apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Anyone have experience with Brocade Home furniture? I'm thinking of ordering these chairs and was wondering how the quality/comfort is.

I'm finishing up a kitchen remodel, using Ikea Adel cabinets in medium brown. I'm now looking for cabinet knobs and/or pulls and would like to stay away from the standard Ikea or Home Depot stuff. Appliances are stainless, we'll have backsplashes in blue and gray glass tile and stainless steel, and the outlets, switches and trim are white. Any ideas on places to look or unusual styles to try?

Shawn, what about Anthropologie for knobs/pulls--they have scads of them. Or, the Brass Knob in Adams Morgan for recycled stuff, or Habitat ReStore. However, those may not work with your stainless / cool decor. Online, maybe try Hewi http://tinyurl.com/csb8v7

Thanks, AM. I go to the ReStore periodically, but it's hit or miss in there. I'll check out the others.

I ordered "abstract floral sheer" curtains in "mist" by phone after I saw them on Brocade Home online. They looked light blue on my monitor. They were dark green in person. They refused to return them, citing a "clear" no return policy on the site. I actually found the curtains through apt therapy and didn't encounter the opening page with the "no refunds". They weren't interested in my problem. Do not compare them to Anthropologie as far as customer service. Anthropologie is the top of the pack and Brocade home is at the bottom. By the way, one of the cutains was used and wrinkled.

I have purchased a few things from Brocade, and love everything I got. Cannot speak to the customer service aspect, as I have not tried to return anything, but/and the pieces of furniture I got (2 v. art nouveau-looking velvet chairs, and a bathroom cabinet with cut outs that's in the current collection) are GORGEOUS. Even nicer in real life than on-line. Also, I got the "ribbon quilty" (SO pretty!), and some towels/washcloths and both are SUPER high quality (again, even nicer in real life than I'd expected them to be).

I purchased a small dresser from Brocade Home two years ago. No problems at all. It's lovely.

Thanks to all for the feedback re: Brocade. I will probably proceed, but with added caution.

I'm thinking about getting a chesterfield loveseat reupholstered, and did a little google searching, but couldn't find any sort of range on prices. Anyone have any ideas on how much this would cost in the DC area or have suggestions for where I can get it done?

gstreetfabrics.com

wait for a sale (25-30%off) prob next one is memorial day weekend

Also, G Street offers a class in re-upholstering. Not sure if you feel like tackling that, but might be fun to learn. Check their website for class schedule.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll definitely check out G Street.

Yeah the class runs about $350 plus materials, but you have to carry your project back and forth which might be difficult for a loveseat. Of course, you could do a chair in class and then just work on the loveseat at home...

Can anyone weigh in on cedar decking and how it holds up in DC weather? We live in a very modern house and are trying to decide whether to stain and seal our cedar fence and deck or simply let it turn silver with age. The Frank Lloyd Wright houses I've seen (Pope-Leighey comes to mind) seem to take the natural route but the Japanese often go the other way. Thoughts?

Anyone have any recommendations on movers in the DC area? I'm moving in the next few week to a condo only 10 blocks from my current place, but definitely need a good mover. I'd love to snag a deal, but would rather pay more knowing that my furniture and belongings won't be damaged during the process. Thanks to anyone who has any leads!

RE: good movers. If you want quality, Gullivers is very good but pretty expensive. A friend who used to be a mover for a different company in DC said Gullivers is the only company he would trust. They did my move and it was nothing short of amazing.

There are a couple of guys advertising on Craigs List right now as movers on weekends only while they work up the cash to start a used book store. A friend of mine used them for her move and I helped so I got to see them in action. Then weren't as good as pro's but the price was super cheap. Plus I like where the money is going. I'm not sure of their name, but I'm sure you can find them between CL and google.

Best, cheapest movers by far: Capitol Hill movers. Katherinec mentioned them -- they moved me into my 4th floor apartment rowhouse with skinny stairs in 100 degree humid weather (read: a horrible moving job), and were prompt, nice, fun and CHEAP. Plus, they're doing it for a cool, local cause --to buy Capitol Hill Bookstore. Look them up on Craigslist.

@ashycats, I can't say enough good things about Beltway Movers. Very professional, careful, and efficient.

Hi DC people! I need recommendation for a painting service. I have two small rooms that need to be painted and perhaps a wall decal applied (like the ones you find at www.dezignwithaz.com). Thanks in advance!

Hey and hi. I just discovered AT a few weeks ago and I'm thoroughly in love. Two questions:

Any suggestions for a truly creamy white paint? Something that makes you want to put your finger on the wall to get a taste?

And any suggestions for where to take an antique table with nasty water stains? It is a true antique and I've done all the home remedies I can tackle. I am scared of taking it to someone who will make it worse so I'm stuck doing nothing.

tia.

has anyone used Big Green movers? http://www.biggreenmoving.com/

someone who moved into my building used them and said they were really great, with super polite and helpful staff

Knicely & Sons Movers
Phone: (703) 281-5726

Did great job (and inexpensive) when I moved from apartment and storage space to house 5 years ago. Also moved a friend twice last year--out of house and back in when her remodel was complete.

Owner is former DC police officer--movers are nice guys.

Thanks to everyone for the mover recommendations! I am moving in a couple weeks and have been killing myself looking for a reliable mover. Thanks again!

I thought I'd mention that I think the Capitol Hill Movers guys are actually named Bookstore Movers and yes Capitol Hill Books is staggeringly chaotic, but well worth the saving.

I've used them also and am possibly going to be doing the mural/graphic for their truck.