Concord Green

The story behind the cover story...

2012-01-15T12:30:00.012-05:00

Design New England magazine cover story. Design by Lisa K. Tharp. Photos by Eric Roth.

I have received a number of inquiries about my kitchen, bathrooms and interiors designs featured in this month's Design New England magazine's cover story. So, I thought I would share more details about my design approach for this special home.

Click HERE for more...

We made the cover! Design New England Magazine

2011-12-22T07:44:00.029-05:00

I was thrilled to learn that, not only would Design New England magazine be including a feature story on The Concord Green Healthy Home for its upcoming issue, the editors selected my European-style bath design for the cover.

I think back to my plan for an open shower bath, with a wall mounted vanity and dual-flush toilet. I used an unexpected mix of materials -- a pitched cobblestone-inspired floor tile, a wainscot of horizontal limestone plank reminiscent of weathered wood, upper walls tiled in classic white subway and punctuated with daylight-sharing clerestory windows, with a curved floating carrera marble vanity, all topped off with galvanized barn lights. Part luxurious powder room, part outdoor shower, right? Hmmm. More than one person looked at me as if I was a bit crazy. :-) I am happy to have held on to the vision.

Special thanks to Design New England's editor Gail Ravgiala, for believing in the project. Can't wait to see Eric Roth's gorgeous photos of the rest of the interiors gracing the magazine's pages.

Look for the Jan/Feb 2012 issue the first week of January, available online (click "Current Issue") and in print.

Meanwhile, wishing you all a healthy and joyous holiday season, and a happy new year!

Lisa

Earth-Friendly + Gorgeous Wallpapers

2011-12-06T06:36:00.008-05:00

Montague Grasscloth in Shower. Interior design by Kimberly Ayers.

While working on a client's formal entry, I've happily discovered a new line of earth-friendly grasscloth wallpaper from the hip, creative team of Kyra and Robertson Hartnett at Twenty2. I am pleased to report that Twenty2's wallpaper is hand screen-printed right here in the USA, so you can buy local too.

Known for their hand-colored wall coverings, fabrics, carpets and accessories, Twenty2's signature is "a unique blend of classic modernism and punchy contemporary styling". Let's check out some of their glorious product, "fresh from Litchfield, CT".

Here's their Neptunian Grasscloth in a funky foyer, also by Kimberly Ayers:

Sherwood Grasscloth (custom color), House + Garden Hamptons Showhouse 2006, by Michael Rosenberg + Associates:

Maxwell Fabric in Ruby + Cacao, Half Max Wallpaper in Silt:

Twenty2's website even has video and still photography of their hand screen production process, if you are interested in seeing how local artisans craft their product.

Hope you check them out. I've already ordered memo samples - process was speedy and Kyra kindly called me personally to let me know they were shipping. Can't wait for the package of goodies to arrive.

Cheers,

Lisa

Ultra Compact Lego-Inspired Apartment

2011-11-21T08:25:00.000-05:00

Just had to share this hip, ultra compact apartment. A true study in low impact living.

"When Christian Schallert isn't cooking, dressing, sleeping or eating, his 24 square meter (258 square feet) apartment looks like an empty cube. To use a piece of furniture, he has to build it.

Located in Barcelona's hip Born district, the tiny apartment is a remodeled pigeon loft. Christian says its design was inspired by the space-saving furniture aboard boats, as well as the clean lines of a small Japanese home."

Find of the day...

2011-11-21T05:52:00.002-05:00

Love the cremone casement hardware and screened doors on this Pine 4 Door Bookcase from Halo Styles. This company has a gorgeous line of casegoods and upholstery. Please inquire at lisa@ktharpdesign.com for purchase.

Conservatories: Not Just A Luxury

2011-10-06T06:14:00.010-04:00

Okay, this elaborate, award-winning two-story example does seem rather like a big old luxury. Photo: Town and Country

I was recently asked by one of my interior design clients to update her home's conservatory. She marveled at my unabashed enthusiasm for the task. I understood. Working on the interior rooms of her grand home was enjoyable enough. But what I didn't fully communicate was the depth of my admiration for these incredible spaces, whose beauty runs far deeper than their luxurious "to the manor born" heritage.

