apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Hello AT readers,

Does anyone know of a glass cutter (glazier?) in NYC? I'm looking to make a custom side table, and need a circular piece cut, with a hole taken out of the center.

Also, does anyone know how much they charge?

Does anyone have experience with portable steam cleaners? I've seen "scunci" brand around for about $50. and wonder if they work.

Marco Polo:

There's a great one up in Inwood that I have used several times. It's called Inwood Glass and Shade (or Shade and Glass... I can't remember and don't have the info with me, but you can find them in the phone book). They are located on Sherman between 204th and Academy, I think. I've had them do a circular piece for a small table for me, as well... the price will depend on the thickness of the glass and the complication of the job... taking a hole out of the middle sounds like a challenge, but I'm sure they can do it. And circular pieces are always more than straight ones. But they seem to be reasonable and are fast as well.

How about marble repair? Looking for someone in NYC, Brooklyn prefered but whatever...

I'm being offered a polished black marble table, but it has some damage that needs to be buffed out. Someone put a drink on it or something -- there's an etched ring.

The last time this table was fixed was by a place specializing in bank lobbies, but that place is long gone . . .

Any diabolical home repair measures also sought...again, it's BLACK marble, so a little tricky

Anyone know a good place to get doormats?

for doormats, Ikea

I've been germinating wheat grass in my living room because in my small pots, they looked great. The idea came from Dwell. But now, I'm getting bored of them. Wheat grass is hard to take care of and dies after 2-3 weeks. Can you recommend another houseplant that would have the same sculptural effect of wheat grass, without the hassle? I'm looking for something that is easy to care for which would look great planted in three small pots serially? Thanks!

Looking for a trestle table to fit next to a bench in my kitchen. Something clean-lined, simple and casual. Any ideas on where I can find this?

I know Storehouse does a trestle desk.

http://www.storehousefurniture.com/store/ic280Configfrm.asp?prodno=o_Draftsman-Desk-And-Organizer*WC

Reef

Re glass cutting, try Manhattan Shae and Glass on teh upper east side. They have a great reputation.

http://www.manhattanshadeandglass.com/

One more glass recommendation - Barry London Shade and Glass on the far UWS (in the low 100s near CPW). I had a thick, round table top cut there as well as four small glass shelves. They did the shelves in one day for $80. I can't remember what I paid for the table top. They are a bit gruff but thoroughly competent.

i second j-chan's question! i went through the same experience last year (ok, i bought grocery store wheatgrass instead of sprouting it myself) & found it just doesn't last. i still haven't found any alternatives & am really hoping someone out there can suggest something...

How about growing some moss instead of wheatgrass? It's not the same thing but can be very sculptural. Use some wire mesh to create a domed effect in your pots and grow moss on top.

Or you could even wrap the moss around several spheres piled into the pots.

Good luck!

j-chan, sooj... You could always try succulents. There are hundreds of interesting varieties that don't look like the sad little cacti you see at airport gift shops. I never know any of their varietal names, but am always seeing/buying interesting ones at farmer's markets and independent nurseries. You'll just need to make sure that they get sufficient light. I have some interesting ones that are very sculptural and Asian-feeling in their look (though they don't have the same verticality of wheat grass or horsetail reeds). Plus they are super low-maintenance and hearty plants! Email me if you'd like me to snap some pics for you.

I've got a question...I have a cal king bed (inherited from the ex when we broke up), and it's a great bed and all, but I'm having a heck of a time finding nice looking bedding for it. I love the stuff on Design Public, West Elm, even some of the stuff at Crate and Barrel, but all their king stuff is eastern...not california. :-( Where can I go to find nice quality modern looking designs that won't put me in the poor house? Thanks!

j-chan, sooj
Moss is a brilliant idea -- I wonder how well it adapts to indoors, but I guess yes, in a terrarium sort of way

If you're in NYC looking for succulents, the Botanic Gardens always has them for sale (Brooklyn garden for sure, Bronx garden probably)

adam--
I'll put my bed envy aside to suggest trying Garnet Hill. It's one of my favorite sources for bedding, though a trifle more conservative than some you list. Also, The Company Store.