christine_z's Profile

As someone who is dealing with enough woes with a small lighting upgrade 1/100th of the size, I sympathize!

Plus, you can try and plan a lot, but when you don't have a general contractor taking care of details and you're not an expert, you're forced to make a lot of quick decisions on the fly and learn quickly. And - planning aside, shit happens that is out of your control. My NEIGHBOURS contractors have delayed my own contractor by about a day and a half, fixing their sloppy reno work via my ceiling (faulty electrical work, a defective shower drain that would have leaked into our ceiling if it hadn't been detected).

And I would say, be tough. If work isn't getting done to your standards, you might have to play the bad cop. It might be too late for the orange peel, but don't let them convince you that you've actually agreed to something that you haven't. They just don't want to have to redo the work on their dime, but really, it should be their problem!

There are no Target stores in Canada (yet) and they don't ship to Canada. Sob.

I second this question! I'd been planning on buying the amazon ones and having them shipped to a friend in NY...

I sympathize for those who struggle with #5! For me, I was forced to accommodate guests in a mess when husband invited 10 people over for brunch a week after moving into our new apartment! Since then though, I find it easier and easier to have guests in home decor chaos. Plus I try to keep in mind how impressed they'll be when they see it after it's done!

Who was it who said "Did you come over to see my house, or see me?"

Also, often guests will have insights that might help with decor challenges. I've been struggling with a spot behind a staircase for months, and a friend visiting suggested a brilliant bookcase solution for the space.

Wow, thanks for the book! That is really just the cherry on the sundae. It was a great cure and, while I didn't finish it ALL, I am very happy! I'll be back next spring. Congrats to all the curees!

@MeWindow

Use #ATcure for your hashtag. It's the one that goes out with the automatic tweet when you sign up.

Hey AT, details such as this one are good to publish in permanent locations! Like perhaps below the link "Tweet this"?

That's YOUR desk?? I saw it on Craigslist! Should have known such a nice piece would belong to an ATer.

We used to do relaxed, casual meals all the time in our neighbourhood park in Vancouver, carting over a BBQ, glasses, plates, and food. I hosted a friend's baby shower there, and we decorated with balloons and streamers. Kids would regularly have birthday parties there too. We'd almost always end up feeding at least two or three neighbourhood kids and/or homeless folks, and there was a lady who would happily cart away our empties (and leftovers) at the end of every session.

By all means, embrace public space, but don't make it a private experience - turn it into a way of connecting with your community.

Hi all!

It's week 2! Here's what's in the book for this week:

Deep Treatment:
Fix one thing in your apartment yourself.
Clean your kitchen from top to bottom and thow away old food.
Buy a water filter and use it.
Run your hands over every wall in your apartment.
Clear space for an outbox.
Clear one surface and use the outbox.
Buy fresh flowers.
Determine your style.
Find a new recipe and cook one meal at home.
Choose the date of your housewarming.

What's everyone up to?

@ Nolan: The book doesn't have a lot of specifics regarding kitchens per se, but does talk a lot about making spaces work for you. This is especially true of the kitchen! So above all, think about what will make it a more comfortable and functional place to cook.

For the chopped up counters, I might suggest buying a couple nice big butcher blocks and laying them over the worst sections – useful and portable. A rug might do the trick for the floor.

I agree guys - for the love of god, just put all the pictures in one page. Internet audiences now know how to scroll, trust me!

You guys are absolutely my favourite. You have a refreshingly distinct style and have gone to incredible lengths to make sure all the details of your home sing in harmony! Plus, LOVE that map of Canada!