Jill Goldberg knows the value of good advice. The owner of Hudson was recently featured on NECN offering tips on ways to spruce up your home for less than $50.

In addition to the tips in the video, Jill offers these suggestions as well:

• Of course the most simple change comes in a can of paint and a little elbow grease but let’s do something different. Let’s use some painter’s tape and create either horizontal or vertical stripes. We can even get a bit more imaginative and create a flame stitch pattern.

• Take the same approach with flooring. Let’s paint a rug on your wood floor. We can change the design every year and you don’t have to vacuum.

• Consider flowers and plants. A beautiful plant in a charming planter can add life to a table, and if its big enough it can add life to an entire room.

• The biggest surprise? Let’s work with what you already have. We’ll move furniture and accessories around and keep in mind that furniture doesn’t always have to stay in one place forever. Bring those lamps from the bedroom and try them on either side of the living room sofa. Move the sofa to the other wall and pull the side chairs across the room. You’ll gain an entirely new appreciation for what you already own and then we can assess what you might need.

• Vintage. Vintage. Vintage. Go to your local flea markets and estate sales where you can find accessories and sometimes even furniture for no more than $50. Most of the time I like to keep these items the way they are but reupholstering is fun too. Simple finds such as an old chair with a new coat of paint can brighten up a dull desk.

What other low-cost ways have you found to makeover a dull space?

One trait that I see over and over again in designers is that they’re always looking for ways to improve things. Whether it’s Le Corbusier with the density of Paris, or Michael Graves with a teapot, designers look at the world differently than the rest of us.

That belief holds true for Brookline-based architects Jin Choi and Thomas Shine of Choi + Shine Architects, who saw beyond the simple function of electrical pylons and designed giant, 150-foot figures with arms raised to carry electricity across the countryside.

Making only minor alterations to well established steel-framed tower design, we have created a series of towers that are powerful, solemn and variable. These iconic pylon-figures will become monuments in the landscape. Seeing the pylon-figures will become an unforgettable experience, elevating the towers to something more than merely a functional design of necessity.

Originally designed for a 2008 contest in Iceland to redesign powerlines (how they lost, I have no idea), Choi and Shine entered the pylon design into the Boston Society of Architects‘ Unbuilt Architecture competition this past spring. That, they won.

Despite the large number of possible forms, each pylon-figure is made from the same major assembled parts (torso, fore arm, upper leg, hand etc.) and uses a library of pre-assembled joints between these parts to create the pylon-figures’ appearance. This design allows for many variations in form and height while the pylon-figures’ cost is kept low through identical production, simple assembly and construction.

The idea of these towers running across the bare, Icelandic terrain is pretty epic, but I wonder how they’d look running along I-95, bringing power from Connecticut to New York City. Or just a few walking away from the power plant in Everett, across the Mystic from Charlestown.

Like the statues of Easter Island, it is envisioned that these one hundred and fifty foot tall, modern caryatids will take on a quiet authority, belonging to their landscape yet serving the people, silently transporting electricity across all terrain, day and night, sunshine or snow.

(via Boston Phoenix)

As the saying goes, a company is only as good as its employees. CBT Architects underscored that philosophy when they named new Senior Associates and Associates.

Recognizing the leadership value these individuals bring to the firm, CBT Architects, Boston’s second largest architecture and urban design company, has named 5 new Senior Associates, and 12 new Associates. With experience on  a variety of the firm’s award-winning commissions — including office and mixed-use, multi- and single-family residential, hospitality and retail, academic, historic preservation, and interior design projects, as well as on operational support — these new Senior Associates and Associates have an opportunity to have a voice in the strategic and future direction of the firm. This is especially important as the Boston architecture industry continues to pull itself out of the recession of the last few years.

The new Senior Associates, listed in alphabetical order:

Joe Bettencourt

Eileen Casciari, RA

Adrian LeBuffe, LEED AP

Sharon Steinberg, RA LEED AP

Andrew Wang, RA LEED AP

The new Associates:
• John Bedell, RA LEEP AP
• Mark Bourassa, RA LEED AP
• Henry Celli, RA LEED AP
• Matt Francke, RA LEED AP
• Monte French
• Virendra Kallianpur, LEED AP
• Jennifer Miller, NCIDQ LEED AP
• Michael Moore, RA LEED AP
• Chad Morig, RA LEED AP
• Elizabeth Peterson, SPHR
• Jeremy Schwartz
• Kristi Sprinkel

“CBT’s greatest strength is the skill and talent of its staff,” said Richard J. Bertman, FAIA, LEED AP, a founding principal of CBT. “These promotions recognize key individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and success of the firm and will act as leaders for its future.”

Congratulations to all of the new Associates and Senior Associates, and to CBT!

Know of any other firms that are growing, shinking, or otherwise changing? Be sure to let us know!

