The Artful Kitchen
A visit to Spain and its many art-filled bistros inspired local artist and sculptor Angela Rose to create custom, colorful murals for kitchen walls. “We spend so much time in the kitchen—cooking, eating, conversing. What better place to invest in style and beauty?” Rose says. Hand-cutting the glass herself and designing on-site, she offers one-of-a-kind installations for homeowners looking for a creative way to dress up ho-hum walls in their kitchens. Rose explains, “My installations complete the kitchen’s evolution from hearth space to heart space.” For more information contact the artist directly at 297-3606, or e-mail angela@angelarose.org.
Rug Rescue
Q: What options are available for damaged
or antique rugs?
Restoration runs
the gamut from cleaning and stabilizing to
avoid further damage, to complete restoration
and completely re-knotting a rug.
Q: Are there any limitations for
restoration?
With handmade rugs, almost
any can be restored. But there is a
point when the price does not warrant the
work. Barring sentimental value, some rugs
should be considered for recycling. Old,
worn, or damaged rugs can be used to fix
others—or even get reconditioned as pillows
or chair cushions.
Q: What advice would you give homeowners
who may have a cherished
heirloom rug they are afraid to
have professionally repaired?
Do your research and ask questions. Many
companies out there call themselves experts,
but look for the ones that do all their
own cleaning and restoration on-site. Request
a tour of the cleaning plant and ask
the repairman questions. Pricing for cleaning
and restoration varies greatly as well
as the time frame quoted for the return of
your rug. Ultimately, choose a rug professional
you feel you can trust.
Asian Trade Rug Company 2623 N. Campbell Ave., 326-7828, www.asiantraderugcompany.com or www.gabbeh.com
Herbs de Concho
Although you should add it to your Arizona road trip to-do list, you don’t have to go all the way to Concho, Arizona, for higher-altitude lavender goods. Red Rock Ranch & Farms’ products are available at Maynard’s Market—a new addition to downtown—in the restored train depot. Make sure to pick up must-have culinary lavender mixes, such as the “Herbs de Concho,” which blends the delicate purple buds with dried concho chili peppers. Visit www.redrockfarms.com or www.maynardsmarkettucson.com.
Take Sail
During hot summer months, keeping cool ranks right up there with having food, water, and shelter. Use shade sails to create a little shade, or extend your existing shaded patio area, without the hassle of pouring cement, cutting wood, and erecting any structures. Local companies such as Shade Industries (888-96-SHADE), Air & Sun Shade Products (882-2888), and Continental Products (792-9346) offer custombuilt shade sails for wherever you need a little more protection from the sun.