apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

does anyone know where in the city i can get "linoleum" or something like it (vinyl?) in a black and white checkerboard tile pattern - i'm going for a vintage 30's look.... Home Depot and the other large retailers dont seem to carry linoleum at all really (is it even made? is there something wrong with it that i dont know about?)

i'm sure there are some great flooring places in the city that i dont know about. any ideas?

I am looking for something to use as footstools on my porch. I have two wooden chairs from Ikea which are fairly comfortable, but I always want to put my feet up on something when sitting out there. I have had a bizarrely hard time finding footstools that aren't upholstered or otherwise inappropriate for the outdoors. I would be happy to use objects of the right size rather than "official" footstools, but I haven't found anything like that either and don't have any good ideas of what kinds of things to look for. Does anybody have any ideas?

Jenny would blanket boxes work? You know those biggish wooden ones, which always remind me a bit of treasure chests! They'd be the right height and you could weather-proof/stain them? This might be ludicrously impractical,I don't know, just a thought tho!

jenny, what about something like this:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00096371

or

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100295225&N=10000003 90401 500901&marketID=401&locStoreNum=8125

or these?

http://www.casualdeckandpatio.com/products/foot_stools.shtml


or this?

http://www.amazon.com/Toy-State-Square-Plastic-Stool/dp/B000RHZDJE/ref=sr_1_11/105-0460091-1217268?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1182437645&sr=8-11


or

http://www.amazon.com/Kettler-Roma-Resin-Ottoman-Table/dp/B000RY12RY/ref=sr_1_22/105-0460091-1217268?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1182437713&sr=1-22

F'biddy,

Go to http://www.armstrong.com/resflram/na/home/en/us/ and search for a store that carries their vinyl tile in your zip. Even if you're not interested in armstrong's products themselves (though it looks like they carry black and white vinyl tiles), you might be able to find a place that has a good selection of different brands.

L

Jenny in DC--

Check out the Summer-month issues of Country Living and Country Home. They are always way into repurposed items for outdoor living.

But how about folding camp stools, from a camping or Army/Navy store?

FF--

Try also broadening your search to Marmoleum.

And if the space is small and possibly "out of square" make sure to install the checkerboard on the diagonal.

Thanks L and Pat. this is going in the kitchen, so its a small space (about 10x20). i'm trying to avoid tiles, and the more i think about it, the more i think it may be worth just having it installed professionally (sheet stock).

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I hadn't thought about side tables or folding camp stools--both good ideas.

has anyone been to the "huge, rediculous savings" warehouse sale for jonathan adler?
i'm considering going, but it's about an hour drive for me to get to the city... is it worth it???

oh, and i realize the sale hasn't started yet... just wondering if they've had a big one like this in the past, and if it was any good...?

in the last fews days, on one of the AT sites, i'm sure i saw a slideshow of an apartment where the bathroom door had been replaced with a sliding sheet of white or frosted plexi. i can't find the post anywhere in the archives or the search... does anyone know which post i'm talking about? TIA

chickpea,

Do you mean this house tour from yesterday?
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/house-tours/inside-out-andrea-is-not-afraid-to-ship-025091

And here's a picture of the door:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/062007adrienne/andrea17

sea - yes, that is it! thanks :)

lisa2 in austin: we actually picked the last floor model from a big box store in toronto (home depot). so it wasn't even new, technically. :)

i'm not sure about the reviews: this is the review that gave me the positive impression, but looking around apparently its a lone voice in a sea of sadness. we *are* very careful with it (as it was an expensive investment :)), and the hose don't seem to be cheap or undurable.
maybe you can call them prior to purchase?

if you'd like me to take close up photos of how it all looks and functions gimme an e-mail (i'm busy at work and miss posts on AT). olya @ olya . org, remove spaces. :)

ForbiddenFruit, check out Aronson's Floor Covering on W. 17th St. They sell linoleum, vinyl, Marmoleum, all kinds of flooring products that would work for a vintage look.
http://www.aronsonsfloors.com/.

FF,

So....I know it isn't the same...but http://www.chilewich.com/ is / was working on floor tiles that looked great.

Scott

Grooviest thing ever for simple room and product design: http://sketchup.google.com/

Free download.

Because it is google...that means one will probably be able to collaborate with others.

Head's up all you designers.

Scott

Thanks Cracker, that looks like fun.

No, there is nothing wrong with linoleum! It is actually an all-natural product. If you can't find it in the city (and it must be around somewhere), call The Rustic Bohemian in New Paltz. I am 99% sure the owner carries it, but if not, she'll find it for you.

National Wholesale Liquidators in Queens has linoleum, not sure if they have the pattern you're looking for though...next door to them is also a big cheapo flooring place. Take the R train to Northern Blvd.

Does anyone know where I can get cheap (~$25) potted orchids in new york city?

I just moved from Boston, where trader joe's carried generic white orchids with blooms that lasted for months. I haven't seen any at the TJ here. It's a great way to get inexpensive long lasting flowers. I'm at a loss for where to get them here without shelling out lots.

Thanks!

Haley,

Go to Home Depot. They usually have some.

I'd been thinking of doing a bathroom door with translucent glass or plexi to get some natural light into my tiny windowless bathroom, but a couple of (not uptight) friends said that it would still be evident what the bathroom user was doing, and that a lot of people would be uncomfortable -- I think they're right -- so think about that. Even if it's fine with you, some of your friends or family might feel awkward. Shapes and colours are visible, even if precise details are not. Consider having a shade so that users have the option of privacy.

I stopped by the Jonathan Adler sale last night. I probably wouldn't make the trip in as there wasn't much left. Pillows were $20 - decent selection. Assorted pottery - $5 for ceramic fruit trays, fish tray. A couple of lamps, some lacquerware in discontinued colors. Most of the floor sample furniture and rugs were gone already. They said they might restock but the sale may not run until Sat. as most of the stuff is gone.

Deborah - your comment made me remember this link....


Public Toilet

I couldn't!!

I love the Public Toilet! I'm not sure if I could use it, but I think it's a riot.

THANK YOU turtleesq!!! sounds like i won't be making my way into the city- too bad i missed the good stuff.

I have a chance to buy this dining set (includes a table) for $125.00 I love the mid century style...the seller says that the pieces are sturdy except the chairs (4).

Do you think this is a good deal??

Oh stupid me...forgot to put the link:
http://flickr.com/photos/elevenhounds/592149049/