kimatdc's Profile

In my city (Baltimore), many brick row homes were covered up with formstone. Removing the fake stone and uncovering the brick definitely ups resale value and, at least in Baltimore, helps you make a big step towards being eligible for a historic tax credit. If you go that route, it's worth getting someone with a very good reputation who will keep the brick's integrity.

Otherwise, I've seen a lot of homes that have painted over the formstone, and I actually think it can look pretty good. I've seen neutral and bright colors, and either way I think they look nicer than the original formstone.

I have Crate & Barrel's Davis sectional (in "Darius"), which looks similar but with shorter legs. I highly recommend it.

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/davis-2-piece-sectional-sofa/s189289

I've also had MUCH better luck with Crate & Barrel's customer service than with West Elm's, which is important with this type of purchase.

Thanks for your kind words.

You're right about that pothos plant looking sad. I'm not proud! I have a lot of houseplants that have lived long lives, and I've learned that I'm safer watering less frequently (especially since pothos usually springs back quickly). I did water that guy this week, but clearly I waited too long. I'll be giving it some TLC.

I appreciate the rack suggestions, but I'm OK just lining the shoes up. The room isn't very big, and I'm not sure I want to add another piece of furniture.

Domaine de Canton (ginger liqueur) + bourbon + lemon juice + soda water

Thanks for the positive feedback! That's a clever idea, Easup - I hadn't heard of those. You could easily adapt this to be more of a footrest by shortening it and then padding it with foam/batting before adding the slipcover.

Hanc, the lamp was from West Elm, and Jancola, the wall color is Rain Storm by Behr (I love it).

CaseyinTO, the color is "Nimbus Cloud" in the Martha Stewart Living line.

Oh man, Janel. They have the cutest Flickr stream! I've been wanting one of their sweaters for my Boston terrier.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32879446@N05/4991052040/in/photostream

I'm working to have the glitches fixed. It should say that the third table is by Etsy seller Blue Ridge Woodworking and the fourth is West Elm's Dover dining table. As for Craiglist, yes, it can be a great resource. Finding something can be just luck of the draw, though, and you might want to have other ready options.

Looks great, Leah!

I went yesterday, and it was great. The people working were a lot more friendly and helpful than at the old DC store, and you can get 20% off one item with a coupon that's tucked into the catalogs they stock by the door.