Expat Decorator's Profile

Display Name: Expat Decorator
Member Since: 12/1/08

Latest Comments...

comes in floor or table lamp versions:
http://www.designpublic.com/shop/lights-up/4061

http://www.designpublic.com/shop/pablo/4790

Be a bit more daring over the table:
http://www.re-modern.com/store/pc/Bendant-Hanging-Light-14p48.htm

Great side table (please don't buy 2 of the same side table):
http://2modern.com/modern-furniture/Side-End-Tables/Inmodern-Rekindle-Side-Table

Please recover those pillows, they don't work. Maybe something more graphic:
http://www.designpublic.com/shop/notneutral/4557

http://www.designpublic.com/shop/amenity/10817

Great metallic geometric wallpaper by Graham & Brown:
http://www.designpublic.com/shop/graham-and-brown/12242

http://www.designpublic.com/shop/graham-and-brown/13045


Apartment Therapy Los Angeles | Good Questions: Moving Forward Suggestions? Los Angeles
6/19/09 9:22 AM

Nice pieces! Buy from stores with great return policies in case you get it wrong! Paint!!! This seems all new to you, so keep it simple are go with neutrals like a light to med grey Paint companies create inspiration rooms for you. You can check out their sites or head on down to the local Lowe's or Home Depot. Why not look at some mid century sites. Do an image search for interiors. Really look at the rooms. See how the rooms are tied together. Steal their ideas.

1. Don't match the furniture with the shades. You need some contrast which is why this room feels a blah! Don't be afraid. It doesn't have to be much of a contrast.

2. Be careful with reflective finishes near the tv (depending on your lighting) For example, I have recessed lighting which makes shiny objects reflect on my screen. I like the idea of painted textured wallpaper.

3. You feel like this place looks like a furniture store because it lacks personality and color. Play with your furniture arrangement. You have room, so there is no need to push things against the wall. Find two area rugs that you love..one for the dining area and one for the sofa area. They don't have to be the same one, but they should have similar color palettes. Then you will have a color palette to work with and you will anchor the separate areas.

4. I like the Non Random light by Moooi better. George Nelson Bubble lights are pretty cool. I like the DWR Coral pendant as well. If you are scared about size, why not get a balloon or ball close in dimension and hang it from a string. It will give you an idea of how that dimension looks over the table. BTW, that window doesn't let light in at night, so you need to consider how that will look. My parents have this clear glass shade over their table, and the light is blinding. One day I'm going to sneak in some frosted bulbs when I visit.

5. The great thing about paint is it i easy to paint over. Start off with the big wall. Just try it!


Apartment Therapy Los Angeles | Good Questions: Moving Forward Suggestions? Los Angeles
6/19/09 7:52 AM

I like those series posters as well. I did several searches and haven't found them (frown)


Apartment Therapy San Francisco | Natalie Wood's Home: Organized Clutter
6/14/09 9:54 AM

OMG, potato masher! How simply brillant


Apartment Therapy The Kitchn | Husband Winning Peanut Butter Cookies
6/6/09 12:01 PM

Don't fret about your place being so small. Remember have fun and keep it simple. Watch out for some of those 50's appetizer because they are not so appetizing.

I am so glad people mentioned Leilek's site. That is always good for a laugh.

I dare you to wear a 50's dress with a white apron.


Apartment Therapy The Kitchn | Good Question: June Cleaver Party Foods From the 1950s?
6/6/09 11:48 AM

I agree Toddy coffee concentrate makes the best iced coffee. I actually had some this morning!


Apartment Therapy The Kitchn | At-Home Frappuccinos—the Vietnamese Way Gourmet
6/5/09 6:46 AM

How lovely! When can I come over?


Apartment Therapy Los Angeles | My Great Outdoors: Tricia's Poolside Shangri-la
6/5/09 4:11 AM

kelleyk check out Martha Stewart for how to:

http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=1790809dc732f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&backto=true


Apartment Therapy San Francisco | Outdoor Spaces from Marie Claire Maison
6/5/09 4:06 AM

Boomer I can't believe how cheap those moroccan lamps are. I love the white ones....look like something West Elm would have. Thanks for the link.


Apartment Therapy San Francisco | Outdoor Lighting Ideas Martha Stewart
6/5/09 4:05 AM

I don't really care, but I'm feeling impish. I wanted to beat all the spelling/editing Nazis......spaying should be spraying in the last paragraph.


Apartment Therapy San Francisco | Where To Use Reflective Spray Paint
5/21/09 9:54 AM

Ok, I just did some research and one can easily buy dried gourds or if you have patience take the 2-4 months to dry them yourself.

These people put beads in the holes they drilled which I really like. One could just go crazy with ideas. I was clueless that there was a whole gourd thing going on. Thanks apartment therapy!


Apartment Therapy San Francisco | Etsy Find: Gourd Art Lampshades
5/19/09 9:45 AM

I love these for outside, but I sure wouldn't want to spend $365 on it.

I wonder how easy it would be to do a toned down version???


Apartment Therapy San Francisco | Etsy Find: Gourd Art Lampshades
5/19/09 9:35 AM

I am not sure I like the exposed brick in a Non-Mod setting.

Kitchen is very lovely.


