Small spaces can translate to big problems when it comes to storage; that’s why we love the Method Bookends entry. Slicing the bottles in half, contest winner Rebecca attached recycled pieces of plexiglass to the open sides of the bottles for support. Plexiglass was a genius idea not only because it’s see-through (a perfect match for the clear bottle), but also because it’s sturdy and supportive. Space saved, and materials recycled!
Upcycled Home Décor: Finalist Nicole presented three fun ways to take empty Method bottles and turn them into easy-to-do home decor projects—flower vases, herb planters and candleholders. Because the packages come outfitted in funky colors, it doesn’t take much to turn the bottles into recycled home accents.
Method Hummingbird Feeder: Turning the competition into a family challenge, Stephanie and her family teamed up to create a finger-licking entry (for Hummingbirds, that is). Mixing her own creativity with her husband’s ingenuity and kids’ craftiness, the squad turned the soap dispenser into a sugar-water dispenser, satisfying our design taste and the taste buds of our fluttering friends.
Feed Clean: Yet another bottle-turned-feeder sent our wings flapping. Consulting his 9-year-old daughter, Nathan employed a Method concentrated detergent bottle and a terracotta dish to construct an easy-to-use bird feeder.
Method Bottle Lamp Shade/Chandelier: A lampshade connoisseur, Jeanette in Washington envisioned several bottles cut to fit, lightly sanded (for frosted effect) and linked together with jump rings, hooked to an upcycled wire frame from a drum lampshade. Although she didn’t have the 16 bottles necessary to assemble such a lustrous lighting fixture, her Photoshop prototype looks convincing!
Drip Irrigation: As water shortages spread across the nation, Method bottles can serve an important purpose. Finalist Ram Kubal discovered a way to effectively keep roots damp and save on water—a simple in-soil irrigation system. Not only are the bottles placed inconspicuously in the soil (no risk of taking the glory from your Begonias), the tiny holes allow for gradual water release.
Multi-Functional-Vessel: Makeshift meets versatility in this creative and sustainable project. Wanting to capture the elegant shape of the Method soap bottle, Zachary used the round plastic shape of the soap bottle to create a mold for a cast-stone container. Using concrete and clay, he was able to assemble a small bowl—ideal for plants, food, or tea. And we like the color, too!
(C)Sung Kim
Featuring distinct architectural style and character, this home designed by Michael Graves (best known for his product design for Target), claims an open floor plan excellent for both entertaining and everyday living. Listed at a modest $279,900, this tucked-away Indiana edifice boasts high ceilings and windows—perfect for viewing the expanse of surrounding forestry.
The open areas of this three-story building create loft-like spaces, however it falls in the family-friendly category, hosting 4 bedrooms. The main floor features one of these great living areas, complete with an original mural by Graves. We’re stunned by the price, too. Get a bang for your buck and be the buyer.
Description: Famed So-Cal residential architect Rex Lotery self-designed this glowing 3,779 square foot home in 1996, implementing tall cathedral ceilings, spacious living spaces and innovative window placement, accentuating the play of light as the sun moves over the hilly 1+ acre property.
The bedrooms feature dramatic picture windows with mountain views of the Montecito hills. Other features include two fireplaces, a remodeled kitchen, hardwood and stone flooring, and for the creative tenants—an art studio.
A registered Historic-Cultural Monument, the Silver Lake How House designed by Rudolph M. Schindler in 1925 has two separate geometric parts: the upper portion is constructed of redwood and the lower portion is constructed of slab-cast concrete scored to match the pattern of the redwood portion. Renovated in 2004 by Jeff Fink, the angular abode features a garden designed by architect Richard Neutra and many built-ins and unique pieces of furniture.
A student of Frank Lloyd Wright, Rudolph Schindler was among the first wave of modern architects to make their names in America. Best known for his exploration of three-dimensional space, this early-20th century architect designed over 400 projects, most of which are in Southern California.
Check it out.
Influential Southern-California architects Gregory Ain and Pierre Koenig both made their mark on this funky mid-century home in Los Angeles. Priced at just below $2 million, this 16,850 square foot lot features a main house designed by Ain in 1952, and a recently-built Koenig-designed steel beamed guesthouse—one of his last projects.
We love the use of the sliding glass walls and clerestory windows. The icing on the cake? A bright red door against soft grey exterior hues.
Houston homebuyers are in for a treat: Frank Lloyd Wright’s sole Houston home is on the market. This geometric godsend features a windowless front wall, tall panes of glass in back, and Usonian bricks. Wright’s 1954 original design was a parallelogram, aiming for no right angles (until a previous owner added Ionic columns).
Originally 1,800 square feet, the Bunker Hill Village Usonian design has been expanded to an 8,000 plus square foot home with 6 bedrooms and 7.5 baths. The expansion was built around an outdoor center courtyard, featuring a swimming pool and plenty of outdoor living space. And possessing a recently-reduced price tag of $2.9 million, this one isn’t too out of reach. Interested? Check out the listing.
Seen in The Fugitive (1993), this Chicago-Lincoln Park home features four stories of pure luxury. Featuring 5 bedrooms (3 of which are master bedroom suites with fireplaces, saunas and elevators), an attached 3-car garage, a roof deck and indoor pool, it lacks almost nothing—well, except Harrison Ford. Can’t have everything!