s millennium thing. The whole idea is about being creative, about
taking bold color choices and retreating the surfaces. We’re going to take corrugated
aluminum and use it as a wainscoting. And incorporate very bold black and white stripes
on the walls, shag carpet on the floor and lots of bold colors for accessories.
Christopher reviewed his drawings for the makeover of the space and showed samples of
fabrics, speckled linoleum designed fabric and bold, mod colors. Some of the nature
inspired, classic patterns and chenilles also fit together.
Segment 3
RETRO ROOM DURING/PELICAN HOTEL TOUR
Christopher takes us back to the retro room makeover for a look at the progress so far.
Then he visits the Pelican Hotel in Miami Beach, FL for a look at the retro decorating of
this classic hotel.
What inspired the wall treatment for our retro room or kind of mod, hip room is
corrugated tin which is available at just about any hardware store. Before we installed it
all the way around the room as a wainscoting, we first marked off the room with very
large stripes and painted alternating vertical black and white stripes. They add height to
the room and the corrugated tin adds a high-tech feel.
That’s what makes going back to other periods and bringing them forward really work.
For the radiator cover, we took plumbing flanges and elbows, carved foam cushions and
threaded galvanized pipe through the middle of them. This was inspired by the old
radiator look but what a contemporary feel it has and it’s a great sculpture look. We’re
going to come up with a very interesting sort of amoeba linoleum wall treatment that
actually goes on the floor to make that sort of interesting. And then HarRy Sigel is going
to bring in his furniture and really show us how you can be really over the top and have
some fun.
Pelican Hotel Tour
Hotel guests at the Pelican Hotel have two dozen different themed rooms to choose from
when checking in. They all feature bold colors with furnishings from all over the world.
Designers used broken mosaic tiles on countertops, a mirror made from hundreds of
recycled bottle caps and a lot of plastic. Each room was designed to be as different and
unique as possible. They tapped into their imaginations to create an environment that
makes us smile. The hotel is a place where you can feel comfortable and free.
Noelle Stevenson
The Pelican Hotel
Miami Beach, FL
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
Segment 4
RETRO ROOM AFTER/HARRY SIGEL/RIBBON LAMP DEMO
In this segment, Christopher describes the features of the retro room after its
transformation, interviews HarRy Sigel about the furniture he designed and demos the
ribbon lamp shown in the retro room.
Retro Room After
There is so much going on in this room and whether you love the mod or you don’t love
the mod, there are so many great ideas in here that are applicable to almost any
environment. And it really it’s about color and it’s about using your imagination and your
sense of humor to make an interior that is actually quite credible. In the corner here we
just basically took Christmas lights and we found these storage bags at IKEA, cut little
holes in them and basically strung them right to the top of the Christmas lights. Now we
have this wonderful illuminary column that sort of is a focal point of this wall. The
window treatments are pieces of art paper folded and cut out like snowflakes. The paper
was unfolded, ironed and hung as background over the windows. This helps filter the
light, obstruct the view a little bit and, more importantly, it adds a modern pattern to the
room. The rugs are just linoleum which was randomly cut into rounded, spirited shapes,
just a little paint stippled on them, and we scattered them around the room to break up the
texture of the no so great hardwood floors. The radiator bench has been covered with
stretchy fabric in coordinating colors and is not only comfortable but can moved
anywhere in the room. It’s a great alternative to the formal ottoman. We found these
really interesting storage bins, bought 5 of them, bolted them together in a stairstep
pattern to give it a really mod look, repainted them and left the wheels that were
originally on them on both ends. So this is a completely movable unit.
HarRy Sigel Interview
HarRy Sigel was inspired by the ‘20s, ‘50s and ‘60s and designed a line of furniture that
is an expression of his artistic nature. He incorporated bold colors and textures into his
designs. All ages of people are interested in his furniture, especially those who appreciate
the high energy of the color.
Ribbon Lamp Demo
Christopher shows how to make the ribbon lamp.
Instructions
Ribbon Lamp
Cut 1’ to 1-1/2” wide ribbon into lengths. Vary the lengths by color.
Turn a lampshade upside down so that the largest diameter is on the top and the harp is
on the bottom.
Hot glue the longest lengths of ribbon to the rim of the shade.
Layer the ribbons around the rim adding the next layer of slightly shorter ribbons.
Complete as many layers as desired, using shorter ribbons with each layer.
Use light colored ribbons so the light will come through.
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SEASON ONE
Hot glue braid trim around the edge of the shade to hide the ribbon edges and finish the
edge of the shade.
Hot glue seam tape on the inside of the shade.
Try using layers of different types of white ribbon. The white on white look is absolutely
gorgeous.
Guest Info
HaRry Sigel
Interior Designer
HaRry Fine Art Furniture
8639 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
310-559-7863
www.harryartfurniture.com
Product Info
Storage units
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web: www.ikea.com
Segment 5
ECHOES Magazine, Guest Scott Cheverie
Christopher invites guest Scott Cheverie, Publisher of Echoes Magazine to show some
pieces that will stand the test of time. The magazine is devoted to the idea of modernism.
It’s sometimes hard to tell the difference as we remember retro rooms for their multiple
colors and vibrant tones. Fabric on furniture is whimsical. Red accent pieces pull the eye
toward them. Many of the accent pieces are bright. Backgrounds are neutral. Vintage
pieces such as molded chairs are making a comeback. Today we’re reinvesting back into
the rich wall colors that stand the test of time. Lines of the furniture are classic and
timeless.
Guest Info
Scott Cheverie
Publisher
Echoes Magazine
Deco-Echoes
PO Box 155
Cummaquit, MA 76237
800-695-5768
508-362-3822
Web: www.deco-echoes.com/magfirst.html
Segment 6
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
RADIATOR OTTOMAN DEMO
Christopher shows us how to make the retro looking ottoman out of plumbing hardware,
stretch knit fabric and upholstery foam.
Attach a plumbing flange to accommodate 2” galvanized steel pipe to a short pieces of
pipe representing the desired height of the ottoman. Attach a plumbing elbow to the other
end. Make two of these, one for each end of the ottoman. Cut a piece of galvanized pipe
the length of the ottoman, measuring the depth of the upholstery foam and multiplying by
the number of foam pieces you’re using. We used 6 pieces of foam.
Carve six pieces of upholstery foam at least 4” thick into large squares that will be placed
upright so that the seat will be formed by the edges. Round the edges. Make a paper
template of the face of the foam pieces to use as a pattern for cutting out fabric. Cut two
pieces of fabric about an inch larger than the template. Cut a strip of fabric the width of
the foam long enough to go all the way around the piece of foam. Construct each cushion
cover by stitching a front and back to the center boxing strip. Turn right side out. Cover
all the foam pieces with batting using spray adhesive to adhere the batting to the foam.
Slip the covers on all cushions.
Find the center of each foam cushion and cut a round hole for the pipe to go through.
Thread the pipe through the center of each cushion and attach the pipe to the elbow at the
other end of the bench.
Show #215 Seven Layers of Design
Christopher explains his fabulous Seven Layers of Design one layer at a time.
SEGMENT 1
Overview of the Seven Layers
Christopher reviews the Seven Layers of design from years past by showing a room that
was redesigned using Christopher’s formula for decorating a room. The system is
designed to keep you on budget and out of overwhelm. An overview of the layers is:
Layer 1:
Paint & Architectural Elements
Layer 2:
Installed Flooring
Layer 3:
High-ticket Upholstery Items
Layer 4:
Accent Fabrics
Layer 5:
Accent Side Furniture, Non-upholstered Furniture, “Workhorses” of the
room
Layer 6:
Accessories
Layer 7:
Plants and Lighting
SEGMENT 2
LAYER 1: Paint and Architectural Elements
Now in Layer number 1 it’s a two parter, it’s Paint and Architectural Embellishments.
We’ve turned an innocent looking fireplace into a real focal point of the room by adding
a two tiered mantle made from pine shelving and crown molding. Next we need to add
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paint. A beautiful oak chest against a white background looks like a big black hole.
That’s why, by warming up the walls, the furniture will feel warm, too. That’s
architectural embellishments, part l. Dollar for dollar, adding crown molding at the
ceiling will be returned on the investment. It also gives us a way to stop our wall color
and transition into the ceiling color, and that’s really key. Prime and paint the crown
molding first before you put it up. Wainscoting can be beautiful. Adding to molding can
also give a room a wonderful presence. We painted our walls a buttery beige and then for
the trim, we chose a color which is the same color only it’s about 22 million shades
lighter. That we’ve done over all of our architectural embellishments. The mantle looks
great. And we added some tile to the fireplace. That’s also part of the shell of the room.
Color adds warmth to the room.
Paint
The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Web site: www.christopherlowell.com
877-743-5837
Wall color: Clay Cotta, Burned Butter
Ceiling color: Burned Butter
Trim color: Vanilla Mist
SEGMENT 3
Layer 2 & Layer 3
Christopher reviews Layer 2: Installed Flooring and Layer 3: High-ticket Upholstery
Items.
Layer 2: Installed Flooring. For those of you who have wall to wall carpeting, that’s
considered to be installed flooring. Anything that’s installed wall to wall like hardwood
floors, wall to wall carpeting, marble or tile go into this layer. Once the painting is done
and the floor is in, the entire shell of the room is complete. Live in this environment for a
little while and let it talk to you. You’ll find that after you’ve painted and your floors are
done, the room usually takes on a character all its own.
Layer 3 High-ticket Upholstery Items. This is where you’ve got to start spending some
money. You can pay anywhere from $700 to $7000 for a sofa. Keep these neutral which
doesn’t mean beige. It can be any solid color or any fabric that’s textural. The amount of
furniture in the room is also important. We’re using a backless sofa that is the crosslinking device between conversation areas. The ottomans in this layer are considered high
ticket upholstery items because they are small pieces but they are pieces you wouldn’t
consider upholstering yourself. In this layer if you keep things neutral and textural with
enough comfortable seating.
SEGMENT 4
Layer 4: Accent Fabrics and Layer 5: Non-upholstered Furniture
In this segment, Christopher describes the features Layers 4: Accent Fabrics and Layer 5:
Non-upholstered Furniture.
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Layer 4: Accent Fabrics.
Adding accent fabric to your room can really be a pleasurable experience if you’ve kept
your high ticket upholstery items neutral as we have. The eye goes to the accent color.
We’re using a Mexican throw over the back of the sofa. The two pillows with our same
theme, the color of pumpkin tie in the sofa and settee beautifully. A cinnabar shade
pillow brings the clay cotta color of the wall into the furniture grouping. By adding two
more pillows to our club chairs we’ve cross-pollinated the room and allowed you to view
the room by bringing the eye to the color. Drapes are accessory fabrics, too. We’ve
incorporated the fabric all the way up into the arches. There’s one more opportunity to
incorporate accent colors into the room, and that’s with area rugs. You can place them
over existing wall to wall carpeting or over hardwood floors. By using area rugs in the
club chair area, we’ve defined both spaces to make wonderful furniture conversation
groupings.
Layer 5: Non-upholstered Furniture
It doesn’t matter how beautiful your rugs are, how fabulous your accessory fabrics are,
how beautiful your sofas are, if you don’t have surfaces in your room. What do we mean
by surfaces? Surfaces mean coffee tables, side tables, hutches and storage cabinets. We
have a great big coffee table. Remember these surfaces are as much for your guests as
they are for you. This big oversized coffee table makes this area work. Between the two
club chairs, we took a couple of pedestals, laid a piece of glass on top. That’s some place
where you can put a lamp now, a tchochke or two or more importantly, a beverage.
Underneath the table between the two Spanish chairs there is an old trunk.
Furniture
Expressions Custom Furniture
401 11th St. NW
Hickory, NC 28603
800-544-4519
Web site: www.expressionsfurniture.com
Accent fabrics
Shroheim and Romann
716-706-7000
Web site: www.strohiemandromann.com
SEGMENT 5
Layer 6: Accessories
Christopher describes Layer 6: Accessories.
A word of caution, little tiny tchochkes can look like room dandruff. If you stand at the
threshold of the door and can’t identify an object on the table, it’s too small. On the
mantle, we chose a couple of focal point accessories on the top, a Majolica dish on a little
primitive box. On the lower ledge we used a big Moroccan bowl. Keep the scale big. For
symmetry we added jardinières piled with lemons and limes on both sides. Mirrors are
considered accessories as are pictures or anything that goes up on the walls. We have a
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beautiful watercolor on one side of the mirror and two primitive bowls on the other side
in black that look great against the terra cotta wall.
SEGMENT 6
Layer 7: Plants and Lighting
Christopher describes Layer 7: Plants and Lighting.
Once you’ve successfully navigated layers 1 through 6, it’s time to really bring the room
alive. This is the time when the accessories are backlit, creating shadows in the room. All
that’s done by varying temperatures of light as well. As much light should be coming
from the floor shining up as from above shining down. Uplights below plants cast
wonderful shadows on the ceiling. Keep the light in the mid-range of the room and
below. Light coming from above is called ambient light. In our particular case it’s from a
track light that runs the entire length of the room. Keep everything on a dimmer so you
can control the brightness accurately. Next, we have task lighting, usually from table
lamps, to aid in the activities of the room. Finally, we have the warm flicker of firelight
and candlelight, giving the room a warm, inviting, intimate feeling.
Layers 1 through 7 are designed in a sequence to keep you out of overwhelm and on
budget.
SHOW #216 IMPORT DECOR
Christopher shows how to add unique items from exotic, far-away places to your home.
In some cases you don’t even have to leave home to shop for these imports, and they’re
also available in stores locally as well.
Segment 1
BPA Showroom with Lynne Beavers
Lynne Beavers of BPA Collectibles in Los Angeles gives Christopher a tour of her
wonderful showroom filled with pieces collected during her 50 plus trips to Asia.
Some advice from Lynne and Christopher: You don't need a lot of import pieces, just one
or two very impressive pieces. Kimonos and obis are for more than wearing. Either can
be displayed on a wall from a rod or in a shadowbox. Obis can be used as table runners,
especially beautiful during the holidays. Inexpensive wooden stands come in many sizes
and are usually made of rosewood; they are great for showcasing pieces that alone do not
seem spectacular. You can get a look at Lynne Beavers' private home in Christopher's
Color Courage Show.
Guest
Lynne Beavers
Guest Information
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Lynne Beavers, Owner
BPA Collectibles
1315 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
Segment 2
Organic Textures with Sandi Reinke from Loose Ends
Christopher and Sandi Reinke of Loose Ends talk about using organic materials in your
home and demonstrate how important texture is in adding beauty and interest.
Sandi shows us some pieces available in the Loose Ends catalogue: Paper Japanese
banners with iron-on Pellon on the backs for body; marsh grass used to cover a wall;
paper and bamboo luminary; pumice bowl filled with stones and bamboo candles;
jardinières covered with organic paper and a Zen collection.
Guest Information
Sandi Reinke
Loose Ends
Salem, OR 97307
Phone: 503-393-2348
Fax: 503-390-4729
Web: www.looseends.com
E-mail: info@looseends.com
Catalogue: $7.00
Segment 3
Arte de Mexico Tour
Christopher and David Stoffers show us around the Arte de Mexico showroom. It is like
taking a trip around the world when you visit Arte de Mexico. Christopher finds the Taj
Mahal Room and has great fun showing us the different pieces and how to arrange import
collectibles.
Guest Information
David Stoffers
Arte de Mexico
5356 Riverton Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
818-769-5090
Web: www.artedemexico.com or www.arteshowrooms.com
Segment 4
Leather and Straw Wall Hanging Demo
Christopher shows us how to create vignettes with imports. He suggests updating some
old inherited imports with new formal fabrics and shows us some of the more popular
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pieces you can find today like small chests and ironwork. Then Christopher shows us
how to create an import look wall hanging.
Materials:
Leather/suede placemats
Twig placemats
Half yard of naugahyde
Leather strips
Wooden poles/sticks (from your backyard)
Decorative Tacks
Instructions:
Lay placemats out side by side in the design you like with wooden poles at the top and
bottom. Glue the naugahyde strips lengthwise along the seams where the placemats meet
and up the two outside edges. Glue to one side first and go back and glue the other side.
Be sure to cut the strips long enough to wrap around the poles at the top and bottom of
the hanging. Wrap the strips around the poles and glue in place. Using the leather strips,
do the same thing across the seams where the placemats meet from side to side. Hammer
in a decorative tack at each place the two strips cross and at the top and bottom where the
poles join to the hanging.
Product Information
Ironwork from
Cost Plus
Web: www.costplus.com
Clips
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web: www.ikea.com
Segment 5
Global Design with Brad Blair from Lotus Antiquities
Christopher and Brad Blair, owner of Lotus Antiquities, talk to us about global style and
design, a mixing of many cultures in the same area using good taste. Brad shows us a
dining room he designed with looks from all over the world. The windows are hung with
a wonderful textured material and double lined for an opulent drape. This is paired with a
grass screen that has a center pulley for raising and lowering. The window seating area is
flanked by an Indian wine pouring vessel on one side and a Japanese box lantern on the
other. The centerpiece of the room is a magnificent Italian Fortuni chandelier of
handpainted and beaded silk. The table is a 1910 American pedestal table that Brad has
ebonized and added everyday French chairs which he has covered in a beautiful nubby
raw silk, leaving nail heads exposed. He has two matching Chinese 19th Century
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wardrobes on either side of the room and a quartet of butterfly scrolls. The carpet is a
commercial grade plush to which he has added a four inch border in a contrasting color.
Guest Information
Brad Blair, Designer/Owner
Lotus Antiquities
158 N. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
213-938-4531
Segment 6
International Gift Wrap/Import Buying/Asian Tablescape
Christopher shows us how to add an international flair to our gift wrapping with a visit to
Koichi Hara, Artist/Designer at Japanesque in San Francisco. Then Christopher shows us
where to find some great import buys at CIRCA AD, with Joel Martin; Interior Perdue
with Pamela Fritz; and Cost Plus. Last, he shows us a You Can Do It! mural from a
viewer who painted her basement stairwell to resemble a French vineyard scene.
Instructions:
Koichi Hara, Artist/Designer at Japanesque in San Francisco demonstrates a gift
wrapping technique using only paper and twine. Hooray, no tape! Koichi nests bubble
wrap between sheets of tissue paper for the first layer. Then he pre folds gold rice paper
(using a straight edge) and then inserts the package, tucking the ends into each other. He
then takes and folded piece of white paper and folds and wraps hiding the tucked area. He
wraps and ties a colorful, thin twine around the entire package to hold it together.
Cost Plus Tablescape: Christopher builds a tablescape in the Cost Plus store from things
on their shelves. He begins with a tablecloth covered with placemat runners then uses
straw doormats for placemats covering them with a smaller cloth placemat and then a
round placemat for under the charger plates. He uses bamboo boxes to hold the
silverware and also provides chopsticks. The centerpiece is of bamboo candleholders
filled with candles and orchids.
Tips:
Joel Martin of CIRCA AD discusses how to tell the difference between Korean or
Japanese furnishings and Chinese furnishings. The Korean and Japanese furniture does
not usually have legs because of the delicate grass (tatami mats) mats, whereas, Chinese
furnishings will have legs because their tile floors are usually heated.
Guest Information
Koichi Hara, Artist/Designer
Japanesque
824 Montgomery
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San Francisco, CA
Joel Martin
Circa AD
3867 Fourth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
619-293-3328
Pamela Fritz
340 Bryant St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-543-1616
Product Info
Cost Plus
Web: www.costplus.com
Show 217 Small Spaces
Christopher shows us how to transform small spaces into fabulous and intimate
showcases.
Segment 1
Telestrator Inspiration & The Skinny House
Christopher shows us on the telestrator how to take advantage of small spaces. Next
Christopher takes us to Long Beach, California for a visit to Laurie Atherton's skinny
house. The house is on a 10 X 50 foot lot, with rooms only 9 feet wide. The unusual
house still has many of the original details still intact: great stenciling, stucco walls,
swirled ceilings and stained glass portal, wall sconces, iron banister and tiled bathrooms.
Christopher tips on utilizing small spaces
First, Christopher discusses an eat-in kitchen with a large table but no room for big
chairs. Solution: build a window bench for seating along two sides of the table. Next,
Christopher arranges two large, overstuffed chairs and a table in a small corner for a big
feeling in a small space. Wall space in a corner between two windows inspires
Christopher to add some storage shelves. Christopher shows us how to take advantage of
a hallway that is usually used only as a pass-through. He adds a built-in hutch at the end
with an overhead shelf and a still life down one side on a very narrow table. Christopher
next shows us how to utilize another pass-through, the space beneath the stairwell. He
fills it with a mirror, table and chair and object de arte. In a teeny tiny kitchen recessed
shelving is added from floor to ceiling for storage.
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Segment 2
Showcase House Hallway Altar Before
Christopher tackles a small, curved alcove at the end of a hallway in the Showcase
House. He decides to add a shelf, built into the curve under the window which overlooks
a courtyard, to make a kind of altar. He plans to curve the outside edge of the shelf in and
out so it will be a great tchochke place.
Christopher drew a template by placing a large piece of paper on the floor and outlining
the curve of the wall for the back edge of the shelf. He then designed the front edge to
come around evenly from both ends forming a ledge just wide enough for some candles
and then swirls out in the center so the shelf is deeper directly under the window.
Christopher plans to add stenciling along the wide edge of the altar as well as on the wall
below and above the altar and window. Swing arms are installed high on the wall on
either side of the window to add some fabric to the space that will have a multi function
of improving the acoustics and adding privacy.
Segment 3
Tackling the Candle Ledge
Christopher shows us how to actually build his candle ledge/altar. You could use the
same procedure and just add legs for a great coffee table.
Instructions
Candle Ledge/Altar: Draw a template by placing a large piece of paper on the floor and
outlining the curve of the wall for the back edge of the shelf. Then draw the front edge to
come around evenly from both ends forming a narrow ledge and then swirl it out in the
center so the shelf is deeper directly under the window. Use this template to cut a top and
bottom for you shelf out of 3/4" plywood. Next, from 3/4" plywood cut blocks to use
between the top and bottom of the shelf to gives it the depth needed and provide the
inside supports to nail the wiggle board onto. You will need 7 blocks: a block for each
end of the ledge, two blocks on each side where the narrow ledge part meets the
expanded center piece and another piece to go directly down the center of the ledge for
support. Nail these blocks to the bottom of the shelf and then lay the top of the shelf on
the blocks and nail down. Next, cut 3 pieces of wiggle board to fit the front of the shelf,
one piece for each narrow side of the shelf and another to fit around the large curved
center of the shelf. Nail the wiggle board to the top and bottom pieces of the shelf and to
the blocks, butting the side pieces of wiggle board into the center piece of wiggle board
where they meet. To mount the shelf, cut more blocks that are measured to fit in between
the top and bottom parts of the shelf, mount these blocks directly onto the wall, slide the
shelf onto the blocks and nail the shelf from the top and bottom onto the mounted blocks.
Caulk, sand and prime.
Segment 4
Showcase House Hallway Altar After
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Christopher shows us the alcove after he is finished decorating. The shelf is installed and
his friend Jan Dressler did a faux stenciling. There is a brick pattern going all along the
edge of the ledge and underneath. The top is stenciled in a granite or Jerusalem stone
look. That color is tied down into the area below the shelf. So it really grounds the space.
Remember, that we didn't want to put anything on the floor to trip over, but now the
space feels very furnished. As we look up to the top of the window, we see it framed by a
fabulous wooden relief stencil with tassels.
Stroheim and Romann donated the material for the drapes hanging from the swing out
rods from IKEA. The drapes are tied back with Consco tiebacks. Then at the end of it all,
in an effort not to overburden this space, Christopher put a nice big plant in the center and
stepped down from that with wonderful candles by Illuminations
Product Information
Jan Dressler Stencils Co.
253 SW 41st St.
Renton, WA 98055
888-656-4515
Web: www.dresslerstencils.com
Email: dresslerstencils@msn.com
Stroheim and Romann
718-706-7000
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web:www.ikea.com
Consco
800-845-2431
Web: www.consco.com
Illuminations
1995 South McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, CA 94954
800-621-2998
Web: www.illuminations.com
Segment 5
Stencil Techniques by Jan Dressler
Jan Dressler of Dressler Stencils shows us some of the techniques she used on the
stenciling in the Showcase House alcove, including how to "gray down" a color by
mixing a little color from the hue opposite it on the color wheel. All of the Jan Dressler
Stencils come with complete directions on techniques and tools to use in the application.
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Guest Information
Jan Dressler
Jan Dressler Stencils Co.
253 SW 41st St.
Renton, WA 98055
888-656-4515
Web: www.dresslerstencils.com
Email: dresslerstencils@msn.com
Product Information
Jan Dressler Stencils Co.
253 SW 41st St.
Renton, WA 98055
888-656-4515
Web: www.dresslerstencils.com
Email: dresslerstencils@msn.com
Segment 6
Furniture Arranging
Christopher shows us how to arrange furniture in a long L-shaped room breaking the
room in several groupings but still maintaining the flow.
Christopher introduces us to David Beer of YesterTec Design Company. YesterTec
designs beautiful cabinets that conceal and disguise some very useful household
appliances like refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers.
Viewer mail shows us how to utilize a pass through area for extra seating and storage,
from an old waterbed! Another viewer has a problem with her small living room and a
sectional sofa. Christopher shows her how to split up the sectional, cozy it up to the
fireplace and still have a spacious look in a small space.
Guest Information
David Beer
YesterTec Design Company
The YesterTec Kitchen Works
PO Box 190
Center Valley, PA 18034
Phone: (610) 838-1194
Fax: (610) 838-1937
E-mail: info@yestertec.com
Website: www.yestertec.com
Product Info
YesterTec Design Company
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The YesterTec Kitchen Works
PO Box 190
Center Valley, PA 18034
Phone: (610) 838-1194
Fax: (610) 838-1937
E-mail: info@yestertec.com
Website: www.yestertec.com
SHOW #218 KITCHENS
Christopher focuses on remodeling kitchens. He starts with the planning, then moves to
the budget and finally shows the makeover of the showcase house kitchen.
Segment 1
PLANNING STAGE AT EXPO/AUTHOR JAN WEIMER
Christopher takes us on tour to the Home Depot Expo to visit with the professionals who
can help with the design of a kitchen remodeling job, discuss the budget and help you
visualize exactly what your kitchen could look like. With the help of Home Depot home
improvement expert Lesley Carlson, Christopher shows some of the elements like
cabinets, appliances, countertop finishes that make a kitchen look fabulous when they’re
all put together. Along with al the choices, designers on staff help with making budgetconscious decisions. Bring measurements, photographs, magazine pictures, paint colors,
etc. to help the designers help you. Computer generated designs will show new floor
plans and the location of new cabinets and appliances. Once you have determined the
design of the kitchen, you can go to the flooring section to select patterns, the hardware
section for drawer and cabinet pulls or the plumbing section for sink and faucet
selections. Take your time. This is a large investment; in fact, investing in a kitchen
brings the greatest return on house resale. Expo will deliver, install and guarantee
products. Explore, take your time, consult the experts and remember a good kitchen gives
you a great extra living space while adding financial value to your home.
Jan Weimer, author of Kitchen Redos, Revamps, Remodels, and Replacements: Without
Murder, Suicide, or Divorce, offers advice for maximizing storage space in the kitchen
and shows pictures of her own kitchen remodeling job. She shows some interesting
kitchen products available on the market including an under the cabinet pull-down office
that has space for paper, pencils, paperclips, etc. Another under the cabinet product called
The Swinger is a storage device for sharp kitchen knives. A handy spice rack also fits
snugly under the cabinet and can be customized to hold whatever you like. She also
showed a portable hot plate.
Product Info
Kitchen Redos, Revamps, Remodels, and Replacements: Without Murder, Suicide, or
Divorce
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By Jan Weimer
William Morrow & Co.
Kitchen products available on the chefstore.com web site
Induction Cooker, Black Top
By Iwatani
$360.00
Under-Cabinet Swinger Block
By Wusthof-Trident
$70.00
Pull down desk and spice rack
Amerock Corporation
4000 Auburn Street
P.O. Box 7018
Rockford, IL 61125-7018
815-969-6308
815-969 -6138 (FAX)
Web: amerock.com
Guest Info
Lesley Carlson
Home Depot Public Relations Representative
Home Depot
Web: homedepot.com
Jan Weimer
Author, Kitchen Redos, Revamps, Remodels, and Replacements: Without Murder,
Suicide, or Divorce
Web: chefstore.com
323-667-0590
Segment 2
Showcase House Kitchen Before
Christopher takes us to the showcase house to view the kitchen before the makeover. One
of the first things to look at when remodeling is to see what you can “add to” before you
“tear out.” We concentrate on everything we hate about the room. We get so obsessed
that we’re going to tear everything out and it’s all going to be perfect the way we want. If
you employ the art of disguise and the philosophy that you “add to” rather than ”rip out”,
you can save yourself a lot of money. We have a laundry room area that sits behind the
kitchen but has no wall to block the view. We need to create a partition, but keep it light
and airy. We’re going to build a small shelf unit with a frosted glass combination for
tchochkes and extra storage. The countertops don’t match so we’re going to add
something to them so they’re all uniform without tearing them out. Then we’ll add a tile
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backsplash from Bolivar Tile. I want to find out whether replacing just the fronts of these
cabinets is really as inexpensive as they say it is. The floor isn’t anything I would have
chosen but thank goodness it’s a neutral, solid, organic color. I can disguise this. I’ve got
stainless steel all the way through so that’s telling me that there’s a high tech element
that’s already built in. I can replace the faucet without having to replace the sink. By the
time I paint the cabinets and reface them, the stainless steel will feel a little more
integrated. On the other side of the kitchen there’s a wonderful sort of eat-in nook, but the
dining room is right around the corner so I don’t necessarily need an eat-in kitchen. But
we always want to gather and coffee clutch in the kitchen so rather than this great big
table, we’re going to go to a restaurant supply shop and remember we’re adding to, so
we’ve got the stainless steel throughout the rest of the kitchen, so we’re going to do a
very sleek stainless steel layout table. We have a charming arched window at the end of
the kitchen. Because it’s white, you really don’t see it. After we add some paint and
fabric, we’ll really play up the view. Although I always love window benches, the one
that’s in the kitchen is a real space robber. I want to put a storage cabinet which would be
much more valuable, and will link the sink and nook areas, something like a nice tall
cabinet to be the same scale as the shelves that we’re building as the partition between the
laundry room and sink. Nice place for a wine rack and maybe a wine cooler and all our
cookbooks, almost a library feeling to it and yet still remains very utilitarian.
Segment 3
Showcase House Kitchen During
Christopher shows us how the kitchen is taking shape as we visit phase two of the
makeover. We’ve removed the cabinet doors and are going to faux finish the doors. All
the shelving has been completed. The frosted glass will also be installed. We put up “L”
brackets that will all be painted and caulked and go away. That’s what’s supporting the
shelves. The shelves are just simple pine with a half round. The new cabinet is being built
off site. We’ve built a desk area that will have the cooler at the base and a work station on
top. We’ve added shelves for the wicker baskets to slide into. Can you imagine how
wonderful that is going to be to entertain? One’s got the napkins and the napkin rings and
you side dishes and plates and silver that you don’t use all the time.
Segment 4
Cabinet Faux Finish Demo
Faux finishing expert Glenwood Sherry joins Christopher in studio to demonstrate the
crackle finish used on the cabinets.
Materials
Cabinet doors
Water based primer (Kilz or Binn)
Base color latex paint (cream color)
Top color latex paint (seafoam green)
Crackle medium
Glaze (gold leaf and dark brown)
Sander and fine grit sandpaper
Painter’s tape
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Natural sea sponges
Roller and tray
Paint brushes
Disposable foam plates
Bowl of water
Polyurethane
Dust mask
Safety glasses
Rubber gloves
Instructions
Remove cabinet doors and hardware. Sand door fronts to remove old finish. Tape the
edges. Apply a coat of primer. Let dry. Apply the base coat color.
Brush on crackle medium and let dry the amount of time designated by the manufacturer.
Moisten a sea sponge with water, dip it in the top color and dab the color over
the crackle medium. Use a generous amount of paint and do not go back over paint that
has been applied. The crackling will begin in 3-5 minutes. Work quickly for consistency.
Let dry. Dip a moistened sea sponge in gold leaf glaze and rub in a circular motion over
the cracked finish. Repeat with dark brown glaze. It is not necessary to let the first glaze
dry before applying the second glaze color. If desired, seal with polyurethane.
Variation: Try stroking a dry paint brush through the top coat when it begins to crackle
for a streaked effect.
Guest Info
Glenwood Sherry
Artist and Author of Fresh Paint
Bay Books
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Web: wallstencils.com
Email: psherry@oicu.com
Product Info
Plaid Enterprises
Web: plaidonline.com
800-842-4197
Segment 5
Showcase House Kitchen After
We’re back in the showcase kitchen for a look at the transformation.
We saved a lot of money because we were flexible and we made changes along the way.
One of the things that we loved about the space was that it had lots of light and it was
very airy but we didn’t like the idea that this space and this laundry room area felt as one
big space. The shelves now connect the shelves that go all the way down the whole
length of the kitchen. Glenwood Sherry came in to do an old world crackle finish on all
of the cabinets. We abandoned the idea of refacing the old ones because it was too
expensive. What we really wanted was a new ceramic tile floor. We refaced the fronts of
the appliances with stainless steel. And we tied in the high tech element by using stainless
steel handles on the cabinets. I spent my money was on the decorative backsplash tiles.
you see these shelves all dressed up. By having wonderful accessories on the shelves, it
frees up all the cabinet area so we pick up more storage. You see a collection of
everything from frosted glass, pieces from IKEA, a few things from our friends from
Umbra who gave us the great big frosted plastic bowls, so we used a combination of all
those things. And just the art of arranging makes it looks great and it’s very serviceable.
Our cabinet has lots of cubby holes for mail and wonderful shelves for cookbooks. Below
the wine cooler from Wine and All That Jazz provides a place to keep chilled wine for
those unexpected guests. We’ve got that beautiful stainless steel table in the breakfast
nook area. Up above we’ve matched the stainless steel look with some of our Calphalon
stainless steel cooking utensils and great big glass globes from Arte de Mexico. In very
little space, we made the kitchen quite functional for very little money.
Product Information
Paint
The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Web: www.christopherlowellpaint.com
877-743-5837
Wall color: Steamed Oatmeal
Ceiling color: Clam Shell
Trim: Pasta
Shelving Color: Broiled Fennel
Floor tile, ceramic backsplash and countertops
Bolivar Inc.
1 West California Blvd., Suite 111
Pasadena, CA 91105
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626-449-8453
Frosted glass
S. A. Bendheim Company Inc.
61 Willett St.
Passaic, NJ 07055
800-835-5304
Web: www.bendheim.com
Custom wine cabinet
Newkirk and Sons
818-566-1608
Wine refrigerator
Wine and All That Jazz
220 Tompkins Ave.
Pleasantville, NY 10570
800-610-7731
Stainless steel appliance covers
Frigo Design Inc.
5860 McKinley Rd.
Brewerton, NY 13029
800-836-8746
Web: frigodesign.com
Cabinet pulls, woven storage baskets, accessories
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web: www.ikea.com
Accent Fabrics
Stroheim and Romann
718-706-7000
Accessories
Umbra Inc.
1705 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14212
800-387-5122
Web: www.umbra.com
Lamp
Arte de Mexico
5356 Riverton Ave.
No. Hollywood, CA 91601
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818-769-5090
Web: www.artdemexico.com or www.arteshowrooms.com
Segment 6
Hardware Alternatives
Christopher shows some fixtures that might be used as handles even though that was not
their intended purpose. Some of them include clothes hooks that can be used as drawer
pulls, a faucet handle for a cabinet handle, plumbing elbows for drawer pulls and a
chrome toilet paper holder as another type of handle. Try using wooden alphabet blocks
(kid’s toys) as drawer pulls. A wood finial painted and dressed with a tassel looks
fabulous.
Show 219
Guest Bedrooms
The show is all about taking the spare bedroom in your home and transforming it into a
warm and inviting “hotel suite” where your honored guests will feel welcome in your
own home.
SEGMENT 1
Chateau du Sureau Hotel Tour
We take a trip to the Chateau de Sureau in Northern California, where owner Erna R.
Kubin-Clannin takes us on a tour of this fantasy bed and breakfast. The guest suites have
a self-contained area where guests can be comfortable. Inviting fresh cut flowers, a
basket of fruit, books and things that pamper guests are included in the rooms. For those
privileged guests it is an enchanted place that seems like a castle. The concept of the
hotel is like a private home, very special. It is surrounded by 7 acres. There is no front
desk. Service is very personal. Guests are surrounded by very expensive furniture and
accessories. Each room is decorated differently and exquisitely. There is a private home
behind the main hotel that offers 24 hour butler service and complete privacy. Filled with
fine antiques and art, the villa is the jewel of the crown with the highest standards of
beauty. The grounds feature a pond, a gazebo and a large chess court. A wonderful fire in
the grand salon where guests can meet to talk is one of the focal points.
Erna Kubinclanin
Chateau du Sureau
48688 Victoria Lane
Oakhurst, CA 93644
559-683-6860
Email chateau@chateausureau.com
Web site: http://www.elderberryhouse.com/frames_chateau.htm
SEGMENT 2
Showcase House Guest Bedroom Before/Cornice Demo
Christopher takes us through the “before” of the guest room in the Showcase House and
discusses his ideas for the makeover of the guest bedroom
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Christopher shows how to make the cornice piece that will connect the bookcases with
the ceiling.
SEGMENT 3
Showcase House Guest Bedroom During/Headboard Demo
Christopher shows us the guest bedroom partially finished and explains the progress so
far. The cornices are in the center of the room.
Christopher describes the construction of the plywood headboard.
SEGMENT 4
Headboard Upholstery Demo
Christopher shows how to upholster the plywood headboard that will be attached to the
back of the bookcases.
SEGMENT 5
Showcase House Guest Bedroom, After
Christopher’s guest bedroom makeover is complete. What a transformation beginning
with the IKEA bookcases. The shelves are turned toward the back with some of the
shelves removed to create a vanity, complete with a little mirror. The fabric was a
traditional pattern that goes back to the 1600s, English toile. The room is symmetrical.
Everything is exactly the same on both sides with two twin beds centered in the room.
Ottomans at the foot of each of the beds from Expressions Furniture provide a place for
guests to place suitcases or sit.
Paint
The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Wall color: Braised Oyster
Ceiling color: Blue Points
Trim: Pasta
Web site: www.christopherlowell.com
Ottoman
Expressions Custom Furniture
401 11th St. NW
Hickory, NC 28603
800-544-4519
Web site: www.expressionsfurniture.com
Fabric
Stroheim and Romann
718-706-7000
Bookcases
IKEA
800-343-IKEA
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Web site: www.ikea.com
Bathroom accessories
Umbra Inc.
1705 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14212
800-387-5122
SEGMENT 6
Star Baskets
Marnie Lerner, owner of Star Treatment displays some of her custom gift baskets perfect
for pampering guests with everything from fluffy robes and snacks to a good book to curl
up with. First, we saw a basket filled with soothing teas, scented bath oils and powder.
Marnie suggested filling a cooler with midnight snacks for guests. Include good oldfashioned junk food like candy, popcorn, chocolate and nuts. Another wonderful spa
basket included a comfortable robe and a selection of bath products. Put a card on the
guest’s pillow to let them know that the baskets are for them to use and keep.
Marnie Lerner
Star Treatment
15200 Stagg Street
Van Nuys, CA 91405
800-444-9059
Email: info@startreatment.com
Web site: startreatment.com
Show #220 Savvy Surfaces
Christopher presents new products for re-surfacing floors, countertops, etc., giving them
a much needed facelift and at the same time, saving a ton of money.
SEGMENT 1
Masako Takahashi, Mexican Tiles
Christopher discusses the California history of Mexican tile with Masako Takahashi,
author of Mexican Tiles. Christopher and Masako show us some examples of beautiful
tile work. They look at some different patterns and how to mix them. Particularly
beautiful is the half handkerchief style Moroccan tiles.
Book: Mexican Tiles
By Masako Takahashi
SEGMENT 2
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Christopher’s Resurfacing Demos Revisited and Kemiko Stains
Christopher shows us some different techniques used to re-surface different areas of the
home. First, a wooden floor in not-so-good condition is taped off into a diamond shaped
grid, and a crackle finish similar to one chosen for the walls is applied to alternating
diamonds. Next, a floor cloth is created in a child's room that has been converted from an
old artists' studio. Other examples included a linoleum rug from different kinds of subtletoned linoleums, a concrete look wall done with quick dry plaster, a Picasso mosaic in a
bathroom and an old world crackle finish to kitchen cabinets in the Showcase House.
