apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Hi everyone!

-my husband (nixer of design ideas -can you tell I'm pissed at him?) is skeptical that we can turn our closet into a desk area/workspace. It's demensions are 4ft 2 inches by 2ft. with the mirror doors removed. Here is our fighting/point of contension:

We have a chance to get an aeron chair and I think we can fit it into the closet so that the whole space (in profile - cream coloured shallow depth filing cabinets with a slab of granite/marble on top with a tucked in chair) can still fit flush under a pull across curtain (much nicer than mirrored 80's doors)

Please -I need feedback (ammunition) to get the ball rolling. Will this:

a) look stupid (I saw something similar in the latest Domino -a model redid her place in NY)and it looked good

b) actually fit

c) Aeron chair -actually effective at reducing lower back strain?

Thank-you AT -you are an addictive amazingly inspirational space!

James Turrell's Roden Crater.....I'm waiting.

http://www.rodencrater.org/

Does anyone know when this is supposed to open?

Art...design...nature...and it is 5 years late? Guess Turrell is busy...but I'm getting impatient. And, I'm thoroughly teased.

I was watching an umpteenth rerun of will and grace yesterday. i really liked the decor of will's flat in some of the earlier series. dont mind living there myself

so my question is which movie or tv shows have the best interiors seen. which one would you like to dwell in

not the most opulent, but the most trendy or inventive.

so another girl and i already posted this over in jaime's smallest, coolest entry, but i thought it was also appropriate for the open thread. i just saw an article in the washington post (click my name for the link). the article (1) features a smallest, coolest entrant (although i'm still confused about the sq ft - the article says the apt is 750 sq ft?), and (2) is interesting and talks about small kitchens. and we do love that sort of thing around here, right?

The closet/desk can work. The missing ingredient that you failed to mention was the correct lighting fixture. If it's very pretty and lights up the space well when you pull back the curtain, it works. Otherwise, could look dumpy.

OTHER NOTES

Still haven’t found the right DESK for computer nook. N.T. sent gorgeous links but I just don’t feel like spending over a thousand bucks on a desk. Any other ideas?

also: idiotic question but 2 days ago someone gave a link to a provider of beautiful LIGHTING products – does anyone remember what that was?

also: I took a cruddy cement corner of the basement and had a walk-in wine cellar built. Right now, just a sealed off tiny room with marble floors and nothing else…sort of looks like a torture chamber. Question: is there a sleek/cool way of doing a wine cellar other than boring metal or wood racks? Want to do something interesting but no ideas.

Tanya --

Most desks only need to be 16 to 18 inches deep, especially if you're using a laptop. So the desk and chair should fit fine -- I don't think the back of the aeron is more than 8 inches, but measure it.

However, I don't think the filing cabinets with the desk on top will work. You'll need at least two feet width for legroom -- it's going to be hard to find filing cabinets narrow enough to accomodate that, and it will look kind of clunky.

Instead, how about installing a finished piece of wood, maybe with brackets(feel free to chime in with better ideas, AT) and then install shelves up top with storage boxes or pull-out filing boxes?

Good luck!

How wide is the nook. You could install a beautiful piece of wood between the walls and use MUJI units for storage. Also, are you wireless?

I don't know anything about wine, but why don't you design around the best way to store wine.

re: Aeron Chair
Had one now for over 2 years. Highly recommend it. I sit at a computer all day with no pain at all. The chair is coming with me when I quit my job.

Tanya,
I agree with Jonathan that lighting the area will be key. Have you drawn it out for him so that he can see that it will all fit? Also, any pictures you can show him of similar ideas? I would just wait until he is away from home and do whatever the hell I wanted. But then again, I am obviously single.

Jonathan,
How many bottles do you need to store? Have you reached the astronomical levels of pretention that you would need an island / table in order to take your guests down for a tasting? (OK, so maybe I am just jealous.)

Scott,

Maybe Turrell's gallery in Arizona can update you on the Crater:

http://www.lisasettegallery.com/index.htm

I sure would like to see that Crater before it's all over.

