The Amazing World of Salvage

Joanne Palmisano January 31, 2020

HELLO! In the past couple of weeks, I have done a numerous amount of media interviews, including trend predictions for RedFin, some ideas for Woman’s World Magazine, Unique Homes, Cottages and Bungalows and more, and am happy to say, that sustainability, salvage, and vintage charm play a key role in all of these interviews.

As I look at back at the content from my old website, Salvage Secrets Blog, I realize that much of my great information about designing, styling and crafting with salvage is not shown here on my new site. Believe me, I still spend a lot of time working with it, designing with it, and talking about it, because basically it is oozing with charm and soul and it’s important in today’s design industry we reuse as much as we can. Salvage materials compliments every decorating style — from farmhouse to glam to modern and beyond. I want to share my… Salvage Secrets, my design work, discoveries and decorating ideas — all within the amazing world of salvage. So for now, I’m going to put it all in blog post — till I can figure out how to get another button on my navigation bar. ;)

It can be as simple as recycled vases and creating a floral display or recovering pillows with an old bed coverlet. DIY in the book, Salvage Secrets Design and Decor by Joanne Palmisano. Photo by Susan Teare

Did you know? Decorating with salvage materials is usually a less expensive way to furnish a space because second hand goods cost less, and oftentimes, they make such an impact that less décor is required for the overall project. While saving money, you gain a space brimming with soul and one-of-a-kind details. Whether you want just a few vintage finds or for salvage to take center stage, these materials can play a key role in your commercial or residential projects. You can’t go wrong with salvage!

With over 270 projects online with DIY NETWORK, including an 8-part video series, you will find a salvage, vintage or repurposed DIY that you will love. Most of the DIY’s have step by step instructions. Have Fun!

My Books

Salvage interior design guru — okay… I’ll take that :) So thrilled I can say that my books have received internationally acclaim. I wrote the books for designers, decorator and homeowners, alike and each one is so different than the other. They each show you how to use recycled wood, reclaimed stone, vintage glass, salvaged furnishings, new products made from recycled materials and much more. Amazing photographs, where to find it, how to use and style ideas, are just the beginning. They are must have books for any designer or homeowner who loves vintage, recycled, reclaimed goods.

They explore a wealth of both large and small scale interior design and decor concepts, with over 600 photos combined in all these books — showing off a variety of design styles for every room in the house—kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, entryways and outdoor areas.

My books, Salvage Secrets, Transforming Reclaimed Materials Into Design Concept, Salvage Secrets Design & Décor and Styling with Salvage, Designing and Decorating with Reclaimed Materials, are not just about something discarded is simply something not yet found, but about merging the worlds of old and new to create stunning, one-of-a-kind interiors.

Presentations and Book Signings are a blast. I love to share my passion for salvage and reuse, through gorgeous color photography, before and afters, and my books. Here I am presenting at the Country Living Fair in Nashville.

Coming soon, Rock Your Rental, which I wrote with my twin sister, Rosanne, also has a ton of design and decorating ideas for the boutique hospitality and short-term vacation rental markets. We share more ideas on how to reuse, budget-friendly advice and eco-friendly ways to enhance your guests’ experience.

Cover of our latest book, Rock Your Rental, coming out in a month! You can pre-order today :)

I will continue to use salvage, recycled and reclaimed materials in my design, because it is beautiful and the right thing to do :)

Enjoy! Joanne

Renovation of Mad River Barn, Interior Design by Joanne Palmisano, Photo by Susan Teare

Simple display for a patio or party using reclaimed jars. DIY by Joanne Palmisano, Photo by Susan Teare.

BEDROOMS... Curl Up and Stay a While

Joanne Palmisano January 20, 2020

Something about these single digit temperature days that just makes me want to hibernate till spring. It’s tough getting out of bed when the wind chill is below zero… but we do and we rally. But thinking about it this morning, made me realize how many different bedrooms styles I’ve been able to work on. Each space is different and has their own unique flair. Here are a few I’ve done… Pull up the covers and enjoy :)

So crawl in :) Kid’s rooms are fun to design… Styling it like someone just jumped up from reading and a nap. Photo Lindsay Selin.