Christopher shows us how a rundown outdoor concrete courtyard area with cracks can be
transformed into a great look with some help from Kemiko, a concrete staining company.
Kemiko scored the concrete and used different earth tone and terra cotta colors to stain
the entire slab and fountain area to create a Tuscan hideaway.
SEGMENT 3
Staining Concrete with Kemiko’s Barbara Sargent
Christopher and Barbara Sargent from Kemiko Stains demonstrate how to stain concrete.
Demo Directions:
Concrete staining: Remember to always use safety equipment: respirator mask, goggles
and gloves. The Kemiko stains contain hydrochloric acid so it is very important to use
safety equipment. After cleaning, concrete should be allowed to cure for 4-6 weeks
before staining. The stain is mixed half and half with water and sprayed onto the surface.
Spray the first coat of Kemiko Stone Tone Stain, let dry and apply a second coat. When
the second coat has dried completely, clean the surface with clear water and a scrub
brush. Let dry. You have a choice of final finishes depending on the look you want. If
you want a soft matte finish, use Kemiko Stone Tone Wax; if you want a high gloss coat
use Kemiko Perfectly Clear Sealer.
Barbara Sargent
Kemiko Concrete Stain
PO Box 1109
Leonard, TX 75452
908-387-3708
E-mail: sales@kemiko.com
Web site: www.kemiko.com
SEGMENT 4
Bolivar Tile with Sylvie Gil
Sylvie Gill shows Christopher some of the latest trends in tile. Bolivar tiles range from
mosaic to glass. Tiles include porcelain, specialty tiles that have a jewel tone color, some
with actual jewels embedded in them, watercolor look tiles, antique look tiles with
figures etched on them, tiles with metal ornaments embedded in the center and bright
colored tiles with metallic highlights.
Sylvie Gil, President
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Bolivar Inc.
1 West California Blvd., Suite 111
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-449-8453
SEGMENT 5
Vandijk Carpets Greg Freeman
Christopher and Greg Freeman of Vandijk Carpets discuss the ins and outs of sisal. Sisal
is a natural fiber and should be glued down when used wall-to-wall, as it will expand and
contract with the temperature. Sisal is a vegetable plant grown in Mexico, Africa and
parts of Asia. Some styles have a narrow band around the outside edge. Others are
customized with decorative borders of woven cotton tapestries from France. Sisal is not
easy to walk on in your bare feet so sisal look-alikes made of wool and linen have
become popular.
Christopher and Kaye Omeroid, also of Vandijk Carpets, show us how you can customize
a rug for your home. Their carpets can be made to order to match the colors in your
home. Vandijks has a wide color palette to choose from.
Greg Freeman
Kaye Omeroid
Vandijk Carpets
2500 Donn Drive
P. O. Box a569
Cartersville, GA 30120
800-222-9005 or 800-476-8323
Web site: www.vandijkcarpet.com
SEGMENT 6
Spatter Paint and Wood Look Faux Finish with Steve Burright
Using acrylic paints in pastel colors and a wood finishing technique Steve Burright and
Christopher show us how to finish a storage chest with a spatter paint and wood look
finish. This finish can be used on almost any surface.
Demo Directions
Spatter paint finish:
Dilute silver acrylic paint, peach and blue with water. Paint a base coat of silver. Splatter
with surface first with silver, then peach and blue. Dip a paint brush in the diluted paint,
then hit the brush against your hand, spattering the paint over the surface. While still wet,
roll over the three colors with a dry roller. Spray with isopropyl alcohol. The chemical
effect will cause the paint to separate. Let dry.
Wood look finish:
Cover a piece of particleboard with masking tape. Tint polyurethane with raw umber
universal tint. Apply to the tape. Let dry. Tint polyurethane with burnt sienna universal
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tint. Paint over the tape surface, then sponge, comb or rake. Let dry. Lift the tape off the
particleboard. Apply the tape to the desired surface. Add several coats of polyurethane.
SHOW #221 CHIC CHEATS
It’s OK to cheat when it comes to decorating and saving money. Christopher explores the
use of “chic cheats” that solve a lot of problems and save lots of money.
Segment 1
Color Washing with Guest Jocosta Innes
Jocosta Innes, author of the book Paint Magic, now in its fourth edition, joins Christopher
to discuss some of the illusions of faux finishing techniques she has included in her book.
Then she demos a paint washing technique on walls. Trompe l’oeil is a technique used to
“fool the eye” and Jocosta used it to paint china plates onto the front of a cupboard. She
placed chicken wire over the doors for an even more realistic effect. She showed a photo
of a floor painted with blue flowers to match Wedgewood pieces on top of a sideboard.
She also painted a curtain on a wall that gave the illusion of the fabric blowing in the
breeze. The last photo showed the a white washing technique on the walls of a bedroom.
It was used for texture.
Jocosta’s color washing technique was used to create large subtle almost transparent
stripes on a wall. She began by base coating the wall with a color called Haystack. When
dry, she applied Cinnamon glaze using a large household sponge. Then she brushed
through the glaze with a large soft paint brush, feathering the glaze and giving it
additional movement and texture. After that dries, tape off the stripes with masking tape.
Sponge on a Mulberry glaze with a household sponge into the area where stripes will be.
Follow with the feathering technique using the large soft paint brush. Remove the tape
while the glaze is still wet.
Guest Info
Jocosta Innes
Author of Paint Magic
England
Product Info
Paint Magic
By Jocosta Innes
Segment 2
Flexall Molding
Christopher demonstrates a technique for making beautiful carved molding from a plain
piece of wood and Flexall applied to it from a cake decorating pastry bag.
Instructions
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Start with a plain piece of wood pre-cut to the size desired for the molding. We used a 1
inch by 4 inch piece of pine. Sand and base coat the wood with a primer and let dry. Fill a
pastry bag with Flexall. Using a plain tip push Flexall through the pastry bag in a straight
line along the top edge of the wood. Apply a second line of Flexall about an inch from
the first line. Let dry. If there is a break in the line of Flexall, remove it with a plaster
knife. Change tips to a leaf tip and apply Flexall leaves over top of the raised lines. Try
many different tips for additional embellishments. Make medallions, dots, small rosettes,
etc. When dry, spray with gold spray paint or desired color. Use a small soft brush for
touch-ups. Try adding adornments to existing molding, too. This technique is great for
flea market finds like chairs or headboards. Try adding universal tint to Flexall first to
eliminate the painting step.
Segment 3
You Did It! Bang Up Barn
Viewer Barb Michael takes us on a tour of her fabulous old country barn.
Segment 4
Tablescape with Guest Sandra Woodward
Home entertaining expert Sandra Woodward joins Christopher and the two of them team
up to create an instant buffet. Christopher works on the tablescape while Sandra places
purchased prepared foods from a gourmet market onto platters. The menu consists of
fresh cut-up fruit, green salad and meatloaf. Christopher uses pots and pans from the
kitchen to create different levels, covers them with a fabric tablecloth from Loose Ends to
cover the lifts and levels. Christopher used some fresh flowers as a backdrop, a pineapple
set on its side in the foreground and some dried cherries scattered on the tablecloth. He
also used fresh lemons and limes on the table to add color and texture. When completed,
the table consisted of a platter with meatloaf and rice, the green salad in a bowl on one of
the lifts and a fresh fruit platter. French bread was broken into edible sized pieces and
placed on a plate in the foreground.
Segment 5
Rolling Garden Demo
Many times people living in apartments love a garden look, but have no room to plant.
Christopher shows how to construct a rolling garden, a plant stand to hold any number of
plants that looks good, won’t block the light and can be moved into the garden when the
tenant moves to a house.
Instructions
Start by framing the bottom using 2 by 4s, mitering the corners. Ours was approximately
3 ft. long by 18 inches by 5 feet high. Attach with nails. Build the outside box using 1 by
4s for the front and side. Attach to the 2 by 4 bottom with nails. Leave room on the sides
at the back to construct the vertical supports for additional shelving. Attach the vertical
supports made from 1 by 4 cut to the desired length with bolts that have been pre-drilled
and counter sunk. Leave a center opening in the bottom of the frame. Cover with 1 by 4
slats to hold flower pots. Using metal stud material as a flat tray to hold purchased
galvanized mud trays. Cut the stud material with tin snips to the desired length plus 1
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inch on either end. Cut slits in each side of the stud material 1 inch from the end, fold up
the end at the slit and fold the tab along the side of the stud material. Drill holes through
the tab and each side. Secure with bolts and nuts. Assemble the desired number of stud
boxes depending on the number of shelves in the design of the rolling garden. Attach the
stud boxes with bolts and nuts to the vertical supports and desired intervals. Use as many
tiers as you like. Caulk the galvanized trays with clear caulk on the insides to be sure that
water won’t leak from them. Fill the trays with potting soil and plant with desired plants.
We used sweet grass cut to the size of the galvanized trays for some of the plantings.
Small flower pots with pre-planted foliage can be placed into the galvanized trays as
well. Add casters to the structure to move it around.
Segment 6
Review of Chic Cheats Used Over the Years
Christopher takes a look at some of the “chic cheats” used from previous shows. They
include the dining room of the Showcase House using the hand hewn beams on the buffet
wall and the arches over the French doors in the living room of the Showcase House. The
arches add height, drama and illusion. In the homes office of the Showcase House,
Christopher shows a rolling bench that doubles as a coffee table and stores under the
window. (Directions for making the rolling bench are featured in Christopher’s Classics.)
He also used galvanized storage bins from IKEA to provide usable space for guests to put
their “socks and undies” or the homeowner to put office supplies. In the guest bedroom of
the Showcase House, Christopher shows the “chic cheat” of a cornice piece attached to
the ceiling over a purchased bookcase that was used as a vanity area on the back side and
a headboard for the guest bed. In the master bedroom of the Showcase House,
Christopher used caning and bamboo to create a fabulous Asian look for ordinary core
doors.
SHOW #222 SPECIAL OCCASION PARTY
It’s party time, everything you’ve wanted to know about planning a stress-free party that
not only your guests will love, but you as the host can also enjoy.
Segment 1
Party Planner Neal Matticks
Christopher and Neal Matticks of Neal Matticks' Design, show us three table setting
creations. The first is for a more formal affair with silver, red and black striped table
cover, gold-banded china, lots of silver candlesticks and small silver containers filled
with flowers. Silk chair covers are adorned with ostrich feathers, flowers and ribbons and
rose petals sprinkled in the chair seat. The second setting is a more luxurious, elegant
setting with napkins tucked into antique gloves on an etched velvet table cover. The
centerpiece boasts reproduction antique wind up clocks tucked in with crystal fruit for a
guest gift, red roses, red hydrangea and red berries. Covered chairs are adorned with
flowers and ribbon. Finally, a trip to Provence, all yellow and blue, spring flowers,
colored glass ornaments hanging from the wine glasses for guests to take home as well as
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small tin balloons filled with whatever you like and an antique napkin filled with the
herbs of Provence.
Segment 2
Creative Intelligence, Marc Friedland, Invitations
Invitations are the one ingredient that sets the tone for the entire party. Marc Friedland of
Creative Intelligence and Christopher show us some of the very special invitations that
Marc has designed. Marc shows us a great easy way to make an invitation. With a little
bubble wrap, craft paper twine rubber stamps and a computer you can create a moving
announcement printed in red ink. Make an envelope out of the brown craft paper; wrap
the invitation created on your computer in bubble wrap and tie with twine.
Guest information
Marc Friedland, Designer/Author, President
Creative Intelligence, Inc.
4988 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Phone: 323-936-9009
Fax: 323-935-8299
E-mail: info@creative-intelligence.com
Web: www.creative-intelligence.com
Product Information
Invitations
By Marc Friedland
Publisher: Clarkson Potter
Segment 3
Christopher shops at Party America
Christopher takes us on a trip the Party America Store and gives us some tips on the top
20 things you should keep on hand for an impromptu party.
Tips:
Top 20 elements good to have on hand all the time:
1. Paper plates 9 flowered
2. Napkins in matching and coordinating patterns
3. Gift bags - for flowers
4. Small gift bags with tissue paper
5. Paper flowers to adorn the gift bags or use them for napkin rings
6. Shiny gold sprays paired with balloons for a centerpiece
7. Candlesticks for centerpiece
8. Lots of little votives setting around
9. Use plastic platters for chargers under your paper plates. Christopher chose a gold
charger.
10. Real glasses
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11. Real silverware
12. Oversized platters
13. Paint buckets to use under platters in various heights
14. Sterno
15. Balloons kept to the same color scheme
16. Contrasting ribbon to tie off balloons
17. Scatter on the table of candied almonds or flower petals
18. Instead of a tablecloth, actually wrap the entire table as though it were the gift.
19. Pique your guests’ curiosity as they come up the steps with luminaries made of
colored gift bags.
Segment 4
Christopher Demos The Ultimate Party Cake
Christopher shows us how to build the ultimate party cake, a false cake topped off with a
real one for a spectacular party display.
Instructions
Used use a doughnut shaped piece of luan for the bottom of the first layer. Nail and wood
glue eight pieces of 1X4 (all cut the width of the first layer) to the doughnut. To the top
of the 1X4s nail and glue another solid round of luan. Next cut a piece of posterboard the
length of the circumference of the bottom layer and the width of the height of the bottom
layer. Wrap the posterboard around the bottom layer and staple it to the 1X4s around the
outside edges forming a drum-look. Decorate with Flexall. Smear the Flexall on with a
putty knife just like you would decorate a cake. Use a universal tint to color the Flexall, if
you want colors. Use a large flat edge putty knife to smooth the edges and smooth any
little imperfections out with a paintbrush dipped in water. Use a serrated edge tool to add
a decorative score to the sides of the layer. Make however many layers you want to this
stage and stack them on top of each other. Fill a cake decorator bag with Flexall and add
your own decorative borders. Top the creation off with a real cake decorated
appropriately for the occasion. Christopher's cake was topped off with flowers carved
from fruits and vegetables by master carver Darika Roodman, a native of Thailand. The
craft was developed over 700 years ago. You can decorate with anything you like; fresh
flowers are beautiful. And a fresh plant in the center of tiny gift basket is a great takehome for your guests.
Product Information
Flexall Flexible All-purpose Filler
Custom Building Products
Seal Beach, CA
800-272-8786
Web: www.custombuildingproducts.com
Segment 5
In Style Magazine Editor, Honor Brodie
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Christopher and Honor Brodie of In Style Magazine talk about celebrity parties and what
is hot right now in the way of parties.
Guest Information
Honor Brodie, Senior writer
In Style Magazine
P. O. Box 60001
Tampa, FL 33660
Subscriptions: 800-274-6200
Web: www.instyle.com
Product Information
Martini Shaker
Restoration Hardware
Restoration Hardware
15 Koch Road, Suite J
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Fax: 415-446-4188
Website: www.restorationhardware.com
Ice Bucket, Vintage Martini Glasses, Olive Tray and Pewter Palette
Zippers
American Bar: The Artistry of Mixing Drinks
By Charles Shummann
Published by: Abbeville Press, Inc.
Segment 6
Grazing Stations
Nothing is more festive and fun than tablescapes. Christopher and Deborah Fabricant
show us four tablescapes. Deborah advises the easy way to give a party is with one
entree, one hors d'oeuvre and one dessert station. Deborah's bar is simple just special
occasion water and/or wine glasses on an elegant tray. Guest gifts are star candles. On the
hors d'oeuvre table have the silverware wrapped in napkins, plates, cheeses, olives, all
finger food. On the entree table she has French green beans, stuffed chicken breast,
salads and green salad. Always provide a variety for meat eaters or vegetarians. The
most important thing about grazing stations is to keep it simple. All of Deborah's food
was provided by Bristol Farms. Dessert table was also kept simple with strawberries, tarts
and chocolate cake. The coffee service should be on the dessert table.
Christopher reads some viewer mail. The first viewer shows us how she transformed her
living room into a luau, and another viewer creates a special occasion centerpiece of
flower filled wine glasses and candles.
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Guest Information
Deborah Fabricant, Design Expert
Deborah Fabricant
Home Entertainment Expert and author
Los Angeles, CA
Email: fabfood@earthlink.net
Web: www.stackitup.com
Product Information
Invitations
Elements
4255 Campers Drive
Irvine, CA 92616
Phone: 949-854-3690
Food
Bristol Farms
Phone: 310-726-1300
Web: www.bristolfarms.com
Show # 223 Art of Disguise
The show is dedicated to the use of clever and inexpensive ways to disguise elements in
the house that may be outdated, unattractive or in need of a facelift.
Segment 1
Nancy Goubran Decoupages Furniture
Guest Nancy Goubran shows how to transform a plain white storage chest into a work of
art by decoupaging fabric cutouts to it.
Instructions
Paint the piece the background color of your choice, usually a color found in the print
you are planning to decoupage. Coat 100% cotton fabric with Mod Podge® glue to
stiffen it. Let dry. Using a pair of very sharp, small craft scissors, cut out pieces of the
pattern. Glue the cutouts onto the furniture using the same Mod Podge® glue, then add
more glue over the top of them. Use a generous amount of Mod Podge®. It will dry clear.
Next apply clear crackle finish. When dry, apply varnish. Be careful when applying the
varnish to brush only in one direction. If you use this technique on lamp shades, be sure
to use only hardback rather than silk.
Product Info
Mod Podge®
Plaid Enterprises
PO Box 7600
Norcross, GA 30091-7600
800-842-4197 (for a list of retailers only) or 770-923-8200
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SEASON ONE
Fax: 770-381-6705
Email: talk@plaidonline.com
Web: www.plaidonline.com
Segment 2
Examples of Disguise/Vanity Cabinet Finish
Christopher shows us some good examples of the art of disguise in home decorating
through pictures on the telestrator. The review of pictures is followed by an in-studio
demo by Terry Gallaher of E & T Finishing of how to finish a new wood vanity cabinet.
First, from the book Big Ideas for Small Spaces, Author Christine Brun, Rockport
Publishers, Glouchester, MA Christopher shows a kitchen of today with a hood piece
built like a cabinet that has a gazebo-like pediment and a clock. Next, from Nest
Magazine, Joseph Holtzman, publisher, we see a bathroom with an animal print theme;
leopard treatment on the toilet, bowl and all. In another bathroom crocheted toilet and
tissue cozies hide these utilitarian items. In an image from Big Ideas for Small Spaces, a
wardrobe has been remodeled into an entertainment center and when it is closed looks
like a beautiful piece of cabinetry. And last, from an article called Cookie Monster out of
the pages of Nest Magazine comes a room with walls plastered with gingerbread sheets.
Christopher and Terry Gallaher of E & T Finishing show us how to transform an
inexpensive vanity cabinet. Starting with a bare wood vanity cabinet, paint with a kasiem
paste paint (can be thinned into a wash, sprayed or brushed and can be washed off). Next,
wash it back to expose some of the wood. Since it has not been sealed, just put a little bit
of water on a rag and wipe some of the paint off. Once you have achieved the look that
you want, then seal with shellac using a rag or brush. Once dry do the antiquing using
universal tint colors (use Proline for water-based products and UTC for oil or lacquerbased in paste or liquid can). Adding a little mineral spirits can turn it into a glaze. Flick
it on for a speckled look or brush it on. The technique he used is called dirty brushing.
Dip raw umber on a brush and wipe it with rag until it is almost clean. Dry brush over the
area. Let dry. Then add Crystal Clear Coat Polyurethane Satin finish to protect against the
moisture in a bathroom.
Guest Info
Terry Gallaher
E & T Finishing
5350 Strohm Ave. #13
North Hollywood, CA 91601-2946
818-761-8437
Email: etfinishing@earthlink.net
Segment 3
Fridge Refacing with Guest Alan Isaacs
Christopher and Alan Isaacs show us how to update old appliances without replacing
them. Fridge Refacing provides custom-built design panels and trim kits for appliances
that date back as far as 1942. It takes only about 40-45 minutes to install and the cost,
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
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around $400 for a refrigerator, is much less that replacing the appliance. The kits come in
panels with magnetic tape for applying. Kits also include trim.
Guest Info
Alan Isaacs
Frigo Design
5860 McKinley Road
Brewerton, NY 13029
Web: www.frigodesign.com
Segment 4
You Did it!
Christopher tells us a touching story about Candace Schooley of Roswell, Georgia. Soon
after Candace purchased a home, her fiancé died in a freak accident. She wasn't sure
whether to keep or sell the house. She was inspired by Christopher's show and decided to
try to decorate it herself. She began the transformation in the bedroom with some help
from a book mentioned on Christopher's show, The Paris Apartment. She started by
taking out a wall to open up the space. She faux finished the walls, installed wallpaper
borders and crown molding. She used a commercial pattern for the window treatment
and bought sheers and tiebacks at a linen superstore. Searching antique stores, she
purchased a flea market nightstand and marbleized the top. She antiqued the bottom to
match an antique side piece she had already purchased. In the bath she framed the
mirror, refinished the cabinets with a wash and added ivy stenciling. A small childhood
chest was transformed with a trompe l’oeil technique. The walls in the guest bath were
stenciled to look like stone. She has plans to change careers from computer to decorating,
and she is calling her new business Mariposa Designs to reflect the butterfly emerging
from the cocoon.
Guest Information
Candace Schooley
Mariposa Designs
1800 Hedge Sparrow Court
Roswell, GA 30025
770-594-8525
Product Information
The Paris Apartment
By Claudia Strasser
Published by Harper Collins
Segment 5
Lighthouse for a Kid's Room
From the makeover of the kid’s nautical themed bedroom, Christopher shows us how to
make the lighthouse bookshelf and storage cabinet.
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Lighthouse Instructions: The three shelves (in graduated sizes, large at the bottom and
smallest at the top) are upside down boxes made of plywood, framed out with 2 inch
pine. The boxes are attached to trapezoid shaped sides and back of the lighthouse with
wood screws. Make molding out of 2 inch and 1 inch pine and attach to the two front
edges and the two back corners. Next apply luan strips stacked onto the sides for a
clapboard finish. Build the cupola beginning with a square piece of plywood cut a little
larger than the top of the lighthouse. Next, cut two round disks of plywood and mount
them to the square top. On these disks mount the light fixture and surround it with 6
"pillars" of doweling. Nail another solid disk to the top of the doweling and a doughnut
disk to the top of that. The roof piece is made beginning with the "hole" cut from the
previous doughnut piece (so it will fit down inside) and a larger disk nailed to the top of
that. On top of that disk mount a large dowel in the center and surround it with several
right angle triangles all the way around the dowel. Span the space between each triangle
with pieces of luan attached for the lap roof look. A wood finial is screwed into the top of
the dowel. Hide mounted casters under the bottom of the lighthouse.
Segment 6
Slipcovers
Christopher shows how to use slipcovers to change the mood and look of a room.
Beginning with an old contemporary chair by IKEA, he adds a romantic flair by using
slipcovers from "Slipcovers by Mail." You can buy companion pillows to match the
slipcovers. He next shows us straight backed chair covers and slipcovers that can be
matched to tablecovers, pillows, etc.
To close the show Christopher looks as some viewer mail. A viewer in California hides
her winter heater in the summer with a mirror door, and an Ohio viewer hides the control
panel of her washer and dryer with specially made shutters that drop down when the
machines are not in use.
Product Information
Slipcovers by Mail
Surefit, Inc.
Free Catalog
1-888-787-3348
Web: www.surefit.com
Show #224
Mars vs. Venus
If men are from Mars and women from Venus, Christopher has the solution for creating
an environment where both planets can relax in peace, bringing individual decorating
styles together that both find compatible.
Segment 1
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SEASON ONE
Meet the Couple, Heide and Morgan Margolis
Heidi and Morgan Margolis are a married couple in need of some design advice. She
wants a new living room; he thinks it’s just fine. She wants a new mattress; he’s sleeping
comfortably on their old one. First, Christopher sits down with the couple to see exactly
what the design dilemmas are. Prior to the show they are given home design catalogues
from which to clip pictures of their ideal pieces without the other knowing the choices.
The two envelopes are sealed and will be opened later in the show.
Segment 2
Mattress Shopping
Heide and Morgan go mattress shopping at the Sit ’n Sleep Store in Los Angeles. Morgan
thinks their current bed is too soft. She thinks it’s too hard. Larry Miller of Sit ‘n Sleep of
Los Angeles offers some suggestions. A couple should shop together for a new mattress.
Both people should lie on the beds to try out different firmness styles. Give yourself
enough time. Budget is also a consideration. Pillow top mattresses offer extra cushion
with firm support underneath. Remember you spend a third of your life in bed. Be sure
you are comfortable.
Larry Miller
Sit ‘n Sleep
7101 E. Telegraph Rd
Montebello, CA
Toll-free: 800-675-3536
Web site: www.sitnsleep.com
Segment 3
Therapist Visit, Sharyn Hillyer
Therapist Sharyn Hillyer talks with Heide and Morgan about tips for communicating
during their home decorating process. She finds that the couple works well together. A
smart man wants a woman to be happy in her home. The discussion moves to the décor of
the bedroom. Christopher thinks the bedroom should be a refuge area and be comfortable
for the couple. Colors should be subtle and soothing. Pictures of bedrooms were
presented to the couple and likes and dislikes expressed.
Segment 4
Room Revisited
Christopher shows a bedroom of a makeover from a previous show that demonstrates the
art of compromise for a newly married couple. The couple had a knotty pine bedroom
that appealed to the husband but left little softness for the wife. Christopher added shirred
muslin to the walls and ceiling of the bed area to please the lady of the house. On either
side of the bed, accessories defined the masculine and feminine tastes of the couple. In
the end, both felt comfortable in their refuge space.
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Segment 5
Real Men Don’t Shop Pottery Barn Tour
Paula Bonhomme and Tania Gutsche of Real Men Don’t Shop take us on a tour of the
Pottery Barn store in Santa Monica, CA and discuss shopping habits of men. The
company is no longer in business.
Segment 6
Idea Envelopes Revealed
Heide and Morgan reveal the contents of their envelopes to see the similarities of their
choices. Heide liked leather chairs and sofas and ornate side tables. She also liked a
leopard chair that Morgan didn’t care for. Morgan liked a rustic, more casual look.
Christopher analyzed what they had in common. He thought Morgan had a more realistic
view of their environment and Heide had a grand view of what they may want to achieve
eventually. Think in terms of removing budget constraints to take away anxiety. In a
perfect world, choose whatever it is that’s appealing. Both Heide and Morgan liked an
entertainment center that was among the photos. Christopher presented the couple with a
grouping of furniture including a sofa, chairs and an entertainment center and showed
them how to arrange the new furniture in their living room.
SHOW #226 BATHROOM MAKEOVER
Recapturing the glitz and glamour of the past is today’s theme with the bathroom
makeover show.
Segment 1
Bathroom Fixtures with Warren Pearl from Lefroy Brooks
What do you think of in a luxurious bathroom? The fixtures that dispense water from the
sink or sumptuous showers that rain gently down are just a couple of the features we
explore with Warren Pearl from Lefroy Brooks. The products from the company are
manufactured in England of solid brass and steel. Some of the faucets from the Zen line
are very square in design. When paired with a square sink, it is a fabulous look. The
handles are called Simple Dimple handles. They turn in a corkscrew fashion. A new trend
in sinks features the bowl sitting on top of the counter. The faucets have a minimalist
look. And there is a modular system that includes matching soap dishes, toilet tissue
holders and toothbrush holders. Shelving and grab bars match towel racks. Thermostatic
mixing showers simulate a dimmer switch. The temperature remains the same and the
fixture changes the flow of the amount of water.
Lefroy Brooks
10 Leonard Street, Ste. 2N
New York, NY 10013
212-226-2242
Fax: 212-226-3003
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SEASON ONE
Web: www.homeportfolio.com
Segment 2
Showcase House Master Bath Before/Deco Mirror Demo
Christopher shows the master bathroom of the showcase house before the makeover.
Many times we inherit older bathrooms with weird colored tile and since we inherited a
plum colored tile rather than thinking it is a little dated, we thought it clearly said “deco”,
so deco is the motif for this bathroom. I’m always trying to show you how to “add to” to
spruce things up and bring the room into the new millennium. We wanted to add height
to the room so we built a great big box with six cubby holes in it that will hold rolled
towels. We sent the drawers of the vanity out for refinishing in a fabulous black laminate
finish to match the black trim tile. We also needed to bring the fixtures into the
millennium. We call those the jewelry of the room. The area above the vanity is a
window that will be replaced with a mirror to increase the size of the room. Over the sink
we’re going to “art deco-ize” the mirror with a stairstep surround. Add a few fluffy
towels and bathrobe and we’re in business.
Back in studio, Christopher showed the steps for making the mirror surround.
Remove the mirror from the medicine cabinet. Place the back of the cabinet on a piece of
craft paper and trace around it. Mark the center horizontal and vertical lines.
Measure out from the cabinet outline in one inch increments all the way around. The
width of the surround will depend on any architectural elements around the medicine
chest such as sconces, lights, doors or windows. Ours measured 4 inches wide.
Begin with the back layer that fits against the wall. Start at the center point of each side
and create a stairstep zig-zag pattern. Each step will be one inch wide. The lengths will
vary depending on taste but must be equal distance from the center for symmetry. Cut
the template out of craft paper, cutting out the center for the cabinet and the outer
stairstep pattern. Make a paper template for the second surround layer by following the
first layer configuration, reducing the size of the steps by one inch. Cut out the template.
The back and second layers fully surround the medicine cabinet. Transfer the template to
luan and cut out both layers with a jig saw. Sand the edges. For the top layer, cut four
individual pieces of luan, following the stairstep design for each side of the previous
layer, reducing the size of the steps by one inch. Finish all pieces with desired paint
before assembling them. Hot glue the layers together. Add a few finishing nails to hold.
Place the surround tightly around the cabinet. Replace the mirror
Segment 3
Showcase House Master Bath After
Christopher returns to the master bath in the showcase house to reveal the completed
makeover. First thing we did was we found a wonderful companion color paint that was a
little bit darker than the tile and painted the walls. We disguised the vanity surface by
faux finishing it in a black laminate. We also faux finished the doors with a beautiful
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
ebony finish laminate to.coordinate with the deco look. We took a piece of luan and did a
lovely mottled faux finish on it, slapped that on top of the vanity and finished the look.
We added the stairstep mirror surround to the mirror over the sink and placed 50s flea
market wall sconces on each side of the mirror. We replaced the tile in the shower with
black to match the trim color and added a sunflower pan shower head. Replacing only the
shower tile saved a lot of money. The sink fixtures were also replaced with millennium
style faucets that added sparkle to the room. We put a brown glaze over the top of it with
a drag technique to create a diamond shape. We’ve done a cluster which is a beautiful
still life on the top of the vanity with candlesticks which adds height, it adds mood, but
more importantly we’re taking the silver from all of the other areas of the room and we’re
pulling it over to the vanity area because of the mirror behind the vanity. We made a
black plywood box the little cubby holes and mounted it over the vanity area. We rolled
two different color towels in what we call a Sushi roll and stuffed them in each cubby
hole. They add a wonderful graphic element to the room and are practical, too. Stroheim
and Romann furnished the fabric which is a stripe on stripe that covers another stairstep
surround over the tub. The bathroom looks very expensive but when you really think
about it, we employed the art of disguise, we found companion colors that really work,
we put a little bit of sparkle around the room and disguised surfaces with inexpensive
materials.
Product Info:
Paint from The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Web: www.christopherlowellpaint.com
877-743-5837
Wall color: Claret and Cream
Ceiling color: Lowell Lavender
Trim color: Kiss of Grape
Tile
B & W Tile Co.
14600 S. Western Ave.
Gardena, CA 90249
310-538-9579
Sink
Aquaware America Inc.
1 Selleck
Norwalk, CT 06855
800-527-4498
Web: www.aquawareamerica.com
Bath, shower and sink fixtures
Lefroy Brooks
10 Leonard Street, Ste. 2N
New York, NY 10013
212-226-2242
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SEASON ONE
Fax: 212-226-3003
Web: www.homeportfolio.com
Faux finshed door
Kurt Cyr Interior Design and Decorations
Kurt.cyr@usa.net
Web: Kurtcyr.com
Wooden doorknob
Van Dyke’s Restorers
PO Box 278
Woonsocket, SD 57385
800-588-1234
Web: www.vandykes.com
Table
Umbra Inc.
1705 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14212
800-387-5122
Web: www.umbra.com
Fabric
Stroheim and Romann
718-706-7000
Tassels
Conso
800-845-2431
Web: www.conso.com
Decorative hardware
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web: www.ikea.com
Candles
Illuminations
1995 South McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, CA 94954
800-621-2998
Web: www.illuminations.com
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SEASON ONE
Segment 4
Reglazing Bathtubs and Sinks
Christopher visits the Surface Doctor in Signal Hill, CA for a look at how tubs and sinks
are resurfaced. For a fraction of the cost of replacing the bathroom porcelain fixtures,
resurfacing them can make them look and feel like new in only one day. And the
resurfacing is done in the home. Rust and repairs are first made to the tub before
resurfacing. The tub is cleaned with a substance that removes the old finish on the
surface. A bonding agent is applied to fuse the new finish to the old. A mixture of silica
and bonding material is sprayed on. A glossy durable finish top coat is sprayed in several
coats.
Guest Info
Brian Kaskavaleiyan
Surface Doctor
1452 E 33rd St.
Signal Hill, CA 90707
562-989-2121
Segment 5
You Did It!
Clara Daughtridge of Statonsburg, NC fulfilled her dream of having a master
bedroom/bath suite by turning the double car garage game room of their home into the
master bedroom and the adjoining patio into the bathroom. She left the brick floor in the
bath and put rolled tin on the roof. The sink vanity was made out of an old sideboard. The
bathroom has a fireplace and comfortable seating area.
Segment 6
Do It Yourself Facelift for Sink or Tile
Jerry Rosche from Rhodes/America Tuff As Tile shows the basics of resurfacing sinks
and tile with a do-it-yourself resurfacing kit called Tub and Tile Finish. For complete
instructions, follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Instructions
Remove any fixtures or mask off. With steel wool prepare the surface by removing the
old finish with a finish remover, TSP solution. Mix the two parts of the bonding solution
and epoxy finish. Pre-wet the brush with paint thinner. Apply the finish to the sink in one
direction. Two coats are required. When dry, remove residue with tack cloth.
Show 226 Bathroom Makeover
Recapturing the glitz and glamour of the past is today’s theme with the bathroom
makeover show.
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
SEGMENT 1
Bathroom Fixtures with Warren Pearl from Lefroy Brooks
Warren Pearl from Lefroy Brooks joins Christopher to show some high-end faucets,
showers, sinks and towel bars.
Lefroy Brooks
10 Leonard Street, Ste. 2N
New York, NY 10013
212-226-2242
Email: info@lefroybrooks.com
Web site: www.lefroybrooks.com
SEGMENT 2
Showcase House Master Bath, Before/Deco Mirror Demo
Christopher shows the master bathroom of the showcase house before the makeover.
Many times we inherit older bathrooms with weird colored tile and since we inherited a
plum colored tile rather than thinking it is a little dated, we thought it clearly said “deco”,
so deco is the motif for this bathroom
Back in studio, Christopher demonstrates the steps for making the mirror surround.
Demo Directions
Remove the mirror from the medicine cabinet. Place the back of the cabinet on a piece of
craft paper and trace around it. Mark the center horizontal and vertical lines. Measure out
from the cabinet outline in one inch increments all the way around. The width of the
surround will depend on any architectural elements around the medicine chest such as
sconces, lights, doors or windows. Ours measured 4 inches wide. Begin with the back
layer that fits against the wall. Start at the center point of each side and create a stairstep
zig-zag pattern. Each step will be one inch wide. The lengths will vary depending on taste
but must be equal distance from the center for symmetry. Cut the template out of craft
paper, cutting out the center for the cabinet and the outer stairstep pattern. Make a paper
template for the second surround layer by following the first layer configuration,
reducing the size of the steps by one inch. Cut out the template. The back and second
layers fully surround the medicine cabinet. Transfer the template to luan and cut out both
layers with a jig saw. Sand the edges. For the top layer, cut four individual pieces of luan,
following the stairstep design for each side of the previous layer, reducing the size of the
steps by one inch. Finish all pieces with desired paint before assembling them. Hot glue
the layers together. Add a few finishing nails to hold. Place the surround tightly around
the cabinet. Replace the mirror.
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SEASON ONE
SEGMENT 3
Showcase House Master Bath, After
Christopher returns to the master bath in the showcase house to reveal the completed
makeover.
Paint from The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Wall color: Claret and Cream
Ceiling color: Lowell Lavender
Trim color: Kiss of Grape
Web: www.christopherlowell.com
Tile
B & W Tile Co.
14600 S. Western Ave.
Gardena, CA 90249
310-538-9579
Sink
Aquaware America Inc.
1 Selleck
Norwalk, CT 06855
800-527-4498
Web site: www.aquawareamerica.com
Bath, shower and sink fixtures
Lefroy Brooks
10 Leonard Street, Ste. 2N
New York, NY 10013
212-226-2242
Email: info@lefroybrooks.com
Web site: www.lefroybrooks.com
Faux finished door
Kurt Cyr Interior Design and Decorations
Email: feedback@kurtcyr.com
Web: kurtcyr.com
Wooden doorknob
Van Dyke’s Restorers
PO Box 278
Woonsocket, SD 57385
800-588-1234
Web site: www.vandykes.com
Table
Umbra Inc.
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SEASON ONE
1705 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14212
800-387-5122
Web site: www.umbra.com
Fabric
Stroheim and Romann
718-706-7000
Web site: http://stroheimandromann.com/
Tassels
Conso
800-845-2431
Web site: www.conso.com
Decorative hardware
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web site: www.ikea.com
Candles
Illuminations
1995 South McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, CA 94954
800-621-2998
Web site: www.illuminations.com
SEGMENT 4
Reglazing Bathtubs and Sinks
Christopher visits the Surface Doctor in Signal Hill, CA for a look at how tubs and sinks
are resurfaced. For a fraction of the cost of replacing the bathroom porcelain fixtures,
resurfacing them can make them look and feel like new in only one day.
Brian Kaskavaleiyan
Surface Doctor
800-735-5055
Web site: www.surfacedoctor.com
Segment 5
You Did It!
Clara Daughtridge of Statonsburg, NC fulfilled her dream of having a master
bedroom/bath suite by turning the double car garage game room of their home into the
master bedroom and the adjoining patio into the bathroom.
Segment 6
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SEASON ONE
Do It Yourself Facelift for Sink or Tile
Jerry Rosche from Rhodes/America Tough As Tile shows the basics of resurfacing sinks
and tile with a do-it-yourself resurfacing kit called Tub and Tile Finish. For complete
instructions, follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Demo Directions
Remove any fixtures or mask off. With steel wool prepare the surface by removing the
old finish with a finish remover, TSP solution. Mix the two parts of the bonding solution
and epoxy finish. Pre-wet the brush with paint thinner. Apply the finish to the sink in one
direction. Two coats are required. When dry, remove residue with tack cloth.
Tough As Tile Tub and Tile Finish
Homax (formerly Rhodes/American)
PO Box 5643
Bellingham, WA 98227-5643
800-729-9029
Email: Homax@homaxproducts.com
Web site: www.homaxproducts.com
SHOW 227 OUTDOOR LIVING
You don’t need to put on your hiking boots to enjoy the outdoor spaces around your
home. Christopher applies his seven layers of design to decorate outdoor spaces as
beautifully as indoor spaces.
SEGMENT 1
Portable Outdoor Room/Guest Peter Whiteley
Peter Whitely, Sr. Writer of Sunset Magazine, shows us a portable 10 by 10-foot outdoor
room he has designed for practically nothing out of a PVC pipe, closet doweling
framework and mosquito netting. During the day the netting catches the breeze and is
very romantic. At night, twinkle lights covered with paper shades are strung across the
top frame to create a fabulous ambiance. There’s a feeling of a sense of enclosure while
being outdoors. Christopher decorated the room in a nature-inspired palette with indoor
trees, topiaries, ground flowers and candles. Christopher brought table, chairs, a
sideboard and pedestals from indoors. He added linens in nature's color palette with china
from B Ware and a MacKenzie-Childs' cake plate. Some other suggestions Christopher
had for decorating your portable room were: adding uplights and pot gardens, a market
umbrella at the center of your table could be used to add a netting roof. You could bring
the room inside and set it up in a larger room for a private, romantic hideaway or maybe
build it around a bed.
