ratskolnikov's Profile

Display Name:	ratskolnikov
Member Since:	2/27/11

Latest Comments...

There is this in-debth world of prison reform and I just love how all the readers have naturally picked up on many of the key debates without having a background in the issue (negative jargon aside). I feel like Leslie Knope by how inspired I get by the comments section... it's like a public forum. I love it. haha... Freedom Room: Prisoners Help Design a Better Small Space Good Flag this comment	4/29/13 12:06 PM
The cubes are way cooler... it seems like you are straddling the line between contemporary and modern. I would shift a nudge over to the modern side of things. Plus they would really bring out the paintings. ..love your color scheme! It's just one of those things that you might have to try and hope that you can make a return if it doesn't work. Coffee Table Style & Size for Small Space? Good Questions Flag this comment	4/16/13 1:23 AM
I know a couple who is currently getting a painting commissioned for this issue. I guess it depends on your wallet though... What To Do with Giant White Wall? Good Questions Flag this comment	4/16/13 1:15 AM
No one has said this, so I'm just going to throw it out there: what about making your stone all grey stone so it doesn't look as awful, but you also are not painting over it all, which isn't really a "look" (not like painted brick is, you know...) I would find a way to tape the grout to cover it up with some painters tape. Then use a stone spray. http://www.lowes.com/pd_58350-4-465.0011444.076_0__?productId=3729685&Ntt=stone+spray&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dstone%2Bspray&facetInfo= Then follow it up with some waterproofing finishing spray. Eventually save up to have it removed because this fix might just last a couple years... Can I Paint Over Exterior Stone Veneer? Good Questions Flag this comment	4/11/13 5:55 PM
Yall need to relax. As amusing as this massive internet bitch-fest is, the appropriate thing to do is invite your neighbors and LL over for a meeting and discuss it like adults. How Do I Deal with Neighbor's Excessive Noise Complaints? Good Questions Flag this comment	2/20/13 2:14 PM
This is awesome! Why the H*** is this article negative?? It's like Battlestar Galactic is real! Transparent sheets? Are you insane? Transparent Technology: Anything But Smartphones, Please! Flag this comment	2/7/13 11:50 AM
my first thought was anthropologie's wallpapers... it's had to make a cabin "chic" so you might as well not try and just make it whimsical and fun... Here's one: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-wallpaper/974062.jsp This one of metallic deer is on SALE and would look AWESOME! --> http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopsale-decorative/26073148.jsp ...but obviously that may just be my taste.... I too think you should flip the shelf and the chair so people don't bump their head. And the sky is not the limit for most people, so I don't agree with comments telling you to get new furniture. Just have fun with the old stuff. Add a throw blanket that compliments the new wall choice! If there is some cool wood under that white paint on the cabinet it might be fund to strip and stain it. Ideas for Decorating Under-Stair Nook? Good Questions Flag this comment	1/24/13 6:45 PM
The best comment here is to just rearrange your furniture so you are not "looking" at it when you hang out. I have no idea what that entails because there is no layout of the apartment, so I can't really help you. For example, if you put your living room across from the kitchen and your bed in the farthest corner, then you can create a kitchen area that feels different from the bedroom area. In a studio it is important to create spaces. I would place a screen extending from the trash can area and thing some cute tiny cafe furniture on the kitchen side like a little cafe. This screen: http://www.worldmarket.com/product/hara-upholstered-screen.do?&from=fn and this furniture: http://www.viesso.com/by-brand/fermob/bistro-dining-set.html As for a curtain... that just seems like a bad idea. It's a kitchen, not a closet... How Do I Hide the Kitchen in My Studio Apartment? Good Questions Flag this comment	1/21/13 10:50 AM
This house is probably very nice in person, but I simply cannot help but comment on how fantastically photographable it is! The colors work so well. I'm not sure what the owner's do, but it seems like there must be an artist of some sort in the home. I particularly like the image of the bottles, and how you can see the continuation of the stairwell line through them -very cool photo moment. And the main photo with the dogs is amazing. Who contributed to that?? It has a very William Wegman feel to it... honestly, that would be a great print. I really like the expression of the dogs and the proportions of the surrounding space. If only the curtains had been closed and the lighting set a bit differently, then that would have been an absolutely amazing photograph... but obviously that was not the point of the house tour, so oh well. Heather & Dave's Eclectic Enclave House Tour Flag this comment	1/20/13 2:44 PM