Earlier this week, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) concluded their Greenway District Planning Study, setting building height limits along the 1-1/2 mile long Rose Kennedy Greenway.

To ensure that no one building or collection of buildings dominates the Greenway in terms of its scale, orientation, or architecture, the team examined potential massing studies from the perspective of the park user. Heights were also carefully analyzed for their potential to cast large or lengthy new shadows on the park parcels. Final height recommendations range from buildings between 175-200 feet along the waterfront to buildings ranging as tall as 400-600 feet on the city side of the Greenway.

The objective of the study was to create a set of guidelines specifically for the parcels adjoining the Greenway, with the following goals:

• preserve the newly created open spaces (environmentally, aesthetically, and economically) by identifying densities, height, and other building massing criteria compatible with the recreational activities and horticultural life that are being encouraged to grow there;
• Activate the broader public realm in and surrounding the parks by identifying and strategically locating desired uses, particularly at the ground plane, that will contribute positively to the Greenway;
• Ensure the long-term value of the public’s investment in creating the Greenway by shaping development to maximize the quality of the parks and extend their impact beyond its edges to the Downtown neighborhoods;
• Balance the development pressures within the Greenway District and with other growth areas and development opportunities in the City as a whole.

Using the new guidelines, the BRA and study-partner Utile estimate that between 2-million and 3-million additional square feet of buildings can be constructed along the Greenway, offering housing, shopping, and work space for up to 9,000 additional people.

The new ruling, as expected, has created winners, like Government Center Garage developer Thomas O’Brien, and losers, such as Donald Chiofaro, who has proposed a 625-foot tower where the Harbor Garage currently stands.

I’m excited to see how the Greenway — and the spaces around it — continue to adjust to the best possible fit for the residents, workers and tourists that frequent the area.

The Boston Globe recently reported on a proposal by local developer Samuels and Associates for two new buildings in the Fenway.

A building at 132 Brookline Ave. would house 170 high-end apartments and include retail space on the first floor. A street over, on the corner of Boylston and Van Ness streets, another building would hold 150 luxury apartments, 200,000 square feet of retail space, and 225,000 square feet of office space. The company also plans to build 500 parking spaces underground.

The two 15-story mixed-use projects are part of the larger Fenway Triangle development by Samuels & Associates — including 1330 Boylston Street and Fenway Triangle Trilogy. If the rendering above is any indication, the new buildings will keep the design theme of the earlier two (which were designed by Elkus Manfredi), modern but uninspired.

Assuming these buildings are a success, further development could include two further buildings along Yawkey Way, between Boylston Street and Brookline Ave.

Back in 2006, I questioned whether the Fenway was the right neighborhood for these developments, and the increased popularity of the buildings — as well as the nearby Landmark Center — show that Samuels & Associates are onto something.

Since moving his studio from Fort Point to Milton, Quentin Kelley’s been busy introducing new pieces to Infusion Furniture, his line of handmade, modern furniture. Quentin was nice enough to send over photos of his newest pieces, continuing on his theme of clean, modern lines built with old-world craftsmanship.

I especially like the Glass Top Dining Table (above). With a clear, glass top, the focus of the table is the four legs and connecting cross-beam, especially paired with Kartell’s Louie Ghost chairs.

Quentin’s new pieces also have an added functionality, adding to their modern appeal. Take, for instance, his Transformer Dining Table . An elegant piece available in a variety of woods, the Transformer would make a beautiful anchor point for a dining room. Hold up, you say, you live in a small apartment without a dedication dining room — it’s more like a dining space — what then?

Simple. You just fold the table up and it becomes a nice sideboard.

His new Media Cabinet has a more straightforward functionality, and equally direct aesthetics — the strength and quality of the woods he uses are first priority, allowing them to tell the story of the piece.

The story of the material is even stronger in the Slab Coffee Table. With simple footing underneath, the focus is on the grain and coloration of the single slab of wood that is the top.

It’s been over three years since I’ve first met Quentin Kelley, and it’s great to see him continue to produce quality, unique pieces that represent his day-to-day inspiration as a craftsman.

I went to Porter Exchange in Cambridge with my friend Jeff this afternoon for lunch — some of the best, least expensive sushi around the city is served there. On the way out, Jeff noticed a sale sign in the window of Kitty Haas’s jewelry shop. Knowing that Kitty isn’t known to need to put her unique jewelry on sale before , he insisted we step in.

It turns out after 63 years in and around Cambridge, 87-year old Kitty has decided to retire. Kitty is known for her unusual jewelry from around the world. In the few minutes we were there, we saw pieces from Poland and Afghanistan. There are pieces in white gold, yellow gold, and sterling silver. The woman there said that, unlike a lot of mass-produced silver pieces, their pieces were made from pure silver, and were therefore more malleable.