Demo Directions
Place large flower pots of soil at the four corners of the outdoor room. The room shown
was 10’ by 10’. Push PVC pipes measuring 1-1/2” by 18” into each flower pot. Closet
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
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doweling painted white and approximately 7’ high was placed inside each PVC pipe. At
the top of each pole a PVC elbow was screwed in place and PVC pipe was extended
between each elbow creating the top canopy framework. Then mosquito netting was
shirred over the frame and tied back at two of the four corner poles. Rather than stitching
in the shirring sleeve, iron-on fusible webbing was used. To add weight to the bottom of
the netting, small chain was ironed inside the hem. The entire room takes approximately a
half hour to put together and stores away very easily.
Peter Whitely
Sunset Magazine
80 Willow Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025
800-777-0117
Web site: www.sunsetmagazine.com
B Ware Dinnerware
B Ware Malibu, Inc.
Company is out of business
Cake plate
MacKenzie-Childs, Ltd.
69th St. and Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10022
212-570-6050
Web site: www.mackenzie-childs.com
SEGMENT 2
Showcase House Courtyard Makeover, Before & After/Neil Mattick Tablescape
Christopher shows us the courtyard of the Showcase House before and after the
makeover.
Courtyard Before
Even if you only have a tiny little balcony, those little moments when you can commune
with nature are very valuable. The 7 layers of interior design apply to outdoor spaces as
well as indoor spaces so the first thing we are going to do is paint. We’re going to extend
the terra cotta colored wall from the living room out to the courtyard to visually link the
spaces. Because we already have terra cotta on the wall fountain, we decided to contrast
that with a lovely deep green color so that it will stand out. The major focal point is the
outdoor fireplace. We’re going to have Bolivar Tile reface the front. We’re going to put
cables up from one wall to the opposite wall on both sides of the fireplace. We’re going
to have the fabric during the daytime pulled up against the wall.
Courtyard After
The fireplace focal point has been tiled and looks fabulous. If tiling is too expensive, try
stenciling. Two iron gates were put together with a glass top to form a table. Iron ladder
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back chairs were added around, mixing the contemporary look of the table and formal
look of the chairs. Every good dining room table should have a wonderful chandelier and
Illuminations provided a beautiful one that uses candles. The walls were made out of four
panels of fabric from Sunbrella strung from cables extending between opposite walls.
Bamboo poles were used as drapery pulls. During the daytime all the curtains go against
the fireplace area, the top goes back for full sunlight. At night with candles create
wonderful ambiance for a dinner party. The sideboard table is perfect for a buffet or
additional seating if needed.
Neal Matticks, of Neal Matticks Design, joins Christopher to show how to plan an event
around a really great venue. He takes his cues from the colors of the space and picks up
the colors in the choice of food.
Paint
The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Wall colors: Clay Cotta, Broiled Sage
Web site: www.christopherlowell.com
Malibu Tiles
Bolivar Ceramic Tile and Natural Stones
1 West California Blvd, Suite 111
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-449-8453
Large Dining Table
Christine Vert Interiors
1437 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-458-6940
Email: vertironworks@aol.com
Outdoor fabric and awning
Sunbrella Fabrics
1831 North Park Ave.
Glen Raven, NC 27217
336-227-6211
Web site: www.sunbrella.com
Small coffee table
Expressions Custom Furniture
401 11th Street NW
Hickory, NC
781-237-6221
Web site: www.expressions-furniture.com
Lighting
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Illuminations
1995 S. McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, CA 94954
800-621-2998
Web site: www.illuminations.com
Neal Matticks
Neal Matticks Design
215 W. 75th St.
New York, NY 10023
212-874-8930
SEGMENT 3
Chaise Lounging Bench, Christopher Demo
Christopher builds outdoor lounging benches out of plywood.
Sunbrella Fabrics
1831 North Park Ave.
Glen Raven, NC 27217
336-227-6211
Fax: 336-229-4039
Web site: www.sunbrella.com
SEGMENT 4
You Did It!
Paula Kozinski of Mukwanago, Wisconsin shows us how she transformed her entire
house into a work of nature. Paula designs patterns for a stained glass overlay company
and uses the stained glass in her home as well. One piece is used to block off the kitchen
from view as you walk into her house. She has painted most of her rooms with colors
from nature using a sponging technique. Nature inspired accessories are added along with
sheer window coverings to let nature and light into the room. She used a lot of tromp
l'oeil throughout the house to bring nature inside. Paula painted over her old brass
headboard with Fleck Stone paint to make it look like stone, then sponged on some of the
wall color to soften the look. In the room her two sons share she painted characters from
their books on the walls of their rooms.
Fleck Stone by
Plasti-kote Company, Inc.
1000 Lake Road., P.O. Box 708
Medina Ohio 44256
330-725-4511
Email: plasti-kote@plastic-kote.com
Web site: http://www.plasti-kote.com/
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SEGMENT 5
Plants and Lighting with Guest Timothy Sullivan
Christopher and Timothy Sullivan discuss the different kinds of candles and their
fragrances and how important it is to match the candle scent to the personality of each
room
Timothy Sullivan
Timothy Jay, Inc.
1107 North Harper Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90046
323-656-6977
Web site: http://www.splendora.com/LosAngeles/Retail/Wick-edWays/37284.htm
SEGMENT 6
Floriade Floral Show/Banning Residence Museum Tour
Christopher takes us on a tour of the Banning Residence Museum, a Greek revival house
that was once the home of General Phineas Banning. We visit the historic mansion in
Southern California during Floriade, a floral showcase inspired by the seasonal harvest
and 19th Century California history. With the help of some of Southern California's
foremost floral designers, Christopher shows us how to bring the outdoors in with flowers
in every room.
Banning Residence Museum
401 East "M" Street
Post Office Box 397
Wilmington, CA 90748
310-548-7777
Web site: www.banning.org
Floral Designers featured:
Wayne Woods - front porch
Susan Hillyer - main areas
Stanley Kersten - dining area
Floral Sensations
Mary Falkingham - boy's bedroom
Rebecca Williams - Nursery
Lily Pad Floral Design
120 Pier Avenue
Hermosa Beach, CA
310-376-2539
Show 228 You Live Where?
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A man’s home may be his castle but sometimes they don’t look that way. The show’s
theme is unusual homes: styles that are eclectic, one-of-a-kind, really cool structures.
Most of the houses were created by the courageous homeowners themselves.
SEGMENT 1
Earthship Tour
Architect Michael Reynolds takes us on a tour of an earthship, a home made out of tires
filled with sand. The floors in these types of houses are generally flagstone or brick to
absorb heat. The fireplace was made out of lava rock. The ceiling was made from
standing dead pine trees and small aspen trees. Earthship structure qualities focus on
having natural materials inside. Banana leaves, aloe and other plants play a role in the
sewage treatment as well as providing food. The roof is designed to channel rainwater
into a collection bin. The cistern holds about 5000 gallons of water. The house faces
south to take advantage of the sun’s rays to produce power for appliances and lighting in
the home through solar panels. The Earthship will sail into the future by using natural
materials to contribute to the living environment and help inhabitants relate to the planet.
SEGMENT 2
Unusual Spaces with Nest Magazine Writer Matthew Stadler
Writer Matthew Stadler of Nest Magazine visits Christopher to share pictures of unusual
spaces. The mission of Nest Magazine is to look at the curiosity about human shelter with
focus on unusual dwellings. The magazine also looks at the role the environment plays in
building structures such as igloos for the frozen terrain to grass huts in Tibet. These
structures also create a design challenge as well. In a series of photos from the magazine,
writer Matthew Stadler describes some of the unusual homes.
Matthew Stadler, writer
Nest Magazine
Web site: www.nestmagazine.com
To subscribe: 1-888-321-nest
SEGMENT 3
Cable Factory Loft Home
We take a look at the converted warehouse space of Tom Felkner from San Diego, CA.
With the help of architect Jennifer Luce the space was renovated to remind him of his
native Chicago. Walls and ductwork were left untouched. Conduits were enclosed in
mesh pipe. The second floor was opened up, and the kitchen became the circulation
space. The stair was cut away to bring in more light, and a new stair was opened up to be
much larger. The living room wall was made up of storage boxes. Galvanized boxes were
placed on shelves and left open to display the beauty of the symmetry of the boxes. The
kitchen has cherry cabinets combined with Snap-on tool boxes. At the far end a home
office doubles as a guest room with movable screens and a daybed. The bath is done
entirely in stainless steel. The master bedroom combines contemporary classics with an
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industrial strength audio visual system. The challenge is to keep the loft open but have
some private spaces, especially in the master bedroom area. The master bath is open with
a wall of glass with parchment paper sandwiched in between the glass.
Jennifer Luce
Luce Et Studio
220 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-459-7205
SEGMENT 4
Kid’s Tipi Playhouse, Christopher Demo
Christopher shows pictures of tipis being used as guest spaces at a resort in Montrose,
CO. They were provided by Canvas Advance Design. The interior features draperies and
support poles with area rugs, furniture groupings, large wooden armoires and all the
comforts of home. One even has a wooden loft space. Christopher shows how to make
his version of a tipi to be used as a child’s play space. Then, in miniature, he constructs
another version to be used for the kids’ toys.
Demo Directions
Cut six sides in trapezoid shapes from luan. Decide on the shape of the tipi. It could be
tall and thin or short and squatty. But be sure all the trapezoid pieces are the same size.
Cut triangular upright corner supports from firring strips or 3/4-inch plywood. Hot glue
two supports to the inside edges of each trapezoid piece. Or use wood glue if the tipi will
receive rough treatment. Hot glue or wood glue the adjacent triangular supports together
connecting the six trapezoid pieces together forming the tipi. Cut an opening door on one
of the trapezoids. Glue twigs to the top so that they criss-cross. Lash the twigs together
with rawhide strips. Cover the outside with torn pieces of canvas to simulate the irregular
shapes of skins or hides. Brush on a paint mixture of light and dark tan onto the wood to
act as the bonding agent. Brush over top of the canvas. Let dry. Then lay a piece of torn
cardboard against the canvas and spray dark brown against the cardboard to create a
shadowed edge. Spatter the canvas with darker tan. Brush on “x” stitches randomly over
the canvas.
Canvas Advance Design
Earthworks Tipis
PO Box 1626
28 W. South 4th St.
Montrose, Co. 81402
800-288-3190
Web site: www.AdvanceCanvas.com
SEGMENT 5
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Out ‘n’ About Treehouse Resort Tour
Tucked away in a forest in Cave Junction, OR, is the unique treehouse hotel of the Out
‘n’ about Treehouse Resort. Owner Michael Garnier takes us on tour of his one-of-a-kind
bed and breakfast resort featuring guest rooms that are all treehouses. Although this type
of lodging might not be for everyone, a variety of guests from families to couples
celebrating their anniversaries stay in this unique resort. Michael has built a number of
different sized treehouses. Some have all the comforts of home while others are sparsely
furnished and primitive. Each treehouse is designed with a woodsy theme. Some have
only electric lights but no plumbing. The most elaborate is a suite that is built into a grove
of 16 trees. It is 350 square feet of treehouse luxury. It has complete plumbing and is
fully appointed. Peggy Malone, Michael’s partner decorated the treehouses. Her
challenge was to make them comfortable and functional. Many of the furnishings had
been used in her family. Retreating to this resort isn’t for everyone, but is ideal for kids of
all ages and the young at heart. Michael has 36 acres and is always coming up with ideas.
He’s also starting to grow trees for future treehouses.
Out ‘n About Treehouse Resort
300 Page Creek Rd.
Cave Junction, OR 97523
541-592-2208
Web site: www.treehouses.com
SEGMENT 6
Bel-Air Mansion Tour with Realtor Elaine Young
Celebrity real estate agent Elaine Young is our guide on a tour of a multi-million dollar
mansion in Bel-Air. The long drive with iron gates in the prestigious area offers privacy
that people in this upper tax bracket are willing to pay for. It has a magnificent bird’s eye
view of the city. The house has 7 bedrooms and 11 baths. It is a three level house
equipped with elevators. The décor is a combination of exotic furnishings, antiques and
accessories from all over the world. The exterior is architecturally contemporary with
high ceilings. What could have been a sterile environment is made warm with a variety of
colors and textures throughout. The master bedroom is furnished traditionally with warm
wood and rich colors. Furniture arranging in the large spaces is key to providing an
intimate feeling. The house has a floating swimming pool that looks as if it is suspended
over the mountains.
Show 229 Changing Spaces
During this episode Christopher shows us creative ways we can adapt to the changing
spaces in our homes.
SEGMENT 1
Trailer Conversion with Scott Lindenau, Architect
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We pay a visit to Aspen, Colorado where architect Scott Lindernou who replaced his 60
foot by 14 foot trailer with a house built from a trailer design from materials to
architectural elements. Scott built a low maintenance, budge- conscious home with a
metal roof, concrete block and galvanized tin walls and Plexiglas awnings. Interior
features include concrete countertops, radiant heat floors, kitchen cabinets designed of
maple veneer plywood.
SEGMENT 2
Evolution of Living Room Design with Designer Van-Martin Rowe
Christopher invites designer Van-Martin Rowe to the house for a retrospective of the
living room featuring furnishings from Billy Haines design and tips on making it more
lived in. Christopher and guest take a look at Joan Crawford's house, featuring chairs
designed by Billy Haines (Designer Keith McCoy and Associates), with early 50s
Sputnik influence demonstrated through the legs and shape of the furniture.
Next, a 60s room from the book, Weird Rooms (Photographer Alexander Vertikoff)
shows the hippie movement when love houses became very eclectic. Then we move on to
the 70s room from Nest Magazine (Photographer Richard Davies), which boasts pit
groups and the new avant-garde style. Living rooms are ridded of much of the traditional
furniture like society ridded itself of traditional roles during this decade. The 8's room by
Van-Martin Rowe Designs in Pasadena, CA demonstrates the hedonistic generation.
During this time art began reflecting a spiritual rather than a decorative nature.
The 90's room is from Waterside Homes. It shows off the wealth of the owner. The
current decade 2000 room is from Loft by Mayer Rus. Living rooms are designed to be
multi-functional.
Van-Martin Rowe
Interior Designer
Van-Martin Rowe Design Studios
2580 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626-577-4736
Web site: www.vanmartin.com
50s room:
Keith McCoy and Associates
8710 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90069-5097
310-657-7150
60s room:
Book: Weird Rooms
By: Mal Sharpe, Sandra Sharpe, Alexander Vertikoff
70s room:
Nest Magazine
Photographer Richard Davies
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Web site: www.nestmagazine.com
To subscribe: 1-888-321-nest
80s Room:
Van-Martin Rowe Design Studios
2580 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626-577-4736
Web site: www.vanmartin.com
90s room:
Book: Waterside Homes
By Marcie Stuchin, Susan Abramson
2000 room:
Book: Loft
By Mayer Rus
SEGMENT 3
Ever-Changing House with Architect Nick Berman
Then we visit the home of architect/designer Nick Berman who has transformed his home
in stages, inspiring the theme of each room. He did the remodeling in phases so he could
incorporate change whenever needed. Phase one was the transformation of the exterior
from a dull, drab shade of stucco to a very brilliant terra cotta color, re-landscaping and
the creation of a courtyard in the entryway. Phase two was the living room with a large
scale fireplace. Phase three was the creation of a new kitchen. The cabinets were
conceived as individual pieces of furniture; even the pulls on the doors are like jewels.
Drawers are designed for efficient use to store cooking supplies, spices, etc. In the dining
room Nick created a banquette under the window 14 feet long with seating like a sofa at
an 8 feet table. The office is a makeover of his grown daughter’s old bedroom. It is bright
and airy with artwork of some of Nick's furniture designs.
Nick Berman, Architect
Berman Rosetti Furniture
1310 N. Tigertail Road
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-476-6242
SEGMENT 4
You Did It! and Christopher’s Classics
Carol Crinean's tract home of low-end construction in Lakewood, Washington, was
transformed into an inviting, comfortable space. Starting with the family room, Carol
chose warm colors for the walls and ceilings and added crown molding. She purchased
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new sofas in neutral colors, added plants, uplights, Shaker style furniture and drapes
made of sheets.
From Christopher Lowell’s Classics we look as some transformations Christopher has
done in living areas and bedrooms transforming them with color, fabric and purpose.
SEGMENT 5
Photo and Image Composition with Photographer Douglas Hill
Fine art photographer Douglas Hill shows how to prepare photography to create a photo
room divider.
Doug Hill and Christopher talk about what you can do with images besides us taking
pictures and putting them on a wall. You can photograph a single image from several
points of view. Blow up an architectural photograph and then cut into separate framed
pictures for a video wall. Do a collage with a single subject, photographed from every
angle.
Douglas Hill, Photographer
Douglas Hill Photography
2324 Moreno Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90039
323-660-0681
Web site: www.doughill.com
E-mail: odouglas@aol.com
SEGMENT 6
Video Room Divider, Christopher Demo
Christopher shows us how to construct a video room divider, a kind of video wall
suspended from the ceiling.
Show #230 Shopping From Home
The show is devoted to shopping for furniture and accessories through mail order
catalogs and from Internet online sources.
SEGMENT 1
Internet Warehouse Visit - usahomestore.com
Guest Elaine Ballace of usahomestore.com describes the process of shopping online from
ordering to fulfillment. The usahomestore.com web site has selected a number of home
décor accessories and furniture items from vendors all over the world. She guides users
through the shopping experience online, then takes us to the warehouse where smaller
items are shipped out. For larger furniture items, the vendors ship directly from the
manufacturer. Returns and customer service are important elements when ordering
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online. Benefits include convenience, eliminating parking at the mall, shopping 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. Elaine offers these tips when selecting online shopping web sites:
1. Be sure the site is secure.
2. Make sure merchandise can be returned with full refund.
3. Don’t shop from sites that require membership.
4. Don’t buy hastily. Take time to look thoroughly.
5. Look for a wide selection of merchandise.
Usahomestore.com or designwithstyle.com
Company is no longer in business,
SEGMENT 2
Loose Ends Catalog – Guest Sandi Reinke
Christopher is joined in studio by Sandi Reinke of Loose Ends to show items available
from the Loose Ends online catalog. Items are also sold in the printed version of the
catalog. Sandi brought a selection of items from the catalog to the kitchen. A twig ladder
was hung as a pot rack and decorated with pottery, an ivy vine, raffia, dried flowers and
fake fish. String baskets filled with paper vegetables were placed around the kitchen. A
collection of dried flowers in tin vases dressed the top of the refrigerator. Sandi showed
how to make a window treatment from a twig table runner. What’s great about these
window treatments is that they obstruct the view but still let in the light.
Demo Directions
Cut a twig table runner (from Loose Ends catalog) to the desired width to fit the window.
At the top, roll the twigs over a couple of times to create a top border. Tie the roll in place
with twine. At the bottom, remove 5 or 6 twigs and use the remaining twine to secure the
twigs so they won’t come loose by tying knots in the ends. Add a little hot glue to the
knots. Cut fabric strips about 2” wide and 6” longer then the length of the shade. Wrap
the fabric strip from the bottom around the top and back to the bottom. Secure with a
wooden ring slipped over the fabric and a wooden dowel pushed through the fabric strip.
Hang from curtain brackets at the top of the window.
Sandi Reinke
Selected handmade papers, tablecloths, twig ladder
Loose Ends
2065 Madrona Ave. SE
Salem, OR 97307
503-390-2348
Fax: 503 390-4724
Catalogue: $12.00
Email: info@looseends.com
Web site: www.looseends.com
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SEGMENT 3
Shopping for Christopher’s 7 Layers of Design on the Internet
Christopher describes how to shop for each layer of his 7 layers of design by using
Internet resources.
Layer 1 – Paint and Architectural Embellishments: The Christopher Lowell Paint
Collection is available online through the Christopher Lowell Paint web site. When
shopping for architectural embellishments such as snap together wainscoting, over the
door pediments or relief wall sculptures, visit the Mastercraft Industries web site. Corbels
can be ordered from the Van Dyke’s Restoration catalog.
Layer 2 – Flooring
A number of carpeting and flooring web sites have samples they will mail out. Be sure
that the care instructions are included.
Layer 3 – High ticket Upholstery Items
Select solid colors for the sofa and large upholstered chairs using the paint colors as a
guide. Change the tone and pattern of the accent pillows but you can own the sofa and
chairs a lifetime if you choose. If you feel you’re very good with colors and patterns, you
can select patterned upholstery.
Layer 4 – Accent Fabric
Choose patterned fabric for accent pillows and small upholstered items. Drapery fabric is
also included in this layer. Try solid colored fabric for drapes and you’ll save a lot of
money. These fabrics are easy to change. Include wonderful drapery hardware if you can
afford it. Or use simple clip on drapery hooks to save money.
Layer 5 – Accent Furniture
Storage items such as armoires and cabinets perform dual function. Select tables with
extra storage or use chests as coffee tables. An iron table from Arte de Mexico has
beautiful classic lines but is pricey. Choose a wrought iron table with a glass top as a
more inexpensive alternative. Keep the lines classic, however.
Layer 6 – Accessories
Don’t let pictures clutter up surfaces. Instead try a folding screen that serves dual
purpose, to hide clutter and add height to a room. Hang pictures all along the panels of
the screen. Select multiple picture frames that allow for easy changes of pictures. Storage
boxes can be stacked and used as furniture as well as storage.
Layer 7 – Plants and Lighting
Choose lamps that will stand the test of time and work with any style décor.
Layer 1 – Paint and architectural embellishments
Web site: www.christopherlowell.com
Van Dyke’s Restorers
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PO Box 278
Woonsocket, SD 57385
Phone: 800-558-1234 (free catalog)
Web site: www.vandykes.com
Layer 2 – Flooring
Check Internet search engines for thousands of examples.
Layer 3 – High ticket Upholstery Items
Expressions Custom Furniture
401 11th St. NW
Hickory, NC 28603
800-544-4519
Web site: www.expressionsfurniture.com
Layer 4 – Accent Fabric
Stroheim and Romann
718-706-7000
Web site: stro
Layer 5 – Accent Furniture
Arte de Mexico
5356 Riverton Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
818-769-5090
Web site: www.arteshowrooms.com
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web site: www.ikea.com
Layer 6 - Accessories
Exposures Catalog
1 Memory Lane
PO Box 3615
Oshkosh, WI 54903
800-572-5750
Web site: www.exposuresonline.com
Layer 7 – Lighting and Plants
Illuminations
1995 South McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, CA 94954
800-621-2998
Web: www.illuminations.com
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SEGMENT 4
Ordering Flowers Online with Barb Brooks, B. Brooks Fine Flowers
Barb Brooks from B. Brooks Fine Flowers in San Francisco visits Christopher in studio
with a lesson in how to shop for flowers over the Internet. Even though there are visuals
of floral arrangements online, it’s difficult to visualize the size of the arrangement. Look
for measurements or for a picture of something in context, such as the arrangement on a
table. Pricing is about the same as ordering over the phone. Florists that are in partnership
assure fresh flowers being delivered to different parts of the country. Several of the
arrangements from B. Brooks Fine Flowers were shown in the segment. More flowers
that are in an arrangement or the kind of flowers in an arrangement can increase the price.
Flowers for every occasion from seasonal centerpieces to bedside bouquets add life to
any décor.
Barb Brooks
B. Brooks Fine Flowers
2288 Union St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
888-346-3356
Web site: www.bbrooks.com
SEGMENT 5
Purchasing Art Online with Photographer Douglas Hill
Christopher is joined by photographer Douglas Hill to discuss the key points of shopping
for art and photography on the Internet. Doug suggests becoming familiar with trends and
fine art through catalogs, magazines and surfing the web. Some people believe that art is
whatever you define it to be, however, fine art is categorized very differently depending
on the artist, medium, history and what the art world perceives its value to be. Develop a
connection with the artist by finding out something about his/her history and background.
Check some of the auction web sites such as Sotheby’s site to acquire high-end art at
reasonable prices. Doug showed pictures of some of his portfolio seen online. When
looking for a photographer, the web can be a valuable tool. Check the photographer’s
background and expertise. Purchase artwork unframed and select mats and frames to
match décor. Be sure to know the size of the artwork when purchasing online. Doug’s
greeting card company, de-notes greeting cards, features a wide variety of choice. He also
has a number of black and white and color images.
Douglas Hill Photography
2324 Moreno Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
323-660-0681
Email: odouglas@aol.com
Web site: www.doughill.com
SEGMENT 6
Room Re-do from Goodhome.com
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Great furniture finds are just a click away. When it comes to one-stop shopping, the web
site Goodhome.com can take the fear out of online shopping. Stefanie Callan from
Goodhome.com joins Christopher with an array of home décor items that can be
purchased from the site. One of the features of the site is to be able to “shop by room”
where the image of a room is displayed, and all items in the room can be purchased.
Some larger items are shipped from the manufacturers. Others are shipped from
goodhome.com’s warehouse. The site has pulled together a team of merchandising and
design professionals to work with you in designing an entire house. Products shown in
the on-air room were tin picture ledges, framed photos and artwork, a wood pedestal table
and matching chairs, tin dispatch boxes for keepsakes, accent pillows and window
treatments. The site will also send fabric swatches in the mail. Another fabulous feature
of the web site is the ability to see what your room might look like in a computer
generated graphic. Start with the large furniture pieces and then accessorize. Delivery of
items from the site is guaranteed, even if it’s delivery of a large sofa to a third floor
apartment.
GoodHome.com
Company is no longer in business.
Show #231 Finding Your Style
In this episode, Christopher shows how easy it is to find your personal individual style
and how to express it at home.
SEGMENT 1
Choosing Furniture Styles at the Ethan Allen Showroom
We take a trip to Ethan Allen to browse a variety of styles. Don't rush into anything, take
your time and think it through. One way to get an idea of the styles is to visit a furniture
store outlet. The furniture is usually already arranged in vignettes to give you some idea
of how it would look in a home. Christopher visits the Ethan Allen Showroom and shows
us two of their collections, describing the type of look achieved with each
Ethan Allen
Danbury, CT 06810
203-743-8500
Web site: www.ethanallen.com
SEGMENT 2
Design RX with Design Psychologist, Constance R. Forrest
Psychologist Constance R. Forrest stops in to talk about design psychology and how it is
helping individuals to tap into their style using a design testing process. She shares a case
study and the process her client experienced to create her ideal environment. Constance
designed the space in a Zen contemplative garden concept with smooth lines and green
plants. She added a vase that was reminiscent of beach glass, made into a lamp and
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placed on a travertine table with a shell-like quality to remind her of the beach; art deco
type rug and sofa and chair to remind her of her grandmother’s era, plants and a
rectangular wall screen for a calming effect and a piece of the client's own artwork, a
Phoenix rising, to inspire optimism.
Constance R. Forrest, Ph. D.
Forrest Painter Design
226 Sherman Canal
Venice, CA 90291
310-822-3640
SEGMENT 3
Finding Your Style Through Magazines and You Did It!
Christopher showcases several interior looks and talks about elements that help create an
individual style. From Yes No Design, author Diane Love, we see an illustration that is a
contemporary look with an Old World feel using a unique wall finish. The next image
shows a collection of book-filled bookcases tucked under a stairwell and a bathroom with
a flea-market find wash stand. Christopher shows us a living room scene that reflects a
more ornate, opulent look with lots of detail. Christopher illustrates how objects can
evoke a certain style depending on how you feel about an object. Examples include a
pitcher in a bowl; a primitive piece that could become the theme for a room; an Asian
vase in blue; an old clay pitcher; and very traditional, loved objects with contemporary
background color. feel.
The “You Did It” segment features the North Carolina home of Sheryl Atschul who
transformed her traditional home interior into a old country style by using Christopher’s
seven layers of design. Sheryl was very systematic and organized in her approach. She
did wall sketches on her computer, then designed a model like a doll house to get a good
idea of the colors and how they would flow.
Book: Yes No Design: Discover Your Decorating Style With Taste-Revealing Exercises
and Examples
By Diane Love
SEGMENT 4
Decorating Style with Umbra’s Paul Rowan
Designer Paul Rowan founder of Umbra Inc. drops by to showcase a design vignette
featuring Umbra’s dual function pieces. Umbra designs furnishings and accessories that
integrate together from a clean, slick, affordable point of view. First, Christopher and
Paul show us a vignette from Umbra that Paul designed with a convertible storage unit
that is multifunctional, window treatment of white eyelet curtain panels shirred onto a
very thin rod, a Karen Rashid molded plastic chair and a contemporary looking clock
called a Gyro Clock. Paul has challenged Christopher to shop from Umbra's web site to
design his own vignette. Christopher's vignette is much more traditional with a wood
family photo room divider, window treatment of white curtains shirred onto a cast iron
rod with tiebacks and accent tables displaying vase collections.
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Paul Rowan, Vice President and Co-Founder
Umbra Inc.
1705 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14212
800-387-5122
Web site: www.umbra.com
SEGMENT 5
Fabulous Finials with Deborah Kalifeh
Designer Deborah Kalifeh of Starr Kalifeh Designs displays her decorative finial designs
and gives tips on how we can add individual flair to our accessories and window
treatments.
Demo Directions
Beginning with polymer clay and an unfinished wooden finial, roll out a piece of clay a
sixteenth of an inch thick large enough to completely cover the finial. Cover the finial
with the clay. This makes a kind of skin on top of the wood and serves as a surface to
which the design elements can adhere. Apply a lattice work or geometric design on top of
the skin with thin strips of clay. Measure narrow strips about a quarter of an inch wide,
cut into tiny squares and roll into balls. Stick the balls onto the clay and press with a nail
head. Make the wells for the pearls with a pencil eraser. Prepare the rosette or "collar" for
the finial. Deborah used an old lamp finial in the shape of a leaf, first dusting with baby
powder and then pressing a rolled out sheet of clay into the leaf to get a good impression.
She then trimmed around the edges of the leaf and cut a hole in the center large enough to
fit around the neck of the clay-covered wooden finial and baked the entire finial in a 275
degree oven for approximately 20 minutes. After the finial was completely cooled she
antiqued it with raw umber and water. She dusted it with rotten stone, then set the stones.
Deborah Kalifeh
Starr Kalifeh Designs
Suites at Market Square
1506 Captain O’Neal Drive
Daphne, AL 36526
SEGMENT 6
Constance R. Forrest, Ph. D. of Forrest Painter Design Analyzes Christopher's Style
Psychologist Constance R. Forrest returns to reveal the results of Christopher’s design
test and how his favorite things are expressed in his decor. First, a look at a couple of
Connie's favorite things includes a black and white picture of a tree-lined avenue that is a
scene from a recurring dream of hers since she was 6 years old. Next, she shows a yellow
mohair blanket chosen for the warm color and enveloping texture. Her office is painted
the same shade of yellow, and picture is prominently displayed. Christopher's favorite
objects are a series of illustrations for a children's book called The Orion Chronicles. He
wanted her to see the backgrounds which demonstrate a draping, architectural, fantastical
and organic quality.
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Constance thinks Christopher's choices stem from him being a kind of child prodigy who
traveled Europe and lived in 46 places as he was growing up. The art studio (his favorite
place) demonstrates his creative flair and desire to share with others.
Constance R. Forrest, Ph. D.
Forrest Painter Design
226 Sherman Canal
Venice, CA 90291
310-822-3640
SHOW #232 GREAT IDEAS FROM PUBLIC SPACES
You don’t have to check in to check it out. That’s the theme of this show that explores
getting inspiration for decorating our homes by visiting public spaces like hotels and
restaurants. By simply walking through hotel lobbies you can observe furniture
arrangement, flower arrangements and the use of accessories.
Segment 1
Ideas from Interior Design Magazine
Guest Edie Cohen from Interior Design Magazine stops by to show photos from the
magazine that demonstrate design ideas from boutiques, restaurants and First we see a
boutique on Melrose Avenue that has giant paint swatches painted on the walls. This is a
great way of getting lots of color into a room arranging colors from cool to warm. Next is
a Zen-looking space in a real estate office where banana leaf paper was stretched around
curved chrome framework to separate work spaces. In the next picture from a production
studio, corrugated aluminum could be used to frame a garden room or terrace. No
material is limited to commercial or home spaces. The imagination is the key. In a
restaurant large grid-looking panels create a loft type experience. Frosted glass doors
create private space and division between rooms.
Product Info
Interior Design Magazine
345 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10011
212-519-7265
Fax: (212) 519-7428
Web: interiordesignmag.com
Guest Info
Edie Cohen
Usahomestore.com
Web: Interior Design Magazine
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345 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10011
212-519-7265
Fax: (212) 519-7428
Web: interiordesignmag.com
Segment 2
Renovation of the W Hotel Los Angeles Before
Teresa Holden, Director of Sales and Marketing of the W Hotel Los Angeles takes us on
a tour of the Westwood Marquis building formerly used as a woman’s dormitory at
UCLA in Westwood, CA. The design was based on trying to create intimate spaces
within a larger space and use natural elements such as the original concrete structure
within the décor both in the exterior and interior. The two acre landscape gardens will
remain. The traditional furnishings of the hotel rooms will be redesigned into suites with
contemporary décor. The goal is for business travelers to come away feeling as they had
had a bit of a vacation.
Guest Info
Theresa Holden
Director of Sales and Marketing
W Hotel
930 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-208-8765
Fax: 310-824-0355
Web: http://www.whotels.com/cities/los_angeles/
Segment 3
Set Designer Dayna Lee/W Hotel Renovation After
The designer responsible for the renovation of the W Hotel Los Angeles joins
Christopher to describe her approach to the design. Dayna Lee of Powerstrip was a
former set designer for 16 Hollywood movies and made the transition to designing
commercial hotels. She shows pictures of some of her movie set designs including the
construction of a monastery on location in Key West. Each piece of the set had to be
shipped in individually and assembled separately. A great deal of research goes into the
culture, the character living in the culture and then the storyline. In another series of
images, Dayna had to build a set of a contemporary room inside a Frank Lloyd Wright
historic home. Because of the historic nature of the home nothing could be attached to the
existing walls so the set was held together like a puzzle with stress points and counter
weights. She also created a hair salon set on a Hollywood stage to look like it was in a
Manhattan loft. Dayna then showed sketches of her designs for the W Hotel, emphasizing
intimate spaces within a cavernous larger lobby. The reception area was another
challenge incorporating the existing walls while updating the look to a sleek
contemporary building.
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The cameras return to the W Hotel to view the results of the completed renovation.
Dayna’s goal was to break down the stereotype of the spaces and incorporate dual
functionality. For example, guests could have a drink in the lobby or wait for their key in
the living room area. The first priority was to reconfigure the space by removing interior
walls and opening up the space. Dayna appreciated the look of the exterior structure with
horizontal lines covered with beautiful foliage. So she brought in natural gleaming hard
woods and more concrete. The furnishings and colors are as pleasing to the eye as it is
calming to the spirit. Dayna looked for unexpected shapes and sizes in unexpected
finishes. She found local LA artists to create the look. Dramatic lighting and relaxed
seating invite guests to sit and read, eat or join a friend. Lights were built underneath the
reception desk. The perfect balance of contemporary form and function was incorporated
into the guest rooms and has become a signature trademark of the W Hotel.
Guest Info
Dayna Lee
Power Strip
1713 N Gramercy Pl.
Los Angeles, CA 90028-5802
323-860-0708
Segment 4
Punched Copper Corner Protector & CL Demo
Inspired by the décor at the La Boheme restaurant in Los Angeles, Christopher
demonstrates how to make a punched corner wall protector from copper flashing and a
painted harlequin wall treatment.
Punched Copper Corner Protector
This idea is also great for using on cabinet fronts or drawer fronts. Unroll copper flashing
purchased from a hardware store to the desired size. Cut the copper in half if necessary
using a utility knife. Tin snips have a tendency to make the copper flashing curl. Use
gloves to protect hands when handling the flashing. Use clear Con-Tact paper with the
grid on the back to develop a desired pattern. Sketch the design on paper. We included
leaves and fruit. We used a series of circles and shapes from household items such as
hole maker that fits on a power drill to make interesting uniform punches in the flashing.
Tape the paper design to the flashing with painter’s tape. Place the copper flashing on a
scrap piece of wood to protect the work surface. Place the hole maker with the sprocketed
side down and hit it with a rubber mallet. Use punch tools or nail sets to follow the leaf
designs. Use your imagination to find other things around the house to use. We used a
fork, the side of a bolt, etc. Remove the paper design and cut out the design with a utility
knife. Nail the flashing to the corner of the wall. Clean away fingerprints with steel wool.
Harlequin walls
Using painter’s tape, carefully tape off a diamond pattern on the walls. The tape is a ruler
on a roll so you can divide the sections precisely. The look of Harlequin walls is created
by making the diamonds very large. We base coated the walls with a light terra cotta
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color. Dip the paintbrush in a little universal tint of burnt umber and Ralph Lauren gold
and pounce onto every other diamond on the wall.
Guest Info:
La Boheme
8400 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
323-848-2360
Segment 5
McCharles House Tea Room
It’s off to the McCharles House Tea Room in Tustin CA where time is measured by a cup
of tea. Owners Vivian and Audrey Heredia, a mother and daughter team, invite guests to
share in what has become a family tradition. Audrey remembers her grandmother making
special preparations for her guests to come to tea and has carried on the tradition. The
house had been a nursery school and was in need of repair. The renovation became a
work of love. Vivian’s wonderful gardens, a passion of hers, become a beautiful setting
for an afternoon cup of tea. The gardens feature century old eucalyptus trees, an array of
roses, cottage perennials and flowers that bloom all year. Wherever you look there is
something of beauty to behold. The teacup tree is a tradition at McCharles House. Every
morning Vivian and Audrey gather teacups and sprinkle their tree with them. They add
twinkle lights for a festive tree that sparkles all year. There’s always an eclectic mix of
flowers, tassels, ribbons and foliage that adorns the tables. It changes with the seasons.
The table settings sit atop fine linens and are a colorful mix of different patterns of cups
and saucers. The floral wreaths have a dried flower base with cut flowers that can be
changed seasonally. The deep rich tones of the parlor contrast with the lighter more
whimsical look of the sunroom. Vivian and Audrey love to go to auctions and estate sales
to pick up mirrors and prints to add to the décor of the parlor. They made a special
window treatment of lace and dried flowers to cover a very sunny window. Vivian’s
original paintings capture the meaning of McCharles House to the family.
Guest Info:
Vivian and Audrey Heredia
McCharles House & Tea Room
335 South C Street
Tustin, CA 92780
714-731-4063
Fax: 714-731-9141
Web: www.mccharleshouse.com
Segment 6
Review of Public Space Décor from Christopher’s Classics
Over the years Christopher has shown many examples of design inspired by public
spaces. He reviews a few including a gossamer bedroom inspired by the Prescott Hotel, a
wall of sconces against a wood background and a look at Le Cirque in New York City.
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SHOW #233
SUPER STORE CHIC
We’re going shopping at super stores, showing all that have to offer and saving tons of
money. It’s shopping under one roof for everything from paint to linens to furniture. And
super stores are available in almost every city in the country.
Segment 1
Super Store Shopping at Target
Christopher takes the cameras to a Target for a super store shopping experience. Chic
furnishings don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Savvy shoppers know that by shopping at
super stores, they can get the most for their dollar. Christopher applies his 7 layers of
design to shopping at a super store. First, make a list of everything you will need from
layers 1 through 7. Stay organized and work through each layer at a time. Bring in paint
samples from layer 1 to use as a template to match. Most super stores carry linens and
accessories in the same color palette so everything will coordinate. That makes it easy.
Four or five major color waves are in season at a time. Christopher selects an area rug
and accent pillows to go with the neutral colors of the walls and high-ticket upholstery
items. Use your eye to pick classic colors and prints from super store items. In the bath
section, Christopher selects burgundy, gold and green towels. For curtains, Christopher
chooses a solid green background and a textured overlay. He picks up a round accent
table and covers it with a solid cloth and a print topper. Artwork at super stores is a great
buy. Putting them against a colored wall really shows them off. Christopher puts together
a vignette of the items he selected from Target.
