apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

This weekend was horrible. I had to go skiing, which involved a miserable 6 hour drive to Vermont followed by a packed condo and then an expensive day of snowpants, clunky boots and overpriced hot chocolate. Some idiot I had to share the chairlift with was yammering on and on about American Idol and – were I not a coward, terrified of physical confrontation – I would have hoisted him over the lift and thrown him into a ravine. NEVER AGAIN. Then I got horribly trashed but then lay in bed obsessing over the desk for the computer center.

Here is the quandary: the “computer center” is essentially a nook, sandwiched by the walls that separate the kitchen and library in the ground floor of the townhouse. Although the parlor floor upstairs is wide-plank pine, marble fireplaces and chandeliers, the GROUND FLOOR is a bit more modern with lots of milk glass, glass walls, Jerusalem tile and sand-colored stone. So this is not the place for an antique desk. Does anyone have suggestions for a sleek modern design for a computer center/desk? I could get a thick piece of glass cut and have the contractor build legs for it so it fills the nook but are glass desks too Miami Vice? Not that Crocket wasn’t cool – he was. Thoughts?

If you have sand-colored stone down there, how do you feel about a sheet of well-sealed MDF cut to fit the niche? I think that's the surface used heavily in the Triangle Wedge Apartment entry. It gives a neutral "I'm so modern I'm a material not found in nature" look... but people tend to have very strong feelings about MDF, either pro or con.

Wende, pardon my ignorance but what is "MDF"?

Any pre-made desks out there that anyone likes? Boconcept sells this very cool "pod desk" that is essentially a modernistic rolldown

I just got my Paul McCobb credenza over the weekend (pictured here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ambernussbaum/56602495) and it's going to be housing all my home theater equipment (receiver, cable box, dvd player, etc). I'm getting a new TV this week (a 32" lcd) and that will be sitting on top. I don't want to just sit the tv directly on the credenza (god forbid) but I don't want to just stick something under it like a doily. Any ideas what I should use as a cushion/barrier?

Crap, the URL isn't working, it attached a parenthesis on the end. Here's the proper URL:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ambernussbaum/56602495

J, for example this:
http://www.eurway.com/desks.lasso?itemid=2966&categorykey=91&subcategorykey=19&page=2&-session=eo_user:D88B9AE507a4a16146SmW24A2073

In the description you'll find the explanation of MDF as well

Amber, I love that piece. i have been scouring ebay to find an equivalent Danish piece for my plasma (i have officially lost the battle with the wife to put the tv over the fireplace).

why do you need a barrier? Are you afraid volume vibrations will rattle against the wood? If you had to use a barrier I would probably use stick on felt mini-circles to the bottom of the TV. There are $3 in any hardware store.

Check out www.boltz.com for steel and glass desks. I think if the size is too big you can have the customize it.

We have the loft series from them.

http://www.boltz.com/showitems.asp?deptcode1=526

Attention NT: accidentally, that sofa you liked so much in one of the entries, is $599 on this site ($699 at boconcept):
http://www.eurway.com/sofas.lasso?itemid=3055&categorykey=94&subcategorykey=48&-session=eo_user:D88B9AE507a4a16146SmW24A2073

I'm pulling my hair out. I turn to you for advice.

Gut renovating a 9x10 kitchen. I can't decide if I should do a galley set-up or an L shape. Or if I should just knock down the wall and make an open floor plan (which makes me nervous).

If the floorplan was in front of you, the 10" walls run top and bottom. The window is at 9 o'clock and the door right below that on the longer wall.

I appreciate any help.

Thank you for welcoming me, Maxwell, much appreciated!

Jonathan -- MDF is medium-density fibreboard. It's made by taking wood fibers, immersing them in glue, and then treating with heat and pressure. What you get is *not* the old particle board everyone loathes -- it's a solid, smooth surface that takes cutting and beveling beautifully, which is why it's so popular on Home Improvement on a Budget shows. Unpainted, the surface looks somewhat like beige granite with very few distinct speckles (or, if you don't like it, it looks like pale cardboard).

I'm familiar with it primarily because it's a common material in dollhouse kits (where it's better-behaved than plywood), but it seems to be having its vogue as a Modern Material in its own right, just sealed and not painted. It's kind of a Dwell look.

Has anyone used pop panels? (I put a link in the URL box)

I am contemplating using these on a wall, but am not sure how easy they are to install. I am thinking about a hallway hall, but if they are hard to fit (the wall has a door, intercom, various weird shapes going on), I might just do it on a dining room wall.

What is best way to hang pictures on tiled bathroom walls?

