apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

S&M? Did someone say S&M? NOW you have my attention!

(let's pretend i didn't post in the wrong thread)

thanks everyone for their odalisque lamp suggestions, and p2 i forgive you for not realizing my secret identity ;-p

odalisque has always been an inspiration to me but looking around my apt this morning, i realize that in terms of color and fabric, i'm a lot more like another lady (click my name to see):

not that i know how *she* fulfills her lamp needs.

For anyone who might be in Boston this weekend, the Boston Design Center is open to the public on a first come, first serve registration basis. Click my name for the link.

Hey Jonathan, hope the finger is better. I did the same thing to mine on a Mandoline a few years ago. Not fun.

I got the book yesterday! Loving it so far, Maxwell, you have a really easy, friendly style of writing. Anyone else flipping through it yet? Thoughts?

Does anyone here have leather furniture from IKEA? Just wondering about the quality and how it's held up with lots of use. They only use top grain and split leather, so I'm leery. TIA!

I received my copy of the book last night and did a quick read through. Wonderful! It's written in such a warm an easy style, the information is incredible. I hadn't really looked at things this way before and will devote much of the weekend giving it a better read.

Congrats Maxwell! Excellent job!

WORLD WAR THREE HAS BROKEN OUT IN JONATHAN'S HOME

The Evil Dragon Wife is now aligned with Maxwell's thesis against televisions and i sat there last night, my painful bloody stump of a finger still wrapped in gauze, while she came out against the plasma above the fireplace in the living room. but come ON. i can hang some carvings from india or artwork there, put the tv to the right, and we can sit there with out necks strained, ignoring the art over the fireplace and looking to the right wherre the TV is. putting it to the side is illusory, it's bullshit, its' inaccurate. she's going on and on while i sit there in pain. some vintage quotes "i did not marry someone who would put a tv above the fireplace" and "when i married you, you never would have done this." and "you used to be a scholar, now you are trash."

my guess is that contractor, who is sleeping with her, probably put her up to this.

Maybe you could put the plasma in the wine cellar?

I think that the plasma TV should be IN the fireplace, and that a yule log CD should be played on it when you want to look at a fire.

Craning your neck to look up above the fireplace seems like not a fun thing.

Hey guys, anyone wants to join me for International Art Fair at the Armory this Sunday? Got an invite for two and a last-minute cancel from a friend.

P2, Curtis, NT, Jonathan? AT-officials?

E-mail me at tat_epstein-at-hotmail.

tat - just emailed you. avocado, given that you opt to pose as a high-cholesterol vegetable, i politely suggest you BUGGER OFF

I was surprised how excited I was when I came to the site this morning and there were no new entries up... then, of course, I came back and there was a new one.

I love the contest, but I am starting to get a little weary. I can only imagine how Maxwell & Co must feel....

I've posted a couple of design questions before to this group but not gotten any responses. I must be posting too late in the day, I figured. So I got up today at the crack of 11:30 and thought I'd post a question or two before Jonathan hogged all the attention. But he's beaten me to it with WWIII. We need Andree to tell him what real life is really like for those of us who live without plasma TVs in water pipes in the slums of Mexico City.

I'm going to have a shot anyway. If I get no response, I'll have to chiffonade *two* fingers this weekend and try again.

Question 1: What's a good wall color to set off Heywood-Wakefield blond dressers? I was thinking something chocolaty for contrast. "Heywood-Wakefield is too middle-brow" is not an appropriate response. This is Apartment Therapy, not the pages of Modernism.

Question 2: Does anybody know of a good cabinet of flat drawers (preferably on wheels)? Here are the possibilities I've unearthed so far:

http://www.stacksandstacks.com/html/90301_5-drawer-hardwood-storage-cart.htm

http://www.conran.com/conranshopping/showMoreInfo.do?productid=10422

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15600&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&langId=-1&parentCats=15600*16146*16148&productId=21038

I like the Conran offering but it has no wheels and is too expensive. Must I go Ikea?

Design Dabbler:

You should check www.holdeverything.com and you should check
http://www.eurway.com/storage.lasso?subcategorykey=26&-session=eo_user:3F90B602081521B3A4yMyNC01764

or www.eurway.com

they have asffordable storage options as well.

And I have spent a lot of time in developing countries, almost certainly far more than you have or ever will. Despite familiarity with life in these places, I choose not recreate it for myself here.

If I were jonathan's wife, I'd put him in the fireplace. Maybe that's why I'm not married...

So, Jonathan is unavailable this weekend (or rather the Fair will not wait for him), so my offer still stands.
Anyone?

DD - for question 1, I'm seeing lime, but I could just be hallucinating. Or a toned-down Tiffany blue.

If you want a dark wall, I'd think eggplant or another purple-darkened-to-brown. Blond wood has dominant orange/yellow tones, so the highest contrast colors will be in the blue-purple range.

Another thought, Design Dabbler, is that you get the verty pretty drawers from BoConcept and then pay $20 each for GOOD, solid roller casters and affix them to the bottom.

Pondering your poverty, might I suggest that if you wake the hell up before 11:30 AM, you might earn a bit more moolah?

Thank you all for your suggestions so far. I knew that making a dig at Jonathan would get the ball rolling.

And, Jonathan, I'd get up before 11:30 if only I could afford an alarm clock.

DD -
It depends on whether you want to go with the period of the Heywood-Wakefield stuff, or really, very much not to. I think that the kind of blue-greens or jadites or something in that kind of family would make them pop nicely in sort of a period-friendly way. Wende's suggestion of toned-down Tiffany-blue sounds like kind of what I'm thinking; maybe with a little bit of greige mixed in if you don't want it too intense.

Tat -
I can't go with you, because I'm off to New Jersey this weekend, and I think I'll be helping a friend make a few more home improvements.

I was playing around with the Sherwin Williams color picker, just using a room with blond wood, and really like the wood against their Radiant Lilac. That's from their Suburban Modern historic palette, though, so it doesn't give you any sort of updated twist on color.

From out Department of Redundancy Department, I feel compelled for some reason to just add that I really, truly enjoy this site.

Curtis, from the deja vu all over again dept, I really love this site too.

me, I love Mexico City
do you live there DD?

