levelor's Profile

I tried and found it pointless.

I like when people paint these ornate Victorians crazy colors -- I guess because I think they're really gaudy and kitschy so why not just have fun with it? So I don't really like the "after" even though I get that the owners were going for something stately and formal and historically correct. They have certainly achieved that, so money well spent. Curious to know, what does a paint job like this cost?

I don't know that color is the best way to attack the problem. I think ease of cleaning as well as choosing things your pet is less likely to destroy is the way to go. I decorated my place with my cat in mind. Leather sofa and chairs that are easy to clean and that she isn't tempted to scratch (I know some animals destroy leather -- it all depends on the individual pet). No fabric upholstery that she will want to sink her claws into and that will trap her fur. Wood floors with a couple short-pile area rugs that vacuum up easily. You do the best you can, but there is no way to totally pet-proof your home. My cat has scratched up some nice wood pieces, but it's ok - I"m not perfect either :)

I just completed a small bathroom renovation where I removed the tub for a shower and used vertical space for storage to maximize the space. I know they say it is bad for resale value to remove the tub, but I am not planning on moving so who cares? I'm very happy with the way it turned out. I actually submitted before and after pictures to AT a few weeks ago but they haven't published it. :(

I just bought a washer and dryer for my condo. I'd thought about doing the LG combo unit, but had some misgivings about it. I opted instead for a major splurge on Miele stacked washer and dryer. It does such an amazing job that I almost enjoy doing laundry now. If it lasts 20+ years like they claim it will, it will have been worth the insane cost.

I don't think there are any little tricks to minimize the appearance of 10,000 albums. Sounds like you already have your solution, if you can afford to have carpenter-built shelving, that will look great and store the albums safely. But make sure there is room to grow the collection, because I doubt your guy is going to stop. I've known quite a few obsessive record collectors, and it can get to be almost a sickness, like hoarding.

Juliacori - I had the exact same issue recently, and solved it with this compact bar cart: http://www.flickr.com/photos/35744427@N00/6723546917/

I collect mid-century pieces and have for a very long time time (at least longer than it's been a DWR-fueled trend). I'm more sick of the trend than anyone -- yes, please let it die and leave it to those of us who actually love it despite its being a trend, not because of it.

Oh, and yes please to the death of DIY!

It is a nice apartment, but I just have to say, the phrase mid-century modern is getting tossed around way too much. There is really nothing about this place that is mid-century modern. It is very much a contemporary decor and architecture.

When I redid my kitchen, I put in one long open shelf along the backsplash, and the rest of the shelving is closed. I think a combination works well. I wouldn't want all open storage but I think the one open shelf is very function and great-looking.