I live in a rental and am worried I'll damage the tiles if I try to drill.

Thx.

Jonathan that sounds like a plan. I don't know why I figured I needed a barrier, probably because the boyfriend likes to slide things, rather than pick them up to move them, and I can see this happening with the TV. My hardwood floors have suffered before, but gouging the McCobb would be break-up material.

Jonathan,

I would NOT go with a glass surface. It is difficult to keep glass pristine, especially since you have offspring, who tend not to be down with the modernist program.

Gekko, I'm no drill expert, but I think I can safely say you will damage the tiles if you drill! If the pictures aren't super heavy, you can use those velcro picture hangers from 3M--the "command" adhesive things. I have used them for pictures in my kitchen, and they worked amazingly well. They also sell other kinds of picture hangers with the same adhesive.

Amber, What about a simple runner?

amber,
The felt would work too...also, there are those "easy sliders" or whatever--and they really do work. I've put them on my chairs on my wood floors and under my dressers, and sliding things around doesn't scratch up the floors anymore. They're pricer than felt, though!

Bea, take down that wall.

is this heinous and cheesey?
http://www.eurway.com/desks.lasso?itemid=2122&categorykey=91&subcategorykey=19&page=1&-session=eo_user:D88B9AE507a4a16146SmW24A2073

I am looking for sleek desks.

Jonathan: how do you like to work when you work at the desk? Do you make piles? Where do you like to put stuff--on a level with you, or on shelves above or storage below?

A really sleek desk might look great but not be comfortable.

Mainly, do YOU like it? Trust your own taste.

Jonathan - these are some desks i like in various price ranges

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=302&f=1079

http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=7936

http://www.conran.com/conranshopping/showMoreInfo.do?productid=211

There's also this absolutely stunning office armoire that I saw in a catalog recently that comes in red as well as black and white. I generally hate armoires, but this was gorgeous. It kind of looks like the item in the third link above, but better. Problem is I can't remember where I saw it. If you think you might be interested I can keep trying to track it down. However, if you're just looking for a desk and not an armoire, it would not suit you.

Tat - thanks for the tip. I went to the store over the weekend and I tried out the sofa. I found it was way to firm for my taste. I want something I can sink into a bit more. also, It has virtually no back support, so you need have cushions behind you when you are sitting on it to make it comfortable. As much as I like how it looks and its a great price, I don't think it would work for me. so I'm back to the drawing board.

oops I meant the second link. BUt again, the one i'm thinking of looks much better than that one.

Gekko, I used a small nail and put it right thru the grout. The picture isn't that heavy so it worked with a small nail. A large nail might create cracks. If you can use the grout line, do it.

Jonathan,

Perhaps you shouldn't reject the idea of an antique desk too readily, if you fall in love with one. Obvious, but at times a little contrast and eclecticism works better than congruent design.

Before long your little imperialist will take over the computer anyway, consigning you to WebTV behind the iron gate guarding your white wonderland from Munchkin's deluxe set of "washable" magic markers.

Also, you might want to check out Nuovo Melodrom for desks (ducking), but not on their awful web site.

I sort of think that an antique would look very odd in this contemporary floor. The little bastard, Henrietta, will get nowhere NEAR my computer as he will be far too busy taking violin lessons, learning foreign languages and engaging in the preparation of vindicating his father's failures

Ha! Looks like mini-Jonathan will be getting his own laptop.

More cool desks:

http://www.dwr.com/category.cfm?subc=69

http://ddcnyc.com/product.php?id=519

http://ddcnyc.com/product.php?id=445

http://hivemodern.com/products/?view=sub_product&sid=647&cid=1&cid2=120

http://www.mid-century-modern.com/detail.php?prod_id=202&origin=12

http://www.desiron.com/tables/desks/wooster_table/index.html

Jonathan - I knew that Acero desk looked familiar. They have it at the door store, but it costs $250 there:

http://doorstorefurniture.com/odyssey.html

Personally, I'm not crazy about it.

i had an inkling that i would love you New Tenant

jonathan, did you see the last issue of domino (i think it was the last issue) where someone had a desk nook made out of a hallway closet? she used two white file cabinets and a piece of thick plexiglass as the work surface. i thought it looked great. i couldn't find a pic online, but maybe you can track down an issue.

Amber - that credenza is so gorgeous I wouldn't want to put anything on top of it. But if you are going to put a tv on it, I think it's a good idea to have something to protect the finish. Felt is a good suggestion. I don't know what the tv stand is like, but maybe you can attach pieces of felt to the bottom of the stand so that you can't even see it.

