apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Portuguese designer Luís Teixeira creates furniture and lighting by reusing and recycling mass produced materials — here are his lamps made with disposable plastic hangers.

Q: I recently won these chairs off of an eBay auction and I was wondering if the Apartment Therapy readers could identify them for me. The seller describes the label as a flame, and a "B." I know they are not Herman Miller (obviously), but any help in identifying them would be very much appreciated! I love their cute egg shape! The chairs pictured are not the exact colorway, but they are the same manufacturer and chair. Thanks in advance!

Sent by Dave

THIS WEEK
• RISD Expose
• Design Research Exhibition
• InsideOut: The Museum School Art Sale
• Rhody Craft 100
• Smith & Hawken Liquidation Sale
• Todd Farm Antiques & Flea Market LAST DAY 11/29

COMING UP
• Nexus Green Exhibitor Showcase
• Harvard Ceramics Sale
• Crafts Showcase at Brookline Arts Center
• MGBW Book Launch Tour
• Sowa Holiday Market

Jump below for more information

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

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

We've rounded up some of our favorite patterns for modern dinnerware — check out 10 of our favorites.

What a great way to keep an office neat, tidy and organized! Designer Bertjan Pot has added a line of organizational tools to his popular metal Slim table. The metal table is covered in a thin oak veneer and all of the new accessories use magnets to stay in place!

THIS WEEK
• Design Research Exhibition
• Kartell Lighting Sale
• InsideOut: The Museum School Art Sale
• Rhody Craft 100
• Smith & Hawken Liquidation Sale
• Todd Farm Antiques & Flea Market LAST DAY 11/29

COMING UP
• Crafts Showcase at Brookline Arts Center
• MGBW Book Launch Tour
• Sowa Holiday Market

Jump below for more information...

Q: I'm in the process of potentially buying a new place. It'll take a lot of work, but most of the tune-ups I have figured out. What's most confounding, though, is the flocking in a bathroom. I appreciate its retro charm, but have no idea how to clean off what looks like either oxidation or rust or... something else?…

Sent by Allison

Q: We moved into a new house in Arlington a couple of months ago. Our earth-toned furniture and small rug worked well in our old living room where the moldings were painted white and there was plenty of natural light, but our new living room is darker…

Sent by Barbara

Q: We just bought a dining room table and chairs and we'd love some ideas on how to take the traditional dining room set and the room's mouldings and make it more funky and unique. Paint color, window treatments, rug, lighting, and art are all needed in the space. We are willing to spend some money to make our home a more interesting place. We just need some help figuring out how to do it without much free time — my husband and I have a 3 year old daughter and identical twin infants!

Sent by Liza