DD:
...OR you might want to look at the overall color scheme of your room.
Example1: grayed-down coral on your wall behind the H-W wood, olive-green pattern upholstery on your chairs next to it.
Example2: Eggplant+lemony-green print curtains, taupe-violet wall behind your H-W wood

Example3: Chocolate wall behind H-W, aqua-green Depression glass collection on top of your dresser (or white milk glass of same era), turquose+gold+brown big-scale pattern rug in front.

It's endless, relly.

Curtis, my regrets. I was planning to come in time for a lecture on Chinese porcelain (click on my sign.) and then scout the field...

Yeah! What Doug said!

dIANE-

I have the Kramfors sofa from Ikea in brown leather. It wasn't my first choice for a sofa, but for a number of reasons I decided to go with it on an interim basis. I've only had it a few months, so this post probably will not be that helpful. I feel like the quality of the leather is fine for me, and all is well with it so far.

Maybe someone who has had one for longer can chime in.

I put the link to the sofa in my name...

Curtis: Yes, it's an enjoyable site. Much more fun than another, sports-oriented one I frequent.

My relationship with H-W is complex. My spouse and I began our collection with two dressers some years ago. We were adopting a child from India and part of the requirements involve FBI clearance. A social worker visits your home and reports back to the Feds. Looking around at our home, we decided that new dressers would do the trick, and we bought an H-W pair we liked. Subsequently we've added nightstands, etc.

Since then, though, we've become stricter (but "organic") modernists -- all Nelson cabinets and Noguchi lamps and Bertoia chairs and Chilewich placemats and Eva Zeisel plates. The H-W furniture doesn't fit, but we're too attached to it sentimentally to get rid of it. We could go for a "period look" in our bedroom, but were thinking more of getting it to flow more naturally into the rest of the apartment. A dark color, we were tentatively thinking, along two facing walls (the dressers are against one, the bed and night stands along another) might merge more smoothly with some of the darker wood we have elsewhere, and also contrast nicely with the H-W blond.

Of course, we could just say "damn the smooth flow" and go with one of Wende's intriguing suggestions (thanks, Wende). If we go lime green, I think we'd need a pink flamingo in the corner to complete the look and a constant running of John Waters movies on the plasma TV we'll get after I start getting up early and earning big money.

I notice that Tat has aditional suggestions. I'll think aout them. Thanks. (The show sounds very interesting. Wish I was in New York this Sunday.)

Guido: No, unfortunately, I have not lived in Mexico city.

Jonathan, technically an avocado is a fruit.

Tat

Unfortunately, I will be working on Sunday :(

Thanks so much for the invite.

DD - sorry I have no suggestions about the decor, but maybe you can check out the container store for drawers. Also, even if what you like doesn't have wheels, you can probably put them on yourself.

Jonathan - I was sorry to hear about your finger. hope it gets better soon. I thought your wife had already won the plasma-over-the-fireplace dispute - why are your still arguing about it?

Is there any way to recess the tv above the fireplace, so you can close it off with doors or something - or is that too expensive/unfeasible (I've never had a fireplace or a plasma, so I have no idea).


I took another look at the photo of that space, and I have to agree with you that the t.v. will look best over the fireplace. I know a lot of people think it's a no-no, but it's better than the other options I see. If you put it under the air conditioner, honestly, it will just look as though you were doing that to avoid putting it over the fireplace. It will look weird - at least in my opinion.

The other option is to nix the tv in the living room and put it (a) in the bedroom or (b) downstairs in the extra room - make it a den/guestroom. make your living room a place to entertain and mellow out - not to watch tv.

Fiona continues to delight.

Design Dabbler--
Yes, by involving Jonathan, you got the ball rolling. But *downhill*. ;)

As far as colors for H-W backdrops, anything darker and cooler is going to give you the biggest punch, I think.

I always like the colors with gray in them, the kind of colors that, when you take them out of the context of the color chip, youcan't really describe/place them. Non-color colors, I like to call em.

And for a machine age twist to your organic H-W, how bout a nifty metallic in one of these non-color-colors?

I'm normally a HUGE fan of chocolate, but I think the blonde wood against it sort of runs the risk of "deadening" the wood color, so I'd vote no, here, in this ONE instance.

But if I had to commit to one color chip to throw into the (paint) mix(er), my first response would be a deep slate blue.

And, Jonathan, only animal products have cholesterol. Avocados have fat, but good fat. This is what I will tell myself at happy hour at the outdoor mexican joint tonight as I stuff guac in my mouth. Do you think you could find a second place for the TV that is no where near the fireplace. I have to agree with the wife.

I posted on the end of yesterday's open thread about how I finally decided to ask my landlord if I could paint, against the lease. Keep me in your prayers. I really hope he says yes. In the meantime, since we're on the topic, what colors would you suggest for: warm light wood floors, a sageish greenish greyish sofa, medium tone wood furniture (mostly) and gold drapes? I'd post a picture but I don't have one...you know how pesky work gets in the way of interior design!

Okay, remember yesterday I said I had fallen in love with this sofa:

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/coll.do?coll=RB3993&dept=RB158

Well, I went and sat on it today and - ugh - not too comfy. Plus that "boucle" fabric might as well be called "here kitty kitty kitty." My cat would be like "wow - mommy got me such a huge, expensive scratching post - she must really love me."

I could get it in the microsuede, but that would mean another three months of sitting on the floor so I decided to get this one instead:

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/prod.do?pfid=444964&grp=RB1880-1&grpType=0&collid=RB1880&collname=Jasper%20in%20Desmond&dept=RB158

It's not quite as chic looking, but it was a lot more comfortable and the fabric is perfect.

I'm also getting this coffee table:

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/prod.do?pfid=617756&grp=RB1098-1&grpType=1&collid=RB1098&collname=Amery&dept=RB217

DD
I know it's late to toss in my hat on the color issue but I was thinking of a pretty ocean blue/green. Maybe I'm influenced by the breath of spring in the air but I think this is usually a nice complement to blonde woods. Also, it goes well with wenge finishes/Chocolates if you decide to change your furniture around (it also would be nice with corals/whites/grass greens etc but I'm sure that much is obvious).

Christine DC,
Um persimmon? It's harder to picture those colors (blonde wood is easy to imagine)

Jonathan,
I agree with NT (though I haven't seen photos - too busy at work to have logged in until now) that if you try to hide the TV in LR it won't come off as well as putting it out in full view if that is the only place it will fit well (sort of like trying to hide a bad feature physically, just play it up and it will be less obvious). That said, I am the kind of person who prefers a TV in the bedroom and no TV in public spaces. I love watching movies before I go to bed but when I entertain, I want to enjoy my friends. Then again, I am not one for football games or other group TV events (oscar awards as the exception)

Finally...Anyone out there familiar with NYC loft laws? Do tell.