Glengariffe Solar House's south-facing Conservatory supplies 45% of annual heating requirement. Photo: Viking House.

Conservatories, or sun spaces, have glass roof and walls and are typically attached to a house only on one side. They originated in sun-starved parts of 16th century Europe, and afforded wealthy landowners the ability to cultivate citrus plants from the Mediterranean. Now, they are a passive heating engineer's trump card, the sunniest indoor/outdoor connection in which to soak up some vitamin D, a greenhouse for oxygen-generating plants, and a place to grow your own organic food year-round. Seems to me that the cost per square foot to build vs. traditional interior space may be a logical swap. Now I really want one... :)

Oh happy days. How would your kids like to run around the house here? Source: unknown (from my image archive)

But let's get back to this special space's ability to passively heat your home. In fact, it can even actively maintain comfortable temperatures, as Viking House's Active Solar House demonstrates:

Photo: Viking House

While the conservatory's dark floor tiles passively absorb and store solar heat, this sun space actively maintains comfortable temperatures on both hot and cold days with its ventilation and shading system.

"Convector ventilation: The cooling of the Sunspace during warm weather is facilitated through a convection system, facilitated by creating a channel between the insulated aluminum blinds and the glazed roof in combination with opening flaps on the very bottom and very top of the construction." Courtesy: Viking House.

"Hot vent: On sunny, but cold days, the blinds are rolled up and sun light enters the space. Here it heats the air which begins to move upwards. Ducts that connect the inside of the building with the conservatory are opened by the BMS and the warm air travels through to the inner rooms, being moved by the convection motion. Cold air from inside the house is brought back to the sunspace at ground floor level, thus creating a circulation of ever warmer air." Courtesy: Viking House.

Beautiful!

Now for a little conservatory design inspiration...

(Apologies to architects, designers, photographers, and homeowners. I have been saving these images in my design files since before I noted sources. Please email me at lisa@ktharpdesign.com with credit information and I will happily update this post.)

Pushing the Envelope on Healthy Home Design

2011-09-27T07:19:00.001-04:00

The first Hempcrete and Purepanel home built in North America, by Push Design, epitomizes building principles that are healthy for people and the planet.

One terrific outcome of being featured on the DIY Network's show This NEW House is connecting with others who are seeking a healthier way to design and build homes. I was thrilled to be contacted by Anthony Brenner, the visionary behind Push Design, who was inspired by his daughter Bailey's struggle with severe Environmental and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Brenner tirelessly researched building materials to create the safest, non-toxic "recipe" for the homes his company now builds.

Interiors can be healthy AND beautiful. Photo: Push Design

Brenner's philosophy is that "the current industry standard of ultra-tight, chemical and petroleum-based building strategies is, by nature, inherently flawed. We are confident that high thermal mass, breathable and naturally-based building systems can not only achieve the same or better energy efficiency, but also eliminate any Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) concerns and are truly sustainable."

Ashville, NC's first non-toxic home, in progress. Photo: Push Design

Brenner is pioneering the use of revolutionary materials, such as Tradical Hemcrete, made from hemp, one of the most sustainable crops on earth, in order to create truly non-toxic homes.

Check back for more updates on Push Design soon.

Cheers, and good health.

Lisa

Concord Green on TV

2011-09-20T07:51:00.000-04:00

Join This NEW House tv host Kevin O'Connor and myself as we tour The Concord Green Healthy Home and discuss some of its healthy and sustainable features. Included in the episode entitled "Back To The Woods", the segment is the last of four during the half hour program. Produced by the creators of This Old House, the show airs on The DIY Network, this Friday, September 23 at 11 am ET.

Would love to have you tune in.

Cheers,

Lisa

Houzz features The Concord Green Healthy Home

2011-08-28T17:08:00.001-04:00

The Concord Green Healthy Home on Houzz today

Today finds The Concord Green Healthy Home on the front page of Houzz.com, an online magazine that provides inspiration for design and remodeling. Expertly written by Becky Harris, the feature provides a detailed tour of the home, with commentary from ZeroEnergy Design architect, Stephanie Horowitz and myself.

Thank you, Becky! And to Adam Prince, of ZeroEnergy Design, for continuing to spread the word about our project.