Avocado, the room is too small for a table. It was literally this wretched cement corner in the basement near the electrical box. I had the box moved over to create the room, which is 82 inches by 55 inches. I had insulated walls put up and then bought "mocha wave" marble for the floor. (If you are unfamiliar with this kind of marble it is a rich brown with striated wave patterns in it...sort of like when you pour a Guinesss beer and it is settling if that means anything.) In any case the size of the room only permits both walls to be lined with wine and maybe 2 small chairs and a miniscule table. Maybe I'll just sit down there by myself while the wife and child frolic about upstairs and I can stew over all the ways I have ruined my life and the lives of those around me. But probably just the wine. I'm looking for an interesting way to do the wine other than wood stacks. Something creative

Hi all!
Lighting -Johnathan -there is a fixture directly overhead just outside of the closet space (closet is one side of a 5-foot hallway) - I was thinking to install a super short track so I could angle at least 2 spots into the closet/desk area. I'm not really good at figuring out overhead lighting solutions - the ceiling is 7 feet there because of dropped and enclosed ductwork (we are in an 80's condo)

We are wireless (I'm in Toronto and it appears that the whole of the downtown core is going wifi in a couple of months (pray for no tumors)

JenniferJA - you are priceless for the measurements! What about one filing cabinet and one underwall mount l-type bracket thing to secure the desktop on the other end?

Aeron chair -luigi you have made my year -here I come!

AT'ers are fab!

Hey Johnathan,

I once saw a winerack that was basically a piece of 2x3 with holes drilled down at a 40 degree angle. The necks of the bottles inserted into the hole and kept the wine sort of floating on the wall. Dunno, could be interesting in larger scale.

Jonathan, sounds like a self-torture chamber. Only way I can think of a wine cellar is having racks...sorry.

Tanya,
I have my doubts that the chair could fit completely within the curtain, if the depth is only 2 ft. this is something I would think would work, too, which is what leads me to think it won't. I guess the question would be if the chair would really tuck in completely--my experience with desk chairs is that they don't because the arms are always higher than the desktop. I love the idea, though. Do you think you could get a different chair? How much time do you typically spend at the computer/desk? I thought of doing this myself to one of my closets, but they're all too narrow.

Tanya, tracks are a bad idea. You want a snug, cozy office feel when you pull the curtain back. Hence:

1. A perfect overhead pendant "frames" the space more nicely
2. I agree with earlier post, forget the marble slab you aren't making tempered chocolate in there. Get a single plank and have it go across the width of the closet. My advice is you buy a quality wenge-finished SHELF from BoConcept, about a hundred bucks, then get your ape-like husband to cut it to size and have it constitute the desk. Conventional desks are too wide anyway.

Tanya,

I sympathize with your plight. My wife is a real poop when it comes to these sorts of ideas, too.

I agree with Jonathan that a pendant would be a great idea for the closet. Get an electrician to move that j-box from the outside to the inside of the closet. Or add another to the circuit for the inside.

And I think Jonathan has the right idea about the desktop, too. You might consider cutting it so that you have a slight curve inward at the front, to make room for the aeron chair.

Speaking of which, my wife is lucky enough to have an Aeron chair one at work; I work in the same place and have a real backbreaker to park myself in. If you have the money, I'd say it's a worthwhile investment.

Here is the problem with AT:so many great ideas but no way to go back and thumb through "old issues" like I do with magazines. Archives just don't do it for me---so, I hereby propose AT: the Magazine. May I offer my writing services? All who approve say (write) ay!

We'll need to see a writing sample first.

Oops did not mean to take away from the eagerly anticipated book. So here's the plan as I see it. Wait for the book sales to take off like mad, greatly expand the readership of the site, leave them thirsting for more....and then, the magazine.
P2, although i have writing samples galore, unfortunately none of them are design-related as I am a frustrated design journalist working as a middle school english teacher.

Frankly, Jonathan, I am kind of scared to make any suggestions, as I am afraid of the haranguing about my tastes that I will undoubtedly incur.

I like seeing wine stored in the old wood boxes with vineyard labels, but that is neither sleek nor modern.

I put a link to a simple rack that I find visually interesting, but it is wood. It seems that stacking is the most efficient use of space. So anything different will mean less storage. Does that matter? I think that in that small of a space all of those wine bottles pointed at you would be a bit unnerving.

