apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

AT PARTY IN SAN FRANCISCO!

Y'all West Coasters and West Coast visitors, we need to set a February date. Enrique, your schedule for being up here is a key factoid. Aquarabbit, when do you get back from NYC? Others who might attend -- what weekend works best for you?

My name link should be an email, if you'd rather email me than post answers here. I'll keep an eye on both.

Oops! Linkee no workee. Try wende at wendefeller dot com. (Slaps forehead!)

Question: I have a loveseat and armchair I want to reupholster. My couch is a deep burgundy velvet and while I don't want to consider my walls as I hope to move sometime soonish (read: less than a year), the color is similar to the wall color in The Royal Tenenbaums as copied in this months Domino. It was supposed to be a very pale rose tinted white but came out more like a dark pink. My rug is black, white and gray flor tiles. The room is dark and I want to add light yet masculine touches. Ideas?

Shoshana--
One of my favorite color combinations is charcoal gray and rose-pink. So perhaps a light charcoal gray wool/felt for the chair? Or a charcoal gray chalkstripe?

Could also be a lighter gray than charcoal, but it might need the darkness to hold its own against the burgundy...

If wanting to go REALLY light, I'd say a creamy "winter white" wool...

P(too):

This brings to mind another fabric question (fabric not being my forte'), what do you suggest as upholstery material when one has a cat? Although The Queen of Cats, Iressa, is neat and tidy and so am I, cat hair abounds none-the-less. I am about to reupholster a side chair and will be looking for something cat hair does not cling to. This is my reading chair and will need to be covered in something comfy. I am a silk lover but don't know what types of silk (or their names) to use for upholstery, and silk is the only fabric I know of that is cat friendly. She doesn't scratch, mess, or do anything wrong on any level. She just sheds. Alot.

Suggestions?

Well, not knowing the style of the chair it's hard to say but what about a buttery soft italian leather? Silk or a silk blend would be good, perhaps a fabric used for higher end patio furniture - the treatment for outdoor use may help prevent the cathair from sticking. Scalamandre has some lovely options for silk upholstry - and some marketed for outdoor use.

jmarieb, there is no hope for finding something animal hair won't cling to unless you want either leather or to be slipping and sliding around in your seat.

I'd pick a nice looking fabric and go with the vacuuming-more-often option.

Does anyone have a great place to buy high-end fabric? I have a lot of drapes I need to have made and will travel for cheap fabric. I seem to remember some manufacturer's outlet in CT but can't recall ... (ditto wallpaper too!)

I hadn't thought of leather. Excellent idea but perpahs not for this chair. I guess it is a danish modern type of "thing" - inherited - but fits well in the modern environment. The thing is, its the perfect chair for me so I want to keep it. Ordinarily, I'd think it was trash but the people who gave it to me always bought good quality. Perhaps I'll try to send in the photo. Currently, it has a nubby thick fabric in beige, its sort of itchy. Ugly fabric. But its a good chair. I'd consider painting the frame to go with the fabric. I like the idea of the buttery yellow. I have dark furniture, all straight lines, and chocolate brown choir mats.

It wouldn't be reupolstering as much as slipcovering now that I think of it because there are two separate cushions that are removable. Any other ideas re: fabric type without seeing the chair?

Max/Curvedfeather:

You have good points. As I'm thinking of this I might consider getting rid of the chair and just buying a new leather one. I love the idea of the buttery yellow soft leather and since I have such a great cat I know she won't scratch it.

Ok, maybe I'll loof for a good buttery yellow leather reading/comfy chair. And, if I vacuum any more often (remember, I'm neat), I won't have time for anything else.

But I'm still open for suggestions. I'm not in a hurry. Just want it done by March or so.

Thanks.

I have 3 cats. I had a flea market chair ($13) upholstered in Brunschwig & Fils imported silkscreened cotton (on the front) and it now has a couple of rips in it. The cats jump up on the desk and their back claws have caused a couple of little rips in the fabric which cannot be fixed. (read: PISSED). So my suggestion is go with a fabric that is semi impervious to tears such as leather, suede, very heavy indoor/outdoor (Sunbrella) or raffia fabric.

