rayma's Profile

It looks a bit odd to me because of the molding. I would paint the molding a darker shade so it merges with the floor.

What I really want to know is: how, with 4 roommates, do you keep it so clean and inviting? What's the division of chores?

ploefff, I did something similar to what you're suggesting. Instead of a tall wardrobe, though, I used wide, low bookcases -- about 40 inches high, six feet wide. The backs of the bookcases are finished, so they work as a headboard.

When you walk into the room, you see the bookcases, and a bank of windows beyond -- the large bank of windows is why I chose something low. You can't see the bed. The bookcases face a fireplace, and I have a chair there.

When you're on the bed, you look out the large windows. The top of the bookcases serve as a very roomy nightstand.

If you don't have furniture with finished backs, you can staple fabric to their backs.

This is a great layout when you have room significantly longer than it is wide (mine is 18 feet long, about 14 feet wide). I like it so much I plan to do it again, even when I'm in a room without windows or fireplaces on every wall!

I love this, and if you ever start selling them on Etsy, I'll buy one. Clearly, not everyone uses their TV in the same way. But if you usually have it off, the dark, unlit screen of a TV is a visual hole in the room.

Dorianne, armarkat.com has cat trees and cat scratchers made of sisal and fleece fabric. No yucky shag carpeting! Their prices are very reasonable, too.

Some thoughts on lighting.

--Main party area lighting should be appropriate for planned activities: low and indirect for dancing/chilling to music; brighter for board games.

--Start with brighter lights (when people are arriving and introducing themselves to others), then turn lights down/off.

--Have options. Don't make the entire house incredibly bright, or incredibly dim. At least one area should be well lit. Examples: the kitchen; bathroom; the place everyone dumps their coats and bags.

--Don't forget exterior lights. They should be on.

--Consider decorative bulbs. Not for emo teenagers only! I put orange bulbs in my lamps for a Halloween party. It was fun. Great no matter the occasion: temporarily replace high watt bulbs with 25 watt pink bulbs.

I splurged on bookcases made of recycled wood from Sundance. Each piece is 36" x 12" x 12", and I got six of them. With tax and delivery, the bill was $1,000.

I bought them only after searching countless furniture outlets. Their versatility stood out: I can stack them in any configuration. At the moment, they are in two stacks of three each, side by side.

I've used them as media storage, a china cabinet, and even as bookcases. It was their versatility, and their classic dark red painted finish, that made them a must. They are not scene stealers, but terrific supporting cast.

1. paint

2. clean

3. hire a professional to clean and wax your hardwood floors. A pro will own a buffer. Watch out; your floor may be slippery after.

4. Don't replace the appliances unless they are an awful color. White, black, stainless steel, and beige/almond/biscuit are fine. I think buying new ones is a waste because most people are particular about their appliances, especially stoves and refrigerators, and will already have their ideal one in mind. You might choose one the buyer doesn't like. If you must replace them, look around for nearly-new appliances on craigslist. People are continually moving and having to sell appliances.

5. price your place lower than same size, same area condos with similar features. This last is the most important.

Missing a closing bold tag.

Wow, thanks! I have a missing medallion, and I'm not keen on getting a new latex reproduction -- unless I paint them a dozen times, they won't look like the originals. :) This is a much better alternative.