Jeff Flemings's Profile

I expect better from Apartment Therapy.

Such an interesting topic. Can definitely see how lack of RSVPs could be vexing! Instead of trying to buck what seems to be an inevitable trend, why not just switch to casual gatherings? Part of why people aren't RSVP'ing could be because they're not sure what they're going to be doing. Go with the flow and just wing it. If folks are available and motivated, they'll come. If too many show up and you don't have enough supplies, hopefully they connect the dots or head out to get something for all to share. Also - have you tried texting? Urgent stuff seems to go that route (or calls). Taking all this stuff so seriously seems like a needless headache creator. Let's get the national debt under control and let RSVPs die the quiet death they deserve.

this is brilliant! I also love the tutorial on this site for under shelf LED lighting - so simple, so cheap, this is a good thing (as Martha Stewart once said)

Love all the karate chop comments. The realtor who sold my last apartment used to karate chop my pillows before open houses; I would re-fluff them as soon as I got home.

A comprehensive and thoughtful list of peeves so far, well done Apartment Therapy nation.

My global decorating peeve is anything - any room, any piece of furniture, any accessory - that doesn't seem like you. This is particularly true for the Pottery Barn/Ikea room-buying folk referenced above. The point of your home is to express yourself and make yourself happy; I think if you invest even a little effort you can make it a lot more personal then a store "set" and enjoy your place a lot more. But of course this takes effort and people often lack the confidence to express themselves.

PS - I'm sad that chevrons have jumped the shark. As well, I'm worried grey is on the chopping block next, I began using it 6 years ago and hoped it could be my secret but alas, folks caught on.

I live in a 10 unit condo built in 1925 in Boston. I have met most of my neighbors primarily because the building has had some leakage problems for years and the owners have had to work together on figuring out a solution (some have leaking in their units as well which sounds dreadful). Because some big common charges are likely coming our way they reached out to me to join the discussion. So far the group seems very on the ball as well as aligned around process and priorities. It's been an interesting experience to work with them and get to know them (a little bit; I don't interact with any of them except around our leakage problem).

I recently had great luck with Second Life:
http://www.secondlife.net/
Ask for Joe Vallone and tell him I sent you

I agree with Scoot and clank1969. Kristian is also right about upholstery impacting value. I had trouble figuring out what the "iconic" pieces are worth, so I gave up on them and switched to clean, modern designs that look great today (with new upholstery) but were never popular enough to be replicated (e.g., Milo Baughman and Thayer Coggin). I got some great bargains that were upholstered in poor condition, seriously out of date textiles. I have developed a furniture collection that's unique and specific to my taste without worrying about over-spending.

Just did my entire place in Tint of Grey (Ben Moore 1611) - very happy, it reacts to the light and is a great soft, neutral for my art and dark wood floors.

I was skeptical too, but it's actually quite arresting in person (was there for Solid Sound Festival weekend of August 13th). I actually enjoyed even more the groovy light fixtures (visible in a few photos).

I've never seen anything like it - so I don't see how it's faking. Yes they are emulating a long tradition of embellished furniture, but they're doing it in a way that's new, plus economical to boot. A great example for all of us trying to bring style and originality into our lives without breaking the bank. Great job!