apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Just went to a single pier, the modern one of course. I was underwhelmed. There were some treasures and some prices were quite good I thought, but there is sometimes a fine line between "vintage" and "old crap", a very fine line. Saw vintage wannabes and lots of OC too. I just didn't see anything much to get gaga over. If I were looking for vintage clothing, eye glasses or radios, I would have been in heaven!

I've been talking to a few contractors about doing some work in my very small galley kitchen, and last week one of them made an interesting suggestion. I want to pull up the ugly linoleum, and am planning to put down ceramic tiles. He pointed out that the regular 10" (or so) square tiles would make my kitchen look even smaller because there would be so few of them. I'd had this thought before, but didn't know what to do about it. He suggested using small tiles, 1" or 2" squares. I'm wondering if this would make my kitchen look like a bathroom. Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

His reason is one reason that I had my kitchen tiled with tiny tiles; I didn't want people to be counting the tiles to be THAT aware of exactly how small the kitchen was. Plus, I felt like proper tiles would last longer. Also, since it WAS such a small space, even though ceramic tiles are more expensive, it was still kind of an affordable bit of luxury. You can see them in one of the pictures of my kitchen that's in the little link on my blue name here.

I chose an almost-black-and-almost-white checkerboard pattern at Grand Metro hardware on 96th and Broadway, because I thought it was such a classic pattern, plus it fit in well with what I was doing to the walls in there. And even though people were doing linoleum in kitchens when my apartment was built, I thought the pattern was pretty period-friendly.

Any reviews yet of the new host on Small Space Big Style?

Kathryn in Chicago has not been able to access the site since Friday. Does anyone know of any technical problems? She is having serious AT withdrawals!

I'm getting a permanent red spot on the part of my forehead that I keep hitting with the ball of my hand as I keep saying, "Dang! I forgot to watch this week," (to the "tune" of, "Wow! I could have had a V8!") for the last several weeks, except for this week, which I happened to see twice.

Honestly, if this host was a different one from the first one, I'd be hard put to distinguish them from one another in a police line-up. Maybe a tiny bit more animated?

Re: The Triple Pier Show
I had only a quick tour of the Pier Show, but definitely will be back next weekend for a longer, more thorough tour...(ps: to those who went this weekend, apparently many different dealers show up next weekend).

For those not acquainted, this is the three-headed mother of all NYC antique events, so hydrate, pack the Balance bars, wear the comfortable shows, and get ready for a marathon of a different sort than yesterday's sporting version (which, by day's end, had filled midtown with hundred of post-race, fat-free Europeans walking around in their mylar cool-down blankets, like so many walking pop-tarts. But I digress).

I only made it to the American and Modern Piers (and almost had to sprint to make one lap of each in the remaining time) but thought it was a great way to cover a LOT of dealers/antique types.

For those who thought the Modern Show (or the annual Folk Art show) was overly-curated (I don't agree, btw, but the subject did come up here) or was out of touch, price-wise, this is your show.

Much more "collectible" than "investment", and many more cash-and-carry type purchases to be made. Granted, far fewer large-scale pieces, less furniture in general, but a great way to satisfy your shopping itch with the cash you have on hand, with MANY bargains to be had (As an example, I looked at GORGOEUS hand-tinted bird engravings for $10 a piece, that typically sell elsewhere for $35-$225...)

As susiq mentioned, a huge area of vintage clothing too.

For sheer variety of dealers (odd specialists and many generalists!), an entertainment BARGAIN (especially with the reduced AT offer), and even the random celebrity sightings (Michael C. Hall of Six Feet Under and Cabaret; Rick Rodgers from OZ and Law & Order), this show is hard to beat on several counts.

And an excuse to be by the water at sunset/twilight is ALWAYS a good thing.

But go as early as you can, since some dealers were really itching to pack up and go by day's end.

And wear layers. For some reason, the temperature varied by about 20 degrees from one end of the pier to the other.

But GO!

Susiq, What a bummer! At least you went to check it out yourself. No desire to check out pier 90? Yes, there were a lot vintage clothing dealers this year, i.e. Fashion Alley. The first time I saw this show I was overwhelmed because of all the stuff - some really didn't look all that interesting at the time, only later did I learn that there was some great things I passed by (I found them later, in the shiny and expensive modernism shows). But, hey, thats how an Eye gets Developed!
Kate

Anyone get a free appraisal at Triple Pier?

