apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Last summer we purchased a new white leather sofa. See here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdeathstar/

(look at the new living room photos)

Is it wrong to want to sell it and replace it with this:

http://www.gusmodern.com/products1/sofas/carter-sectional/carter-sectional.shtml

I'm tempted to buy it the dark grey flannel. Thoughts on that color in this room?

Just read the apartment therapy book. Anyone else?
One thing that concerned me is the rule of a room should be "all warm colors" OR "all cool colors" Anyone else agree or disagree?

Just read a disturbing article about the founder of Ikea: he used to be a Nazi sympathizer after the war! I am definitely going to stop shopping there.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=559487&in_page_id=1770

amandadom, that is a guideline. if your instincts lead you differently, go with it. not everyone can handle trying to balance hot and cold or multiple colors.

Where is Rebecca? Did she ever paint?

Hi mdeathstar,

I like what you already have, but I love the Carter also. I'm getting it in the Totem Storm. My friend has the same color scheme as your living room, but she painted her walls two different orange shades. One wall where the sofa sits is dark orange and they adjacent wall is a light orange; nothing too extreme. It is very pretty and I would have never thought to do it. Her accents are brown, orange and hits of green. It's really pretty.

However, if you have the money to get the sectional I say go for it, but pls do find a new home for the other couch. Try to make some of your money back. Good Luck!

Kerri

Can anyone recall the name of the design book on small, well-thought out apts in the city that featured a home with a collection of typewriters hung on a wall? (Wow, what a run-on sentence.)

Thanks much if you can help.

Thanks Kerri! I'm thinking of leaving it to the fates of craig's list. If I get a buyer then the Carter comes home.

The problem with my current sofa (besides the fact that my cats love to scratch the leather) is that it is no condusive to 2 people zoning out to watch TV. I think the Carter will allow both me and my husband to stretch out - thus ensuring we spend time more together and saving us money on couples therapy.

jendavid99

http://www.amazon.com/Living-Large-Small-Spaces-Expressing/dp/B000FDK7D2/ref=pd_sim_b_title_1

Got my new AT House Tours book and Bazaar Style today.

Kah, that's exactly it, thank you, I recognize the cover.

hejiranyc, the Daily Mail is a dreadful rag of a paper. If you find other evidence to back up their claims, go ahead, but really, they're firmly in the "immigrants are stealing our jobs, women who work are the root of all evil" school of journalism and I wouldn't take anything they write at face value.

I just found the best flower shop! I want to show pics of the arrangement I brought to a potluck brunch (I don't cook so much). It got better marks than any food I could have brought and made my hosts VERY happy! Where do I brag?

mdeathstar, I see that you're living with a blanket or towel on your sofa... I have to do the same thing to prevent my jeans from crocking onto my white upholstery. It's not fun to live that way, so I say get the GUS sofa.

I love that sectional... and I know it quite well. I assume you've seen and sat on it in person? If not, please find a dealer near you to do so. The seat is very firm (many customers say it's hard, not even bouncy-firm), which could be good or bad depending on your preference. The dark grey flannel is actually a microsuede, but I LOVE it (despite not being a big fan of microsuede in general). It's very soft, and looks really sleek on that sofa. However, I would also suggest that you take a look at the Potash fabric. It's a slightly nubbly weave, and the off-white and black threads coordinate very well with brown furniture. When placed near something brown (like your Barcelona chair), it brings out a slightly brown tint in the black threads. It's nearly impossible to wreck... we had the Potash version in a very busy store for months, and it always looked good as new. Either one would look great in your place.

We just finished a 12' X 12' sunny breakfast room addition. My husband & I cannot decide what to use for a light fixture over the table. He wants a rustic chandelier however, I think we should use a ceiling fan. Any recommendations for a ceiling fan? We like classic modern. Our walls are pale yellow. The table is a rustic round pine surrounded by natural wicker bistro chairs.

Has anybody ever tried dyeing one of the IKEA sofa covers? I have a white Ektorp and thought maybe I could save myself some money and the trip to Elizabeth by dyeing it. Words of wisdom? Thanks!

