apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

So, I am thinking about trying to make my own cat scratching post out of FLOR tiles. But, being really into instant gratification, I'd rather go buy them than order them. Where can I find a good selection? And is it possible to only buy two tiles? I'm thinking one for the bottom, and one to wrap around the post.

Is this a fools errand...? I know not.

hi aquarabbit. take a look at this recent post (http://sanfrancisco.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/051206/good-questions/good-questions-flor-in-the-hallway-008874) on flor tiles, and scroll down to sally's comment about flor at architectectural elements. sounds like you could go chat her up and take a look at their selection. also, check in tomorrow for a post on carpet tiles of a different sort...

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely check that out.

I noticed that that they also sell them at Echo Furniture on 24th street in Noe Valley, which is close to my house. I didn't have the greatest experience the only time I've ever been in there though... the guy seemed so completely humorless. Does anyone else have any experience with this store?

Hi Aquarabit,

We've actually bought a rug and a chair from Echo furniture. You're right, the guy is a bit humorless, but he did let us bring our dog in when we looked around and he delivered our stuff for free! Granted we only live a few blocks away, but still, I was impressed.

If you read National Geographic Traveler, you would have noticed a lovely little section featuring a walking tour of the Inner Richmond, Pacific Heights and the Mission. There isn't anything in it that we didn't already know about, but it's still fun to read if you're looking for ideas.

This one caught my eye: Rohan (3809 Geary Blvd; 221-5095), a mod club specializing in Korea rice liquor, sake, and Pan-Asian tapas plates. It's a favourite with the young set.

Now NGT, isn't exactly the Seventeen of travel mags, so I wonder what they consider to be "the young set?" Anyway, it's worth a gander if you want to swing over to your local bookshop. Or, I could try and scan it if anybody was interested.

Nic

P.S.- The Nina Simone Anthology. Add it to your collections.

Letting you Ivan Home devotees know that I've just updated Tuesday's post. . .

Nic --

If scanning it isn't too much work, I'd love to have you post a PDF of the NGT piece. Otherwise I'll just swing by a bookstore at some point.

Thanks!

I am looking for a specific fountain found in a picture. It is very clean lines. I'd love to post the picture but don't want to offend anyone with the nudity of the artistic scene...it is the fountain I am seeking and have not been able to find in a year.
any ideas for a clean lined tall, dark grey sleek fountain with water spilling from the top to a basin could be found?

Marcus:

The way I see it, you have 3 options:

1. email it to the "Good Question" column and let them make the decision.

2. Get a photobucket or flikr account and make a link to it from your name, with your disclaimer.

3. Use photoshop to put black bars across the naughty bits you think may offend more sensitive readers ;)

Jennifer --

Don't waste your money at ye olde bookshoppe; I actually have two copies (got two issues with my subscription). If you want, you can have one.

If not, no biggie; scanning it shouldn't be a problem at all. Just let me go find it in this mess of boxes I've never unpacked...

SUBURB REPORT: VALLEJO
I can't remember who was considering Vallejo, so I'll just post conclusions from yesterday's visit and hope the right person finds it.

VALLEJO
Welcome to the Schenectady of the Bay Area! There's something about the vast spread of older houses where you just know that downtown used to be a lot bigger and better, but too much was taken for urban renewal. The scanty remnants of downtown are perhaps more Gloversville or Oneonta than Schenectady... a bunch of antique stores, an aging waterbed shop... a police station that appears to be in a 1960s bank... The mystery is where there'd be a prosperous new suburban strip, and I think the answer is "Fairfield" or "Pinole."

There are incredible numbers of adorable bungalows, tiny Victorians, little 1960s houses, you name it, they've got it. Oh look! A little park with trees! Oh look! Two Victorian dingbats! Oh look! A Spanish Revival cottage! Oh look! The only things within walking distance are a tattoo shop, a thrift store, a used appliance outlet, and a restaurant that advertises donuts and hamburgers!

If the house and the job you commute to by ferry are the foci of your life, you're very easy-going about funkiness that verges on grittiness and sometimes goes all the way to decay, and you're willing to drive A LOT to do even basic errands, it could work. Bring friends; buy a neighborhood. Open a coffee house.

While I loathe Fairfield with an irrational passion, after Vallejo, its suburban bits have a certain plastic, superficial vitality.