By design

New looks: Seven projects by Newport homeowners and developers have received a public pat on the back for giving new life to old buildings. Winners came from nominations submitted to the Newport Historic Preservation Commission. They are:

Leslie Bohart's exterior work at 405 E. Fifth St.; condominium construction at 616 Overton by developer Bill Kreutzjans Jr. in a building that was once a social hall, then a watch factory; Harold Eifert's exterior work at 328 Overton St.; the transformation of the former Third Street Motor Car Co. into the Hofbrauhaus by developers Nick Ellison and Eric Haas; porch restoration at 615 Monroe by Emily Nordloh and Bill Kreutzjans; the exterior of 635 Monmouth St., a commercial site, by Patrice, Jason and Terri Yutzem; and residential rehab of 543 E. Fourth St. by Jim Guthrie and Deanna Heil.

Furniture to frames: The folks at Thomasville furniture are getting their foot in the doors of young decorators by introducing picture frames and mirrors by Uniek Inc. at Target stores. Frames ($6.99-$18.99) and mirrors ($14.99-$49.99) come in traditional, contemporary and casual styles. This is the second time Thomasville has licensed its brand name. Thomasville Cabinetry set up shop at Home Depot stores in 2000.

In print

Big ideas for small spaces: Not everybody is taken with today's space-hungry houses. 25 Houses Under 2,500 Square Feet (Harper Design International; $40) by James Grayson Trulove is a coffee-table book with practical tips on modern minimalist living and design plans.

Shop talk

Mattress payoff: If you call St. Vincent de Paul through Monday to pick up gently used mattresses and furniture, you'll get a certificate for free delivery (up to $90) from the Lazarus Furniture Gallery at Sycamore Plaza. Information: 562-8841 Ext. 10 or Web site.

Earth smart

Rubberific mulch: Mulch that will last 10 years? That's what Rubberific, a St. Louis biz, brags about its nontoxic, eco-friendly (made from shredded tires) garden cover. Though it costs about three times as much as wood (about $1.10 per square foot vs. 39 cents per square foot), only half the amount is required. It doesn't rot or attract bugs, and it lets the water get through to the plant instead of absorbing it, fans say. The sample looked just like wood and was a bit stinky at first, but the tire odor fades. The colors (redwood, cedar, cypress and earthtone) don't fade, however. "It's less likely to float away in a driving rainstorm, and it keeps the ground cooler," adds Bryan Oekel, representing Rubberific. It's sold in 16-pound bags, $11, at Lowe's. Information: Web site.

Wise Buys

Dirty mop syndrome: Ever looked into mop water after a few swipes across a filthy floor? Yuck. The Clorox wizards have whipped up a dilutable cleaner - Don't Mop with Dirty Water Again Pine-Sol - that pulls and holds dirt particles to the bottom of the bucket. $2.19-$3.99, hitting stores this month.

Contact Joy Kraft by phone: 768-8467; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: jkraft@enquirer.com