apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Somebody reading this http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/fur/391033600.html should get a truck and go to Long Island to pick this up!!!!

does anyone own the Frontgate 2-in-1 Trash Can/Recycling Bin? if so, how do you like it?

http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?item=30195&maincatcode=null&subcatcode=null&itemID=9332&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C130%2C134%2C2165&iProductID=9332

I'm in need of a compact vacuum cleaner. In March AT reviewed a $400-$500 Electrolux but that seems pricey to me. This will be for primarily smooth floors and a few rugs.

Any suggestions?

I just bought a condo. We have a balcony with metal bars. Want to add some privacy. What can we do to cover the bars of the balcony?

Look at the cool retro styling of this compact cannister vacuum....it is also made in the USA, which is a plus in my book. It seems to be commercial quality for a reasonable price. I also have mostly wood floors with some area rugs.

http://www.metrovacworld.com/Shopping/product.asp?catalog_name=metrovac&product_id=Turbo2000

I am planning on purchasing this one. (after flirting with buying the beautiful Hoover Constellation).

jguiller -- in june AT featured a balcony that was covered in camouflage netting, which sounds weird but looked spectacular! could be a good way of covering up those metal bars.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/look/outdoor-home-uetmarcs-cosy-french-style-025537

sean g, i have this one:

http://www.thinkvacuums.com/sanitare/3683.htm

it's pretty much the best vac i've ever owned. it's lasted YEARS - through renovations, two cats, hardwoods, carpets, you name it. i love it. it's commercial, inexpensive, and pretty compact.

Has anybody used Roller Girl Painting? If so, what has been your experience with them?

Thanks JDog. That looks great. Does anyone remember another posting in June about balcony covers? I remember seeing one w/ a company that makes balcony covers, but can't seem to find it in the archives.

Any help would be awesome. Just looking for options for the balcony cover.

What are people's views on featherbeds or non-foam type toppers? I stayed at the Marriott recently and it was the MOST delicious and comfortable experience! Has anyone purchased their brand of featherbed?

jguiller--

You may be limited what you can do by condo by-laws.

Thanks for the vacuum suggestions.

What did folks think of HGTVs Design Star?

I was suprised by the lameness of Organic Josh. I dont think you can do design by democracy- our presence here notwithstanding. And dont get me started on that smarmy Nadeedja...

Trumystique - I've been watching, though I'm unsure why. I wish the judging panel would be mixed up a little every week like Top Chef. I also think it is bizarre that the judges don't actually visit the rooms, but just look at TV monitors. About half the contestants should be instantly eliminated for being nothing more than shoppers. Hmmm...maybe I'm hooked?

My neighbor covered their balcony w/ material that is used for outdoor furniture. So i think we're allowed to. But don't want to copy them so seeking help.

Any other suggestions for a balcony cover besides the camo netting, which i love. Just looking for more options.

What other materials could I use to cover the bars of my balcony.

Aaron I'm hooked too even though so much about the show bugs me. I was really bothered last night by the fact that Josh went and Robb stayed. I didn't think Josh did a great job, but apparently he played well with others and did the things he was supposed to do. Robb doesn't ever play well with others and everything he did was heinous and thought up by him, they kept him because he's a pain in the a** if you ask me, and while I understand it's a tv show I just hate that they have to do that.

I'm excited for the individual challenge next week, it'll be interesting to finally see what everyone's individual styles really are.

By the way, the impression I got was that the judges see the stuff on screen only because they're competing for a tv show and so all the design they do has to translate well for television.

I haven't seen much except part of the episode about casting. But to me, I almost think that the watching-on-monitors thing might be the ideal way for it to be judged, because once the winner becomes a Design Star, that's the ONLY way that most people will actually see their work at all!

So... if you're really, really good but it doesn't "read" on TV, it really might not help your star power.

Jguiller -- what about using a material like this willow fencing (or bamboo or reed fencing); I believe you just un-roll the panels and secure (somehow) to posts. Probably you would need to find some way of cutting it to the right height.

http://mastergardenproducts.com/willowfencesandmore.htm
http://www.bambooandrattan.com/catalog/fencing.htm#brush

Or, for a more green look, you could put up trellis or lattice material, and train some vines up it. Not sure what kind of plants would be appropriate for that -- maybe an ivy? or (more seasonally) morning glories or sweet peas? Alternatively, you could mount flower boxes and grow green things that trail downwards.

jguiller,
could you weave some sort of material through the bars--I'm thinking outdoor furniture webbing, clear tubing, rubber strips, twigs/bamboo, rope?....something flexible but durable and weather resistant.

Thanks so much guys. You'll be hearing more from me. My apt. needs serious decorating help. I love furniture but putting it together in a room is not my forte, especially maximizing a small space.

THANKS!!

What about planters with tallish plants in them to cover the bars? I bet you could build just simple skinny rectangular boxes on the cheap (don't know how much of a factor cost is).

jguiller,
How about some kind of perforated sheet metal or screening?
like this
http://www.mcnichols.com/arch/
they don't list pricing on the website--you have to request a quote, but it does say they cut to size.

or like coutina said--plant a very tall ornamental grass in troughs--you could use a length of gutter or inexpensive window boxes...as the seasons change, the grass would also change... Check out this element from the mattress factory museum's garden (in pittsburgh) designed by winifred lutz--the grass changes, but still would provide privacy and screening....you'd have to cut it down in the very early spring, but it is very fast growing. http://www.mattress.org/media/93.lutz.14_l.jpg

jguiller,

Jamali Garden has a great assortment of fencing. I was thinking about the willow fences for my balcony. Of course, it depends on if you get a lot of wind where you are. You may need something stronger.
http://www.jamaligarden.com/pID_16557.asp

Also, I used a bamboo blind from Pearl River once that fit across the railings perfectly. It looked great while it lasted. The wind finally destroyed it after about 6 months.

I picked up the Dyson DC18 Slim. My apartment is already cleaner!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/liquidstereo/634684280/in/set-72157600195882099/

jquiller, I live on the first floor and face a parking lot. I bought window boxes and planted them with pandorea. The plants were about 3 feet tall when I bought them and within only a weeks time, new growth was spiralling its way up the bars on the window. Another option is horsetail.

For you Design Star fans, I'll be interviewing the first three "cancelees" later today (then each one voted off each week)... anything you want to know?