apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Sandy, I've been on the hunt for the same thing for a couple of years now. The only one I can find that fits on my counter is the Sharp Half Pint.
http://www.theapplecollection.com/iMac/iStore/HalfPintSplash.html
Thing is I don't like the way it looks. I saw an old one on Craigslist the other day but had no way of getting to it and home again. All other microwaves are 18-20" wide and that won't do. I'm also checking out toaster ovens because they're small and can do the job I want without turning on my large oven.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to get rid of an insistent polyurethane smell? I moved into a renovated apartment three weeks ago and the floors have been coated in the stuff, I leave the windows open all day, but it still lingers, and now its smelly and cold in my apt...
Any ideas?

Anna, I once read somewhere that certain plants absorb harmful chemicals, chrysanthemums were good at formaldehyde I think, I'd try filling the place with some plants, peace lilly was another one the article listed.

what are your thoughts for the height of an office desk. i need to decide between 2 pieces on with 30 inches of clearance, one with 35 inches. They are wood (oak) and similar in all other ways.

thoughts?

Anna,
A Rosemary plant is also good. And put a small fan in your windows, blowing air OUT.

You can maybe wash the floors with Murphy's oil soap and add some essential oils to the bucket, which is what I always do when I wash my wood floors. I always add two-three drops each of lavendar and eucalyptus essential oils. Not only do they make the place smell great, they are natural insect repellents!

Marc, You need to determine what works for you ergonomically by trying both heights and see how comfortable it is for you. An adjustable-height chair will help, but the desk should be at a height so that when you are sitting with your knees just slightly below your hips, your elbows can rest at about desk level. Trust me, my hubby gives presentations on ergonomics in the workplace and I've attended seminars on the subject myself!

Little bit of trivia: Want to know why most desks are standard 29"-30" high? Had nothing to do with the user's comfort - it was because it fit through the standard width of most doorways!

Hope this is helpful...

Hi, does anyone have any suggestions for what color I should paint my bedroom? If you click on my name, you'll see some photos on Flickr. As you can see, it's pretty small, but has this fantastic arch above the door. I was thinking of painting only the wall that the head of the bed is against, a color that would go well with my cushions, since I will eventually change my duvet cover. I'd appreciate any tips! Thanks a lot.

Grace - What color is it now? It's a little difficult to see in the dark. On the other hand, does it not ever get much light? That would influence your color choice.

Regarding desk height, do you plan to use a keyboard or computer at the desk? If so the proper ergonomic height for the keyboard will not necessarily be the same as for a writing/work desk.

Since this is still bedroom month, I have a question. What is the general feeling about beds, specifially the head of the bed being up against a window? I've seen this several times on design shows and it has always bothered me for some reason.

Joan, it's sort of a cream color now. It gets decent light during the day, but at night, that's pretty much how it looks since there's no overhead lighting. Thanks!

GraceM,

Those pictures are pretty dark, can you take one during the day? I'd add some lamps to that, some spot lights above the artwork--which would also provide reading lights to the bed.


And while this sounds backwards, you should buy the duvet (and sheets and pillows and etc) first. Buy them in colors you like (with an eye towards a certain paint familiy you're leaning towards like blue or brown). Then go to the paint store and pick the exact paint. It's much easier to match paint to your belongings then trying to buy things that match your paint!

OK, so not to incite a riot, but why is Feb bedroom month? We're half done and there haven't been many bedroom related posts?

Or are we expected to do impromptu bedroom posts like GraceM above?

Sorry, just friday musings, return to regular scheduled AT.

I never put my bed under my window b/c my mother would have a fit and tell me that I am going to catch a cold. And mom is always right. But I may have to do that in my current bedroom.

By the way, thank GOODNESS it's Friday! Happy long weekend!!

minh - there have been a lot of things regarding bedding this month. Discussions on mattresses, beds, bedding. But like you, I thought we were going to see lots of photos of people's bedrooms. Come on peeps - let's see where you sleep!

Has anyone on AT mentioned my name to anyone at Harry Zarin? This is important so if you have oculd you let me know. Thanks!

Marc: Oh how I lust for a taller desk. I'd vote for the 35 incher, all other facts being equal.

