The Bone Ranger Linda Applewhite is the kemosabe of structural interior design. by Tanya Henry

Linda's Book Gets Cover Treatment

On Friday, February 23, Architectural Interiors received its first cover story!
 
Marin County's popular Pacific Sun newspaper featured Linda's new book on the cover of its Home section. Tanya Henry interviewed Linda about her passion for design, transforming homes through architectural details, and ideas for her next book. Click here to see the entire article, including an excerpt and photos from the book, on our website's Media page.

(By the way, the dramatic before and after photos featured in the body of the article are from Chapter Four of the book, which is excerpted in this newsletter.)

Linda Applewhite's Architectural Interiors

Book Excerpt #5

Chapter Four: Uncommon Columns, Posts and Pilasters

A non-load-bearing wall separating the hallway  from the living room was removed and replaced by  an old redwood column found at a salvage yard.  The column, which defined the two spaces, created an invisible line on which to place  the living room furniture.

Among the best bones a room can have are vertically dramatic columns, posts, and pilasters. I look for opportunities to install these “fat boys” whether I need them structurally or not. They add drama and architectural character to a room and serve a host of other purposes at the same time. Why do I refer to these vertical elements as “fat boys”? Because the best of them are substantial looking. Like fat walls, fat columns give a feeling of quality and substance to a room.

It was during the remodel of my home on Clorinda Avenue that I first used a column solely to add architectural interest. We removed a wall that separated the living room from the hallway, which fortunately was not load-bearing. Although structurally we did not need a column to support the beam that ran above where the wall once stood, I opted to place a decorative column under the beam just to add some drama.

The column did several things. It defined and separated the living room from the hallway, taking the place of the wall that once stood there, while simultaneously combining the two spaces. It also provided a backdrop against which to place furniture. This surprised me. I pushed a big armchair up against it and the column backed it beautifully. It actually created an invisible line on which I placed a second armchair and, between the two chairs, a round table.

Twelve-inch square columns with heavy bases embellish  this large passageway to a playful seaside living room.  The dramatic columns were changed from white,  which matched the trim, to a deeper shade of the living room wall color, giving them definition and strength.

Columns and posts can be round or square. If you use a round column, you may want to incorporate curves elsewhere in the structure—in arches, windows, niches, or soffits—to reflect this style. If you incorporate square columns, then you want to repeat shapes that complement this more linear look. I have found some of my favorite columns at salvage yards. Old wood, metal, or plaster columns have great patina and character and are easy to adjust in height by adding to the base or capital. That’s one of the great things about columns. Their height can be changed with little difficulty as long as they have a base and capital, and these elements are easily added or modified.

Go on a mission to notice these vertical architectural elements wherever you go. You will be surprised by what you see and how these fat boys can add exceptionally good bones to your rooms.

Linda Applewhite's Architectural Interiors: Transforming Your Home with Decorative Structural Elements will be available March 15, 2007. To order your personally autographed copy click here.

Meet Linda at Spring Book Signings

Thursday, April 26

Linda will be speaking and signing books at the 13th annual Gardens, Art & Architecture Tour in Mill Valley, California, from 11:30 to 2:30. In addition to copies of her new book, she will also have a limited number of her Appleglow candles and exquisite pillows for sale. This popular local event sells out in advance every year, so don't be disappointed. For tickets and more information, go to www.outdoorartclub.org.

Saturday, May 19

You are invited to an open house and book signing at the newly expanded showroom of Tile & Stone Concepts from 11:00 to 3:00. Tile & Stone's three Bay Area locations also serve as the official Northern California showrooms for Sonoma Cast Stone. These two state-of-the-art vendors have joined together to showcase the best the industry has to offer in materials and fixtures, many of which are featured in Linda's new book. Linda will co-host the event, located at 1505 E. Francisco Blvd., San Rafael, CA.

Sunday, May 20

Book Passage in Corte Madera is one of the Bay Area's most popular and highly-respected venues for author events, writers' workshops, and community outreach. Linda's presentation starts at 2:00 p.m., but it's always a good idea to get there early. Located at 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, CA, 800 999 7909.

An Outdoor Classroom for Kids in Mill Valley

Linda is honored to have been asked by the The Edna Maguire School to help bring their one-third acre outdoor classroom and laboratory back to life for the students. The Mill Valley Children's Garden was created in 1991 as an "edible schoolyard," but has been neglected in recent years. The ultimate vision for the garden will be a place for kids to work the soil, learn about crops, nature, math, science, botany, nutrition and the economics of bringing food to our table. The new Children's Garden strives to become a role model for similar programs in schools throughout the United States.

HGTV Dates for March

Curb Appeal

1960's Contemporary #1109  March 11, 9:00 AM ET/PT

Be sure to check our April newsletter for exciting details

 on our upcoming September seminar in Santa Fe, New Mexico!