The marble floor sounds nice. And it is always best to make beer analogies if you want me to understand what the hell your talking about.

Jonathan, something like this?
http://www.wheredidyoubuythat.com/products.asp?Type=Search+Results&Search=winerack

Tanya,
Light for a writing/reading purposes should be directed from the side, not from above, so your shadow will not block the cone of illumination. If you're a rightie, the light source should be from the left and slightly above your head-to avoid glare off the screen, and vice-versa. I'd recommend you research adjustable wall sconces and table task lamps- my personal favoriteis Tolomeo by Artemide: small footprint, great adjustability, tons of options (click on my name)

I was just teasing.

And I hear ya on the frustrated part! :)

Hey Jonathan, I'm jealous of your wine cellar! I'm trying to find a way to hide a wine storage unit in my place. I think the key to a good wine cellar is making sure that it's all about the wine. This means that form really does have to follow function. It's more important that the wine be stored properly on its side and is easily accessible. It's really awful to be deep in a nice bout of self pity and wretchedness and unable to find the right bottle to drown yourself in.

I'd avoid metal storage, I think it looks too cold. Wood is nice, but perhaps you could do something different than the pigeon-hole style that most cellars use? Maybe build diagonal racks so you get a diamond pattern?

Dear GOD, Jonathan, how many more items are on the list of things yet to be decided in your palatial townhome estate, that you plan on soliciting (free) advice for (then !#@%@^ mocking us all when we offer it)?

Give it a rest, or hire a designer again (you obviously have the budget) and then regale us with fabulous, dark and textured stories of how your are making his/her life a living hell.

bottles must be flush against the wall...someone did something interesting in a design book i saw by cleanly severed terra cotta garden pipes, and the bottles were inserted in a wall matrix of them. It also helps with temperature maintenance.

TAT – are you logged in today? You were right about my sofas sucking. Which sofa did you order that arrived yesterday. Post the link so I can seethe.

That wine tube is elegant, but Wine for Dummies says vibration is bad for wine. Could be a design flaw.

Never mind!

Let me first say that I am a total supporter of my wife's (Tanya) design abilities. She has amazing ideas, great insight, and most importantly, has acted on them to produce a great looking place. Basically, she shares the qualities of the rest of this forum. Me: Ape no think much design.

However, I think the desk/chair in a closet thing will work - it's a brilliant solution to our need. However, I question the combination of two filing cabinets, marble counter, leg space, and an Aeron chair all being able to be closed-off within a depth of 2 ft. I think it's over-ambitious. You hit in on the the head, Christine (the one in DC).

Would a desk that folds up against the wall when not in use work? Any ideas for a source?

And since the desk space will be within feet of our bed, what do guys think of a more focused light source (ie. small IKEA halogen desk lamp), instead of lighting up the whole closet area? Currently, when either of use use the computer, we often work late. I'm thinking of the disturbance a genearl light source may have on the other's sleep, vs a more focused-on-the-work-area desk lamp.

Thanks in advance!

Joey/Jonathon
that wood thing you are speaking of is actually called a "riddling rack" and is used in the production of champagne and sparkling wines
since bubblies are made through fermentation and have yeast added, the wine maker places all his bottles in the rack to capture the yeast
each bottle is turned, daily i believe, by hand, i think 15 degrees or something to help create the yeast "cap" which is cut off before corking

and that ends oenophile 101

but seriously, they are a great way to store all wines, not just bubblies!

Jonathan,

I really like how Bar Veloce and the Modern have their wall of wine, which seems to be a trend in restaurant these days. I guess you could check them out yourself in the city. There are pictures to Bar Veloce if you click on my name.

Hey Ape Man:

We're thrilled you and your wife support each other. Can I puke now? This marriage is probably going to end in a divorce, and let me be the first to point that out.

Moving on to your closet, looky here:
1. You need a perfectly centered overhead pendant. Don't get some ugly bright colored glass thing. Get something round and fabric so offset the rectangular space of the closet.
2. You do not need a desk. I gave it more thought and I stand by earlier advice. Buy a VENEERED SHELF from BoConcept or Crate & Barrel and cut it so it fills the width of the closet, Better yet: get TWO shelves with one as a desk, and the other shelf slight ABOVE and SET BACK the other shelf for the laptop, printer, etc.. It will look gorgeous and sleek.

