apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

PSA for DC area: Nadeau imports (www.nadeauimports.com) is a furniture wholesaler that opens its doors to the public once a month and sells at the wholesale price. While not exclusively modern design, they have a huge selection of quality, solid-wood furniture (but no upholstered stuff). I just got a flyer for the next one - March 17th from 9-5. 3176-B Bladensburg Rd NE. After many "successful" trips I'm giving my credit card a break this month, but I would highly recommend if you are at all in the market.

A friend (a lawyer) has leased some office space and we are in a quandary over what to do with the walls in one of the offices, so I thought I'd ask you guys what you think.

The building used to be a vet's office, and one of the rooms was used as an operating room, so they had applied sheets of shiny plastic paneling over the sheetrock. There are plastic strips covering the seams where the sheets meet. It basically looks like those wall panels in a mobile home.

You can't just take it down because it's glued on; you can't paper or paint over it because it would still look like a mobile home. He could sheetrock over it, but that would be an awful lot of mess and work and we are hoping for something quicker and easier. Something along the lines of beadboard paneling, but more modern (and still inexpensive). Any ideas?

I think that if you go to the wall treatment part of the AT Product Guide you'll see some very interesting wall panel ideas, and stuff like that, but they're not really cheap. They do look good, though.

Question: If you could have anything you wanted cut from a block of steel, what would you get?

My boyfriend just informed me, to my intense delight, that his small engineering firm recently got a CNC machine, which is an industrial machine that cuts into a block of metal to match a design created in something like AutoCAD. His bosses say we can use it for whatever we want, as long as we pay for the steel block.

Now that I have nearly infinite possibilities available to me... what would I actually make? I don't think it's capable of something that has multiple parts (like a chair with a swivel base) - we'd also have to figure out how to make it connect. But one solid object it could do... just what?

I'm thinking maybe some shiny moroccan-style side tables for our patio, but the mass of steel that is in the Arizona summer would probably burn the flesh of anyone standing in the backyard :(

Somebody must buy this outrageous couch:

http://www.housingworksauctions.com/lot.cfm?lotID=13112

Curtis-

Thanks, but you're right--not really cheap! (Except for the Post-it wall. I'm holding that idea in reserve!)

You can definitely take that plastic stuff down.

I took down the same stuff when we renovated a former coffee shop/cafe into a retail boutique -- that same plastic sheet covered the walls of the former kitchen area and the bathroom. You will be surprised at 1) how easy it is to remove (I did it myself and I have virtually no construction skills) and 2) how little damage it does to the walls.

Get a stiff putty knife or spatula and slip it under the edge and start pulling. It'll pop right off. When you're done, you do need to lightly sand the walls and apply a bit of drywall compound to places. If you're worried about your ability to do the minor drywall repair, spend the money you saved on panelling and hire a handyman for an hour or two.

Melanie-

What about a folding screen with an intricate pattern in the panels? It would be easy to join the panels afterward, and the pattern would really take advantage of the CNC capability (I assume--what do I know).

Juli-

Really? It seems like it's glued on. What was yours adhered with? We're afraid that we're possibly committing ourselves to installing new drywall if we start pulling it down.

Mine was glued on too. I just used that putty knife behind the plastic as I went. Sometimes it just popped right off with almost no effort. Occasionally, someone must have gone glue happy and I had to use the knife to get it going.

The worst damage it did was to rip a layer of drywall paper off. I sanded the entire wall to get ready to paint but in the areas where the paper ripped, I'd sand it smooth then get a bit of Spackle and a wide blade and smooth it over.

I know it looks permanent but it's not as tough as it looks.

If you're really worried about the drywall repair, call around and price a handyman or drywall contractor. Ask for a rough estimate on how much it would cost to repair/skim coat the walls in that office. Then consider that your maximum risk.

I didn't mention how badly damaged the drywall was elsewhere in the building...it was a mess. I still only paid for repairing drywall, not ripping it out and replacing it.

Diane

Ohh! Ooh! What a neat idea!
I'm also considering a rework of this west elm side table, with a circular cutout in the top for a removable bowl. I kick everyone out to the backyard to smoke (because it's groooossss) and I'm always left picking up the butts. I think if there was an extremely obvious "BUTTS GO HERE" place it might help.

