We love lighting up our home for the holidays but are always on the lookout for options that don't remind us of our college dorms where Christmas lights stayed up all year long. Of all the holiday lanterns we've seen this season, these offerings from Pottery Barn are definitely our favorite.
Q: Please help! I've been searching for baskets like these for months to no avail. In a small apt like mine (less than 300 sq feet), too many square edges makes the room feel boxed in. These would add a perfect soft round texture to the room. Any suggestions or a push in the right direction?
Sent by Jessie
The moment we stumbled upon the work of metal artist Tammy Roy, we fell in love with both her unique pieces and her eco-friendly design philosophy. Roy, who describes herself as "completely obsessed with reuse", takes scrap metal from salvage yards and dumpsters and transforms it into a selection of home accessories and occasional custom pieces.
Q: I moving into a recently remodeled, rent-controlled apartment in the Mount Pleasant area. Unfortunately, the apartment company's awkward renovation leaves me absolutely no counter space. I asked the property manager if we could switch the stove and refrigerator to give me access to that counter but was told the stove placement was determined by the location of the gas line. Is there a creative way around this problem?
Sent by Victoria in DC
We love this time of year for the wealth of decorative accessories that pop up in all our favorite stores. In recent years, we've tried to refocus our holiday decor away from Santas and snowmen to more universal pieces that will work all year round. Here are a few of our favorite holiday finds that will add pizzazz to your home decor long after the holidays are over.
As a person who is admittedly late for just about everything (my own wedding was the notable exception), I couldn't help but laugh when a friend sent me the link to this clock today. I am in the market for a new kitchen clock, and suspect that if nothing else, this piece would make me smile as I dash out the door.
Q: How can I soundproof a door?! I live in a long, narrow apartment. The layout is bedroom 1, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom 2, all connected by a hallway. My bedroom (bedroom 1), used to be a living/dining room, so my bedroom has a door right next to the kitchen. Because of schedule differences, my roommate often pops something into the microwave for a late night snack, an hour or two after I've gone to bed, and wakes me up as I am only 6 feet from the microwave.
How can I better soundproof that door?
Sent by Bethany
We've written about Ecodomo recycled leather tiles in the past, but wanted to highlight a new product the company is launching at Greenbuild in Phoenix this month. The M+E Collection is a textured and woven combination of leather, stone, and glass tiles which can be installed just like standard ceramic tiles.
Q: I know this has been dealt with before with respect to wooden and metal cabinets. But I have these rather "nasty wood-look" plastic laminate cabinets, which I would like to paint white, until such time as I can afford to more thoroughly fix up my kitchen. If I sand the surface, will paint adhere properly, so that I can get a nice solid, wipeable surface? What products should I use, how many coats, etc? I'd especially like to hear from folks who have done this very thing, learn how their project turned out.
Sent by Linda
We've posted before about our love of unique coasters, but agree with the commenters who found the price of those recycled beauties a little steep. As we gear up for the holiday entertaining season, we thought we would share some of our favorite DIY coasters- perfect for use at home or as a hostess gift.
Now that fall weather has finally arrived, we find ourselves drawn to all things cozy as we search for new home accessories. Calling to mind a soft and snuggly scarf, this beautiful mohair throw from Eileen Fisher certainly fits the cozy bill...
Q: HELP!! I love this rug I saw in a NYT article months ago, but I cannot seem to place who makes it and where I can buy it. Any idea where I may find this info? The article does not mention the make of the rug which I know will be just perfect in my space. Thanks in advance for your help!
Sent by Jody
Though the month is young, we've already seen some stunning examples of beautifully set tables to inspire the host in all of us. We have to acknowledge though, that not every party is an intimate dinner that calls for our best china and glassware; sometimes we're entertaining 20 friends with ribs and football, or 50 friends at a holiday drop-in. For those occasions when our best just won't do, we were delighted to find an eco-friendly option from Preserve...
Q: This is the fireplace in my new/old apartment, with the bookcases I'm having built-in. I've been reading a copy of the original 1913 prospectus for the building, which reveals that the painted-over fireplace tiles are Grueby Faience(!). Can I get the paint off the tiles, or will it have been partially absorbed, as with brick, making it impossible to bring it back without, like, sandblasting it (kidding. kidding), or something? If so, what do I do?
Sent by Linda
Yes yes, trivets- those tiny, oh-so-important products that help protect our tables and countertops from burning and ugly heat rings, the things you always thought were so absurd until the day you realized they are any furniture lover's best friend. Trivets- some are practical, some are stylish, all are essential during this season of entertainment...
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