Anyone else go to the Bo Concept warehouse Saturday?

I saw a couple possibles, but mostly it was either still overpriced or over dinged.

Thanks kakatie. I plan on stopping by the GUS* store one day after work to test drive the sectional. The blankets are for jeans and to hide all the scratches made by the cats (who love to scratch leather but no other fabric).

I cried when the Barcelona chair got it's first scratch.

its scratch not it's. I wish these posts had an edit function!

CanadianOlive -

i have a white ektorp sofa cover that i'm afraid to wash (b/c of shrinkage/wrinkling), much less dye! it would be good experiment but one i'd do at the laundry mat!

SD913, please, please, please, if you dye anything at the laundromat, run another empty wash cycle after you're finished. OR better yet, do it at home. I ended up with a load of light blue whites after someone else dyed in a public washer... and I was (and still am, 3 years later) furious at the anonymous stranger who ruined my clothes.

hejiranyc - You really much be kidding me. The Daily Mail is no better than a tabloid. I would take anything written in there with a massive grain of salt. If you'd like to provide other research on the matter I'd be more than happy to read that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:DailyMailFrontPage.jpg

I hope you don't drink coke or fanta!

Hi mdeathstar,

You're Welcome! Pls let me know how the trial goes. I have a dealer near me, but she only has the Gus George Daybed, so that's why it's taking me so long to decide on my purchase. The Daybed was pretty firm, yet comfortable.

Thx!

Kerri

kakatie,

i thought about that, but i was thinking purely of myself when i made that recommendation cause i would not want that possible mess at home. bad me. i would probably run another empty cycle tho for what it's worth.

i wouldn't want that mess at home, either. ;-)

I DID get my book, although my Amazon order still hasn't arrived. I got impatient and bought it at my local Barnes & Noble, and I was really struck by the fact that for the price, I wouldn't have expected it to be hard cover! But it is! I just can't believe my apartment is in a hard cover book. And it's very nicely designed and put together.

I have a coffee table I'd like to repaint . . . preferably a high shine, white lacquer. Domino Magazine suggested an auto body paintshop to do this sort of a job, instead of DIY. Has anyone tried this? If so, how did your piece come out?

Birdy

If you DIY, then use oil based paint, not latex. I used latex and now I can't put anything on my furniture for any amount of time because when I take it off, bits peel off.

hejiranyc, suziegoombs

He was a Nazi sympathizer. It's common knowledge in Sweden because most Swede were Nazi sympathizers.

The hypocrisy of IKEA knows no bounds. The make little gestures to make people think they are trying to save the environment as they chop down forests, ship cargo on boats and trains and fly employees all over the EU so they can attend ONE DAY meetings or seminars.

Hi kakatie,

Since you seem to have a lot of information on the GUS* Carter. What is your opinion on the Totem Storm fabric? Have you seen this on the sofa and if so does it look as good as the microsuede? I have two kids so I want to purchase a fabric that is durable, yet close in color to the Charcoal Graphite that they once had.

Thx!

Kerri

Any ideas for sushi bar stools/chairs? The regular counter-height stools are too high...
I'm trying to go for something contemporary and different from the regular dining chair...
Thanks,
Ana

Hi Kerri. I actually haven't seen Totem Storm in person... we only carry Potash and the two microsuedes. I'll ask my boss if there's a reason for that. If you check it out in a store, let me know what you think!

Hey DC!!! Design Within Reach recently had a furniture design competition for local designers, and the 10 winning pieces are on display at the Adams Morgan store. I definitely recommend checking it out in the next few days b/c I'm not sure how long the pieces will be there.

Pls do! Thx Kakatie!

black_sheep - that maybe be true. I was mostly surprised that someone would take what the Daily Mail says as fact and list it as a source. I also don't think this is the place for such discussion...

Kah - Consider sealing your coffee table to prevent the paint from coming off. A water-based polyurethane shouldn't be too much effort, and in high gloss, would give you a great shiny look. Unlike with walls, I generally have to seal painted furniture just to make sure it lasts.