Product Info
Target Stores
Check local listings for a store near you
Web: www.target.com
Segment 2
Guest Room Redo by Debra Fritz from Target
Target home décor consultant Debra Fritz joins Christopher to show a guest room
makeover from items purchased at Target super store. Debra started with a piece of
artwork and built the room around that. She likes to work with three colors and selected a
neutral beige base color. The other tones were ebony, gold and burgundy. She used cream
colored bed linens and gold and burgundy bed pillows. The bed frame was black as was a
side table by the bed. On the other side of the bed she draped a round table with sheets
and accessorized it with a black lamp and wood picture frames. Spread the colors evenly
around the room. A small black curio cabinet over the side table had small yellow pears
in each of the compartments to spread the color into that space. Debra brought the wood
tones over to the window by using a wood bed tray accessorized with a yellow mug. She
hung plants in the window accented with daisies to repeat the yellow color above for
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balance and adds a high focal point. The eye goes to color. In a bookcase opposite the
bed, Debra accented one of the shelves with a yellow candle and added burgundy and
gold pillows to a neutral upholstered chair. Above the bookcase she arranged a cluster of
three flower pots and silk flowers. She stacked three black and white pictures on the wall.
Guest Info
Debra Fritz
Target stores
Check local listings for a store near you
Web: www.target.com
Segment 3
You Did It!
Homeowners Steve Linder and Michael Hanel of Los Angeles used a “less is more”
approach to decorating their 1920s home. They looked through magazines for
inexpensive ideas. To add color to the room they add fresh flowers each week.
Segment 4
Sheet Magic with Guest Rosemary Watson
Rosemary Watson from West Point Stevens puts together a bedroom vignette with
accessories made from sheets. They include a table round, table square, tab top drapes,
book covers, floor screen pockets and a lamp shade.
Materials:
Sheeting
Iron
Pinking sheers
Scissors
Disappearing marker
Fusible web, fusible tape or iron on interfacing cut into 3/4” strips
Gathering tape
Self stick Velcro tape
Instructions:
Table round
**A 36” round table this is 30” high would be (2x30) + 36=96 and 96/2=48
For a 36” table round you will need one king size flat sheet. Measure the table height and
width. Add two times the height plus the width. Divide in half. Cut a string at least 6”
longer than the final number. Tie a small loop at each end with the distance between the
ends a48”. Place a pen through one end and a tack through the other. Pin the string to the
center of the sheet. It is helpful to have someone stand on the pin to hold it in place.
Stretch the string tight and draw a circle. Iron on fusing tape, centering it over the line
you have drawn. Cut out the circle with pinking sheers. If you want to add fringe to the
bottom, deduct the length from the length of the circle.
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Table Square
You will need one twin flat sheet. Add 12” to the width of the table. Cut a square. For a
36” table you will need a 48” square. Finish the edges the same as the circle above or fold
over all four edges and hem.
Tab Top Drapes
You will need one king flat sheet. Use the large top hem of the sheet for the bottom of the
drape. Cut the sheet 81-1/2” long. From both outside edges measure 43-1/2” and cut
strips. Put the center section aside for the tabs and tie backs. Fold over the top and sides
twice, then press flat. Iron in place with Stitch Witchery. You should have two panels 80”
by 42”. From the remaining section cut off the hem, then cut lengthwise into two strips 5”
wide. Fold in half with the right sides together. Use Stitch Witchery to fuse the long side
closed, forming a long tube. Cut this into ten 9-1/2” lengths for the tabs and two 24”
lengths for the tie backs. Turn inside out. Press flat with the seam centered on the back
side. Fold the top of the drape in half, then half again. Iron the top edges. This will divide
the drape evenly and give you marks for the center of the tabs. Starting at the outside
edge on the back side of the drape, place the first tab 1/2” down and fuse in place. Fold
the tab over so the bottom is 1” from the top of the drape and fuse in place.
Book Covers
Measure the height of the book and add 3/4”, then double it. Open the book flat. Measure
the width, then add 10”. Hem the sides with Stitch Witchery. Fold in half lengthwise with
the right sides together. Fuse the top with Stitch Witchery creating a long tube. Turn the
tube inside out. Tuck the cover of the book into the tube. To create a patch pocket, cut a
square, hem all four sides, then fuse three sides of the pocket to the cover.
Screen Pockets
Decide what you want to store. Add 2” to the length and width for seam allowances. Fuse
together leaving one side open. Add tabs to the back to pin the pockets to the screen.
Basket Weave
Cut scraps of sheets into strips with pinking sheers. Lay out strips in one direction on top
of fusible web. Weave one strip in the opposite direction. Iron down this first row.
Continue weaving cross pieces. Iron each row as you go to keep the pieces from slipping.
When the piece is the correct size, fuse down the loose ends of the strips. Finish as the
pockets above.
Lamp Shade
With a string measure the base of the lamp shade. Add 1-1/2” to this measurement for
seam allowance and add Velcro tape. Measure the height of the lamp shade along the
seam. Add 5” to this measurement for the seam allowance and top flange. Fold over
bottom edge 1” and fuse. Fold the top down 2” and fuse the bottom edge. Fold in half
with right sides together and fuse the edge. At the top hem, fuse on the gathering tape.
Attach one side of the Velcro tape to the base of the lamp shade. Attach the other side of
the Velcro tape to the bottom hem of the fabric tube. Pull the tube over the lamp shade.
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Attach the Velcro on the bottom. Pull the strings in the gathering tape at the top. Tie
strings and space out the gathers evenly.
Product Info:
West Point Stevens Inc.
1185 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
212-930-2000
Web: www.westpointstevens.com
Guest Info:
Rosemary Watson
West Point Stevens Inc.
1185 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
212-930-2000
Web: www.westpointstevens.com
Segment 5
Rolling Pyramid – Christopher Demo
Christopher demonstrates how to make the rolling pyramid cube storage unit originally
seen in the retro room makeover. Check the Christopher’s Classics page for complete
step-by-step instructions.
Segment 6
Tour of Home Depot Expo Store
Christopher takes us to the Home Depot Expo design center for a tour. The store is set up
in groupings to give you an idea of what will work in your home rather than just rows of
home improvement items. Each vignette is designed to show you how a bathroom looks,
a kitchen or a grouping of accessories. It makes your choices easier. Be careful not to
overspend. Every room is represented from outdoor patios to powder rooms. Expo also
has on site designers to help you coordinate your selections. Come with a list, take your
time, try different combinations and you’ll end up with the home of your dreams.
Product Info:
Home Depot Expo
There are 21 Expo design centers across the country. Check the web site for locations.
Web: homedepot.com
SHOW #234
CL’s 7 LAYERS OF ENTERTAINING
Now that you’ve decorated your house, how about showing it off to your friends.
Christopher’s 7 Layers of Entertaining is the blueprint to superb entertaining without the
angst.
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Segment 1
Christopher’s 7 Layers of Entertaining Overview
Christopher presents his 7 Layers of Entertaining designed to save you money, eliminate
the stress of entertaining and turn a so-so party into a memorable event your guests won’t
stop talking about. Get inspiration by looking through magazines, and at this stage, don’t
think about budget or guests, only ideas. Start with the front door. Put a garland over the
front door and some planters by the steps. Your guests will know this was meant for them
and you’ll be getting your first compliment before they even take off their coats. In a
photo of a table, the tall candlesticks were flanked by simple pineapples. Very chic.
Parties are about you and even if you have a party in the kitchen another photo shows,
just a simple bowl of fruit creates a casual but decorative setting. Tents are a great place
to have parties outdoors or have a picnic. Set up dessert on a trunk.
The 7 Layers of Entertaining are:
Layer 1 – The master plan. Choosing the theme. What types of conversation or mingling
areas are needed. Decide whether it’s a stand-up or sit-down party.
Layer 2 – Take inventory. Use what you have on hand.
Layer 3 – Distinguishing touches. Garnishing and arranging pre-prepared foods looks like
you spent a lot more time than you really did.
Layer 4 – Accent fabric, lifts and levels. Where will food be served and how will it be
displayed?
Layer 5 – Function and flow. Pre-allocate spaces for the bar, hors d’oeuvres and dessert.
Layer 6 –
Layer 7 – Flowers, lighting and music.
Segment 2
Layer 1 – Interpreting the Master Plan through Invitations
Christopher begins to detail each of the 7 Layers of Entertaining with Layer 1 where he
shows how to convey the theme of the party to guests with the invitations. Take a look at
handmade papers in a range of colors and textures. Soft pastel colors might be used for a
wedding. Next, use heavier stock or cardboard for a foundation for mounting handmade
papers. Layer different papers. Print invitation particulars on clear transparency paper on
the computer and the background papers will show through. Add some raffia and natural
organic elements like leaves or grasses.
Segment 3
Layer 2 – Inventory with guest Sandra Woodward
Now that the master plan has been developed and the invitations are in the mail,
Christopher moves onto layer 2, taking inventory. He is joined by entertaining expert
Sandra Woodward to discuss the pros and cons of different party arrangements. First,
buffet versus sit down. There is less flexibility with a sit down arrangement and guests
who may not be comfortable with each other get stuck together. Food can be
ceremoniously prepared but all plates have to be made to look the same. Sit down affairs
are more formal. Buffets are a more informal way to entertain. Gather together serving
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platters and lifts and levels such as large pots and stock pots. Look at the china and
silverware. Mix matched silver and china work well, too. Pull together candles and
flowers.
Next, Christopher and Sandra are off to Bristol Farms to shop for pre-prepared foods.
Choose the entree first and then side dishes to accompany the entree. Pasta salad works
very well. Pates and cheeses make wonderful appetizers. Prepare green salad by selecting
fresh produce and herbs and parsley. And don’t forget dessert.
Product Info:
Bristol Farms
10407 Santa Monica Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90025-5009
310-474-4317
Segment 4
Layer 3 – Tablescape, Garnishing and Accent Fabrics
While Sandra Woodward prepares the platters of food, Christopher creates the
tablescape, using lifts and levels for displaying the food. He uses a combination of an old
tablecloth and a length of fabric left over from a makeover on the table. He stacks pots
and pans, covers them with fabric, adds fresh kale and other greens, then adds the food
platters. Sandra boils rosemary in water and pours it over whole chickens. She garnishes
the chicken platter with fresh rosemary. Sandra packs biscuit dough around brie cheese,
scatters almonds around the plate and bakes it in the oven for 12 minutes. She garnishes
the platter with edible flowers. With lots of fresh flowers on the table, the eye goes to the
color. Sandra garnishes the green bean platter with leaf lettuce, then grates a little fresh
nutmeg over the top.
Segment 5
Layers 5 and 6 – Function and Flow/Accessorizing
If the thought of entertaining has you running out the door, just follow Christopher and
Sandra through the next two layers of Christopher’s 7 layers of entertaining – Layer 5:
Function and Flow and Layer 6: Accessorizing. Remove some accessories such as
magazines and small tchochkes. Move furnishings so there is room to move. Remember
that an upholstered chair can be seating for up to three people, with one seated and one on
each arm. Tables should be placed so that they are at arm’s length from seating. People
also need places to put their drinks. Avoid bringing in plastic chairs or folding chairs that
are unattractive and a potential tripping hazard. Encourage people to circulate.
Segment 6
Layer 7 Flowers, Lighting and Music
Christopher and Sandra continue detailing of the 7 Layers of Entertaining with the final
layer, flowers, lighting and music. Keep all lights on dimmers so you can control the
level. Candles provide a sparkle and warm tone as a mid-range light level. Once the
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candles are lit and the food is prepared, think about the music. Select music depending on
the activities of the party. In the beginning select upbeat traveling music that is multigenerational. Then change music to a low vocal for dinner. It’s almost like you’ve hired a
nightclub blues singer. During dinner, select a light classical instrumental so that people
can talk over the music. Then make an abrupt change for dessert. Select up-tempo music
that people might want to sing along to.
SHOW #235 EARTH, WIND, WATER and LIGHT
This show is about bringing the four natural elements of earth, wind, water and light into
our environments to enhance them and make them cozy.
Segment 1
Water - Showcase House Courtyard Before and After
The sound of a real fountain can be very relaxing. We take a look at the patio area of the
Showcase House, which begins with just a cracked concrete floor and a sand pit in the
center surrounded by ivy covered concrete walls. Christopher shows how the principles
that apply to decorating the inside of your home can be applied outside as well, with help
from Frank Burkard, owner of Burkard Nurseries. Frank has flanked the fountain with
large terra cotta pots filled with orange trees in a symmetrical fashion to achieve a formal
feel. In the corner behind the fountain another focal point is created with a piece of
architectural art displayed on a pedestal, again flanked by birdbath pedestals topped with
large pots filled with banana plants and ornamental cabbages. The ornamental cabbages
are used throughout the patio area to add interest. Frank introduced hibiscus plants with
blossoms in almost the same terra cotta color as the pots, awnings and chaise (See
Christopher’s Classics for directions on making the chaise) to help unite the area.
Christopher has installed a 15-foot awning to help control the flow of light. A wrought
iron glass table and chairs in a nice patina make an inviting place for people to relax. The
floor has been stained and etched by Kemiko (see Show 220 Savvy Surfaces, Segment 3
for details on staining concrete).
Guest Information
Frank Burkard, Jr., Owner
Burkard Nurseries
690 Orange Grove Avenue Frank Burkard, Jr., Owner
Burkard Nurseries
690 Orange Grove Avenue
Pasadena, CA
626-796-4355
Product Information
Plants and Pots
Burkard Nurseries
690 Orange Grove Avenue
Pasadena, CA
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626-796-4355
Fountain
Al's Garden Art
P. O. Box 111
West Citrus
Colton, CA 92324
909-424-0221
Fax: 909-424-0235
Web: www.alsgardenart.com
Awning
Durasol
197 Stone Castle Road
Rock Tavern, NY 12575
877-761-9050
Web: www.durasol.com
Fabric for Awning and Chaise
Sunbrella Fabrics
1831 North Park Ave.
Glen Raven, NC 27217
336-227-6211
Fax: 336-229-4039
Web: <a href="http://www.sunbrella.com">www.sunbrella.com</a>
Wrought Iron Table and Chairs
Christine Vert Interiors
1437 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-458-6940
Email: vertironworks@aol.com
Grill
Weber Grills
925 W. Armitage Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
888-469-3237
Web: www.webergrills.com
Segment 2
Making a Table Top Fountain with Thomas Schoos, Thomas Schoos Design
Christopher builds a tabletop fountain in about 3 minutes under the direction of Thomas
Schoos of Thomas Schoos Design.
Materials
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Ceramic Pot (with no hole for drainage)
Water pump (power head)
Assorted rocks (crushed rocks, river rocks, colorful beach rocks, etc.)
Tiny terra cotta pots in two different sizes (with holes for drainage)
Waterproof epoxy
Short piece of copper tubing
Moss, shells, rocks etc. for decorating
Instructions
First, wash the rocks until the water runs clean. Situate the power head of the water pump
in the bottom of the pot and anchor by adding rocks. Thread the tiny pots onto the copper
tubing, large one on the bottom and smaller one slightly nested inside and glue both in
place with epoxy. Let dry. Attach the copper tube to the power head water outlet. Finish
filling the pot with decorative stones, shells, moss, whatever you have on hand that
appeals to you. Fill with water. Place a small stone inside the smallest terra cotta pot
where the water will fountain out so water will not splash all over. Plug the pump in, sit
back and enjoy.
Guest Information
Thomas Schoos
Thomas Schoos Design
8618 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-854-1141
Fax: 310-854-1924
Web: www.schoos.com
E-mail: michael@schoos.com
Segment 3
Light - Christopher Demos a Tea Light Candle Tray
Christopher shows us how to make a really cool candle tea light tray with a butcher-block
type cutting board and votive candles.
Instructions
Christopher used a thick butcher block with a small squares design all over. He first
squared off the corners of the butcher block with a T-square and saw to eliminate the
rounded edges (this step is optional; Christopher thinks the rounded edges give it a
kitcheny look). Next, with a T-square and pencil, line off one block all the way around
and leave it clear as a border. Go to the second block and every other block after that and
draw a line down the center of each block in both directions. Then draw an “x” where the
lines intersect. This is where you will drill the holes for the tea candles, drilling a little
deeper than the candle height so the candle will be slightly recessed. Use a hole maker
with a flat bottom on a drill to make these holes and be sure to wear safety goggles.
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Segment 4
Earth - Flowers by Ruth Owades of Calyx and Corolla
By adding flowers and plants to your home you introduce the element of earth.
Christopher and Ruth Owades of Calyx and Corolla demonstrate how different flowers
and plants can represent earth, wind, water and light. Earth is represented by a dried floral
arrangement in earth tones. Ruth also shares some beautiful Freesia and lavender roses,
which are a hard color to grow and will also add a wonderful fragrance to your home or
office. To introduce wind Ruth shows us a freeform, asymmetrical mixed bouquet and
orchids, which are architectural by nature and last for 3 to 4 weeks. Water is represented
with Peruvian lilies and gerbera daises, which begin drinking water immediately when
they are put into a vase. Sunshine and light are demonstrated by calla lilies and French
tulips (tulips continue to grow in the vase even after cut as much as 6 more inches.) We
should treat ourselves to fresh flowers; it is a great way to bring all the elements together.
Guest Information
Ruth Owades, chairman and CEO
Calyx & Corolla
185 Berry Street, Suite 6200
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-626-5511
To Order: 888-88CALYX
Customer Service: 877-877-0998
Fax: 415-626-3781
Web: www.calyxandcorolla.com
E-Mail: customerservice@calyxandcorolla.com
Product Information
Calyx and Corolla Flower Catalogue
185 Berry Street, Suite 6200
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-626-5511
To Order: 888-88CALYX
Customer Service: 877-877-0998
Fax: 415-626-3781
Web: www.calyxandcorolla.com
E-Mail: customerservice@calyxandcorolla.com
Segment 5
Rebecca Russo, Artist Demos a Wind Chime
Rebecca Russo, Designer/Artist shows us how to make a wind chime out of normal
hardware for pennies.
Materials
L Bracket with predrilled holes
2 Plant hangers with swivel hook (wire, not plastic)
3 Binder rings
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Metal washers in different sizes
Crystal bangles
Fishing line
Instructions:
Insert the first binder ring into the L bracket through the two holes closest to the L angle
and then attach the other two into the end holes for the L bracket. Snip the plant hanger
extensions different lengths and attach a metal washer to each by bending the wire
through the washer and back on itself. Be sure to leave enough room for the washer to
slide around in the loop you form. Next, attach crystals to each washer with fishing line
and attach one to the L bracket on the center binder ring. Next, attach the plant hangers to
the rings on the ends of the L bracket and hang your wind chime.
Guest Information
Rebecca Russo
Designer/Artist
323-931-6890
Product Information
Crystals
Van Dykes Restorers
P. O. Box 278
Woonsocket, SD 57385
800-558-1234 (free catalog)
Web: www.vandykes.com
Segment 6
Mosaics with Dan Collins and Christopher’s Classics
Dan Collins of Dan Collins Mosaic does very creative and unique mosaic pieces. Some
of Dan's artwork includes large spheres for garden sculptures, garden benches, fireplace
surrounds, and obelisk and sphere groupings for centerpieces.
Dan uses Styrofoam to make a lot of his decorative pieces. He demonstrates making a
giant olive, which will fit into a huge martini glass.
Instructions:
Begin with egg shaped Styrofoam and mash pointed end into the table to flatten it out
(like the pimento end of an olive). Then using glasscutters and nippers cut green colored
glass (Dan used stained glass in his demonstrations) into strips and then into smaller
square-like pieces. Spear the egg with a wooden skewer so it is protruding from both
sides for a "handle" by which to hold the egg. Then spread acrylic tile adhesive onto the
Styrofoam and stick the glass pieces on, making sure the adhesive doesn't ooze up above
the glass. Next, using a white grout colored with a little acrylic paint, smear the mixture
over the entire egg and wipe off immediately with a cloth, let it dry a few minutes and
buff again with a clean cloth.
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Next viewer mail brings us a tip for bringing the outdoors inside and a stone wall
dilemma. First from Ann in Tennessee; she brought her picket fence inside to use as a
landscape element with her indoor plants. Next from Meg Watkins, how do you dress up
a stone wall with a fireplace that is not centered on the wall and no mantle, just a hearth
ledge? Christopher shows us how he solved this problem in a previous makeover show by
cutting a mantle of glass and setting it on two wire plant stands and merchandising the
mantle and the hearth ledge to help fill up some of the space.
Guest Information
Dan Collins
Dan Collins Mosaics
Web: dancollinsmosaic.com
Product Information
Candles
Illuminations
1995 S. McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, CA 94954
800-621-2998
Web: www.illuminations.com
SHOW #236 Out Of The Closet
Whether closets are used for offices, mini-sewing spaces or their intended purpose for
storage, this episode is all about closet transformations and great storage ideas.
Segment 1
Terrific Storage Ideas
Through the use of the telestrator, Christopher shows images of spaces within the home
that can be maximized for storage so that closet can be freed up for its intended use. In
the first image from the book Yes No Design by Diane Love, published by Rizzoli
Publications, storage cubes were stacked and painted black and white. It is an
extraordinary look. Next, try using plate racks for bringing china out of the kitchen
cabinets. It is a fabulous way to add a focal point to the room and leave the cabinets for
utilitarian items. In another image, Christopher shows a room divider in a bedroom using
shelves over a doorway to store books and dividing the sleeping space from the study
space. If an armoire isn't in the budget, try using bookcases painted the same color as the
walls, add French doors to the front and put sheer fabric behind the glass. An artist added
vertical storage for canvases and paintings on either side of the fireplace. Next, we see an
image of small flea market finds such as old wooden mailboxes stacked to create a
storage unit. The tonsu look is also popular. Stack inexpensive cube storage units and
accessorize with vases. In the showcase house, we used frosted wine glasses and china to
dress built-in shelves across the entire kitchen. Try putting two bookcases on each side of
a large screen TV, adding a shelf across the top and accessorizing. Wall brackets with
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shelves provide a lot of storage. Paint the brackets the same colors as the wall, add a
piece of plywood vertically at one end and put cabinet doors on the front for an instant
wall unit. Don't ignore corner areas. Paint the shelves the same color as the wall.
In the Hancock Park Design house we see a lavish designer closet transformed from a
spare bedroom with a leather chair for seating, shoe racks and double hanging racks. The
space goes beyond the traditional lines of closet space thinking and features special
comfort elements such as vanities, seating areas and windows.
Segment 2
Closet Challenge #1 – Laundry Room from Custom Corner
Christopher takes a 4 by 8 foot closet space and challenges three designers to come up
with solutions for organizing this closet. The designers include Kelly Harbour of Custom
Corner, Nick Graham of Joe Boxer and John Thrailkill of the Container Store. Kelly
Harbour's design of the space is a combination laundry room-sewing room with plenty of
storage for laundry washing products, dirty clothes and even an ironing board. She also
incorporated an area for a sewing machine and fabric.
Product Info
Custom Corner
2595 Dallas Parkway Suite 104
Frisco, TX 75034-8528
888-729-7455
Web: www.customcorner.com
Guest Info:
Kelly Harbour
Custom Corner
2595 Dallas Parkway Suite 104
Frisco, TX 75034-8528
888-729-7455
Web: www.customcorner.com
Segment 3
Closet Challenge #2 – Bedroom from Joe Boxer
Challenger #2, Nick Graham of Joe Boxer, transforms the small 4 by 8 foot space into a
tiny bedroom with a bed, under bed storage and some fun ideas all based on the
underwear products sold by Joe Boxer. He used a contemporary black and white theme
throughout including window treatments and a comforter of black and white plaid. On the
wall around the ceiling he created a border of words like "laugh, "snack," and "sleep." He
stacked magazine racks on the wall for storage and included a bed tray, wig stands on the
headboard and black and white interlocking plastic tiles on the floor. Under the bed there
he placed storage bins on casters.
Product Info:
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Nick Graham
Joe Boxer Corp
1265 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-431-5719
Fax: 415-431-5954
Web: <a href="http://www.joeboxer.com">www.joeboxer.com
Sheets
West Point Stevens
1185 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
800-533-8229
Web: www.martex.com
Segment 4
Closet Challenge #3 – The Container Store/Showcase Closet Before
Guest John Thrailkill from The Container Store shows the results of his closet makeover,
featuring a more traditional closet space wardrobe and dressing room area with storage
for hanging clothes, stackable shelves for sweaters and a vanity area. Starting with a
master plan, he mapped out an area that makes everything visible, accessible and flexible.
The space can be changed over time as needs change. The shelving area features a track
that is bolted to the closet at the top, then all shelves are hung from the track. The light
from overhead can shine through the open shelves. A built-in unit with vanity area and
storage bins, shelves and a cabinet was placed along one side wall. There was still plenty
of space to walk into the closet.
Product Info:
The Container Store
2000 Valwood Parkway
Dallas, TX 75234
214-654-2000
Web: www.thecontainerstore.com
Segment 5
Christopher's Classics Review/ Wall Storage Unit – Christopher Demo
Christopher takes a look at closet and storage makeovers from the past. A long wall
closet featured hanging space for both short and long garments, open shelving for access
to colors when selecting garments and drawer space. Christopher showed the kitchen area
of the showcase house where a wall of shelves and storage bins organized china, glasses,
napkins and other kitchen items. Open storage is great especially when attractive items
are displayed. Christopher next showed the plate rack wall in the dining room of the
showcase house that displays a chine collection in racks over an upholstered banquette
surrounding a window. Next, Christopher demonstrates the construction of a wall storage
unit using separate purchased storage containers of different shapes and sizes to create a
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unique customized wall unit that looks like it's free standing but is actually bolted to the
wall.
Instructions:
Collect a number of purchased storage containers such as magazine racks, small drawer
units, a pull-down cubbyhole unit and four chrome legs with screw in tops. All of the
items Christopher used came from IKEA. He assembled them in a couple of different
configurations. Just use your imagination. They can be glued together, screwed or nailed
together. The idea of this unit is that it has a contemporary feel that is clean, simple and
chic. In the past Christopher created a similar wall unit using corners of cabinets, drawers
and furniture legs from flea market finds that had a more traditional style. Use your
imagination. Once the design has been determined, attach the unit to the wall using wood
screws into studs or appropriate wall anchors for the building's construction. When
attaching the chrome legs, screw them into the bottom of the lower wood unit rather than
the wall. The wall unit will look as if it is free standing even though it is attached to the
wall. Organize CDs, small office items, magazines etc. in the storage areas and decorate
the remainder of the unit with vases and other tchochkes. To tie the chrome legs into the
look, attach chrome knobs to the drawers. Paint the individual units in coordinating
colors.
Product Info:
IKEA
800-434-IKEA
Web: www.ikea.com
Segment 6
Showcase House Closet Before and After
Christopher visits the showcase house to look at the closet area before the transformation
and again after it was made over. The small closet had one hanging pole and a couple of
shelves. We were going to need some long and short hanging areas, some drawers and
shoe storage. There are a lot of companies that specialize in organizing closets. We gave
California Closets the challenge and we think they lived up to it very well. They installed
a complete chest of drawers in the center flanked by two hanging areas on each side. Six
shelves above the chest provide plenty of storage space for sweaters. The counter on top
of the chest is a great area for emptying pockets. There's a velvet lined jewelry drawer
with compartments for all types of jewelry. There is a pullout hanger where the day's
selection of clothing can be hung. Another nice feature is a pullout tie rack that fits flush
with the side of the shelves. And there is another pullout belt rack.
Product Info
California Closets
Web: www.californiaclosets.com
SHOW #237 A Formal Affair
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Christopher's show is dedicated to creating a formal dining room that's not stuffy but is a
comfortable space where guests can gather and enjoy a fabulous meal and engage in
stimulating conversation.
Segment 1
Showcase House Dining Room Before and During
Christopher takes us on a tour of the showcase house dining room before the makeover.
We have not a large dining room, but a tall dining room. We have a huge, big gorgeous
arched picture window. We have a sort of small-scale window that's totally
disproportionate to the arched window. And we've got no window but we got a doorway
way on the opposite wall that kind of pulls your eye over to it. And there's actually no
door on it. So what do you do with space like this? You know you've heard me say a
million times…if you can't build out, build up. Just for reference we put a table in the
center of the room to show the scale. The square table doesn't work, but we'll solve that
problem later. If we could devote about 8 to 10 inches to the entire wall by the kitchen
with some fabulous architectural embellishments, build in maybe a credenza, we could
turn that into a covered hutch and create symmetry. One of the things I love about arched
windows is one of the best ways to treat them is actually with great big shutters because
they're just as pretty open as they are closed. We also want to add fabric to make the
space cozy and interesting. We are going to build in a banquette under the small window
and use the space above it for storage of china in custom made plate racks. By the time
we add all the fabrics and the beautiful rich color, all of those 7 layers, it's going to be
fabulous.
Christopher goes back to he showcase house to view the progress of the room.
While we've still got the plastic on the floor to protect the dining room floor from the
paint, I was trying to figure out what kind of shape I want the table to be. You know,
you've heard me talk about the fact that the square or rectangle aren't my preference, but
we found out that round wasn't going to work either. The big problem was I wanted to
uncomfortably seat 8 but I want to very comfortably sit 6. So I want the option of both
and decided to do a rectangle. We found out that a lot of money is in the base. We went
back to Van Dyke's catalog and sure enough, they had this 8" double barrel base with a
connection strut in the center with charming little spindles and really handsome legs.
We're going to show you how to make the tabletop.
Segment 2
Dining Room Table Demo
If you really want the dining room table of your dreams without the expense, try building
it yourself. Christopher's demo is about building the dining room tabletop featured in the
showcase house.
Instructions:
Since Christopher wanted a rustic look for the dining room table, he constructed the
entire table out of 2 x 4s and attached large legs purchased from Van Dyke's catalog.
Double the 2 x 4s on the sides and ends of the base. Cut them to the desired length and
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width of the table and miter the corners. Use four wood screws on each corner to attach
the 2 x 4s together, countersinking the screws into the wood. Brace the center of the
framework with two 2 x 4s connecting the two sidepieces. Cut triangles of 2 x 4s to brace
all the corners. Once the base frame is constructed, turn it over and screw pine planks to
the base, overlapping the base on all sides. Countersink all the screws about ½". Keep the
lines of screws straight so that they become part of the design of the top. Cut ½" dowels
into ¾" pieces and hammer them into each of the countersunk holes. They will extend
slightly above the wood but when sanded will be flush with the top. Attach a wire wheel
to a power drill and run it over the top of the table creating a "fuzzy" surface. Ignite an
acetylene torch and burn away all the fuzzy wood fiber. Turn the table over and attach the
legs. Screw a plywood plate to the top of each leg on a diagonal. Screw another plywood
plate to the underside of the table base. Next apply the finish. After wire wheeling and
burning the surface, mix pumpkin colored tint with alcohol and apply it to the wood.
When dry, apply rustic walnut stain. The pumpkin color will come through the stain.
When dry, mix bronzing powder and polyurethane and apply it over the stain. This adds a
luster to the wood. When dry, apply red mahogany stain.
Product Info
Van Dykes
PO Box 278
Woonsocket, SD 57385
Phone: 800-558-1234 (free catalog)
Web: www.vandykes.com
Segment 3
Night Sky Ceiling in Dining Room, Sandra Zottoli Demo
Christopher returns to the showcase house dining room to show us the ceiling before it is
transformed into a beautiful night sky reminiscent of dining al fresco…under the stars.
With the recessed architecture in the center of the ceiling and a chandelier in the middle,
it might be difficult to paint unless you're Michelangelo. But we're going to add a canvas
mural that is painted on terra firma and applied to the ceiling later. The artist and designer
Sandra Zottoli who created the ceiling mural joins Christopher in studio to show how she
did it.
Instructions:
Purchase artist canvas from an art supply store. They can be purchased pre-rimed, but if
not, roll on gesso for the primer. Let dry. Remember that canvas does shrink, so purchase
the canvas approximately 6" larger than is needed. Choose a midrange blue color for a
night sky or mix a few blues that are semi-mixed in the paint tray. Roll the base color
blue onto the canvas. While the canvas is still a little wet, apply a cream color to begin
the clouds. Pounce a little color onto the blue background and swirl it around with a
paintbrush. Go all the way out to the edges of the canvas. Let a little of the background
color show through. Blend in brush strokes. The paintbrush will be almost dry. Blend in a
fiery rust color to create a sunset look to the sky. Apply it the same way as the cream
color clouds. Start at the canvas edge and work inward. Incorporate a little ochre color in
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as well. It is a transitional color from the rust to the cream. There are no straight lines in
nature so keep the movement free. Let each color dry before applying the next layer. Add
the white layer over top to create clouds that appear to be closest to the viewer. Let the
clouds flow without rigid formations. Use the same pounce and swirl method with the
paintbrush. Dip the handle tip of an artist brush in light blue paint and dot on stars. Do the
same with white paint. The light blue stars look farther away with the white ones in the
foreground. Remember the perspective of looking straight up. Staple the canvas to a
wood frame and attach it to the ceiling using the appropriate anchoring hardware.
Guest Info
Sandra Zottoli
Email SZDstudio@aol.com
Segment 4
Showcase House Dining Room After
Christopher reveals the final transformation of the showcase house dining room. Under
the hand painted sky which is the focal point down to the beautiful chandelier by Arte de
Mexico, the height and the scale of our table, now set and ready for our guests to arrive is
magnificent. Around the exterior of the room, we built in our buffet wall creating a faux
hutch on one side and matching the doors that enter the kitchen on the other side. In the
center large antique beams from Conklin's mail order catalog add interest to the room.
The large arched window is now covered with shutters and to soften the look, we added a
"shutter cozy" made from sheer fabric. Directions for this project are in the Christopher's
Classics section of the web site. On the opposite wall, we built in a banquette with plate
racks above for storage and display of a fabulous china collection. The table is set with
mismatched china to become the primary accent in the dining room. We decided on the
rectangular shaped table to seat 6 comfortably. Be sure that the centerpiece has enough
height so guests can see each other across the table.
Product Info:
Paint
The Christopher Lowell Paint Collection
Web: www.christopherlowellpaint.com
Wall color: Braised Cantaloupe
Trim: Pasta
Antique Beams
Conklin's Authentic Antique Barnwood
RR1, Box 70
Susquehanna, PA 18847
570-465-3832
Web: www.conklinsbarnwood.com
Ceiling night sky scene
Sandra Zottoli
425-357-1519
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SEASON ONE
Email Email SZDstudio@aol.com
Shutters
Allwood Shutters Inc.
1906 Nancita Circle
Placentia, CA 92670
714-996-2500
Leather dining chairs and area rug
Expressions Custom Furniture
401 11th St. NW
Hickory, NC 28603
800-544-4519
Web: www.expressionsfurniture.com
Fabric
Stroheim and Romann
718-706-7000
Hinges and door hardware
Van Dyke's Restorers
PO Box 278
Woonsocket, SD 57385
Phone: 800-558-1234 (free catalog)
Web: www.vandykes.com
Decorative hardware
Arte de Mexico
5356 Riverton Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
818-769-5090
Web: www.artedemexico.com or www.arteshowrooms.com
Flowers
Calyx and Corolla
185 Berry St., Ste. 6200
San Francisco, CA 94107
800-800-7788
Web: www.calyxandcorolla.com
Segment 5
Window Shutter Cover – Christopher Demo
Christopher shows how to make the window shutter cover in the dining room of the
showcase house. See Christopher's Classics for step-by-step instructions.
Segment 6
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SEASON ONE
Warisan-Balinese Dining
You don't have to travel halfway around the world to entertain Balinese style. At a store
called Warisan in Los Angeles, owner Liza Robinson Vidal describes some of the items
in the store that reflect the Balinese style. From wonderful leather chairs to antique china
collections, you're sure to find something you can add to your décor. Liza's mission is to
teach about the culture of Bali. The environment is one of serenity, beauty and
tranquility. Once a month she hosts traditional Balinese dinner parties. She shows how to
set a Balinese table with placemats, a traditional centerpiece and banana leaves as napkin
rings and a garnish on each plate. The menu includes traditional Balinese dishes as well.
Guest Info:
Liza Robinson Vidal
Warisan
7470 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-938-3960
Show # 238 The Creativity Show
Christopher will prove to us that everyone is creative, it just takes is little bit of
imagination, some inspiration and a little bit of courage.
SEGMENT 1
Victoria MacKenzie-Childs Vignette
Christopher visits with Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, founder of MacKenzie-Childs in
Aurora, New York. She describes how she and her husband started their business and
shows some of the whimsical items from the shop.
Victoria shows us some of the handiwork from MacKenzie-Childs. We see a large picture
frame made from the artists' discards. The artists each have a box in their work area into
which they toss any discards during their workday, and in the evening the contents are
gathered, sorted and turned into works of art. Next, Christopher and Victoria show us a
shelf that is supported by legs made of daughter Heather's softskins and topped off with
two molded hands holding vases of flowers. Finally, Christopher and Victoria enjoy
crudités from the garden served on a most unusual creation: a seamstress form covered
with articles of Heather's clothes saved over the years. The individual articles of clothing
are attached to each other with buttons. The form is topped off with a lampshade and
sports two folding trays that serve as the dining area.
Victoria MacKenzie-Childs
MacKenzie-Childs, Ltd.
69th St. and Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10022
800-640-0546
Email: customerservice@mackenzie-childs.com
Web: http://www.mackenzie-childs.com
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SEGMENT 2
Patrick Dragonette's Los Angeles Landmark House
Christopher introduces Patrick Dragonette of Dragonette Decorative Arts in Los Angeles,
a seller of original and reproduction pieces from the 1940's to the 1970's. Patrick and
Christopher tour Patrick's home built by Carl Haye in 1926.
Patrick Dragonette Decorative Arts
750 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
323-855-9091
SEGMENT 3
Christopher Demos a Chair Shelf
Christopher creates some colorful merchandising shelves from old wooden chairs. When
merchandising, remember two things: merchandise in groups of threes and use books as
lifts and ledges.
Demo Directions:
Christopher used six wooden ladder-back chairs. The backs of the chairs were arched so a
box was built to fit between the back of each seat and the wall to support the chair. The
box is built from 3/4-inch plywood and recessed so the seat of the chair slides off the
edge. The chairs were painted in three different colors; green, red and yellow and
grouped by color in three rows of two directly over each other.
SEGMENT 4
You Did It!
Christopher tells a touching story from Karen Domino White, gospel singer and daughter
of Fats Domino whose house burned down. Karen collected furniture from flea markets
and antique shops and added her own paintings.
SEGMENT 5
Naked Furniture With Leslie Erganian, Artist /Designer
Christopher welcomes Leslie Erganian who demonstrates some different, fun painting
techniques that can be used on furniture. First is a checkered look created with a stamp
pad, then a combed and squiggled design and a blending of two entirely different colors
to create highlights. Leslie painted a nightstand using the stamp technique on the top and
comb technique on the sides and drawer fronts. She also added a couple of brightly
colored glass knobs.
Demo directions:
Checked Look: Apply paint with a sponge to a stamp pad purchased at a craft or art store
and begin stamping the pre-painted piece. Don't worry if you are not exact in lining up
the design each time. It is a work of art and should not be perfect.
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Combed/Squiggle Look: Begin with a white, slick background and apply watered down
paint of a different color, comb with a rubber comb and then, using a drafting eraser,
draw squiggles or any design you like. Wipe the eraser off occasionally.
Blended look: Choose a light color and dark color that would look good together and
begin painting and blending for a highlighted look.
Leslie Erganian, Artist /Designer
Specialty Prop Design
310-475-7725
SEGMENT 6
Creativity Institute with HarRy Sigel
The inspirational workshop, gallery and showroom called the Institute of Inspiration,
Creativity and Design is HarRy Sigel’s embarkation on a spiritual journey. HarRy's
institute has brought together the work of a diverse group of young artists in the Los
Angeles area. Christopher takes a look around the institute.
HarRy Sigel, Interior Designer
Institute of Inspiration, Creativity and Design
8639 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
310-559-7863
Email: harryart@earthlink.net
Web: www.harryartfurniture.com
Show 239
Industrial Living
If you enjoy the sleek and futuristic look of industrial design, this show is for you. In this
episode, Christopher shows us everything we need to create dozens of industrial looks for
pennies.
SEGMENT 1
Industrial Metal Supply Tour
Christopher takes the cameras to Industrial Metal Supply, a warehouse filled with
everything from fixtures to metal sheets and wrought iron fencing. There are a variety of
ways these commercial construction products can be used around the home. In the
wrought iron department, Christopher selects a rod that could be used to hang curtains.