Christine, will you be at La Lomita? They have blooming trees outside.

dIANE -
I've had two leather Ikea loveseats for about four years now. I've been pleasantly surprised at how they have held up - they are still comfortable and the leather looks as good as new. Of course the leather doesn't get that great aged look and feel of quality leather, but I wasn't expecting that.

NT -- nice choice on the sofa.. just wondering, did you revist the york? I know you all thought it was goopy.. but was it comfy?

NT: I know that this falls into the too-late category, but does it concern you that your sofa has a "natural" look -- wood and fabric -- but your coffee table is so industrial? Or, do you like the mix of materials?

On the kitty question: Does yours really avoid some fabrics? Our cats scratch anything and the male one eats anything (particularly rubber). We've lost one down quilt to them and have had to replace it with a cheap one filled with rags, so that we can replace it after it, too, is shredded. Does your cat leave your bedding alone?

Thanks, all, for the additional paint suggestions. It's never too late to throw in another chip.

annemarie

No, I basically was over the York. But yes, it is quite comfy - i tried it out a few weeks ago and almost bought it, but decided to go a different direction. I thought it was the most comfy sofabed to sit on.

Er, bad cholesterol is not just in meat -- eggs and dairy products have a bunch of it. It's not like vegetable fat is any better for you -- everytime I really really want to order something with yummy yummy coconut milk, I have to remind myself that it's basically vegetarian lard and full of saturated fat:

http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/item/12117.html

Have I commented on the TV over the fireplace thing yet?

First off, make sure you have the ability to run the wires in there. If you can't hide the wiring then there's no point in wall mounting at all.

Secondly, I'm not thinking of anything other than ergonomics. Think about why you wouldn't want to sit in the first two rows of a movie theater for 2 hours, then think about having to do that every single day. Even if it tilts down, you are still looking up at a TV. There are 100s of mounts/stands/custom pieces that are made for the plasmas. If you are spending the $, spend a bit more and get something that wont cramp your neck. Design around how you want to live, dont live around how you want to design.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't stand this. Have I made a terrible mistake????

I could probably call them and cancel the coffee table so tell me now. I really thought it would look good with the sofa.

I was originally going to get a stainless steel table which I guess would look kind of like this with my sofa, except I would get it with a glass top:

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/coll.do?coll=RB1880&dept=RB158

Not bad, right?

But then I saw the other table, and it was (a) more in my price range and (b) a bit more interesting with the legs. But I was concerned about it being unfinished steel, rather than stainless steel. Should I get the stainless one? tell me now!

NEW TENANT -

Don't be afraid to mix styles. Otherwise your home would look like page 43 of **isert store name** catalog.

I work from home, and I'm thinking about upgrading my desk and chair. I don't want an "office-y" desk, but I don't know if a good chair alone will keep my hand pain at bay. [I had carpal tunnel surgery five years ago and wear braces when I have to.] I don't need drawers or a keyboard thing, just a good work surface. I have about 4 feet between the radiator and my sofa. Has anyone seen anything good lately?

I don't have a good shot of my current desk [it's nothing to write home about -- I have a cheap "computer station" and a side table] but here's what the rest of the house looks like:

http://flickr.com/photos/czarina/sets/1172842/

NT you did NOT make a mistake i love the jasper and is made by a very fine contract manufacturer.

I think all of you are being snobs about the plasma. and let me tell you, i'm a bigger snob than most of you combined. we have to acknowledge that within a certain socio-economic demographic there is a...distaste for acknowledging the telelvision. perhaps with good reason. yet we are closet watchers of the box, are we not? and the plasma can be sort of pretty. maybe i am trash. what have i become.

christine, tell yourself anything you want tonight when you're snarfing down food at the mexican restaurant. my guess is that the size of your ass says otherwise.

New Tenant - I like the steel that isn't stainless for the coffee table much better than the stainless. FWIW.

J - thanks - the question is whether the coffee table will go with it? what do you think. i can probably change it.

Thanks amy - I think you're right. I just wish I had more confidence in my ability to mix styles well.

I was thinking about getting this coffee table at one point:

http://www.la-z-boy.com/ourfurniture/product.aspx?pid=1876

But I actually thought it might be too matchy-matchy with the style of sofa.

Now I'm worried that the coffee table i did get is going to clash. sigh.

Since this is all about decorating and some people keep bringing up class issues in serious and facetious manners - i thought the quiz linked in my name may interest some of you....

Not that this is a nutrition blog, but unless i missed something dairy and eggs ARE animal products. Avocados have monounsaturated fats...Jonathan, you're an asshole, but you knew that. My ass might be big, but it ain't due to avocados.

Jean--Banana cafe...so more "Latin fusion" than Mexican, I guess. I'm psyched that's where we're going, though, because it's close!

NT--I love the Jasper. Calm down...I had a panic attack when I ordered my sofa. I think the table is fine with that too. Did you get the color in the photo?

A.L. Thanks...I think persimmon sounds lovely. When my landlord says "but of COURSE you can paint," I'll worry about it a little more. I'm probably jinxing myself now!

Thanks Rachel - I appreciate your perspective :)

DD - my kitty likes fabric she can sink her claws into - stuff that has sort of a broad weave. she's not really interested in smooth fabrics that do not have a weave. she doesn't scatch my bedding or attack any of the curtains or cushions - but she will scratch at the rugs.

The microsuede is supposed to be good because cats don't like to scratch it. of course, there are always exceptions and maybe she will end up scratching it, but I figured it was my best bet (other than leather, which I don't find snuggly or comfy enough).

Christine

Okay - I'm taking deep breaths - yes, I got the Jasper in the Desmond stone. I wanted a neutral, not too light or too dark. I like the color and fortunately, its the one they have in stock, so I can get it in a week.

Christine, I like the persimmon idea as well, I think A.L. has a good idea to go with for your space....

In a week! That's awesome...waiting for furniture can be painful...especially if when it's finally delivered something's wrong with it (I speak from experience!). I was thinking of getting the Jasper when I was looking, but we don't have a Room & Board here, and I wasn't interested in ordering a sofa I couldn't sit on first. I am considering getting the chair though...

Christine - I sat on the chair today and I think it is very comfortable.

