apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

This may seem like a dumb question, but where can I find something like (what's pictured on the cover) this in ny? ...

http://www.bobbrooke.com/bookreview4.htm

you know kind of a "box of sod/grass" thing for my window sill? thanks.

-kellen

i was actually wanting the same thing to place on my sofa table. i guess i was just thinking of planting some rye grass or wheat grass and hoping it would grow. am i crazy?

Where CAN'T you see it? I think maybe in the Spring I see that stuff all over town! There was a little chain of flower shops called Rooster that have sadly disappeared, but they used to have that all the time. I kind of like them. Sort of a microscopic lawn. I think that you could grow your own really easily, though, seriously.

Meanwhile, Kellen, your name looks unfamiliar to me, so ... welcome!

Methinx it IS wheat grass.

THey sell that same kind of grass you are interested in at Union Square on the weekends when they have the farmers market, it is usually on saturdays.

Yup, wheatgrass. You can usually buy flats of it at healthy stores (for juicing). I've seen it at pet stores, too. (I think that maybe cats like it?...not sure)

You can also buy little flats of it in the produce section at Whole Foods. I imagine you could transplant it into nicer containers.

Regular old grass will grow really fast, though - Chia pet, anyone?

Thanks guys... i'll check out the Union Square market this weekend, and maybe even poke around the flower district- like 28th near 7th ave.

-kellen

Stewart is the wheat grass king at the farmer's market, operating mon, we, fri AND saturday. He sells the grass in all manner of size trays. He's a really really nice and funny guy, his heart is in it. support him. most people buy the small sizes for their cats. He sells soil-grown sunflower sprouts, too.

I've been patronizing him for yearssssssss.

ps stew's grass is way cheaper than petco or anywhere else and his is super organic, etc.

How long does the grass stay looking good if your using it for decoration?

I just asked this on the last thread, but I guess that's obsolete. We're going to Dublin today--any new suggestions of what to see? Thank you

dc dave,

the grass keeps growing, when placed in sun keeps growing green. Otherwise, it starts to turn yellow with age. It will grow at least 2-3 cycles and last about 3 weeks. I only use it for my cat and never yet had a grass tray for looks. But if I did I suppose I would trim it as it grew wispy.

plant life like any life is work

but very rewarding

any thoughts on where to buy small amounts of great tile?

I only need six sq ft for a kitchen backsplash, and I wonder where the secret stash of Ann Sacks rejects and leftovers are...
I'm inclined to metal, or small glass tiles in watery blues.

Guido: I was at Home Depot yesterday looking for the same thing. They had very pretty glass tile in blues and greens in 2" squares. I asked the associate what the deal was with ordering and he said you can order any quantity and have it in two weeks.

i know that you can get leftovers affordably from heath ceramics (might have to email to inquire) and they are the most gorgeous tiles. this might be the perfect option for you, guido, since you need such a small quantity. again, a great way to get a luxury item at an affordable price.

if u go to the florist district (i think that is around 23rd st and 8th?) in the morning they have tons of boxed up grass ready to go and it is cheap... used it as a centerpiece last easter.

It doesn't do well in direct light though.

Now the big one (for me): anyone have a good custom cabinet shop they recommend?

I need to get kitchen cabinets for a 9x12 kitchen. I need to have something to enclose a washer/dryer and I want an armoire-style pantry and a longish lower cabinet with drawers that would be finished on all sides (you'll see them). ALSO, need a 12 foot row of coordinated bookcases to match for the living room.

My budget is about 15k of my hard-earned money, which I realize is nothing. But honestly, I can use Ikea uppers and really want just 3 or 4 pieces built (but they are large).

I would be in your debt forever.

Referring back to the grass question...

I actually bought a faux version of the grass square at Target. It looks great and I don't have to worry about care since it's not alive!

They don't seem to have the one I bought anymore, but I saw a few others like this one:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=2-1/qid=1137689129/ref=sr_2_1/601-2206462-4520158?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B000B7RQXQ

Onion Grass in Ceramic Planter – Asia Modern for $20

You can find a more on the Target website by searching for "grass." Or try checking other sites...

Thanks,Laura! I'm headed for the faux grass at Target here in South Carolina where they never seem to run out of anything. One of the very few advantages of being away from NY.
Peggy

Yeah but the only problem is you have to be away from NY to get that advantage? ;)

Thanks everyone for their input on the wine racks and on how to mount my floating West Elm shelves.

I bought the molly screws yesterday and remounted the shelves - it worked MUCH better. There is still a slight slanting forward, but it's hardly noticable. The shelves look really great.

I also mounted the Ikea wine racks - Minh, I didn't do one long column - I put up two parallel to each other and then centered one above those two. Now I have to replenish my wine stock so I have something to put in them - it's kind of hard to hold on to that stuff for some reason ;)

Will post pictures soon.