The wide angle shot of the headboard at Main and Mountain Motel. Love it when we get to create custom furniture pieces for beds. Photo Lindsay Selin. — The wide angle shot of the headboard at Main and Mountain Motel. Love it when we get to create *custom furniture pieces for beds*. Photo Lindsay Selin.

A cozy romantic bedroom in a Michigan Airbnb. Before this room used to be all purple (see the before and after page to check it out).

In the charming rustic cabin, called Sugar Maple Cottage, at Bear Mountain Inn, during the renovations of the inn, barn and cabin, we re positioned the bed and added a vintage dresser — now it really flows nicely. We didn’t have to add hard-wiring e… — In the charming rustic cabin, called Sugar Maple Cottage, at Bear Mountain Inn, during the renovations of the inn, barn and cabin, we re positioned the bed and added a vintage dresser — now it really flows nicely. We didn’t have to add hard-wiring electrical to our budget — we used plug-in wall sconces. Photo Molly & Victoria.

At Basin Harbor Resort and Boat Club, the Champlain House, a six room building built in 1920’s, we dreamed of summer days by the lake, so we upgraded all these rooms to a have a nautical and inviting summer cottage feel while reusing some of the fur… — At Basin Harbor Resort and Boat Club, the Champlain House, a six room building built in 1920’s, we dreamed of summer days by the lake, so we upgraded all these rooms to a have a nautical and inviting summer cottage feel while reusing some of the furnishings and bringing in some vintage pieces as well. Custom Etsy pillows, a blanket by Pine Cone Hill, and cool wallpaper are just of the few of the features in these updated rooms. Photo Orchard Cove Photography.

Don’t let an awkward room stop you from doing something clever, this tiny room with an angled ceiling used to have a double bed in it — totally difficult to get around — now this room, with its built-in twin beds against the wall with shiplap design… — Don’t let an awkward room stop you from doing something clever, this tiny room with an angled ceiling used to have a double bed in it — totally difficult to get around — now this room, with its built-in twin beds against the wall with shiplap design, is cozy and makes the room much more usable.

Updating the 14 rooms in the original farmhouse turned historic lodge building at Basin Harbor was really exciting, because we were able to show that you can keep the charm of an historic space, while making it comfortable and clean for today’s mode… — Updating the 14 rooms in the original farmhouse turned historic lodge building at Basin Harbor was really exciting, because we were able to show that you can keep the charm of an historic space, while making it comfortable and clean for today’s modern traveler. Linen bed skirt, cotton bed throw, vintage style pillows and gorgeous blue wallpaper and some vintage style bass lamps, blend beautifully in this cozy space. Photo Susan Teare.

This farmhouse building, built sometime in the early 1800’s, was updated but not wanting to lose the feel, and with a small budget, we stuck with soft colors, lots of textures and kept things simple.

There are 74 cottages on the 700 acre property at Basin Harbor Resort and slowly we are renovating each one to reflect their unique personalities while updated amenities for the guests. Photo Susan Teare.

This guest room at Bear Mountain Inn, didn’t have a bathroom but had a giant closet. So we turned things around — we tucked the bed into the closet — added a gorgeous reclaimed wood headboard and some wall sconces, then we had enough room to add a b… — This guest room at Bear Mountain Inn, didn’t have a bathroom but had a giant closet. So we turned things around — we tucked the bed into the closet — added a gorgeous reclaimed wood headboard and some wall sconces, then we had enough room to add a bathroom. Getting creative with space in a bedroom can add a whole bunch of possibilities. Photo Molly & Victoria.

