kittykatz's Profile

I really hope that people have some brilliant ideas, because I struggle with exactly this problem and have mostly written off DIY projects in my apartment as a result! I have a small one bedroom, and I just don't have any space that is good for this kind of stuff, particularly if it's a multiple day project. Plus, I have a big dog who has never really completely outgrown chewing, so I really can't leave some things out. If it's something I really want to do, I will sometimes take over the kitchen for a few days and just plan to eat takeout, but it's really not ideal, and the chaos drives me nuts until I'm done. I have at least learned to try to schedule some vacation days at work so that I can knock things out more quickly. But, I tend to hire out most of these type projects. I also don't have room for tools, etc, so it works well for me. I found a guy who does a fabulous job of taking vintage stuff and remaking it - I pretty much just tell him what I have in mind, and he builds it and brings it to my place. It's probably a little bit more expensive, but it's been worth it for me. He has the tools to do every job properly, and he's done a lot of neat things for me that I would completely lack the skill and/or creativity to do. I should add - I'm not sure what type of projects you have in mind - the types of things this guy has done for me are remaking an old trunk into a raised feeder for my dog, making a coffee table from an old furniture cart and barn door, making a cabinet for an odd space in my bathroom and faking it into looking old, remaking a sewing machine table into a bar/wine rack, and recycling a bunch of cool old crates and such into a coat/shoe/dog junk rack by the front door.

I LOVE the door!!! What is in the middle of the top half?

Do not be jealous of the clothes processor! Really. It is nice to get laundry done in so little space, but it does not nearly keep up with all of my laundry.

annecychic, I do have a separate refrigerator and freezer. They were really hard to show in the layout, but they are both under the same counter, facing 90 degrees apart. They are both Subzero - I can't take the credit for choosing them as they were installed by the previous owner, but I have been very happy with them. (fortunately - apparently they are pretty permanently installed under the granite, so I'm not sure what I'll do if one ever needs replacing).

I know this is a terribly old post, but I just ran across it and wanted to let you know that those are Blundstone boots--they are fabulous, mostly marketed to people who ride horses as they are indestructible. Google them and you should be able to find several places that will deliver--doversaddlery.com for sure. They are great and will last forever.

Completely and totally fabulous!!!! What an incredible apartment, I LOVE it!!!

Oops2--I'm in NC. Thanks!

I walked in the front door of my apartment and knew instantly that I would buy it. I was with a friend, who had the same reaction - before we were two feet inside she "just knew" that it was my apartment and I would end up buying it. I looked at TONS of other places, but none were right for one reason or another, even though some were okay. But when I saw this one, I truly thought that I could not go on living without it. Probably an unfortunate way to buy a first home, because it will forever be my yardstick, but I don't think I could buy a home that I wasn't so in love with. A home is a big commitment, and I think you should love it and just sense that it fits you, or could fit you with some work.

My parents bought a house last year, and because they were living out of state, I did "first visits" for them, and found a house for them that gave the same first reaction-walked in, loved it; they bought it and still love it a year later.

My friend was absolutely horrified by the whole experience; by the time we walked through the apartment, I asked the real estate agent (not mine at the time) how to put together an offer and how fast we could get it done, because I had to own it. Melinda thought I was insane, but as it turns out, had I not jumped so quickly (an hour after it hit the market), I wouldn't own my dream apartment today. I think you should never ignore gut feelings, but especially when it comes to home purchases--you literally have to live with it, so if it's not "the one," keep looking!

Sewing a copy of the duvet cover from Restoration Hardware that I have my heart set on but can't find since it's been discontinued ;-).

Wow, very cool!

Set up a search on Ebay. I just got a brand-new Restoration Hardware sheet set for 25% of retail price. It was still in the package, shipped the next day. Pick what you're looking for, set up the search, and just check your daily emails. Be patient and you'll probably find a great deal on exactly what you want.