The cost is only $9.29. Add two finials from bins across the room at on $3 each and
you’ve got a great curtain rod. Christopher sketches out a couple of ideas including a
headboard made from a wood frame with the same wrought iron rods used as rails and
some scroll designs added to the top. For a cost of about $200 you can have a fabulous
headboard. Create a wonderful high-tech table using chrome poles, flanges on each end
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of the poles and metal grating for the top. If you want to add a shelf mid-way, just add an
elbow. The cost is about $200. The same metal grating material could also be used as a
hanging pot rack by suspending it from the ceiling on chains and adding “S” hooks from
which to hang the pots. Consider using ramping material that is already pre-formed to the
perfect width for shelves. It is very light weight and has a channel built in. The same
material was cut up into squares that might be used on a countertop or backsplash. It can
be attached with Liquid Nails or grouted in as you would do with tile. They could be
embedded into the panels of cabinet doors to match. Christopher also showed a sketch of
his idea to add shelving to a bathroom. See segment 5 for more detailed information. It’s
worth a trip to the end of town to pick up some fabulous high-tech industrial materials.
Industrial Metal Supply Co.
3303 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
818-848-4439
SEGMENT 2
Hi-Tech Style with Susan Frisch of Frank & Frisch
Designers and authors of Metal: Design and Fabrication, Susan and David Frisch display
their quirky industrial room design. Susan shows a plastic hanging shoe holder that can
be used as a vase for flowers. She used an elevator plate as a wall sculpture. She placed a
spring on top of an upside down wastebasket and topped it with a light for an interesting
accessory. She recommends using felt as a hot new hi-tech material. It can be used for
floor coverings or under accessories. On the wall, she used a polishing cloth topped with
cold capsules and lead shot wrapped with plastic over Styrofoam plates. She siliconed
bottle nipples to a glass globe over a lamp for an interesting effect. Metal lockers found at
thrift stores and painted in bright enamel make wonderful storage areas. Susan used a
plastic Popsicle maker glued to the front of a square light. Then she added Post-It Notes
to window panes in a geometric design. Partner David Frank joins Christopher to show
off some of his innovative designs. He used an acrylic cube around a TV as a table with
the blue light shining through. He glued two plastic bowls together around a light,
mounted it on a tripod and had an instant lamp. A condiment serving tray was used as a
lampshade. Packing material provided the background for a red plastic purse with
Christmas tree lights strung around. A source used by Frank & Frisch is a catalog called
Master Carr.
Susan Frisch
Frank & Frisch
818-557-131 8
Book: Metal: Design and Fabrication
By Susan and David Frisch
Out of print
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SEGMENT 3
Christopher’s Classics, Studio Kitchen/Cabinet Door Glass Insert Demo
Christopher takes us through the “before” and “during” stages of the studio kitchen. He
demonstrates how to update kitchen cabinets by adding decorative glass.
Demo Directions
Cut out the interior panels of the fronts of cabinet doors after removing them from the
cabinets. Use aluminum angle iron to line the framework around the inside of the door
panels. Miter the corners, drill holes into the angle iron and screw it into place on the
doors. Apply silicone to the inside of the channel. Wipe off excess silicone. Have glass
panels cut to the inside measurements of the cabinet doors. Apply frosted film, Con-Tact
paper or glass etching products to the glass. Insert the glass panels into the cabinet
frames. Finish the door frames as desired. We base coated the doors, applied crackle
medium and added a contrasting top coat of paint.
SEGMENT 4
Kitchen Cabinet Doors, After/ Donna Warner With Hi-Tech Inspirations
Christopher reveals the finished kitchen update with a hi-tech design to match the new
stainless steel accessories and appliances.
Then, Christopher pays a visit to Editor Donna Warner of Metropolitan Home Magazine
at her home to learn about the industrial design trends. The look has been softened into a
more traditional way of living by softening the corners and adding crafting detail. A
popular trend is the loft look. Some homeowners used cyclone fencing on an upper
balcony, a concrete floor and stainless steel cabinets combined with traditional furniture.
Hi-tech materials are incorporated into new furniture designs.
Donna Warner
Metropolitan Home Magazine
Hachette Filipacchi Magazines
1633 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
212-767-6000
SEGMENT 5
Showcase House Bathroom Shelves/Bendheim Glass
Christopher takes us into the “before” of the guest bathroom at the showcase house to
demonstrate his idea for an industrial update. Christopher takes us to the guest bathroom
of the showcase house before he designed the chrome and glass storage shelves. Before
he reveals the “after”, designer Donald Jayson from Bendheim Glass drops by the studio
house to display glass designs that Christopher can choose from.
Donald Jason of Bendheim Glass joins Christopher with a discussion of different types of
glass used in interiors. Some of the frosted and wavy glass provides privacy while still
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allowing light to filter in. Bendheim offers a variety of different glasses including
restoration glass that was used in the White House.
Donald Jason
S. A. Bendheim Company Inc.
61 Willett St.
Passaic, NJ 07055
800-835-5304
Web site: www.bendheim.com
Segment 6
Vintage Office Furniture from Sonrisa
Christopher showcases beautiful hi tech metal furnishings from Sonrisa designs.
He shows a storage credenza made from old locker storage bins, a vintage steel bookcase
that has been stripped and brushed and vintage office chairs that have been reupholstered.
Thrift stores and flea markets feature furniture that has a retro look but when mixed with
traditional pieces can add high-tech style to any room.
Sonrisa Furniture
7609 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-935-8438
800-668-1020
Web: www.sonrisafurniture.com
Show #240 Ragged and Regal
Everything old is new in this episode as Christopher shows how easily vintage, antique or
flea market finds can update contemporary interiors.
SEGMENT 1
Shabby Chic Style with Randy Florke
We visit designer Randy Florke to take a look at how his flea market and antique pieces
create a cozy environment for his county home. Randy has effectively blended the very
primitive and the very perfect. He uses several pieces from his own antique shop but
finds a lot of his furniture in secondhand shops, flea markets and old houses which he
buys and sells. Randy is not fond of reproductions so his contemporary pieces have a
clean, industrial, stainless look. His antiques are used just as he finds them. Randy
prefers reality and clean lines. The only window treatments in the house are shades used
for privacy. The sofas and upholstered chairs in the living room are slipcovered in white,
and the hardwood floors are covered only in sisal and natural fiber area rugs. The living
room features landscapes and miniature houses. His favorite find is a 1920's, high back
Magic Chef range. Randy's advice is to keep it real.
Randy Florke
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The Rural Collection
117 Perry Street
New York, NY 10014
212-645-4488
914-797-5510
SEGMENT 2
Flea Market Inspiration with Junk Style Book
Christopher showcases interiors from the book Junk Style to give us tips on creating a
balance between older and new pieces with flair. First up is a picture of a sofa covered in
a very formal fabric accented with a primitive table in front of it and a huge wagon wheel
propped up against a stark white wall behind it. Next is an old weathered table, step stool
made interesting with effective merchandising of books, primitive pieces and plants.
Then we see a very primitive ladder mounted on a wall and used to store colored straw
hats. Next is a bed with pristine white linens against a rustic headboard with a very
unusual wrought iron bedside table from the flea market. Then Christopher shows an allrustic look that just looks old except for the single living element in the form of a flower
contained in an old milk jug. Finally, a very primitive wall cabinet on a contemporary
colored wall actually looks elegant.
Christopher and Peter Willis from Domaine Decor in Los Angeles show us some
vignettes they have organized with materials from Domaine, Room at The Beach and
Gracious Rooms.
Book: Junk Style
By Melanie Molesworth
Peter Willis
Domaine Decor
8156 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-782-9980
Furnishings in Vignettes
Room at The Beach
23410 Civic Center Way
Malibu, CA 90265
310-456-9777
Gracious Rooms
4776 Commons Way
Calabasas, CA 91302
818-591-9797
Domaine Decor
8156 Beverly Blvd.
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Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-782-9980
SEGMENT 3
Wicker Chair Re-do, Christopher Demo
Christopher demonstrates how to restore an old wicker armchair.
Demo Directions
First vacuum the whole piece thoroughly and break off any pointed pieces or glue them
back into place. Check the legs and rewrap if necessary. Prime with a spray primer and
let the wicker dry thoroughly before applying two coats of your favorite color. When
using spray paint, be sure to use a mask and hold the can about eighteen inches from the
piece, moving back and forth for complete coverage. Christopher recommends using
bright, solid colors to give the wicker a modern look. To make the cushion, draw and cut
a pattern of the seat on heavy paper. Use the pattern to cut a piece of 2-3 inch thick foam.
Using the same pattern, cut two pieces from the fabric, adding a one-inch seam allowance
all the way around. Measure the depth of the foam adding 2 inches, measure around the
edge the foam adding 5 inches and cut a piece of material these measurements for the
edge of the cushion. Pin the right sides of the cushion top and the side of the edge piece
together and stitch all the way around with a one-inch seam allowance, folding under the
extra material from the edge piece and stitching them together. Pin the bottom to the edge
piece and stitch the sides and front, leaving the back open for turning. Trim and press the
seams and turn right side out. Slide the foam inside the cover and hand stitch the bottom
back of the cover together.
Caning
Van Dykes Restorers
P. O. Box 278
Woonsocket, SD 57385
800-558-1234 (free catalog)
Web site: www.vandykes.com
SEGMENT 4
You Did It!
The “You Did It” segment features Chad and Sarah McNamara of Texas who designed
their home to be cozy and comfortable with recycled materials and flea market
furnishings. In the kitchen they flipped the existing counter tops over and covered them
with dark blue broken tile bordered with whole white tiles. They stained the already dark
cabinets in dark blue and added a pot rack in the corner for additional storage. In the
living room the walls were painted dark green except the one behind the fish tank. There
they did a harlequin design with the same green and a lighter shade of green. Chad and
his father-in-law built a table for the tank out of old fence wood. The sofa and chairs were
slipcovered, and the floor tiled in terra cotta. Rather than an area rug in front of the sofa,
Sarah used the broken tile look again and added a border of regular tiles. The guest room
doubles as a study. They removed the hollow core doors and replaced them with
windowed doors and fabric shades for privacy. The old doors were re-used, one as a work
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surface and the other as an architectural element. Sarah added a merchandising ledge to
the door and picket fencing along the wall on either side of it as well as a pair of shutters
and a plant-filled window box for that "outside of the house" look. She used four
different fabrics in the room to make it easier to introduce new elements as she wished.
Next, we look at Sarah and Chad's Texas Star themed bathroom. They added beadboard
paneling to the bottom of the walls and painted the top half. They made switch plate stars
from sheet metal rescued from some old ductwork and added a plant trellis for hanging
towels.
SEGMENT 5
Deborah Fabricant with In-Home Entertaining
Entertainment expert Deborah Fabricant creates a whimsical tablescape design featuring
antique dishes, family heirlooms and flea market accessories. She also demonstrates an
easy update for a dried flower and antique candle update.
For the top table, Deborah starts with an old velvet shawl she found at a flea market .On
top she used her grandmother's square green plates topped with round colored
mismatched plates. A clown dressed rabbit from Catherine's Collection adorns one end
of the table, and Deborah has tucked different colored napkins into beautiful silk, fringed
pouches that guests can take home. Her place card holders were her grandmother's.
Deborah used mismatched glasses, a slate-mounted candle and added a basket of
potpourri.
Demo Directions
Slate mounted candle: Using a piece of slate and a fat column candle, glue the candle to
the center of the slate with a glue gun. Use the glue gun again to add dried flowers to the
slate around the base of the candle. Deborah's best advice for creating great shabby chic
tablescapes is to raid your Grandmother's closet.
Deborah Fabricant
Stacks, The Art of Vertical Food
By Deborah Fabricant
Home Entertainment Expert and author
Los Angeles, CA
Email: fabfood@earthlink.net
Web site: www.stackitup.com
Cream Colored Plates
Cafe Midi
148 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-939-9860
Centerpiece
Two's Company
30 Warren Place
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Mount Vernon, NY 10550
914-664-2277
Email: info@twoscompany.com
Web site: www.twoscompany.com
Clown Dressed Rabbit
Catherine's Collection and Gallery
131 East Anapamu Street
Santa Barbara, CA
967-966-2206
SEGMENT 6
Mortise and Tenon Vignette with Heather O'Donovan
Designer Heather Donovan of Mortise & Tenon displays her vignette of vintage and
antique reproductions combined with contemporary Asian pieces. The starting point is
the vintage drapes around which Heather has added two reproduction leather chairs and
an ottoman topped off with a silk pillow of a new fabric that looks old. A vintage, handpainted tray and wine goblets from the 1920's make interesting accents. A reproduction
side cabinet with a bamboo distressed look and a fabric-covered top is merchandised with
a reproduction lamp, three vases and a floral arrangement for height that draws the
vintage 1940's picture hanging above into the vignette.
Heather O'Donovan
Mortise and Tenon
444 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, Ca 90036
323-937-7671
Show # 241 Runway Chic
Christopher's philosophy is, "If you can put together an ensemble for yourself to wear,
then you can put a house together.” This show looks at fashion designers and their
influence on home décor.
Segment 1
Kathy Ireland/, Lifestyle Designer - Home Collection
Kathy and Christopher look at some of Kathy's designs and discuss her goals and
philosophies in designing her creations. The goal of the Kathy Ireland Home Collection
is to take the fear out of choosing furniture, encourage people to take chances, mix and
match designs and define their own style. Kathy sees comfort as a major trend in
furnishings, as well as in clothes, a trend she believes is here to stay.
One of the Kathy Ireland Home Collection vignettes that Christopher and Kathy look at
on the telestrator and discuss includes a dining room setting with an iron glass table
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accompanied by bamboo chairs with backs and seats upholstered in a bold red and white
stripe. Next is a bed with an ironwork designed headboard and footboard reminiscent of
an Old English gate topped off with bedcovers in a bright floral with a velvet look bed
skirt. Then we take a look at a white spindle legged table in front of a chaise with a glass
front sideboard in the background. Next is another bed with a massive headboard of
wood with three iron insets designed after Old English gates and doors. The bedcovers
are an all white overstuffed look. Next is a living room grouping with a sofa of very
feminine lines covered in a dark, masculine fabric. A thick wood table with glass inserts
in front of the sofa is flanked by two side chairs piled high with pillows. The last vignette
is a beautiful chair of ironwork, upholstered in light linen paired with a glass front,
ironwork sideboard lined inside with mirrors and merchandised with some of Kathy's
accessories.
Guest Information
Kathy Ireland
Lifestyle Designer
Kathy Ireland Home Collection
Available in the Spring. Check the web site www.veryvanguard.com for
more information on the location of fine furniture stores that will carry the line.
Web: www.kathyireland.com
Product Information
Kathy Ireland Home Collection
Available in the Spring. Check the web site www.veryvanguard.com for
more information on the location of fine furniture stores that will carry the line.
Web: www.kathyireland.com
Segment 2
Van-Martin Rowe House
Van-Martin Rowe was a successful fashion designer before he became an interior
designer. He has created a Technicolor decor for the inside of a 1920's Spanish style
home just by opening up the client's closet for inspiration. Fashion and interiors are
similar in many ways. Texture, color, proportion and lighting are all elements used in
fashion that can be transferred to the interior design of a home. Van-Martin gets his key
elements from the clients, and a lot has to do with color. Going into their closets tells the
true story. Do they like casual, wash-and-wear fabrics and styles or are they a little more
tailored with a dry cleaned look? This particular client had some favorite pieces of
artwork that required a special lighting scheme that would compliment the collection and
enhance the ambiance in the room. Van-Martin accomplished this with pin-spot lighting
in a false beam installed in the ceiling. The furnishings were also chosen to compliment
the artwork and create a flow of the colors and themes. In the family room Van-Martin
created a cozy environment with fabrics that are beautiful and uniquely durable. In this
case he did not take color swatches when choosing fabrics but took grape juice and jellies
because this is where the grandkids would be gathering. Throughout the interior VanMartin chose eclectic accessories and furnishings with customized fabrics in the clients'
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favorite colors much like choosing a tie to match a favorite shirt or jewelry to dress up an
outfit. Van-Martin always advises his clients not to judge a look until the "shoes" are on,
wait for it all the pieces to come together.
Guest Information
Van-Martin Rowe
Interior Designer
Van-Martin Rowe Design Studios
2580 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, 91107
626-577-4736
Website: <a href="http://www.vanmartin.com">www.vanmartin.com</a>
Segment 3
Van-Martin Rowe Fashion Inspired Tips
Van-Martin Rowe joins Christopher once again, this time for some fashion-inspired tips
on interior decorating. He demonstrates how to dress your house with vintage fabrics
right off the hanger. First is a 50's era Mexican bustierre circle skirt that is hand beaded
and sequined used for a table covering on a side or dessert table. Next is a soft and drapey
pashmina from Macy's being used to drape a chair for an instant makeover. Sunday-goto-meeting hats become delicate wall hanging decorations. Jewelry is incorporated in the
form of bracelets for napkin rings. From Edith Head's estate is a desktop mannequin from
turn of the century England dressed up in several necklaces. Next is a hand mannequin
dripping with pearls and a lampshade draped in a beautiful floral silk scarf. A worn
chaise is draped in a pashmina and pillows wrapped with another. A Bedouin scarf
beaded in silver could cover a buffet or would look great on the back of a sofa or
beautiful mahogany piece. Christopher and Van-Martin show how a scarf can be wrapped
around a pillow and tied in the back for a beautiful, versatile look.
Guest Information
Van-Martin Rowe
Interior Designer
Van-Martin Rowe Design Studios
2580 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, 91107
626-577-4736
Website: www.vanmartin.com"
Segment 4
Susan Abramson, Shops and Boutiques 2000
Boutique stores have become a visual and sensual experience as demonstrated in this
segment with Susan Abramson, co-author of Shops and Boutiques 2000. Christopher and
Susan discuss how ideas from boutique stores can be incorporated into the home with
illustrations from Susan's book shown on the telestrator. First, we take a look at a Ralph
Lauren girl's department with a country cottage feel. The setting is overstuffed, chintz
furnishings and striped wallpaper with built-ins boasting beautiful crown molding
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pediments. Next is the Armani Exchange on Fifth Avenue in New York. Here the focus
is on texture, with hanger wallpaper and classic elements from Italian markets reflected in
the cobblestone-look flooring. Next, at Calvin Klein on Madison Ave. we see a
monochromatic, less is more look. The color pulls you to the space which has strong
vertical lines using colorscoping and clutter-free merchandising much like would be use
in a hallway of a home. Next is a Kate Spade display in Los Angeles. A backlit cubical
storage area used for merchandising handbags; it could also be used for collectibles in the
form of a room divider. This department is a study in lighting with a pinspot spotlighting
a garment on the wall, uplights, recessed lights and backlights. Last of all is a storage
cubicle idea which could be used as a coffee table or a nightstand.
Guest Information
Susan Abramson, Co-author
Shops and Boutiques 2000
Product Information
Shops and Boutiques 2000
By Susan Abramson and Marci Stuchin
PBC International
Segment 5
Christopher Demo – Sweater Pillow
Christopher demonstrates how to use clothing colors in interior design. The outfit begins
with a pair of off-white slacks which would be great as a trim color and the cocoordinating beige top would be the background color. A straw hat would be a sisal rug
and cocoa colored shoes, floral scarves and jewelry become accessory colors. Next
Christopher demonstrates how to turn a vintage, embroidered, button up sweater into a
pillow.
Instructions:
Button the sweater and slide the pillow form into it from the bottom opening. Center the
design on the pillow form using a t-square. Mark the stitching lines all the way around
the pillow form with pins, pinning all the way through the front and back of the sweater.
Unbutton the sweater and remove the pillow form. Button and smooth the sweater and
with wide masking tape, tape over the pins all the way around, using the t-square again to
be sure the embroidered or beaded pattern is centered. Cut the pillow cover out along the
outside edge of the tape, being sure to cut through all thicknesses, front and back.
Remove the tape and pins and turn the two sweater pieces (front and back) right sides
together and stitch all the way around. Unbutton the sweater and turn it right side out.
Insert the pillow form through the unbuttoned opening, button back up and hand stitch
closed.
Segment 6
Christopher Lowell Classics
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From the Christopher Lowell Classics comes a tour of the Calvin Klein Showroom which
demonstrates how fabrics and colors are translated from the runway to home interiors.
Layering, textures and colors are very important features in all of the Calvin Klein
collections.
Next is viewer mail. Carol in Pennsylvania likes turning old antiques and unique
findings into functional pieces. First a vintage handbag is used as a nest for silk flowers
and birds and then her grandmother's 1910 wedding gown is mounted and framed and
hung on the wall. Karen from Virginia Beach transforms a drab living space with a futon
in front of a sliding glass door by running a cable the length of the wall and shirring
fabric over the sliding door. A nice throw for the futon topped with some coordinating
pillows, uplights and plants bring the room to life.
SHOW #242
Clutter Free Living
It’s all about clearing away the clutter. There’s nothing wrong with surrounding yourself
with what you love. But when it starts to take over, it’s time to start organizing and
finding storage solutions. And it’s not just about the knick-knacks. We’re talking about
the overcrowded bookcases and overstuffed closets.
Segment 1
Bedroom Makeover – Sandra Ateca
Organizing expert Sandra Oteca organizes the bedroom of homeowner Terri Davis into a
comfortable, relaxing space. Since Terri worked from home, her bedroom had become a
filing area for notebooks and videotapes. She felt she had no escape from work. Sandra’s
first suggestion was to have Terri set priorities. Clients who hire an organizing expert are
ready to let things go. They need a partner to help. Sandra’s theory is that we have all the
space we need. Sandra put an extra shelf in the closet for all of Terri’s binders. The next
step was sorting through the stuff and throwing it away. Sandra used under bed storage
and hanging bags in the closet. She used large wood file cabinets and storage cabinets to
hide books and tapes. She removed the bookcases and replaced them with wall shelves
that opened up the space. The room seems twice as large as it was before. Sandra’s
advice: when you bring something in, let something go. It won’t always be one for one,
but it creates a pattern to follow.
Product Info
Storage items
Hold Everything
Web: www.holdeverything.com
Ikea
800-434-IKEA
Web: www.ikea.com
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Sauder Office Furniture
930 W. Barre Rd.
Archbold, OH 43502
800-523-3987
Fax: 419-446-3697
Web: www.sauder.com
Segment 2
Organizing Tips – Sandra Ateca
Christopher welcomes Sandra Ateca into the studio for some tips from the organizing
master. Sandra suggests organizing kids’ toys and clothes by hanging colorful gift bags in
different sizes from hooks hung at “kid level.” By selecting bags of different themes, kids
can learn which items belong in which bag and keep them organized. The bags can be
removed when kids are playing with the toys and returned to their hooks for clutter free
storage. For a variation, use a lattice panel attached to the wall with hooks attached to the
lattice. The kids’ artwork can also be hung with butterfly clips to the lattice slats. Use
stackable bins for organizing as well. The bins can be color coded and removed when in
use. Then they can be returned to a shelving unit or bookcase. Kids can also keep a travel
bag packed with their favorite toys. Keep a hanging garment bag in the closet for storing
decorative bed pillows at night to keep them off the floor. Use a letter or file folder
organizer for rolled up placemats, napkins or tablecloths. A wicker magazine holder can
be used for rolled or stacked napkins. Use a refrigerator soda can bin as a CD or video
holder. Keep a snack box for kids in the refrigerator. Use a square canister to hold jellies,
jams and jars in the fridge.
Segment 3
Showcase House Plate Rack Demo
Christopher takes us to the showcase house for a look at the wall in the dining room
where he plans to construct a window bench with storage underneath and a plate rack for
displaying china. He then shows the construction of the plate rack in an in-studio demo.
Complete instructions for the Plate Rack can be found in the Christopher’s Classics
section of the web site.
Segment 4
Plate Rack During/Upholstering the Window Bench
Christopher revisits the showcase house to describe the wall of the dining room partially
constructed. Then back in-studio, he demos the upholstery technique used on the window
bench.
Showcase House Dining Room: You want to organize your stuff into statements that
really work. Remember, there’s power in masses. We’re going to have a whole mass of
plates up along this wall when we’re all done. To connect the two plate racks, we’ve used
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this shelf above the window. The shelf starts at the same level as the shelves in the plate
racks on either side of the window, goes over the top of the window with “L” brackets
and connects to the plate rack on the other side of the window. All the way across the top
we’ve put antique beams and also under the bottom of each of the plate racks. We’ve cut
a piece of the beam…we found one that had a really great notch…and made blocks out of
it so it appears to be supported on the wall. And here again, this connective element from
the top to the bottom gives that primitive element a really wonderful character in this
space. Below the window we’ve created a window bench. What we’ve done just out of
simple plywood, is made a great big long box and divided it into 4 cubby hole elements.
So we’ve got great storage below now for decorative platters, that sort of thing. Now
you’ve got a place to put all that stuff that’s not so attractive. We’re going to add padded
bolster pillows to the fronts of the cabinet doors under the window seat and upholster the
seat and back of the window bench.
Instructions:
Upholstered Window Bench
Use luan backing for the back and seat cushions. Spray Super 77 spray adhesive on the
luan and glue 4” upholstery foam onto it. Put a piece of batting over the top of the foam.
Start upholstering the fabric to the cushion by stapling it in the center of each side to the
back of the luan. Then work from the center of each side out to the corner, pulling the
stretching the fabric and stapling it to the back. Fold the fabric neatly in the corners,
pleating as necessary and stapling to the back. The cushions can be left free for easy
removal or attached to the window bench with screws from the bottom of the seat.
Upholster the half round bolsters the same way and attach to the door fronts of the
cabinets below the window bench.
Segment 5
Plate Rack Wall After/Big Ideas for Small Spaces
Christopher reveals the plate rack wall and window bench after the makeover. Then he
welcomes Christine Brun, author of the book Big Ideas for Small Spaces for some ideas
on storing and displaying.
Showcase House Plate Rack Wall:
We now have a wall of china. We’ve got charger plates in the back, china in the front and
it’s all so organized. Talk about your clutter free. The whole area is identical and very
symmetrical to the area on the other side. The only change that we made was that we
initially had our half round on the front edges of our plate rack shelves and it was about
half the size it is now. We thought that with the massive beams above and below the
plate rack that these needed to be beefed up a little bit, too. And on the back of the
window seat we used an iridescent silk. Just to give it that little designer touch, we added
a little bit of decorative rope across the top edge. So that gets padded to here. Separate
cushions slide in and are attached to the seat and the fabric continues all the way down to
the floor. The half round bolster pillows are attached to the doors of the cabinets below
the window seat. The doors are attached with piano hinges and provide storage for things
we don’t want to see.
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Big Ideas for Small Spaces
Rich dark color doesn’t make a space look smaller. Use tone on tone. Scale is also
important. Several large platters on the top of a buffet sideboard make it look beefy and
create a focal point. A half round table next to a mirror makes the space look larger. Be
sure to use seamless mirror from floor to ceiling. That way you don’t notice the mirror.
Put shelves up high. Wall storage shelves with baskets are beautiful to look at.
Guest Info
Christine Brun
Author
Big Ideas for Small Spaces
Rockport Publishing
Glouster, MA
Segment 6
Hold Everything Tour
Christopher takes the cameras a Hold Everything store for a quick look at some storage
products. Christopher shows some round hatboxes that are also attractive when displayed
on a shelf. He also looks at a desk organizer that sits on top of the desk and organizes
pencils, pens, paper clips, stamps, etc. There are photo storage boxes that have plastic
holders for each picture and all fit neatly into a box. Shaker boxes come in black and
wood tones and can easily be staked on open shelves. Fabric liners for wicker baskets can
easily be removed and washed. There are boxes with Velcro corners that can be undone
and stored flat. A wicker file cabinet is great for removing clutter. It doesn’t cost much to
have a clutter-free life.
Product Info
Hold Everything
Web: www.holdeverything.com
Show #243 The Great Fabric Show
The right fabric choices help add the designer look to any room. Both upholstery and
accent fabrics help hide furniture that needs a second life and walls that may not be
perfect. And you can mix and match fabrics endlessly.
Segment 1
Stroheim and Romann Showroom
Christopher discusses how a visit to a huge fabric showroom can be exciting and
intimidating. Selecting fabrics for the home should be done with patience and thought.
The great thing about fabric shopping is you have so many options. The bad thing about
fabric shopping is you have so many options. Try not to put too many ideas in each
room, and be sure you have a relationship between your fabrics when you move from
room to room. Christopher shows some of the fabrics he used in the showcase house and
explains how they go together and flow. Beginning in the guest bedroom, Christopher
uses a traditional toile fabric that is blue print with a lemon background for the focal
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fabric. He uses it on the beds and again on the canopies which are topped with a valance
of solid lemon chenille, as are the window treatments. The walls and ottoman use a putty
color that blends well with the focal fabric. The entry and dining room of the showcase
house are connected by color. First Christopher tented the entire foyer area in a bold
colorful stripe with strength and dynamics. This became the focal fabric. The wall color
of dining room picks up the pumpkin color in the stripe, and a silk stripe-on-stripe that is
textured more than it is striped in the window seat cushions, also utilizes the pumpkin.
The windows are draped in wonderful brocade which becomes the focal point in that
room. In the transition back into the living room richly colored drapes of velvet brocade
become muted and subtle on massive windows. Solids and texture are added again in the
upholstery in the room.
Christopher uses swatches to demonstrate the different roles played by solid colors, prints
and textures in the decorating of the home. The first layer of fabric should be the high
ticket upholstery fabrics on your sofas and chairs which should be textural and muted
solid colors. To that layer you will add the accent colors and patterns in pillows and side
pieces.
Product Information
Stroheim and Romann Fabrics
718-706-7000
Segment 2
Decorating by Numbers with Beverly Murphy
Christopher and Beverly Murphy demonstrate how her fabric coordinating system works.
Beverly Murphy Home designs has a numbering system for colors and designs that
anyone can choose from in decorating the home. If the same numbers are chosen in each
layer of design, you will always have a beautiful color and pattern coordinated interior.
The Beverly Murphy designs are available in bedding, furnishings, fabric, dinnerware
and accessories.
Guest Information
Beverly Murphy
Beverly Murphy Home
Web: www.beverlymurphyhome.com
Segment 3
Laura Pattynama Demo
Christopher and Laura Pattynama show how fabric can be used throughout the home to
transform rooms on a tight budget. A bedroom vignette utilizes silk fabrics in muted
tones in a headboard, bed canopy, pillows and table cover with scalloped topper. Next is
a breakfast nook and window treatment in bright plaids, florals and solids. Patty shows
how to make a work surface for creating fabric pieces for the home and talks about the
tools a do-it-yourselfer might need. It’s very important to be able to draw straight lines,
Patty suggests using a 60" straight edge which can be bought at upholstery outlets; or
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make your own with a straight edge of pine with a fabric tape measure glued to it. Use a
t-square as well as the 60" straight edge for making absolutely straight lines and squared
corners. Use longer straight pins for interior design that would be used for garment
construction, a good sharp pair of 7" scissors and a smaller pair for thread cutting.
Instructions
The work surface is made in two pieces for easy storage under a single bed. Begin with
two sheets of luan 30" X 60". Frame the underside of each luan sheet with 1" X 2" all
around the edge and across the center of each half for support. Cover the top of the luan
with 1/4" foam wrapping over the edge and stapling to the frame on the underside.
Segment 4
Christopher Lowell Classic
From Christopher Lowell Classics, Christopher shows us some room makeovers with
fabric. Christopher starts with a boring little Italian dining room that has a nice
chandelier and glass table with wrought iron chairs; he adds fabric and paint to turn it into
a Moroccan extravaganza. A frame of PVC pipes mounted to the ceiling is used for
draping the entry, the walls are painted a rich terra cotta, and shades are added to the
chandelier lights. Next is a large unused tub area that is transformed into a window seattype sanctuary space with a sheet of plywood, tied back curtains, an upholstered cushion
and loads of pillows. A dining room in a Southern California home begins with a
beautiful dining room set and wonderful chairs, Venetian masks and a Fortuny lamp; but
with the scale of the room everything still seems dwarfed. Christopher drapes the ceiling
the entire length of the room for a very dramatic look that spotlights the beautiful Fortuny
lamp that was lost in space before. Last of all is a bedroom makeover. Christopher once
again used PVC pipes suspended from the ceiling to canopy a bed in a glorious print
fabric, painted the walls and ceilings and added a footboard that is kept in place by the
weight of the bed.
Christopher demos how to make wall hangings with fabric scraps and pieces of luan.
Instructions
Start with a piece of luan and fabric scraps. Cut the fabric about two inches larger that
the luan and wrap over the luan and glue to the back, trimming the corners for a smooth
fit. These covered pieces can be hung on the wall for a mosaic look or can be mounted
on a marbleized board and a picture or silk flower added to the top. They can also be
used as the background in a framed picture.
Segment 5
Yvonne Porcella Demos Painting Fabrics
Yvonne and Christopher demonstrate how to paint fabric designs for use in the home.
First, begin with the fabric, Yvonne suggests buying at a regular fabric store and looking
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for fabrics like canvas, denim and poly/cotton blends. Yvonne uses transparent textile
paint for her designs. Each piece progresses from a background to a mid-ground and a
foreground. You can begin with a stark white fabric or tone the fabric yourself. For the
mid-ground, Yvonne cleans her brush onto the fabric, selectively washing the brush with
water and dabbing it onto the fabric for the different tones. She comes back with the
actual paint and adds the flower petals and other shapes allowing the wrist and the
bristles to form the shapes. If you are intimidated by creating your own designs freehand,
you can use demo boards that give you a step-by-step chart and practice area for making
flowers and leaves or a stencil could be used, or use tracing paper and a fabric pen.
When making flowers, Yvonne never washes her brush she just adds another color. The
process is very forgiving.
Guest Information
Art and Inspirations
By Yvonne Porcella
C&T Publishing
800-284-1114
Segment 6
Jan Jessup - Calico Corners
Christopher and Jan Jessup explain how color, pattern and texture can be mixed
beautifully in a bedroom vignette. The bed and the wall above are covered in a
striped/floral print. The bed is topped with pillows of plaids, chennilles, solids,
corduroys and eyelet all from the Calico Corner's Ralph Lauren Collection. The side table
is covered in the plaid, as is the side chair in the reading area. The windows are treated
with very tiny striped fabric with light appliquéd sheers in the background.
Guest Information
Jan Jessup
Calico Corners
888-213-6366
Fax: 610-444-1221
Web: www.calicocorners.com
SHOW #244
It’s Academic
Christopher offers assistance to college students living in dorm rooms. He explores ideas
for decorating dorm rooms on a budget with space for eating, sleeping and studying.
Christopher visits with three future designers who were given $200 to transform their
living space.
Segment 1
Dorm Dilemmas Review
Christopher explains the design challenge where each of three future designers was given
gift certificates of $200 from Ikea to decorate their rooms. Christopher shows two
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makeovers from a past dorm room show where design students decorated their rooms.
Between a combination of rearranging furniture and finding flea market items, the
students make their environments more comfortable and livable. They used candles to
create mood lighting. They used fabric to create simple window treatments and soften the
look of the walls. Bulletin boards were used to hang pictures. The bed was raised and the
study area was placed underneath the bed for extra space. Christopher uses graph paper to
show the importance of furniture arranging in a small dorm room.
Product Info
Ikea
800-434-IKEA
Web: www.ikea.com
Segment 2
Thrift Store Shopping/Designer #1 Makeover
Christopher visits the St. Vincent dePaul Thrift Store for some tips on selecting
furnishings and accessories from thrift stores. Remember, buy it now when you see it
because it won’t be there later. Think in terms of the cost of the furniture piece versus the
cost of the building materials. You can always faux finish and disguise the furniture
piece. Look for good structure and construction. A large white bureau Christopher found
had scale, was well made and cost only $59. A white wicker desk and chair cost only
$39. It had great storage drawers. Christopher suggested rubbing a little shoe polish over
the white wicker for an antique look. A bookcase is a great find. Lamps ranged in price
from $5 to $8. By crackle finishing them and adding new lampshades, you’re in business.
A deco style desk simply needed refacing. Look for art work and picture frames.
Remember that the money you spend at these types of thrift shops can not only furnish
your home but also benefits the charity as well.
The first designer, Stacy Mannis from the Fashion Institute of Design in Los Angeles,
shows the results of the makeover of her dorm room. Her first step was arranging the
furniture in the room. She used the bed as a daybed/sofa for seating as well as sleeping.
She used the area as a more relaxed one room living décor. The overall style she tried to
achieve was traditional with lots of modular storage. She used a laundry hamper for
storage large rolled vellum she needs for her design work. She also used bulletin boards
for displaying her designs while she worked on them. She learned to prioritize and work
with a budget.
Guest Info
Fashion Institute of Design
17203 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA
818-990-2241
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Segment 3
Designer #2 Makeover
Mariann Stratman, Designer #2, from Brooks College of Design accepted the design
challenge by thinking of ideas to liven up a white cinderblock room. She used a colorful
floral print piece of artwork with a blue background, red and yellow flowers that gave the
room an instant focal point. She selected a bright red sheet that she cut in half for curtains
to pull the eye from the artwork over to the window. She created a valance out of fabric
that had the same colors as the picture. She used yellow and blue throw pillows on the
bed and a navy blue throw to spread the color around the room. She used a wine rack on
the sink vanity and stuffed rolled towels into the spaces for the wine bottles. She hung
hats on the walls for color.
Guest Info
Brooks College of Design
4825 E Pacific Coast Hwy.
Long Beach, CA 90804
562-592-6611
Segment 4
Designer #3 Makeover
The third design student, Michelle Ficarra from UCLA School of Architecture and
Design wanted to create a work environment that still felt like home. With two students
living in the room, she wanted to separate spaces so each student would have privacy.
She accomplished this by hanging tab top curtains between the beds. They could be tied
back against the wall during times of common use but pulled out for privacy. She used a
symmetrical design with two wooden shelves over each bed for storage or display items.
They provided versatility and could change as needs changed. She used dark bedspreads
on the beds with white accents. She chose fresh flowers to reflect an Asian motif and add
color to the room. She used a single curtain rod split in half for hanging the curtains and
adhesive backed hooks for tie backs that could be removed and didn’t permanently
damage the walls. She used a magazine rack between the beds with an uplight.
Guest Info
UCLA School of Architecture and Design
PO Box 951361
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Segment 5
ABS Daybed Demo
Christopher demos a new twist on the ABS bed. It’s a daybed that can be used as a sofa
during the day and a bed at night.
Materials:
8 elbows
6 crosses
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2 Ts
8 caps
4 bulb sockets
4 lamp cages
2” PVC pipe 3” larger than the bed
Screws
Drill
Spray paint
Sheer fabric or tab top curtains
Instructions:
Measure the bed and cut PVC pipe 3” larger all the sides and ends than the bed
measurement. The structure will have a surround on the bottom and one on the top as a
canopy, so be sure to cut enough pipe to go around the bed twice. Cut pipe pieces the
desired height of the structure as well, one for each of the four corners. Connect the side
and end pipes to each other using the elbows. To prevent the structure from twisting, drill
holes through the elbow into the pipe and secure with screws. Where each corner pole is
connected, use a cross connector and secure the vertical poles to the horizontal structure.
To connect the cross pieces cut a 2” long piece of pipe and place it inside the elbow piece
at one end and the cross piece at the other end so that the two connectors butt up against
each other. It gives the corners a very finished edge. Place caps on the pipe at the bottom
of the legs. Place the light sockets on the poles at the top and string the electrical cord
down through the corner poles and out at the bottom. Add the lamp cages on the top of
the light sockets.
Segment 6
Shopping at the 99 Cent Store
Guest Michael Murphy went shopping at the 99 Cent store and through clever thinking,
came up with some great storage and budget conscious ideas. Michael first used plant
hook, strung wire across them and hung a calendar or artwork from silver painted
clothespins pinned onto the wire. He used two plastic VHS cassette holders flipped
upside down attached to the wall for a thrifty shelf. On top of the shelf he placed two
plastic nut and bolt storage bins for holding jewelry or other small items. Below the
shelves, he attached two wastebaskets and a plastic laundry basket to the wall and stored
rolled towels and clothing in them. You could spray paint them in bright colors if desired.
Michael stacked 10 glass ashtrays and topped them with a gold tray for a side table. Or
they could be used as a plant stand. He stacked milk crates and turned some of them
sideways inside other crates for storage drawers. You could do the whole wall or create a
stairstep or tonsu wall. Spray paint them for more color. He used terra cotta pots stacked
end to end for storage of pens and pencils, plants or they can be used as lifts and levels.
Michael found silver and gold scrubbing pads that were 4 for 99 cents and attached them
to the wall as a bed headboard. He used two plastic towel bars, shower curtain hooks and
vinyl tablecloths to create curtains. Michael suggested using cat litter boxes for under bed
storage. He hot glued one of the scrubber pads to the front as a handle to pull them out.