3. File cabinets are fine, but make sure they are on CASTERS so they can be rolled to the back of the closet. Otherwise you will constantly bang into them with your ape like feet.

FYI: Hold Everything is having an office sale for the next few days and you can get very pretty files cabinets on caster rollers from them. Come to think of it, get the 2 shelves from them as well.

4. Marble idea stupid

Too funny, we hear from Mister ape!

I think the right combo is overhead downlight (on a dimmer) and a small-spread halogen desk task lamp. Maybe also incorporate a picture with picture light to augment working light, but to be your "mood light" when desk needs to be "less desky."

Sounds like two filing cabinets is ambitious.

I also think the Aero may be overkill for two reasons: too big in the space, and too much "chair" for what might basically be used for a bill-pay station, no? Or is this a space for long hours of work-at-home? Plus, make sure whatever chair you get will lside under the desk top when not in use. Otherwise, get a non-office kind of side chair that can be pulled out into the room when not working.

ps: There is a rod/rail system at Ikea that can incorporate a desk and drawers, and California Cloest is close to unveling a sleek new solution which incorporates a wood back wall and overhead spots. Very sweet, and it's what I'm now holding out for to turn my 60" wide closet into a work space.

Tanya and TA --

You could probably create the folding desk yourselves with a finished shelf, like the one Jonathan suggested, and some hardware. We made a foldaway changing table for our son -- if you want more info on what we used you can email me. I know IKEA carries a foldaway bar kind of thing but i'm guessing the dimensions won't work. We looked for a foldaway desk ourselves at one point and have since changed directions in part because we couldn't find anything. I'm eager to hear if you do.

However, I do think, as Jonathan mentioned, just installing the two shelves will look sleek and finished.

Tanya's Ape, (heh)

They do make wall-mounted folding desks. However, they are usually heinous. (Click my name.) Maybe it would be better to spend the money on a custom wall-mounted job than on the aero chair? I suppose it depends on how much time you guys will be sitting in the chair. I think I have seen something posted here before about a closet / desk coversion but someone with a better memory than me will have to dig it out. (Jamie Pup?)

OK, I am seriously getting to work now.

Terracotta! What a wonderful idea. Just not the garden pipes, but the half-round roof Spanish tiles (click on my signature). You can cut them to size of the bottle (lengthwise) with tile cutter I presume.
It'd take a bit of elbow grease, but if you can cut into that wall, even for a 1"-1.5", so as to canteliever the each individual tile from it...and at 2-3 deg. angle to horizontal to avoid vine deposits... OK, now I wish I had my house back.

I've got Twighlight from DWR, by a number of reasons (mostly by my budget constraints), and surprisingly, it's better than I've expected. We'll see how it fares when I have an overnight visitor.

I think the effort it takes to create and fold/unfold a fold-down desk won't be worth the effort in the long run.

But I do believe Ikea has a fold-down dinette table sort of thing that might work if still so inclined.

I can't believe my "ape" (who named him that?) answered in this forum - wow -he must love me (Jonathan -there's a dab of puke you missed on the corner of your mouth)

OK - I give up on the marble slab and on two filing cabinets -maybe one will do. The shelf conversion thing sounds good.

The lighting from the side is an amazing idea- I didn't consider the shadow from my "cone" of blockage (body)

This computer is used for long stretches by both of us at least 2-4 times a week for 3-4 hours or more - so the chair's comfort (plus looks) need to be a focus.

Other than the "bitter" one (Jona...oops!) you guys are great -OK Jonathan -even you!! Go for glass fronted wine shelves. Easy to see and access, plus, puke cleans better off smooth glass than it would off of metal shelves ;-)

A serious thanks for all suggestions! I am not alone in my design obbsession/insanity...