When asked by Cottages and Bungalows and American Farmhouse Style magazine to work with them and Yankee Barn Homes on their 2019 Project Home — I said yes — to the bedrooms. I love transforming these spaces. With drawings and dimensions, I created a… — When asked by Cottages and Bungalows and American Farmhouse Style magazine to work with them and Yankee Barn Homes on their 2019 Project Home — I said yes — to the bedrooms. I love transforming these spaces. With drawings and dimensions, I created a concept and the folks at the magazine reached out to the amazing people we wanted to highlight, from carpeting, to peel and stick wallpaper, to bedding, to furniture and vintage finds, we gathered all the goodies and in a day, with a couple of helping hands, we transformed three empty bedrooms into what they look like here. Photo RidgeLight Studio.

The close up shot of the downstairs master bedroom from the Project House. Ethnicraft bed, vintage dresser, Parachute sheets and coverlet, and some amazing peel and stick wallpaper. Photo RidgeLight Studio.

Creating a kids room filled with vintage finds— thanks to the help from the folks at Vermont Antiques Mall. Pink beds and floral prints — love!

Then there is the old… turn an outdated bedroom into a fun, hip, vacation rental space… Check! The budget friendly star idea in this bedroom is turning old closet cabinets into a stunning headboard. Photo Lindsay Selin.

I love close up shots — these bedrooms at Mad River Barn in the old Annex Building, now called the Longhouse, are just as cozy as the rooms in the Inn — except these rooms have TV’s — so sometimes a little more sought after :) But we hope the gorgeo… — I love close up shots — these bedrooms at Mad River Barn in the old Annex Building, now called the Longhouse, are just as cozy as the rooms in the Inn — except these rooms have TV’s — so sometimes a little more sought after :) But we hope the gorgeous bedding and reclaimed wood are enough to draw you in. Photo Susan Teare.

The rooms in the inn at Mad River Barn are totally transformed from the skiing days were folks were sleeping on mattresses on the floors (seriously). We still can’t believe how amazing these industrial rustic style bedrooms turned out and the amazin… — The rooms in the inn at Mad River Barn are totally transformed from the skiing days were folks were sleeping on mattresses on the floors (seriously). We still can’t believe how amazing these industrial rustic style bedrooms turned out and the amazing of recycled and reclaimed materials we used, including the step by step DIY faux leather headboards! Photo Susan Teare.

Sometimes just combining some unique pieces and painting the walls white is all you need to make a bedroom shine, like the one we redid in Michigan for a vacation rental property.

Sometimes the words, simplify, simplify, simplify are all you need to be reminded of when designing a getaway place — your bedroom should feel like you have truly escaped the real world. Bold blanket, throw pillow and area rug, all complement each o… — Sometimes the words, simplify, simplify, simplify are all you need to be reminded of when designing a getaway place — your bedroom should feel like you have truly escaped the real world. Bold blanket, throw pillow and area rug, all complement each other and add texture to a simple and calming bedroom palette. Photo Lindsay Selin.

For those of you who love flea market style and a funky eclectic salvage style… this bedroom is for you! Photo Susan Teare.

When you have a funky wall “put a bird on it” — or a bed — or two. We love to transform closets into cozy built-ins — whether they are bunk beds or a daybed, do you have a space you can add a sleeping nook in?

Loved how these 14 bedrooms turned out at this outdated (auctioned off) motel redo — showing that a budget project can still look modern, hip and cozy! BTW — a custom live edge headboard is not difficult to make… Photo Lindsay Selin

Another room we were able to transform (in this old barn turned vacation home), shows that throw pillows and blankets can transform a look of a bed from clean and comfortable to down right cozy. Photo Lindsay Selin.

Until next blog… I’ll be dreaming of summer days overlooking the lake.

2019 AWARDS FOR INTERIOR DESIGN CLIENTS

Joanne Palmisano January 2, 2020

2019 was a big year for many of my interior design clients for awards! I’m so happy when a client calls to tell me their place has won an award. I have to say… it ‘s a BIG THRILL to be a part of it!