One grand gesture...

2011-08-04T08:23:00.007-04:00

Large scale pendants grace the kitchen of The Concord Green Healthy Home. Photo: Eric Roth

Sometimes, one grand gesture can pull an entire room together. I designed these oversize pendants, hung from the ridge beam of the gable roof 16' up, to make a bold statement in the Concord Green Healthy Home's kitchen. Crafted by Carol Collord of Creations by Carol, the 100% linen shades with exposed twine stitching provide a soft, Belgian farmhouse accent to the light and airy space.

The pendants frame the symmetry of the kitchen beautifully. In the evenings, pools of light on the island's concrete countertop set the mood. Photo: Allegra Anderson Photography

Photo: Allegra Anderson Photography

A huge thank you to Carol for her incredible work and meticulous attention to detail.

Healthy House on Wheels

2011-07-08T09:56:00.004-04:00

Vintage Airstream from Taylor Design Healthy Homes

Dreaming of vacationing with one of these babies. Cool Vermont firm, Taylor Design Healthy Homes, retrofits vintage Airstreams to make them healthy for people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), as well as for anyone seeking healthy materials in their living environment.

Airstream interiors are gutted and then completely rebuilt with people-friendly materials.

Now, if only I could figure out a way to haul it behind the Prius. :)

Reclaimed Lighting for a Beach House

2011-05-23T07:25:00.008-04:00


Just ordered one of these gorgeous pendants for the beach house dining nook - Oversized Whitewashed Pendant from Vagabond Vintage.

I am happily working on interior design for a beach house renovation on the Maine coast. Great way to get in the summer spirit. Reclaimed lighting is the perfect fit for what will be a casually elegant atmosphere -- just add sandy feet, mix in stylish family entertaining, and stir.


A pair of these beauties will flank the master bed - Reclaimed Wood and Chrome Sconce Light from Clayton Gray Home

Three of any of these Vintage Metal Steel Funnel lamps would lend a cool industrial vibe over a kitchen island - also from Vagabond Vintage.

Art-Inspired Interiors

2011-05-05T08:42:00.001-04:00


Learn how to build beautiful interiors around inspiring works of art. Reception on May 7, from 4-7pm at Powers Gallery in Acton, MA

Cool New Magazine features Concord Green

2011-04-20T09:18:00.003-04:00

New England Finery Magazine's current issue is devoted to green living, in honor of Earth Day, April 22, 2011. Thanks for the mention!

I was delighted to learn that this blog would be featured in the upcoming issue of New England Finery Magazine's Propagating Green section. This new online magazine's second edition covers many aspects of green living in New England, including shopping vintage, building green, growing a garden and finding eco-friendly furnishings and finishes.

I encourage you to check it out!

Lisa

Inaugural Issue

Double Duty Rooms: Dining Room / Library

2011-04-18T06:58:00.002-04:00

Dining Room / Library of THE CONCORD GREEN HEALTHY HOME Design by Lisa Kauffman Tharp. Photo: Eric Roth

A core strategy in building with a lighter footprint on the planet is to build smaller. Assigning double duty to the traditionally under-utilized rooms in the American home is a perfect way to achieve the goal. One of my favorite examples is the dining room that doubles as a library. Key elements include a large table, comfy chairs (non-matched seating is like a good party that mixes different personalities), storage for books (displayed or hidden is up to you), and lots of sunshine during the day. At night, dimmer switches and candle lanterns completely transform the mood.

A different daytime view of the Dining Room / Library. Design and photo: Lisa Kauffman Tharp

Here are some of my favorite inspirations for the "Eat In Library":

Design by Diane Bergeron

Design by Miles Redd

Design by Darryl Carter, as featured in O at Home

Adding Patina...

2011-04-08T11:11:00.001-04:00

Black iron rods are transformed with a non-toxic rust patina.

The design plan for this New England farmhouse called for drapery rods that had a bronze/rust patina. Short leadtimes would have made custom rods very expensive. Why not give some standard black rods a little aging and color with paint? Turns out, it was quite simple:

I found cool black rods, brackets and rings at Restoration Hardware. Then I called the nice folks at ECOS Organic paints, who speedy-shipped a quart each of their non-toxic Feng Shui Multi-Surface Paint in Gallery (a reddish orange) and Brushy Creek Brown. They assured me that this benign paint would stick to metal. They were right. :)


Rods were lightly sanded (inside plastic with wet sanding sponge to control dust).