I do pro audio and needed rack rails built into two pieces of desk furniture, so I had mine custom built. I designed it all to match a piece of gear I used to own. My regret is having my desk built to be 28 inches tall. 35 sounds like bliss to me!

Anne - I agree! I want to see more pics of people's places. It's all of the goodness of voyeurism without the creepy aftertaste! Or something like that.

Or, maybe I should say that it's fun to get a window in on someone else's world as it gives me a better perspective on my own.

Anyhoo, you said: "Come on peeps - let's see where you sleep!"

I sleep in this (click my name) but I'm not with that girl these days.

...sigh.

At least I've found a cooler loft.

Rob - I'm in love with Denali !

Re: beds against windows. My teen-aged son had his bed up against a window (the side of his bed) and twice put his knee through it. No blood, but we did have to fix the window. Now the foot of the bed is against the window (long, narrow room), not centered, and things have been safe for a while. I know that wasn't really answering the question, but...

I have my great grandfather's brass bed, which has a headboard about 5 feet tall. I once lived in a cape cod home with the ceilings that slanted so the only position the bed could be in was the headboard against the window. I thought it looked a little off, but I loved to wake up in the morning & look out the window. Not a great view; just an average suburban street, but not having to get up to get so close to the window was great.

Joan - WOW. That gave me the shudders!

I used to have my bed next to a window when I was young(er), but I don't move much when I sleep. The idea of sleep-thrashing myself through the wiondow never occurred to me.

I guess it was the covers that saved him from cutting himself? (shuddering at the thought)

Anne - I think he also was not absolutely asleep, so once his knee went through, he could make sure not to make the situation any worse. His bed is a little too high, so it didn't take much thrashing for his knee to reach it. Very poor planning on our part.

I think you're not supposed to have your bed under your window for climate/temperature issues. I like to keep my window open all year (except in the summer - I ain't letting that AC go anywhere) and if I'm too close to the window, I can get a sore throat and/or a stiff neck. Also very often the radiator is under the window so now you're literally sleeping on the heater.

I'm thinking about getting a steel frame loft bed from IKEA. The problem is the bed is a bit too tall for the room. Can someone recommend where to go to get the legs cut down?

Jay-
My roommate had that bed. He just bought a hacksaw and cut it himself. Maybe too DIY, but it worked alright and he used it for a few yrs w/o problems. We had carpet so it hid the ends and compensated a bit if it was uneven.

Rob, the important thing is do you still have the adorable kitties. I hope so. Love the bed

Seeing the post above about the "shark grit" reminded me that I just saw a spread in some shelter magazine (can't remember which one now, but it was the most recent issue of whatever it was) about shagreen and how great and wonderful it is to cover tables and chairs and whatever else you can get your hands on. Am I the only person here who really balks at using sharkskin for decoration? Leather is one thing, but the sharks out there are really in trouble.

It reminds me of the trend a few years ago in fashion magazines of putting fur trim on everything... shoes, handbags, even bathing suits! I can't think of a more wasteful end to a furry life. It's not even keeping you warm!

Ok, I'll jump off my little enviro soapbox now. :)

I could use some tips on how to make my bedroom a bit cozier. The bedroom is on the second floor mezzanine of my loft and completely open to the kitchen/living room 30 feet below.

Here's the pitch - I like my bed (it's not nearly as modern as the rest of my place, but it's comfortable and I'm not planning to replace it anytime soon). The linens are new and I am pleased with the color palette (chartreuse, chocolate, orange and ivory). It's all mix 'n match and gives me a lot of flexibility. The carpet is a dark grey (almost black). The maple
furniture is from Room & Board.

I could really use some advice on how to make the room cosier, while maintaining the overall "openess" inherent in a loft bedroom. I'd like to play up the high slanted ceiling, if possible. I've considered painting the wall behind the bed, but I'm not sure where to 'stop' on the left side (the wall has no demarcation and the paint would be visible from the living
room downstairs). The ceiling slants from about 12' at the highest point down to about 8'.

Suggestions for lighting would also be appreciated. I used the overhead light to take the photos, but never use that in real life. The two table lamps combined with the wall of windows facing east provide plenty of
functional light -- but not necessarily the right atmosphere.

