dblitz1's Profile

I'm an avid reader, but really not much of a re-reader. About the only thing I really like to re-read is LOTR -- I re-read that about once every 4-5 years.

The books I am interested in keeping are family heirlooms or deeply personally significant. For example, I have an old (like, 1904 kind of old) copy of Grimm's Fairy Tales. I also have a complete set of the first edition "5 Foot Classics" that is personally significant because my immigrant great-grandfather pieced together hard-earned money to buy this set of books for his eldest son and now it goes to the first-born of every generation.

Another category of book I keep are non-fiction books in topics that I'm interested in. These have an intermediate -length lifespan on my shelves.

The other sort of books I keep are books that are good to have for reference or specific pursuits. I'm a writer so there will always be a dictionary and thesaurus in the house. I'm a programmer too, so there will always be an odd assortment of unix/java/whatever books until I can leave that career. I'm developing a side business so there are some business books and books on the topic of my business.

I have hundreds of books, and I am not HORDING these books -- these books have utilitarian or sentimental value. I hold onto no book simply because it's a book.

The everyday books -- the mysteries and science fiction I take along with me on my daily commute -- get donated to the library as fast as I can read them.

My dream piece of furniture is this English Bookseller's Shelf & Ladder:

http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/2d/i11865.html

My other piece of dream furniture is a handwoven willow chair, like this (only with a better-looking seat cushion):

http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLargeImage?AdId=47362922&img=http://kijiji.ebayimg.com/i2/06/k/000/79/d5/7a50_18.JPG?set_id=1C4000

I'd love to have one of these graceful old houses with a haint blue roof. Maybe I need to move to the south.

I would NOT paint the two wooden cabinets that face the table -- that looks like it might be original condition and it would be a real shame to paint those. Besides, they pop against the rest of it.

Plus, I'm betting that mom is a little more into a feminine look and doesn't want anything too harshly mod.

Ideas:
--Like others, replace the microwave cart. Something with closed in storage and a space for the microwave -- it might be nice to take it as tall as the fridge so there is even more storage -- maybe it could be closed storage below and open shelving above the microwave.

-- Take one shelf and extend it over the fridge and as far as you can to the window that makes sense (can't tell what is on the other side of the fridge) to help with more storage. Find a way to help mom hide or spruce up all the stuff on top of the fridge -- baskets? Glass storage jars with cool labelling?

-- Can you replace the light fixture with a fun chandelier? Maybe something with lots of sparkly crystals to reflect light.

-- Likewise, is there a way to get a matching or complimentary ceiling fixture from the ceiling over the dining table?

-- Since it's a rental, not sure you should replace the flooring. How about something in an updated floral with lots of yellow, white and green to tie the dining room to the kitchen floor? I'm thinking something with a vintage botanical look to it.

-- Definately a must: recover the dining room chair cushions. How about

-- Another must: You have a great opportunity to do something really cool on top of those two built-ins facing the dining table to make a dramatic entrace to the kitchen. I'm thinking of two beautiful bonsai plants, one on each side. Or something like that.

-- On the wall with the pictures in the dining area, it looks like in one corner there is a 3-shelf plant stand and on the other side is something lower. I like the idea, but the unevenness bothers me, and the taller one is too close to the wall shelf. I'd edit these out.

The retaining wall itself doesn't look particularly attractive. It also feels cut off from the land above (that might just be the picture). If there isn't already a way up there I'd like to see some steps built in to get up to the grassy part.

I also think there is a lot of stone already in the space and would like to see something earthy in it.

I'd consider some sort of option to hide the retaining wall as much as possible. What comes to mind as the easiest to do would be large planters placed along the wall. Another thing you might think of fitting in is a low wooden storage shed for toys when they aren't in use. Perhaps something like natural wood containers with a selection of low-fuss dwarf evergreens for easy upkeep. If evergreens don't fit the bill maybe some other dwarf tree suitable for a container, or low-care perennials -- even some sort of decorative grass. You could even place a few more of these along the house to soften it up.

Otherwise, I think you need to define the space by the doors where the table and grill is as "adult" space, with other space defined as the kid space. You could do that maybe by painting a "carpet" to separate the two.

I've been considering moving my essential DVDs over to these binders:

http://www.handstands.com/retail/cd-dvd-storage/large-storage-binder.php

I only have 14 music DVDs and no plans to add more, but I have my favorite TV series on DVD that I want to keep, yet don't want to take up as much space as they currently are.

OK, OK -- I repent my evilness!!!

I promise to go find a book on Eames and read about it before allowing myself any further snarky comments.

I don't think I'll end up liking it any more than I do now, but at least I won't be stupid.

Hmm...

I think what is needed is an AT:Canada, not coverage by AT:SF and AT:Chicago.

And there's a lot of US between AT:SF or AT:LA and AT:Chicago that isn't getting covered either.

And I hope the new AT:LA bloggers come up with more interesting articles than the current ones seem to be.

@TRUE BLUE:

Well now that is interesting and puts things in a little different light to me. I would find it interesting to read a little more about the original intent even if I still dislike the look.

My favored design styles are more arts & craft or mission -- I really like that aesthetic. (Also I think mission is in danger of being overexposed too.) It's not like I'm loving the Louis XVI look. I'm also not educated in design, I just learn more about things that I find visually pleasing.

Re open shelving: not to mention that I find it very stressful to have to see all that stuff.

I like kitchens with just a couple of open shelves displaying a few things. An open-shelf system for all your dishes or your pantry items though -- that's just showing off your (needed) clutter.