Of course if you want to be able to swivel the tv around you could use something like this:

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10103&storeId=12&langId=-1&productId=32484

Hey, Alpha's in the new issue of Domino! Our wallpaper is covering a dining room table that is, in turn, covered with china. Not the best of formats to show off the paper but, colorwise, it works really well and I love Domino. (We're also in the current Shop Etc and O. In case anyone cares).

And, Jonathan, Ali's right, the desk is pretty nice looking for something assembled out of disparate pieces. It's on page 109.

Gekko:

Depending on how heavy the picture is, I use suction cups. (Clear ones with a little metal hook.) My bathroom is floor-to-ceiling tiles and I rent. So far so good. Might not work if you are talking about mosaic tiles -- not sure if you could get a good grip.

Is there a separate place to post for Chicago folks?

We are considering spending a long (August) weekend in Chicago for my parents 50th anniversary -- any recommendations for a not-crazy expensive place to stay? Ideally close to public transportation, kid-friendly, near shops/food?

Any ideas will be investigated! Thanks!

Jennifer,

What is your price range? Most people I know that travel to the city to visit use hotwire to get some really good deals. You can usually stay somewhere along north michigan avenue for around $80 a night for a 3 star hotel or around $100 for a 4 star as long as it isn't a holiday weekend. It really depends on what part of the city you want to be located in. If you want to do the michigan avenue/loop thing then there are quite a few choices right on or just off of michigan. If you want to be around lincoln park I think there is a decently priced Days Inn at Clark and Diversey.

http://www.lpndaysinn.com/index2.html

Jeremy

random thoughts on how people evaluate the contest entries...

The de-cluttered pared down spaces (like Mike and Ivar's) always attract comments about lack of personality or without a lived-in feel.

Spaces with more art and whimsy (like today's Port Authority entry) get votes from folks who like the less 'designed' or 'iconic' look.

I'd be curious to see where these people fall into the warm/cold scale that Maxwell talks about in his upcoming AptTherapy book.

I also view each space as a work in progress - so I'm rating entries by what they HAVE done and not what they HAVEN'T done. (If that makes any sense)

My assumption is that most entrants don't have the budget to 'complete' their space in a matter of months. Rightly or wrongly, I assume that entrants are like me - someone who will take 3-5 years to get the right pieces. Personally I like the decluttered spaces like Mike's and Ivar's and they have good bones to handle future additions.

Bea, I also think the open floor plan is the way to go. Maybe you could keep a partial partition or do a pass-thru window if losing counter space is part of your concern, but good design would make up for that as well. What about it is making you nervous?

I fell in love with this couch the first time I saw it on the DWR website but felt it was way out of my price range. Now that I'm back in the market for a sofabed, I am reconsidering. It is still out of my price range, but I keep coming back to it, so I'm wondering if I should just get it anyway. Does anyone have an opinion on it - is it a good investment piece?

http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=1391

If I get it, I could try to make up for the difference in price by getting a cheaper white sideboard than I was originally planning to get - I was going to get one from boconcept that costs about $1000, but I could get one from Ikea for a few hundred.

If I don't get the dwr sofa, I will probably get either the York:

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/prod.do?pfid=487149&grp=RB3210-1&grpType=0&collid=RB3210&collname=York&dept=RB155

or the Cameron:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=936&f=10907&viewall=1

Anne, Sarajane, and Christine,

Thank you all for your tips re: hanging pictures on tiled bathroom walls. I'm gonna try out the options you've suggested: 3M stickies, small nails in grout, and suction cups! Plus, I'll keep in mind to limit myself to light weight frames.

gekko, this is late -

but i'd opt for nails in grout. that's what i did, and nothing cracked. and if your landlord is an anal-retentive stickler (tho it's hard to imagine someone *that* anal retentive) who looks for small holes in grout, you can patch it in 30 second.

suction cups can (and do) fall, and i'm a bit wary of anything adhesive in a damp atmosphere. if there's glass in your frames, i wouldn't risk it.

that door store desk?

as the russians say - "foo." i think that needs no translation.

New Tenant,

While I can't speak specifically to that sofa you referenced at DWR, I do own the "Reverso" which was also designed by Pietro Arosio and is pretty similar. (see www.tacchini.it or click on my name).

This sofa is extremely firm and makes a good bed for (single) overnight guests. You would have to determine whether extremely firm = comfortable. I later decided it didn't and replaced with the Charles from B&B Italia. The "Reverso" is now in my guest bedroom.

