| ˈsimplē |
in a straight forward or plain manner
| səˈfistəˌkādəd |
proceeding from a great deal of experience
and knowledge of design and culture
| māk |
create
| vīb |
the atmosphere of a place
Sophistication can be simple and it can be transformational. Salvaging wood in any manner is saving a tree. Reclaiming an old beam or door and re-purposing almost any piece of upholstered furniture is preserving a forest. An antique sofa or a flea market find can be refashioned by replacing the fabric. Sophistication doesn’t have to be something original. By swapping the outdated fabric with a classy marine blue and white stripe cotton and adding a gorgeous red, pink and blue floral throw pillow to the mix will transform the old to new... the tattered and torn t0 bright and beautiful.
Sophistication also comes with the unexpected. Paint a brick wall in teal; rescue that antique apothecary sideboard and re-purpose it as an island in the kitchen; design an industrial light fixture with used light sockets and vintage light bulbs. And don’t forget to revitalize those old rocking chairs with a spiffy paint color to give the porch an unexpected new look.
Sophistication can be had with natural fibers and an intelligent decision. Go Green. Bridge Water Designs knows that any renewable environmental resource used in design and construction leaves a lasting impression on people and contributes to the preservation of a balanced ecosystem. A stylish outdoor bamboo dining set can lend that natural look to a beach house while conserving nature itself. Make vibes.
Transformational. Repurposed. Unexpected. Green.
SIMPLY SOPHISTICATED
"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world."1
~ John Muir
Antique settee
Design Thought: A re-fashioned antique saves wood. By merely changing fabric, it can make something old look new again. When selecting fabrics consider those that are a renewable resource, such as a plant or protein fiber or even a recycled synthetic.
Bamboo Dining Set: Bamboo is bio-degradable and grows ten times faster than wood. It does not require pesticides and cultivation does not destroy soil. Most importantly bamboo does not harm the Earth.
Design Thought: When designing contemplate choosing a renewable resource, such as bamboo, which is stronger than oak, more durable than hardwood and prevents swelling or shrinkage.
Bamboo Forest
Reclaimed door and wood
Design Thought: Because reclaimed wood is beautiful, architects and builders are using reclaimed wood for beams, floors, walls and doors at a record pace. There are other benefits for designers to consider. Utilization of reclaimed wood saves trees, produces less waste that goes to landfills and woodland animals remain protected in their natural environment. Reclaimed wood is stronger and more durable than new wood.
Reclaimed Apothecary Sideboard
Design Thought: Any beautiful piece of reclaimed furniture can find a place in a design plan. This apothecary sideboard has been repurposed for used as an island in the kitchen.
Turquoise Rocking Chairs
Design Thought: Re-fashion old rocking chairs by painting them a new color. Save a tree.
Painted Teal Brick
Design Thought: Decorate with brick and paint it an accent color. Brick is a sustainable green building material made from natural ingredients. It creates minimal waste and has numerous recycling options. Brick is one of the few construction materials that can be reused in the building process.
Repurposed Light Sockets
Design Thought: Scavenge some electrical stores for used lighting sockets. Buy various styles of light bulbs such as Edison vintage or Victorian. Mix them up. Have the lights rewired for length if necessary depending on height of ceiling. After completing the restyling steps, group about five of the vintage lights together to create an industrial chandelier. If the space to be lit is roomier, add more sockets to the collection.
