apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Brass Knob and Community Forklift are great ideas. Thanks for reminding me of them.

Kathleen

http://www.sparkability.net/ducrwabubed.html

Just had a crosby bunkbed with trundle and cubbies from ducduc delivered. My sons' room is 11 x 16' and it seems like the bed swallowed it up whole. We have baseboard moldings--and as a result the bed and heywood wakefield dressers are about 2-2.5" away from the wall. Should I chop out the moldings behind the bed to gain 2.5"? Get rid of the dressers?Prop them up on 'feet' so they can be 1/2" closer? I feel like there's gonna be no flow! Help!

I have a question. I moved into an apartment and realized that the only way to escape a fire is through the one front door. The front windows of the place are gated in and the back of the apartment, the bedroom window leads to a narrow shaftway. what are my rights here. There is an available apartment upstairs wth a fire escape. I called the management and they basically said that I can't move upstairs....i need some help here

Have you all heard the news about California and CFLs? What do you think about this, and what about the people who actually get headaches from them? Just curious how everyone feels, since it was discussed on here very recently...
Have a look here for the article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/energy_california_lightbulbs_dc

Karen - find out what your local tennants rights organization is, and contact them. They'll best be able to help you, because rights are local in nature, and advise you on working with your landlord if in fact there's anything you can do.

loli- beautiful bed, but I can see how that could take up a lot of room. The only way to know if the 2.5 in is really going to make any difference is to stand in the room and think about it, would 2.5 inches in the direction opposite the bed really help? That seems like it's too small an amount to be worth the effort...

Couple of thoughts...start by making their bed more than just a bed, with comfy pillows to prop up (or one of those pillows with the arms, called a brother/boyfriend/husband/something like that), lap desks, and places on the wall above a height that they would hit in their sleep but still accessible for books, stuffed animals, etc.

Also, see what you can do to create a minimal ladder. See the link in my name for a place to start. Or attach it to the wall completely vertically, if it's in a corner like it is in the link you provided, so that it takes up as little floor space as possible.

How old are your boys? Good luck!

I have a question about old bathroom tile.

Our bathroom has the old pinkish salmon colored tile on the walls with black trim. It is damaged in spots, but we want to restore it rather than replace it. How do I find old tiles to match? I'm in the DC area.

Thanks.
Kathleen

Ever since I went to Ireland and was shocked that everyone brought their own bags or had to pay for plastics, I've thought that the US (everyone, really) should do s/t similar and House and Garden has a piece about buying reusable grocery bags for $2 each at 1bagatatime.com

karen--if you live in new york, i would call 311. otherwise, i would call your local fire headquarters or tenants' association (i think most cities have one). you might also try the department of buildings. someone will surely be able to refer you to the right place.

if the windows are gated, but openable, you should be provided with a key. if they are only bars, you might be able to get your landlord to replace the bars with a lockable gate, to which you would have a key.

i would find out your rights and discuss satisfactory options with your landlord before filing a complaint with the appropriate authorities, but don't be afraid to do so if necessary. if the landlord is in violation, you may be able to break your lease and move without penalty. again, find out all your options before you raise a stink. and be nice when you do talk to him--it goes a long way. good luck!

(i used to live on the 8th floor of a building with no fire escape--it was pretty unnerving!)

Shoshana that is so true everyone should do it! Apparently it works very well in Ireland. Here you have to pay for bags in some organic-only type places, and also my local library has bags with this little slogan about books=free; carrier bags=10p :)

thanks skywaykate. I was able to slide the ladder flush against the bed and it made a big difference. We already have big 'floor pillows' that will make the bed double as a sofa during the day. My boys are four and six.

Kathleen - Have you tried the Brass Knob?

http://www.thebrassknob.com/

Their warehouse on N St. NW is a treasure trove of architectural salvage. Also try Community Forklift in PG County:

http://www.communityforklift.com/index.cfm

my windows need replacing, which i'd been procrastinating about thinking about, but it's getting to the danger point. any suggestions for contractors/handymen? i think that the frame as well as the glass will need to be changed.

i am really terrified of what the prices are going to be on this.