BEST HOTEL VERMONT: MAIN and MOUNTAIN

FULL RENOVATION OF MOTEL — TURNED OLD TINY LOBBY INTO A BAR AND UPDATED ALL ROOMS AND FRONT AREA FOR AN OUTSIDE PATIO. Design by Joanne Palmisano Photo by Lindsay Selin

Main and Mountain Barn and Motel Renovation Project. Photo by Lindsay Selin

Main and Mountain Bar and Motel

Best of New England | 2019 Editors’ Choice Awards

Our 2019 editors’ picks for the best dining, lodging, and things to do in New England. Vermont’s pick…

NEW HOTEL
Main & Mountain, Ludlow

Old-school accommodations take on a polished sheen at Ludlow’s hip boutique motel. Wood-slab headboards lend rustic charm to standard queen rooms, while family accommodations include bunk beds for kiddos and suites that sleep up to seven. There’s no restaurant, but food trucks frequent the patio year-round, and weekend patio parties put a cool spin on the campfire jams of yore, with live music and seating around a masonry fire pit. 802-242-1608

COUPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: BEAR MOUNTAIN INN

Bear Mountain Inn, Maine

Wedding Wire’s Couple Choice Award

BEST OF THE BEST VERMONT: PRIVATE RESIDENCE

TOTAL RENOVATION OF BARN CAMP INTO VACATION HOME. Interior Design by Joanne Palmisano. Photo by Lindsay Selin

Build Helm, Project Management

BEST OF THE BEST AWARD: Efficiency Vermont for one of our recent projects in Southern, VT with a Best of the Best Award for Innovation in Residential New Construction.

BEST VERMONT BREWERY

Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Vermont Sport’s: Best Places to Eat, Drink & Sleep: 2019 Black Diamond Awards

Interior Designer, Joanne Palmisano. Photo by Lawson’s Finest, Alana Cushman

CHEERS to ALL WHO MADE THESE AWARDS A REALITY!

XOXO JOANNE

This renovated bathroom shows off some Sustainable Design Trends from a vintage dresser turned into a vanity, reclaimed wood turned into a sliding barn door and local slate tile. Design by Joanne Palmisano, Photo by Lindsay Selin.

2020 is the Year of Sustainable Design, 5 Easy Ways to Add it to Your Design

Joanne Palmisano December 30, 2019

5 EASY WAYS TO BE ECO-CONSCIOUS IN DESIGN

Beyond thrilled to see articles and posts from Lonny and Forbes for 2020 design trends to Los Angeles Times’ article about second-hand gifts for the holidays. Many other popular sites, including Apartment Therapy, believe eco-friendly and conscious design are here to stay. I’m thrilled to see the industry making changes and moving in the right direction. Even a little bit of change, can make a huge impact. Here are five easy ways to incorporate sustainable design ideas into your renovations, new builds and design decisions.

Happy New Year to You All! xoxo Joanne

Examples of Sustainable Design in this Inn’s renovation include a light fixture made from old parts, a custom pillow made from a vintage wool blanket, a new bed throw made from recycled materials, a wood wall made from reclaimed wood and a side tabl… — Examples of Sustainable Design in this Inn’s renovation include a light fixture made from old parts, a custom pillow made from a vintage wool blanket, a new bed throw made from recycled materials, a wood wall made from reclaimed wood and a side table made locally with reclaimed lumber and a scrap piece of stone from a local stone yard. Mad River Barn Inn, Restaurant and Pub. Design by Joanne Palmisano, Photo by Susan Teare.

REPURPOSE WHAT YOU HAVE

Rather than buying something new, is there a way you can reuse what you already have — or at least some of it? Dark wood cabinets can be sanded and painted, or moved to the laundry room or craft areas. Can you paint that shiny brass fixture black… can you reuse that chair but have it reupholstered? Think about ways you can reuse what you have or repurpose it into something else.

Repurposed cabinet doors from the bathroom were painted and turned into a headboard. Short Term Vacation Rental Design by Joanne Palmisano. Photo by Lindsay Selin.

During the renovations at Bear Mountain Inn in Maine, much of the furniture was reused. We placed items in different rooms and many times painted or repurposed some of the pieces. Design by Joanne Palmisano. Photo by Molly and Victoria Photography.