If so, where is it (what pier) and how was it?

I've looked on the triple pier website, called the 212 #, etc. and can't get any info... apparently there are free, on-the-spot appraisals -- last Sunday and all of this upcoming weekend.

Curtis, thank you for the link to your pics! Your floor tiles definitely gave me some good perspective. Your walls also gave me some perspective, though of an entirely different type -- hats off to you; I have no idea how you got that done without throwing a bucket of paint at the wall in a fit of insanity.

Patrick (the other one) is right! Get to the Triple Pier Antiques Show early, uptown dealers, collectors and serious shoppers actually line up in the morning to get into the show on Saturday. Celebrity watching, yes there is that too, Bette Midler was there this weekend, I think I saw Uma Thurman, oh, Hilary Swank has been a devotee for years and last year in the NYT times she mentioned the show at least 4 times as a source for great things. Whoopi Goldberg and Rita Wilson were there last year. Next weekend there will be a special Restoration section - at least two of the best restorers in the nation will be answering questions and holding demonstrations next week: Brian Stair and Sheelin Wilson. I wonder what the most common problems with furniture are, glass rings on tables? Anyway, as Patrick (the other one) says, wear comfortable shoes! Oh! One more thing! I must be the only person in the world without cable but I will get it so I can see: Small Space Big Style!
Kate

For more information on Triple Pier, 212-255-0020, 305. Free appraisals are on pier 88. what number did you try?

I caught bits and pieces (sad, since it's not as if it's a 2-hour show) of SSBS this week, twice (the same bits), and I agree with Curtis. "hmmm, wow,that's interesting" in a monotone isn't exactly thrilling on camera. I just think this show has such potential that hasn't been unlocked. Not that I've seen that much of it...

I keep missing SSBS, too, and when I do catch it, it's one I've already seen. Also, I am totally ready for a message board for questions! And here's my first one: What is the smallest round table at which one could reasonably seat four people for dinner? Most of them seem to be 42", and that's too big for my situation. Are there standards for this sort of thing? (Off topic, sort of--but it does relate to the message board for questions!)

I just saw this on Craigslist:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/fur/109475208.html

Does anyone see anything "eames" about this chair???

Uh oh! Abuse of the term "Eames era" is spreading off eBay and into the broader culture.

Then there's my fave: "Victorian art deco."

Daine--
If "standard" 42 is not working for you, then, um, just use an "unstandard" diameter that does. Try some plywood or fome-cor rounds out first (for comfort-measuring only, not real dining!).

But ultimately, just use a size that fits you/your space.

But please oh please... don't "squeeze" people into a too-tight table. Nothing worse as a guest than to have to fear elbowing the neighbors with every bite.

I just had to direct everyone to this other post I saw on CL:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/gms/109430459.html

even the house is for sale in this one!

(can you tell I'm bored today!)

Oh, sure, the old "I'm joining a monstery" sale. ;)

Hey, anne, let's play hookie and hit ABC Carpet!!

I'm game! What are you looking for? Hey, the farmers market is open today, isn't it?

Your idea sounds better! I love a nice fresh farmer!!!

I'm looking to hire someone to help us with paint colors for our newly renovated apartment. The asthetic is modern and minimal, and maybe we'll mostly need help with various whites. But I'm also open to color. Any suggestions on how to hire such a person, or of particular color consultants? Thanks.

P2 - what is your favorite farm chore?

P2 - email me and let me know if you really want to meet up downtown.

addg1@verizon.net

Diane,
Maybe you could find a table with leaves or those sides that lift up (that's a technical term) or something? Could be smaller for non-entertaining occasions? Not that I have any good leads for you...but it's an idea.

Amy-

I'm available for such a thing, but P2 is also pretty dang savvy when it comes to color, and he's very good with various shades of white.

anne, i saw something today on the san francisco craigslist that referred to "the eames brothers." aargh!

A monstery definitely sounds more fun than a monastery.

Hahahaha - Eames "brothers"! Next thing you know we'll be seeing Louis XV pieces referred to as Eames pieces. Eames is becoming a verb just like google.

(I HATE these #s we have to type in to post something!)

