apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Two or three months ago there was a wallcovering that was featured--vinyl or wallpaper, don't remember which--that had different sized holes cut in it, so that the fabric or wall behind showed through. Anyone still have a link to this?

Just a general comment - before I read this blog I thought bedbugs were an old wives tale, now they are my number four fear behind snakes, rats, and sharks. Anyway, do you guys think you could perhaps put off the disgusting posts with pictures of bedbugs and peoples' bites until the afternoon? Seeing them in the morning really makes me almost hurl every time! Thanks for your consideration.

Becky,

I guess there are advantages to not living so densely.

To Anne (bedbug poster), have you contacted the NYC housing authority to know what your rights are? Personally I think this violates the warranty of habitatibility aND YOU COULD BACK OUT. From NY STATE Tenants Rights Guide "Tenants are entitled to a livable, safe and sanitary apartment. Lease provisions inconsistent with this right are illegal. Failure to provide heat or hot water on a regular basis, or to rid an apartment of insect infestation are examples of a violation of this warranty". Incidentally there is a list of buildings with known bedbug infestations at
http://bedbugblog.blogspot.com/2006/06/known-bedbug-infestations.html .

Looking for a great seamstress / curtain maker in NYC... I recently scored some beautiful fabric at a Brunschwig & Fils sample sale. I am hoping to get some curtains made, but can't seem to find anyone (my local drycleaner admitted that this was out of his area of expertise).

Any suggestions?

Re: bedbugs. If you haven't moved in yet, you're in the clear. The landlord's statement was misrepresentation and is grounds for rescinding the lease.

If you still want to move in, you can use your conversations with the neighbors as leverage to ask for another extermination.

What do people think of buying used glasses/dishes/silverware from Salvation Army? Sometimes I see cool vintage stuff there, but I feel like there is an ick factor, though I would take a beautiful antique china set from an upscale antqiue shop anyday. Should I just get over it?

Barney, yes!! That's where you find the prettiest, best, most enduring glasses/dishes/silverware!!

Just clean it three times in hot hot water, and listen to Mozart's piano concertos as you are doing it, and that should conquer the ick factor.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good, reliable painter/handyman(person) in Brooklyn?

Has anyone used Nu-Facers for their kitchen cabinets? I painted our cabinets a few years ago and the paint is now starting to chip off, but I don't want to replace everything. I could only find one reference when I did a search here on Nu-Facers. Thanks!

Barney-Get over it!!! I don't really understand the ick factor on cups/saucers/plates...just wash them! Don't you eat at restaurants where thousands of people have eaten? Don't you ride a bus/train where millions of people have been? Reusing discarded items is one of the best ways to go green....and it makes no difference whether you buy it at a thrift shop or an antique store, the item has been used.

Many of those items in "upscale antique stores" were found by the proprietor....at a thrift store!!!! (I know, because my father is an antiques dealer, and he has a weekly scouting route that includes certain Charleston, SC thrift stores where wealthy southern socialites discard their family heirlooms)

Milord123, there are a few listed in the SERVICES section of AT. Find painters and read the comments before you decide.

JON B - Yes, I suppose so! Of course down here in ATlanta, we have "palmetto bugs" a.k.a. MONSTER roaches, that waltz right in under the front door. They aren't on my most feared list though, because I can squash them with my shoes. The whole bedbugs thing - what a total nightmare! It seems like an epidemic lately.

BARNEY, passing up undies at the Salvation Army due to ick factor, DEFINITELY. Passing up cool glassware is a total waste. I just found some amazing pieces that would have cost 10 times as much at an antique dealer.

Barney - I totally agree with analyssa, becky and polkadot!You should completely get over it, in the niceset possible way!Although I don't like Mozart (give me Bach any day!). I think Beethoven's violin concerto is much better for cleaning! Or filling in tax forms and other horrible things.That amazing sense of triumph over adversity...!

HELP!

ok, i know this is probably futile, but i thought i'd ask - does ANYONE have ANY ideas on how to reduce noise from an upstairs neighbor? i'm in a fabulous pre-war building where my ceiling/neighbor's floor squeaks with every step from above. Is there ANYTHING i can do? besides just live with the incessant noise?

the upstairs neighbors have sufficient floor coverings etc, and they are not stomping, but just walking around and living. is there anything short of tearing down my ceiling and putting in some sort of sound insulation?

Barney, I used to go to a fabulous thrift store when I lived in downtown Oakland where I would get amazing stuff dirt cheap. Among the things I got there were glass dessert plates and a set of cutlery, both of which I still have and love more than 10 years later. I just couldn't believe the amazing prices on these things and their charm.

ok, thanks everybody, that was the kick in the ass I needed.