American College of the Building Arts

The American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) is decicated to educating the next generation of building artisans and to preserving the building arts in a manner never before seen in America. Under the direction of our experienced faculty, students have the opportunity to recieve a quality liberal arts education while they learn to skills required to excel in their chosen field. This combination of education, training and access to highly experienced faculty is available nowhere else in the United States. The departments of study include: Stone, Carpentry, Forged Architectural Ironwork, Plaster Working, Preserved Masonry and Timber Framing.

I am speaking at their event on March 19 on how to incorporate custom details such as ironwork, woodwork, stone and plaster into interior design as well as how to repurpose old architectural pieces and elements into current interiors.

But I need help! I want to have as many visuals as I can to show the people that attend the event so I am asking for you to submit to me any photos of either interesting architectural details that you have used in your home or design projects OR old architectural pieces/elements that you have incorporated into your home or design projects. I will be featuring your photos on my blog (with your permission) and selecting a winner at random to receive one of my favorite books, For The Love of Old by Mary Randolph Carter. Please submit all photos to me sidney@eclectic-idg.com by Friday, March 11. Let me know if you have any questions! Here are some ideas to get you inspired!

I Shutter To Think...

[I feel like Carrie Bradshaw sometimes with these bad puns.]

I am working on finding the perfect old shutters/doors for a client's bedroom. I love that you can take this...

And do this...

via decorpad

Cottage Living

via loftandcottage blog

via cotedetexas blog

via willowdecor blog

via eclecticrevisited blog

Don't forget to take a moment and answer my survey for a chance to win a fabulous prize! I have already received SUCH good (and thank God positive) feedback! Thank you!!!

What Do You Think...Old Chunks of Wood or Salvaged Gems?

I often use old architectural pieces in design jobs. However, I also often get flack from the husbands who say something like "you want me to pay how much for that old chunk of wood?" I get where they are coming from...but I just think these pieces have so much character! Typically, they are one-of-a-kind and come with layers and layers of old paint and chipped pieces that make you wonder about their history. Call me a romantic but I see much more than "an old chunk of wood!" What about you...old chunks of wood or salvaged gems?

Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are!

I kinda feel bad for all of the homeless armoires out there since the invention of the flat screen TV. But I am happy to have more design freedom than revolving a room around a large TV cabinet. And it has been interesting to witness the design world adapt to the change in technology. As you might guess, I am more interested in the creative and customized solutions than the standard issue stock variety but each has its place in society so here goes...

Me Likey!

I really like the idea of using architectural pieces like this.

I don't know if the owners hid a TV behind those old doors or not but it would be a lot cooler if they did!

And these smart folks used the space under the stairs to do some built-in cabinets that when closed, gives the illusion of a flat wall with amazing architectural detail. Kudos!

Ok, these are the standard stock issue variety I was referring to earlier...still smart, just more obvious. There is a frame surrounding the flat screen and the art actually rolls down to conceal the television. You can choose from their art or submit your own artwork. Additionally, there is a mirror option where you can see the TV picture when it is on but you just see the mirror when it is off.

via homeimprovementsdepot.com

Eh. A little to Star Trek-ish for me.

via homeimprovementsdepot.com

Check out this craziness...it lifts out from under the bed!

I am thinking the person that buys this also has a recliner with a built-in cooler.

via homeimprovementsdepot.com

Y'all have any other ideas? Leave me a comment!

Re-purposing Architectural Elements

Add a mirror to give it a function.

Or hang it as a piece of art.

Use old doors, windows, gates as a headboard.

Use shutters as a dividing screen.

If building or remodeling, use the architectural element in it's original form.

(oh, how I covet these circles!)

As I have probably mentioned (many times before) I love to use old architectural pieces in new and exciting ways. Living in Charleston, old items like windows, shutters, doors, etc. are pretty prevalent. As I sold the window from my online store Objects yesterday, I got inspired to post all these images I have collected of interesting architectural elements used in an updated manner. I hated to see the little guy go but I am excited to see how my friend uses it in her new home!

~Images: 1) Unknown 2) Traditional Home 3) Traditional Home May 2006 4) House Beautiful March 2008 5) Coastal Living 6) via shelter blog 7) Cottage Living September 2008 8) Coastal Living 9) Southern Accents July/Aug 2007

It's All In The Details...

The additon of the oval detailing in these typical french doors is just BRILLIANT! I had my carpenter install an oval design in the transom of a client's home. I think he wanted to kill me with all the math involved in making them but I think they turned out great!

~Images: 1) Designer Diamond Baratta 2) My Portfolio

We Need More Corbel(s)!

I love the idea of using old corbels and brackets in an interesting way. As I have mentioned before, I am obsessed with circles and found these great rusty, old iron brackets that I used to help delineate between my dining and living room.

Like them? Then you might like this too...

~Images: 1 and 2) Unknown 3) Designer Sara Robinson 4) Better Homes & Gardens March 2009 5) My Portfolio