Heathah's Profile

I will say the same thing here that I do about the Small Cool Space contest...I'd love to see a differentiation between renters and owners. There's a world of difference between what each is allowed to do with their space. I think it's great to see how both groups make their spaces their own, but the renters tend to operate with significantly more limitations.

PB Teen has some great rugs. I've had two from them (in my grown up living room) and have been really happy with the quality and the way they've held up. Here are some grey and white options.

http://www.pbteen.com/products/trellis-rug-gray/?pkey=crugs-view-all

http://www.pbteen.com/products/lattice-rug-warm-gray/?pkey=crugs-view-all

http://www.pbteen.com/products/decorator-border-rug-warm-gray/?pkey=crugs-view-all

http://www.pbteen.com/products/mini-dot-rug-grey/?pkey=crugs-view-all

I think theshimmy hit the nail on the head. Many see feashion as art. I would be hard pressed to believe that many AT readers would view a house tour and criticize the resident for spending too much money on art. I suspect fashion bloggers (like Sai) might argue that they get the added benefit of being able to wear/enjoy their investments on a regular basis.

Wow - thanks so much for all of your ideas! I can see I've got some good shopping ahead of me. Thanks also for the advice on your experience with things to avoid. I don't want to do a bench because I, personally, find dining without a back on the chair uncomfortable. I hand't thought about the challenges of a metal chair though.

The Etsy shop for this table is Timeless Journey but there were quite a few wonderful options out there. After shopping the big stores and even some of the design stores, I was really pleasantly surprised by the options on Etsy! I've bought Etsy before but more on the craft/jewelry side. I hadn't thought of it for furniture.

This is a great space, but I really wish design media would stop referring to designs as masculine or manly. Dwell Magazine has a section this month too on decorating for "Gentlemen" which included a sidebar called Bros on a budget. There's a nice opportunity here to stop perpetuating sex stereotypes by assuming that leather, industrial, wood, clean spaces = masculine while flowery, fabric-y, etc = feminine. Good design is art that can be appreciated regardless of sex.

I also contend (as I did last year) that there should be a distinction between renters and owners. There is a world of difference between resources one might be willing (or should) commit as well as permission.

I have one that looks a lot like #3 but the middle is closed off and stores 4 wooden folding chairs. My mom bought it at a yard sale and kept it in the garage as extra seating for large family dinner events. When I moved into my current small apartment, and saw an identical set at a local MCM store for almost $1000, I encouraged her to send it my way so it could put to appropriate use. It is a lifesaver for me!

I love seeing house tours like this where you can tell the bones of the space are pretty standard (though the fireplace here is great). Beige walls and carpet don't have to limit how well your home reflects your own personal style.

I work for the government and I was able to find some really wonderful government issued industrial type office supplies around my office. Most of the folks who had them didn't appreciate how great they were so I was easily able to barter a set of new (boring) wire mesh letter trays for a set of heavy wooden and metal ones. I've got my eye on an amazing hat/coat rack in an office upstairs. So I'd say look around you and see what you like. Then see if you can borrow, barter, or buy.

What's on the one wall we can't see? Could you put your couch along the wall by the stairs and the TV on the opposite wall? With a TV that big, some distance might be nice and it looks like the couch is low enough that it wouldn't block the light from the window.