sweet t's Profile

Awww, I worked on Unfaithful. That loft was amazing! It was a floor-through on Greene Street in Soho and the owner had been a sculptor/packrat. Lots of stuff was removed but the horse statue and the head sculptures were there to begin with.

I think the idea was that Olivier's character was crashing (perhaps long-term) at a friend's place to clear up the mystery of how he could afford such an awesome loft on a book seller's income.

Layer upon layer of the most meticulously chosen articles were dressed in, many reflecting Olivier's own interests (boxing, Tuareg culture). I never wanted to leave and was lucky to acquire several treasured items at the set dressing sale!

Adrian Lyne likes using lofts in his films: Glenn Close's apartment in Fatal Attraction, Jennifer Beals' apartment in Flashdance...

I've probably recommended this before on another post but have a look at Coupralux Fine Art Services in Dallas. They can size it to whatever dimensions you specify.

http://www.coupralux.com/

I usually order things from them printed on watercolor paper because I like the texture and how it renders both artwork and photography. They'll also send you a disc or you can use a ftp site then get it printed locally if you prefer.

Also, if you're in New York, the photo festival is this weekend in DUMBO; there will be a lot of cool photography there!

http://www.nyphotofestival.com/

And you definitely need a rug! Browse overstock.com; they seem to have pretty good prices & you can refine your search with "blue" or whatever color you're into.

I have a feeling those two things will go a long way in balancing the room.

FWIW I'm not opposed to keeping your window treatments simple, I kinda like them as-is but if you're looking to add something, I've think these would be great with what you've got going on there (in natural):

http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODr379&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1RUGWIN&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1RUGWIN

Install the rod near the ceiling & let them fall all the way to the floor. Good luck - you've done very well so far!

Rose Brand - they're in New York/NJ & LA - has Kirsch track & accessories and they do custom drapery. They specialize in theatrical supplies but I've used them for residential as well and they're very good. They have a large selection of fabrics, too.

http://www.rosebrand.com/

For painting I'd try one of these:

http://www.artcity.com/xac-7753.html

You could blue tape the corner section and then cut it & peel it off, leaving a curved line of mask.

You can have carpet cut to a circle shape - I had two cut "round and bound" from an ordinary carpet warehouse type place & they turned out great. Not necessarily vintage, but you might find something you like.

Ruth, you're off to a good start - your sofa and chairs are not only attractive, but offer a good blank canvas to begin with.

I would recommend a couple of things... first meditate a little on what each of the words you use to describe your ideal room means to you: "modern" "garden" and "conservatory" offer so many possibilities, you may equate modern with minimalism, square or curved shapes, and so on. Garden and conservatory could mean many small plants or several large ones, or in a more abstract sense relate to color or even materials like glass or stone or wood.

I would also suggest that you pick an item that you respond to and build from there, even if it's something that you don't own - a photograph or painting that you love, a vase, a piece of fabric (even if you don't intend to actually use it in the room it can inspire) anything that sums up the vibe you're going for can lead you in the right direction.

A rug is a big but critcal step; if you can find one early on, that can establish your color palette and determine later choices. Good luck with your home and have fun with it!

Great find, Meghan!
First, I'd get yourself some of these:

kirsch single traverse rod
pin hook kit

http://www.jcpenney.com/products/C028615.jsp

In addition, I'd head down to Harry Zarin or Joe's Fabric on the LES or one of the fabric stores on 40th Street - and get some coordinating (deep pumpkin color?) fabric to make a panel at the bottom to add additional length.

In case you don't sew, you can have the dry cleaners do it for you, or contact a seamstress such as Betsy Davis Backdrops - she has a workroom on 26th Street and has done some fine and reasonably priced work for me in the past.

As noted above, it looks more finished to have the curtain rod mounted closer to the ceiling (with allowance for the upper pleats taken into consideration) and have them fall all the way to the floor.

Your apartment looks great - I think the drapes are a very warm and glamorous addition!

I think cool blues and browns are a great combination, and the suggestions so far are spot on!

It's hard to tell from the picture what your options are, but perhaps repositioning the furniture might help, too. You might consider an alternative to the 48 x 48 dresser, with the same storage capacity, but a different dimension - like a pair of smaller dressers side by side or a longer credenza style.

I'm digging the upholstered headboard idea & think you could use a bedskirt; I don't care for the flouncy ones, but I think the tailored box pleat style look chic!

@Louisa

Maybe you're thinking of Metropolitan Lumber on 11th, btwn 45/46th? On the east side of the street there's a lumberyard and they'll custom cut for you. Also in that area is Dyke's and a little farther south is Prince Lumber on 15th and 9th Ave.

Good luck with your closet, I just went all Container Store on mine and couldn't be more pleased!

Since your room is 11.5' x 15' you're a good candidate for a remnant, as carpet comes in 12' widths. Check your local Lowe's or any carpet store for that matter; when they get to the end of a roll they sell the last bit as a remnant. It might be cheap enough to be a temporary solution until you can install your dream floor.

You didn't say if you lived in New York, but check with your local Habitat for Humanity. In NYC we have Build It Green, but there are numerous ReStores operated by Habitat. Materials are donated and sold at retail (discounted!) to raise $ for Habitat. Go to http://www.habitat.org and enter your zip code to find a store in your area.

Maybe you could find some wood flooring there, or perhaps save enough on something else that would allow you to put that money towards your floor budget? Good luck to you and congratulations on your new home!