NT, since I am now missing a full ten digits I can say this without being called an oppressor (although Christine, yes, i do know that i'm an asshole): would it be so terrible to declaw your cat?

Jonathan,
hide a plasma:

2way mirror. when the tv is on you see it, off its gone. then add a gilded or straight frame to accommodate your vent holes/or fan

'Inca' brand makes has the best variety for flip down and drop down mechanisms. http://www.inca-tvlifts.com/

can't recall the name brand, but roll up paintings are another option. easily controlled by a remote.

Jonathan, I have voiced my opinion before about displaying plasmas here:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/071505/audio-video-computer/plasma-windows-and-hide-chic-new-ways-to-show-off-the-tv-003247

We did end up buying a 50" plasma and mounting it on the living room wall with hidden cables going into the back of the credenza. So I guess I am not in the socio-economic demogrpahic that has a distate for displaying one's TV.

So with that said, I have to agree with Joey that, unless you are planning on having bar stools in your living room instead of a couch, the plasma over the fireplace, while being the best place for decorating/design purposes, is not good for comfortable viewing.

I would be able to say more if you get that flickr account up and running or email me a link to your snapfish picks at jammypup at gmail dot com

I can't see the inca site from work because it is a flash site but if I recall correctly that should show examples of a screen embedded horizontally in a ceiling by way of a box that hinges down and then has a sliding mechanism that lowers the now vertical plasma down to viewing height. Now that would be cool.

Jamie Pup - DONE just sent it. Be brutal with me, I want as nasty advice as you can give. I have no feelings whatsoever, so be brutal. I just figured it would take hours to "flckr" it - i sent snapfish link to AT site but they haven't seen fit to publish it yet. I guess because they love me like everyone else on this site.

No, Jonathan, you're not an oppressor, you're S&M.

People, please, don't get distracted from my question. Anybody? Except J, NT, DD from outa town and Lori2/schedule overlap)?

J- I could never declaw my cat. It is inhumane.

The fact that she sometimes scratches is entirely my fault. You have to train your cat not to ruin your furniture - it is possible to do this if you are very diligent. I don't think Freeway should have to suffer because I was too lazy/busy to train her properly. In addition, if you are diligent about clipping claws (which I am not) furniture destruction can also be avoided. Again, why should she suffer for my laziness?

If she does show an inclination to scratch the sofa, I will just have to clip her claws more frequently and train her not to scratch it - there are ways to do it even at her age. I can't imagine putting her through such a traumatic experience just to protect my furniture.

NT, then I suppose my second suggestion, that she be finely minced and sprinkled over your bi-bim-bop, is TOTALLY out of the question!

right
which reminds me

Jonathan's wife might be doing windows

nice brownstone, Park Slope:
a bay window with a bondage barbie/toy monster tableau, involving ken wrapped in cellophane and dangling upsidedown by his foot just out of reach of the waiting jaws of a mini-zilla perched on the back of a duck.

bonus points, since their immediate neighbors have a bay window full of baskets

on the north side of Garfield, just off off PPW
have a lovely weekend everyone!

yes, totally - although i'm sure SHE wouldn't say no to a freshly diced fingertip.

J - I am ready to go medieval on yo a** but can't see your email. Can you check again please?

these open threads should be called "indulge jonathan and new tenent as we help design their spaces, item by frickin' item, for free".
or "Cats".

arrrrrrrrrggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhh is right.

Tat--
Please don't give S&M a bad name.

Like I would pay for decorating advice from someone who can't spell "tenant"

Damnit all, NT is so my kind of woman. She just exposed you, "not me", as the ignorant-ass f*ck you really are.

you don't have to spell to know what YOU like and to PICK OUT YOUR OWN FRICKIN'SOFA.

how many more rooms you got, and how many items in each.? I figure, one item per open thread, and that way i'll know when to come back to the site,.

I'm impressed, not me. Not only can't you spell, but your grammar sucks too. you're, like, doubly wicked retahded.

yeah, i lie wounded and weepin' on the floor.

love how when your meager wit fails, you fly to profanity.

all spoiled day traders do that, or just the gimpy ones?>

YEAH, LET'S HEAR IT FOR KEEPING PUSSY HAPPY!

AND KEN DOLLS IN BONDAGE!

WOO-HOO!

ummmm . . . let's see - I have 20 rooms with about 50 items in each. So you should come back to the site . . . oh . . . how about never?


And thanks to everyone else on the site for the great advice and support during my moment of buyer's remorse :) hugs and kisses

Since we are discussing taste/class:

I have a framed poster (left over from my college days)of Brassai's "Les Escaliers de Montmarte" and I love it. I know that I am getting too old to have posters, especially of generic black and white photography with, god forbid, the photographers name on the bottom. Is there any way to display the damn thing without looking like a fool? The link is below if you don't know it.

Also, my name is avocado because I am best with a Margarita and I have difficulty spelling "guacamole" when posting drunk.

day traders?

you got the wrong guy. i am, unfortunately, a gimp

i'll hang around long enough to vote on the right sofa for you and jonatahn to conjugate this wierd little dance you STILL got goin' on.

hopefully, somthing scotchguarded

Fine, so the link didn't work. I knew I shouldn't have trusted a site with the obnoxious name "Grandma's Attic."

Avocado: why not cut off the photographer's name and put a quality, deep beveled matte around it and frame it? A doctor friend of mine did her whole apartment with National Geographic covers, using mattes and frames to hide the font of "National Geographic" and it looks like photography - sounds cheesey but it makes her apartment.

Avocado, I've been thinking of asking a similar question!! I have this poster, which I've had since I first moved out of my mother's home back in the late 70's, and I love it. I can't describe it very well - I call it my Music Chicken - and I don't remember the artist (Reinhard, maybe?). I bought it at the Bergen Mall in Paramus, NJ. Anyway, it's very funky & colorful & just plain weird fun - but it's in a horrible frame. I don't have it up on the wall anymore because we're trying to re-org and de-clutter. But I don't think I'd be able to part with it, so I want to know what type of frame is appropraie for a poster (when only that poster will do). for yours, I'm sure a framer can eliminate the part with the name on it. I'd love to hear more from others.

Oh, and thanks to those who posted feedback on IKEA leathers - would still love reading some more opinions on it.

Keeping Pussy happy? I like it.

