Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Eco-chic makeover in East Harlem!

Hello, and happy almost-Thanksgiving to you all! Tonight I'm excited to share some inspiration pics with you, and to fill you in on my first reno project! I recently moved to East Harlem in search of more space, and stumbled upon an apartment that occupies the entire third floor of a prewar brownstone! Surprisingly, I pay less rent than in my previous 325 square foot home, and I now have enough room for my very first Rubie Green office! The catch? It's in dire need of a face lift. So I've partnered up with a decorating magazine (wish I could tell you which one!) and will be spending the next few months giving my new home an eco-friendly makeover including paint, flooring, counter tops and decor. Here's a bit of inspiration...

Last summer when I visited the J.K. Capri, I fell in love with the combination of blues, grays, pinks, silver accent lighting and white wood paneling! I've been researching different types of eco-friendly paints, and think I'm going to choose Benjamin Moore's Natura collection with zero VOC's. They're available this spring in any color! (I like the two above;)

I also fell in love with J.K.'s thick seagrass wallpaper, so I've got my heart set on Phillip Jeffries' Madagascar Raffia, made of banana and palm leaves with an eco-friendly stain repellent finish. Lastly here's a small inspiration board for my living room! I'm working with Chairloom to reupholster a vintage armchair in my Rubie Green East Village fabric, and will also be hanging artwork by Patrick Cline such as the jaw-dropping horse photo above. (Patrick and I have been shooting together for almost a year, and will soon be selling signed prints! I'll be sure to keep you posted;) Finally, I'll be using a navy blue greek key print in my living room and office, and am hoping to get these sconces for Christmas!

21 comments:

Suzy said...

How exciting! Can't wait to see the pics!

Brown Button Trading said...

I second Suzy's comment - how exciting! And I LOVE Patrick Cline's work - thanks for the introduction, and can't wait to see the signed pieces! xx

Courtney said...

Oh my goodness I'm soooo excited for you! I can not wait to hear/see more AND see the finished result in a magazine. What fun!

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Congrats on the new apartment. That's great news! I can't wait to see the new office re-do. I love that everything is going to be done with green products and shown in a magazine.

So excited to see that you are going to be selling Patrick Cline prints! Wonderful!

Hope you have a happy thanksgiving!

xoxo Camila

kelleyp said...

my bets are on domino as the magazine. i cannot wait to see the end results. love your fabrics.

i.rene said...

hi - i have a question about the tablecloth in the first picture. i have a similar sized table. how did you buy enough cloth to fit the table and did you take it to a seamstress? thanks!

Megan said...

Thanks for the intro to Phillip Jeffries-- love the look of natural wall covering. Can't wait to see more of your eco-chic ideas!

Jenny said...

I absolutely cannot wait to see your new place!! :)

pve design said...

Lovely! Look forward to see more. You should come out to the burbs and we could scout the thrift stores for fun things for your new pad! Love your colors.

No.35style said...

Ooh, exciting! Can't wait to see the final result!

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

GREAT JOB....you rock!

Jen Ramos
'100% Recycled DESIGNER Cards & More'
www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

Jessica Claire said...

that's great news michelle!

i love the scheme you're going for and am so excited to see how it turns out!

PS- i'm also betting on domino, haha

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your new place! I'm in Harlem too but on the west side. Welcome to the neighborhood:) Can't wait to see more of your new place!

Mrs. Blandings said...

Can't wait to see the finished project - it's so great to start fresh!

AphroChic said...

How exciting! You are always doing such fun things. I wanted to tell you that I'm meeting up with your friend Patrick on Saturday! I'll be in NYC and am working on a new project. I'm so excited to meet him,and to have found him through your website.

LaLu said...

How did you find this fab apartment? It sounds too wonderful to be true. I live on the UES and thiking of moving further up for more space. Pls. do tell.....

Michelle {lovely little things} said...

I love how they decorated those rooms!! Gorgeous

Anonymous said...

I have a feeling I know which mag you're working with :) What issue will it be in? I just moved into a new apartment too, and it's in major need of some TLC -- let me know if you're looking for a future project, and good luck with the reno! I'm sure it will be as gorgeous as all of your other work.

Lane

perfect bound said...

so exciting for you + us. I've always wondered how magazines pick the houses they makeover. will you keep us posted, pretty please.

辦公室貓頭鷹 The Office Owl said...

I have those sconces, MA! I LOVE them. the only issue is that the shade wobbles a bit... i don't if it's because i have the wrong light bulbs on or what... haha if u ever figure out what i'm doing wrong, tell me! good luck on your new place! i can't wait to see pictures of it (too bad i will no longer be able to see it in person). :( have a great holiday!

Unknown said...

I sort of stumbled upon your blog, and wondered when you got your "I love New York more than ever" print. I've looked online, but can't seem to find it...