Durr, forgot the link (too lazy to find the original on west elm's site)
http://flickr.com/photos/62906768@N00/274893015/in/set-72157594337466920/

Melanie-

Oh, that's a good idea, too! Maybe with a little drainage hole in the bottom, so you can hose it out (and for when it rains).

For the screen, it would be especially cool if you did an irregular pattern; i.e., not something geometric, but instead something like branches with birds--something that's obviously custom. You could take a pattern from something you already have in the room where the screen will go, like the sheets or wallpaper.

Diane, the first thing I thought of was to apply cork tiles to the walls. They are flexible, 12x12, or any other size, go up in a flash, and are lawyer-ly looking, dark brown, with a large or a little texture to the cork, depending on what you get. Any color.

http://www.corkfloor.com/colours.html

http://www.ifloor.com/ps/cork/installation-options/glue-down-tiles.html?N=9+4294964011&Ne=189

Disregard that link to my name. It's not mine!

Does anyone know where to find a relatively modern bare bulb hardwire kit that would accept the Tord Boontje Garland light? I want to use use the Garland light in my bedroom but would like to utilitze the available junction box instead of using a plug cord. Thanks.

b.nyc-

Did it not come with one? I realize that the 'garland' itself is flat pack, but at the store I bought mine, you could get it with or without the actual light fixture.

If the problem is that the one you got came with a plug cord, you could always just cut the plug off and hardwire it like that. Then you would probably just need to get the ceiling plate at a hardware store.

Otherwise, I know Ikea has them. Or you could build one from parts at places like Home Depot.

I am going to host my first family holiday this Easter with 12 partygoers. For once in my life, I have enough apartment and table space, chairs (kinda) and utensils. BUT, I don't have enough dinnerware.

I can't spend a fortune right now, but would like to serve on "real" plates, not paper. Anyone have a resource for inexpensive place settings? I'd like to spend less than $100.

We're going to get an old armchair reupholstered. This chair is probably from the 40s and has been passed around in the family since then. Its last makeover was around 1970, and its foam cushions are dried out and crumbling to dust and the fabric is threadbare or broken through in spots. It is very well worn.

We've never had something reupholstered before. Any tips on how to deal with the person doing the work?

He's given us an estimate (it is pricey because he's clearly going to need to rebuild it from the wood frame up). Do we just hand it over and pay the bill, or is there a good way to work with him so that if the cost balloons past the estimate we are not at his mercy? Is there any way to know if he is billing us fairly for parts and, especially, labor in the end?

i am looking for quality, good-looking magazine files. does anyone have a suggestion for stylish organization merchandize?

Does anyone else have an extra thick shower curtain rod? Mine is too thick for most curtain rings, and I am very unhappy with the ones I managed to squeeze on there since they do not slide easily. Does anyone have any ideas for larger diameter shower curtain rings that are full rings (not just hooked) and slide easily? Thanks!

(and yes, I know P2 will have a field day with this post!)

Diane - maybe if you tried using a heat gun while prying the panels off you'd have a little more success with the removal? I think cork tiles might be a good idea, too.

Carla: A couple of times a year, I host a party for 15-24 people and don't like to use paper plates, plastic cups or flatware. We're grown-ups, right? Here's how I got real, honest-to-goodness place settings for 24 for about $125 (not including sales tax). Simple white plates for .99 each at my local dollar store (99 Cents Only in L.A.): $24 total. 24 simple whiskey glasses from IKEA at $4.99 for 6: $30 total. Flatware $5.99 for 6-pack of knives or forks from Target: $60 total. Cloth napkins from IKEA at $1.99 for 4-pack: $12 total. [Sorry, I don't remember the style name on the glasses or flatware. And I didn't end up buying spoons because they rarely get used.] So, to answer your question: Target, IKEA, dollar stores.

Liuba:

How about these?

http://thehomeofficestore.com/b5.html

http://russellandhazel.stores.yahoo.net/macoset.html

I use the Knuff wood boxes here: (I intend to paint them a bright color during The Cure)

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=12&catalogId=10103&langId=-1&topcategoryId=15561&parentCats=15561*16296*15959&categoryId=15959&cattype=sub

Carla:

Enrique's got the right idea. If you're in NYC, you could also try Pearl River Mart. Although most of their stuff is Asian-influenced, they also have a number of faux Delft designs and a handful of monochromatic and melamine options.

www.pearlriver.com

And, it's so much fun to browse there, it's always worth the trip.

i'm looking for a toilet paper roll holder...like this one, but in polished chrome. i just want modern lines on it, so the chrome one i saw at target is too frilly for me. any ideas? chrome, simple, lalala?

http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=64473&PRODID=71122

Melanie,

If I had a CNC machine I'd be turning out solid stainless toys for the bedroom. But since this machine is at work, I guess that would be a no-no.

