Apartment Therapy Unplggd Ohdeedoh Re-Nest The Kitchn

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Display Name: MoniqueDC
Member Since: 7/6/09
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A very small suggestion:
While you are in the process of installing the track lights (but before installing them), clean the ceiling where the old lights were before. I find "magic erasers" work well for this and do not require much water. If that doesn't work, a little dab of ceiling white paint will. It will not only freshen up the ceiling (and the light reflected) but also take away the "footprint" of the old fixture.

Lighting in general: In any room (and especially in a kitchen or bath) you need 3 layers of light: general, ambient, and task.

Cheers,

C


How To Install Track Lighting & Improve Your Kitchen
2/1/11 2:54 PM

I think $400 for a channel-tufted chair with a rebuilt cushion is very reasonable. Craftspeople have to make a living, you know.

If you are game for trying the upholstery yourself, it really isn't that difficult. The lines on this chair are fairly linear. Many used upholstery beginner books (per-goggle) have great pics and instructions. You just use the material you remove from the chair as the pattern.

Great reuse of a classic chair.

And, you employed a local businessperson. MARVELOUS!


Before & After: A Professionally Tufted Turquoise Chair The Haystack Needle | Apartment Therapy New York
2/18/10 1:55 PM

Another tip for easier thread shanks: use a larger needle laid flat between the button and the fabric. You don't have to worry about the spacing because the large needle does that for you. Then wrap with thread.

For really deep shanks, you can use wooden skewers (if your duvet is denim or corduroy).


How To Sew On a Button Home Hacks | Apartment Therapy Boston
2/18/10 1:49 PM

Nice adaptation. I love the glass. An alternative is pre-cut discs (Lowes, Michaels) cheaper and can be easily painted, but you lose the glass transparency, of course.

I actually like that you kept the two stools independent...allows to other alternatives (I'm thinking low chaise with lower stool.)

Nice project!


How To Make a Great Side Table from Ikea Frosta Stools Home Hacks | Apartment Therapy New York
2/18/10 1:44 PM

Best Window, by far.
Nothing is wrong with "calm" - indeed, we need such spaces more now than ever.
I'm with the person discussing the multi-vote audiences. Remember, just because a room gets more votes, doesn't make it better - perhaps only better campaigned. There is a lot to say about classic over frenetic.


The Urbane Traveller by Eileen Joyce for Bloomingdale's Bloomingdale's Big Window Challenge 2010, Room #3 | Apartment Therapy New York
2/11/10 9:14 PM

I echo the other posters. This seems to be a Google Ad, not a hack. although I loved the idea of using Google Voice and Skype to beat the system. You guys are great!

Cloud privacy and reliablity are still evolving. Until then, I doubt that all but the earliest innovators will risk their data and identity without backups. And if you have backups, why use the cloud?


How To Save Money In Your Home Using Google Services Home Hacks | Apartment Therapy Unplggd
2/10/10 3:56 PM

I loved the suggestion to budget for charity!

A silly little strategy that works: put spare $1 or $5 or even $10 in an opaque container on a random basis. You won't miss the little bit of cash and over a year you will be amazed at how much you have saved.

PS: I find Rachel Ray's 30-minute meals to be inexpensive only if you prep your own produce. Pre-cut = $$$


How To Create a Household Budget and Stick to It Home Hacks | Apartment Therapy San Francisco
2/10/10 3:46 PM

Grid paper a great short cut as are the on-line tools.

Suggest you aways carry a small tape measure and remember to measure the door ways, halls and stairs. It is very expensive to pay for delivery (or rent a truck) and not be able to get your furniture into your space.

For the thoroughly organized: keep a small paper book with room dimensions, doorways, current furniture dimensions, etc. Especially when looking for a new space, this will be a lifesaver. (school of hard knocks experience) :)


How To Create a Furniture Placement Plan Home Hacks | Apartment Therapy Los Angeles
2/10/10 3:24 PM

Another material suggestion: Unbleached Muslin (can buy online by the bolt).
If block printing, washing with vinegar will set the dye.

Lastly, another way to finish the bottom is with fringe. Fine inexpensive fringy curtains (Ikea, Cost Plus, World Market), sew fabric across the fringe to the length you want the final edging. Cut the fringe and attach to the sheets. (can get tons o fringe from a standard curtain if you use 6-7" fringe on the bottom).


How To Hang 30' Of Curtains For $40 Home Hacks | Apartment Therapy Chicago
2/10/10 3:08 PM

To the person with messy roommate:

A nice flea market tray (wood, bamboo, metal) that fits the footprint of the toast will at least capture stray crumbs. Think of it as the exterior version of the built-in crumb tray.

Cheers,


How to Clean the Toaster Home Hacks | Apartment Therapy The Kitchn
2/10/10 3:00 PM

You can scratch stainless steel badly (which will allow for rust). I second all the postings about Bar Keepers friend, but would suggest you first try a plastic scrubber (the kind wrapped around a sponge) because it will not further abrade the metal.

If this fails, there is always the steel wool.

FYI: If you put a drain grid on the bottom of your sink it will greatly extend the life of the sink and will be very useful for you as well. Custom-fit bottom racks available for newer sinks, generic sized ones for older (bed,bath beyond).


How To Remove Rust Stains From Stainless Steel Home Hacks | Apartment Therapy Los Angeles
2/10/10 2:56 PM

Scott & Becky:
GREAT SPACE. I encourage you to appreciate the "negative space" and not fill up the room too much.

I am much surprised by so many comments/judgements about your renting of the room...you are adults, no?

Daybed a great idea. Twin mattress cheaper but would have to be against a wall to be comfy as a sofa.

Consider your style Bohemian Shabby-chic (or Funky S-C if you are a little more retro than Urban Ethnic).

Specific suggestions: If using a room divider as in your floorplan, shelving is great for this. Can be used (not stuffed, but judiciously used) for storage on the dining side. Hang curtain/fabric on bed side pulled back when using as living room, released for privacy as bedroom. Alternatively, you could use a slim Ikea wardrobe as a divider and that gives you the closet as well.

Rotate dining table to be perdendicular to the wall...chairs on sides. Alternative is to hinge a rectangular (or oval) piece of wood/finished plywood on the wall (use cleat and piano hinge). Leave it up when not in use (attach art to exposed surface), when down, support with pedestal that when not in use can be for a plant, object d'art, (idea from old HGTV show now off air...great show: Home to go).

Angle the lounge chair and the two wingbacks/club chairs..better echoes the space.

If using fabric on windows, room divider, closet/shelf area, use the same fabric for rhythm. If a print, find a complementary solid fabric and alternate solid/print in different areas to keep it from being too matchy matchy. (trim the print with solid as a border or base and vise/versa by triming the solid with print).

Don't forget the lighting. So many fun options. Need light by bed/sofa, all chairs, closet. Maybe even chandelier/candelier in bay window.

I respectfully disagree with Mitbos about having an aesthetic for your renters. If you are truly seeking 1-3 night guests, their word of mouth about the fun environment will bring you many additional leads. People willing to stay in someone's home (vs the cheap hotel alternative) are open to experience and love the distinctive. Plus, you want to enjoy the space when not rented, true?

I look forward to seeing the results. Cheers, Moni


Ideas for Room We're Going to Rent? Good Questions | Apartment Therapy San Francisco
1/29/10 2:41 PM