radicalevan's Profile

Also consider a one-piece seating cushion in the future. I know the three cushion situation is easier to deal with, but I feel like there are too many vertical lines.

As someone who has worked in this industry for a while, I can give you a few pointers.

Lots of these showrooms have typical business hours, but are only open to buyers/designers. You could register a business name, get a tax id number, blah blah blah...OR make friends with a local business owner and get on their list.

There are two big show seasons: January and June/July. Don't waste your time going to market during these months as the showrooms are either being set up or are busy as all get out (ideally) during market. Instead, go a month beforehand, when they are clearing out samples and selling them for cheap. How cheap? Often you can bargain down to half of wholesale.

Check the market schedules. Some markets may not have typical business hours, but participate in a 'First Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday etc.' instead. So the showrooms are open on the first Monday, Tuesday, etc. of the month.

The "not cool enough" and "let nature be nature" people are all poop-heads.

Reading the whole process on 17 Apart is awesome and enviable.

And human beings exist to shape nature to our liking. We aren't walking around sticking branches into termite hills, we're building shit. Yes, we absolutely should be responsible and sustainable as we do that. No, we don't disregard a slice of wood simply because the urban-forest organisms need food.

Mis-matched is fine, but as others have said, embrace the mismatch. Don't try to get close, otherwise it will look like you tried.

BUT- why not get a large rolling island, perhaps with a butcher block top? If your plan is to do some kitchen construction someday (the floor to ceiling cabinets), use this time to save a bit and actually use the space the way you think you're going to. Find out how it feels, what works/doesn't.

And I like the idea of the open top ala ananlisa

@Kaz - I was able to get a Nest earlier in the year for my parents... and they love it. They are in their late early 60's, semi-tech savy, but they never set the clock on their VCR; I bet lots of people are like that.

My parents tell me they are saving $25-$50/month (Texas summer) in electricity costs. They purchased new windows in their house so the savings are not entirely due to the Nest, but even if it only saves $5 a month, thats 4 years until they break even.

And they are certainly more aware of their energy choices. They love seeing the little green leaf pop up when they move the temperature up one or two degrees; I've heard similar things said about driving a Hybrid.