Re: the wine cellar -- I think a slab of walnut with a grid of circles aginst the wall would be nice. Sort of like this, but wall-to-wall and not in unattractive polystyrene, obviously:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=210&f=11949&q=wine+rack&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1

hey all... i have a little project in the works and was looking for some advice. i'm trying to re-purpose a pretty basic black metal futon into a hipper couch. i was thinking about refinishing it white and getting a nice light blue cover. so my questions are:

1) what's the best way to refinish a metal frame? recommendations for paint?
2) where's a good place to get a nice futon cover?

thanks!

Don't refinish your futon, save your money towards the purchase of a real couch.

i'll echo stephanie; without wanting to be snarky, futons just can't be "hip" - they're just too ugly.

if you need something that double-functions, and don't want to spend a lot, look at urban outfitters or even IKEA. the former has some relatively stylish ones that won't break the bank.

thanks Steph that is cool. Since we are on the subjet of wine racks, if anyone cares here is the best of what I found:

Sleek but not so functional, too much metal and not enough wine. These guys are modern furniture designers who manufacture the, er, "blow me chair".
http://www.bakebean.com/Home.html

Terra Cotta:
http://www.wineware.co.uk/terracotta+wine+rack+10--TER10-details.htm

Here's a picture of an awesome cellar:
http://www.homeportfolio.com/catalog/Product.jhtml;$sessionid$AWQILYYAABDDRQFIAM2CFFQ?superCatId=41&catId=472&avId=12072&prodId=49419


Stackable Wood:
http://www.stacksandstacks.com/html/20680_70-bottle-wine-rack-solid-birch.htm

Patrick: the situation with the last designer was just horrible. APPARENTLY I am difficult to work with. Who knew.

Anyone remember a page from an old Pottery Barn catalog with a wine cellar/dining room? I love dining rooms that are intimate and surrounded by objects loved by the owners be it wine or say, books,in my case.

As a past owner of many a futon, I have to agree with the anti-futon crowd. They seem like a good idea... and they have practical advantages... but they never look as good as one thinks they're going to, during that first flush of "oh, a futon is so practical!" rapture.

You could spray paint your frame temporarily -- but by the time you've bought enough spray paint to do it right, you've spent as much as some of IKEA's cheaper couches.

T&A--The 2' depth is plenty for a laptop worksurface, but you need to be able to move the chair around; make sure you have at least 36 inches and preferably more clear in front of the working surface so you can push back and turn the chair. The smallest vertical 2 drawer filing cabinet I have seen is 15" wide leaving you 35" of knee space for a 25-27" wide chair (and that assumes there are no door frames reducing the 50" width); you won't fit many files in it. Can you do a mock-up/trial run of working for 3-4 hours on an 24" surface placed against a wall, with 35" of knee space before you commit to this project? You may decide you'd be better off using the closet for office storage and finding another place to put a work surface.

Tanya,
FYI, the Aeron chair comes in two sizes. The large is quite huge. Hopefully, you'll be getting the smaller one, which is quite comfy enough and will fit better in your proposed work area. Personally, I like HÅG chairs much better ergonomically. But as long as you fiddle around with all the settings, the Aeron is a good choice. Also, I don't think you need to go with a stone top, look for something like the elfa melamine desktops that mimic black granite - but in the size you need.

Anti-futon folk: I sympathize, sometimes you just have to work what you got. Riz, if the futon itself is in good shape, you may be able to replace the frame inexpensively (I like some of the funky silver IKEA futon frames if you are sticking with the futon.) If you can't swing that, try to work around the color--you will use up cans and cans of paint and it ain't cheap. I bought a lovely futon cover at White Lotus futon back in the day, but found removing it to wash (I had a heavy all cotton futon) too much of a workout. I eventually switched to a fitted double sheet I pinned in place (the back didn't show). It was a very affordable option. The futon is now in the basement tv room, waiting for the first college apt of offspring. It will never die.

Paint question: does anyone have any recommendations for low-VOC or other "eco" paints? I know the consensus on paint here is for Ben. Moore, and I'm not sure if they make a low-VOC paint. Anyone out there have any experience with this type of paint?

D (aquarabbit): I prefer Sherwin-Williams. I've used Duration recently for my own apartment and it's very good. (click on my signature)

aquarabbit--
Did you check the archives here?
I know they've been posted/discussed before...

