apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Some preliminary results from the Smallest, Coolest Count:

--Eames continues to reign supreme, with Eames or Eames knock-off furniture appearing in about 20% of this year's entries.
--For an instant update to 2007, add that stylized two-color floral or brocade pattern that's everywhere in stores (23% of entries), a shag rug (16%), or an animal hide (17%).

Got bold, brilliant color? Not in Smallest, Coolest. About one-quarter of all entries are an all-neutral color scheme, with the proportion passing 50% in East and Southwest entries.

Don't bother organizing your books by color - fewer than 5% of entries do it. Everywhere but the East, you're more likely to hide your books (or not have any), while in the Pacific Northwest, you're far less likely to show your television than elsewhere.

There is a lot more data in mid-crunch, including regional break-outs and potential correlations with who goes to finals. Sea was right that it's going to take months to analyze all of it.

can anyone recommend me a good place to buy a platform bedframe? i was sold on the Ikea Hopen ( http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15558&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=60998&langId=-1&chosenPartNumber=S09839339 ) but then i really jumped around on it and it seemed kind of flimsy, especially for any nocturnal activities. i want to find a moderny looking frame with a low headboard for about $400 including the slats so i do not need to use a boxspring. i live in RI if that is any help. thanks!

re: above, i should mention i am looking for a King size frame.

Wende,

Thanks for all the hard work. : )

But how in the world do you find the time for all this data crunching? Are you sacrificing sleep on our behalf?

I myself was barely able to keep up with VIEWING all the entries.

No sacrifice of sleep involved! Carpal tunnel syndrome, maybe, as I keep wanting to know one more thing...

Spreadsheet-based analysis is what I do for fun. You can imagine me bouncing around my (relatively Cured) living room, gloating at having so much data to provide a snapshot of the people who are proudest of their (highly trendy) smaller-space living.

Societal trends point to investing opportunities, which is where my real interest is.

does anyone know the best way to hang paper lanterns? i want to hang some in my niece's room, but the lighting sockets i bought will not work. i want them to hang, in a row, but each at a different level. i thought of using track lighting, but what they had at home depot was going to be too much $$. i have 5 of them and they need to plug into an electrical socket.
any suggestions?

Wow, Wende. I thought my OCD was bad!

I am very impressed ;)

Ok, I never post but I'm desperate for an answer. I found this interesting table/bench at a flea market and can't figure
out its original function. I'm particularly mystified by the three
square compartments on the base. Any ideas what this was or could be used for?

Thanks!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8235108@N08/?saved=1

Tortilla, I'd venture to guess it was a telephone table/bench (sort of like this - http://www.goantiques.com/detail,gothic-revival-telephone,1012745.html?source=VYZ4474). I have no idea what those little compartments would be used for though.

Brilliant, Wende!

Wende, you are so cool.

Tortilla, does that bottom drawer pull out? It looks like those compartments block the drawers. Is there a manufacturer name on it or does it appear handmade? On first glance I would agree that it appears to be a telephone stand, but I have never seen one with that configuration before-

wende, you're brilliant.

I was (admittedly) looking at a zebra rug this weekend, but then I mentioned to my husband that it would perhaps be the home decor equivalent of jumping the shark. These statistics verify that indeed, it is.

Fortunately, tiny black chandeliers haven't appeared frequently...that's my new object of desire!

hi all,

this is my first post. i've been lurking forever and have been continually inspired by your photos, comments, tips, etc. so thanks!

i have an upholstery question: recently bought a eames-era yugoslavian lounge chair (slim vertical slats comprise the back; cool spring thingys, the seat). where can i get made (or already made) cushions for it? i want to use canvas for the fabric (ideally egg-yolk yellow) and i really need to do this on a budget of $100--not including foam and fabric. am i dreaming?

the measurements are 22.5 x 17 x 2 (back) and 22.5 x 21 7/8 x 2

i live in clinton hill brooklyn and am trying to re-furnish a one-bedroom from scratch including riding through the perfect storm of buying a mattress, sofa and computer at the same time.

lorijo,
The bottom drawer does pull out. There's no manufacturer name... it very well could be homemade. In any case, it's an interesting piece and for only $5! Love flea markets. Maybe I'll put flowers on it. Any other ideas?

