citipearl's Profile

Adding to the comments about New York City, one also has to consider travel time and costs (express buses or railroads instead of city buses and subways) and neighborhood safety. It has gotten much more challenging to find affordable housing and even older than twenty-somethings are sharing apartments - or parents are subsidizing their kids' rent.
Also, empty nesters are selling their houses in the 'burbs, moving into the city and driving up housing costs. I found an un-hip neighborhood - also brings the housing cost down to reality.

Having looked at their entire house tour, I was gobsmacked by how this couple took an ordinary tract home and made it into something sensational - including this living room that I would expect to see in a high-end home or apartment. Fabulous!

Echoing a previous comment here - it is so helpful to have a floor plan so you can figure out how the rooms flow together. In spite of your claim of being a hoarder, the apartment does not look cluttered because ot the artful way in which things are displayed (in groups - or large areas of color surrounded by the tranquil white walls). It remains airy and sunny that way I'd hope a California house would be. Best wishes in your new digs.

Not sure how you feel about feng shui - if you do, coming into the room looking at the foot of the bed is a no-no. Also, it makes it awkward if the bed isn't made up completely when you open the door for arriving guests/delivery, etc. So, I agree with DuluthGirl about swapping the bed and futon. I put my table and chairs near a window since sitting in the kitchen (that does not have windows) is not so appealing. Not sure what your chairs look like (what height?) - if they are standard height (seat is 19" or therabout), you could use them as additional seating in the main room and the table as a side table or desk under the window. Another possibility (although it's out of the mainstream thinking) would be to use that wall next to the refrigerator for tall, freestanding closets/wardrobes to give you more storage. Then, have the island across from the sink and cabinets to divide the kitchen space; adding a couple of stools to when you just want to have coffee or a quick bite or have friends over so they can keep you company when you're preparing food or drinnks. I'm all for screening off the bed if it doesn't block too much light, and even partially closing off the large opening to tke kitchen (so you don't have to rush to clean the kitchen if you're entertaining. I tried getting rid of my bed and using a daybed but found it uncomfortable. I also tried just using my sofabed (with an upgraded mattress) and found that the mechanism wore out from being opened and closed every day. Last idea (!) would be to make everything in the apartment similar colors and intensity and just vary textures or add color in accessories, pillows, rugs, window coverings, etc. - I have found this makes the space seem less cluttered. Best wishes!

It's great to see the use of native plants, instead of putting in a lawn (yes, people actually do that in Arizona). Although Phoenix has plentiful water in the aquifer beneath it, water is and will be an issue in the West and Southwest so it's better to conserve it. When I lived in Denver (which is also dry), people had to rotate which days they could water lawns to save water - it wasn't pretty.

I also love the idea of repurposing older buildings - the results are fabulous.

Quick question: Could you make a lampshade with paper mache (as long as you use a low watt bulb) and ithe shade is far enough from the bulb like other paper shades?

That kitchen is WOW wow WOW, especially for a New York City apartment!

I would get my kids' toys organized and within no time flat, I'd have to start all over again once they'd taken them out to play with them. Legos in particular are hazardous to adult feet!

If this works for Benita, my hat's off to her!

$77.000 per year income would be a lot anywhere but in NYC. Net income is just about $4K/month. Here are the rents on these units: "Twenty-two of the 55 units will be “affordable” for low- and middle-income households. That is, they will be earmarked for those with an annual income of up to $48,100, and for those earning up to $93,310. Monthly rent on the low-income apartments will initially be set at $939, while the middle-income units will go for $1,873." For someone making $77k, that's roughly half of the monthly net income - does not count utilities? This is what real estate is like in NYC. If you have a family, you can't live in one of these tiny apartments nor in good neighborhoods in Manhattan unless you've been in your apartment for over a generation..

As much as I enjoy receiving magazines, the modern day truth is that you can scan just about anything or find what you need from the online versions. New York City living requires ruthless decisions about use of space and I am allergic to dust and dust mites so piles of magazines or other clutter are unhealthful for me. Years ago, per an allergist's recommendations, I made sure my bedroom was clutter-free, including books and bookshelves.

I, too, have given the magazines to others to read: dentist's office where I used to live -- and wish there were more places to donate them (at the library if they're new-ish?).