apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Unplggd's has done some of the legwork for all of us, hunting down some of the best home electronics deals available via Amazon for Black Friday, mapping out exactly what will be released at discounted prices on a day-to-day basis over the holiday weekend. Look Ma, no lines!

• Read the full post at Unplggd

By now many of you might have heard of the recent website flavor of the month, My Parents Were Awesome, a reader submitted collection of photos of our parents before you came along and ruined their awesomeness (we jest). Amongst the mesmerizing collection of vintage era fashions and hairstyles are a few recognizable or notable decor notes that caught our eyes that we've collected above…

Q: I recently inherited a 1920s couch and chair, but unfortunately it has the 1970s upholstery. I can't afford to have them reupholstered yet, but I was wondering what is the best way to either neutralize or punch it up.

Nowhere is it easier to reduce clutter in the home than in the realm of tech media, where ridding of CDs and DVDs can help regain breathing room. With digital streaming, you can get reduce media clutter, cut down on mailing, and enjoy shows and movies at the press (of a few) buttons. We give the new Netflix+PS3 combo the run through…

• Read the full post at Unplggd

Name: Bryan Boone
Location: Downtown Los Angeles, California
Size: 650 square feet
Years lived in: 1/2 year

Situated at the heart of Los Angeles' bustling downtown fashion district, Bryan's impeccably decorated small space is a Jonathan Adler-ish oasis of calm and comfort. Despite luxurious appointments, the space was furnished with a keen eye for good design at reasonable prices, tapping into what Bryan described as an obsessive focus for Craigslist deals, decorating the majority of the 650 square feet with vintage and future design classics bought at a fraction of retail prices. From the clear chess pieces arranged within a lantern to the vintage suit cases just peeking out from underneath the bed, Bryan's home confidently showcases his affinity for design both new and old in memorable fashion.

The week is winding down here as the sun has already set and the weekend arrives. But here are a few miscellaneous odds and ends we found today that might be of interest, including a video showing how IKEA's Lack table is constructed, the best places to raise children, LEGO architecture by actual architects and the stunning Lautner designed Elrod House in Palm Springs…

We totally want one of these Water Stopping Water drain stops for our bath tub. It was the winner of the I.D. Design Award 2007 and 2008 winner of the IDEA Design Award as a concept, but now they're accepting pre-orders for the real deal. Like or loathe them?

Alright, we know this query is going to vary quite a bit depending upon where you live, but we were inspired by the amusing and wonderful photo by Lukasz Wierzbowski above, motivating us to ask this very simple question: how many comforters and/or blankets do you currently sleep with on your bed in fall?

Our friends over at IKEA were cool enough to send us this sneak peek of their selection of items that will be on discount for Black Friday, a three day sale during the holiday weekend next week. They're also throwing in a free breakfast for those of you who brave the lines (bless your sales loving souls) and we've got the complete catalog of sales items below.

Most of the time we're trying to keep chocolate off of our furniture. But it was the opposite case recently at a cake tasting hosted by Kreemart and American Patrons of the Tate, where a slightly miniaturized cake replica of Mies van der Rohe's leather Barcelona day bed was was offered as a delectable and edible treat for guests!

Q: When renting, sometimes we find ourselves stuck with poor planning by a builder. Such is the woe of this Apartment Therapy reader, with the dilemma of a heat dial SMACK DAB in the middle of the wall behind her well thought out and ready to set up landing strip. And she was so excited to put the mirror there for that last minute, pre-heading-out-the-door appearance check. Now what?

THIS WEEK
• Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams LA Sale
• Poliform LA Store Opening
• Interieurs LA Floor Sample Sale
• Sanford Burrows Bedding Sale
• Bneato Organizing Boot Camp
• Pacific Design Center's Third Thursdays
• Artemide Lighting Holiday Sale
• Commune's Community Shop Opening
• Stranger Furniture Studio Sale
• BoConcept Holiday Accessories Sale

Jump below for more information...

Our colleague Stephanie over at Re-Nest reported on Bel & Bel's salvaged Vespa parts recreated into office chairs last month, and we just noticed a new addition to their collection. Their beautiful handmade and "upcycled" mod-meets-astronaut seating has been joined by a loveseat seemingly designed for some backseat smooching.