apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Check out Design Sponge's 2007 Sofa Roundup at http://www.houseandgarden.com/trends/2007/07/sofas .

After months of searching I settled on a sofa that would fit through my narrow NYC door and fit past a really tight turn on the stairs. I was looking for a comfy sofa under $900. Finally settled on the Exeter sofa with rolled arms and wood legs in a rich cocoa brown chenille from www.divon.com . The sofa measures in at 82 inches long at the widest and is 36 inches deep and high. I settled on this sofa because its modular and is made to come apart (arms and back can be removed for transport). Had it for a month and its holding up well. Also has a good warranty policy so that was reassuring.

To remove really stinky pet urine smells from carpet and underlay - mix 1 cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide with 1 tsp baking soda and a dab of dishsoap. I mixed mine in a spray bottle, pulled up the rug and underlay, and soaked both really well in the offending areas. It took the smell away completely and did not wreck my carpet. I can't vouch that this won't ruin ANY carpet (such as wool etc.) but try it on an inconspicuous spot first.

I used SamaN wood stain to make my ikea pine furniture match the "black brown" ikea colour furniture I have, and I'm super happy with the results. Apparently, it's non-toxic and though I have no idea how green the stuff is, it definitely didn't have a smell.

All the water-based minwax and varathane products at my local hardware store seemed to be variations on the antique oak theme, but this brand came with a bunch of colours you can mix together to get what you want. For me it was easy as 1 part black plus 1 part brown = black brown.

I second Trumystique's experience with Divon - thanks to them, I have a lovely affordable sleeper couch (also very soft chenille) that never would have fit through the door otherwise. They have some nice non-MCM, non-boxy, choices for those who wish - I got the Elmgrove, and like its cozy curviness.