apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

does anyone know a good source for modern landscaping? We live in a 1960s brick ranch and need some kind of retaining wall in the front yard. I would like it to match the house and still have a little edge...

AT readers!

is it ever ok to block a window with furniture?

your thoughts please...

sd913 - hell no!

(unless it's not really blocked, but like there's an airy and open bookshelf, or a tall lamp. but blocked blocked? so not cool.)

kdkaboom,

shut up! i need to block it! argh. i just want ppl who tell me "yes it is ok! infact it's the best thing ever."

what do you mean by block? actually obstruct the window itself? or put something in front of it that keeps you from getting to the window itself?

We have had to place a few low things (filing cabinets, a plant) in front of our windows. Although the light is not blocked - it drives me crazy! Especially when I want to open a window.

But you do what you need to do for the space.

SD913 - can you be specific? What furniture do you want to put in front of the window, is it bigger than the window, how much will it block it? There are times when it's okay such as a large bed centered in a window. We need a bit more information from you.

sd913 - hell yeah!

AndreaU - Are you in the tri-state area? I may have someone for you if I can find his card.

A question for the crowd-- what's your tolerance for delivery time on a non-custom item?

I was looking at this:
http://madelineweinrib.com/ama/cotton_flatweaves/60-Black-Martini.html
the Madeline Weinrib flatweave cotton Martini rug in black and ivory for a client and was quoted a lead time of 3-5 MONTHS, in stock color, standard size.

Am I crazy to say yes to that?

patrick - I am in NC - I am looking for online resources at this point to see whether or not we could make it a diy project....the wall needs to be long, but not very high so we are hoping to tackle it. I just don't want the typical locking blocks that seem to be everywhere...