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Show #245
Popular Demand
This episode is in response to all of Christopher’s fans throughout the year who write in
for bedroom demos and makeovers. He may look a little different, but the inspiration is
the same, creativity without fear.
SEGMENT 1
Canopy Bed
First, it’s a canopy bed makeover classic featuring PVC pipe and a Hollywood bed frame.
SEGMENT 2
Kid’s TV Bed
Christopher revisits the classic featuring the “cartoon” kid’s bed for under $100 that
encases the bed frame with a colorful life size wooden television.
SEGMENT 3
Sleigh Bed
This segment features one of the most popular bed demos inspired by a sleigh bed
featured at the art deco Argyle Hotel in Los Angeles.
SEGMENT 4
Sleigh Bed (continued)
Christopher completes the construction of the Sleigh Bed.
SEGMENT 5
Princess Bed
Up next, the fantasy beds created for two little twin girls featuring a fairy tale draped bed.
SEGMENT 6
Budget Bedroom/Coastal Bedroom Pix
Christopher showcases many of the most popular Christopher Lowell Classic bedroom
makeovers. Christopher shows images from two other bedroom makeovers from previous
shows. In the first, a bedroom makeover on a budget features creating a pillow ticking
valance the surrounded the entire room. Muslin was draped on the wall behind the bed
and café style curtains were hung at the bottom of a short window and at the same height
on the adjacent window all the way to the floor to create the illusion that both windows
were the same height. A trash container covered with a glass top and draped with fabric
provided needed storage and served dual function as a bed table. In the second image,
Christopher showed the coastal bedroom inspired by a small window at the top of one
wall, making the room look like the cabin of a boat. Christopher created fabric covered
bolsters below the window for the bed’s headboard and gave the room a nautical theme.
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SHOW #246 Holiday Occasions
Getting ready for holiday occasions is a special time of year. Planning is no different than
other times. It’s all about making fabulous holiday memories. Christopher shows some
decorating tips from tree trimming to table decorations, wreaths and some gift ideas.
Segment 1
Shopping for Holiday Decorations at Aldik’s
Christopher takes us on a tour of an artificial flower and Christmas store called Aldik’s in
Van Nuys, CA and shows how to make your own natural Christmas tree for under $100.
There are only five different materials used to decorate Christopher’s tree. First he starts
at the top with a large ribbon bow from a plaid ribbon. This is less expensive than tree
toppers and the ribbon cascades down to the bottom of the tree in streamers. Hollyhock
garland that was pre-purchased goes around the tree. Next, he tucks in real or artificial
pears and apples. Silk white and red roses are placed randomly among the branches. Ad
finally, pieces of raffia are tied on like tinsel.
Guest Info
Product Info
Aldik’s Artificial Flowers and Christmas Store
76515 Sepulveda Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91405
818-988-5970
Segment 2
Holiday Topiaries from Mark’s Garden
Mark Held from Mark’s Garden joins Chrhistopher with an array of topiary trees,
garlands and centerpieces. Mark’s topiaries were made from a candle holder pedestal
base with a 6” styrofoam ball glued to the base. Then kumquats are hot glued to the ball.
Add sprigs of frsh flowers or nuts between the fruit. Or make a topiary of fresh flowers.
Make “buttons” by cutting the styrofoam balls in half and stringing a ribbon through the
half-ball. Hot glue crabapples, flowers, pine cones or nuts to the curved portion and tie
the “buttons” to a chandelier, around a tablecloth at the corners or in the corners of the
ceiling to hold swags of garlands. Mark also suggested making a gardenia bowl using
floral oasis around a glass bowl filed with water. He pressed fresh flowers into the oasis,
then floated fresh flowers into the bowl. He also gold leafed fruit and added name tags
made from magnolia leaves. Try filling glass containers or bowls with fruit for a natural
holiday look.
Guest Info
Mark Held
Mark’s Garden
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13838 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818-906-1718
Segment 3
Square Wreath – Christopher Demo
One of the first things guests see when they come to the door is a wreath. Christopher
demos a new chic looking wreath that is rectangular in shape instead of the traditional
round wreath.
Instructions:
Make a wood frame from lathing strips or use a picture frame. Cut strips of chicken wire
(the kind with small squares) into 2” strips and staple them to the frame with one edge
flush with the inside edge of the frame. Assemble bundles of greens, holly and berries
and wrap with floral wire. Leave the ends a little longer to attach to the chicken wire.
Place bundles slightly overlapping all the way around. For a variation, use magnolia
leaves pinned into a styrofoam rectangle. Add fresh flowers and fruit.
Christopher showed collector ornaments from the Christopher Radko Collection. The
ornaments came about as a result of a family tragedy where more than 200 ornaments
were lost and Christopher Radko wanted to replace them. The glass ornaments are made
from olds and hand painted. Christopher added them to a wreath, decorated a compote
with them that was then placed in the center of one of the square wreaths on a table and
surrounded with candles for a centerpiece.
Product Info
Book
Christopher Radko’s Ornament Book
Clarkson Potter Publisher
Segment 4
Deborah Fabricant Tablescape/Gumdrop Topiary
A holiday tablescape from Entertainment Expert Deborah Fabricant is a great way to
impress your guests. Deborah shows some unique invitations to a party including one that
was attached to the lid of a canister. When the lid was opened, the invitation was
revealed, tassels and all. Next Deborah showed how to make some adorable gumdrop
topiaries. If properly stored in plastic, they can be used again next year. Use mix and
match china and lots of wonderful candles to complete the look.
Instructions:
Start with a container or bucket and paint it white. Wrap a dowel with ribbon and push it
down into plaster of parks inside the container. Prepare the plaster of Paris according to
package instructions. Let it set up until hard. Push a 6” styrofoam ball on top of the
dowel. Using a selection of gumdrop candies, attach them around the ball with straight
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pins. Pin a ribbon bow to the base of the ball. Hot glue gumdrop candies around the rim
of the container.
For napkin rings, hot glue gumdrop candies around the outside of a 1-1/2” wide piece of
cardboard cut from a paper towel core
Guest Info
Deborah Fabricant
Segment 5
Holiday Gifts with Sandra Woodward
Entertainment expert Sandra Woodward joins Christopher with an array of unusual
Christmas gifts. Included from the Restoration Hardware catalog are: House of Cards
Acme Dog Biscuit Mix
A fold up tool kit and fold up garden kit
Telescoping screwdriver
Telescoping fork
Telescoping Mirror
Silver jam pot
Mini vice grip
Crank bellows
Pop Up lantern
A Clambake dinner from Clambakes-To-Go is an instant meal and can be topped off with
a Shoofly Cheesecake from Nell Baking Company. Open top paper mache boxes came
from Loose Ends.
Product Info
Restoration Hardware
800-762-1005
Clambake Celebrations
1223 Main Street
Cape Cod, MA 01633
800-423-4038
Web: www.clambake-to-go.com
Shoofly Cheesecake
Nell Baking Company
800-215-9190
Web: www.nellbaking.com
Loose Ends
P. O. Box 20310
Salem, OR 97307
Phone: 503-393-2348
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Fax: 503-390-4729
Web: www.looseends.com"
E-mail: info@looseends.com
Catalogue: $7.00
Segment 6
Christmas Trees
Christopher shows Christmas trees provided by several different vendors decorated in
themes. Then Christopher joins a ballerina for a version of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Loose Ends Garden Tree
Loose Ends Fish Tree
Loose Ends
P. O. Box 20310
Salem, OR 97307
Phone: 503-393-2348
Fax: 503-390-4729
Web: www.looseends.com
E-mail: info@looseends.com
Catalogue: $7.00
Christopher’s tutu provided by
Prima Donna
2 Penn Center Plaza
Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-236-3707
SHOW #247 Grand Entrances
Christopher shows how to create an entrance that will have the neighbors stopping by just
to get a glimpse. The entrance is the first thing guests see when they enter the house.
We’ll show you how to make it memorable.
Segment 1
Entrance Classics/ Showcase House Foyer Before
Christopher shows three foyer makeovers from previous shows. The first features a large
entrance that was converted into extra space for entertaining by adding seating, a large
table and topiaries near the door. The homeowners found that guests would congregate in
the space during parties. On the landing of the staircase Christopher added a chair, table
and plant plus pictures on the wall for an additional seating area. In another entrance, the
wood paneling was painted to lighten up the space, a couple of wing chairs were added
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and the space really worked. In the foyer of the studio house, Christopher added a faux
fireplace, a center table and demi-tables on each side of the door. The arch above the
doorway was stencilled.
Christopher visits the foyer of the showcase house before the makeover. The entrance is
between the dining room and living room of the house. Each doorway features
architectural arches with wonderful plaster work. We’re planning to add a dramatic stripe
fabric to the space by creating a template from craft paper to replicate the existing
architecture. We’re going to add lathing strips around the ceiling, attach fabric and
sandwich the fabric between another set of lathing strips. Then we’re going to stencil the
ceiling to look like a strip of the striped fabric around a beautiful chandelier. We’re going
to dress up a plain core door opposite the front door with a mirror to bring the light from
the outside.
Segment 2
Making the Arch
Christopher shows how to make the fabric arch going around the four walls of the foyer.
Instructions:
In the case of the showcase house, we wanted to replicate the shape of the arches of the
walls above the doors to the living room and dining room. We place craft paper up on the
wall and trace the shape of the arches. Then cut them out for a template. We traced the
template onto two different fabrics, one stripe and another a pumpkin patterned fabric and
cut out the fabric pieces. Next, we placed right sides together and stitched around the
bottom and sides. We trimmed the seam allowances around the corners and turned the
fabric arch right side out. We stapled the top of the arch to a piece of lathing strip. We
turned the fabric over the lathing strip once to finish the top and attached the lathing strip
to the wall using finishing nails.
To review the method of shirring fabric to a lathing strip for a shirred wall, cut fabric
approximately twice as long as the wall. Staple each end of fabric to each end of the
lathing strip. Find the center of the lathing strip and the center of the fabric and staple the
fabric to the lathing strip. Between the center and one end, find the center of that section
of the fabric and the center of the lathing strip. Staple the fabric center to the lathing strip
center. Do the same between the center and the other end. Continue splitting the
difference. When the fabric is small enough to pleat, make a pleat and staple it to the
lathing strip. You’ll have uniform pleating every time.
Segment 3
Showcase House Foyer During/Demi-Table Demo
Christopher returns to the showcase house to show the foyer in the during stage of
construction. The bold crown molding has been installed. The fabric will be staled below
the crown molding. From Van Dyke’s catalog, we purchased a lightweight medallion that
will surround the chandelier. Jeff Raum from Muracles is going to stencil a fabulous
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fabric swag on the ceiling that will look just like the stripe fabric we’ve selected. We’ve
added a couple of corbels from a mail order catalog on either side of the front door.
Christopher demos the construction of demi-tables (half round tables) that are covered
with fabric skirts to provide furnishings for the foyer and also add places for
merchandising the space. Complete step-by-step instructions can be found in
Christopher’s Classics section on the web site.
Segment 4
Jeff Raum Ceiling Stencils
Muralist Jeff Raum joins Christopher to demo the technique for stencilling the fabric
swag on the ceiling. This technique can be used with materials that are flat and have
holes such as lace or doilies.
Instructions
Using Jeff Raum’s fabric swag stencil and following the directions included in the
package, stencil the fabric swag from the two overlays. The first overlay establishes the
outline of the swag and the second creates the shading. Select a piece of lace of fabric
with holes in it and paint over the entire piece with latex house paint using a roller. Let
dry. This stiffens the fabric enough that it can be used as a stencil. Be sure to protect the
work surface beneath with craft paper because the paint will go through the holes. Put the
first stencil overlay back on and lay the lace over the top. Choose a paint color that
matches the background from acrylic paint and pounce the paint over the lace using a
stencil brush. You can create your own background by using a hole punch, paper punches
in heart or star shapes, etc. With scrapbooking as popular as it is there is an array of paper
punches available. Remove the lace and first stencil overlay. With a small artist brush and
white paint (or predominant color of the stencil) soften the folds where the fabric would
be. The areas that appear to be in the foreground would be highlighted.
Guest Info
Jeff Raum
Muracles
4950 Moorpark Rd.
Moorpark, CA 93021
310-789-4449
Jeff Raum’s stencils are also available from Jan Dressler Stencils
Web: www.dresslerstencils.com
Segment 5
Showcase Foyer After/Sandi Rienke Vases
Christopher reveals at he completed foyer of the showcase house. Then he is joined by
Sandi Rienke of Loose Ends for some ideas on furnishing entrances with large handmade
paper covered vases. She gives the directions for making a faux antiqued brass pot.
Ingredients:
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1 plastic or paper mache pot from garden center
4 sheets gold and copper tissue paper
White glue and water
6 colors of acrylic paint – pine, dark green, deep khaki, russet, raw umber and raw sienna
Instructions
Wrinkle tissue and tear into pieces large enough to work with and cover a good area of
the pot. Dip pieces into glue and water mixture (2 parts glue to one part water). Start
putting pieces on plastic or paper mache pot alternating between the gold and copper
giving the pot a mottled look. Let dry overnight. When dry wash it with the different
colors of paint using a brush or sponge. Keep putting the colors on until it looks like an
old brass pot. It really begins to look like metal quickly. Optional: Coat with a matte
finish sealer.
Guest Info
Sandi Rienke
Loose Ends
P. O. Box 20310
Salem, OR 97307
Phone: 503-393-2348
Fax: 503-390-4729
Web: www.looseends.com
E-mail: info@looseends.com
Catalogue: $7.00
Segment 6
Tour of Floriad at the Banning Museum
Few things bring a living area to life like bringing the outdoors in. At the Banning
Museum we had a chance to see some of the most beautiful floral arrangements. On the
balcony, garlands were draped in swags over the railings using rich burgundies, terra
cotta colors and lemon and eucalyptus seed. Designer Marc Byrd used raspberry and
cocoa leaf for two table runners. Seat cushions were made from roses and hydrangea.
Show #248 Quality of Life
Christopher talks about how renters can add quality to their lives without breaking the
lease when it comes to painting or adding fixtures. We’re tackling renter’s dilemmas and
when we’re done, the space you used to hate will become something you love.
Segment 1
Renter’s Dilemma
Christopher says you don't have to sacrifice your quality of life to make your space your
own. Take out the lease and read it over to see what can or cannot be done or ask the
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landlord if painting is an option. Christopher shows us a little trick that he has
demonstrated before but bears repeating, covering a wall with fabric. First cut fabric
pieces to the proper lengths. Next dip each fabric piece into a container of liquid starch
(Christopher used a product called Vano). Be sure each piece of fabric is completely
soaked and then, one strip at a time, lightly wring them out and smooth onto the wall with
a wallpaper brush, being sure to smooth out all of the wrinkles. When you get ready to
move, just peel each strip off in one piece and the wall is as good as the day you moved
in. Carpet is another thing that can be camouflaged. Christopher suggests putting an area
rug on top of the wall-to-wall carpeting. Sometimes this will cause the legs on tables and
other small pieces of furniture to sink down into the "over cushy" layers. Christopher
suggests laying a piece of ceramic tile or a thin piece of wood on top of the wall-to-wall
carpeting and under the area rug where the legs will be situated to prevent the legs from
sinking down into the carpet and leaving permanent marks. If the area rug is large
enough, the wall-to-wall carpet will appear to be just a band of carpet around the edge of
the room; you can then add some throw pillow accents to match the color of the wall-towall carpets onto the sofa to make it a custom look. Bad lighting is another problem in
rental properties. Most of the time there are just those glaring overhead light fixtures;
Christopher suggests just turning them off and providing your own lighting. As much
light should be coming from the floor of a room as comes from the ceiling and the accent
lighting will totally transform a room. However, if overhead lighting is really needed,
Christopher suggests using track lighting with halogen bulbs than can spotlight the areas
that need lighting. A little trick to disguise the track lighting is to paint them the same
color as your ceiling and they just kind of disappear. Other ways to add mood with
lighting is to use clip lights to uplight your plants or picture lights for artwork. Just
remember that this is your home, so as long as you're going to be in that home, make it
yours.
Segment 2
Sarah Susanka, Not So Big House
Sarah Susanka, architect and author of Not So Big House joins Christopher to discuss the
importance of architectural design, rather than large spaces, in home design. Her book is
the blueprint for the way we really live. Sarah's architectural firm has been building
houses in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for many years and found there was a huge
market for smaller, well-designed homes in middle America. The firm has managed to
take some of the things they learned from building the more expensive homes and apply
them to the way people really live.
Christopher and Sarah show some of the vignettes from Sarah's book. First is a look into
a living area and TV/book nook beyond from the dining area. This vignette has an open
floor plan in which each space seems intimate due to good design in the architecture and
wise interior selections. A room doesn't need to be very big to have a spacious feel. Next
is an eat-in kitchen in which an island separates the hardcore kitchen area from the dining
area. Christopher really likes this design because a host can be visiting with guests and
family while preparing the meal; this is how people really live, congregated in the
kitchen. Next we look at a potting shed that is designed on the exterior to look like a
charming little cottage to match the Cape Cod house it belongs with. Next is a kitchen
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built into found space under a staircase during a remodeling in a London home; compact
but with great design features. The next vignette addresses how we integrate the
television into the house. In an open airy living area with lots of windows and a
fireplace, there are backlit shelves built on both sides of the fireplace. The television is
tucked into a cabinet within the shelving unit with doors that open and slide back into the
cabinet. Next a closer look at the TV/book nook we saw earlier. Again the TV nook is
built into the shelving for the books. Next is a bedroom dormer area that has a built-in
bed with drawers underneath and bookcase and dresser area all built in for a compact,
efficient use of what is usually dead space.
Product Information
Not So Big House
By Sarah Susanka
Taunton Publishers
Newtown, CT
Segment 3
Christopher Planter Demo
Christopher demonstrates how to build a planter cocktail table for the living area. He
begins with an unfinished sofa table made with all straight lines. He cuts the legs off to
the desired height of a cocktail table and cuts a hole in the top large enough for a window
planter to nest into. Determine the size of the hole by measuring the planter under the lip
so when you put the planter into the hole it is supported by the lip. Be sure to choose a
planter with plugs inside so you can plug up the holes. Any shape planter could be used
and more than one planter could be used, just be sure there is a lip around the top. Next,
Christopher cuts 4 pieces of 3/4" plywood to fit around the sides of the table. The
plywood is attached under the tabletop and against the sides and legs with wood screws
from the inside so there are no screws or nails showing. Next insert the planter and paint
with Hammerite. Hammerite is a suspended metalizing system in a paint can about the
consistency of car enamel. When using Hammerite, be fairly generous with it because as
it begins to dry it will separate and simulate a hammered effect. You could do a crackle
finish or marbleizing technique instead, depending on the look you desire. The final step
is to add soil and plants. Christopher used moss in his planter but any kind of plant will
do to add a great living element to the room.
Product Information
Hammerite Paint
Hammerite Products Limited
3135 Highway MO
Imperial, MO 63053
800-325-3552 or
314-942-2225
Web: < www.hammerite.com"
Email: diy@hammerite.com
Segment 4
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Cecil Adams, Expressions Custom Furniture Vice President/Creative Director
Christopher and Cecil Adams from Expressions Custom Furniture discuss ways to adapt
furniture to your environment and do it on a budget. When purchasing a sofa, go for one
in a classic design in a solid or textural color that will be adaptable to any room decor. If
you don't have a lot of money, the trick is to play it safe for maximum versatility.
Christopher and Cecil show us a few examples of classic choices in sofas and chairs (the
big ticket items) and demonstrate how to change that look with the use of pillows. When
shopping for a quality sofa, be sure it has a hardwood, kiln dried frame for long lasting
structural support and be sure it is comfortable. Some manufacturers have a lifetime
warrantee on cushions and frames. First is a classic high back, club chair in gray textural
velvet that is matched with a square armed sofa that is in a herringbone gray soft boucle.
Cecil and Christopher add pillows to change the look, first to a nice brocade for a formal
look and next to a toile design for a more country feel. Next is a low backed sofa with
rolled, welted arms in a khaki twill weave. This sofa has versatility built into its pillow
back - each pillow has a different fabric in floral, stripe-on-stripe and textured designs.
When you order furnishings from Expressions you can choose any fabric you wish.
Some people have chosen a different color/design for each section of one sofa.
Expressions also offers slipcovers for their furnishings (or pieces not in their line). Cecil
suggests ordering slipcovers when you make your furniture purchase to protect the
original upholstery, for a change of seasons, or for just another look.
Guest Information
Cecil Adams
Vice President/Creative Director
Expressions Custom Furniture
401 11th St. NW
Hickory, NC 28603
800-544-4519
Web: www.expressionsfurniture.com
Product Information
Expressions Custom Furniture
401 11th St. NW
Hickory, NC 28603
800-544-4519
Web: www.expressionsfurniture.com
Segment 5
You Did It! The Artists Way
Next we meet artist Shelia Farmer from Cave Creek, Arizona who shows us her
decorative tables and boxes. Despite Shelia's colorful art projects she had always had
white walls and very little color courage in her interior design efforts. After watching
Christopher, Shelia decided to experiment. First she practiced different finishes and
colors on boxes, until she decided what she liked. Shelia takes Christopher on a tour of
her home in Cave Creek. First we see a piece of her artwork, a mosaic table covered in
colorful tiles with legs made from the tops of lampposts. When Shelia made the color
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change in her life, she certainly made it in a big way. Her entryway is designed after a
mardi gras style with walls in maroon, mardi gras dolls and ribbon and artwork. In the
living room is an Alice in Wonderland design, which started by padding one wall in an
inexpensive fabric she fell in love with. Her husband helped with this project and both of
them added gold painted molding to the room. The adjacent walls are painted an apple
green. She added a black sofa with king and queen crown pillows all in the colors you
would expect to see in a trip down that infamous rabbit hole. Shelia is a shining example
of color courage.
Guest Information
Shelia Farmer, Artist
Cave Creek, Arizona
Segment 6
Collapsing Furniture - Jeffry Nomi, President and CEO of Box Office by Design
People who have to move a lot certainly have a friend in Jeffrey Nomi and his company,
Box Office by Design. All of Jeffrey's furniture can be broken down and put back
together without any tools. Christopher and Jeffrey Nomi show several pieces of home
office furniture made of good quality wood and top of the line finishes. They include a
tall computer table in maple that can be folded down to fit inside a 30" x 60" x 7" box.
Next is a two drawer lateral file that collapses down into two flat boxes with the help of
hinges. Christopher and Jeffrey fold down a sturdy sofa table that is held together with
hidden clips and hinges.
Christopher takes a look at some viewer mail. First, from Denise Reeves in Largo,
Florida is a lattice look done with masking tape. Denise already had a border paper so
she painted the remainder of the wall in green and went to work with tape. Then, from
Bonnie in Suffolk, Virginia is a window dilemma. Bonnie has moved into a home with a
wonderful two-story family room with plant ledge and never-ending windows. Bonnie
does not want to invest a lot into covering the windows because they will be moving
again in another year or two. Christopher suggests draping a soft fabric down in between
each window, stopping at the window ledge and starting the drape again under the ledge
to the floor. The effect will be a continuous drape and this investment is something she
can take with her.
Show # 249 Challenged Living
In this episode Christopher tackles the challenges many people face when decorating and
designing their homes from the needs of physical challenged to preparing for a new baby
to come home.
Segment 1
Christopher Lowell Classic - Wheelchair Lady
First, it’s a look back at a Christopher Lowell classic featuring the home of Melanie
Borne, who is confined to a wheelchair yet has created an ingenious home to meet all her
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needs and look great.. She finally got the chance to design her own home and gives
Christopher a tour of the kitchen and bathroom, the two most difficult rooms for a
handicapped person to maneuver in. The kitchen is very pleasing to the eye when you
first enter. The handicap accommodations are not readily noticeable. The oven is a little
lower than normal, and the microwave is very low, but just the right height for Melanie.
Directly above the oven are vertical storage shelves for cookie sheets and other flat pieces
that are in easy reach of the wheelchair-bound Melanie. The sink is shallow, and the
doors underneath it and the stove open and slide back into the cabinet so Melanie can roll
up under both work areas to do the dishes or cook. A cutting board/work surface slides
out of the side of the island at just the right height. The work surfaces are convenient,
user friendly and also offer good resale value in spite of the handicap accommodations.
The bathroom is designed for easy access to the tub and sink and also are very pleasing to
look at. The grab bars in the tub are curved in the shape of a wave that adds a nice
decorative addition to the room. The sink is a green opaque bowl type without a
surrounding cabinet that has exposed plumbing, part of which is wrapped in a "coil" to
protect Melanie's legs from being burned from hot water in the pipes.
Segment 2
Nancy Soriano, Country Living Magazine
Nancy Soriano of Country Living Magazine stops in to share decorating ideas and
interiors for those who suffer from allergies. Country Living Magazine built a healthy
house in New Hampshire. It is a beautiful home free of pollen, dust and dustmites.
Anyone can have a healthy house by toning up and tuning down without a redo. Always
use waterbased paints on the exterior and interior. A look at the family room in the
healthy house shows a clean, gas burning fireplace and upholstered furniture made of
synthetic fibers that are allergy free but still feels like downe. The room has big
upholstered pieces but no fabric on the windows. The kitchen is filled with classic
materials: a wood butcher block for the island, stainless steel countertops, wood cabinets
painted white with a waterbased paint and plants. If you are building or renovating you
should consider adding an air filtration system; it brings clean air from the outside into
your home and takes the bad air back out. Nancy offers home remedies for cleaning
surfaces such as lemons and baking soda in a dredger; for regular cleaning use the baking
soda like a scouring powder, sprinkle on and scrub with a wet cloth. For a stronger
cleanser, make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda. You can still have all the
beautiful details and be allergy free. Just pay attention to the fabric and fiber content
when selecting decorative items. We next look at the guest room of the healthy house
which is decorated in 100% cotton treated with natural dye or bleached with a nonchlorine bleach. A final tip: choose wood or stone floors over carpeting which holds
pollens and mites.
Guest Information
Nancy Soriano
Country Living Magazine
P. O. Box 7138
Red Oak, IA 51591
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800-888-0128
Website: www.countryliving.com
Segment 3
Michaela Scherrer Interior Design Los Angeles
Michaela Scherrer displays her colorful terry cloth accessories and wooden furnishings
to create a colorful nursery. The first vignette is a baby's room with a large walk-in closet
into which the changing table has been incorporated. Next is a crib is purposely placed
away from the play area so the baby knows the crib is for sleeping, not playing. Next we
see a 1930's chair with a white slipcover and a white crib designed by Michaela with
solid wood ends and sides and white bumpers . Chenille fabric covers chairs for baby's
room; one in a cowboy motif and another in pink and blue flowers. Next is a crib that
can be converted into a youth bed by removing one long side; and later converted into a
regular full size bed by adding a frame to the long sides, which become the headboard
and footboard. Some finishing touches in the baby room are picture frames in chenille, a
baby kimono on a display rack on top of a dresser and pillows in the shape of stars and
animals. Last but not least is another piece of versatile furniture for baby's room; a chest
of drawers with a changing table on top which can be turn upside down to convert into a
desk.
Guest Information
Michaela Scherrer
Interior Design
Los Angeles, CA
Segment 4
Eclipse Essential and Design, Los Angeles
We pay a visit to the home of Brun England an interior designer who is blind. He has
created a home environment along with his design partner Ian Whitman filled with his
classic pieces and surrounded by a scent and texture garden. Eric and Ian take
Christopher on a tour of their recently renovated home overlooking the city of Los
Angeles. The home is filled with sandstone flooring which extends to the exterior around
the pool area. This way Eric knows exactly where he is when walking across the grass
yard and he sees to sandstone. When you entered the house before renovation, it was like
walking into a cave. Eric and Ian have expanded the house to the outdoors by adding
glass windows and doors. In order for Eric to enjoy the artwork in the home a lot of it is
in the form of carvings rather than paintings.
Guest Information
Eric Brun-Sanglard
Ian Whitman
Eclipse Essentials and Design
Los Angeles, California
Segment 5
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Christopher Lowell Demo Indoor Dog House
Christopher demonstrates how to build an indoor dog house that will fit with the home's
decor.
Instructions:
This doghouse is made of 5/8" plywood. The size of the doghouse depends on the pet.
Measure the pet and make the doghouse one and one half times the length of the pet and
wide enough for the pet to turn around. First, cut four sides, two bottoms a little smaller
that the house and one top a little larger that the house. Cut an arched door in one end and
a large arched "window" into one of the long sides. Attach hinges to the outside of the
doorway. On the inside of the large arched "window" attach chicken wire with staples.
Nail the four sides together. For the floor, attach firring strips around the inside bottom
of the walls and lay one piece of the flooring on top. Nail more firring strips to the floor
and add the second floor to the top of that. Nail firring strips to the bottom of the top
piece so that they will fit inside the walls. Attach decorative molding around the bottom
outside of the doghouse sides and around the edge of the top. Christopher painted his
doghouse (including the chicken wire) the same color as the walls in his room and
painted the molding the same color as the trim. A cushion was made out of the same
fabric as the drapes. An optional "doggy door" could be added to the other long side of
the doghouse with just a little pine trim for it to fit over.
Segment 6
Habitat for Humanity
Nothing could be more challenging than having no place to live. Habitat for Humanity
builds homes for needy people, it helps people help themselves. Habitat has provided
80,000 homes for more than 375,000 people. Terrilei Robertson of Habitat explains that
everyone of us deserves a decent, safe place to live. Having a home is a dream, not of
luxury, but just basic human decency. Jimmy and Roslyn Carter have volunteered for
Habitat for Humanity for years. They have found it one of the greatest blessings they
have ever had. They really enjoy coming to help build the houses. When a home is
complete, the families are given their keys at special celebration ceremonies. Christopher
visits a Habitat for Humanity family and gives them some advice on designing the
interior of their new home.
From our viewer mailbag Kathy from San Diego writes to share her shoji screen design.
Susan from Tennessee writes for advice on furniture placement in her combination dining
room/living room. Larry from Pennsylvania writes to share his design for decorating a
headboard around a heating duct.
Show #250 Natural Inspiration
We’re finding the perfect color inspiration from Mother Nature on this episode of the
show. By looking to the environment that surrounds us, we can see the perfect
combinations of colors and palettes.
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SEGMENT 1
Burkhard Nursery
We pay a visit to Burkhard Nursery to get inspired for color and texture and garden
accessory choices for the home. Christopher talks about nature's colors, how they blend
and exactly how we can introduce them into our homes. The different shades in leaves,
succulents and flowers are so varied that they cover the rainbow. Then Christopher looks
at some outdoor furnishings and decorative pieces and demonstrates how they can be
used inside the home. Interesting planters that would look good in any garden might be
really spectacular filled with trees to flank the entryway to a dining room. Cement reliefs,
which are usually mounted to an outside wall, can be brought inside and hung on a wall
or made into a tabletop. Stepping-stones from the backyard become a pedestal or side
table. Christopher looks at a beautiful teak side chair from the patio that could be really
dressed up with a formal stripe-on-stripe for inside the home in the winter and then
moved outside with a sun proof fabric cushion for the summer months.
Burkhard Nurseries
690 Orange Grove Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103-3318
626-796-4355
SEGMENT 2
Sand Pebble Tabletop - Van-Martin Rowe
Designer Van-Martin Rowe joins Christopher to demonstrate how to create a sand, river
rock and cement outdoor table top design which can be used as a buffet.
Demo Directions
Cut the plywood into approximately a 34 inches x 34 inches square and place on the
table. Place the stepping-stones on top of the plywood around the perimeter. This will
create a "well" in the middle of the table the size of a stepping-stone. Into this "well"
place the river rocks and sand, or fill it with moss or other natural filling. Top off with
candles or flowers for a purely natural centerpiece. The natural fiber papers could be used
for serving hors d'oeuvres.
Van-Martin Rowe
Interior Designer
Van-Martin Rowe Design Studios
2580 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626-577-4736
Web site: www.vanmartin.com
Loose Ends
Web site:www.looseends.com
SEGMENT 3
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SEASON ONE
Haiku House, The Lodge at Lofton's Landing
It’s a visit to the home of Pam Hollings McConnell which is a 16th century Haiku House
located in McClellanville, South Carolina. The home is surrounded by lush greenery and
the interior is designed with a combination of traditional and contemporary elements and
sturdy wooden construction against natural disaster. This most unusual home is fashioned
after a 16th Century Japanese pole home and has the appearance of a grand tree house.
The lodge fits into the landscape of the coastal plains with an architectural shingle roof
that is barely seen from the water. The wrap-around veranda and great room are typical of
a Haiku house and provide a visual freedom uncommon in more traditional,
compartmentalized homes. All the windows in the lodge open inward, providing good
airflow. A skylight and redwood vent system in the roof allow warm air to escape
through the top of the house making it as comfortable as if it were air conditioned. The
pole and beam construction protects the home from most natural disasters. It allows for
flexibility and movement in case of a hurricane or earthquake. The poles and beams are
so large that the home can hold its own against fire. A pitched ceiling of combed spruce
is just one of a variety of woods in the home. Some are from sustainable forests while
others have been recycled. The beautiful flooring at the lodge is antique heart pine from
an old school house in rural South Carolina. It is actually from the beams of the
schoolhouse that were milled down into flooring. Simple lines prevail throughout the
house. The kitchen features mission style architecture with small paned glasses on the
cabinets and slate counter tops. In the master bedroom a Haitian print over the bed creates
a more tropical feel with both antique and modern craftsmanship demonstrated in the
furnishings. The master bath floor and countertops are green recycled glass, and cabinets
are of cherry and made by local cabinetmaker Joe Vernon. The guest bedrooms have
distinct personalities. In the third bedroom a support pole in the corner with a beam
running across the top of it really stands out and lends a dramatic look. The room is
furnished with American styled early plantation beds found locally in Charleston. The
traditional building style in the low country is tabby, a combination of oyster shells and
sand. The fireplace in the lodge was done by stuccoing the fireplace and throwing pieces
of oyster shells into the stucco, reminiscent of the tabby style of architecture.
Pam Hollings McConnell
Owner and Manager
The Lodge at Lofton's Landing
McClellanville, South Carolina 29402
843-720-7332
Email: Makaira1@aol.com
Web site: www.loftonslanding.com/lodge.htm
SEGMENT 4
Diachondra and Moss Boxes Demo
In-studio, Christopher demonstrates how to create “nature boxes” which are painted and
filled with a variety of natural materials. He then features the boxes as a colorful
centerpiece on an Asian inspired tablescape.
Demo Directions
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Make various shaped boxes in squares and rectangles of different sizes out of
particleboard or plywood. Cut the bottom and four sides and nail and glue to form the
box. Next, fill joints with wood filler and sand all the edges smooth. Paint the boxes
inside and out any color desired. Christopher painted his boxes all in black offering more
versatility. Begin filling the boxes with any manner of colorful stones, plants or other
organic materials. Christopher used exotic black garden pebbles then wonder rock in
white and a blue-green color (wonder rock is used for aquariums); white beans, white
sand, Scottish moss, sea glass and reeds all cut one length. All are poured into the nature
boxes to offer bright contrast, like interior landscaping.
Tablescape
Christopher begins stacking and arranging the boxes together into a tablescape with a
contemporary black five candle candelabra arranged in the center of the top nature box.
The table is covered with a reed mat normally used for a window treatment. Christopher
has chosen black plates with gold plastic charger plates underneath. He has little
information areas at each corner that consist of a reed and flower arrangement. Pebbles
are scattered on table to connect the entire unit. Christopher thinks the chopsticks offer a
great contrast against the black dishes and napkins, which are presented in pewter napkin
rings. Even the tumblers and wine glasses have an Asian feel with a bamboo design.
SEGMENT 5
Arte De Mexico
Christopher goes shopping for outdoor furnishings and accessories at Arte De Mexico.
Creating a haven in the backyard gives you a chance to reconnect with nature, at least for
a few months out of the year. Arte De Mexico boasts treasures from all over the world;
the hardest part of decorating outdoor space is to resist the temptation to go overboard in
a place like this. It is important to keep things clutter free and remember, scale means
drama. A couple of giant jardinières placed on pedestals and filled with trees is much
more dramatic and inviting that a lot of little tchochkes scattered around throughout your
garden area. A large plant stand will hold several containers of flowers. An iron pot rack
or shelving on a stucco wall is perfect for your small items or collections
Arte De Mexico
1000 Chestnut Street
Burbank, CA 91506
Phone 818-753-4559
E-mail: arteshowroom@aol.com
Web site: www.arteshowroom.com
SEGMENT 6
Ceramic Tile with Sylvie Gil of Bolivar Tile
Designer Sylvie Gil of Bolivar Tile showcases an assortment of tiles and pieces to create
outdoor tile work and mosaic design. First Sylvie shows some ceramic works with a
water life theme. They include hand sculpted fish grouped with "sheets" of river rock, a
frog sculpture and a lily pad sculpture that could be used either on the floor in the corner
of a bathroom or on the counter just for decoration. Next is a green stoneware body tile
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with a translucent glaze. Stoneware is one of the most versatile of tiles. Another piece
that resembles a mosaic is made up of slate broken into shards surrounding another free
form fish. An underwater sea-life series with frogs, fish, turtles and plants completes the
seaside theme. Next Christopher and Sylvie take a look at the woodland collection with
two-toned combinations of forest flora and fauna: rabbits, squirrels, acorns, branches, and
leaves. Some metal tiles feature shapes sculpted into bamboo, irises, lilies, and mushroom
molds. Next Sylvie shows some custom accessories that go with the different tiles, a soap
dish, towel hook and toilet paper holder. Sylvie shows the different colors of some of the
tiles and how they work together to encourage people to be brave with color. The last
thing we see is a translucent leaf and flower tile that Sylvie predicts will be the next big
rage.
Sylvia Gil, President
Bolivar, Inc.
1 West California Blvd., Suite 111
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-449-8453
SHOW #251 Savvy Sourcing
In this episode, Christopher discovers how to find the best deals for unusual items for the
home, and it can be as much fun as the decorating. He's looking for the unusual in the
most unusual of places.
Segment 1
Tour of Blackman/Cruz Design
Christopher takes us shopping at Blackman/Cruz Design where we meet designer Adam
Blackman for a tour of the unusual and outrageous accessories and furnishings featured
in the store. It's a haven for one-of-a-kind items the Joneses didn't even know existed.
They focus on the unusual like a whale vertebrae lamp. Another lamp called "open mind"
is a sculpture of a human head where the top portion swivels open. They look for things
with a sense of humor. This is "statement object de arte." An urn that fell over in the kiln
stands at a 45-degree angle. Vintage medical cabinets, large clock faces and huge iron
gates from the 17th century are some of the pieces they have, giving the store a museum
like quality. When it comes to merchandising, less is more. Groups of similar items are
displayed together. They have an interesting collection of unique floor tiles an inch thick.
Blackman/Cruz owners shop large flea markets. One of the pieces in a traditional room
attracts the eye to that piece. Adam Blackman looks for things he's never seen before. He
loves his work…and why not…all he does is shop.
Guest Info
Adam Blackman
Blackman/Cruz Design
800 N La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
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310-657-9228
Segment 2
Fusion Décor/Craig Olsen/Plantation Design
Designer Craig Olsen of Plantation Design, demonstrates how to create "fusion design" a
technique for unifying eclectic accessories into one cohesive design. Craig advises taking
time to find the right pieces. Craig uses a large over scale ottoman made of leather called
The Republic. It's very versatile…you can put trays on it, toss a throw across it for
seating or put a box on it as an accessory. He uses an old world chest from Tibet with a
chair from China with an old column in the background. The contrast of the old and new
creates an interesting look. The still life of the vase of twigs between two identical lamps
reflects in the mirrors in the background. You could recreate the look with stencils of the
finish of the chest. These are focal points. Craig also used a large mirror on the floor and
leaned it against the wall. The frame is from an old door. He had the mirror put into the
frame. It creates the illusion of another room. Place large items in small spaces. Stack
boxes or suitcases at the foot of a bed or as a side table. Craig showed a large armoire
from China that matched the chair. It added height and could hide electronic equipment.
He showed a tin Indian Fortuny lamp that could also hold plants. Add fresh plants for life
and movement or candles for mood.