Anyone know where I can buy this in the US?

http://www.heals.co.uk/heals.storefront/EN/Product/530998

Many thanks.

NT - once Trader Joe's opens you won't have to spend a lot of money keeping your wine rack filled. I can't wait for TJ to open!! Now all the great foodie stores are in the Union Sq. area, darn it.

Anne! When is trader joe's opening - where will it be located?

When I lived in LA I used to love going to trader joes.

Shoshana,

You should read this article from the Times. It will probably help you scout out the fun places to go:

FRUGAL TRAVELER; Hip Cafes, Celtic Art and Bargains in Dublin

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9806EFD8133BF93AA15755C0A9659C8B63&n=Top%2fFeatures%2fTravel%2fDestinations%2fEurope%2fIreland

HAVE FUN!!

NT - read this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/18/dining/18joes.html

CAN'T WAIT CAN'T WAIT CAN'T WAIT!!!

Can anyone recommend a paste wax for use on the polished aluminum? (I need some for use on an Eames lounge chair.)

YCH, here's a red one http://www.dutchbydesign.com/content/products/detail.cfm?Category=Accessories&Product=Medicine%20Cabinet%20&CatID=24&ProdID=382

Hey Guido,
You should try www.mosaicartsupplies.com.
They have a nice variety of 1-2" glass tile and subway tile as well. They also have a mosaic designer where your can use various tile to create a custom mix. There prices are pretty good and shipping isn't too bad.

NT

please post a pic of your wine racks, the 1 above 2 arrangement has been bugging me for days (yes i am OCD about some things). I thought it would look wierd but now i'm just imagining it as a 'triforce' arrangement and the idea is growing on me.

ANd if you hold out for trader joes, it will be cheap(er) to fill up that wine rack! $3 for a bottle of wine!

LOL! Minh. I didn't mean to cause so much angst with my one above two suggestion (wait a minute that sounds obscene). anyway, I feel terrible now. Please don't fret any longer. I will take a picture tonight and post it tomorrow.

Maggieinthewood -- Awesome! Thank you!

that medicine cabinet is really cool.

Looks like they have the blue one as well.

http://www.dutchbydesign.com/content/products/detail.cfm?Category=Accessories&Product=Medicine%20Cabinet%20&CatID=24&ProdID=208

hey, is anyone going to the gift show next weekend?

Sorry, just have to drag it back to the grass discussion for a moment: Chives might be a splendid thing to grow in a box, especially on a windowsill. Not so disciplined looking as that wheatgrass - they grow in clumps. But they multiply like crazy, and you would always have fresh chives for your potato, pasta, etc... mmm. I might give it a try...

Thanks Anne!

Hey DCD,
I saw you pictures on flckr and absolutely love the tree wall art. I have some IKEA clips frames that hold 8x10 pictures and want put a grouping together similar to what you've done. What exactly DID you do??????

yes dave dooo tell, that is lovely.

guido -- also check out www.murvi.com.ar. argentine glass mosaic tile in gorgeous colors and they retail for around $7/sq ft. not exactly an ann sacks outlet, but it won't break the bank. i'm actually going with these for my kitchen backsplash. but, if you were thinking of watery blue glass mosaic tile for your kitchen, what color grout are you planning on?

DCD

I just checked out your pictures as well. OMG - your place is beautiful. I think yours is one of the most efficient and elegant uses of space I've seen. I love the clean lines and the warmth. I wish I could create such a lovely environment in my apartment. It makes me feel like throwing everything out and starting over. Maybe I can send you some pics of my apt. and you can give me some tips!

Thanks Guys,

I bought simple 8x10 clip frames online.

http://www.quadroframes.com/Products/Clip_Frames.htm

For this intallation I found an image online that I liked from:

http://creative.gettyimages.com

I have also done other images of pictures and painted art that I have done myself.

I then blew up the image on a color copy machine onto 8.5x11. I am lucky enough to have a color copy machine at work that does the enlargement automatically. (don't tell my boss) I'm sure you could have kinkos or the like do this for you.
Then I cut each 8.5x11 sheet to 8x10 so there was no border - put them in the frames and hung them an inch apart.

Hope this makes sense. The most time consuming part for me was finding an image that I liked, so many options.
In the spring I will probably change it to something a little more colorful.

Wasn't there some website that was featured on apartmenttherapy that will blow up a photo and send it to you in 8x10 pieces?

Rastorbator

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/011206/artwork/the-rasterbator-001492

DC Dave,

Thanks for the how-to on your wall art from pictures. Since your place was posted I was wondering how you did that and thinking how it would be perfect for a wall in our place.

After reading about your method and the diagonal idea from Curtis on the Rastorbator thread I just need to find a good pic. I think one of the pics from my recent trip to Wisconsin might work.

Thanks.

I've ordered from Quadroframes several times. Great company.

Thanks Anne

I need to bookmark that site.

