Q: What does the Apartment Therapy community think about modular pole-mounted shelving systems? In particular, I'm curious about the relative strengths and weaknesses of Elfa vs. Rakks vs. ISS? Elfa is the least expensive, and has the most consumer-friendly purchase process. The others seem a little more intimidating to buy and quite a bit more expensive, but also look a lot better and I'm guessing are more durable. Do you or your readers have experience with these products?
Sent by Aaron
We think photographer Paul Massey's peaceful, Victorian home is just about perfect to begin with. But wait until you see the difference that a few simple touches here and there (and some rumpled styling) make for its photo spread in Living Etc magazine.
We've been fans of Maya Romanoff's distinctive wallcoverings for a while, but the Blanket design by David Rockwell for Maya Romanoff sparked a lively discussion around the dinner table last night. Would you get shocked after touching it? Would balloons stick to it? Would you have nightmares of Tim Gunn chasing after you with a hand steamer?
More dining room storage is always a must especially when there are so many amazing dishes out there to collect. This buffet from Crate & Barrel is going to save you $100 off of retail, and appears to be in good condition. A perfect place to stow all your great finds.
Name: John & Nikki Scaplen Family
Location: North Manchester, New Hampshire
Size: 2,200 square feet: 9 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths
Years lived in: 3, Owned
Who else lives there: Jack, Michael & Christopher, 3 dogs
Nikki, owner of Bark! and John, owner of Spruce Floral, bought this fixer-upper three years ago and have enthusiastically updated one room at a time. Their relaxed, warm style caters perfectly to their family, which includes three active boys and three even more active dogs — two Boston Terriers (Frank & Stan) and Henry, a Great Dane.
Whether you have an existing non-functioning fireplace that needs some help or are looking to add a focal point and cozy atmosphere to your living space — check out these ideas for faux fireplaces.
Q: I would very much appreciate if you could help identify a piece for me. I really love the stool used under her lovely towels on Orla Kiely's site, but have no idea who designed it or where I could find something similar. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Sent by Wendy
Further proof that vinyl wall decals aren't just for kids anymore: Bodega unveils a "curated collection of large scale, eco-friendly, temporary indoor art" by Barry McGee, Cody Hudson and other artists available online at Arkitip.com.
Remember Paul Villinski's Beer Can Butterflies? Some of you were over the whole butterfly trend, but this wood veneer version might make you reconsider.
The Tribeca bed from Crate & Barrel is still available on their website for $800, but you can snag one for half the price on Boston's Craigslist today.
This wall treatment using vintage recipe cards in the kitchen of a Providence art space reminds us of Depression-Era interiors where newspapers were often used as wallpaper. While the results might not be beautiful in a conventional sense, they show that you can be creative about your surroundings no matter what your economic circumstances.
While taking photos for an upcoming house tour yesterday, we spotted this clever, no-cost idea for jewelry storage.
We've rounded up some of our favorite patterns for modern dinnerware — check out 10 of our favorites.
Some packages are just too pretty to part with. That's how we felt when we saw Integrity Spirits' Lovejoy Vodka bottles. If the name alone doesn't put you in a festive mood, the chic graphic label will. With five different designs, you can even choose the color and pattern that fits your decor.
Something for those of you expecting and those with babes, this gently used Pottery Barn Kids changing table will save you a pretty penny off of purchasing new.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
