Remodelista

Eric Liftin is the founder of MESH Architectures in Brooklyn, a hybrid architectural practice that works in both the physical and virtual realms (the firm also designs websites). The majority of Mesh's domestic projects are renovations, and the practice makes a point of integrating the use of new materials into old structures without erasing the character and construction. "We work with a wide range of materials, and we are often inspired by the materials themselves," Liftin says. "Architecural ideas come out of a material's capabilities." Below are a few of MESH's favorite materials; see the firm's work at MESH Architectures.

Above: A selection of MESH Architectures' favorite materials.

Above: Butternut wood from Vermont Wildwoods, "a beautiful wood with a lot of character that is reasonably priced," according to Liftin.

Above: "Fireslate is a synthetic material made in Massachusetts with a pleasing cement-like appearance."

Above: "Flex-Strut is a system of steel channels and bolted fittings that you can fashion into wall dividers."

Above: "Cast-iron pipe fittings offer endless ideas for invention."

Above: "Panelite glasscloth is a fiberglass-dense thin resin panel system; we use it to create luminous walls."

Above: "We like natural linseed Forbo linoleum from Sweden, which comes in  a variety of colors and patterns."

Above: "Ipe is a super-dense wood that is beautiful and versatile and can be used in wet locations."

Above: "Sandstone from Vermont Structural Slate is a neutral yet strong flooring material."

Designed by John and Kevin McCormick (of Freeman's and Beatrice Inn fame), Five Leaves in Greenpoint features a nautically themed interior and counts the late Heath Ledger among its investors. "The McCormicks are not exactly decorators or contractors, while they do both," according to a profile in the New York Observer.  "Rather, they are professional distressors: helping build restaurants and bars where each dust particle, creaky door hinge, dent, and scratch is applied with expert precision. Johnny rusts, oxidizes, and ages surfaces. Sometimes he uses chemicals to create aged-green copper; other times he attacks light fixtures, bar tops, and doors with nails, keys, or whatever else might be lying around. Kevin, meanwhile, is the wall and ceiling expert: applying layer upon layer of paint and plaster as well as candle wax, or motor oil if necessary, to get a weathered look."

Go to  Five Leaves for more information; photographs by Will Femia.

Above two photos by Karen Mordechai.

A perennial favorite: nautical maps as decor.

Above: A modern hallway via Lake Jane.

Above: Suzanne Shaker's Scallop Shop cottage on Shelter Island, photo by James Merrell.

Above: A house on Long Island by Fernlund + Logan.

Above: A room via Design Sponge.

Above: Suzanne Shaker's Scallop Shop cottage on Shelter Island, photo by James Merrell.

Above: Suzanne Shaker's Deborah Berke–designed house on Shelter Island.

Above: Ochre partners Harriet Maxwell Macdonald and Andrew Corrie's beach house on Shelter Island, via House Beautiful.

Above: A house in the Bahamas by New York designer Tom Scheerer; photo by Eric Bowman.

Simple and stylish: All Cotton Seed-Stitch Quilts from Urban Outfitters feature a complementary shade on the reverse side and are available in six colors; $58 for twin and $68 for full/queen size.

Not just for poolside use: Vintage life rings add a nautical touch to an interior or exterior.

Above: Antique Nautical Life Preserver; $150 at Three Potato Four.

Above: Pair of Vintage Life Rings; available through Red Ticking in Seattle.

Houseguests, anyone? We love this idea, spotted on Apartment Therapy: Artisan Shepherd's Huts. Paulus Smith has been a specialist joiner for over 25 years, working on listed and historic buildings. He now spends his time creating meticulously crafted shepherd's huts from his medieval barn workshop in Sussex; wheels are cast from molten iron using original patterns, floors are solid oak, and all fittings such as door handles and window fastenings are high-quality reproductions. Can be used as garden retreat, spare room, studio, or office. Prices start at about £11,000; go to Artisan Shepherd's Huts for more information.

Designed by eight-year-old Otto Dunker in collaboration with Elisabeth Dunker of Fine Little Day and Photowall, Ohoy wallpaper depicts a child's view of sailing ships (the design was nominated for an award from the 2010 Formex Formidable, a Nordic professional design association). Ohoy is available for $31 per meter (225 cm wide) through Fine Little Day.

During the economic crisis of the 1930s, Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld designed furniture made from reclaimed crate wood packing material. In an eerily timed revival, the Rietveld Foundation came out with a line of flat pack crate chairs not too long ago. The adult-size Wilhelmina Collection Crate Chair is available in six colors (as well as natural wood with transparent varnish) at All Modern for $397.88, and the child-size Crate Chair Junior is available at Genius Jones for $282.95 (on sale from $415) in the same range of colors. Each chair is supplied with a chip, number, and matching certificate and is produced by the Rietveld Foundation.

Summery striped linens have an enduring appeal and are a great staple for a children's bunk room. Here is a roundup of some favorites. 

Above: L.L. Bean's seagrass Ticking Stripe Percale Sheet Set; $59.99 for a twin sheet set (includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases); on sale from $79.

Above: Land of Nod's nautical bedding; Twin Nodical Blue Red Stripe Sheet Set; from $69 for a twin set (includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and one pillowcase).

Above: Pamela Kline Traditions offers Twin Ticking Sheet Sets in seven colors; $146 (set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and a pillowcase). N.B. The 100 percent cotton cottage blue Martha Stewart Collection Ticking Stripe Twin Sheet Set is $34 at Macy's.

Above: Blue/Red Club Stripe Twin Sheet Set; navy, red, and chambray stripes on 100 percent cotton; $99 for a twin set (includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two standard cases) at Serena & Lily. 

When it comes to reading sconces in the bedroom, the classic Hector Sconce from BTC is my first choice, but here are a few affordable options worth a serious look. For a full selection of reading sconces, see 10 Easy Pieces: Classic Modern Reading Sconces.

HIGH:

Above: The Hector Medium Wall Light is $185 at Horne (a version with a switch is available for $195). In the UK, the Hector Switch Wall Light is £84 at Geoffrey Harris, and in France, the Hector is available at Le Shop Design for €115. Requires hardwiring.

Above: The nautically inspired Ginger Sconce, also from Original BTC, is crafted of aluminum with a chrome-finished base; $250 at Horne.

LOW:

Above: The simple white-painted iron Delmar Sconce does not require hardwiring; currently on sale for $49 (down from $59) or $89.99 for a set of two (down from $99) at Pottery Barn.

Above: Designed by Olle Lundberg, the Tral Wall Lamp does not require hard wiring, making it an easy bedside lighting upgrade. The adjustable head has a cream-colored, powder-coated aluminum shade with a clear lacquered aluminum arm; $16.99 at Ikea.