LMT - I'm heading down to the LES in the next day or 2 to look for fabric at these placesz:

http://www.lowereastsideny.com/goeasthome.htm

I'll let you know what I find but you may want to go there yourself to check out the bargains.

I'm not a cat person, but I've heard some cat folks say their cats love to scratch up leather. Some not. Since cats are so much about their own house, it might be hard to take your cat with you on a test-drive at a leather place but it might be worth it?

I never have the luck I think I'm going to have on the Lower East side.

LTM - I've always been able to negotiate good deals at B&J fabric in the fabric district when I've been buying large quantities - sometimes as much as 25% off what they're asking. What kind of fabric are you looking for? For that matter almost any wholesaler in the fabric distict will usually take at least 10 % off their price if you're buying a large quantity.

If in the 'burbs (or able to travel to them) I think Calico Corners is a great source.

LTM--
I never have the luck I think I'm going to have on the Lower East side, either.

So I started going to bars elsewhere. ;)

I agree with P2 about Calico Corners. Joanne Fabrics and NY Fabrics are also good places to shop. I used them all the time when I lived in Sausalito but none of those stores are in Manhattan. And I'm a Manhattan girl so I don't wander far for deals. Bars, on the other hand, I'll travel far and wide.

Hey Wende, that's a great idea! I am back from NYC on January 30th, so February sounds perfect.

And in yet another round of shameless self promotion, I hope some of the sf AT-ers can make it to my (1st ever!) art show. The reception will be on the 19th at Seventh Heart on Market at Franklin (click for link). Thanks again to everyone here for all the support...! If I wasn't so profoundly tired right now I would be jumping up and down with happy.

anyone ever bough anything from gus modern?
i love ther stuff online (www.gusmodern), but have never seen it in real life.
To my surprize it looks like portico sells it, but I am skeptical of portico because I am convinced there is some wierd ebay thing going on there.

hey looking for any philadelphian readers out there! just moved from brookyn. . . need to start exploring, but want to know if anyone out there has any great spots they like - for antiques or flea markets etc. . in the philly area or southern new jersey? thanks everyone!

P2 was saying that Portico had closed its stores, so if there is a weird eBay thing going in, it might be that people might have bought out the remaindered Portico stuff and selling them there?

kristian--
YES! Gus Modern!!! I saw their stuff at last year's ICFF and it is GOR-GEOUS.

Room and Board sells some of their stuff, as does Design Public.

Whoops... NOT Room and Board.. Storehouse.

jmarieb, my vote is for leather. Cat hair doesn't stick. And if it gets a little scratched up, leather (to me anyway) just gets better with use.

Last time I looked, it seemed like Portico still had a Las Vegas location, and was still selling online via their website. Maybe they are also selling stock on eBay. If so, let me know if anyone comes across their Jasper (I think) chaise!!! Was JUST getting ready to purchase one when Portico shut its NYC stores...

jmarieb,
Cats dislike ultrasuede, and, speaking from experience, it is semi-repellant of (to?) cat hair. Aslo, unlike wool, linen, and some cottons, it's impossible for the cat hair to get into the weave-- and it's really easy to clean the hair off, in general. Plus less rip-able than some leathers. Lastly, there are some new "shaggy" textures out that seem v. cool.

Can you tell that I have 2 cats and the cleanest piece of furniture is covered in ultrasuede? :) (I've also had good luck with velvet, btw, but that may be a ymmv situation-- google for ultrasuede and cats and you'll see lots more in re what I mentioned)

Speaking of ICFF, I saw a booth there about 3 yrs. ago for a store called RMMR and ordered a couple of pieces from them for clients. Now the store has disappeared. It used to be on W. 14th next to Jeffrey. Anyone know what happened to it?

