janet.'s Profile

Oh no, this isn't an official entry. I still adore it though. This guy doesn't even need a DWR gift certificate with his interesting design, unique style and crazy street finds!

I actually love all the white and find it very serene. It lets the piano take center stage and I can imagine sitting there and playing and enjoying the great view.
As for the washer/dryer instead of a dishwasher - if I could choose I would much rather hand wash my dishes and have the luxury of doing laundry at home!

P.S. I am thinking of stealing that scruffly precious little dog :)

Love it! What sofa is this - I've been looking for something similar.
Like others have said, I can't believe you fit a piano in there - impressive. I like the soft grey walls and the whole feel of the place.

The article mentioned above names cities where renting is often advantageous. I have been shocked to see what I could afford if I lived somewhere else. What I pay for a 1-bedroom flat could buy a 4-bedroom house with a nice yard in Omaha. Renting isn't better than buying across the board, but it can definitely save you lots of money in a number of cities.
To me, having the freedom to do whatever you want in your home (decor wise) is not more valuable than anything. Sure, it would be nice to paint or customize a couple more things than I currently can, but it's more rewarding (to me) to see the additional expenses I would incur with ownership going into IRA's, index funds and high-interest savings accounts. Boy do I sound dull today - good thing it's Friday.

mjoe - I hate ticking too. I've had to get rid of more than one clock because of it being too noisy. The worst is when I am having a hard time sleeping and can hear a clock in a neighboring room ticking away the precious sleep I am missing!

Joel - thanks for doing that math. It is certainly an interesting thing to consider. $578 sounds cheap but when you think about all that it could buy back in 1956 that is a different story.

P(too), I agree that is kind of a silly argument. If I want to take a $6000 trip to Europe because I worked hard and want a nice vacation I'm not going to feel guilty because that money could have fed x number of people. I'm not an awful person, and I donate to charities, but buying some luxuries in life is something I'm not going to give up.

Brenda, my opinion is that what matters most is quality. I don't think we're comparing apples to apples here. If you were comparing two identical pieces of furniture, made in the same place using the same materials and same manufacturing method, that one be one thing. However, odds are that the knock-off was likely produced using inferior methods and materials. Odds are that the comfort and quality of the knock-off are not going to live up to the original.
If you prefer to pay less and compromise on quality, far be it from anybody to judge your decision. If you want a higher quality piece though and don't want to pay for a new Knoll version, keep your eyes out for deals on originals on ebay and Craigslist. I know I have seen several for hundreds less than a new one.