Wende, this is great. I still think you should get a blog post of your own, say once weekly, to provide your analyses on the front page here....
What do you think, AT???

Also, your phrase about providing a "snapshot of the people who are proudest" of their spaces made me think of how interesting I find the outliers - those who seemed to wander into this contest without realizing it was a contest, surprised that people criticized their photos or suggested that they changed something. (I know it's easy to get defensive about one's home, especially when one works SO hard on it.) But what's striking to me is that there is one thing that seems to unite all the contestants: they are proud of their spaces. The big differences between them is that they're not all proud for the same reason (some are even proud of the fact that they didn't work too hard, for example). But it's been fascinating to read through the entry threads (especially the mystifying ones, the one's that don't fit into the list of "what most people are doing") to find out what in the world it is that they're actually proud of.

Hi Everyone, I am hoping you have your thinking caps on. My wife and I have a dilemma and we were wondering your opinion. We currently live 1 block from the beach in a 2 bed/1 bath in Santa Monica, but the apartment is only ok, no amenities, neighbors are terrible, building is really old and not maintained all that great. That all being said, we looked at a place in North Hollywood yesterday that we fell in love with. Its a 2 bed/2 bath, 24 hour gym, pool, spa, clubhouse, washer dryer in every unit, brand new, huge balcony, etc. The rent is the same and it would be only 3 miles from my wife's work, whereas now the commute is 16, which takes about 45 minutes. BUT...it is in Noho and not at the beach. Would you stay at the beach for the location, or move to the valley for the incredible apartment? Location versus home, its a tough question, and we have to decide by tomorrow or give up the unit we reserved. What would you do? Would appreciate some help! Thanks!

damonq9,

I'd move - but only because I don't see the issue as location vs. home. You see, I can't stand a commute. So for me, the best location would be closer to work - since presumable your wife has to drive there every day. By the way, how far would you be from the beach? (And why were you looking for an apartment in the first place?) Also, how long have you lived in your current location? If it's been just a short time, then I wouldn't move as easily.

We would be about 16 miles, but in LA that could take 2 hours on the weekend, which would be terrible. We have been talking about moving because of this terrible building we are in, but then we walk outside and see the ocean, so its been hard to make the leap. We have been here 15 months.

It would be hard to give up the beach, but amenities and the newness of the new building would be great. Decisions...

Wende:
WOW! Great analysis.

Hope your OCD lasts a lifetime because I think it will be *very* interesting to compare these stats over time. Will 2010's entries be dripping with baroque Brocade Home touches or will we be on to something else? Will MCM look ugly again, as it did in the '90s when we all ridiculed our parents' '70s esthetic?

My other wish: That you were still in the Bay Area so you could help me take my apartment to the next level. Still trying to find the right shade of low-VOC lilac/lavender for the living room, rearrange & paint the bedroom and perhaps turn the bedroom closet into a fantasy sleeping nook for Nin~a Chilanga...

I was in the CB2 store (Lincoln) over the weekend and they had lots of those stainless planters that apparently they won't sell through the catalog. So, those of you unlucky enough to live outside of Chicago, it might be worth a shot to call the store directly and ask if they'll ship 'em to you...

For any of the folks who were fixated with the ampersand in "Lex & Lynn's Modern Haven," it's currently on sale over at PotteryBarn.com.

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p8246/index.cfm?pkey=csalnewall

damonq9 - what about non-moldy, non-noisy options at the beach?

Really? Only 16% have shag rugs? I could've sworn it was much higher than that.

The stats rock. I wonder if it's possible to use them to handicap the winners?

Wende: I love your analyses.