Diane,

Christine is referring to a "drop-leaf table" and she made an excellent suggestion. It can go anywhere when it is not in use as a dining table. A couple of uses are: as a sofa table (both leaves down behind sofa)or a Demi-Lune or D-Shape table against a wall (perhaps in entry way).
Kate

Curtis and P2:

How can I contact you directly? Can you send me email info? I'd like to contact you both on the paint/color consultation front.

Amy

I'm generalaesthetic@yahoo.com

Totally off topic here, but who posted about how I could get rid of fruit flies way back? I wimped and didn't try it (the plastic wrap over a jar with the old fruit in it method). Well, I was bombarded with fruit flies once again and tried this method - tada! I'm fruit-fly-free! I can't remember if it was Enrique or Curtis or...? But - THANK YOU!

PS I've learned to recycle my empty wine bottles ASAP - leaving them under the sink seemed to draw the lousy little critters.

Libby -
It wasn't me, but good to know -- still not sure exactly what you were told or what you're saying that you ended up doing.

In no particular order, but you know who you are:

Dang, work got in the way of a lovely afternoon of produce fondling. Raincheck?

Plowing. Or anything with a hoe.

Monstery is the new ornage.

hatrickdesign@netscape.net

Kate and Christine,

Thanks, I am actually considering a drop-leaf table, but the problem is finding one whose leaves don't prevent you from pulling up to the table when the leaves are down. I am very frustrated because I just had new cabinets put in and if only the refrigerator were about six inches to the left, I could have a "normal" size table, but now I am doomed to having to squeeze between the table and refrigerator to get out of the kitchen. So I'm trying to figure out just how small I can go with the table. Grrr.

No problem! You can cash in the raincheck anytime.

Diane--
Not sure I am envisioning the layout correctly, but perhaps consider filling in that space with a counter, with nothing underneath but room for stools?

ps, Diane--
Per your original post, there is no such thing as "off-topic" on an open thread. As if that weren't painfully clear by now! ;)

O Libby, that was me with the fruitflycide trick.
You're welcome -- was it gruesome?

Thanks, patrick (the other one). Picture: On your right, a window seat flanked by two pantry cabinets. Directly in front of you, a door, with a refrigerator about 2 inches to the left of it. Some kind of table has got to go in front of that window seat, and it can't be very big or else there won't be enough room between the fridge and the table. And it's the only dining area in the house, so it has to seat 4 people. That's why I was wondering what the smallest reasonable size would be, although now I'm going to take your suggestion and do a foam board mockup. Believe it or not, there was a kitchen designer involved in this. If she or I had thought of this problem, the dang refrigerator could easily have gone six inches to the left. GRRRR!

Diane--
First of all, I think the table needs to be on wheels. (Seriously. You can get the kind that lock.)

Second, have you considered a shape other than round? What about a small-scale "racetrack" oblong shape, since it seems like how far it extends out from the window seat is not the issue, but how far it extends toward the fridge...?

Was also thinking that a baseball "home base" pentagon shape could get you the right number of placesettings (actually, one extra!) and still maximize the available flow around the table.

Two sports references! (horseracing is a sport!) So butch! :)

Can anyone give me some good hints about reupholstering? I found a great chair on the street but have no idea about cost, where to go to get it done, how to find fabric, etc. Thank you

I thought people here might enjoy this:

http://www.mcsweeneys.net/links/openletters/#ManWhoInstalledthe

Diane, if you are open to shapes that are not round.. I've got a small dining room and love the table I got from IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=12&productId=34772&langId=-1&parentCats=10105*10310

I keep it in the two-person shape, but open it up as a work surface for preparing meals and for use as a desk. It's really great!

I've seen other companies come out with their own versions lately too.

MESSAGE TO "DIANA" FROM MJ re: Apartment Therapy's Classifieds, Apartment Sofa for sale

Please email me with another email address where I can reply to because you have not been getting my replys. Thanks!

Doug - I LOVE that site!! I put it in my "favorites" and over time will read all the letters. The one to Cheney is priceless. I've already sent it to several friends.