Patrick, I was at the ICFF for 3 days and somehow missed them...... i have no idea how.... except that I convinced myself I was going to win Charlie Lazor's Flat Pack house and put it on a roof in Williamsburg somewhere...... so I was there a lot fantasy decorating....... onto the wierd ebay-portico thing.... so while apartment therapy was taking a break and I had nothing to do but lay around on the sofa doing stream of conciousness web surfing, i ebayed "modern sectional" for ha-ha's, thinking I would get a whole lot of horrid ultra suede and hunter green and suddenly, half of the inventory from protico popped up....it looks like there is some company called Interior Express selling off portico sofas for a third of what they sell for on the web site.... for instance you can buy the Bowery sofa (odd name) for 2400 dollars from portico, or for 995 from ebay.... see below, they are even using the same photos..... it's a bit wierd. There is a lot on there.

http://www.porticostore.com/product/sofas%2c-sectionals%2c-and-chairs/1089/portico-bowery.html

or on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/Modern-furniture-contemporary-couch-sectional-sofas-new_W0QQitemZ4429318823QQcategoryZ103432QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But if Portico has gone out of business that explains it. I don't live in the States any more so I missed that one.

I like the idea of being able to test your cat on different fabrics to see what they will and won't scratch. Maybe you can get large swatches of fabric and lay them over your cat's favorite spot (mine likes the upper left side of the couch) to see how they react, and also to see how the hair issue plays out..?

I am desperately in need of a new couch, but this issue is the main thing (other than cost) holding me back. I can't imagine spending real money on a giant couch-shaped scratching post.

I can't remember who posted in another Open Thread about the West Elm interlocking squares chair in green lacquer, but THANK YOU.

I pored through the catalog this weekend and loved so much of what I saw. Super-fresh colors, and I am glad to see that they are adding the blonde/limed blonde finish option to so many items.

I wasn't so excited about the spring Pottery Barn catalog, but I had a blast going through that West Elm catalog. It will be a keeper for visual reference, like last spring's Crate & Barrel catalog.

Hi Y'all!

Quick question: Does anyone know what the requirements are for gas appliance installation in NYC? Does a "licensed" installer need to do it?

My landlord has agreed to let me replace my appliances, but wants "professional" installation of the gas range. The retailer wants $160 to plug in a refrigerator and recouple the flex pipe for the range.

Any ideas? Input?

Thanks,
Bobby

jmarieb, try the faux suede suggestion. Like Aquarabbit, I didn't want to spend on a couch that would get scratched up. My humble JCPenney's microsuede couch fills the bill, with microsuede covers on the couch and the moving-sale chair and flea-market ottoman.

That said, it is not *impervious* but it is the most resistant I know of. You need the flattest, tightest weave possible in fabric that scratching kitties will hang out on.

And I am sure you already do this, as a loving pet owner, but the ultimate best thing for shedding is groom, groom, groom the little darling(s)!

That portico stuff is the same cheap chinese stuff they sell everywhere.

http://ebpeters.com/product.php?productid=16145&cat=256&page=1

http://www.shangrilachina.com/htm/slseries/sl102.htm

That ebay seller probably isn't selling old Portico stock, but rather is sourcing from the same chinese supplier as Portico.

All these suggestions are fabulous. Thank you all so much. I'm leaning toward the soft leather. My wonderful cat doesn't scratch anything except her cardboard post so scratching is not a concern. She is truly perfect and well trained. All she wants is food and to be rubbed. I lucked out with this one.

I've been doing some research on my chair - since I'm at work and can't get a photo to send off to AT today - and now I'm thinking I might have a Alvar Aalto or something like it. If you look at his lounge chairs with the curved bottom, you'll get an idea. Not sure. My sofa is ultra suede and yes, its good but I still have to brush it off daily.

I'm thinking the leather. I'll let you all know.

While we're talking about cats and scratching, can I suggest the veterinarian designed post at www.purrfectpost.com? I have two rowdy youngsters and they love that post so much they'd rather scratch it then any other piece of furniture. They started scratching it before I got it out of the box. And it's not as ugly as those carpet covered monstrosities. This doesn't prevent the dreaded hind claw scratches across my coffee table and dining room table (the nicest pieces of furniture I own, of course), but I can't recommend it enough, especially if you're worried about expensive, giant, couch shaped scratching posts.

regards,
trillium

thanks YCH, I kind of thought so, but what do you think is up with this


http://www.porticostore.com/product/sofas%2c-sectionals%2c-and-chairs/1089/portico-bowery.html

it's on the portico website and is the exact same picture.

ps-totally not buying any of it, never intended too, think it's crap.... don't judge me..... i just love ebay conspiracy!!!!!!!!

