Divided we stand

Studio Source MV is brought to you by Breese Architects and Interiors Studio Martha’s Vineyard.

So, you buy or rent a beautiful space after falling in love with its great open floor plan.  Then after living in it for awhile you start to think about how nice it would be to have a bit of division in the space…not whole rooms but just something to show that this is the Living Room and this is the Dining Room. Now the question aries, do you build or buy something to define different areas, blocking out natural light and the feeling of openess?

Once upon a time room dividers were just that, pieces used to define and seperate large rooms. Thus creating cozier spaces that would also provide a sense of privacy. They were made to move around easily but were often bulky and blocked the light. Well…not anymore.

People are defining areas in some interesting ways and still keeping the space true to its open feel. Using recycled pieces, such as windows and doors, allows the room to still have that openness and lets  natural light shine through. Here are some of our favorite ideas to divide and define your large open space…..we are currently working on an idea to define a bathroom space, we’ll keep you posted!

Seeing the light….

Studio Source MV is brought to you by Breese Architects and Interiors Studio Martha’s Vineyard.

We are so excited to share the work of Lighting Artist Stuart Haygarth with you. Ok so his first exhibit was about six years ago but we were recently  introduced to his work while visiting the London Design Museum this fall,  his Spectical Chandelier became one of our favorite discoveries of the day. Haygarth re-purposes glasses that are donated to charities but for whatever reason are unable to be used. He saves them from the incinerator and gives them new life as art.  The dappled light that the lenses produce is stunning.  The pictures, though lovely don’t do justice to what a truly unique chandelier it is. Our favorite part is that you can buy Haygarth’s chandeliers! Not to worry if the one we’ve featured seems to long for your room, they come in different sizes! They really must be seen to be appreciated, so check out his exhibition the next time you’re in London. If, like most of us, that London trip won’t be happening any time soon, stop by his website and see about purchasing an original work of art for yourself!

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Treasure Hunting….

Studio Source MV is brought to you by Breese Architects and Interiors Studio Martha’s Vineyard.

On a recent buying trip we reconfirmed the idea that you never know where you’ll stumble upon a great find. Portobello Road, in Edgartown, has a great eclectic selection of art as well as new and found objects. As we perused the isles on a hunt for an old tin shelf we found a great option that was unfortunately too short. Crossing our fingers, we asked the woman behind the counter if they had any others. She told us they might have another in their storage room.

The back space was unlocked and we were ushered in with the warning that we probably wouldn’t find anything but were welcome to try. It was full of funky old odds and ends. As we waded through old pottery, baskets, chairs and tin lunch boxes (picture American Pickers, except in heels!) we found a pair of old shutters with beautiful peeling turquoise paint and carved half-moon details….treasure! We quickly scooped up our find and brought it to our clients house. They were hung side by side in his guest bathroom as a fun pop of color and a funky place to hang towels. The weathered texture of the doors is just awesome and we never would have found them had we not asked to step inside a storage room.

Coming around again…

During a Brimfield treasure hunt, we stumbled upon two antique French riddling racks. We fell in love with the slightly distressed wood and small cubby holes. We brought them back to the Studio and have used them as a way to display some of our favorite fabrics.

 Originally they were created as a way to remove sediment from champagne during the second fermentation of the sparkling wine. Each bottle is placed neck down into one of the cubbies. Everyday they are taken out, lightly shaken and turned by a Remuer who has has been specially trained.

  Because it isn’t cost effective anymore to have someone manually turn the bottles everyday, only the finest champagnes are still made using this age old tradition. Maybe that’s why it tastes so good!

In our studio, drapping fabric is a unique way to display some of our favorite textiles.

 

Today riddling racks can be used as wonderful ways to store a personal wine collection or, even as containers for edible gardens. Here are a couple of our favorite uses.

Using a riddeling rack as a wallcovering is a great way to add visual interest.

 Use to create an edible wall! A beautiful way to maximize space in a small garden.