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Open Thread 675
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(Image: The dinnerware at left is Royal Copenhagen's Blue Fluted Mega Pattern, a modern interpretation of their classic Blue Fluted Pattern, designed by Karen Kjældgård-Larsen)

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can anyone help with the link to the kitchen makeover in a rental place which someone did with black and white FLOR tiles? I can't find the link...
thanks!

posted by Louisa on November 4th 2008 at 6:55am
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Hi,
I am looking for a lace wallpaper/ wallcovering. Any idea if such a thing exists?
I would love to use something that actually has holes which you can see the wall through (minty green) but if not, create a similar effect.

Thanks!

posted by deca~log on November 5th 2008 at 6:05am
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Hi, can anyone give me their thoughts on this table and chair paring

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LXm97HuTcLc/SRBJbtkLHzI/AAAAAAAAAfA/4rnU-h9I4e4/s1600-h/IMG_0546.JPG

Its a tulip table with tolix chairs and i feel like its missing something, maybe just something on the table?

posted by CaliinFrance on November 6th 2008 at 6:00am
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The chairs and table look great together but the wide open white space is what is throwing it off. maybe placemats or a vase with flowers or just a larger round bowl (with or without fruit). Maybe do a round mat in the middle under the vase or bowl. You could also put small long rectangular pillows on the chairs in a fun print and then tie the same colors into whatever you do on the table.

posted by Enamorada on November 6th 2008 at 6:08am
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Chris--

If you are out there and still want to buy my kitchen stools from the AT Classifieds, I sent you back a response... they are still available.

Contact me at hatrickdesign at aim dot com.

posted by patrick (the other one) on November 6th 2008 at 7:50am
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Just something on the table. And perhaps on the wall behind it.

For some reason, perhaps because of the garden-nature of the chairs, I'd love to see something in zinc on that table.

For the wall, a print or painting that pulls in some darkness from your couch, perhaps with just a substantial black frame.

posted by patrick (the other one) on November 6th 2008 at 7:53am
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thanks!!

posted by CaliinFrance on November 9th 2008 at 5:17am
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Anyoen have suggestions for a small-scale dining table (maximum about 48" long) with at least one drawer for storage? I am semi-flexible on style/color, but I gotta have the drawer!

Thanks!

PS - deca~log ... I saw a post (on AT, I think?) where someone took actual lace, tacked it to the wall (or a canvas?) and spray-painted over it to transfer the relief of the lace. Did I explain that correctly? I couldn't find the post that I am thinking of, but it was a lovely effect.

posted by robyn on November 10th 2008 at 6:34am
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OH... here is the lace painting!!

http://www.shelterrific.com/2006/10/25/try-this-at-home-lace-paintings/

posted by robyn on November 10th 2008 at 6:35am
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Anyone up for a tiny design challenge? I'm trying to rearrange my living room. Here is a link to the layout: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ooh_food/3005710563/

and here are the room pix: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ooh_food/sets/72157608233873546/

The goal is to make it feel like a cohesive, cozy space, despite it being the pathway between two rooms.

Thanks!

posted by ooh_food on November 10th 2008 at 9:35am
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ooh_food
You have a really nice place! As for layout ideas - I'd try some different angles/orientations. Maybe try the sofa on an angle in the same corner with the floor light behind it? You're right about avoiding damage to the large painting from people's heads - so why not swap it for the small works on the opposite wall. I think the pairing of large painting with small furniture and small paintings with large furniture might give some balance.

Remove the small stack of books to the right of the large bookcase and push the whole bookcase over to be more centered on the wall and give more space around the nice window. (And, looks like you could use another or larger bookcase!)

In the kitchen I'd try pulling the table out from the wall so that you can fit a chair near the radiator and perhaps not have one near the door. There is something nice about working in a position where you face the room - since you use it as a desktop too. It might prove too crowded, but I think worth a try. I could even imagine putting the table into the living room, actually. That would definitely help with the 'how to hang out' problem, but the bookshelves would probably need to move into the kitchen or bedroom to have enough space for that.