Guest Info
Craig Olsen
Plantation
144 S. LaBrea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Web: <a href="http://www.styleforliving.com">www.styleforliving.com</a>
Segment 3
Romantic Home with Eileen Paulin
We visit Eileen Paulin, editor of Romantic Homes magazine; to take a tour of the home
she transformed featuring mix and match fabrics from Waverly Fabrics and several savvy
sources. She started with a tract home and installed crown molding on the walls at a 12foot height in the living room. Above the crown molding an olive green paint was used
and below a gold color paint brought the eye down to create an intimate feeling in the
room. Floral drapery fabric was used on the windows with a plaid valance. The fabric
was brought around the room through accent pillows on the sofa and chairs and in the
fabric on the ottoman. A stencil was used on the wall below the stairway. Melanie Royals
was the stencil artist. The side table furniture came from an unfinished furniture store and
was painted the same green as the walls with a white wash over top. The Victorian look
lamp was a $50 find from Costco. A trip to the local craft store to find ribbon that
matched the colors of the house was all that was needed to add interest to the chandelier.
Ribbons were attached to the ceiling and cascaded down to cover the chains of the
chandelier. Large tassels were added to the chairs. Monogrammed pillows were easily
made with the help of the great sewing machines that are on the market today. A nondescript bedroom was helped by faux finish wallpaper with a border at the top. In the
master bath, fabric was shirred onto inexpensive rods top and bottom and attached to the
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walls. A tub canopy was created in the same say. The glass on some of the windows was
etched in an old world design with the owners names included in the design.
Guest Info
Eileen Paulin
Associate Publisher/Editor
Romantic Homes
265 So. Anita, Suite 120
Orange, CA 92868
714-939-9991 ext. 212
Web: www.romantichomesmag.com
Subscription Info
Romantic Homes Magazine
P. O. Box 420661
Palm Coast, FL 32142
800-829-7830
Segment 4
Freeway Building Materials/Bed Frame Demo
It's off to Freeway Building Materials, where Christopher shows us how to discover
hidden treasures for the home. It's demolition decorating at its best. Christopher pointed
out the popularity of adding restaurant sinks to home kitchens. They're stand-alone units
and make you look like you can really cook even it you can only microwave. Another
popular item is a wrought iron stair banister that if commissioned, would cost a fortune to
have built. Claw feet bathtubs can be refinished in any color to match décor.
In-studio Christopher demonstrates how to create a headboard frame featuring wrought
iron pieces from Industrial Metal Supply.
Instructions
Christopher purchased two wrought iron scroll pieces from Industrial Metal Supply and
clamped them to an iron center rosette with pipe clamps from the hardware store. He
attached the structure to a frame made from 2" x 2" wood. Drill holes through the metal
using a metal drill bit that is well oiled. Drill holes on the underside of the wood frame
equal distance apart and insert wrought iron balusters. Screw a wooden corner plaque into
the corners. Finish with Metallic Effects finish. Add the patina effect over the top. Coat
with acrylic varnish to finish and add luster.
Guest Info
Freeway Building Materials
1112 S. Boyle Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90023
323-261-8904
Industrial Metal Supply Co.
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3303 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
818-848-4439
Metallic Effects
Polycure Metallic Effects
21, Jalan U5/16,
Seksyen U5,
40150 Shah Alam,
Selangor Darul Ehsan. Malaysia
Tel: 603-7472889
Fax: 603-7472282
Email: polycure@polycure.net
Web: www.polycure.com
or
Metallic Effects
Crown Trade Colorfects
Web: www.colorfects.co.uk
Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings Ltd
Po Box 37
Hollins Road
Darwen, Lancashire. Bb3 0bg
Web: www.anaglypta.co.uk or
www.akzonobel.com
Segment 5
Tablescape with Leslie Erganian
Set Designer Leslie Erganian drops in and displays a complete tea set and accessories she
challenged herself to purchase for $1.00 each. Leslie looked for a tea service of white
ironstone. She went to yard sales, flea markets, and thrift stores and paid no more than $1
per piece. She bought a soup tureen without a lid and piled damask napkins inside. She
made napkin rings out of old necklaces. She picked up a plate holder and tray for a bundt
cake. She found a jam jar holder at a thrift store. She also makes little cards from tea bags
and vintage maps. She found a cake rack and added three plates.
Guest Info
Leslie Erganian
Specialty Prop Design
310-475-7725
Segment 6
You Did It!/Christopher's Savvy Resources
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Aggie Dresser and her husband Bill transformed the bland interior of their mobile home
into a classic interior design with items from flea markets, garage sales and renovating
old furnishings.
Christopher revisits classic savvy sources of the past. From our viewer mailbag Brenda
writes to share her quick and easy chair slipcovers made from pillowcases. John from
New York writes to share his table design made from large construction spools and
casters. Michelle writes to share her outdoor patio furniture she and her husband created
from left over wood they received from a construction site.
SHOW #252 Double Duty
Many rooms furnishings have dual functions. Think of it as multi-tasking for your room.
Whether it's a guest room that doubles as a home office or sewing room or a sofa that
doubles as a bed for guests, it's all about multiple uses.
Segment 1
Christopher's Classics/Murphy Bed Before
It's time for a look at some Christopher Lowell Classics featuring double duty furnishings
and makeovers. Christopher showed the breakfast nook from the studio house that
doubles as a work area thanks to a unique piston table that can be placed at coffee table
height, eating table height or countertop height.
In a small bedroom that was transformed into a kid's room, a double duty bed featured
pull-down cushions that became a desk. Next it's stills from the family room/dining room
makeover. Most of the time the dining room sits idle but Christopher designed a family
room that could easily transform into a dining room. Portable storage units that were
placed behind the sofa were easily moved and covered with a tabletop for the dining
room table. Chair covers were added and the dining room was set up in less than 10
minutes. It's off to the showcase to take a look at the "before" of the guest
bedroom/office. In the small room that is going to serve as both a home office and guest
bedroom, we didn't want to take up space with a bed, so we're going to use the old adage,
when you can't build out, build up, by constructing a Murphy bed into an armoire. The
Murphy bed is making a comeback and it's going to be the perfect solution.
Segment 2
Demo/Murphy Bed with Bill Newkirk
Christopher discusses the plans for the construction of the Murphy bed frame. Then,
designer Bill Newkirk of Newkirk & Sons Cabinets joins him to display the miniature
version and talk about the Murphy bed construction. Full directions for construction are
included with the Murphy bed package. It took only 35 minutes for Bill to construct the
bed and was his first time putting one together. The straps that act as springs need
adjusting depending on the size of the bed and the weight of the mattress.
Instructions
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The construction of the armoire is basically a plywood box. Make sure that the base of
the armoire is wide enough to accommodate the Murphy bed mechanism which is
actually bolted to the floor rather than the wall or back of the cabinet. The door fronts of
the armoire can be embellished with molding or lathing strips to create a panel look or to
add the illusion of more space to the room place mirror panels into the door fronts. Add
crown molding to the top and base molding to the bottom. For a full size unit, hinge the
door in three places rather than just two. You could add wallpaper to the interior or
crackle finish the exterior.
Guest Info
Bill Newkirk
Newkirk & Sons Cabinets
818-566-1608
Murphy Bed
Murphy Bed Products LLC
6370-3 US Highway 1 North
St. Augustine, FL 32095
888-730-3003
Web:www.murphybedsdirect.com
Segment 3
Murphy Bed After/Dormire Sofa Bed
Back in the showcase house, Christopher reveals the completed bed design and room
transformation. Francesca Bianchi of Dormire Design displays unique and innovative
sofa bed design and accessories. In the new home office the freestanding armoire that
holds the Murphy bed looks fabulous.
Think about an old closet that you're not using in a guest bedroom if you don't have room
for an armoire. If you look down at the bottom, it is bolted not to the back of the wall as
one might suspect, but it's bolted to the floor so all the stress is down here. It's all spring
loaded. Another feature that's great about it is that we actually wired three hockey puck
lights to the top of the inside of the armoire. On the side near the bed there's a little touch
switch that actually controls the temperature of light so that when the guest is in bed, it's
very convenient for them. Pull a couple of throw pillows from the window seat that
match the upholstered chair in the room over to the bed so we're all coordinated.
The sofa that was designed by Francesca Bianchi has a base mechanism that when
released allows the back of the sofa to become a second bed. The configuration can either
be a queen size bed or two twin beds. The throw pillows are used for the sleeping
pillows. A large comforter has a star design on one side and a stripe on the opposite side.
The comforter is a "four season" comforter where the center piece can separate for a
lighter weight comforter. Other fabric comforter fabrics were shown. The table was a
nightstand has a tray that is removable.
Guest Info
Francesca Bianchi
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Dormire Design
1345 4th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-393-9288
Segment 4
Home Office Tour with Eileen Paulin
We take a tour of two homes featuring double duty home office/guest room designs. The
first is the home of <i>Romantic Homes</i> editor Eileen Paulin that is designed in a
country style theme. Then we look at her neighbor's home that features a contemporary
interior with built-ins, colorful sofa bed and accessories from the Waverly Fabrics. One
of the challenges for a dual function home office/guest room is creating a warm intimate
feeling for guests while keeping a professional look when entertaining clients. Eileen's
romantic office featured a floral love seat that doubles as a sleeper bed with matching
fabric on the window blind. A stenciled hutch on the wall adds a touch of whimsy. Eileen
keeps a lot of fabric-covered boxes around to stash papers she's working on. She
fashioned a bulletin board out of fabric and particleboard. It softens the look of the room.
At her neighbor's house, the sleeper sofa is situated between built-in shelves that act as
nightstands. A curtain covers the French doors for privacy when guests use the room and
a pull-down pole provides storage for guests' clothing. The sofa in red check was
embellished with a fabric skirt that was glued to the bottom of the sofa. A seat cushion in
the window upholstered with thick foam and wonderful fabric provides extra seating.
Filing space was built in below the window seat to keep papers out of sight.
Guest Info
Eileen Paulin
Associate Publisher/Editor
Romantic Homes
265 So. Anita, Suite 120
Orange, CA 92868
714-939-9991 ext. 212
Web: www.romantichomesmag.com
Subscription Info
Romantic Homes Magazine
P. O. Box 420661
Palm Coast, FL 32142
800-829-7830
Product Info
Waverly Fabrics
Web: www.waverly.com
Segment 5
Demo Converting Chairs to Swiveling Chairs
In-studio Christopher demonstrates how to convert a regular chair into a swivel chair.
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Instructions
Be sure the upholstered chair has a strong wood frame. Purchase a swivel/rocking
mechanism from an upholstery store. Remove the legs from the chair. Mount the swivel
mechanism to a piece of 3/4" plywood that spans the width of the chair frame. Bolt the
mechanism to the plywood using 3" lag bolts so it's very solid on plywood. Drill three
holes on each side of the plywood and insert 3" lag bolts with washers. Pre-drill holes in
the frame of the chair to match these holes and attach the mechanism to the chair. If you
don't want to see the mechanism, use Velcro to attach a skirt to the bottom of the chair.
Segment 6
Bravo 20 Vignette
Designer/Architect, Eric Pfeiffer of Bravo 20 displays his dual function modern
furnishings. Some of the items featured are wood stacking boxes that could act as a room
divider. The "bench box" features seating and storage for books or, if used in a kitchen,
could be used for storing plates and china. A table has a hole in it that could
accommodate a plant or serving bowl. A molded plywood wine rack is actually made the
same way skateboards are. CDs or books could also be stored in them. Eric's inspiration
for this item came from his youth and his fascination for the way skateboards were made.
Eric also makes sure that all his pieces serve dual functions. From our viewer mailbag
Charlotte McCall from Arizona writes to share her idea for her guest bathroom/art
workshop. Sally from Ohio shows her shed that she transformed into a folly. Scarlett
from Texas writes to get advice on decorating the split-level banister in the apartment.
Guest Info
Bravo 20
161 Natoma St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
415-495-3914
or
5850 Hollis Street
Emmeryville, CA
800-383-OFFI
Web: www.bravo20.com or www.offi.com
Show #253 Family Rooms
The show is all about creating comfortable and casual family rooms, making the space
work for the way families live.
SEGMENT 1
Expressions Furniture Tour
Christopher takes us shopping at the Expressions Furniture design showroom for options
in furnishings for the family. You can build a great room with practicality and comfort.
Expressions Custom Furniture
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401 11th St. NW
Hickory, NC 28603
800-544-4519
Web site: www.expressionsfurniture.com
SEGMENT 2
New Family Room Trends/Coffee Table Before
Designer Stanley Hura, contributing editor for Country Living Magazine, showcases
family room interiors and their freshest design elements. The trends are to open up the
walls and create wide-open spaces that bring the family together in multiple living
spaces. Pantries are back for storage. Spaces are unified by using kitchen cabinets in
adjoining family room areas. A breakfast nook can also be used as a space for playing
games. Kitchen islands are great for dividing the spaces, too. Monochromatic palettes
unify spaces.
Christopher takes us into the Showcase House living room to discuss some "dos" and
"don'ts" when it comes to coffee table design.
Place a few large scale objects on a coffee table. Make sure that the table is within easy
reach of furniture pieces and that there is enough surface space for beverages. Ottomans
are becoming very popular for use as coffee tables. Just place a tray on top.
Stanley Hura
Designer
Stanley Hura Designs Inc.
159 Madison Ave., 7H
New York, NY 10016
212-725-1779
SEGMENT 3
Christopher Demo Coffee Table/Showcase House Coffee Table, During
Christopher demonstrates how to construct a customized wooden coffee table with
storage.
Caning
Van Dyke's Restorers
PO Box 278
Woonsocket, SD 57385
Phone: 800-558-1234 (free catalog)
Web site: www.vandykes.com
Hinges and door hardware
Arte de Mexico
5356 Riverton Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
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818-769-5090
Web site: www.artedemexico.com or www.arteshowrooms.com
SEGMENT 4
Coffee Table After/Family Room Tour
Christopher reveals the completed coffee table in the showcase house.
Next, it's a tour of the family room design in the home of Romantic Homes Magazine
Editor Eileen Paulin. The kitchen opens up to the family room with a fireplace and large
conversation sofa. Eileen chose hardwood floors because of high traffic and durability.
The TV is upstairs in a separate room that has the feel of a country cottage. A large
window seat is filled with comfortable pillows where you can sit and read a book or just
relax.
Eileen Paulin
Associate Publisher/Editor
Romantic Homes
265 So. Anita, Suite 120
Orange, CA 92868
714-939-9991 ext. 212
Web: www.romantichomesmag.com
Subscription Info
Romantic Homes Magazine
P. O. Box 420661
Palm Coast, FL 32142
800-829-7830
Waverly Fabrics
Web site: decoratewaverly.com
Artwork by Susan Rios
866-278-2687
Web site: http://www.artcentergallery.com/gallery/susan-rios/
SEGMENT 5
Family Art, Christopher Demo
Christopher uses family photos to create wall art.
Demo Directions
Use headshots of family members and cut them out. Take them to a copy center and have
them blown up, either in black and white or in color. You can use different types of paper
such as gold paper and copy several pictures onto one sheet. It helps unite several
different pictures together. To give the pictures a three dimensional form, use wallpaper
or handmade organic papers. Check with wallpaper stores for discontinued patterned
books. Christopher used a portion of a wallpaper border that had fruit on it, cut around
the pattern and placed it next to the photo to add dimension. Or use markers to color
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around the photos. Coat the entire photo with fixative to prevent the colors from running.
Then seal with a spray clear coat sealer. Mount the picture to foamboard and frame.
SEGMENT 6
Slumber Party Tablescape with Deborah Fabricant
Entertainment expert Deborah Fabricant brings her pj's and creates a kid friendly slumber
party tablescape with a rubber duck theme. Invitations start the party. Deborah covered
an oatmeal can with yellow paper and packed a rubber ducky inside with the party
particulars. She put some duck soaps with nylon bath poufs inside a Chinese carryout
container. In large glass bases and containers, she tinted the water blue by using denturecleaning tablets and then put in Alka Seltzer tablets for fizz. She used paper covered
cardboard mailing tubes with glass vials inside for bud vases. They're inexpensive and
fun. She tied yellow plaid dishtowels around ducks that are piggy banks so the guests can
take them home to their kids. A couple of the "stacked" dishes she served were pancake
stacks with strawberries, chocolate and whipped cream. Anther included granola and
mangos. The place mats were made from corrugated paper topped with egg patterned
gift-wrapping paper. A clear acetate sheet was attached to the corrugated paper with
grommets.
Book: Stacks, The Art of Vertical Food
By Deborah Fabricant
Home Entertainment Expert and author
Los Angeles, CA
Email::fabfood@earthlink.net
Web: www.stackitup.com
SHOW #254 Contemporary Living
Christopher showcases contemporary living and design. Contemporary living can be
described as current, modern and convenient defined by clean lines and minimalist
furnishings or cutting edge filled with unique furnishings and vibrant colors.
SEGMENT 1
Bungalow Home Tour with Hans Rockenwagner
We tour the home of Hans and Patti Rockenwagner who transformed a 1200-foot
bungalow into an 1800 square foot contemporary home with plenty of classic furnishings
and light. When they purchased this bungalow it was in such poor condition that Patti
didn't even want to move in. Hans came up with a plan to expand the living space and
turn the home into an open and airy environment. This involved building up as well as
out. The house features several skylights and floor to ceiling windows. The interior walls
were removed to add to the spacious feeling. A fireplace in the center of the house stands
alone in the room. All the floors were hardwood with area rugs placed around. The
bedroom was not closed off with a wall. Hans has an affinity for woodworking and built
many space saving devices. The headboard looks like a big box. Both sides of the
headboard pull out for little nightstands. Hans custom built the closets exactly the height
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of dresses or coats so there's no space wasted. He also built two bureaus with 36 drawers
in each that also act as a room divider between the bedroom and the dressing area.
Hans Rockenwagner Restaurants
2435 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-339-6504
Email: info@rockenwagner.com
Web site: rockenwagner.com
SEGMENT 2
Hi-Tech Offices Become Traditional
Nancy Soriano of Country Living Magazine joins Christopher to showcase home office
interiors that integrate cleverly into their environments. People need to think about how
their home offices will be used. See if you can dedicate a room to an office. Because
many can't, look at a landing, a foyer of an apartment or just a corner of a room. The key
is integrating it into the space. The first photo showed a workspace for a computer with
bookshelves built around and above it. Small drawers above provided clutter free storage.
Baskets placed in the bookshelves keep things out of the way. In the next photo, a small
corner of a log cabin at the top of a stairway was turned into a mini workstation. A young
family with a textile business used flea market vintage furnishings like an old chair and
table for keeping a laptop computer and some of her samples. The space provided seating
for clients or for her kids to play. In another space, a personal collection of items such as
canisters and containers held paper clips, pencils, etc. Keep a sense of humor and
surround yourself with what you like. In studio Nancy shows a vignette of a desk with a
laptop and a vintage toolbox that holds envelopes, mailing accessories, pens, pencils, etc.
It's all collected in one place and when you need to move it, you just pick it up. She also
hung straw beach bags all painted one color on the wall to organize magazines or
whatever you like. She personalized pushpins for a bulletin board by hot gluing dice,
marbles or small toys to the tops of tacks. Old brackets were used as bookends.
Nancy Soriano
Country Living Magazine
PO Box 7138
Red Oak, IA 51591
800-888-0128
Web site: www.countryliving.com
SEGMENT 3
Las Vegas Home of the Future with Gale Steves
It's a trip to the home of the future with Gale Steves, Editor of Home Magazine. The
interior design reflects the needs of contemporary living, with multi-functioning floor
plans and a hi-tech home office. The days of living rooms where nobody sits anymore are
gone. She decided to rename the living room the conversation room. She made it usable
space that is comfortable. Most dining rooms are used only three times a year. Think of
the dining room table as a conference table or as a place where kids can play games.
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Rather than fight technology, the new home finds ways to embrace it. It now becomes the
communications center. The computer might one day control the inventory of your
refrigerator. The home office has space where two people can work or a parent can
observe their child working on homework or surfing the net. The wall covering is darker
and has a faux finish. The ceiling is also faux finished. The floor has no carpet to keep the
static down. There's also a comfortable sofa in the room, too. The insulated French doors
keep the noise down. A media room was created out of a spare bedroom. They used
soundproof wall covering and included a large sectional. The bedroom of the future is
colorful as well as comfortable. The mattress is computer controlled and keeps an imprint
of your body. At a cost of $8000 you'll get a great night's sleep. Lights are also computer
controlled. The master bath has the look of a spa, and the furniture has legs as well as
funky hardware. The heights of the sinks accommodate him and her. The edges of the
counters are rough-cut for a calming but solid effect. One of the challenges of creating a
house is to look at the design of a house through a computer.
Gale Steves
VP Editor-in-Chief
Home Magazine
1633 Broadway, 44th Floor
New York, NY 10019
212-767-6811 / 1-800-887-DECK
Web site: http://www.homemag.com/
Web site: www.deckthewalls.com
SEGMENT 4
LA Times Home Magazine
In-studio, Los Angeles Times Home Magazine editor, Barbara Thornburg joins
Christopher to showcase a variety of unique contemporary design interiors. She points
out that it used to be that when people thought of contemporary design it was all white
walls, glass tables, hard-edged design, leather sofas but it's very different today. The first
photo showed a dining room with hardwood floors, a picnic table type dining table with
mismatched chairs. There are no rules anymore. The interiors are becoming well edited
and getting rid of the clutter. In another photo, a number of industrial and organic
materials were used to look like an exploding barn. The flue of the fireplace was exposed
and bright colors were combined to create warmth in the room. In a living room many of
the pieces looked like it came from the 50s. Modern art was also mixed into the room.
Mixing styles is in fashion. Another designer used 50s elements in a room that featured a
marlin over a fireplace with Scandinavian chairs and some retro fabric. Sisal was used to
evoke a feeling of the islands. A Hawaiian stencil was used around the fireplace.
Barbara Thornburg
LA Times Home Magazine
P. O. Box 60164
Los Angeles, CA 90060
800-252-9141
Web site: www.latimes.com
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SEGMENT 5
Christopher Demo – Retro Room Accessories
Christopher demonstrates four accessories from the retro room show. They include a
string lamp, window treatment using cutout paper, molding plaques for the black and
white stripe wall treatment and a colored floor vase.
Instructions
String lamp
Using cylindrical fabric storage containers from IKEA, Christopher cut holes in the top of
each of them and strung large Christmas tree lights through them. Each container had one
light in it. They were suspended from a hook in a corner from the ceiling to the floor.
Christopher used 6 of them in a tower fashion in the corner of the retro room.
Cutout Tissue Window Treatment
For a geometric quality Christopher used tissue paper to cut out geometric shapes and
create the window treatment. Begin by accordion folding panels of tissue or wrapping
paper into 5-inch strips. Draw a "double keyhole" shape alternately spaced throughout the
sheet. Cut out the shapes with scissors. Unfold and hang by stapling them to dowels
across the window. Christopher used 6 panels of the cutout tissue and hung large
triangular shapes of another color paper over top.
Molding Blocks
Cut two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood approximately 7 inches square. Hot glue or wood
glue them together. Paint them black. Glue a fossilized leaf to the center of each wood
block. Christopher attached the blocks to the white stripes of the black and white striped
wall. You could also add two sides and create a box, attach the box to the wall and place
a vase on top.
Colored Floor Vase
Spray paint a glass vase with a high gloss, bright color and place it on the floor with an
uplight.
SEGMENT 6
The Magazine Store Vignette with Brian Ogan
Designer Brian Ogan of The Magazine Store displays futuristic furnishings and sleek
accessories. The first chair shown was made from white perforated leather and featured
an ottoman that could also be used as a side table. A glass Italian table was placed beside
the chair. An Italian lamp had a chrome pole with a flying saucer looking light that could
be adjusted up or down. Brian finds that many of the younger homeowners are using a
few contemporary pieces integrated with their other furnishings. A red metal medical
cabinet was shown but is available in 200 colors. The paint used is auto paint and is very
durable. Inside the cabinet was set up as a bar with glasses on the top shelf. It could also
be used as a stereo cabinet or in the bathroom for storage. Two pictures of dogs were
used in their initial advertising and they extended the design into an Andy Warhol
looking collection of wall art.
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Brian Ogan
The Magazine Store
528 Fulsom Larkin St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
415-777-4707
or
1823 Eastshore
Hearst, CA 94710
510-549-2282
Web site: www.themagazine.org
Show #255 Use What You've Got
In this episode Christopher shows us be creative and how to use what we already have
and still transform the interior of our home.
SEGMENT 1
Michael Corbett Home Tour
Christopher takes a tour at the home of soap opera heartthrob Michael Corbett from The
Young and The Restless who renovates and resells homes with great character. Michael
is a partner in Highland Properties of Los Angeles, a company that buys homes and
remodels them for resale. Michael shows Christopher his latest project, his own home.
Michael's home is a 60s retreat-like home surrounded by an acre of trees in the
Hollywood Hills. The style brings the outdoors in. Michael creates a warm and inviting
environment with textures, nature's colors, hardwood floors, slate and granite in the
bathrooms. Michael considers all elements of the final design when remodeling a home,
including the furnishings. He likes to keep spaces open and warm, but not too cluttered.
Michael uses minimal but large furnishings. To decide whether or not a renovation is
good for you, first look around the neighborhood and don't spend more than the other
houses are worth. Estimate what you think it will take and add 20% to that amount. Don't
overspend or specialize if you plan to resell. Keep the renovation generic, clean and
uncluttered and use neutral wall colors.
Michael Corbett
Highland Properties
Los Angeles
SEGMENT 2
Reupholstering with Jan Jessup of Calico Corners
Jan Jessup of Calico Corners joins Christopher to showcase design ideas for updating our
old sofas and chairs. When is it worth it to re-upholster a sofa? If you inherit a chair or
sofa and it is outdated, it may not have appropriate design lines for reupholstering. If a
piece of furniture has a good frame it may be a better candidate. Always look for
furniture with a hardwood frame. From a plaid sofa with three cushions and a short skirt,
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we see its updated look featuring solid taupe fabric, no skirt and two plump cushions. A
sectional in a wild print was made over in a solid, muted color using textured fabric with
print pillow accents. An armchair in tweed with nubby little arms and a short skirt was
updated with rolled arms, stuffed cushions and decorative legs.
Jan Jessup
Calico Corners
888-213-6366
Web site: www.calicocorners.com
SEGMENT 3
Time Passages with Eileen Paulin
It’s a tour at the home of Maria Starzik with Romantic Homes Magazine editor Eileen
Paulin. The interior features a romantic, cozy cottage look with family antiques, vintage
linens, furnishings and accessories. Shutters, windows and doors from another era, as
well as the use of fabric, give the home its time tested style. Vintage linens throughout
the house as window valances give the home a depth and softness. Many of the
Americana accessory pieces represent out heritage. Her pet, a Scottie dog, is another
important motif in the home. When a set of china arrived in pieces, it was used it to create
a mosaic backsplash for her kitchen counter. A similar mosaic piece surrounds her
fireplace, which is a wonderful conversation piece, is made up of a lot of broken china, a
tea set from a children's collection, seashells, costume jewelry and dried flowers. In the
dining room, fabric is stapled to the wall for an intimate setting.
Eileen Paulin
Associate Publisher/Editor
Romantic Homes
265 So. Anita, Suite 120
Orange, CA 92868
714-939-9991 ext. 212
Web: www.romantichomesmag.com
Subscription Info
Romantic Homes Magazine
P. O. Box 420661
Palm Coast, FL 32142
800-829-7830
SEGMENT 4
Coffee Table demo with Lydia Hannibal
Artist/actress Lydia Hannibal joins Christopher to demonstrate how to create a table from
a wooden picture frame. Between acting jobs, Lydia creates
useful objects from roadside trash, with little or no money. Lydia shows Christopher a
doll she made from a paper towel roll, a champagne cork and a sock to match two very
expensive dolls she purchased in South Africa. Next, we see a table with a brightly
colored paper bag decoupaged onto the top. Then she shows a simple piece of wood
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painted in a geometric design with eating utensils painted on to indicate its use as a
placemat. A cushion from a chair found from the roadside was recovered with mud cloth
and a back cushion was made from a drop cloth. Finally, a small chest of drawers was
painted in a beautiful Mexican scene.
Demo Directions
Cut a piece of wood the same size as a purchased picture frame for the tabletop. Pre-drill
holes into the tabletop for the leg hardware. Paint or decoupage the tabletop, legs and
frame in designs and colors of your choice. Add the leg hardware, screw the legs into the
tabletop and use wood glue to attach the frame to the top of the table. Fringe or other
ornamentations can be added as desired.
SEGMENT 5
Stenciled Blanket, Christopher Demo
Christopher demonstrates how to update a blanket with a decorative stencil design.
Demo Directions
Mix one part textile medium to two parts craft paint. The mosaic design Christopher
showed used two stencils, a background stencil and a highlight stencil. Use the
background stencil and apply a light beige color with a stencil brush. Go back over the
same area with a dry brush daubed in black and applied in a pouncing motion on just one
side of the squares to give the design some depth. When the background design dries,
position the highlight design stencil on top and pounce the design on in a dark brown
color. Any fabric in the home can be stenciled using the textile medium: towels,
furnishings, window treatments, etc.
Textile Medium
FolkArt Textile Medium
Plaid Enterprises
Web site: plaidonline.com
SEGMENT 6
You Did It!
Our “You Did It” segment features the home of Marilia Duffles who incorporates pieces
from her worldwide travels and International design.
While living in Prague, her home was featured in the Czechoslovakian edition of El
Decor for her impressive use of color. Now living in Coconut Grove, Florida, Marilia
tells Christopher that living abroad has influenced her decorating style in so many ways.
It has allowed her to experience the unique aesthetics and character of each country and
incorporate that into her decorating. Her apartment in the Czech Republic was inherited
from Russian tenants and was quite drab. She brought a lot of color into the apartment to
offset the cloudy days. Her house in Coconut Grove reminded her of a French Provencal
farmhouse. She began the tour of the house in the kitchen, which was inspired by her love
of Provence. The kitchen was very angular and to remedy that she added a round table
and lots of fabric. A window seat built from plywood was tucked in a corner surrounded
by three windows. The walls in that corner were shirred with yellow-dyed muslin, the
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cushion on the window seat was covered in an old sheet Marilia painted with blue and
yellow stripes. The accent pillows were bright blue with white dots and yellow and white
blocks. On the wall is a painting of a bowl of lemons done on an old shelf cut into three
pieces. The porch was decorated as an English Conservatory with an architectural facade
that Marilia painted which was inspired by the 17th century architect Indigo Jones. She
has also painted birds from Africa and Brazil onto the walls and added a birdcage as a
sconce. An end table bought for three dollars from a flea market is painted in the same
lattice as the wall, and rescued wicker chairs are painted and recushioned. She added
specially made pillows of burlap with a flowerpot design edged with rope from the
hardware store., A hand painted floor cloth has a little bit of England in each corner of
the design. The canopy over the bed in the master bedroom is made of inexpensive
muslin. The bed itself is covered in a textured fabric trimmed in rope from the hardware
store and skirted with rustic burlap. The formal accent pillows all sport elephants found
in both Africa and India. A cornice (ala Christopher) is mounted over the large window
and covered in the same fabric as the bedcovers, edged and decorated with rope.
Show # 256 Classic Living/Traditional
Just like there are classics in literature and music, there are classics in design as well. It’s
the style we know as traditiona,l and Christopher shows how it can be updated and
tweaked while the designs and the lines remain the same.
Segment 1
Calico Corners Tour
Christopher tours Calico Corners to demonstrate how to use fabric to achieve a traditional
look. It is a matter of taste and style and using the influences of design that have
basically stood the test of time. Fabric and furniture are the backbone of classic
traditional interiors. At Calico Corners you will not see just rolls and rolls of fabric;
Calico Corners merchandises their product in vignettes throughout the store so you can
see how it looks on furniture, with other fabrics and against different colored walls. This
merchandising helps take the fear out of choosing fabrics. Calico Corners has furniture
charts to help you determine the amount of fabric that will be needed for each piece.
Christopher suggests always purchasing extra fabric up front to use for pillows, arm
covers or for repairs down the road. Calico Corners also has a catalogue of their fabric
with pictures of the fabric on furniture to help you get an idea of what it will look like in
your home. If you don't sew, no problem; Calico Corners will do the sewing for you.
They will reupholster, make cushions, pillows and anything else needed for interior
design. They also refinish the wood portion of furniture, offering a wide variety of
finishes to choose from.
Product Information
Calico Corners Fabrics
888-213-6366
Fax: 610-444-1221
Web: <a href="http://www.calicocorners.com">www.calicocorners.com
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Segment 2
Karol DeWulf Nickell - Traditional Living Magazine
Christopher chats with Karol DeWulf Nickell, Editor and Chief of Traditional Living
Magazine. Classic design does not have to be stodgy or passé. They discuss several
vignettes featured in Traditional Living's new book: Signature Design, that were created
by different designers from across the country. The first setting was designed by New
England designer, Gary McBurney and shows a subtly striped sofa with an over scaled
framed mirror hanging above which is surrounded by a great collection of majolica
pottery. The colors in the pottery are reflected in the upholstery of the chairs and a boldly
colored rag rug opposite the sofa. Next, Charles Hodray of Oklahoma used reds and
florals for upholstery, carpeting and drapes in a study with lots of built in shelving to
create a warm, inviting ambiance. The next room, with an international flair, was
designed by Kelly Amos of Texas. The focal point is the great Chinese art deco rug in
reds and greens. The green color comes up from the rug to the walls where it is toned
down through sponging to achieve a striated, muted look. Kelly uses unusual pieces of art
in many of his designs, even the round, pleated and tufted ottoman seems a work of art.
The next setting is by California designer Thomas Bartlett and features French chairs
upholstered in a very wide blue and cream stripe. The chairs are positioned in front of
French doors draped in a very bold check. Next is a purely traditional vignette with a
floral upholstered sofa in rich muted colors with built in shelving behind filled with
collections of old and new accessories. All without looking cluttered. Next is a French
table with a modern art piece handing over it with a neo-classic brass urn and country
cottage terra cotta potted plant accessorizing it all by Mary Drysdale of Washington. The
next vignette is a monochromatic living room in cream and pale yellow. This is a very
formal look made warm and inviting by the use of quilts tossed casually on the sofa and
ottoman Nickell. The next vignette features the work of Kelly Amos once again. An
enclave or pass through is made useful and inviting with four large upholstered chairs
around a large ottoman with a chenille throw tossed on top and a side table against a
richly colored wall merchandised with a beautiful arrangement of flowers.
Guest Information
Karol DeWulf Nickell
Editor and Chief
Traditional Living Magazine
P. O. Box 37275
Boone, Iowa 50037
800-374-8791
Product Information
Traditional Living Magazine
P. O. Box 37275
Boone, Iowa 50037
800-374-8791
Signature Style
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SEASON ONE
A Traditional Living Magazine Book
Meredith Books
Des Moines, Iowa
Segment 3
Hancock Park Design House with Designers
Each year the Assistance League of Southern California chooses a home to showcase the
work of leading designers and all the proceeds go to help several children's programs.
The house this year is a 1920's Mediterranean style mansion in Hancock Park in the Los
Angeles area. Jeffery Kendall and Ray Wheeler of Wheeler and Kendall created a classic
living room decor for this grand interior. The room was originally built to be a ballroom
and is over 52 feet long. Adjacent to it was a 1926 pipe organ, original to the house. The
entire area was very seldom used. Despite three entrances and floor to ceiling windows,
Jeffery was able to warm up the space by creating several distinct seating areas.
Accessories are just as important as the furnishings. Each seating area has its own style or
feel to it and the accessories have a big impact on that style and also are used to add
continuity to the room. Jeffery installed a Moroccan designed water fountain in the corner
where the pipe organ was that has wonderfully colored tiles, some hand painted
especially for this project. Color has a dynamic impact on any room and the hand painted
wall design through this room gives it an intimate ambiance. Silk fabric and decorative
tassels compliment each window with subtle color and a slight hint of shimmer. Jeffery
suggests that you select things that you really love when decorating, even if they are
unrelated to the room in styling. Take your time and select one piece at a time. Next
Christopher tours the guesthouse which was done by Tiffany Farha, owner/designer of
Farha Design LLC. Tiffany transformed the guesthouse into a tranquil plantation style
retreat. The room was originally a weight room which had been neglected for many years
and had become a dust trap. The room had lots of windows but very little natural light
coming in. Tiffany chose light colors and creamy toned neutral fabrics for the
furnishings and window treatments in the room to replace dark paneling. She painted a
white ceiling with pocket lights and several ceiling fans. The colors are not trendy but
light and airy paint colors. Tiffany thinks your need to keep it simple with decorating.
Pick a few pieces that you really love and decorate around those and don't over do, also
keep your draperies (if you need them at all) very light and simple. Classic design never
goes out of style.
Guest Information
Jeffery Kendall and Ray Wheeler
Wheeler & Kendall
8687 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, Ca 90069
323-360-3520
Tiffany Farha
Owner/Designer
Farha Design LLC
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Segment 4
Area Store w/room redo - Bill Wilson
American Revisionist designer Bill Wilson takes old furniture pieces and updates them
with fabric and new uses. First is an armoire with classic lines that has become an instant
home office with room for a computer, printer, television and stereo. An old ottoman
with short sides that extend above the cushion and curve out is covered in a stripe on the
sides and a textured solid on the center cushion. Next is a contemporary type dividing
screen behind a short-legged chair in a shiny gold fabric with button tufted back flanked
by a geometric cigarette table (a blast from the past) in black with a small, contemporary
lamp. Next is a cocktail table with push pull drawers that can be opened from either side
of the table for great storage, all in traditional design. Finally a sofa in a retro-traditional
look with buttoned back accessorized with a Paul Frankle reproduction lamp from 40's or
50's.
Product Information
Area Store
American Revisionist Area Store retail collection through website
Segment 5
Michael Rudin Showroom
Christopher visits the Michael L. Rudin, Inc. showroom in Los Angeles. The Rudins have
been designing and creating furnishings since the early 1900's. Today's showroom
features antiques and Michael's own line of furniture. Michael advocates mixing and
matching designs. You can put something old with something new as long as the lines
don't clash, or the colors don't clash as long as the textures play together, it will work. A
neutral pallet doesn't mean boring, colors come into play with pillows and other
accessories while the solid fabric accentuates the classic lines. First Christopher and
Michael look at a leather sofa with traditional legs, clean lines, loose cushions, boxed
with a welt and tight back with a top band. Next is a plain chair with straight lines and no
arms, a classic design that will last forever, just change the fabric. Next is a tight sloped
backed sofa with torpedo arms and panel with a welt. Next is an upholstered chartreuse
chair with a dressmaker skirt and torpedo arms. Good frame is essential if a sofa or chair
is going to stand the test of time. You have to start with a hardwood frame that is
dowelled together.
Guest Information
Michael Rudin
Michael L. Rudin, Inc.
8132 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: 323-658-7601
Product Information
Michael L. Rudin, Inc.
8132 West Third Street
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Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: 323-658-7601
Segment 6
Christine Vet Ironworks Show and Tell
Wrought iron has always served as a very traditional element of interior design
throughout the years, it is here to stay. Christopher and Christine Vert of Christine Vert
Ironworks show some great wrought iron pieces, from furnishings to decorative items,
that can be used throughout the home, inside and outside. All of Christine's pieces are
manufactured in her factory in Pomona. First we see wall sconces that are reproductions
of a traditional wheat design. Next is a table in a brown finish with a twig motif around
the edge. Then we see a decorative piece, a wrought iron orb with an arrow through the
center, which is a good large-scale accessory piece that takes up mass and adds no clutter.
Next is a 100-year-old suitcase set on a wrought iron frame and used for a coffee table.
Next is another large scale accessory piece, a plant stand in an aged rust finish with
bronze and a large piece of pottery topping it off. Next is a painted chair, with twig finish
to match the table, it is very heavy and sturdy. Next we see an iron fireplace screen with
birds and leaves all custom made. Then a pewter finished chandelier with a leaf design.
Finally, Christopher shows us the wrought iron pieces he chose for the showcase house
patio, a side table and chairs and a dining room sized table made from two iron grates put
together with glass on top and iron ladder backed chairs surrounding it.
Christopher reads some viewer mail. First from Becky in Texas, we see a before and after
of he mothers dining room. First with walls of white and then after Becky painted them a
pumpkin color, which brought out the tones of the woods in the room. Next is a letter
from Tammy in California who removed a green shag rug, rice paper and ugly drapes
from her dining room and now needs some help with what to put back into the room.
Christopher first suggests painting the walls. Then since her window is out of scale she
should add shelves down both sides and connect them across the top with a shelf and
under the window with a window bench. Add window treatments and cushions and turn
the table around to utilize the window bench for seating and add area rug in front of it.