Arin-
In reference to that aluminum polish question - try this auto polish intended for cars (specifically dubs, actually) called Mother's. It's a micro-crystalline so you can put it on any metal that you'd prefer to be smudge and fingerprint-free and it keeps it that way without too much of a shine. Also, you can use Renaissance Wax from garretwade.com - it's simillar but just costs a lot more.

Hi Kellen, The flower market will have the wheatgrass and there is also a stand in the Greenmarket in Union Square that sells the grass. That is where I always purchase it. One thing that is nice to do is to "mow" your urban grass with the scissors every now and then when it starts getting longer and spritz it with water. The "freshly cut grass" smell is divine!

Hey DC Dave:

Since you are getting another round of compliments on your place...did you ever hear back from SSBS?

Jennifer

Have you all seen the Union Square W Hotel's wheatgrass? I had been thinking about getting some myself, and so I asked someone at W reception how long the flats last. She told me that the grass is trimmed every other day, and then ALL of them are replaced EACH WEEK. Sounded too high maintenance. But I haven't tried myself...seems like for some it is possible.

DC Dave,

Beautiful apartment! Where did you get the extension lamp in your living room? I've been looking for a lighting solution for my space, and this looks like it.

I did - they want me to e-mail pictures to them and a write-up of how I use my space. Haven't gotten around to doing that yet. Not sure if I am up to it with the bashing I am getting from the "Mike's Gallery Apt. thread"

Edie,
It is an Artimide light. I got it from Illuminations here in DC, but I have also seen it available at Room and Board.

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/coll.do?coll=RB1521&dept=RB208

Jeremy,
Those pictures are great! I could totally see any one of those done up in the same way. Again, the trouble will be to pick just one. Another option if you are feeling artsy is to do a mosaic of a few or several of them.

DC Dave, your place is stunning. And that lamp really looks fabulous. I can't figure out from the city shot where you are-- Penn Quarter? I too can see the Wash. monument from my window, but I'm in Dupont/U St.

DC Dave, beautiful place! I just moved into a new apartment and am having such a hard time pulling it together. Made a few mistakes so far but have just found it to be hard with this new space that I am in. Your home is inspiring, sophisticated, and really beautiful. Thanks for sharing--I think I'm going to hunt down that lamp for my very dark living room area. : )

Christina

I'm so excited I can't wait until morning. I just scampered through aquarabbit's show and am now the proud owner of what I *think* is the first one-of-a-kind, created-by-an-individual Something to enter my home that wasn't made by me or a blood relative.

Click my signature for a photo. I developed a major pash for this one, I think for the toylike quality and the "surprise" inset. I have to find the right place -- because it's small, I want it to go in a bit of wall where I see it a lot, but where it's always just a bit of a surprise to find something there (and where guests have a "wait! what's that?" response). Fortunately, I have an apt with lots of odd bits of wall-by-the-doorway and such.

wende,

that's very nice i like the layers created with textures as much as color.

it's always exciting to buy your first quality piece of anything--whether art, furniture etc.

DC Dave - thanks for the lamp info. I didn't recognize it as a Tolomeo, eventhough I have the table lamp version. The shade looks translucent instead of the aluminum material.

Haven't been around lately, so this may have come up and I missed it, BUT -

a few months back, someone put in a question about the Mizrahi "ship light" lamp at Target. At that time, they had been clearanced and gone for a few months... it seemed like they were only in the store for a short time.

They've been back for maybe two weeks. Most Targets in my area seem to have at least 2-3 in stock. The person who originally asked might want to know this, if they don't already.

PS - wende, that is such a charming little piece. :)

Christina,

Thanks! The lamp really packs a big bang for the buck. It is great for general lighting and I can swing it over to use as a chadelier over my dining table. Multitaskers are so important in a small space.

DC Dave
You must get your submissions in to SSBS. Your apartment is so much nicer than many of the places they have featured so far.

DC Dave,
Awesome apartment...
Where did you get the Entry Hall light fixture? Is that lighting the little picture in the hall?

NT,
Thanks again! I know, I know, I just need to do it. I am an expert at procrastination.

PeaceLamp,
Thanks! I ordered the entry hall light from Ylighting.com
I went to their web site to try to link to it, but it looks like they no longer carry it. It was about 2 years ago.
It was call the "alfa three light flush ceiling light" for $280
I bet with some google searching you will be able to find it.
And yes it is illuminating the painting in the front hall. I works perfect for that space.

Anne and NT, and all TJs fans...

Mia in Westchester here. I just want to set your expectations about New York TJs. Brace yourselves (especially Anne who knows them from LA like me). The don't sell wine.

No wine. Certainly no liquor. And not even beer.

The wine and liquor are because of our "blue" laws. They sold beer when they first opened in Westchester, but they cut it out after a year or so. I don't know why.

Once you get over the disappointment, you'll find all the rest of the great aspects of Trader Joes. And having it adjacent to Whole Foods and the green market will make for a little gourmet shopping heaven.

Mia