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November 2008
Jessica Alba’s eco-friendly home
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jessica Alba’s new home was recently featured in InStyle magazine.
The two-story home in L.A. is a totally eco-friendly production.
Most of the furniture (except the custom made sofas) was bought used and refinished. Alba searched Craigslist and hunted vintage stores and hotel-liquidation warehouses with decorator Kari Whitman for items with an old Hollywood theme.
Other eco-friendly touches include a chlorine free saltwater pool, non-toxic paints and organic linens.
It’s a great design strategy, one I’d love to employ in my own home, but here’s where Mrs. Alba-Warren and I part ways:
1) I’m broke
2) I can’t afford an interior decorator to help me out (see # 1)
What are your tips for a time and cost efficient path to DIY eco-friendly home design?
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Home & Garden Warehouse sale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When it comes to sales, there’s only one thing that makes me happier than seeing a discount sign: the word “warehouse.”
Today I’m headed to Napa Home & Garden in Duluth to check out their once-every-five-years warehouse sale of outdoor furniture, garden accessories, planters, pottery and more. (Napa typically only sells wholesale, so this a chance for the rest of us to get in on the action.) According to a press release, look for 75 to 85 percent off retail price off the goods. Sale began this week and runs until supplies last.
Fall is a great time to plant your perennials and trees, which is why I’m hoping to stock up on deeply discounted planters for my patio.
Napa Home & Garden is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The address is 3480 Summit Ridge Parkway in Duluth, at the intersection of Peachtree Industrial & Summit Ridge Parkway.
Call 888-893-2323 for details.
Know of a great sale? Send me a note at kleslie@ajc.com
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A Home Sanctuary
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Many of us have more demands on our time than ever before, so time spent just relaxing at home has become that much more important.
Lately, I’ve been feeling the need to carve out space in my home that serves as a sanctuary from the madness.
At any given time there is sure to be a bit of chaos in places like the kitchen or the bathroom…so how do I find that one space that is always clutter free where I can decompress?
When the weather was warmer, it was my balcony. Now I have to put in a little work turning an indoor space into a nice unwinding spot, like maybe rearranging my study to incorporate a sitting area near the window (which has the best view in the house).
What room in your home serves as your sanctuary?
How did you decorate it?
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Storing ideas
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’ve read our blog for any length of time, you may have picked up on my affinity for clever storage solutions, like the kitty station we featured last week.
Today on ajchomefinder, we’re featuring Gracey McKeown’s French chateau-inspired estate. While I loved touring the lush courtyard and spacious elegant rooms, what really excited this design devotee involved hidden compartments for her TV and silver collection.
Check out her dining room, where wallpapered walls conceal touch-latch cabinetry. Black velvet fabric-lined shelving adds the perfect backdrop for her silver serving pieces.
In a nearby study, a TV hides behind a presumed bookcase. It’s enough to make me wish for built-ins to conceal my flatscreen.
What are your biggest storage needs? From the pantry to wardrobe to media storage, what kinds of tips are you looking for in organizing your personal space?
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