LindaMc's Profile

I'd also suggest dividing the space if possible.

I have a corner fireplace in my living room, with the added challenge that circulation goes right through the center of the room. I dealt with this by putting a pair of upholstered chairs in front of the fireplace for a little conversation/reading area; the sofa, tv, and its cabinet live in the other half of the room. I also have a tiny Parsons desk on the fireplace side of the room. This setup is working pretty well for me.

Good luck!

I also live in DC, in a neighborhood where people are quick to express their opinions about what other people do with their property. I think it's great that people have different tastes and express it through their houses, through architecture or color. I don't see how paint color can possibly affect neighbors in any meaningful way.

You don't need a bread machine to bake bread. I bake all of our bread, mostly using Mark Bittman's no-knead recipe from the NYTimes a couple of years ago. I think there was a thread on this in the Kitchen part of this website last year.

I haven't run the numbers, but flour (I use whole wheat plus bread), yeast, and salt are cheap. But beyond the savings, it tastes much better than even high-end bakery loaves.

Cooking at home in general is a big money saver and more healthy. Make enough to take a brown-bag lunch to work, increasing the savings. And the more you cook, the easier it becomes--your pantry is stocked, and the process isn't daunting.

Re hardware stores in NYC: HomeFront, on 29th just east of 3rd, is huge, has a good selection of household and cleaning products incl Method and Mrs Meyers, and is open 24 hrs.

Farrow and Ball's Off White and Old White are beautiful, with a lovely depth of color. I have also used Stone White on the trim in a bathroom with black and white tile, but it's quite green.

J-Fer Rose,

I second the rec on Framers' Workroom. I am very fussy about frames and mats--my parents used to own a framing shop--and they have a great selection of moldings as well as helpful staff. The DIY option can save you a bit of $, too.