Guest Information
Christine Vert
Christine Vert Interiors
1437 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-458-6940
Email: vertironworks@aol.com
Product Information
Christine Vert Interiors
1437 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-458-6940
Email: vertironworks@aol.com
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SEASON ONE
Show #257 The Sporting Life
Southern Living magazine food editor Susan Hawthorne Nash joins Christopher to
display her super bowl party tablescape and snack ideas. From our viewer mailbag Susie
from Texas who writes to share her son’s bedroom design that incorporates his love of
sports. Gurdy who writes for advice to transform
her living room decor.
Christopher will demonstrate how to incorporate a sporting atmosphere into your
interiors without hanging a hoop or goal posts.
SEGMENT 1
Anteks Store Tour
It’s a trip to Anteks, a store that features rustic furnishings and accessories. First we see
an antler chandelier and giant ottoman in cowhide. A quick glance around the store
shows a big, overscale chair with the seat and back in a red southwestern print and the
arms in an aged brushed leather. A giant armoire features two stags butting their antlered
heads. There is a vignette with a seaside cottage look showing a pie safe in a rich patina.
It is filled with antique silver and glassware, all set off by retro wallpaper in the
background. A French inspired look in an iron bed is piled high with pillows and flanked
by a fireplace mantle without the fireplace. Next is a look at a twig dining room vignette.
To the side is a twig rocker in a lacquered finish and a side table covered randomly in
twigs, topped with a twig lamp and a mirror.
Anteks
Houston, Texas 713-526-4800
Dallas, Texas 214-528-5567
Atlanta, Georgia 404-233-6675
SEGMENT 2
Rustic Living Room with Kurt Koehler from Anteks
Designer Kurt Koehler displays his rustic living room design featuring pieces from the
Anteks store. An over scaled chair and ottoman covered in a beautiful rose colored
chenille capped with worn leather is a wonderful mix of femininity and masculinity. On a
side table is a lamp with a rusted pinecone/pine needle motif base next to a feminine
wingback chair in very distressed leather. A patchwork throw is tossed on the back. A
wall shelf is made out of an old tin mantle and sports an old leather fishing creel on top.
A wicker fishing creel is used for holding magazines, and a cute twig-roofed birdhouse is
a great accessory for this room. A massive coffee table with iron hinges and hardware is
made of stained wood that is waxed rather than sealed. A Navaho-look blanket is tossed
across the corner. An antler lamp that is very sculptural and airy is a great accessory.
Kurt Koehler
Anteks
Houston, Texas 713-526-4800
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
Dallas, Texas 214-528-5567
Atlanta, Georgia 404-233-6675
SEGMENT 3
You Did It!
Our “You Did It” segment features the home of Clayton Morgan who transformed a
bland apartment into an old southern style hunt club decor featuring unique antique and
vintage pieces.
Christopher shows us how to use fabric combinations that will be pleasing to both men
and women. Chenille is very sturdy and will hold up on large pieces without sagging.
Leathers are very important when trying to blend the tastes of both sexes. Christopher
suggests adding feminine fabrics in more male tolerant prints like animal prints and
geometrics.
SEGMENT 4
Couple in Conflict - Mark and Darlene Collins
It’s a visit to the home of football star Mark Colllins and his wife Darlene, who designed
a home that cleverly integrates Mark’s sports trophies and memorabilia.
First, they built a game room that honors Mark's football career with framed jerseys and
pictures from his days as a football hero. There is a wood fronted bar in the corner, a pool
table is the centerpiece, and the walls are in muted tones so they highlight the many
articles hanging on them. Next Darlene gives Christopher a look at Mark's private office
off the main living are of their home. In here we can see how Darlene has incorporated
Mark's many trophies, footballs, Superbowl rings and other memorabilia into a beautiful
office. The walls are painted a contemporary eggplant. Mahogany bookcases line them
and are topped with backlit cabinets in the same wood. They are filled with Mark's prizes.
The desk, also of mahogany has built-in bookshelves on the outside.
SEGMENT 5
Staples Center and Trophy Wall, Christopher Demo
Then we take a tour with Michael Roth, of the ultimate sports arena, the new Staples
Center in Los Angeles that integrates a hi-tech arena with plenty of dramatic
contemporary restaurant and private suite interiors. Christopher demonstrates how to
create a decorative trophy wall treatment with painted wooden “levels.”
The owners of 160 luxury suites 2,500 premier seats have access to the Grand Reserve
Club including amenities like relaxing in front of a fireplace, smoking premium cigars
and sipping fine wines. Next door is the Arena Club which is limited to premier seats or
luxury suites. The exclusive luxury boxes are designed with high-end cherry cabinetry,
three television sets for watching other televised events, two refrigerators, an icemaker
and plush furnishings in rich suedes and dark muted colors. Designers visited nearly
every arena in the US to determine what would be needed to make this the best arena in
the nation.
Demo Directions
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SEASON ONE
The lifts that Christopher demonstrates are triangular in shape and made out of 3/4-inch
plywood. The three sides are mitered so that they each overlap at the corners. Nail the
three sides together with small finishing nails. Cut a piece for the top (and bottom if you
plan to hang them high on the wall) so it will fit down inside the triangle at the top and
use finishing nails to attach it to the three sides. Christopher painted his in a chrome
aluminum craft spray paint but these can be finished any way you want depending on the
look you desire. Drill two holes with a little drag above each for hanging on the wall.
SEGMENT 6
Superbowl Party
Susan Hawthorne Nash, Food Editor from Southern Living Magazine joins Christopher
to create a great Superbowl party. First she starts off with a fun invitation written on the
front of a paper bag filled with a treats, like a snack mix or popcorn, and tied together
with a narrow ribbon. Susan stores all of the flatware, serving pieces and napkins in a
wicker picnic basket perched on top of a canvas director bench, Inside the basket, napkins
are folded like pennants woven onto chopsticks, plastic flatware is tied together with
colored raffia, and paper plates are punched with holes around the edge with colored
raffia woven through. Flower arrangements in shiny new pails are made with fresh
flowers and fruits. Wicker baskets lined with plastic bags are used for icing down beer.
Sweatshirts of the teams playing are given away as door prizes. The food for this super
party consists of Southern fried chicken with comeback sauce, homemade shrimp pizza,
bib pecans, chips and brownies. For those who do not drink alcoholic beverages there is a
great southern style mint tea. For those folks who like to see the real thing, Susan has
created an emergency basket filled with things you might need like wipes, trash bags,
plastic flatware, bug spray, mints and candies.
1-gallon galvanized metal bucket
Oasis
6-8 long-stemmed seasonal flowers
Colored raffia
Sheet moss
6-8 apples or pears
Wooden florist picks
Instructions
Soak oasis in water and cut it to fit snugly into galvanized metal bucket.
Arrange flower stems closely together in oasis. Tie tops of stems of 6 to 8 long-stemmed
seasonal flowers together using colored raffia to form a ball-shaped arrangement. Fill in
edges with moss. Arrange fresh fruit on top of moss around base of flower stems
attaching with wooden florist picks, if needed.
Recipes
MINTED ICED TEA
3 cups boiling water
4 regular size tea bags
12 fresh mint sprigs
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SEASON ONE
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup orange juice
5 cups water
Garnishes: fresh mint springs, orange slices
Pour 3 cups boiling water over tea bags and mint springs; cover and steep 5 minutes.
Remove tea bags and mint, squeezing gently. Stir in sugar and next 3 ingredients. Serve
over ice. Garnish, if desired. Yield: 2-1/2 quarts.
AMARETTO-WALNUT BROWNIES
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
1/2 cup almond liqueur
1 cup butter
8 (1-ounce) unsweetened chocolate squares
5 large eggs
3-1/3 cups sugar
1/4 cup Suisse mocha
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
Garnish: powdered sugar
Soak walnuts in liqueur 4 to 6 hours. Drain, discarding liqueur.
Melt butter and chocolate in a heavy saucepan over low heat.
Beat eggs, sugar and Suisse mocha at medium-high speed with an electric mixer 8
minutes. Gradually add chocolate mixture and vanilla, beating at low speed until blended.
Gradually add flour and salt, beating until blended. Stir in soaked walnuts. Pour into a
lightly greased, aluminum foil-lined 13 x 9 inch baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Cook on a wire rack. Cut into squares. Garnish
if desired. Yield: 15 brownies.
GRILLED SHRIMP PIZZA
1-1/2 pounds unpeeled, large fresh shrimp
1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
1 (1.25 ounce) envelope taco seasoning mix
1 (10-ounce) thin Italian bread shell
1 small green bell pepper, sliced into rings
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese with peppers
Peel shrimp and de-vein. Place in a lightly greased grill basket or thread onto skewers.
Grill, without grill lid, over medium-high heat (350 to 400 degrees) 3 minutes on each
side or until shrimp is pink.
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SEASON ONE
Stir together beans and taco seasoning mix; spread onto bread shell. Top with shrimp,
bell pepper rings and cheese.
Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese melts. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
FRIED CHICKEN FINGERS WITH COMEBACK SAUCE
8 skinned and boned chicken breast halves
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
2 cups all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil
Comeback Sauce
Cut chicken into strips.
Combine chicken and next 4 ingredients; cover and chill 4 hours.
Drain chicken; coat with flour.
Pour oil to a depth of 3 inches into a large Dutch oven; heat to 350 degrees. Cook
chicken, a few pieces at a time, until golden. Drain on paper towels; keep warm, or chill.
Serve with Comeback Sauce. Yield: 16 appetizer servings.
COMEBACK SAUCE
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons water
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 teaspoons prepared mustard
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
Dash of paprika
Dash of hot sauce
1 med. onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Combine all ingredients; cover and chill. Yield: About 2 cups.
ORANGE-BLACK BEAN SALSA
1 navel orange
1 plum tomato
1/3 cup chopped purple onion
1/2 medium cucumber
1 avocado
1/2 (5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
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1-1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-1/2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/8 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
Peel, section and dice orange. Dice tomato and onion. Peel, see and dice cucumber and
avocado. Combine orange, tomato, onion, cucumber, avocado, beans and cilantro in a
bowl.
Whisk together oil and next 4 ingredients. Toss with orange mixture. Cover and chill.
Yield: About 2 cups.
BARBECUE PECANS
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1/8 teaspoon hot sauce
4 cups pecan halves
Salt
Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire,
ketchup and hot sauce. Add pecan halves, stirring to coat. Spread pecan halves evenly in
a 15 x 10 inch jellyroll pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 13 to 15 minutes, stirring 2 to 3 times. Place pecan halves on
paper towels; sprinkle lightly with salt to taste and cool completely. Yield: 4 cups
SUPER SNACK MIX
4 cups bite-size pretzels
3 cups honey graham cereal
2 cups crispy wheat cereal squares
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1-1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Combine first 3 ingredients in a 15 x 10 inch jellyroll pan.
Combine butter, Worcestershire and brown sugar. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring to
coat.
Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.
Store in an airtight container. Yield: 9 cups.
SWEET ‘N’ HOT GREEN BEANS & CARROTS
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SEASON ONE
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 pound fresh green beans
1/2 pound carrots
Whisk together sugar and vinegar until sugar dissolves. Stir in red pepper and garlic.
Cover and let stand at least 4 hours.
Trim ends from green beans. Cut carrots into 4 x 1/2 inch strips.
Cook carrots in boiling water 2 minutes. Add green beans and cook 1 minute or until
crisp-tender. Drain. Plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain.
Combine sugar mixture, green beans and carrots, tossing to coat. Let stand 1 hour before
serving. Yield: 4 to 6 appetizer servings.
QUICK ARTICHOKE DIP
1 (0.6 ounce) package zesty Italian dressing mix
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 (16 ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Garnish: chopped red bell pepper
Assorted crackers
Process first 3 ingredients in food processor until blended. Add artichokes and Parmesan
cheese. Process only until artichokes are coarsely chopped. Transfer mixture to a small
serving bowl, cover and chill. Garnish with red bell pepper, if desired. Serve with
assorted crackers. Yield: 2 cups.
Susan Hawthorne Nash
Food Editor
Southern Living Magazine
Web: www.southernliving.com
2100 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35209
To Subscribe: 205-877-6152 or fax 205-877-6504
SHOW #258 Whimsy
In this episode Christopher shows how we can bring the joy of whimsical design into our
homes. Christopher discusses how to lighten up and have fun when decorating your
home.
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
Segment 1
Café La Boheme Tour
Christopher visits Patrick McMahon at Café La Boheme for a tour of this famous LA
restaurant. It’s Phantom of the Opera meets the Adams Family. From handpainted
curtains on one wall to beautiful harlequin handpainted designs on the opposite wall, it’s
a wonderful combination of eclectic design. The restaurant’s clientele ranges from theater
performers to fashion designers to businessmen from the East coast. It was designed to
attract everyone. The focal points of the restaurant include the giant chandeliers, the large
Earth Goddess and the global gyroscope. The dumb waiter has been with the restaurant
since it began. The private mezzanine overlooks the cavernous main floor and the booths
along the wall are intimate, romantic spaces. In the evening the ambiance resembles a
nightclub or urban cosmopolitan environment.
Guest Info
Café La Boheme
8400 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
323-848-2360
Segment 2
Barkitecture
Christopher welcomes Fred Albert who showcases outrageous dog houses featured in
his book, Bartikecture. These doghouses come from all over the country, in Canada and
even in Europe. One of the doghouses was designed in the style of a Greek temple.
Famous dogs names were etched around windows at the top. Many of the doghouses are
wallpapered inside or have murals painted on the walls. The tops of many of the
doghouses lift off for easy clean-up. Some of the doghouses have wheels or handles that
make the doghouses portable so the dog can be carried around. A Seattle man used his
doghouse as a coffee table. People make these houses for the love of the dog. It’s a
wonderful way to show how much people care for their dogs. Fred spent two years
putting the book together. He attended doghouse shows in major cities and used the
Internet for his research. Fred’s favorite is an opera house with embroidered velvet
curtains. Famous dog operas and composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Muttzart are
featured around the arch.
Product Info
Barkitecture
By Fred Albert
Abberville Press
New York, NY
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
Segment 3
You Did It!
In a “You Did It” segment the storybook themed home of Jodi Woodsmith who
transformed a small run down home into a colorful and eccentric fairytale cottage is
featured. Jodi’s inspirations came from her love of gardening and the colors of
Disneyland. She found many of the pieces she used from garage sales and flea markets.
She began with the living room where she displayed her collections in curio cabinets. She
decorated the tops of the cabinets with flowers and stuffed animals. She also used floral
and animal artwork on the walls of the living room to tie together the gardening theme. In
her small bedroom she used chests of drawers that she painted red and white. She painted
a cloud mural on the wall and hot glued birdhouses and artificial floral arrangements to it.
Twigs from a tree that was cut down in the backyard were used to create a headboard and
mirror frame. In the kitchen Jodi painted the cabinets red and added fun cow knobs. She
transformed the front yard into a beautiful garden with lots of flowers, a fountain and a
white picket fence. Her husband built a lattice arch at the entrance of the garden. She
built a cobblestone walkway with hearts inlayed into the walk. Her house is enchanting
and charming and is her fairytale come true.
Segment 4
Pansy Butterfly Tablescape with Deborah Fabricant
Entertainment expert Deborah Fabricant pulls out all the stops with a whimsical
tablescape featuring bright silk butterflies, dragonflies and colorful pansy topiaries.
Deborah began with the invitations by adding flowers to the cards. She made the pansy
topiaries by wiring artificial pansies to wire cages and adding large butterflies that come
from import stores such as Cost Plus. For the centerpiece Deborah took two long trays
and covered them with floral oasis, added water and covered the oasis with spagnum
moss. She cut fresh flowers to different lengths and put them in the oasis. She added
butterflies that were on wires. Ceramic goblets from a Santa Monica artist were placed on
the table. Deborah also used dragonfly napkin rings. Napkins were placed through the
napkin rings lengthwise for a more casual, less formal look. Then they were draped over
the plates. Giant fortune cookies came from an LA company called Good Fortunes.
Deborah placed chilled, curled butter swirls onto flower petals. She used leaf shaped
plates and suggested that you could also use large leaves from the backyard. Be sure to
wash them first before placing food on them. A good stock solid plate is best to use.
Many of these can be found at import stores.
Guest Info
Deborah Fabricant
Home Entertainment Expert and author
Los Angeles, CA
Email: fabfood@earthlink.net
Web: www.stackitup.com
Product Info
Product Info
Stacks, The Art of Vertical Food
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
By Deborah Fabricant
Ten Speed Press
Giant Fortune Cookies
Good Fortunes
6754 Eton Avenue
Canoga Park, CA 91303
800-644-9474
Web: goodfortunes.com
Segment 5
Christopher Demo – Striped Fabric Painted Cornice Box
Christopher demonstrates how to create a whimsical painted cornice box with a fabric
pattern to update a window.
Instructions
Cut two pieces of 1” x 3” wood approximately 12” long for the side pieces of the cornice
box. Cut another piece with width of the cornice, keeping in mind that you will want the
cornice to extend beyond the window frame approximately 2” to 3” on each side. Cut
another piece of wood slightly smaller than the width for mounting to the wall. Cut a
piece of luan the width of the cornice and desired depth, in this case approximately 12”.
Cut the bottom edge of the luan into three scallops to resemble drawn-back curtains with
a swag in the center. Assemble the cornice by making a frame out of the 1” x 3” pieces
and attaching the luan to the face of the cornice box using wood screws and finishing
nails. Anchor the mounting wood strip to the wall using the appropriate hardware for the
type of wall. When the cornice has been painted, mount it to the wood strip on the wall
by screwing wood screws from the top down into the mounting strip.
Painting the cornice:
Base coat the cornice board. Christopher used a pink and white striped fabric so he
selected four colors for painting the cornice that matched the fabric. They were rose,
cream, yellow and black. Draw lines onto the face of the cornice board to simulate the
folds of the fabric, remembering to draw the centerpiece to follow the scallop of the
bottom of the wood. With the rose color, follow the lines of the drawing. Over top of the
rose color with the cream and using an artist brush, draw in the stripes to match the
stripes in the fabric. As the fabric is in the foreground, the stripes will curve upward. In
the next section, the stripes will curve downward as they appear to fall into the
background. Use black for shading, but use it sparingly. It’s best to use a dry brush for
blending the colors.
Trim the cornice with balled fringe. Make a jabot for each side of the window. Complete
instructions for making a jabot can be found in the Christopher’s Classics section of the
web site. Hang the jabots underneath the cornice.
Segment 6
Whimsical Clothing Designs with Patty Shelabarger
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
International fashion and furniture designer Patty Shelabarger displays her extravagant
and colorful clothing and furniture designs. The colors she showed were pink and lime
green and featured a Victorian pant set, a dragon applique on a short dress and a negligee
with fabric designed by Patty. Her vintage Levis featured the dragon design with lace
bottoms. Her chairs are very colorful and are upholstered with her handmade and
designed silk fabric. All of her chairs are named, names such as China Lady. The same
detailing found in her clothing is found in her chairs. The strong colors of the wood in the
chairs are also a design element of hers.
Guest Info
Patty Shelabarger
Patti Shelabarger
Web: pattyshelabarger.com
SHOW #258 Whimsy
In this episode Christopher shows how we can bring the joy of whimsical design into our
homes. Christopher discusses how to lighten up and have fun when decorating your
home.
Segment 1
Café La Boheme Tour
Christopher visits Patrick McMahon at Café La Boheme for a tour of this famous LA
restaurant. It’s Phantom of the Opera meets the Adams Family. From handpainted
curtains on one wall to beautiful harlequin handpainted designs on the opposite wall, it’s
a wonderful combination of eclectic design. The restaurant’s clientele ranges from theater
performers to fashion designers to businessmen from the East coast. It was designed to
attract everyone. The focal points of the restaurant include the giant chandeliers, the large
Earth Goddess and the global gyroscope. The dumb waiter has been with the restaurant
since it began. The private mezzanine overlooks the cavernous main floor and the booths
along the wall are intimate, romantic spaces. In the evening the ambiance resembles a
nightclub or urban cosmopolitan environment.
Guest Info
Café La Boheme
8400 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
323-848-2360
Segment 2
Barkitecture
Christopher welcomes Fred Albert who showcases outrageous dog houses featured in
his book, Bartikecture. These doghouses come from all over the country, in Canada and
even in Europe. One of the doghouses was designed in the style of a Greek temple.
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
Famous dogs names were etched around windows at the top. Many of the doghouses are
wallpapered inside or have murals painted on the walls. The tops of many of the
doghouses lift off for easy clean-up. Some of the doghouses have wheels or handles that
make the doghouses portable so the dog can be carried around. A Seattle man used his
doghouse as a coffee table. People make these houses for the love of the dog. It’s a
wonderful way to show how much people care for their dogs. Fred spent two years
putting the book together. He attended doghouse shows in major cities and used the
Internet for his research. Fred’s favorite is an opera house with embroidered velvet
curtains. Famous dog operas and composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Muttzart are
featured around the arch.
Product Info
Barkitecture
By Fred Albert
Abberville Press
New York, NY
Segment 3
You Did It!
In a “You Did It” segment the storybook themed home of Jodi Woodsmith who
transformed a small run down home into a colorful and eccentric fairytale cottage is
featured. Jodi’s inspirations came from her love of gardening and the colors of
Disneyland. She found many of the pieces she used from garage sales and flea markets.
She began with the living room where she displayed her collections in curio cabinets. She
decorated the tops of the cabinets with flowers and stuffed animals. She also used floral
and animal artwork on the walls of the living room to tie together the gardening theme. In
her small bedroom she used chests of drawers that she painted red and white. She painted
a cloud mural on the wall and hot glued birdhouses and artificial floral arrangements to it.
Twigs from a tree that was cut down in the backyard were used to create a headboard and
mirror frame. In the kitchen Jodi painted the cabinets red and added fun cow knobs. She
transformed the front yard into a beautiful garden with lots of flowers, a fountain and a
white picket fence. Her husband built a lattice arch at the entrance of the garden. She
built a cobblestone walkway with hearts inlayed into the walk. Her house is enchanting
and charming and is her fairytale come true.
Segment 4
Pansy Butterfly Tablescape with Deborah Fabricant
Entertainment expert Deborah Fabricant pulls out all the stops with a whimsical
tablescape featuring bright silk butterflies, dragonflies and colorful pansy topiaries.
Deborah began with the invitations by adding flowers to the cards. She made the pansy
topiaries by wiring artificial pansies to wire cages and adding large butterflies that come
from import stores such as Cost Plus. For the centerpiece Deborah took two long trays
and covered them with floral oasis, added water and covered the oasis with spagnum
moss. She cut fresh flowers to different lengths and put them in the oasis. She added
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
butterflies that were on wires. Ceramic goblets from a Santa Monica artist were placed on
the table. Deborah also used dragonfly napkin rings. Napkins were placed through the
napkin rings lengthwise for a more casual, less formal look. Then they were draped over
the plates. Giant fortune cookies came from an LA company called Good Fortunes.
Deborah placed chilled, curled butter swirls onto flower petals. She used leaf shaped
plates and suggested that you could also use large leaves from the backyard. Be sure to
wash them first before placing food on them. A good stock solid plate is best to use.
Many of these can be found at import stores.
Guest Info
Deborah Fabricant
Home Entertainment Expert and author
Los Angeles, CA
Email: fabfood@earthlink.net
Web: www.stackitup.com
Product Info
Product Info
Stacks, The Art of Vertical Food
By Deborah Fabricant
Ten Speed Press
Giant Fortune Cookies
Good Fortunes
6754 Eton Avenue
Canoga Park, CA 91303
800-644-9474
Web: goodfortunes.com
Segment 5
Christopher Demo – Striped Fabric Painted Cornice Box
Christopher demonstrates how to create a whimsical painted cornice box with a fabric
pattern to update a window.
Instructions
Cut two pieces of 1” x 3” wood approximately 12” long for the side pieces of the cornice
box. Cut another piece with width of the cornice, keeping in mind that you will want the
cornice to extend beyond the window frame approximately 2” to 3” on each side. Cut
another piece of wood slightly smaller than the width for mounting to the wall. Cut a
piece of luan the width of the cornice and desired depth, in this case approximately 12”.
Cut the bottom edge of the luan into three scallops to resemble drawn-back curtains with
a swag in the center. Assemble the cornice by making a frame out of the 1” x 3” pieces
and attaching the luan to the face of the cornice box using wood screws and finishing
nails. Anchor the mounting wood strip to the wall using the appropriate hardware for the
type of wall. When the cornice has been painted, mount it to the wood strip on the wall
by screwing wood screws from the top down into the mounting strip.
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THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW
SEASON ONE
Painting the cornice:
Base coat the cornice board. Christopher used a pink and white striped fabric so he
selected four colors for painting the cornice that matched the fabric. They were rose,
cream, yellow and black. Draw lines onto the face of the cornice board to simulate the
folds of the fabric, remembering to draw the centerpiece to follow the scallop of the
bottom of the wood. With the rose color, follow the lines of the drawing. Over top of the
rose color with the cream and using an artist brush, draw in the stripes to match the
stripes in the fabric. As the fabric is in the foreground, the stripes will curve upward. In
the next section, the stripes will curve downward as they appear to fall into the
background. Use black for shading, but use it sparingly. It’s best to use a dry brush for
blending the colors.
Trim the cornice with balled fringe. Make a jabot for each side of the window. Complete
instructions for making a jabot can be found in the Christopher’s Classics section of the
web site. Hang the jabots underneath the cornice.
Segment 6
Whimsical Clothing Designs with Patty Shelabarger
International fashion and furniture designer Patty Shelabarger displays her extravagant
and colorful clothing and furniture designs. The colors she showed were pink and lime
green and featured a Victorian pant set, a dragon applique on a short dress and a negligee
with fabric designed by Patty. Her vintage Levis featured the dragon design with lace
bottoms. Her chairs are very colorful and are upholstered with her handmade and
designed silk fabric. All of her chairs are named, names such as China Lady. The same
detailing found in her clothing is found in her chairs. The strong colors of the wood in the
chairs are also a design element of hers.
Guest Info
Patty Shelabarger
Patti Shelabarger
Web: pattyshelabarger.com
SHOW #259 Enter Laughing
In this episode Christopher show us how to not take decorating so seriously and bring a
sense of humor into our homes. Start with one fun object and before you know it, the
whole house comes alive.
Segment 1
Whimsical Accessories with Designer Anita Rosenberg
Designer Anita Rosenberg joins Christopher to show some of her hand painted
accessories. Her work has been seen on some TV shows such as Friends, Suddenly Susan
and The Practice. Anita used to be a film creator and started painting accessories. She
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showed some of her painted furniture including a table, a tray, lamps and canisters. She
demonstrates how we can create whimsical hand painted candlesticks.
Instructions
Base coat a wooden candlestick with acrylic craft paint. Anita used light green. Paint the
rim and rings around the bottom of the candlestick a contrasting color. Anita used a dark
blue. Let the paint dry. With watered down white acrylic paint, lightly brush over the
blue, creating a white washed effect. Lightly brush over the green with the white wash,
too. Move the brush in all different directions. It gives the look of sanding the paint.
Brush a wood stain over the entire candlestick. She added gold metallic paint to sections
of the candlestick. Add black dots. When dry, paint a gold swirl over the black dots
starting in the center and encircling the black dot. Use metallic paint markers to add more
details. Seal with a clear water-based acrylic sealer usually used for floors.
Guest Info
Anita Rosenberg
1010 San Fernando Road
Los Angeles, CA 90065
323-227-8180
Fax: 323-227-8182
Web: anitarosenberg.com
Author of The Art of Painted Furniture
Chapell-Sterling Pub.
Paradise Café Tour
Christopher takes us on a tour of the cartoon inspired interior of furniture designer Lynn
Winter’s Paradise Café. Lynn fulfilled her joy of design and love of entertaining. A
concrete menagerie is the beginning of a unique dining experience. It’s her outrageous
imagination that began with her furniture making. The décor is ever changing. Her salt
and pepper shakers are always being given away to guests. The menus feature the fun
look of the design of the exterior of the restaurant. The dining tables look like the colorful
chrome and enamel kitchen tables of the 50s. The decorative tiles on the front of the
counter are the result of the collaborative efforts of Lynn’s family and friends. It started
with a rolling pin and a knife. They carved with all sorts of kitchen utensils. The trees
inside the restaurant were reassembled from trees that had fallen in her sister’s yard.
Lynn had a egg decorating contest and the winner received free breakfast for a year
without waiting to be seated. Lynn knows no bounds. She tries to keep the spirit of
community with special feelings.
Guest Info
Lynn’s Paradise Café
984 Barret Ave.
Louisville, KY 40204
502-583-3447
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Segment 3
Christopher Demo – Linoleum Rugs
Christopher demonstrates how to create colorful and fun hand painted and stenciled
linoleum rugs. Some of the finished designs included a Tex-Mex cactus design, leaves
painted on top of a swirled background and paint drizzled over top of a base color.
Instructions
Use linoleum remnants that can be purchased from flooring stores or you might find from
new home installations. Cut a piece the size you desire. You can make them as big or as
small as you like. Choose a selection of leftover paint colors. Christopher taped off a
diamond shaped design using painter’s tape. Then using three coordinating colors, he
marbleized one section. If you need more detailed information about the marbleizing
technique, check the Christopher’s Classics section of the web site. Use a leaf from the
garden, spray paint the back of the leaf of with a contrasting color and press the leaf onto
the marbleized area. On an unpainted area (or paint a solid background color) spray paint
over fern leaves. Remove the ferns leaving the pattern behind. Base coat a section with a
wash of color. Sponge on a darker color. Paint on stripes in a freeform design. Use your
imagination. After the paint has dried, seal with at least three coats of polyurethane.
Segment 4
Flying Spark Furniture
Furniture designer Cairo Cocalis of Flying Spark Furniture joins Christopher to
demonstrate how to make her unusual hand painted wall art and displays her colorful
cartoon furniture pieces. A dog shaped side table is a whimsical fun personality piece in
the room. A coffee table is a large face. Another side table is called “Bruiser Kitty.” A
fabulous chair makes a great entry piece. Or how about putting six or eight of them
around a dining table? Cairo also made a flying saucer table.
Instructions
Start with a piece of medium density fiberboard (MDF) which is sold in lumber stores. It
has no grain to it which is very important. Cut out the form and sand it very carefully so
it’s very smooth. Pencil in a design. In this case it’s a head so eyes, nose and mouth were
drawn on. Use a foam roller to base coat the piece. Cairo used Ralph Lauren paint in a
flat finish. With smaller brushes, paint on the eyes and mouth. Use two coats. Outline all
the features with black pastel chalk and smudge with fingers. Spray on a water-based
sealer to seal pastels in place. Brush on 10 to 25 coats of waterbased varnish. Sand
between each coat with 400 grit sandpaper. If making a wall plaque, add a wire in the
back for hanging.
Guest Info
Cairo Cocalis
Flying Spark Furniture
Rumsey, CA 95679
530-796-3713
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Cairo Cocalis
Flying Sparks Furniture
PO Box 72
Rumsey, CA 95679
Phone/Fax: 530-796-3713
Web: www.waxcreative.com/flyingspark
Segment 5
You Did It!
Christopher’s “You Did It” segment features the home of Valerie Vance who found
inspiration to transform her home after she became home bound. Only two months after
moving to her new home, she was diagnosed with a debilitating disease and discovered
design shows on TV. Over time, she created the whimsical home she wanted. Her
accomplishments encouraged her to do more. She chose an interior with colorful
accessories, humorous sculptures and a New Orleans themed palette and furnishings. She
used black and white canopy window treatment in the kitchen. She made switchplates out
of post cards from New Orleans. To add color to the kitchen cabinets, she made handles
out of paper mache. She painted musicians and musical notes on the cabinet doors. She
covered the chairs with scraps of leftover fabric. Placemats were made from woven
grosgrain ribbon. It’s Mardi Gras time in the living room. She has a purple coach and
yellow chairs. She painted a mural on both walls of musicians playing. She decoupaged
an old cabinet with sheet music and coated it with several coats of polyurethane. She
even added fun colors to the bathroom. Her master bedroom has more of a romantic look
and features her memorabilia.
Segment 6
Nickelodeon Animation Studios Tour
It’s a trip to the Nickelodeon Animation Studios with VP, Mark Taylor for a tour of
the cartoon wonderland. The interior was designed to inspire the creativity of the workers
who create animated cartoons. Going to the office is like a day in the park. It combines
fun, form and function. Workstations feature desks that are wider and deeper and adjust
for the artist’s needs. There are plenty of spaces to refuel including a basketball court. It’s
a way to bring people together. There’s also a park where workers can play baseball. It’s
a work environment where people feel emotionally and creatively satisfied. They know
their talent is appreciated. It promotes more creativity and productivity.
From our viewer mailbag Jan from Vancouver shows her hand-painted kitchen chair
design. Susie shares her hand painted aquarium design she created for a chest of drawers.
Jamie writes to show her designs from her handcrafted furniture line inspired by
Christopher.
Show #260 No Room Is An Island
Christopher demonstrates how important furniture placement is to creating the right flow
to any room. Instead of pushing all the furniture in the room up against the wall, you can
create a more intimate setting by placing clusters of furniture in the center of the room.
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Segment 1
Furniture Arranging in the Showcase House
Christopher takes us to the showcase house to look at the “before” phase of Christopher’s
floor plan. The furniture is arranged in an asymmetrical way with a sofa on the wall near
the window, a chair in front of the fireplace facing a love seat with an ottoman in
between. Placing a tall, narrow table behind a sofa works better than placing it against a
wall. That way a chair can be pulled up to it or it can be used with lamps for lighting
behind the sofa. The room needs an anchor which will be achieved by adding an area rug
to the furniture cluster. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, place an area rug over the
carpeting to define the space. Christopher moved the two sofas in front of the fireplace,
perpendicular to it, and placed an ottoman in between. The cluster is arranged on top of
an area rug. He prefers using a backless settee in the center of the room to accommodate
both conversation groupings to prevent seeing the backs of people’s heads. Along the
wall, a wonderful chest could be placed with a tall plant and lighting. Don’t be afraid to
rearrange the furniture in a room. It could give you a whole new outlook.
SEGMENT 2
How To Arrange Furniture
Christopher showcases several Christopher Lowell classic interiors to show how they
executed the furniture placement. In a hotel lobby photo, a large see-through divider
separates the lobby by a bar area. Low backless seating areas with cushions are flanked
by modern chrome and glass side tables. Furniture can be anchored on each side of the
divider. In another photo, area rugs define conversation groupings, one in the corner and
another in the center of the room. In a child’s room the empty center space could be used
for a low table where kids could play games. Next up was an image of a large room that
served as kitchen, dining room and living room. Christopher suggested moving the sofa
away from the wall to make room for a large piece of furniture or shelves that could
become the focal point of the room.
Maggie, a viewer writes into get advice on how to plan a furniture arrangement for the
living room that will allow her baby to play. Christopher suggests moving the sofa so it’s
perpendicular to the wall and placing a table behind it to be used as a desk. An overscale
table could be placed in front of the sofa and two swivel chairs added opposite the sofa so
they could turn to face the TV as well as be used in the conversation area. Say goodbye to
the bowling alley look in a room.
Next, Christopher demonstrates furniture placement options using building blocks. In his
layout, a fireplace was at one of a long rectangular room. He placed an area rug in front
of the fireplace, then added a backless settee and placed another area rug behind the
settee. At the other end of the room he put a sofa with just the front legs on top of the area
rug. Don’t get two complicated with the design of the area rugs. Christopher placed an
end table on each side of the sofa and a coffee table between the sofa and settee. He
added a couple of chairs on either side of the fireplace. The settee serves as the cross3/7/16
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linking device between the fireplace and the sofa. A table could be added behind the sofa
and additional tables by the wall. Now all the wall space is freed up for adding storage
units and bookcases.
SEGMENT 3
Showcase House Furniture Arranging After
It’s back to the showcase house for the “after” of the arrangement of furniture in the
living room. By the window, two club chairs with lower backs and a table in between
create the first conversation area. A lamp on the table allow for reading. Two ottomans in
front of the chairs provide a place to put up your feet. A couple of trays could become
coffee tables. An English area rug defines the space between the club chairs, and the
backless settee that is placed by the fireplace. It is the cross-linking device to the
conversation area around the fireplace. A large coffee table between the settee and sofa
provides storage and is a great place for hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Another area rug
defines the conversation grouping around the fireplace. Against the wall, two straight
back chairs flank a table that holds a large plant and lamps.
Expressions Custom Furniture
401 11th St. NW
Hickory, NC 28603
800-544-4519
Web site: www.expressionsfurniture.com
SEGMENT 4
Sculpted Carpets from Carpets by Design
Designer Tami Sullivan of Carpets by Design drops in to display original carpet designs
that are unique and functional while husband and partner Paul Rodriguez demonstrates a
customized carpet design. One of the designs shown is a border rug that has a leopard
pattern in the center, a black border followed by a zebra border around the outside. In
another sample, neutral color tones of different textures were put together with borders.
Sculptured carpet in the center of a tone-on-tone sample was bordered with a darker strip.
The border was also created by the beveling of the carpet. The fourth sample showed a
tapestry corner inset on a wool sisal carpet with a border strip. Photos showed room-sized
rugs with multi-borders. In one, a leaf design was added to a wide border and carved. In a
kitchen, bright colors were added on top of black and white checks. A 50s theme was
done in a family room. Other sculpted rugs included a round globe of the world, a
whimsical swirl with stars and a carpet wall tapestry.
Paul Rodriguez described how the sculpted carpets are made. First, a cardboard template
with the design is traced on the back of the carpet. The piece is cut out of both pieces of
carpet at the same time; one that will become the piece that is inset into the other one.
The tool used is similar to a jig saw. Next the piece is glued into place. A glue gun is used
on the seam to fuse the two pieces together. A fiberglass mesh strip is added to the back
and glued in place for extra strength. Then the carpet is carved with a shaving tool.
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Tami Sullivan and Paul Rodriguez
Carpets by Design
University Place, WA 98466
800-827-7088 or 253-565-7088
SEGMENT 5
Eileen Paulin Redecorates Christopher’s Folly Shed
Romantic Homes Magazine editor, Eilleen Paulin joins Christopher to share her
transformation of the Folly shed interior into a creative retreat. She added a potting table
so that creative crafters can use the space or re-pot plants. On the wall, a rack was created
using wood dowels for holding wrapping paper and spools of ribbon. A small shelf holds
flower pots. On the wall, a sponging technique was used, then a garden stencil was done
on top. The stencils are from a new collection by Delta Technical Coatings. A cute clock
had a garden theme. Craft supplies can be placed in a little window box on the potting
table. An unfinished cabinet with glass doors was painted and fabric was shirred behind
the glass panels. It brings a wonderful softness to the space and cuts down on the noise. A
wooden garden bench was loaded with colorful pillows in a variety of styles and fabrics.
A small shelf was added to the bottom of window shutters, and flower pots were placed
on the shelf. They give architectural detail to the room. An old milking bench with a
wooden box on top became a side table with storage. A linoleum rug was made by
painting the back of a piece of linoleum and stenciling it. Several coats of polyurethane
were added to seal it. It’s easy to clean and ties the room together. An old birdcage was
placed in one corner, and a hand-painted wood stool was used for seating at the potting
table. Baskets are used for storage of fabric under the table.
Eileen Paulin
Associate Publisher/Editor
Romantic Homes
265 So. Anita, Suite 120
Orange, CA 92868
714-939-9991 ext. 212
Web: www.romantichomesmag.com
Subscription Info
Romantic Homes Magazine
P. O. Box 420661
Palm Coast, FL 32142
800-829-7830
Waverly Fabrics
Web site: www.decoratewaverly.com
Stencils
Delta Technical Coatings
2550 Pellissier Place
Whittier, CA 90601
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800-423-4135
Web: www.deltacrafts.com
SEGMENT 6
Tropical Plant Curb Appeal from Burkhard Nurseries
Frank Burkhard of Burkhard Nurseries completely transforms the Christopher Lowell
studio house front yard by using tropical plants. Keep in mind climate considerations.
Frank used new varieties of hibiscus as well as bamboo which can grow to over 100 feet.
It’s best to contain plants by planting them in pots. This year’s version of the solar
powered butterfly is the solar powered fish to add whimsy to the garden. An improved
mission chair has large arms to hold drinks or even a laptop computer. Ferns are planted
in the shade. Ivy is used to disguise the containers.
Frank Burkhard, Jr.
Burkhard Nurseries
690 Orange Grove Avenue
Pasadena, CA
626-796-4355
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