Famous Amos's Profile

Thanks for the reply. I'll have to find one in a showroom and check it out.

Pearmelon, that's a fabulous idea. I wonder if it's feasible for them.

I have to eat my words about keeping my old appliances during my reno -- my fridge suffered a semi-catastophic failure last night and it looks like it's on the way out.

I love this renovation diary series. Every post is a cliffhanger!

Hmmm, what is your style?
Those tiles are actually quite charming and it would be a shame to do a slap-dash cover up job. Still, they are challenging. I had a similar set up in a past apartment but with yellow tile.

This may sound counterintuitive but you could paint the walls (and maybe the ceiling) in a darker grey or charcoal (same for both rooms). That would help kill some of the contrast and start things on a more harmonious path. Check out the colour on the walls and ceiling here: http://manhattan-nest.com/2013/02/05/bathroom-light/

Paint the vanity in a glossy finish a bit lighter or darker grey than the walls so you have some dimension. That will make the basic top look more special.

Put some statement hardware on the vanity. Brushed or polished nickel would be good.

Consider replacing the vanity faucet with something more interesting and either very sleek and modern or period appropriate.
Style Idea: http://ak1.ostkcdn.com/images/products/P13906612.jpg

Replace the medicine cabinet with a frameless of self-framed mirror that fills all of the available space above the vanity.
Style Idea: http://www.westelm.com/products/mirror-framed-mirror-a048/

Get a classy, light coloured or white, fabric shower curtain with some texture or a simple graphic element, put it on a rod that matches the vanity hardware.
Style Idea (I'm sure you could find something similar for less): http://www.neimanmarcus.com/product.jsp?itemId=prod61420044&ecid=NMCIGoogleBaseFeed&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=H37UQ

Towels and mats in white, perhaps with a graphic element to coordinate with the shower curtain.

In the WC, line the walls alongside the toilet with small framed photos or art in white frames and mattes to lighten things up a bit and add interest. You can get white frames from the Ribba series at Ikea. Style Idea: http://cdn.indulgy.com/MQ/ph/ZW/147844800236774686o6vY0PN3c.jpg

At least this would be a fresh, chic, glam-ish bathroom that will look pulled together even if it might not be quite your style.

I'm on the RH list twice so I got 11 pounds of catalogue!
I bought one vent cover from them over four years ago and now I can't get out from under their mail. What a waste.

...And how about that absurd letter from Gary Friedman?!

I love that Lee Valley sends me a little postcard when they have a new catalogue. It's a reminder to check out what's new online and it includes an option to request the full catalogue, according to personal preference. It's environmentally and economically responsible and it serves the same purpose as a full catalogue.

Weber Q or bust.

I didn't know this was actually a thing. I've been doing this for years, I call it Cheese Brittle.

My aunt and uncle had a staircase with white painted risers and dark wood treads. So fancy! I used to imagine that I was walking on a giant piano.

Family friends had back to back closets in a couple of bedrooms with a little door in between. It was the best hide and seek spot. You could just sneak away.

The unfinished attic above my best friend's garage. We used to hang out there for hours.

Hammocks. Canopy beds. Perfume bottle collections. Taxidermy. Brass faucets. Trees for climbing. Cool stone patios to lie on in the summer heat. Wall mounted telephones.

Mmm. Carbonara. I like to add asparagus to blanch with the pasta for a few moments to make Asparagonara. Another nice add is fennel. Saute it along with the guanciale.

Hmmm. Thanks Emmi. I have a little mudroom that might be the place. I'm going to look into this. I always have a surfeit of root veggies from my CSA.

Has anyone tried storing apples or pears longer term? Any tips? I usually get a windfall from my neighbours.

Quiltmaster, you took the words right out of my mouth.
I think many people would be surprised to know that custom built cabinetry from a local craftsperson, including great personal service, comes in around the same price as the mid-higher end lines from big box stores.

Naturally, the level of detail, choice of materials, and finish will affect the pricing but compare apples to apples - comparable wood species, construction style, hardware, etc. - and I think you'll find your local carpenter to be quite competitive with off-the-shelf or semi-custom lines.