Next, "sock puppet hands" (with plastic bag liners underneath) dip alternately in each color paint to get the right mix of patina and rub it on.


Dry and ready to hang in about 30 minutes.

Voila! The bronze and rust tones beautifully complement Jim Holland's gorgeous Two In The Dunes oil painting, from Powers Gallery.

For interior design or healthy/green design services, email me at Lisa@KTharpDesign.com.

All photos: Kauffman Tharp Design

Find your haven at home...

2011-03-29T10:47:00.004-04:00


A sunny place to relax and refresh. Photo: Eric Roth

"A room of one's own"... "an escape hatch"... "a tiny retreat under the eaves"... many ways to describe a space carved out somewhere in your home where you can leave the stresses of daily life behind, and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

Reclaimed wood desk is complemented by vintage factory stool, artist easel, tin pail with rolls of antique wallpaper, seagrass basket with vintage wallpaper printing cylinders (very cool!), wire gym locker for holding fabric swatches, a birds nest display under the glass cloche, and a linen-covered nail-head bench I scored from West Elm. Nautical sconces and mercury lamp with netting overlay complete the look. Photo: Eric Roth

This sunny loft was the perfect spot to create such a space. The finished attic houses exercise equipment at one end, and an area for creativity at the other. It's quiet, with windows on three sides. As you sit at the desk, perched on the tall stool, views of the treetops and town inspire fresh ideas. I think I may never come down. :) And if you ask me whether it is better to finish a basement or an attic, I will vote attic every time. Dark and dank vs. sunny and breezy. Which would you choose?

Resources:
Nail-head Bench - West Elm
Stool and Accessories - Nesting On Main
Art - Grand Battement by me
Floor Paint - ECOS Organic Floor Paint

How to use Nautical Charts to Map out a Feature Wall

2011-03-26T06:09:00.003-04:00


Home Office of The Concord Green Healthy Home. Design by Lisa Kauffman Tharp. Photo: Eric Roth.

Nautically-inspired interior design is a wonderful way to connect your home with nature. It can veer into the land of cliche however, so one has to execute carefully. For this Office space, I actually pull from several thematic territories - nautical, barn and flight (with that gorgeous antique propeller) - but it works because each element is quietly adding to the overall beauty of the space without calling too much theme-y attention to itself.

Of course, the nautical chart wall is one of the principle elements that pulls the room together. I have always loved nautical charts for their muted tan and aqua colors, and ability to conjure up daydreams of sailing the seas. (Hmm, perhaps I wouldn't get much work done at that desk.)

Here is how you can recreate this look:

1. Plan. Select a focal point wall (or get crazy and cover the entire room). Measure to calculate the square footage of chart material needed.

2. Source and prep chart material. Expired edition charts are easier to find at reasonable prices in large quantity. Trim up to the colored areas with an exacto knife and straight edge.


3. Layout. Spread out the trimmed charts on the floor to make sure the design is pleasing. Pay attention to the balance between colors and white space. Don't be afraid to cut and piece different charts together to make the design more interesting.

4. Tack up charts (and paste, if desired). Using push pins, tack up the trimmed charts to the wall. I used clear pins and smoothed the charts tightly as I covered the wall, trimming for a perfect fit as I went along. I planned the tacking as a prep-step prior to pasting the charts with homemade wallpaper paste, but it looked so good that I didn't need to go the extra step. If you do want to paste them to the wall, here is a great non-toxic recipe for wallpaper paste. Be sure to test first, to make sure the colors will not run.

Barn Doors: I designed the tall sliding barn doors to provide ultimate flexibility between the Office space and the adjacent Dining Room / Library. When all four doors are slid to the side wall, the two spaces feel like one larger space. When closed, the Office has privacy, while still sharing light and views through the upper glass.

Resources

Nautical Charts - Maryland Nautical Sales

Barn Doors - Design by Lisa Kauffman Tharp. Built by Circle B / Barn Depot.

