MadMeganXE's Profile

I too have a smallish living room with only one possible place to put the TV - above the fireplace. When I first moved in and realized the inevitability of that decision, I was worried that it would be too high. After living with it for 2.5 years I can happily report that I have no neck strain or other adverse effects. I also don't think it looks "tacky" but that is a matter of opinion.

And to all the TV haters, there is plenty of high quality and informative programming out there - it's not all Idols and Housewives. Get off your high horse and allow other people to enjoy what they want. Sheesh.

I just decorated my patio last weekend in a look that is incredibly similar to this, but did it on a fraction of the budget. $35 outdoor rug from Pier One, $100 total for a bench, two chairs, and a table (built-to-order find on craigslist), string lights from Amazon, and a salvaged pallet that I made into a wall garden for just the price of the succulents. I even have a ceramic drum stool that I purchased years ago for $25.

AT - how about another version of this post, for people on a budget? I'm proof that it can be done!

I think something like this is definitely in order here: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/fuo/3699468909.html

Simple, clean, visually light, but also something that will last and look good forever. If you want to separate the wood-on-wood action, get a fun rug to go under the table and some large-ish art for the walls.

If you're on a tight budget, you can get a simple table from Ikea and paint it a fun bright color. Personally, though, when I go this route I get tired of it in about a year, and end up looking for something else. So I prefer to save up and buy forever furniture when I can - it ends up saving you money in the long run!

Nice idea, I am all for using vertical space! I have to wonder though, why didn't they go all the way to the walls, and higher up to the ceiling? Seems like a bit of space was left on the table, and that would have given them a more permanent, built-in look.

Love this (and love the wallpaper suggestion)! You're right WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT??

I agree that this has a lot to do with corporate atmosphere. I am lucky enough to work in a place that encourages personalizing our spaces (to a certain extent - we do have a grumpy officer manager to contend with). But having recently decorated my office with a mix of stuff that was overflowing from my home, some specifically purchased accessories, and the office furniture bestowed upon me, I can say that I definitely feel more "at home" and comfortable in my space now that I did when it was a sterile white box. And if I get laid off or decide to quit in the foreseeable future, then at least it wasn't because I was miserable in my space.

@MidniteSunLtd, that's why the "low" portion of this post exists - for people who are on a tighter budget and don't want to be "wasteful." But some people do have the extra money, or want to pretend like they do when reading design blogs, so it's fun to see the similar high end stuff. AT isn't asking you to buy anything. If you like simple, stylish, and DIY, then 95% of the rest of AT's posts apply to you.

I have cork in my kitchen and LOVE it! But I don't think I would make it the primary flooring in my house. Maybe it's just the finish I got, but it fades in sunlight, so I wouldn't recommend having it where windows might cast direct light on the floor.
I have oak hardwood in my 1925 non-swanky craftsman bungalow, and they have held up really well under my 108 lb dog's nails. I think it's really about the finish you put (or have put) on them. If you're willing to spring for it, I would recommend oak hardwood (as someone else mentioned, Lumber Liquidators has great deals).

Great recap here too! http://pulpbitchin.wordpress.com/2013/01/11/down-with-downton-part-iv/

And there is a season 1 recap for anyone more severely behind the times. :)

I ripped that exact sink out of my old bathroom, but couldn't bear to part with it completely. I've been keeping it with the thoughts of making an outdoor kitchen area and using it there. As someone who regularly struggles with the "does this make me a hoarder" syndrome, I would say that keeping these things in your parlor might actually incentivize you to do the work sooner - just so you can get the bathtub out of your space.
Have you thought about wrapping the sink in towels or a blanket, and putting it in the tub, to save a bit of room and not look like a salvage yard?