Could I just paint a huge rectangle behind the bed like a frame (saw that at the Dylan Hotel) and if so, what color? Should I get another bedside table and should it be the same or different from the current one?

Pictures can be seen on my Flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/kcweiss/sets/72057594060532457/ or click my name. Thanks for your help!!!

Kathryn... Where'd you get that bed? Yowza! Very nice! Do I see white curtains at the head of the bed? You should get more and hang them on all sides of your bed. Then, push them wide open (except for at the head of the bed)

It'll REALLY soften up the look of your bed. Kind of like mine (click my name).

Also, you might want to consider some sort of soft gray curtains. I know that sounds odd, but I bet it'd work in your space. OOH! Or orange to match those pillows maybe?

Trust me - lots of curtains on that bed! You'll be amazed how much they'll cozy up the room.

Kathryn--

The "where to start/stop the color" is real doozy here.

I vote with Rob about more-- and darker-- bed hangings. I also always like the look of one color fabric on the "outisde" of the bed hangings, and another altogether on the inside... perhaps even a graphic stripe or small-scale pattern.

Also think the addition of another upholstered piece (big chair and ottoman with side table?) would help the cozy factor. As would an area rug over the carpet? And perhaps bedside tables.

Rob,
Wow, my bed is pretty similar to yours! (I bought it about 12 years ago at a place called Bedside Manor here in Chicago). I love the idea of doing orange curtains - although I might take the safe route and do them in chocolate brown. Any suggestions on where to shop or did you have yours custom-made?

P2,
What do you think about the Womb chair and matching ottoman? That's one of my all-time fave pieces and there no good place for it downstairs. I've tried a 4x6 area rug at the foot of the bed, but it never looked right. Should it be larger?

Thanks very much for your feedback!

Wow - great site!!

Kathryn....I've got an easy, cozy solution. Get a cheap desk or can light you can hide behind something else and load it up with a blue lightbulb. Or go crazy and get a lightbulb color for every mood. The only one I can't get excited about is green.

Sounds nutty but blue manages to be fresh and relaxing at the same time.

Kathryn--
The Womb chair is always gorgeous! I vote yes.

I think chocolate brown (velvet?) bed hangings with orange interiors (silk or something with shine?) would be amazing and make that bed a little oasis that glowed in the inside.

For a rug, I'd go as big as possible and run it under the bed as necessary.

Have you considered doing some VERY sheer hangings along the railing "wall"? Something on hospital track along the ceiling?

But I think this needs further discussion, in person, with Luigi in tow. ;)

Also, perhaps get your "wall color" from as HUGE a painted canvas as you can fit on any available wall? If dark and warm in tone, any light you shine on it (on dimmers, of course!) will also help bathe the room in warmth.

P2,
I'll actually be in NYC for a shopping/eating/ drinking weekend next month with luigi. Would LOVE to discuss that delish idea of brown curtains with orange interiors with you then!

That would be very fun! Keep me posted. I'm away the first weekend of March, but other than that I should be around.

Awe, you New Yorkers suck. OK, that's a complete lie. I'm just jealous! I love your city and envy how, with that many people out there, there are so many ways to find other cool people who enjoy similar things.

I adore Portland, but I feel like the exception here when it comes to urban living. Oh, sure, there are more and more of us here each year, but we're still the exception.

Anyway - Kathryn - my curtains are from Target. It took ten panels of 84 inch curtains to surround my bed. Needless to say, that's costly - thus the Target purchase.

I'm willing to bet your bed is 78 to 80 inches high. Most canopy beds are, and I've never been able to find that size curtains. The standard size full length curtain is 84 inch. I actually raised my bed six inches to gain extra storage underneath, and an added benefit was that the curtains fit without needing to be hemmed.

I've learned the hard way that since I live in a one room open loft, I need to buy machine washable curtains for the bed. After a while, kitchen smells (and, uh, other smells) can get into them. The idea of getting ten panels of full length curtains dry cleaned wasn't very realistic. Machine washable is definitely the way to go.