I'd definitely make some funky candle sticks. I'd also love to make a big steel gear just to have as a beautiful piece of technology.

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced coat tree for my front hall?

Diane, what about using a hospital track to hang a fabric panel the length of the wall, or otherwise covering the problem?

Or perhaps using a large shelving/filing system to hide the all (The ubiquitous Expedit springs to mind....)

Emptypockets,

Sometimes you have to take that leap of faith and trust that a tradesperson will do what you've hired them to do and at the estimated price. In upholstery, there really shouldn't be surprise extra charges. It's not like there might be hidden electrical problems or plumbing disasters in your armchair. I've had several pieces that I love reupholstered and been very pleased, so much so that I was happy to recommend him to friends and family. I'd suggest you try him, but we're in Toronto. If you're looking to save a few dollars, it can often be done by purchasing your own fabric. I've usually been able to save about $10-20 per yard by spending time scouting fabric stores for the perfect material. At about 6-9 yards for an armchair, it's a way to help the budget. Best of luck.

suzy, i hate to state the obvious, but to go really inexpensive, ikea has a few "hall and entrance" options that are pretty cool.

Liuba: I think the nicest magazine files I've seen are from West Elm:

http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODa260&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1ACCSTO&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1ACCSTO

and I also have these clear acrylic ones, which are pretty cool looking, esp alternated with colored files; I got them at the Conatiner Store, though I can't find them on their website.

Question: Does anyone know where I can find (cheap) circular mirrors?

emptypockets--

Judy is right, there shouldn't be any surprise charges, unless of course he finds rot or termite damage in the frame, but highly unlikely.

But keep in mind that when buying your own fabric, things like pattern and how you want pattern to fit the chair will determine yardage, so show your upholster the fabric you are considering before you buy and have him tell you the yardage to buy (based on pattern "repeat" and fabric width). That will also save you the possible surprise of him telling you the fabric you have picked needs a backing fabric, which is the case with some silks and lighter-weight fabrics, and would add to cost.

And if you are uncomfortable with the quote you've been given, get a second opinion/estimate. Are you near a Calico Corners? A great reupholstering resource, usually.

Other things that drive the cost will be whether he is doing down or foam insides (or a combo).

Most reputable upholsterers are delighted to display their craft and knowledge, so if you are getting any pushback on your questions, that's also another clue you may need to look elsewhere.

But having something reupholstered is one of the world's most (oddly) satisfying experiences, second only to having something framed. In my oddly twisted opinion, that is!

Jenny--
CB2 has a set of five round mirrors in random sizes.

Otherwise, I'd try Ikea, Target, or Home Depot.

Carla,

If your in NY there is a restaurant supply store off of Houston Street before you get to Broadway. They sell everything you can imagine and the prices are very affordable. I know they are also online but don't know the name. Perhaps you can google for restaurant supply nyc and see what you come up with. For basic white dinner plates you should probably be able to get them for around $1-$2 a piece.

Judy & (the other) Patrick, thanks for the replies. In fact, after asking around some other friends yesterday evening, everyone seems to agree: getting a reupholsterer is mostly just a matter of trust, but most of them fortunately are trustworthy!

I haven't done any big remodeling jobs (and don't own a car) so my experience in the past getting estimates has been with movers -- who are notoriously unregulated and many of whom add "oops, we forgot to tell you" expenses that lead to a bill sometimes twice the estimate. I'm really relieved to hear that getting reupholstery work done is nothing like that.

Thanks again for the help -- the guy I got the estimate from seemed very knowledgeable, friendly, and was not in the least giving me a "hard sell" so I think I'll go ahead and get the chair done. Looking forward to seeing how it comes out!

Carla:

One last suggestion. Pier 1 might be a good option, especially if you don't have easy access to NYC. My local one just started having a buy one, get the second at 50% off sale for all dinnerware.

Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone. I am in New York and am going to try out all of your suggestions to figure out what is best. Now, if I could just figure out what to make for the holidays. :)