Personally, I think it would be a mistake to get any sofa that doesn't have arms, but maybe that's just me. I'm not sure what you mean about being an investment piece? If you're talking about being able to resell it someday, I would possibly consider the Case Study Daybed to be a better investment.

My $0.02

That DWR sofa looks like a $3000 futon to me.

Jennifer,

Jeremy made some great suggestions regarding hotels here in Chicago. There is a wide range of options, depending on your price range.

Luigi recommends the Park Hyatt and the Peninsula when he visits, while my brother and his family have had great results using Priceline.

My only suggestion would be to book in advance because there seems to be *something* going on every weekend in the summer, especially August. Here's a link to the City of Chicago Event website that may help you pick a weekend: http://egov.cityofchicago.org (go to Things to Do/Festivals)

What do you think of my weeekend project: shoji style closet doors/screens
http://www.victorlua.com/?p=24
Hope these aren't too "low-brow" for the AT crowd : )

Wow, Victor, I love those closet doors! Great job. Would you consider a step-by-step tutorial for those of us who are, uh, challenged in the building arena?

I am hoping that we can install sliding doors on our closets, but a lot depends on whether we can knock down a dividing wall.

NT, could this be the desk/armoire in red and black that you're thinking of?
http://ww1.wshome.com/cat/index.cfm

Hi Jennifer! I live in Chicago and always recommend the House of Blues Hotel to anyone (click on my name for direct link). I have friends come in for New Years Eve every year and we always stay there. It's close to good restaurants (of every price point) and shopping/theaters on State Street. The hotel bar, KazBar, is one of my favorite hang outs in the city (very cool moroccan decor, low-key vibe, lots of fun people-- not "scene-y"). Bin 36 is great if you are a wine drinker. 10Pin Bowling Lanes is also in the building. Another big plus is that it's right next door to the House of Blues (the club), where you can eat great food and hear great music. There is definitely something for everyone in a 4-block radius. Smith & Wollensky is right there, too; as well as Harry Caray's. HOB Hotel used to be a Loews Hotel but they were recently bought out by Gemstone Resorts, so I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not, as I haven't stayed there since they switched over. Anyway, have a great time in Chicago!

Jennifer: Forgot to mention that Crunch Fitness is also downstairs if you're inclined to work out!

Victor: Great job on the shoji-style sliders!

Shoshana - your link did not go to the desk, but if you page through the catalogue it is in there - it's called the Davis desk. thanks for finding it. that's the one.

Kathryn I understand what your saying about the lack of arms and the firmness. those are two of my concerns with the sofa. I just really love the way it looks. Not sure what to do. No, I don't mean resale when I say "investment piece" - (although I suppose that's the logical interpretation). I mean is it one of those pieces you will hang on to forever because it is such good quality and has a classic design that won't look dated in a decade.

JLH :( I'm afraid you might be right.

Jennifer,
I'm another Chicago townie.

Not cheap, but if you want to stay somewhere beautiful, the Burnham Hotel is gorgeous: http://www.burnhamhotel.com/

If you search Expedia, try to find something near the Magnificent Mile. That is where the best parking is, and you're walking distance from most things.

Also, don't stay at the Congress Park Hotel.. It is pretty and cheap and in the right area - but what they won't tell you is that workers have been on strike there for 3 years.

Thanks everyone for all the Chicago suggestions! I have lots of places to look into (and, I can predict, more family, er, debates as to what our priice range should be!)

Thanks also for pointing out that there is a lot going on in August, so we better get on it!

Thanks again!

Victor,
What an incredible job you did on those shoji doors. Fantastic!

One late Chicago thought for Jennifer

The W hotel - the one on the loop
they have a fantastic pool on the roof
with a lap lane that goes indoor to outdoor

if I was in Chicago for MY 50th Anniversary
I'd be happy with that!

new tenant
although the dwr is lovely and you will get oh so many compliments on your choice i think you should get the more 'practical' couch and you will not be sorry. go for a fabulous splurge on a smaller item. i recently had a wonderful experience with room and board. i would definetly choose their sofa.

victor, i think the screens are lovely. i don't see anything "lo-brow" about them - but then, i'm not so hi-brow myself.

Nothing low-brow about those shoji doors at ALL. They're lighting, they're storage, they're very nice, and they would be SO easy to match furniture up to these days. That look is very hot, and it's really not your Aunt Mimori's shoji screen. It's a nice modern take on it.

Do any of you have any tips on getting an authentic Nelson Bench (the shorter one) on discount?

Thanks for all the kind words!

Fiona: I plan on building another set for the other closet, so I will take more pictures and work up a step-by-step "tutorial" for those interested.

When does the Chicago edition of AT go live?