et cetera
5 ways to polish a room
WE ASKED local award-winning interior designer Lori Carroll for her tips on making any room a standout. Lori, known especially for the extraordinary finishes of her design spaces, graciously provided these insights for Tucson Home readers:
1. Lighting
I like to use lighting fixtures like jewelry—to not only illuminate a space but accessorize it as well.
2. Artwork
Art has so many different mediums—you can creatively express your style in every room in the house.
3. Accessories
Less is more when it comes to home accessories. By choosing just a few select pieces you can add color, balance, and interest, enhancing the overall decorating scheme without making it feel cluttered.
4. Accent Pillows
Possibilities for using accent pillows are endless. With all of the different sizes, patterns, colors, and textures available, accent pillows are an easy and affordable way to add spice to any space.
5. Area Rugs
With hard surfaces being a preferred flooring option in the Southwest, area rugs are a wonderful way to bring color, interest, texture, and dimension to any space. Install them on an angle—unexpected and so interesting.
Liquid Granite
NO ONE CAN ARGUE the beauty of a granite countertop, but for some budgets, its price tag can push it beyond a reasonable remodel for a kitchen or bath. Luckily, locally based Perma-Glaze (722-9718, permaglaze.com), who may already have rescued you from having to completely pull out and replace outdated tubs and sinks, now offers an alternative to real granite. Liquid Granite is applied in several coats to existing surfaces, in a rainbow of established colors and effects, or you can always come up with a custom blend of your own. And think of all that landfill space you won't use by tearing out existing counters.
Poket-size ART?
CLARK WHITTINGTON CREATED the Art-o-mat in 1997 to sell his own artwork. Today, more than 400 artists create tiny original artworks for the 90 machines sprinkled around the world. And now downtown's My Addiction Gallery (439 N. 6th Ave., Ste. 159, myaddictiongallery.com), houses Tucson's only Art-o-mat. Each machine is unique, dispensing surprise artwork—jewelry, paintings, sculptures, even textiles. Just $5 in the clever vintage cigarette machine gets you a piece of original art.
-Kristina Keffeler
Dining Alfresco
FROM POOLSIDE BARBECUES TO PICNICS enjoyed at Reid Park's concerts under the stars—there exists an eco-friendly alternative to disposable tableware. Preserve's line of plates, cups, flatware, food storage containers, and bowls are not only recyclable, but BPA-free and made from 100% recycled material. Find these boldly colored products around town at Sunflower Markets, Bashas', Trader Joe's, and New Life Health Center. Visit preserveproducts.com for more information.
Civic Orchestra of Tucson
FOUNDED IN 1975, the now 60-person volunteer ensemble is Tucson's oldest community orchestra. The group's free concerts around town and in Southern Arizona ensure that locals have access to fine classical performances, and offer exposure to music for children with programs such as the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo and annual Young Artists Competition. For more information visit cotmusic.org or call 730-3371.
Check out the next free Civic Orchestra of Tucson performance of The Romantics (Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Saint-Saëns) with soloist Clark Evans, March 20, 3 p.m., at U of A's Crowder Hall.