matteymann's Profile

Well, thanks for all the kind words!
The flooring is actually hand-scraped birch (with a dark stain).
The paint? I'm sorry, but I can't remember :(

Hope this helps!!

Thanks for all the positive feedback! It's really encouraging :)

The lockers were already orange, so that was a lucky coincidence.

The lights above the desks were a closseouts from CB2. So again, lucky!

@ edgaroso, that's too funny! I'll go refill that right away.

Thanks again, for taking a look at the space.

Greetings everyone! This is Matt, the homeowner. Thanks for the overall positive feedback. It's always appreciated and encouraging.

Just to clear a few things up... :)

The "original" wood trim was not original, but an economy box store set. Definitely not a built-in. But, everyone has their preference! Mine was to say good-bye! :)

The mantel is indeed a reclaimed railroad tie. I got it from a local salvage shop. They graciously plained one side of it, so I could mount it to the wall. @urbancricket, it is pretty substantial and heavy. I used two very heavy-duty bolts that are anchored to the studs of the green wall. I then used equally heavy-duty hooks that are inset into the plained side of the mantel. This makes the mantel easy to remove if I ever get tired of the green wall :) @EC, that's how you can come steal it!

And finally, the dreaded TV above the fireplace! Yes, I do agree with many of you that I am typically not a fan of that, BUT given the layout of my home, and the fact that I do like to watch TV on occasion, it was the most practical and flexible spot to place it. The height of the TV hasn't been an issue for me or any of my guests. I'd say it's probably at the "not-quite-too-high" height, but "not-quite-just-perfect" height.

Thanks again for all the feedback! Cheers!

I was certainly surprised to read many of the negative comments - thought it was funny that someone "signed up" just to post a negative remark because someone dared to make a polite suggestion.

I don't think the intent of this article was to offer some magic 2 week train-your-dog course. It was merely to offer an opinion on how your dog may (or may not) affect the mood. I think the author understands that a pet's behavior cannot change in that time frame. Heck, this premise can even swing the other way: dogs can be the life of the party! But again, not the point of the article.

Is it hard to train your dog? As some pointed out, many dogs are better trained than children. So, no, it's not that difficult. Just be consistent.

I find this whole MY house, MY rules, deal with it mentality to be rather arrogant and selfish. That's just me. I try to make a conscious effort to make guests feel at home in my house. My dog is just part of that experience.

I guess I was more taken aback by the comments than the article. I try (emphasis on try) to take advice and look at things from others' perspective. I think this attitude helps me better understand and appreciate those with different values and comfort levels... and in this case, to enjoy the holidays a little more :)

The desk tops and legs all came from IKEA. Nice mix and match options there :)

Thanks again for all the nice comments! I hope I can answer a few of your comments...

The mantle is something that I really like as well! I wanted something a little rustic to break up all the clean lines. I was able to find a local place called Olde Wood Limited</a href> that sold old weathered beams. They literally had hundreds to choose from. There are two heavy-duty bolts anchored to the green wall that mantle now hangs on. This way, it can be easy taken off if we ever want to repaint the wall.

@ KateInHawaii: Like Mandi said, the office pendants are mounted with the stock fixtures. Wiring was run along the top corner of the wall/ceiling, then along to the holes in the ceiling for the lights. They're pretty unobtrusive mounts.

@ katrinfrick: I believe Mandi got her curtain fabric from Jo-Anns. After that, it was all her and the sewing machine. I'll have to confirm that though.

I feel like the hosts are getting a rather bad rap. First of all, they are welcoming you into their home. Perhaps they just want to show off the place, but I will just have to assume that they are gracious hosts and want to visits with friends/family.

I always take my shoes off when visiting someone else's home. It's one of the simplest things I can do to show respect.

Maybe this is just an old-fashion idea, but I feel that if I'm being invited into a home (which will probably be transformed into a disaster area by the end of the evening), the least I can do is remove my shoes. :)

Gotta love the Braveheart soundtrack.

what a cool idea. would be a great cover for a powerbook

very nice