apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I have a question regarding the ubiquitous Ikea Expedit bookcase. I live in a state without an Ikea, and while the bookcases can be ordered online, the Expedit TV unit cannot. Is it possible to simply remove some of the squares from the center of a regular Expedit bookcase and place the TV (not very heavy, maybe 15 pounds) there without affecting the overall stability?

I just started my new Design blog this year. How do I market it to people and would you consider putting it on the AT site?

http://designformula.blogspot.com/

Please give some blog love! :)

When looking for ecofriendly lamps that are attractive, affordable and made from sustainable materials, I'm having a difficult time finding more than one or two. This is what I've found so far: http://www.brightandbold.com/floor-lamps.html, mainly three styles: Durian, Jellyfish and Fortune shown.

I really like them, but want to make sure I'm not missing any other great eco lamps before buying. Anyone know of any others in this same sort of style? Looking specifically for neutral colors...and they must be able to use energy efficient bulbs as well... thanks for the help.

andc78 -

Based on my experience with the expedit, I would be cautious. You'd need a saw to remove some of the squares, and I think doing so would affect the piece's structural integrity since it is just particleboard. It may be worth a try, but I would focus on finding an actual TV unit (designed as such) that you can order online or find in a store near you.

I just got two Herman Miller fiber glass chairs, one is in black vinyl and the vinyl is coming off on one side and I read some where to use a heat gun and stretch it back over, has anyone tried this?

I'm thinking of buying these S chairs featured in current domino mag from Modern Dose.

Has anyone sat in them?? Curious if they are comfortable enough for dinner parties and not just good looking!

Thanks,

I want to know whether I'm planning a design win or a design crime. Somtimes it's a very fine line.

I found this chair:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2076/2218851441_bab3c2854e.jpg

Am considering this fabric, a Merimekko knock-off by ikea:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2229/2219642820_02c2e86377.jpg

After being inspired by this chair and fabric, an anthropologie chair and authentic merimekko design:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2166/2219640126_63d5c97033.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/2218851423_90afb5c84e.jpg

Thoughts? Like, "dear god, don't do it! Consider this instead...." or "paint the feet white and this is destined for glory."

-Kim

OMG. VERY embarassed that this got picked up today in the LA blog. VERY sorry for the 2nd post. Mea culpa!!

I am about to move into me dream apartment...it is perfect save for one thing. The entire place, walls, ceilings, doors, cabinets...EVERYTHING, is painted that horrid Navajo White. It's that dull yellowish white that I thought landlords stopped using after 1995. I like a crisp clean white, but I am not about to take on painting every inch of a 2000 square foot apartment myself. Any suggestions on making this dull dilema a little brighter?

For carrid:
If it was going to make me long-term unhappy and I was going to stay put for awhile -- I would go ahead and paint it. Otherwise, could you go with more color other places to take the emphasis off the walls? Is there any part of the apartment that painting a smaller area would give you some relief from the solid -- walls, ceilings, doors, cabinets -- color scheme? Let us know what you decide. A great question!

I would paint it little by little - a room here and there. You might find that breaking it up makes it look much better. Our living room is still rental white, but with the other rooms painted different colors and an accent wall in the living room, it looks more intentional choice than 'rental default'.

Here's an LA specific question - Is it worth paying the extra money (and getting up in time) to get to the Rosebowl Flea market early?

Stacey - I'm not much help with your question, but thank you for tipping me off to the deal at Modern Dose! I've wanted one ever since I saw a picture with a white one seated at a black grand piano. I've seen them for sale at an ergonomic chair store on Ebay, so that makes me think they might be comfortable...but I don't know from experience.

I owned a vintage furniture store for a few years and went to the Rose Bowl flea market often. Unless you are in need of something very specific and don't want to risk others grabbing it before you get there, I have found that vendors are less willing to deal early in the morning. I always waited until 9:00 a.m. There is more of a crowd but you will get better deals.