Wow, now we have entered class war.
*not me, (oh, definitely not me, although my grammar and spelling sucks too...and if you see definite/indefinite articles scattered on the floor, it's a sure sign I've been here) - why don't you go out, enhale spring air, forget everyone you're jealous of and just enjoy the moment?

It slims, trust me.

P2, speaking of the delightful subject of S&M- have you seen the slings above?
Oh, and I meant to ask your opinion on the parfume "Bandit" by Piquet (@ my signature). "Note of Mexican saddle leather " turns me...oookkkk, I'm off.

That's a good thought, Jonathan. I think I am going to have to do that. I will probably also put some other smaller b&w's of Paris to make a grouping, so that it is less about the poster.

And dIANE, I have never been able to frame anything without have the pience in hand at the frame shop. I am sure if you go to a good place, they can help you out.

I also have two paintings...God, I can't believe I am even going to say this: I have these two paintings that my grandmother gave me. They are of high-heeled shoes (one on each painting). They are neon-ish. There is also fake fur involved (also neon). Anyway, my grandmother said that she saw them and immediately thought of me. Of course, she was thinking of me when I was 16, whimsical, fun and the world had not yet sapped the joy out of me. So, now I have to keep them and that, my friends, is why you will never see a picture of my place. Have a good week-end.

Cling to those paintings, Avocado. By 16, all the joy had already been stomped out of me by multiple beatings by my parents, the putrid self-loathing of adolescence, the early stirrings of what be a lifetime of failure and disappointments, and years of molestation by the local priest.

avocado, if you click my name, it should show a nice mockup of the image I think you're talking about - I cropped the name off and put a white/black/white mat on it with a black frame. Would that work?

Will someone PLEASE stuff Jonathan's vent holes.....

The priest tried that, apparently. Didn't seem to work.

Apparently. Poor Mrs. Jonathan must be a blow up doll.

That looks great, Rachel! Thanks so much. I will therefore add it to my "keep" pile and in the ever-growing "frame/reframe" pile.

I'm a little mystified by indecision and buyer's remorse when it comes to buying major furniture pieces. Sure, yhere are a lot of options out there, AND I understand that major pieces = major cash outlay, but still...

I think if you are not so utterly swept up and seduced by a piece of furniture, you should keep looking.

Whenever I've finally committed to a piece, I am so giddy I can't stand it.

Got a coupon in the mail for Design Within Reach:
Don't think it has been posted yet...

Save $200 on purchase of $1000 or more through Thursday, April 06, 2006.

This offer can be redeemed using offer code MAG07 in your local Studio, on the web at dwr.com or via 1.800.944.2233. This offer is nontransferable and cannot be combined with any other promotions, including company-wide and limited-time offers. It is valid for a one-time purchase only, does not include shipping and tax, and cannot be applied to the purchase of gift certificates.

Happy shopping!

Being on Pacific time here, I'm always late to the real discussion. Dang.

Design Dabbler, I had to look up the furniture to see what the color was, and found this book:
http://www.furniturelibrary.com/store/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=1016&CFID=63020&CFTOKEN=63102266

Maybe it would be helpful to have and to browse for ideas.

Is your furniture as yellow as the chests shown here against magenta?
http://tri-stateantiques.com/heywood-wakefield/hwbedrooms.htm

The magenta works.

I'm also a big fan of yellow and grey. Check this living room for yellow, grey, and a reddish maroon:
http://www.armstrong.com/resam/na/home/en/us/sbr_detail.asp?sceneId=72.0&searchUrl=sbr_browse.asp&sceneTypeId=8

Use the pop-up picture of the 5-drawer chest from that tri-state link, to move around on top of the living room photo, and you'll see that the soft grey flooring and maroon chairs are very compatible.

The wall yellow is a little intense and would drown out your yellow, but the yellow of the chair is of similar tone in that lighting.

Same yellows, reds, greys, beige, can be found in this very large item at IKEA:
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15573&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=52155&langId=-1&parentCats=15573*15705*15708

Perhaps over the headboard along a narrow wall space (hangs vertical or horizontal).

By the way, are you mocking me? Just wondering, because you actually have to say "I'm mocking you and your poverty" otherwise I won't get it.

Be right back for Jonathan. AOL likes to quit at the most inappropriate times.

DD, seems to me that sometimes the Armstrong links didn't work, so here's the link just to the picture:
http://www.armstrong.com/assets/shopbyroom/enlarge/stalbansgrayl6514_2.jpg

Jonathan, my love, let me satisfy you, and your wife. Let me give you your television above the fireplace. And your wife can have the artwork she desires. Yes, you can have them both. In the same space. With a little creativity.

No whining about WHERE I find pictures either.

Fireplace with art above:
http://www.oprah.com/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/20021113/home_slide_20021113_107.jhtml

And behind art, the television:
http://www.oprah.com/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/20021113/home_slide_20021113_108.jhtml

Yes, you can have them both.

Now, how is it we went from cutting off the tip, to cutting off a "not insignificant" part of the finger, to "a stump"? Are you still chiffonading and cutting off more. Are you, perchance, exaggerating?

You obviously did not have wicked chandelier sex yesterday, use the big box of Crayolas, or point at people with the foam finger while naked. By the way, did I tell you where you'd be wearing the foam finger?

That's nice P2 - now you can walk around with the self-satisfying thought that you are better than those of us who occasionally have doubts.

So I played around with the class-and-furnishings game that Rachel linked to, and it turns out that the available AT standards supposedly read as "nouveau riche."

Just sayin'.

I stress about things i buy constantly. as soon as bo concept bed came the other day, i sat on the floor and stared at it in dread. So far we have returned eight items.

But really NT, the Jasper is pretty and well made.

I understand how you feel. There are so many choices and so many different styles appeal to me. It's hard to make a decision and I always have doubts. Plus, this is really the first time I've given any real thought to decorating, so I am very insecure about what I'm doing. It's all kind of new to me. It must be nice for those people who have an inherent sense of style or at least don't have any self-doubt. I guess those people can't really understand what it's like for people who really have to struggle with this stuff because it doesn't come naturally.

anyways - I'm actually really really excited about the Jasper. My insecurity was more about the coffee table and how it would match. I really screwed up the last decision (bought the totally wrong sofa and coffee table and ended up returning them). they looked okay, but just okay. They were too dark and the coffee table was way too big. Now, I'm going for a lighter palate and the glass table to open up the space more. I hope it works - but you know, I would never have figured it out if I hadn't made that first mistake. I'm sure someone else would have realized it without making the mistake of buying it first, but hey - that's them, that's not me.