I noticed that your bedroom floor is very dark! For that reason, I wouldn't recommend a dark brown at all. I'd go with something that matches your bedding, or another color in your room - thus my suggestion of orange. I'd also make the curtains your first purchase for your bedroom. I think you'll be amazed how much just adding curtains to your bed will really make your bedroom pop! I know I sure was when I did it.

Good luck to you!

grace,
I think that the silvery blue color on those cushions would be a GREAT wall color...... Maybe in a super flat.

Speaking of desks, my office is in a half-round alcove and I'm trying to figure out the best desk solution. Anybody know of a good carpenter in NYC who could, possibly, custom-build something for the space? I was going to buy a dining table from IKEA and gussy it up but they just don't do the order-by-Internet thing all that well. I'm still open to buying a readymade table for the space but, in the meantime, figured I would exlore the possibility of custom desk. I'll take pics later today and post them...

Thanks,
Jenna

WHOO! I went to Hold Everything today because I had been planning to buy the studio files in white (they are components of a wall unit I am designing). Since they are going out of business, I got them for 25% off, got to test them out in the store and make sure I liked them, AND I ended up snagging a nesting table set (Norwalk) for 150 bucks, also 25 percent off. Since I had budgeted 400 bucks for the files, and didn't have to pay delivery (although I did have to take a cab), I ended up getting the nesting tables (originally priced at 395) for free. And now that I have unpacked the tables, I LOVE them. I'm also loving the drawers, which I have already begun to fill with my millions of art supplies, paper, and other desk clutter that has been plaguing me for the past several months. Just needed to share my jubiliation.

Also, Jenna, check Open Thread 127 for "carpenter" recommendations.

Thanks sarajane. Did you ever have your bookcase built?

Dear Grace:
I think a nice, darkish beige with white trim might be nice for your bedroom. I like the dark quality of your bedroom; further, your dresser would likely pop against a beige.

Still, paint colors are difficult. Although I don't know much, I understand that a lot depends on the quality of light you get in any particular space.

Why not go to Benjamin Moore and pick out a few of the small, sample jars of colors you like? You could then try them out and see what works.

Best of luck.

Ok this is a whole new question.
BATHROOM WALLS

I have the bathroom from hell and don't want to renovate. I would like to either paint or somehow put some concrete or plaster or something waterproof on my bathroom walls on top of the tiles to change the color. I need a cheap solution.

Can anyone help? (I've lived in houses in Mexico that had plain plaster walls in throughout the bathroom, and we never had any problems. Thus, I think there must be something I could coat my tiles with that would work.)

Hope someone can help.

GRACE'S BEDROOM

Dear Grace:

Another suggestion: taupe. I think it hides dirt well, and is a good backdrop for almost anything. (I remember my taupe shoes, I wore them daily and didn't need any others.) You can go light or dark with the shade.

I just read an excerpt from Maxwell's new book online and wanted to share the link here:

http://tinyurl.com/7p2bz

His story about his aunt Eleanor made a deep impression when I read it first here on the site. I remember that I printed it. It's in my Articles to Keep file, somewhere in my.... library. (Ahem.)

I hope that someday I will be as graceful about letting go of my books and the phases in my life that they represent as she was.

Maxwell, I've pre-ordered the book and can't wait for March 28th! Thinking way far in advance: will there be a book tour? I would love to meet you (and Sara Kate!) if you breeze through my area. Heck, anywhere in my state.

You have no idea how much your site has colored my life and home. Not just in a good way; I think the best way.

Hi,

I'm looking for a small computer enclosure. I've found one at Bombay Co but don't like the look. Click my name to see it. Does anyone know where I can find the same kind of thing with cleaner lines and in a lighter wood -- oak, preferably..?

Thanks!

Lukas

thanks for the warm welcome. i live in dallas now and this site makes me feel connected to NY. i miss it! xoxo

Kathryn: Did you install the Ikea doors yourself? I had very similar hideous folding doors on my closets (I took most of them off and just have no doors for now) and have thought about doing a similar thing -- wondered if you were able to diy-it or did you hire contractors? Thanks! Jennifer

Bedroom wall color HELP!
As my name suggests, I am trying to get a modern feel thoroughout my apt and I have started with the bedroom. Just bought the bed/nightstand, now i want to deal with wall color. The only problem is there's one wall that is all brick. I'd want the tone to compliment the brick is some way. In the end, the combination should look aesthetically MOD (light/warm grey or blue-ish silver?) I need some AP! click on my name to see bedroom pics.
thanks!