And I think I see you have a 4-poster bed? That would explain the need for the orientation you have, but I would definitely push it more towards the radiator so that it isn't smack in the middle of the room and the entrance way.

posted by home body on November 11th 2008 at 6:03am
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Homebody,

Thanks so much for some great tips! I moved the chair into the kitchen and moved the big bookshelf over (centered on the wall). It looks so much more open!

I've tried to angle the couch in a few ways: on the right as you walk in to the living room, facing down and left (same orientation as the rocking chair) and then facing toward the right, on the left side. Both ways kind of just look like i pulled the couch away from the wall to vacuum underneath, unfortunately.

I am thinking about getting another loveseat and putting it on the far left wall, facing the other one. It would feel crammed on that side but it might work.

As for the bookshelf, I'm desperately looking on CL for another. I had built-ins at my old place.

Thanks for your help! I'm still working it out bit by bit.

posted by ooh_food on November 11th 2008 at 11:37am
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ooh_food--

I'd replace the kitchen table, crammed in a corner, with a floating island, in front of which you place stools. Then place a small round table and two chairs in your living room where your two chairs are now.

Is the room wide enough to run the sofa perpendicular to where it is now?

I'd also play around with the placement of your bed. Don't be afraid to place furniture in front of the radiators as long as you provide some circulation clearance.

I vote no on the dueling loveseat idea. I think it will only heighten the fact that you have a long room with circulation running down the dead center of it.

posted by patrick (the other one) on November 12th 2008 at 7:36am
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The kitchen is kind of set as it is (Room & Board $$$ purchase, the kitchen is HUGE--begging for a large table--coupled with the fact that I have dinner parties regularly) but I will definitely try the sofa switch. You mean facing out into the room in front of the radiator, right?

Where did you mean to add the small round table? (The chairs are now on opposite sides of the room.)

Thanks!!

posted by ooh_food on November 13th 2008 at 2:29pm
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ooh_food--

Yes, facing out in the section of the room where it is now (so, on the floorplan, at the very bottom facing up). Anchor that area with an area rug that extends only to the edge of your circulation corridor and float one interesting-from-all-angles upholstered chair to define the outer edge of that seating group (hence defining the circulation path behind it).

Have you tried the dining room table in your main space? Maybe even at a forty five degree angle (so it makes a "diamond" on your floorplan) so chair access is easier.

Since the kitchen *is* huge, I still vote for trying to find a stand-alone island that still accomodates seating on the living room side, but will give you more prep/storage space and east up that space (in a good way). I guess I am not a fan of an eat-in kitchen for dinner parties.. but I certainly wouldn't refuse the invitation!!! :)

That also frees up some (but don't fill it all) kitchen wall space with shelving that perhaps mimics your kitchen cabinetry but is stand alone... and ain't no rule that kitchen cabinets have to house kitchen items...

posted by patrick (the other one) on November 14th 2008 at 1:20pm
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I also like that pulling a dining-type table out into your living room also gives you a worksurface when necessary.

posted by patrick (the other one) on November 14th 2008 at 1:21pm
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I'm selling my sofa on the AT classifieds but they always seemed to buried that I wonder if anyone looks at them. Anyway, take a look and get back to me if interested. I need to make way for the new sofa that's going to be delivered next weekend.

posted by anne on November 15th 2008 at 2:55pm
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to buried = so buried

posted by anne on November 15th 2008 at 2:55pm
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Is anyone looking to adopt a kitten (or two!)? I am currently fostering two adorable little ladies that are up for adoption through Anjellicle Cat Rescue.