I'm sitting here in my ugly office at work and thinking "wonder if people design their offices." I feel fortunate to have an office(I'm no exec or anything--I work for a small, casual firm) Anyway, what do people do out there? It kills my creativity to sit here all day. My office is full of ugly mismatched furniture, not to mention the horrrrrrible berber carpet. I think my bosses would frown on paying for a new desk or on getting rid of some furniture. And, I hate to spend my own $$. The two of them just don't mind the ugliness. God, it's rough not working with design-conscious people! Advice

p(too), for some reason I am completely archive-challenged! I'm sure the answers to all of my life's questions are in there somewhere, if only I could find them...

Has anyone ever subscribed to magazines from those cheapie companies like magazines4cheap.com or the ones on eBay? Good experiences/bad?

I, on the other hand, have never met an archive I didn't like. Aquarabbit, the entry on low-VOC paints is linked from my name.

me (the first one) - I get all my mags from a company called MagazineLine.
www.magazineline.com

When I first started using them (yrs. ago) I think I had to say I was a student of some sort. Don't know if that's still the case.

christine - if you could see my office, you'd first recoil, shivering, in horror, then thank your lucky stars that yours is SO much better.

i tried putting pictures in mine, but in the end, i opted just for keeping it really, really neat. and that makes me feel better.

(of course, today it's an utter sty)
(and someone, PLEASE tell me i'm a frickin' loser who needs to stop posting here and get something written today!!!)
(jonathan?)

thanks for the paint-and-archive advice p(too) and wende! it looks like the eco-paint option is so much easier to come by than it was even a few years ago. yay!

Thanks dave,jonathan, avocado, kea, tat, diane and all who answered my call for advice!

Good info that has been added to the pot for mulling over (especially the specifics for measurements and materials and stores). Good news - after all of this on-line excitement, my husband is totally into this project now, in fact he's quoting you guys to me! -I think the AT virus has infected yet another...

Hey jonathan, I think I have found the answer to your wine storage question.

Seeing as you've got tons of dosh lying around you could get a whole bunch of these nifty little things and stack 'em high:

http://tinyurl.com/g8r23

BTW, the rolling file cabinet suggestion from jonathan is something that should definitely be taken up tanya. That way you don't need to worry about how much foot space you have while working as long as the chair and the cabinet both fit when you are not.

All this desk and storage talk has given me an idea......

So much that I almost wish I wasn't going out tonight, and could instead work on my desk at home, making it just right.

I'm really bored at work today. Y'all should post some more so I can look stuff up. :)

I'm really liking the Horizon paint from Rodda, you really can't tell that it isn't stinky latex paint, besides the lack of smell. If you need a really good color blocking primer though, use the one for outdoor/indoor use.

I'm going to go with the low/no VOC from Miller next (hey, I have a coupon for buy one gall get one free and I'm a cheapskate). If you want just neutral earthy tones, check out Yolo Color, they're designed by someone else and manufactured by Rodda.

Still haven't decided what to use on the trim, but I love how the new paint doesn't smell hardly at all.

regards,
trillium

(PS - that means you pphillip - no getting work done! Ha!)

Christine (the one in DC)--

Do what will make you the happiest, since that means you will be happy at a place where you spend most of your time...

If I ever get a Flickr or .Mac account, I'll post pics of the conference room I inherited as an "office" and was told to "make do." Make do, indeed.

Sure, it took some of my own money, but it made me happy (and more productive) in the long haul.

Alas, not in that space anymore...

I have to see what exactly I can eliminate from the office first. I know I can buy a chair (and mine is horribly un-ergonomic) but I think the powers that be would be horrified if i wanted to undergo a complete redesign. I was, however, thinking of at least some colorful rugs and maybe a more computer-friendly desk (mine harkens from days when executives apparently sat at their desks and dictated to secretaries.) My office could be so much worse, but it could also be so much better. Why are offices designed to be torture chambers?! It's so counter productive!!!

Jamie Pup, thanks for the link.

Me (the first one): I do not use those magazine subscription services. The way most of them make their money is through high-fee incurring, automatic renewals on your credit card and aggressive selling of personal data to third party marketers. just try "getting out" of their system once you are in...near impossible. better to use the little discount cards that fall out of the newstand versions and order direct.