I agree with another poster that it is really hard to visualize a layout. Sometimes staring at the room is the best bet. But I just rearranged my living room and have been ecstatic about the results, so I might have some insight. 1. Think about function. I have a desk and a couch in the room. The couch was positioned furthest from my roomie's sight so I was always lounging on it and not doing work like I should. I've now made the desk the most comfortable place in the room and I am seated there right now. Think about where you want to be hanging out and what attracts you to migrate to different parts. 2. Consider adding floorspace. People on this website love to break from the walls and be super creative, but sometimes in a tiny space maximizing floor area can make a room feel spacious and peaceful --> Quick fix: if you simply moved the table so that the longest end was against the left wall then the room would flow from the kitchen in... creating a clear pathway. You would also be able to use 3 of the four ends of the table comfortably. A center piece against the wall will make the table look good against the wall. 3. build up: hanging your guitars or grabbing ikea shelves for books can really help reduce clutter 4. Tiny end tables are handy instead of larger coffee tables. If you live in NYC, look for the wooden stools in the basement of Pearl River -only 12 bucks! Small Living/Dining Room Layout Ideas? Good Questions Flag this comment	11/8/12 3:34 PM
Really? Landing Strip? You are both entering AND exiting. Plus there is not just a mat area on the floor but a coat rack and a table involved, so this analogy is not really the best... plus it just makes everyone think of self-grooming tips in an issue of Cosmopolitan. Don't get me wrong... I liked the video! One Minute Tip: Create a Basic Landing Strip Apartment Therapy Videos Flag this comment	10/21/12 3:22 PM
Fear is a useless emotion. Eeek! What Are You Afraid Of? Flag this comment	10/19/12 5:12 PM
It really depends on your style. I would do something 17th century french inspired and draped in a nice thick upholstery fabric with "tails" that end a few inches before the radiator. Then I would warm up the paint color to tie it in. But that isn't very modern or hip of me. It would just be cool if you wanted your house to be from Downton Abby... What Window Treatments Are Best at Windows with Radiators? Good Questions Flag this comment	9/26/12 5:44 PM
Did someone just wrap ace bandages on those chairs... at lease if anyone sprains an ankle you will know where to look. And it's great for kids, because there are no sharp corners. Joking aside, this is a sweet place. That kid has it made. His miniature furniture is WAY nicer than my adult stuff. And I really freaking love miniature chairs ...so I think it's great. Francis & Jane Adapt a Loft to a Growing Family House Tour Flag this comment	9/26/12 5:31 PM
I refinished an old chair left in my college house. It ended up being painted cherry. Pretty fun find... but may I just add that my bf recently left a rather large jar of pickles in his old apt fridge? Terrible... just... terrible. When Previous Homeowners Leave Useful Items Behind Flag this comment	8/14/12 11:36 AM
Oh please... can someone just show me a man who is open to compromise and will love me forever? That is all I ask... yet it is so hard to find. Would You Date Someone if You Really Dislike Their Style? Flag this comment	7/23/12 9:52 PM
The caption under the chair says that it is an old IKEA chair from 1951. But then there is that polyvore link... so is it coming or not? And why was IKEA so much cooler in the 50s? Whatever, Let me just admit: I love IKEA. I don't care how much it makes my sister cringe. I enjoy my ikea apartment. IKEA 2013 Catalog Preview: Stylists' Design Ideas Worth Stealing Flag this comment	7/21/12 1:34 PM
If I were you I would paint the bottom cabinets a matte dark navy so that the lines of the panels blend in. THen I would remove the doors from the top cabinets and put some bright white dishes in there with lights from ikea to make it all look pretty. Ikea has some pretty cheap white dish sets but i really love the muji ones... Minimize Paneled Look in Old Cabinet Doors? Good Questions Flag this comment	7/17/12 3:44 PM
By far the most amazing thing about this is that you can sweep next to your stove! I've always hated the mystery area where food collects on cracks betweens stoves and counters.... excellent thinking. Patrick's Rewarding Kitchen Restoration Small Cool Kitchens 2012 Flag this comment	7/17/12 3:33 PM
Interesting... I am only 25 with no kids so I have no perspective on this. I really like the comments, though... I have always wondered about parenting in a 1 br apt. My only comment is that the UWS is great for kids and good luck! Child-Friendly Furniture Suggestions for Sharing New Apartment with Son? Good Questions Flag this comment	7/17/12 3:30 PM