M

mdeathstar:

Just throwing in a glowing review of the Carter Sectional - we bought ours earlier this year and LOVE it. We have the grey flannel.

1. We hate microfibre - the grey flannel really doesn't have that squeaky feeling that many microfibres have... the material is quite thick and, I dunno, it just doesn't feel particularly microfibre-ish.

2. Its huuuge! We have a family of 5 - 2 adults and 3 kids, and there is enough room for us to all hang out. The chaise part is wide enough for two of us to cuddle up there.

3. Its not too firm at all - the seat is a firm seat, but the back pillows are nice and soft. Its a good blend.

I couldn't be happier with this sectional. Originally we'd ordered a different colour (can't remember what its called, but it was sort of an itchy wooly feeling dirty linen colour). I'm happy we went with the grey - its very warm feeling.

sue

I've submitted this question to every section of AT but it hasn't been asked so I guess it's not a Good Question. But I still need some input -

How does everyone feel about buying major upholstered furniture (sofas, chairs) without trying them out first? There are so many wonderful pieces online but I am very leery of making such a large purchase without sitting in them. Case in point - my mother needs a wing chair but she's not in any physical condition to go around trying them. How do you make this kind of decision?

I have painters at my apartment today, and I'm a little nervous! My management company is doing the paint job (a fresh coat of creamy white, for free every 4 years), and I'm worried about the kind of job they'll do, not to mention getting paint on my furniture.

They told me last night that they would be painting today...no warning! I spent the night removing all of my doorknobs and switchplate covers. Let's hope this paint job is worth it. :)

Hi Anne. Find what you like and then come back and see if anyone on AT owns it. I had been looking into the Carter sofa, and all of a sudden mdeathstar posted the question on what I wanted to know and I've found positive feedback on what I was uncomfortable with. There is a dealer in Atlanta, but didn't have the sofa for me to actually try out only the Daybed. I will be getting the sofa over the weekend from online. Now I just hope everything goes smoothly with that part. :-) Good luck!

Thanks for the info suewanda. I'm sold.

Kerri what on-line dealer did you use? It looks like Bobby Berk is the cheapest but I have never tried them.

Has anyone had experience with Bobby Berk or All Modern or Mod Decor on-line stores?

what's a good place in brooklyn to get deserts for my party? not good, really good.

mdeathstar-I've been looking on both Bobby Berk and All Modern, but I decided to go with All Modern because they currently have free shipping and no tax through the 25th of April. I too am wondering if anyone has ever bought from either of these. I have a dealer in Atlanta, I'm going to see if they can match the price of All Modern first.

I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE KNEW WHERE I COULD PURCHASE THE PATTE DOORMAT? DWR was selling them I believe, but I am NOT able to find it within their website.

thanks a million

Dying a slipcover. Any recommendations for dyes - apart from Rit - that people have had luck with. Thanks.

LONG DINING ROOM TABLE QUESTION:
I am interested in the blu dot Strut table (not sure which length) in olive. I was attached to it bc the surface looked easier to clean and maintain than wood. Any reviews? Does anyone recommend another long dining room table? Any comments about how to treat wood so it is less likely to stain? Grease stains/food stains are my primary concern.

please help me find the house tour, of a loft featured maybe a month ago, that included a picture of the owner on the last picture. There were many comments about this tour including a debate about how much he spent on the loft, how many pink shirts he had in his closet and how the owner was good looking. He had a framed B & W photo of hands holding something with a shelf below and a large abstract painting that looked like a Pollock. He may be from Boston or Chicago?Does anyone remember?

I second Anne's question about buying furniture online. For instance, I really love a couple of sofas on Room&Board, but don't have one in my area so wouldn't be able to try one out. (of course, my boyfriend is of the camp of going to the local furniture store and buying a sofa thats on sale for $300...I'm sure you can imagine...yes, it is a scary world we live in!). I think R&B has a good reputation, and if it is quality and comfortable, I won't have a problem dropping the cash. (just convincing the bf...)