Well, here I go rambling on and on. Must be getting tired.

Sorry you were feeling bad about your bed. Hope you like it better now.

P(too) and NT, on furniture doubt--like I said, I had a panic attack right after I bought my sofa. It's just that I had put so much thought into it and though I put all this thought, the purchase of it still felt like a snap decision. It's one of the most expensive things I own (not that it's an outrageously expensive sofa...it's just a decent sofa, compared to my former "off the street" sofa). I have this feeling about other outlays of cash, too, so it's not just furniture. I think the array of choices out there makes it hard. After about a day, the doubt subsided into giddiness though!

Had no guacamole tonight, though plenty of other fat, I'm sure, so my ass is in no danger of disappearing, Jonathan. Not to mention the margaritas. Ole!

New Tenant--
Meeee. Ow. Lash out, much?

Chill, please.

First of all, NOT singling YOU out.

Secondly, that's not what I meant... I meant I wished more people found the joy in furniture and interior decisions, and not the angst.

And for me, the "right" piece has always clicked (almost audibly). Not easily, not quickly, not without much searching and research, but when it's right, it's right (for me, for what I'm searching for. And if it doesn't click, then guess what? I WAIT.) So I've been LUCKY (NOT "better") to have that happen. Sheeez.

But the angst runneth pretty high here on yet another open thread, so I'm off to meet some of my fun, positive, furniture lovin' friends.

Goodnight, all.

PS, NT: Maybe Maxwell could start a regular feature where you bring all of AT your most recent choices (you mentioned above you have many more to come), and the AT audience could vote for you. Sort of like hot or not, but all about the choices you are wrestling with. Like "AT Furnishes New Tenant's Apartment."

I've been indulging in one of my favorite pastimes, trolling ebay. Check this out: http://cgi.ebay.com/1900-10-TWIN-SIZE-SINGLE-OAK-FOLD-UP-MURPHY-BED_W0QQitemZ7403158041QQcategoryZ63551QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

Way cool in the right apartment (with a small, single resident)!

right p2. I'm so not into playing these games. you know what I'm talking about, even though you deny it. It has not escaped my attention. I actually think it's quite funny that you go to so much trouble over little ol' me.

Sooner or later, NT, you will remember my warning many moons ago: most people on this site are the pitchfork and torch waving mobs in Frankstein or the cheering Roman crowds while jesus hung on the cross. and you and I? we are like frankenstein and jesus.

here are some coffee table ideas to cheer you up:
Animal table!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hand-Painted-LEOPARD-Glass-Coffee-End-Table-112_W0QQitemZ4451458987QQcategoryZ38205QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Elk antler table!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Exceptional-Elk-Antler-Coffee-Table-24X60-Glass-Top_W0QQitemZ4450276534QQcategoryZ38205QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Dragon Coffee Table!
http://cgi.ebay.com/DRAGON-GOTHIC-GLASS-COFFEE-TABLE-END-DINING-GARGOYLE_W0QQitemZ6617101952QQcategoryZ86929QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I think the percoset is finally getting to me.

if you are "frankenstein and jesus"
why are you not dead yet? why why why

because this is one exceptionally indulgent online community

(hoping your hated furniture arrives soon, so you
can go ahead with one of those elaborate suicides
you keep detailing)

P2 and I rarely agree on anything, but enjoying the furniture when you finally go for -- I feel that. If you can't enjoy simple things, go for real therapy already!

Avocado, have your poster reframed:
http://www.artselect.com/perl/frView?artID=9045&matID=187209&frameID=609&t=b-d8-a-V-w-cmfs

Or this:
http://www.artselect.com/perl/frView?artID=9045&matID=191740&frameID=405&t=b-d8-a-V-w-cmfs

I love playing over there. You're ahead of the game, as you already KNOW what picture you have. LOL!

You know what wall color you have, or what colors you like for walls. So add that in next, the wall color. Then start playing with frames, unmatted, one mat, or two mats.

Anytime you change any aspect, it changes the appearance of the picture:
http://www.artselect.com/perl/frView?artID=9045&matID=188252&frameID=621&t=b-d8-a-V-w-cmfs

And those are only three different looks.

Yikes:
http://www.artselect.com/perl/frView?artID=9045&matID=189969&frameID=558&t=b-d8-a-V-w-cmfs

Does the addition of all the "happy" colors make it look even more stark (and dismal) or what?

There's my childhood, folks.

Andree

Jonathan, a declawing comment from the man who just cut off his arms? Oh, my, you hypocrite!

http://www.declawing.com/

Exerpt:
"In England declawing is termed "inhumane" and "unnecessary mutilation." I agree. In many European countries it is illegal....

...Declawing is not like a manicure. It is serious surgery. Your cat's claw is not a toenail. It is actually closely adhered to the bone. So closely adhered that to remove the claw, the last bone of your the cat's claw has to be removed. Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes"."

Or perhaps this:
http://www.pawproject.com/html/faqs.asp

Exerpt:
"Declawing is illegal or considered inhumane in many countries around the world, including in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Northern Ireland, Scandinavia, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Yugoslavia, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil."

Jonathan...you didn't mention cutting off the entire end of the finger, including the nail, nail bed, and last bone. You say you are in horrible pain, just from a little flesh wound.

Come back with the declawing comment after your wife has hacked off the ends of all your fingers while you're trying to hang the plasma, and tell us again why it might not be such a bad idea.

Hope you're feeling better, by the way!

(Jonathan has me on ignore, even though there is no ignore button)...

Rachel (in Denver), I took a couple of those, and actually confused one of the "judges" in the home furnishing one. Says I'm "old money" and I don't have any money. Maybe they count "old money" as the pennies I pick up on the street, no?

Here's one back at ya:
https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/demo/selectatest.jsp

After doing a few, said I had no age preference, no race preference, no weight preference, no disability preference and preferred gay people over straight people slightly.

Andree: I am not mocking you and your poverty. Is that explicit enough for you?

Thanks for taking an interest in my color problem. I am mulling over your offerings. My H-W pieces are not as yellow as the ones you found, more like the pieces one down from those. There are variations in the color, though, having do with age and condition. One piece is from the late 1940s, one from the early 1950s and a couple from the mid 1950s. What's impressive about all the pieces is how well-made they are. Despite over 50 years of use the drawers still slide in and out smoothly, the handles are not even slightly loose. Every time I open them I think of all the underwear that once nestled in the spot where my boxers now sit.

