red mermaid's Profile

Display Name: red mermaid
Member Since: 5/3/11

Latest Comments...

Though all your selections look lovely and tasteful, dorm rooms are always sad and drab places, it's the things you bring in that will add the "life" of the room, so color may be something to reconsider.

My advice is to "pin" like crazy and enjoy daydreaming, but don't get your hopes up for much space or a totally blank pallet when you get there. Most of the time you'll have a permanently located (meaning bolted-to-the-floor) desk and dresser, one or two open shelves above them, florescent lighting, and linoleum. BUT you'll also have tons of fun trying to solve the storage challenges that you'll discover over the first few weeks. I have to agree on waiting to purchase many things. Consult your roommate on whether they want to loft or bunk the beds (to maximize floor space). I've done both and found lofting to be the best (if you can do it, it will most likely have to be a free-standing structure) because you can set up a sort of tiny living room below them with a little rug, small couch or futon, television, etc. Who knows, your roommate may want to participate in the decorating, too!

For the organization, you may not really know how you best work until you actually start participating in your classes. Buying a different color-coded notebook, storage box, etc. for each class sounds dreamy. I'm right there with you on that. Unfortunately it's more likely that you won't have the TIME to keep up with all the organization unless you have a mild sleeping problem. The thing you're really going to want is a couple power strips!


Feedback & Advice on Dorm Room Design? Good Questions
6/17/13 4:41 PM

I've lived in all three types and I love them all for different reasons.

In the country it's so much easier to figure yourself out and since you'll have a long drive you can say 'no' to any social obligation you want. Yes, you have to make certain things a priority, like making lists before you head into town and never forgetting to fill the tank on your way out. The internet is getting better, but you'll find other things to take time on like gardening or animals (goats, anyone? Horses?) or making everything incredibly organized. Oh, and the stars! You'll see the most amazing sky without any cit lights and that's my favorite part. Your home will be where people want to visit for relaxing vacations to 'get away from it all' and you can show it off proudly. Plus, you can walk around naked and who doesn't want that freedom?

In the suburbs things are conveniently close, you can still do amazing things with your yard (half an acre is nothing to sneeze at) and if you want privacy, plant tall bushes around the perimeter. There's block parties and you may end up living down the street from your new best friend. There's also safety even when you're away because people look out for each other. I personally loved the small town I've lived in. If you want it to be more open to trying new things, host parties incorporating those things and introduce your neighbors to them. Also, best farmer's markets!

Cities seem to have the most support here so I won't add more because we all know the merits and drawback to them. I'll just say make the most of wherever you're living because dwelling in what's making you unhappy will make you completely miss things that will make you joyful.


City or Country: Nothing in Between!
4/26/13 2:47 PM

Get It!!
Check for buggies, take off that skirt and show some legs. Love the shape!


Is This Couch Hideous or Awesome? Good Questions
4/26/13 2:29 PM

Wow, you made that room SING! Congratulations on such a fun grown-up room!


Before & After: Charlotte's Colorful Connecticut Living Room
2/19/13 12:39 PM

Absolutely stunning, I love the contrast between the stain and old paint. What a wonderful solution!


Before & After: Side Table Gets a Herringbone Top On a BudgetThistlewood Farms
2/19/13 11:58 AM

Well, since everyone else is throwing in their favorites not on this list. I agree with everyone who said the Hobbit Hole, but my all-time favorite was "Gigi," I LOVE Art Nouveau spaces and all the fun details in bright, happy technicolor!


Interiors Awards: Which Movie Gets
Your Vote?

1/31/13 9:24 AM

If you want privacy but to keep as much natural light as possible, I would consider privacy film. It will keep it light/bright and won't take up extra space in your small dining area. There are also a ton of pattern/finish options for a reasonable price. Then you could do a nice shelving wall or something and it would blend in nicely. You could even do a window box of something for the plants to filter the light even more if it's too bright.

Good luck and please post a follow up so we can all admire your solution!