Jenna-- Still in the sketching stages. If it is successful, I will submit pix and also an evaluation of the "carpenter" I go with. Let me know if you have luck with any of the people Curtis suggested!

Jennifer,
I definitely could not have installed the doors myself because of the complications with the sloping floors, etc. They are also very heavy! I have a good carpenter/handyman that put them up. But if you are an experienced DIY-er, I'd say go for it!

Kathryn: Thanks so much. Not sure I am that experienced, but seeing your photos was v. inspirational. Best.

Sarajane--Will do. I think I might sketch up a possible dream desk for the space and then see what they have to say...this could turn out to be quite a bit of fun to plan out. Good luck with your own plans...

My apartment has casement windows, best described in terms of graph paper - the windowspanes are six rows high and four columns across. Each windowpane measures 11.5" high by 7.5" wide.

I would like to line the outside panes with colored translusent liners to create a faux stained glass look. The middle of the window will stay clear, because I have a lovely view. I'm looking for solid, muted colors - blue, green, yellow, red, but cannot find a suitable product anywhere online. Any suggestions?

Bedroom Wall Colors

Just a general suggestion - I painted my bedroom a creamy brown (Benjamin Moore Meadow Pink #1011) and it is a very cozy but unusual color. It changes colors hugely between day and night. Since my ceilings are sloped, I painted walls and ceiling the same color. Quite restful. Check out browns for your bedrooms. I've used dark woods, dark reds and rich teals as accents with plenty of green plants - and oh - white trim around doors and windows and white slatted blinds.

IS THE SALE AT ABC A SCAM?

I went to ABC for their weekend president day sale and nothing much of anything was on sale. ABC is essentially a consignment store, with separate shops operating under the parent umbrella, so perhaps i missed something but i saw nothing for sale. does anyone know whether i can do better @ the warehouse in the Bronx?

Dear Bostonian:
I seem to remember adhesible colored material for windows at the Home Depot. I imagine you could cut it to size. Hope this helps.

We are moving into a super small one-bedroom apartment next week. Unfortunately, we won't be getting much light in the new apartment. Any suggestions for how to brighten a dark apartment? Lighting suggestions and painting suggestions?

Also, we recently found a beat-up Eames lounge and ottoman on the sidewalk and need recommendations for someone who could restore some of it's original condition.

Thanks!

I actually bought the desk at ABC carpet (I picked the lower one) and it was 33% off.
(4th floor, back)

I'm thinking of going back to get that matching table.

marc

Hey, has anyone heard of/had any experience with a furniture manufacturer called Richter? They sell some Richter sofas at a store here in sf called Therapy. They *look* really great, nice clean lines and really comfy... but not sure how they will stand up over time. I am suspicious since the prices seem so reasonable! The loveseats are around $800, sofas around $1000. Has anyone ever heard of them?

Stacy, try using paint with some gloss content to reflect light. My friend Kelly had a tiny dark space but now has glossy ceilings and uplights/torchieres and a LOT of mirrors and the effect is amazing.

She extended the glossy ceiling paint eight inches down the walls and has a different but tonally matched wall color. (Ceilings are ecru, walls are matte pale tan).

Please help! Looking for a microwave with a width of 17 inches or less and can't find one anywhere. You savvy New Yorkers surely know a place . . .
Sandy

Hi Sandy
http://compactappliance.com is usually a good source (in terms of ideas - I have no idea what they are like as a business) for small appliances. I checked out microwaves and the smallest width is 17.5" unfortunately.

Also Sharp has some of the smallest microwaves and they even have a compact section but the smallest one is 18.125" wide.
http://www.sharpusa.com/products/TypeLanding/0,1056,4,00.html

Aquarabbit,
For discussion of Richter furniture, see http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/012406/flatiron-district/schrager-home-nyc-000417 and http://la.apartmenttherapy.com/la/121405/santa-monica/weego-home-005526 . I had a bad experience dealing with Richter on defective merchandise.

Thanks, k!