Apartment Therapy Los Angeles | Inspiration: Bridget's Before After
5/19/09 9:32 AM

Those kids freak me out, but everything else is way cute. This style is great for kids, but wouldn't work for me


Apartment Therapy San Francisco | Juju's Delivery: Painting On Walls
5/19/09 9:28 AM

Sorry I didn't read the other comments, so I may repeat.

Don't worry about trying to figure out a color palette with the existing pieces because:

1. The Fridge: You can place a table runner like piece of fabric over the fridge. Something neutral. You will still see the front when you walk by, but I doubt you will notice it while you are sitting. Yes, you could put some sort of sticker (like contact paper) over it, but will your landlord go for that? and/or can it be easily be removed?
AND/OR
You can get a standing screen that covers the fridge and cart area.

Oh, and there is always repositionable rubber cement. It should not harm the fridge. Cut some fabric or paper out to fit each panel of the fridge then dab the rubber cement in spots to affix it. The cement should be easily removed later. Test it in an inconspicuous area first. Hopefully you can easily find a craft/art store there.

I saw another idea taking magnetic sheets and putting them on an appliance. Depending on their size, you may have to do a tile effect. There a few different colors, but you might be able to glue something on them or paint the sheets.

2. The Futon: Then you can choose a futon cover that you like. This is how you can come up with a color palette.

You should have an Ikea there. You can get some low budget items like rugs and fabric there.

3. Lighting!!!! Lots of it.

4. Create a faux window. You can get a much bigger mirror than the one next to the door. Hang some drapes around it and you have the illusion of a window and the mirror will reflect some light


Apartment Therapy Los Angeles | Good Questions: Transforming This Scary Room Into Something More Inviting?
5/15/09 9:50 AM

I've researched the decal or painting of tiles in the shower. It's not a good idea to diy this. I've read that it's ok for other areas like around the sink or the kitchen, but not the shower. The only way to go is a professional job. It's suppose to be cheaper than a remod, but maybe that is still out of your budget.

I also disagree with adhering anything to the cabinet fronts. Stick with pant, you will have less problems. Make sure you clean them and prime them...do it right and take your time. Paint is a magical thing and so a handles and pulls.

I'd get rid of that window curtain and you can either frost the glass or get a decal to for privacy. If you have never done window tinting/decals look it up so you do it right. It's pretty easy.

Do you have anyone handy to help you? Because you could easily change out that counter if you did.

I would change out that lighting fixture even if it meant hiring a electrician....well worth it.

You can change out the plumbing fixtures as well. Check out your local hardware store for classes for all these things if you aren't confident.

Most colors will go with that 80's beige. I wouldn't go bold though. I would keep it more muted. I like my bathrooms more on the serene side. There are great inspirational pictures by the paint chips at the store.

I'd paint the bathroom door as well.


Apartment Therapy Chicago | Good Questions: Help with the Big Bad 80s Bathroom?
5/14/09 3:22 AM

I love the color of your room and the bed can totally work with it but I think 1. you should change the color of the drapes, and 2. pick an area rug before you do anything else. An please get a good size one. Most people tend to get them too small. Don't listen to them about the chair. The problem is the room is so empty the chair looks lost. If you get a small table and a substantial lamp or just a floor lamp it will help anchor it. Then hang some artwork on the wall side with no lamp (make sure it comes close to the chair so it makes sense, either a long piece or a duo or trio in a column)

I love Candice Olsen. She is an amazing designer. She mixes different styles and patterns and makes it work. When I am stuck on a room I look to designer room inspiration. Check out her site or HGTV for her portfolio rooms. Here's an inspiration room with different kinds of furniture:

http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/room/contemporary/bedrooms/324/index.html

I love this West Elm lamp to sit next to the chair:
http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODw465&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1WALLAM&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1WALLAM

And this Crate & Barrel lamp although more $$ is beautiful. Actually they have a ton of lamps that would look great in your room:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1220&f=22323

I think you need to change out the drapes to something lighter and with a subtle pattern.


Apartment Therapy Boston | Good Question: Furniture for Big, Empty Bedroom?
5/3/09 6:23 AM

Way to think out of the box!


Apartment Therapy Los Angeles | Look!: Vintage Iron Steps as Bathroom Shelving
3/30/09 2:12 PM

What about painting the tile? If you do it yourself, I would not reccomend painting the shower though. There is a ton of info if you do a "painting tile" search. I came across an article which said a professional job would be about $2000.

If that scares you too much, you should check out the paint sites like Behr, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin More for inspiration. I usually start there when I am stumped about color.


Apartment Therapy New York | Good Questions: Working With Existing Bathroom Tile?
3/17/09 2:32 AM

Overall, you did a great job. Love the bedroom lamps and the sofa! Nice colors.

I agree with the others. It needs just a little tweaking. It needs a much bigger area rug in living room(maybe move the current one to the dining area when you can replace it), and as jac7890 said it's a little too leggy. You need a more solid piece or two which could be a table next to the chairs. I would lower that picture over what looks like the bar. It's too disconnected from it.


Apartment Therapy New York | House Call: Jillian's Modern & Elegant (on the cheap!) Connecticut
3/17/09 2:03 AM