REUSE STUFF

This has been my mantra for as long as I can remember. (Heck, I was picking up old bottles near my families home as a kid.) But more recently… I’ve written a few books on Salvage Design and how to get great design looks with reusing, salvaging and recycling. There are so many salvage stores, rebuild centers and second-hand shops (not to mention online sites (and many local ones that share stuff folks are selling). Flooring, fixtures, doors , applications, tile, furniture and much more can be reused. This Old House Online has a list of Architectural Salvage Shops across the nation. They are really fun to check out! Chairish and other second-hand furniture shops are great to look at — as well as local online sites such as Craigslist. Reclaimed wood is a big part of this reuse section — one our largest recycling opportunities. Companies such as Salvage Works ,are all around the country and can help you pick out the best reclaimed materials for your project. The great thing about reclaimed wood is it can look anyway you want — for any style.

From reclaimed porch posts, doors, vintage bar-ware and more… this new bar at Main and Mountain Bar & Motel shows off easy ways to incorporate used stuff. Design by Joanne Palmisano. Photo by Lindsay Selin.

SOMETHING NEW OUT OF RECYCLED MATERIALS

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of products out there made with recycled content. Interface, FLOR and other carpeting companies does a fabulous job of making carpeting, area rugs, carpet tile out of recycled content. Then there are recycled content tiles, glass or porcelain, such as companies Fireclay and Bedrock Industries. Insulation, countertops, light fixtures, glassware, hardware and more can be found with recycled materials — it is not just about the recycled contect but also, most of the time, these recycled “new” products use less energy to create.

The headboards were reused, just reupholstered with faux leather. The carpeting is a green product from Interface, a leader in sustainable business practices. Mountain Modern Motel, renovation design by TruexCullins Architecture and Interiors. ( Joa… — The headboards were reused, just reupholstered with faux leather. The carpeting is a green product from Interface, a leader in sustainable business practices. Mountain Modern Motel, renovation design by TruexCullins Architecture and Interiors. ( Joanne was hired as part of the design team.)

These brand new, gorgeous subway Fireclay tiles are made from recycled porcelain toilets and the counter top is a left-over piece of granite from a local stone company. Something new made from recycled material. Vacation Rental Renovation. Design by Joanne Palmisano. Photo by Susan Teare.

GREEN PRODUCTS

From H & M Home to West Elm, Pottery Barn, and other furniture lines, (see the Good Trade website for a list of them), companies we know and love that have sustainable lines, you just need look for them on their sites and at their stores. The more you demand eco-friendly FSC furniture and sustainable practices in businesses, the more they will supply! :) It is basic economics.

LOCAL PRODUCERS AND ARTISANS

When you can work with local folks for materials, products and fixtures. This keeps travel and shipping to a minimum and you are supporting artisans and businesses in your own community. It doesn’t get any better than that! Cheers!

Here in Lawson’s Finest Liquids new taproom ,many local artisans and companies were used. The custom light fixture was made with Simon Pearce Glass and place on a locally made Conant Metal & Light fixture. The tables were all locally made by War… — Here in Lawson’s Finest Liquids new taproom ,many local artisans and companies were used. The custom light fixture was made with Simon Pearce Glass and place on a locally made Conant Metal & Light fixture. The tables were all locally made by Warren Pieces. Taproom and Retail Store Interior Design by Joanne Palmisano. Photo by Lawson’s Finest Liquids.

In the Kitchen with Family

Joanne Palmisano November 23, 2019

As Thanksgiving approaches, I think about all the memories of all the places and people we have had the honor of sharing this special day with from large family gatherings at my parents’ house when we were all young, to small gatherings with friends at their homes, and everything in between. What I remember most is the beautiful chaos in the kitchen while the meal was being prepared. Here are a few kitchens I’ve had the honor of designing and/or renovating and feel so grateful to be a part of their families lives, if only for a little while, and can just imagine them all enjoying their special places with their family and friends. Embrace the chaos, the craziness, the piles of dishes — but most of all, embrace your family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! xoxo Joanne