Damonq9: I'd move. In the end, you spend more time in your apartment than you ever will at the beach. And, frankly, the new apartment sounds so much better. It also sounds more like an adult space.

tortilla: I think you're on the wrong track wondering about the pedigree/authenticity of your flea-market find. The more important thing is whether the piece works for you and whether you like it. I gather both are true.

Cassis: non moldy and non noisy options are WAY above our rent price point...to get the equal to the place in NoHo would run us about $3500/month down here at the beach. Landlords here are not that great because they dont have to be; everyone wants to live here.

JonathanB: It is way more adult...and last time I checked I was not a 21 year old beach bum...:-)

Wende. You are such a dork. I appreciate that in a person.

:)

damonq(: not an issue. I didn't go for an adult apartment until my mid-30s. For me it was a bit of a big step.

I'm on the hunt for a hotel furniture liquidator in the tri-state area. Anyone? Anyone?

Found one in New Hampshire, but that's a bit too long of a drive. That said, anyone been there? It's called Deja Vu.

http://dejavufurniture.com/antiques.htm

damonq9:

Move! While I understand how great it is to live at the beach (I do, in Santa Barbara), the price of gas in Southern California (at least in SB) is currently about $3.60 a gallon, and unless you love wasting probably an hour of time (or more) going each direction to work, life is too short for that kind of misery. From what you've said about your building and the neighbors, I'd start packing up right now.

Embrace the Valley!

Jonathan B,
Not really interested in authenticity, just curious about my find. If something is to be a "conversation piece", one needs to be able to have somewhat of a conversation! Thanks for your two cents though.

Dining Room Lighting Question...

Help. I need to keep my ceiling fan (with light) but also would love to add some additional overhead lighting.

Can I do track lighting, a pendent light over the dining room table -- and a ceiling fan in the same room? If so, suggestions please! Everyone always has such great suggestions.

(I'm hoping that it's cool to post this in this area).

Is anyone going to the Moo meetup at 111 Minna Gallery tomorrow evening? AT meetup, too, perhaps?

Hi all,

Does anyone know of any great on-line stores for kids wallpaper and boarders? My "big boy" is moving out of the nursery to make room for baby #2 and isn't happy about it. I really want to make our guest room/his new room really special and need some suggestions. We're thinking about a Construction Theme since he's very into all those machines.

Darcie:
What about wall decals? Apple Pie design has some cool ones for kids. I seem to recall some trucks (though they might have been trains, now that I think about it).

Worth a look.

http://applepiedesign.be/uk/home.php

Thanks for the tip--they are really unique and have some construction equipment. Hum, wonder if I could get them on the wall straight:)

AT for DC! At for DC! Maybe if I chant loud enough it will happen. :)

Wende:

It just seems like there were a lot more animal hides. (But if it was only 17% I believe you.)


Tony G.

damonq9...
I have two words for you about living in NoHo--heat and smog.
It's always a good ten degrees cooler at the beach and you can always walk outside and breathe on the weekend, and when you come home.
I wouldn't live anywhere in L.A., except the beach :)

However, by having a Santa Monica address, you might be paying for amenities that it sounds like you don't use, or value--Like better schools than LAUSD, its own fire dept., and police dept.--its own dog parks, too.

If you want better value at the beach, you might look in Venice.
You don't mention what you're paying, but you can get an approx. 600 square foot, 1 bdr, 1 ba, duplex, with tankless (read: never runs out of hot H2o) water heater, full wood floors throughout, newer fridge, newer gas stove, gas powered new w/d in its own (tiny) laundry room, with a 120 square foot private outdoor deck and a beautiful garden, fairly quiet neighbors (barking dogs and absent owners are everywhere) west of Lincoln but in Venice, bordering Santa Monica(so you can still walk to the beach, even if you can't see it--you can hear the drummers on Sundays, though) for about $2100.00 monthly. That's pretty much market value in Venice.

I know, because I rent one :)