Shoshana,
I bought a chair at a flea market for $13. I spent $275 to get it reupholstered (not including fabric and trim). And that was with a discount because I was using them for my client's work. Reupholstering is expensive (duh). You can do it yourself but I'd suggest a class first. You can also pay to have it done professionally in which case I'd call around and then go look at the work before committing. There are upholstery shops all over NYC. Here are some that I've seen printed in magazines that you can check out:

Mitchell, at Sew and Sew
165 West 4th Street, #22
New York, NY 10014
(212) 243-2778

Joe Upholstry Incorporated
315 W 39TH St Ste 3
New York, NY 10018-1412
(212) 290-2188

Baron Upholsterers Incorporated
545 W 45TH St Ste 3
New York, NY 10036-3409
(212) 664-0800

I haven't used any of them but you can at least check them out.

There's a guy in the Village who has a shop and also teaches upholstery but I can't remember his name. Someone here will know who I'm talking about. I just saw a spread on him recently in a design mag with him going thru the Chelsea flea market picking out good buys.

I found Patterson Silks to be pretty reasonable; they have several branches, but the one I went to was on West 72nd Street between Broadway and Columbus. There's this guy there who looks like he's about 116 years old, but he knows what he's doing. I also bought the material there. Their workroom is in Queens, so don't worry, he won't die in the middle of upholstering your chair.

What I needed happened to be a dull gold vinyl, which I think had probably been there forever, but I love it on my aluminum Good Form Chairs that are in my dining area.

Is Patterson still on W. 72nd? I thought it moved down to Union Sq. and then closed completely. But Curtis, you live uptown so you know better than I do.

There's several of them; and the Union Square one isn't the one of them to have closed, but 72nd Street is still there. The selection is nowhere NEAR that cavernous thing on 14th Street, but they had what I needed.

You can also buy upholstery fabric at ABC Carpet & Home. They have an enormous selection, but their prices for doing the work are completely obscene AND they're kind of lazy about what kinds of work they'll do.

anne -- There's a lot of good stuff there. It was (not sure if it still is) edited by David Eggers (A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genious). I am a big fan of the letter to the cat.

Anne, you are talking about The Furniture Joint and Matthew Haley. He's really helpful and very nice. Gave me an estimate on a piece of furniture. Cute, too! (At least in my opinion.) I know how much Apartment Therapy loves the good-looking men who can make your furniture look good, too!

Shoshana, I'm going to redo my super-loved sofa soon, and just ran across this yardage estimator. Just pick the pic that best reflects your piece of furniture and you have an idea of how much fabric you'll need.

http://georgemfabric.com/yardage.htm

Patrick & Chickpea: Well first of all, Patrick, you know, you have a very creative mind! I never would have thought of a pentagon shape, but you're right, that might neatly solve the problem. But it would be hell trying to find a tablecloth. Along the racetrack idea, Ikea has a table that is kind of a demilune with a rectangular drop leaf, but I think it's too big, and also poses tablecloth issues. Chickpea, how many people can you seat at your folding Ikea table (open and closed)? And thank you both for your suggestions.

Anne and Anne/first--
thanks for your help--I'll def check up on your leads. Has anyone read Marian McEvoy's gluegun book? The chair actually has fun upholstery--an almost iridescent green that feels like raw silk, it's just tearing at the arms. Maybe I can cheat and glue on some passimentarie (or however you spell that). Thoughts?

When closed, the table seats 2. When open, it seats 4 comfortably (one on each side -- the legs would probably interfere with comfortable seating of two per long side).

Yes! The Furniture Joint is what I was trying to think of. I haven't been there but I hear this guy is really good at what he does. You know, I think women in design fields are so "straight man deprived" that we are willing to gloam onto any man that looks good. Or, ah, am I just letting a secret slip out?

Shoshana, M. McEvoy's house is obnoxiously glue gunned. Man, I bet she glued her husband to something just to make him stick (no pun intended) around! I don't think there's a single surface in that house that she hasn't attacked with that damn gun.

Doug, I'm planning on spending free time now (seems I have A LOT of that lately, damnit) reading those letters. They are brilliant. Thank you for passing that site along to us.

I'm waiting for the day when the shows on HGTV fess up to the fact that labor is going to cost much more than the materials. When I see them doing shows for $500, $1000, $2000 they don't tell you that if you use anybody to do any of the work for you it'll cost more than you can imagine. Not to mention, getting RELIABLE labor is a headache in and of itself. And can someone tell me where you can paint to cover a room twice for only $20?!

Yes, all you AT WOMEN oohing and ahhing over the cute upholsterers/landscapers. You're SHAMELESS!! ;)

(The whole Marion McEvoy glue gun thing makes me a little sad and embarrassed.)