Juliejulie's Profile

Visually some of these are stunning. But, I wish a pox on anyone who hangs wallpaper because in a few years someone like me will have a huge problem when it is time to remove it. I recently became the owner of a wallpaper steamer and have spent many hours so far to remove a fraction of the vast amount of hideous wallpaper in a friend's house-that-must-be-sold and it is a lot of work.

I am tempted to move back to Minneapolis to do this! Too bad I can't just up and do that. Please someone in Minneapolis - answer the call!!

Great job! A calm bedroom is essential to one's sanity... I like the "outbox" idea. I realize that although I didn't call it that I guess I have been using the technique myself for a couple of years! I stage the stuff that usually goes to someplace starting with "G": the Garage, Grandma's house, the Goodwill, the little Girl next door, or the Garbage (although that usually just GOES) etc. in an otherwise unused open area near the landing in my upstairs condo. The stuff isn't out of sight so can't become permanent clutter/mess in a corner somewhere but it isn't really in the way so waits patiently until I move it on out - which I feel compelled to do after a few days of walking by it, occasionally repatriating a few items etc.

Light fixture replacement is SO easy (yes, someone already identified the number one requirement though - you have to be able to turn off the power to do it safely - don't watch electricians who just turn off the switch and think that's a good idea for the average person!) I do this even before I change the blinds when I move (and I move a lot with the military for the last 18 years). My recomendation is to go to any store - Home Cheapo or anywhere that sells any lighting and get something you can live with (you don't have to spend a fortune). Plan to do this project in the daylight (!) You should have basic tools like a drill, wire cutter, a screw driver, and a ladder or really sturdy step stool depending on how high your ceilings are.

I will try this cheese, but I really thought it was going to be a discussion of countertop materials from the picture! Thanks for the verbage, one might pass this by for its appearance and miss out entirely!

I did away with CD/DVD cases about 15 years ago. As I worked on my project I tossed the plastic cases into a garbage bag. When it was full I lugged it out to the curb and along the way the bag grazed my calf and I felt something warm on my leg. When I got back to the house I could see in the glow of the porch light that I was bleeding from a gash from one of the cases that poked out the side of the bag! 9 stitches later I swore I'd never allow "jewel" cases in my life again. Now we use friendly soft envelopes stacked in Container Store clear plastic shoe boxes (sans lids) that slide neatly under the TV or sit quietly on a shelf under the CD player. CDs are mostly going into the MP3 player so even these are diminishing.

I've had a number of lower end jute rugs over the years and never a smell problem but rather a shedding or disintegration problem - which was a problem on hardwood floors as the residue was abrasive. I don't know if a higher end rug with an attached backing might solve this problem, perhaps that is the key.

I love the photo of the toys on the shelf - great colors and great photography. This is a pretty huge house - while I understand that this is all about design, isn't this getting a bit far from the "Apartment" in AT?

Yes! I have one of these at the top of the stairs leading down to the entrance/exit - I hang things I need to bring with me and can't miss them on the way out. Also works great when a visitor has a suit jacket to take off/hang up. I think I got mine somewhere fairly common like BBandBeyond...

I want to run home right now and look this up in my "1000" chairs book! Unfortunately I should really stay and finish my work - but believe me, it will be the first thing I do when I get home - I'll let you know if they are in there...