I wasn't aware of the book you tracked down. Thanks. I'd end with something mocking, but it's late on the east coast and I've returned from a wake earlier this evening. Funeral parlors -- now *those* are places that could use some decorating tips.

*mary, I see your question got lost in the mix (and I feel partially responsible...sorry)

With carpal tunnel it is not so much the quality of the worksurface that's hurting you as combination of ergonomically incorrect (straining) characteristics of your workstation: distance between your chair and the front of the screen, height off the floor and angle of the screen, height of the worksurface where you mousepad is, etc.

Look at the link (at my sign.) from CTS research group for their recommendations.

Desks: I know od at least one, based in NY, good manufacturer who fabricates 2-level banana-shaped computer desks that provide minimum tension for your wrists and elbows: biomorph.com.
Also, a very good company for ergonomic keyboard trays, tables and computer accessories is ise-ergonomics.com, based in Toronto.\

My best source for ergonomic furniture though is Humanscale.com. Products are superb and customer service is excellent.

Andree -
I too got the old money result - and likely it's also because my money is so old, it's fallen apart and worthless - kind of like a rotting castle in the highlands with ghosts in the larder and not much else. :)

Yeah, I've taken those preference tests too, I'm very neutral as well, and I think that's because I'm conscious that I am taking the test - although one of my student employees did come up with a severe gender bias as well as an age and race bias - but he was a 19 year old boy from a small town, so what are ya gonna do?

As an aside WRT Heywood Wakefield - I have to admit I don't particularly like the blonde wood designs from HW - however I do own (and wish I could find more along these lines) an old HW school desk! It was in my husband's grandfather's house for some reason, and so we own it now - it has the typical curved edges on the wood top - but the framing and legs are metal - and it's painted a dark brown and black. It's the kind of desk with space for two people to sit, with an opening to put your books in, and a rest for your pencil - probably mid-50's.

I've tried for years to find more on the HW industrial design and institutional furniture, but I've had no luck.

NT--
Yes, I'm all about you. Busted!

I bought my sofa from wiederusa. Extremely comfortable and well made. Customer service was excellent.WIEDER is a surprise - in spite of its minimalist looks it offers excellent comfort, thanks to high quality filling and spring mattresses in the seat. Roomy and comfortable while not taking up too much space. Even more surprising is the ease with which the sofa converts into a double bed.www.wiederusa.com

I love you. All of you.

But yes, there are a couple of pieces of furniture that I wish would just get bought already. Geez. We have been debating the pros and cons of a couple items here by a couple of posters here for WEEKS. Enough. We've helped you the best we know how. You need to now make a decision. Fly little birds.

So no one is familiar with NYC Loft laws?

pose your question. theres quite a few people in the know on this site.
hope everyone out there is enjoying this wonderful day-i'm home sick just my luck.

A.L. There is usually tons of info online in big cities. Let's see what we can find...

New York City Loft Board:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/loft/html/faq/faq.shtml

NYC Rent Guidelines Board:
http://www.housingnyc.com/html/resources/resources.html

Those two should help get you going in the right direction to answering the questions you may have.

Then again, if NYC is anything like SF, if you have a REAL question, you'll be transferred from person to person, department to department, and everyone will have come down with a deadly case of
"it's-not-my-job-itis"

I think it's absurd that some people here rely on recommendations from total strangers who may have ugly homes themselves (see "no way, jose"). Do you go on clothing blogs and ask what to wear and make-up blogs to ask what make-up to put on your face? Come on people - if you're on a design blog you must have some sense of design. Use it. And if you don't, that's what designers are for. Hire one.
I can understand a question once in a while about certain decisions but if you have a home to design and don't have a clue, hire someone to help you!

Tat -- thanks for helping me out! The ergonomic standards was a great page...

I'm really looking for something that doesn't look like office furniture, since it will be stuck in the middle of my living room. In the meantime, I've reconfigured my desk so I can use my living room chair using that page as a guide. I tend to squirm and snuggle up close to my monitor. I find that I sit really oddly in desk chairs, so maybe I need to find something that supports me as I squirm around rather than forcing myself to sit in the same position.

Is there anyone who makes a lower table, or someone who makes a nice tabletop with legs? In it's new position my main surface is at 24", and it would be cool to find a work surface at this height.

I did a quick search around, and I found this:

http://desiron.com/tables/side_tables/lap_table/index.html

...which is the right height for me and looks lovely, but it's out of my budget and has that little bar in the front, which means I wouldn't be able to move my chair in and out.

I really just want something simple. I've thought about getting one of those pretty table tops from Room and Board and finding someone who will make me a set of shorter legs. I'm planning on using this as a desk, but most of the tables I like are side tables and console tables. Has anyone seen anything like this lately?

*mary, of course I would still suggest you buy a specialized product (like that biomorph.com 2-level desk for under $300; and it's on adjustable legs, too), but if you'd rather have table legs and worksurface purchased separately, and your budget is small, than look up these adjustable legs from Ikea (@ my name). You can then buy any worksurface you like, even a shallow metal door or a furniture-grade piece of 3/4" plywood, and assemble the desk yourself.

Mary
I was just at R&B the other day, purchasing the furniture for which I am now being vilified by all these charming people for asking advice about.

I do recall the sales person saying that they can do custom orders if their standard bases and tops don't meet your needs. could be pricey though. Just wanted you to know.

Mary, I was going to suggest the same thing as Tat, head over to IKEA.

A little square top, a bit bigger than the one you looked at:
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15600&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=58519&langId=-1&parentCats=15600*16476*16477

And some grey legs:
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15600&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=11532&langId=-1&parentCats=15600*16476*16478

Not all the legs are adjustable to be short enough. Those above will go down to about 24"

Another idea for a table top...check out home improvement centers in the BATHROOM or KITCHEN areas. Yeah, those nifty solid surface countertops could be nice.

Using the least expensive table top at IKEA, it's not as pretty as what you showed us...but that doesn't mean you couldn't use it to create something that you like.

Use Ann Sacks glass tile:
http://www.annsacks.com/design/installations/index.html

Use Imagine Tile to give yourself a pasta desk. Or a brick desk. Or an autumn leaves desk. Or a mountain stream desk. Click on "Installations" and wait for it to load, then you can see some of the ways it's been used.