Re: futon covers (Riz' question)

I am using an ikea duvet cover as a cover for my futon. I'm very happy with it. I cut open the bottom hem of the cover, slipped it on, and tucked extra fabric under the edges of the futon. I chose a cover that had different prints on the front and back, which I think creates a nice effect since my futon is in the middle of the room and you can see both sides. As a bonus it was only $10 (on sale).

:)
aj (lurker)

I love it when we can lure a lurker out onto the futon. Wait...

Several threads are over 100.

Time for another party, Maxwell!

Will you be in DC for the book? Please advise!

pphillipp
happy to see you stop posting
we like you too much to have you drop out
cold turkey
again

Henrietta...

You rock. JT and the Starns Twins in Scottsdale? I have GOT to get out more.

Thank you.

(me) the first one,

Several years ago I came across a New Yorker discount card for an annual subscription at $25, then I lost it. But I called their 800 number and they honored the discount. Every year when it time to renew I just call them and ask for - and receive - the same discount. It's been at least 5 years now.

Does anyone know where I can buy a simple, real wood, white lacquer bookshelf like the one pictured from IKEA :

http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/36990_PE128602_S4.jpg

Most wood bookshelves that I'm finding (Pottery Barn, etc.) have moldings and I just can't tolerate that. I would buy the IKEA shelf but I need something stronger / slightly more upscale.

Thank you.

bryan, you mean you don't have a few guys with tools waiting in the backyard ready to build you anything for free? Um.

It looks like it could be an easy piece to make if you had Home Depot or Met. Lumber pre-cut the pieces of wood.

maybe P2 has some guys with tools that bryan can borrow.

Thanks for the suggestion. A pre-made source was wishful thinking. The tricky part will be assembling, sanding and painting in a 260 SF studio without a backyard.

Sometimes I think that having bad taste would be easiest. Thanks for nothing, design education!

I've admired P2 from afar on this site for some time. I'd borrow his tooled guys, any day.

Me (the first one): I can't remember the last time I actually paid for a magazine subscription. My secret? Using airline "frequent flyer" miles. I travel a lot and gone are the days when I was loyal to one airline--usually I buy my tickets on price. I have frequent flyer memberships with every airline I have ever flown, which means that it would take me forever to actually earn a free flight anywhere.

Instead I go through Magazines for Miles (or similar sites; you can do a google search or call your airline to ask what service they recommend) and use them up there. Their magazine availability changes often, so if you don't see what you want, just wait a few months and check again.

I agree with Jonathan--I considered using one and they seem to get bad reviews...taking forever to get your subscription, and customers complaining about never getting them. I personally decided to go direct.

Did AT just get some new press, like, today? I know I am relatively new to the party, but it seems like there are tons of new people in the comments to the Smallest, Coolest Contest entries. Harsh comments, too.

Also, I love this site. Y'all are awesome, and thanks for indulging the chick who started St. Patty's early.

bryan--
I don't lend them out. But happy to share them. ;)

"Patrick: the situation with the last designer was just horrible. APPARENTLY I am difficult to work with. Who knew."
Posted by Jonathan at 03/16/06 12:04 PM

Oh, the infamous Jonathan, you finally made me laugh out loud!

Scott,

You're welcome!

thanks guido!

Bryan, check out smartfurniture.com. They might white bookshelves that are completely customizeable. A little bit $ but very very cool product.

Jonathan,

You've nixed the basic, right?

I like lots of these boxes @$44
http://www.winerackstore.com/

or these
http://www.wineracksamerica.com/displayracks.html

Then again, I'm more about wine and less about rack.

Tanya -

I don't think it's been mentioned here... The Aeron chair comes in three sizes (A,B,C) -- and it won't be very comfortable for you AND your husband unless both of your size/fit requirements are the same. And, yes, the size really does make a difference. Our office has Aerons and the guy next to me -- who is a C -- ended up with a sore back after sitting in a B for too long.

Good luck!

Thanks for the info a-m, I'll have to wiegh and measure the hubby tonight!