Propeller and pillow - Nesting On Main

Chair - Arhaus

Custom Drapery Panels - Acorn Interiors

Art and Model Sailboat - Powers Gallery

Indoor Green: Healthy Plants and Flowers bring the Outdoors In

2011-03-21T20:30:00.004-04:00

Photo: Courtesy of Copper Penny Flowers

Nothing connects our interiors to the outside world better than plants and freshly cut flowers. There are even great choices for minimizing water use, and for those who suffer from allergies. Check out these beauties from Copper Penny Flowers.

Seedums, such as these "Hens and Chicks" add fresh succulent beauty, and require very little water. Photo: Kauffman Tharp Design

Orchids are not only beautiful, they are rated a 1 for "Best" on the OPALS allergy rating scale. Photo: Kauffman Tharp Design

Jennifer Eaton, owner of Copper Penny Flowers, can provide beautiful plant selections based on your own Healthy House goals. Here, she makes sure that everything looks perfect for the recent television and print shoots.

A big thank you to Jennifer for the gorgeous finishing touches!

Lisa

Add Architectural Dimension with Built-In Furniture

2011-03-08T08:33:00.004-05:00

Photo: Kauffman Tharp Design

3-D isn't just for hit Hollywood movies these days. Adding dimension to walls can completely transform a room. By framing this triple window with a window seat and pair of bookshelves, we add inviting seating, not to mention lots of open and closed storage. These improvements even repair proportion issues in the space.

BEFORE: Notice the wider space to the right of the triple window, leaving the room lacking in symmetry.


SOLUTION: Custom-built pair of matching bookcases by Bostonwood will establish much needed symmetry around the triple window. Installation by Aedi Construction.

IN PROGRESS: Next, we added a window seat, also crafted by Bostonwood, finished with non-toxic Mythic Paint. Tons of storage hides under the lift-up lid.

AFTER: Seat cushion, window treatments (all by Acorn Interiors), comfy pillows and sconces help to create a cozy place for relaxing.

Bostonwood is a great choice for custom furniture and built-ins because they offer:

Local craftsmanship
Sustainably grown local woods, such as eastern white pine
Solid wood will not off-gas toxic fumes like composite furniture
Option to buy unfinished, or finish with non-toxic paints or stains from ECOS or Mythic
Reasonable pricing
In-home measuring service included

Nick at Bostonwood will happily sketch up your piece before it goes into production.

Ahhhhh. Finished, and enjoying the sunset views...

All photos in this post: Kauffman Tharp Design.

Sneak Peek: Living Room Test Photos

2011-03-01T20:07:00.011-05:00

Photo: Lisa Kauffman Tharp

Above, is the first of many test photographs I took for shoot week. Far superior professional pictures from Eric Roth to soon follow.

The living room design epitomizes my aesthetic vision for the entire home... natural and organic elements, artistic connections with nature, reclaimed materials in the woods of the tables, and spare sculptural lines that are softened by natural fabrics of linen, cotton and silk.

Photo: Lisa Kauffman Tharp

Resources:
Custom window treatments and window seat cushion by Acorn Interiors.
Custom bookcases and window seat - Bostonwood.
"Poem for Nauset Afternoon" oil painting by Teri Malo - Powers Gallery.
Verellen sofa and Oly Hanna chairs - Hudson of Wellesley.
Vintage glass pie display (used as a side table) and other accessories - Nesting on Main.
X-Brace Console Chest - Interim Furnishings.
French chimney piece on low table - Encores Antiques.
Hens and Chicks succulents by Copper Penny Flowers.
Fabrics - Kravet.

A special thanks to the folks at Aedi Construction for all of the last minute installations to make the home camera-ready. Thank you as well to ZeroEnergy Design for their productive efforts to publicize the project. I am so pleased that we can share this experience so that others might shortcut right to better, healthier design.

TV and Photography Shoot Days are Fast Approaching...

2011-02-14T07:46:00.004-05:00

One of MANY projects still to be done before shoot days -- apply an aged zinc paint wash to this pair of lanterns from Vagabond Vintage, which will be hung between the beams over the 10' X-Brace dining table.