Their pictures are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/suziegoombs/sets/72157608814315158/

Please email me if you are interested! I promise you will fall in love with them the minute you meet 'em.
amanda.coombs@yahoo.com

posted by suziegoombs on November 17th 2008 at 3:30pm
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Is anyone here familar with Gus Modern furniture?? No retailers in my area carry it and I'm curious about the quality of the Thomspon dining chair. Anyone have anything to say for/against them? I'm looking for a chair to pair with a Bludot strut table in ivory if you have any other recommendations.
http://www.designpublic.com/shop/gus-design/6116

posted by Lo on November 18th 2008 at 10:05am
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ooh_food,
I'd put the couch on the opposite wall (top of the plan) and put it's back to the window so that you open up that space.
Then I'd put your two comfy chairs facing the couch to make a conversation area.

You could create another conversation area on the other side of the room, or pull your dining table in to create a more formal dining space (which can be used as a workspace too, as mentioned above).

Good luck!

posted by revolution9 on November 19th 2008 at 10:33am
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I'm looking for some color advice. I'm trying to pick out some fabric for bedroom curtains. Our room is painted a light blue and most of the linens and furniture are white, tan and stained wood. I want the room to be soothing and sort of outdoors in feeling, but not too "blah." I am leaning towards a chartreuse fabric with blue roses on it to add a little interest to the space, but I'm afraid it might be too much. There are pictures at the link below.
www.vintage-green.blogspot.com

Thanks!
elissa

posted by elissa on November 20th 2008 at 12:41pm
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oops, apparently the link didn't work.

maybe this time:

http://www.vintage-green.blogspot.com/

posted by elissa on November 20th 2008 at 12:42pm
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Does anyone have any creative ideas on framing photobooth photos? My fiance and i have a bunch of strips, and we'd like to present them somehow. Any advice? Thanks.

posted by swizz on November 20th 2008 at 2:51pm
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is the giveaway page working for anyone? It loads but then the only thing that actually has a link to a contest is the lamp. Nothing else works?

posted by jmorey on November 24th 2008 at 11:46am
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Does anyone know of a refinisher who specializes in lacquer? My mom has a high quality circular dining table currently in storage. It is way too country for my taste but lacquering in black, white or even a fun color, might make it work. Any recommendations in the NY to Baltimore corridor would be much appreciated. Thanks!

posted by GracieO on November 24th 2008 at 12:05pm
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New giveaways appear on the page at noon, 1pm and 2pm EST, daily.

posted by Aaron on November 24th 2008 at 12:08pm
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I am looking for an orange faux bois/woodgrain pattern rug. I feel like there was one on the market a few months ago, but maybe I am imagining it. I really want one to anchor my white/chrome dining table. Does anyone remember seeing one? I've seen the green one at Pottery Barn, but that color just will not work.

posted by homebody on November 24th 2008 at 1:59pm
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Elissa,

I feel like the bright green one looks a bit funny next to the more pastel blue. Can you go with a more pastel or washed out color scheme? I like the idea of a pattern but maybe something with a gray or white background?

posted by ooh_food on November 24th 2008 at 2:40pm
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homebody--Martha Stewart has one through Safavieh: http://www.safavieh.com/ms_detailpage.php?item=MSR5843D

(or at least used to)

posted by ooh_food on November 24th 2008 at 2:48pm
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I'm confused. What happened to the thread? I don't know if anyone was able to answer this, but I'm reposting.

I'm looking for an orange faux bois/woodgrain rug. I thought that I had seen one before. I tried Google to no avail. Has anyone seen what I'm talking about or am I going mad?

posted by homebody on November 24th 2008 at 8:50pm
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Elissa.
I love the green and blue rose fabric in your room! Since it's not a whole wall of curtains or anything, just the half window, I think it is fine. I like the pop. Plus, the green will kinda "blend" in with the green outside.

posted by Enamorada on November 25th 2008 at 10:08am
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I have been searching for a ceiling fixture for a couple months now. I fell in love with Stonegate Designs' Semi-Flush Classique Pendant, shown here... looking for 20" or larger.

http://www.stonegatedesigns.com/detail11_2.asp?ID=291&product_name=Classique

I'm looking for a retailer that might have this on sale or suggestions for something similar, but cheaper.
Thx Apartment Therapy!

posted by ccull05 on November 25th 2008 at 9:25pm
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