I think the Portico stuff being sold on eBay is being liquidated... that seems to be what that company does, if you dig around their eBay store and other links.

Portico was definitely NOT "cheap Chinese stuff".

thank you patrick.......

trillium, thanks for www.purrfectpost.com. I may get that for my beloved feline. She has a horizontal scratching box and doesn't scratch the furniture, but may need to work out more marking activity.

P2, I don't know about the other stuff, but the Portico furniture is definitely of the cheap chinese variety.

Take a look at this:

http://www.porticostore.com/product/sofas%2c-sectionals%2c-and-chairs/1104/portico-loft-sectional.html

and then look at:

http://www.ebpeters.com/product.php?productid=16138&cat=256&page=1
http://www.directfurniture.com/chse.html
http://store.yahoo.com/brandsplace/0271-mcf-255.html
http://www.modabode.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=ABP000008
http://www.furnitureny.com/product.asp?ProductID=2165&CategoryID=311
Tribeca Decor on Canal Street.

It's all the same thing. Except that portico puts a 300% markup on it.

Completely unrelated, but I am keen to know - I have just painted some drawers with a deep brown latex semi-gloss. I am thinking of sanding it to make the surface nice and smooth - but will this take the gloss off? I'm really looking for a smooth, shiny surface but can forsake the smoothness for the shininess.

Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

YCH--
Since we're only going by pictures, there's no real way for me to compare.

All I was going on was having seen the Portico furniture in person. And it always seemed good quality.

Thanks P2, I actually would love a paul smith like gray pinstripe for the couch--a friend suggested that that might be too trendy and for the cost Id get tired of it. Thoughts? Thanks again

P2,
Check out my pics over at the Kitchen
http://kitchen.apartmenttherapy.com/food/010906/reader-submissions/the-kitchen-readers-cook-up-new-years-eve-storm-005751
Luigi was cooking up a storm!

Kathryn

Hey YCH, can you vouch for any of those stores? Those prices seem pretty good.

An congrats Kathryn on your plasma decision. You made the right choice!

Kathryn--
Awesome spread. But no pics of Luigi splashed with Marinara??!

Shoshana-
I like keeping couches solid if at all possible. But I think gray pinstripe is pretty timeless (as these things go) on a smart chair.

YCH, Patrick,
I think I have a sneaking suspicion that we may have discovered why Portico Closed up shop and dissapeared so quickly......
This kind of felt like an apartment therapy meets nancy drew thread....Fun Fun Fun!

Kristian

I think "Made In China" doesn't necessarily mean rubbish anymore.
That's what "Made In Japan" used to mean, and look how that has changed . . .

Yeah, guido, that was another thing I was going to point out.
And specifically to p2's point, Portico's stuff is well made so if this "chinese made" stuff is identical then it is worth buying if these vendors can be vouched for. Anyone?

I think the point of the Chinese thing is sort of that it's good stuff, but it doesn't cost much to make, so why pay the kind of mark-up that makes it seem as if it were expensive to make?

That said, often what makes one fall in love with something is the presentation of how it's displayed in a space (be it meat- or cyber-) with other colors, etc., and cyber-space is becoming the more common way. Bricks-and-mortar stores are having a hard time competing with that.

Shoshana--
Another upholstery idea that may give you what you want with the charcoal chalkstripe, but a little more long-lifed, perhaps... A great woven herringbone, in a scale large enough to "read" from a distance, but not crazy-overscaled.

Another consideration: something in exactly the same color as the sofa, but a very different texture. So, a burgundy leather, (as an extreme example).

I think Portico went out of business because they were doing a higher price point without mass channels of distribution-- a tough retail model. That, and no doubt their NYC rent was obscene and absurd.