Preparing for television filming and photography shoots happening in just 9 days. Whew! I am thrilled that we can share the healthy and eco-friendly design features of THE CONCORD GREEN HEALTHY HOME with so many more readers and viewers.

Filming will be done for a national television show, to be announced. Photography will be handled by the amazing Eric Roth, who shoots gorgeous architecture and interiors for local, national and international publications. I have always admired his portfolio, and am absolutely delighted that our project will be captured through his lens.

Eric Roth, as featured in The Boston Globe

Eric Roth shot Brooke Gianetti's home (of favorite blog Velvet and Linen) for New Old House Magazine

Announcing Healthy Design Consultations by Phone

2011-02-02T10:49:00.004-05:00

After several inquiries by readers, I am now offering Healthy Design Consultations by phone, for your interior design, renovation and new construction projects.

In a Healthy Design Consultation, I will:

Identify the important health considerations for your particular project
Prioritize critical steps to ensure you are getting the most for your investment
Direct you to the best resources for achieving your goals
Spare you significant investigation and decision time by sharing my own knowledge and experience -- gained from years of research and work on new construction, renovation and interior design projects
Explain how additional services work -- and even get started right away, with the first consult, such as interior design, color, sourcing of furnishings and accessories, etc. -- all which can be done remotely with the wonders of modern technology. :-)

Please note that I am a healthy home consultant / interior designer. I am not an architect, engineer, air quality expert, etc. I will not provide expert advice in these areas, but rather highlight important considerations, make general recommendations and then, steer you to best expert help, if needed.

Please contact me at lisa@concordgreendesign.com to learn more.

In Praise of Bed Alcoves

2010-12-29T08:08:00.010-05:00


Extreme Bed Alcoves Hotel Aire de Bardenas in Spain via Remodelista

In his landmark tome (and my favorite architectural book of all), A Pattern Language, Christopher Alexander explains why Bed Alcoves are a winning design idea.

Pattern #188 - Bed Alcove

Bedrooms make no sense.

Therefore:

Don't put single beds in empty rooms called bedrooms, but instead put individual bed alcoves off rooms with other nonsleeping functions, so the bed itself becomes a tiny private haven.

Floor plan view of Bed Alcove
Christopher Alexander's A Pattern Language

Imagine having full use of rooms that go largely uninhabited during the day, just because there is a big bed hogging the middle. Bed alcoves save so much space, you might find yourself being able to build significantly smaller, or forgo that addition altogether. Plus, they are an incredibly cozy and delightful place to sleep. That is why all of the bedrooms in THE CONCORD GREEN HEALTHY HOME will employ Alexander's clever pattern.

Some inspiration:


Cottage


Modern

Exotic


Kid favorite

Clearly, designer Suzanne Kasler is a big fan of the bed alcove concept, as these next three photos show:

Credits:
Cottage - unknown, Modern - Piet Boon, Exotic - unknown, Kid Favorite - Sandell Sandberg.

First Look: Front Entry is Complete

2010-12-17T04:54:00.010-05:00

Welcome to

THE CONCORD GREEN HEALTHY HOME

Photo: Lisa Kauffman Tharp

In good interior design, one signals the style of the home's interior right as you step inside the front door. THE CONCORD GREEN HEALTHY HOME is no exception. The entry is a simply elegant blend of "rough luxe" - that's rustic and refined - with thick bluestone flooring, wicker and antique wood, all counterbalanced by a delicate Murano glass chandelier.

The aesthetics belie the design's healthy and energy-efficient features.

Look beyond the beauty of the reproduction stripped-pine bench, and you will find its healthy attribute: it provides ample shoe storage under its lift-up seat lid, thereby keeping dust, dirt, and pesticides from tracking inside.

A "runner" of bluestone laid from the front door to the french doors that lead out to the rear garden provides a durable path for kids running through the house. All the while, the stone is busy absorbing passive solar gain from the sun's rays each morning, which captures big energy savings in this super-insulated home.

RESOURCES

Hudson Bench - Bradshaw Kirchofer

Glass Chandelier - Murano

French Market Basket - Mainly Baskets

Pillows - custom by me - Kauffman Tharp Design

Door Mat - Dash & Albert from Comina