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, what are your experiences with Room & Board sofas???

Rebecca - I asked this question on the other AT sites and have received a lot of info . Go to the SF section and read the answers, specifically from "kimg" who bought a sofa from R&B and lays out the way to do it with them.

Mazeppa - was this it?

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/house-tours/chi-house-tour-arthurs-long-distance-home-045245

thanks for the update kerri. It looks like Bobby Berk has 5% off Gus furniture plus free shipping. But I have no idea if the site is reputable. It seems there was a lot of spamming of the site round here although no one has criticized the store itself.

Thankyou mdeathstar, it's the one I was looking for!

Anne; I usually don't buy online before I try it because I'm short. Often, my feet do not reach the ground and the back is so far back I'm slumpling not sitting. If your Aunt is also short, you might try measuring a chair (floor to top of seat, seat to back, seat to arm rests) she feels comfortable in and use that info to compare. Sometimes the person on the phone when you order doesn't have this info, but, you can call the store and they are usually good about measuring for you. Good luck.

Anyone else that finding the at ny classifieds aren't accessible? I can't click through to any of the ads, nor can I post an ad. Tried three browsers.

I've been wanting to fix up the outside of my apartment for a long time, but never got around to it, and don't really know what to do with it. We live upstairs. The people downstairs have a back yard that they don't ever use. The front of the house is a mess. It's the ugliest and trashiest looking house on the block. I am ready to do something about it this time around. I would like to put something down over the dirt so the weeds won't grow (they tend to get out of control before the landlord does anything about it) and put a table and chairs there. Last summer my boyfriend and I liked to grill out front with our mini grill, and we'd like a place to sit outside to eat. Any suggestions for what to do with the ground area? There are slate stones covering the back part but not the front section. Also I think I might paint the chain link fence white. Anything would be an improvement over what it looks like now.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/kittykittymeowmixhead/Photo21.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/kittykittymeowmixhead/Photo19.jpg

I'm writing an short article on "crazy creative contractors" in NYC. that is, contractors who have a reputation for going in and circumventing and solving new york apt. dwellers most vexing space issues and logistical problems. also looking for stories about situations like this. making a 3-tier loft in a studio, for example, or putting a round bathroom in the middle of a studio. High-end, expensive, and eccentric is fine. Any anecdotes most appreciated. post or email m@cityrat.com. thanks!

HELP!!! Newbie here - first post - and I am in need of SERIOUS furniture placement help. Background: my husband and I serparated about 5 years ago. After dragging myself and my three girls out of the pit, we settled into a two-bedroom rental about a year ago (not sure about overall square footage). The kids and I have done a lot of work on the place and I've gotten raves on it. All well and good, except now hubby and I are getting back together and the wrench is - his couch. It's a behemoth!!!

My current couch is about 79" long and 40" deep, placed against a 113" wall; cattycorner is a 56" long, 40" deep matching loveseat against a 96" wall. Both walls are partial walls with entryways on either side (entry from the hallway on the longer wall to the left of the couch, entry to dining area/kitchen from shorter wall to the right of the loveseat). In the small gap area behind where the two couches meet is an endtable with lamp (22" square). Everything fits nicely with no problems with traffic flow (and with three kids running around that's an issue). There is a TV/Entertainment unit on the wall opposite the loveseat; this can't be moved because I had to BEG the cable installer to completely rewire the connection in order to place the TV on the one wall furthest from where the cable comes in.

HIS couch is 89" long with a 60" left hand chaise. I don't think (other than the chaise) it's as deep as my current couch (approx. 36" deep). All three couches are approximately the same light tan microfiber which goes well with the rest of the furniture in the room.

I'm willing to part with the 79" couch (the set is about 8 years old and I've been wanting a new one). The thing is - how do I fit an 89" couch in the space left by a 79" one and still be able to walk into the room? Am I better off putting the couch on the shorter wall? If so, what do I do with the lamp (the apartment is pretty dark, so the lamp is important).

Sorry so long but I haven't figured out how to post pictures yet!