How to Treat 6'x3' Kitchen Window? Good Questions
1/30/13 9:09 AM

If you can't match them, you could also remove the amber ones, replace them by moving the exterior level of clear ones, then make/have made some pretty strings of colored and clear beads in a flattering shape to make the chandelier more interesting. You could also refinish the brass fixture to soften it up a bit as well (though I know brass is sort of "in" right now, but it was also "in" when that green carpet was installed). Also, those tall ceilings are great and the mirrored wall is hilarious, please give us some details on how that was to remove!


Source For Large Crystal Raindrops for 70s Chandelier? Good Questions
1/22/13 2:19 PM

I guess it depends on how long you're planning to stay. Really, if you and your husband are planning to be there for years to come it may be worth it but for now do the rug thing until you see something you both love. My hubby and I couldn't agree on couches and for some reason we got the ones he liked and despite being comfortable they are very ugly and don't go with anything else. We both wish we'd been more patient.

Then again, most of us have moved into a rental and felt the need to make immediate improvements (and it always seems to be the kitchen), so we feel your pain. Really the tiles don't look half bad. Maybe painting the walls a nice soft grey instead of the yellowish cream they are now would soften the contrast (not to mention going better with the pink, which I really can't figure out). If you keep the pink, get some mildly gaudy knobs to go on the cabinets. Embrace the kitsch!


Ideas for Kitchen Floor in a Rental? Good Questions
1/22/13 9:06 AM

I almost forgot to add "ARCHER" as one of the funniest shows I have ever seen!
It's insensitive, immature, and everything you wish you could say to people who annoy you on a daily basis. Just a side-splitting show.


Sleep, What's That? The Five Most Addictive Shows on Netflix
12/3/12 6:50 PM

I'm adding "Revenge" in. My hubby calls it "24 for girls" and that's incredibly accurate. Also "Firefly" (the saddest cancelation ever) and "Frasier" is probably one of the most clever and well written shows made.


Sleep, What's That? The Five Most Addictive Shows on Netflix
12/3/12 6:44 PM

I agree with hanhosh. We don't have cable and only use Netflix streaming to our Xbox. I just want them to offer a better selection of newer movies since only about 5% of what's on streaming is worth anything. We never really used the mailing part, probably because I'm just too lazy and/or lose the packaging. I have no problem with the hike since it doesn't really affect how we use it anyway and it is a business, after all.


5 Ways To Split With Netflix
9/24/11 11:48 AM

What a great idea! Would it be possible to attach magnets to the back of the tin in order to keep it on the fridge? If so, I am going to try this is my apartment and hammer down/round off the edges so there are no sharp bits to get caught or cut on. They sell extra strong magnets and magnet strips at Home Depot, probably lots of hardware stores carry them. Might be worth a try.


Punched Tin Refrigerator Panels
8/27/11 10:56 AM

My husband is in mental health field in the Army and has the same problem. Rather than taking a lunch he usually ends up taking care of soldiers (which he does well) in addition to all his other duties (too many to count). I usually pack him bagel sandwiches which I know he is probably sick to tears of! I'm so glad you posted this.
Also, I know this is silly, but I love how mature the participants in this blog are. Rather than argue completely over Union and Teacher rights, which would be easy to do, you all just make a quick point, but stay on topic. Well done, all of you!


Good Lunches to Eat Standing Up?
Good Questions

8/27/11 10:51 AM

It could actually end up looking pretty cool if it's textured wallpaper anyway!


Is it Ever OK to Paint Over Wallpaper?
Color Therapy

5/3/11 1:28 PM

I agree with Alyse on the knocking out the rail to open it up a bit! Are you in an area where you can put furniture outside without it getting taken? It'd be charming to put a bright parlor chair out front with a reading table, rug, (bring the inside out!) and a lemon tree for the summer months. If not, never underestimate the power of a brightly colored door, a pretty hanging light, or displaying some outdoor art!


How To Decorate A Stoop?
Good Questions

5/3/11 8:56 AM