To clear out the last of her inventory — her last day is this coming Sunday — Kitty has dramatically reduced prices. Jeff picked up a beautiful piece for his girlfriend (no details so I won’t give away the surprise) and paid about 35% less than the retail cost.

If you’re like me then you have fond memories of your first Barbie Dreamhouse.  The layout was alright, the furniture was bland and uninspired, and worst of all everything was pink.  Pink isn’t for everyone, so thankfully there’s brinca dada.

brinca dada (pronounced (BREEN-kuh DEY-duh) is the brainchild of Douglas Rollins and Tim Boyle.  Simply put, they make toys that real people want to live in.  But don’t be fooled, these toys are meant to be enjoyed not just seen.  At the show, we had the opportunity to play with the Emerson House.  This dollhouse features  six rooms and includes sliding glass doors, two fireplaces, and recessed LED lights.  On the roof of the home you’ll find solar panels that actually power the lights in the home.

In terms of furniture, a line of inspired pieces will be available for purchase. The homes themselves are great for children and design aficionados alike as the designs are smart and inventive. I don’t know about Barbie, but this is my idea of a dreamhouse.  brincadada.com

Pretty in 672 C pastel pink to be precise.  The first pieces that struck my eye at this year’s ICFF were the Pantone Folding Chairs produced through Seletti of Italy.  I’m normally not one to gush over a folding chair but this is pretty neat.  These metal and synthetic leather chairs utilize the Pantone color system to great effect.

Stacked together they present a bold statement rather than a utilitarian eyesore.  Yes they are still folding chairs, but their clever use of color and branding adds a bit fun and humor.  Available in 672 C pastel pink, 186 C ruby red, 377 C macaw green, 14-0848 mimosa, 268 C royal purple, and cool gray.

It’s Friday at Design Boston… which means it’s time to get distracted by shiny objects!

Shiny object number one? The sun. Which is high in the sky as I type. It’s a GORGEOUS day in Boston, and I’m terribly sorry for anyone who doesn’t live here. Mind you, when the wind starts to blow rain horizontally at my face, I may find myself booking a ticket to come to wherever you are… but for now? Boston is perfection.

Shiny object number two (three, four, five, six…)? Well, I found much to fall in love with at Cocoa and Chia’s shop on Etsy.

Wait… I’m getting ahead of myself. I’m still new around here, so I should probably continue to introduce myself for a little while.

In case you didn’t read my inaugural post last week — and why didn’t you? WHY? — let me fill you in: my mandate as the Queen of Friday Finery is to point you to the best of Boston’s local makers of jewelry, accessories, shoes, hats… you name it.

If you can put it on your body and it was made in Boston? I’m your girl.

Of course, I have my own taste in finery… so that’ll be the other filter, besides location.

BUT! Cocoa and Chia.

No, no… wait. A bit more backstory.

I fell in love with Jennifer Meyer Maguire’s jewelry AGES ago — I love her organic, clean shapes and elegant use of color-popping gemstones. And what I really love? Are her stackable rings.

Unfortunately, she’s married to Tobey Maguire of “Spiderman” fame, and I really thought the sequels were lacking. And I’m also really scared of Willem Dafoe, who also stars in those movies.

Someone had to take a stand.

So when I was on the hunt for stackable sparklies on Etsy, the rings at Boston’s Cocoa and Chia IMMEDIATELY caught my eye.

And then everything else did. So I knew I had a good candidate in my sights.

Here are the lovely rings in question:

Gorgeous, no? I love the light-catching texture of the hammered gold, and the clean, almost architectural lines of the sterling ones.

And while we’re talking rings, here’s where I REALLY fell in love…

A big ol’ hunk of vintage turquoise, delicately set in gold. Could there be a more perfect ring to slip on tanned summer fingers? Now picture those fingers resting in your lap against the skirt of your favorite pure-white or pop-of-color sundress.

I know. And the best part? It’s UNIQUE. You’re the only person who has it. Huzzah!

Continuing on the aquatic blue theme, here’s a gorgeous blue opal pendant practically made to lurk from within the collar of a crisp white shirt, or add a simple, but posh touch to a white tank and jeans:

It’s like a spoonful of blue sky, or a tiny square-round lagoon. If you can’t be at the beach, you can wear it around your neck, right?

And finally, a delicate little pair of coral flower earrings:

Coral works beautifully against any skin tone you can find a person in — for ivory girls, it adds a glow (whether you load up on SPF 230 or freckle like the Coppertone kid.) For olive, mocha and cocoa-skinned girls, it adds a flash of warm, pretty light against your cheek.

And that’s just a FEW of the pretty things I found there — they’ve even got tiny ring boxes that would be at home on any vanity, modern or classic alike.

To see more, head to Cocoa and Chia’s shop at Etsy… and have a fantastic, finery-filled weekend.