Coffee bean, asphalt, mountain stream, desert, those would all look good on the IKEA legs.

Tat, I love Bandit. And also Fracas, also by Robert Piquet (though in small doses).

I cannot, however, share your love for Phyllis Shafly (sp?) but you have great taste in fragrance. :)

common sense, you are missing the point of this community.

*common sense, would you give your approval to those despeakable people if interior designer, willingly and in legally sane state of mind, decided to help them out gratis? And not once? Are they permitted to continue their miserable existence on this Earth?

Fiona, let's congratulate each other on having impeccable taste, at least in fragrance!

I was thinking of Tat as I read your post common sense.

When he replied to me in the prior thread as if I was in the business, I initially thought that maybe Tat was wary about giving away all his/her design sources etc because that is their business. When I saw that Tat was giving us all a tremendous amount of information and opinion, the kind he/she normally pays for, I was humbled and thankful that we have such a person posting here.

In the design and decor forum of craigslist, someone asked for advice on the best way to furnish a small studio and one designer did not help but asked if the questioner would give up their valuable time, knowledge and skills to help a strnager out for free. The person responded by saying that they were a web designer or something techie and had indeed helped others out for free by designing web sites for them etc.

Thank goodness for ppl like this person, Tat, and the many others that contribute to AT.

jamie pup--
I would agree, but think that the issue (for common sense, with whom I think I have to side on this one) is *not* the many, many generous people who do indeed OFTEN offer advice, encouragement, opinion and expertise (professional or otherwise)... but rather the handful of people who time and time again return to the well for yet another free scoop of advice or handholding. It just gets a little old sometimes. imho.

The other thing I often think is that our gracious host Maxwell offers consultations.. *paying* consultations-- for just this sort of thing, as his primary means of income... income which funds this little endeavor of which we all frequently partake.

So, to me, constantly asking for advice here (at his "party") at every turn in an interiors project is like being invited to a doctor's house for dinner and then asking for free prescriptions. Not the best analogy, but hopefully it conveys my intent.

ps: I am NOT including you in this group of advice over-seekers, either... you always display your trademark class and restraint.

*jamie pup, Tat is short for Tatyana (remember, I introduced myself to you and your lovely wife @ the party?) and I'm indeed a female (gasp!). Thanks for your goof opinion.

The truth, as always, somewhere in the middle, between what *jamie pup and Ptoo say...

Tat--
That's good company to be included in!! :)

Jamie Pup, You said "common sense, you are missing the point of this community."

I don't think so. Well, maybe - let's see, if this community is for people who are too cheap to hire someone to design their place and come here instead for the virtual, free design of every aspect of their home then yes, I'm missing the point of this community.

I thought this blog was for people to share the enthusiasm, share opinions and resources and have a great conversation about design. 99% of the posters here do just that. But there are 2-3 people here who, as Patrick (the other one) said "constantly asking for advice here (at his "party") at every turn in an interiors project is like being invited to a doctor's house for dinner and then asking for free prescriptions.

I stand by my first statement. If these 2-3 people are in such desparate need of advice in every aspect of their homes then hire Maxwell or another design professional.

Flame on!

Sorry Tat. For some reason I did not make the connection with the you in person and your posts.

Common sense. I understand that two ppl have asked a lot of questions and received a lot of free advice but, if you look at what they have done so far and what they have contributed themselves, you will see that they have given back to this community also.

There are others who get free advice and we never get anything back from them. Nothing wrong with that if we are given the forum to do that but they are different from NT and Jonathan.

So while their posts may (to coin yet another Brit phrase) get on your t*ts, I think their only "sin" is to monopolize a thread rather than try to avoid paying for stuff/ideas/experience. If that is what you think they are doing then, not only have you missed the point of this site but you are missing what they have contributed and what they have paid for themselves - rather than getting their entire homes designed by ppl here (what a ridiculous assertion).

Maxwell once said in an interview that he saw something great happening on his site which was ppl asking design questions and the community answering. This may not be the raison d'etre of this site but it is a significant part of it. Why bother having a "good questions" topic if Maxwell would rather get paid for every question?

I understand he is running a business but he has also created a unique place here where (non-cheap) ppl do help each other.

You may be posting under a different label so can you point to posts that you have made common sense?

jp--
I agree with your take on the intent of the site... I did not originally mean to imply (if that's the way it was interpreted) that AT was designed as a "client feeder" to Maxwell.

But I do think that sometimes the audience here loses sight of what Maxwell and other *hired* professionals do for a living... and that much of it is getting paid for an idea. God bless those pros here who DO "give it a way". But as a (graphic) designer, I think the continual "giving away of ideas ultimately devalues what design professionals offer their clients. I find it hard to believe a lawyer or stock analyst or personal trainer would give advice away so liberally. And to your website designer example, that's one of the reasons it's so hard to get clients to pay what the work *should* be valued at... too many people give it away...

I also agree with common sense (which is not my secret pseudonym, I promise... hope that's not what you were implying) in saying that with the myriad of styles (and, um, "success" with those styles) I think it funny that some people seem to rely on the larger crowd for actual decision making, when it pertains to matters of highly personal choice. A distinction: using this well-connected audience to *source* things, which I think is a HUGE strength of this site.

But still think that monopolizing threads to CONSTANTLY get each and every item decided upon by popular vote just gets old. And since many of the items agonized over are rather high end, I think it not an unreasonable expectation that these people bite the bullet and hire a designer if they are so insecure in their ultimate taste-making capabilities (which, by the way, makes their "contributions" to the site seem a little, well, de-valued. imho.) Although I do fully understand that making decisions for one's own home, and not someone else's, provides special challenge and yes, angst.

I'll give up on the topic now though.

I agree with all you have said p2, and I did not think you were common sense.

I'm sorry I did not address anything of my agreement to you. I ended up concentrating on common sense's generalizations.

jp--
No worries!

I didn't realize I was generalizing but I'm sorry if I wasn't as clear as I intended. But what Patrick said, all I can say is DITTO. That is exactly what I was trying to convey.

Well yes, p2 articulated it very well.

I did not get any of that from you common sense due to your posting style. Your first post was all about why anyone would ask strangers for advice especially if those strangers had crap taste and then your second post talked about ppl being too cheap to hire their own designer. Neither acknowledged the role played here by designers and non designes alike in a community but p2 did - with caveats that I agreed with.