apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Happy birthday Ursula!
So how is living with a toddler in 250 sq feet?
I can't imagine.

I have just taken down nearly an entire wall of shelving and books (and emptied the shelves over the desk) so we can paint: and there is actually an echo in the room. I had no idea they had such sound absorbing qualities!

Happy Birthday, Ursula!

Ugg, nothing like an embarrassingly messy photo to inspire more curing...Fortunately this is one part of the project that the boyfriend is behind me on (new curtains, not so much), so I think we're going to get somewhere. The printer is really starting to die, so we're frantically researching to find a new all-in-one wireless model that is smaller than the current giant, and still reasonably affordable (I think I need to head over to AT:Hometech and ask some advice...). I'm also thinking about different wiring options for all the various electronics in that area. Something has to change!
The file cabinet is definitely going to be returned (thanks Alana! I just needed a little reassurance!), and I'm hoping to get that shipped out tomorrow - right now it's all in a huge box sitting in the middle of the living room and preventing all cleaning attempts.
Meanwhile I still have a lot of catching up to do on the Kitchen, and the closet by the door could use a little work (landing strip was already in existence pre-cure). The boyfriend is going away this weekend, and I'm excited to spend the entire time cleaning (he feels really guilty about this and finally picked up some of the crap on his desk. Yay!). I guess there will be some homework thrown in there too...

Glad to help Rosie.

Put on some great music while you're cleaning, plan a little reward for the end of your day and you'll have a great time.

I knew Ursula's birthday had to be coming up soon -- I remember how obsessively I was checking AT the day she was born! (and I know I wasn't the only one!!!) Happy 1st Birthday, Ursula!!!

I've been using a cold as an excuse all week, but I'm better now, so I actually did some curing this evening, working on the storage room. It's nearly set to rights now, and there's just a little tweaking for the landing strip (and I need to buy a new drill bit so I can put up the hooks I want for the L.S.) It feels good to be back at it again!

Happy birthday to Ursula! I can't believe it's been a year. Yes, ATers are inquiring: how goes it in the little apartment?

It's the weekend and I am planning to continue kitchen work, as well as a little front hallway cleaning -- I had pretty much done the front closet in week zero of the Cure and a landing area has never been a problem. But, the kitchen is a huge proposition to fall clean, so I hope to finish this weekend.

Also, my big focus for this Cure is to whittle down my repairs list and I will continue with that. I am hoping to select a new hot water heater this weekend, possibly the instant type. If I decide on one, I will be very, very happy.

Ah, yes, the hot water heater.

I suggested to the husband that we get an insulating blanket for it, this year. He counters with the suggestion we get a new one. Well, OK, but when? We'd have to (1) purchase it, (2) get someone to install it --and perhaps call in the gas people too, to hook it up. Not a project, financially speaking, we can take on before Christmas, really.

Thanks Pixie. I'll add "Insulating blanket" to my list of things to check out at the big box store this morning. I would have completely forgot without you. Let me know what you decide upon.

And I really should clean out the furnace filter too. Yuck. OK, maybe tomorrow. Just checked the forecast: high today 9C/48F, tomorrow, 14C/57F. I like to take it outside and hose it off rather than mucky up the bath tub.

Today, I paint.

ok, I was washing the walls in the bathroom this morning and I'm realizing that I'm not sure painting the walls is the way to go...there are many obstacles and protrusions in this small room and I'm not sure I'm going to get much bang for my buck...

So, I'm thinking about just painting the floor...has anyone painted peal and stick tile? They aren't horrific to begin with (well as unhorrific as peal and stick tile can be), and I rent, so again I'm wondering if this is a worthwile project...

Lost most of this week to my mother’s health issues, which are now, if not resolved, at least have been reduced to a dull roar.

I’ve decided to leave the closet doors alone. Once the novelty of “naked” doors wore off, it didn’t bother me. (The other closet doors in my apartment are and were unadorned.)

The hardware on the doors, however, is another story. They irk me. A few years ago I saw some handles that I liked – cut green glass with yellow metal bars to attach to the actual doors – rather like the handles one sees with case goods made in India, which is where I think the handles came from.

There used to be a basket of them at Sarajo, which closed and morphed into an Internet entity. I didn’t find the handles on the site when I looked. Does anyone know of a source for such handles or something of that ilk?

Also finalized my list of things to discuss with the organizer when he turns up on Tuesday. The question of which is more pressing, the books or the files, may also be one of quantity or quality. We shall see….

JonathanB -- Get the help with the files as the higher priority. Books have their pleasurable side even when chaotic. Files -- no. Not unless you're storing files of love letters from a fling with Bavarian royalty or some such.

***

Ursula's 1 already? Wowza!

Inquiring minds really want an update now that she's at the age to start switching from crawling to walking. Is the plan still to save up and acquire a larger raw space when she's old enough to sit down and demand her own room?

I didn't get much time to do my cure this week so I'm gonna try and do more this weekend, even if I have plans already (a friend is having a house warming!). I ordered samples from 3form so I can pick one for a new tabletop panel for my landing strip chest. I'm also half done on cleaning the walk-in closet and I have 4 boxes of STUFF waiting for pick-up tomorrow. (Thank God for the nice church folks near my house, they come to your house to get the boxes.)

Got the name of a guy to install the backsplash.

The magazines still need to be taken car of... *sighs*

Anyone know how to get candlewax off of candleholders?

pixie- freeze the candleholders and the wax will chip right off. Alana- alot of water heaters now do not need insulating blankets- and are not helped and actually hurt by them. Please check before buying one. When we got our new water heater they told us not to put one on it.
Maxwell- Happy Birthday to Ursula! My son (Maxwell too) is 3 1/2 now and I loved the age from 1 to 2. They learn so much so fast and really turn into little people that you can communicate with- they also run around alot. Good luck!

Thanks for the heads up lorijo. I'll check on that. Turns out the Big Box was out of them. The water heater was here, though, when my husband bought the house 12-13 years ago, so it is definitely NOT a new one.

And Jess2Nola: don't paint peel and stick tiles in a rental. If they're OK, then don't get into the hassle. I was wandering around on the other cure sites and it was either LA or Chicago--but someone had a whole flickr tutorial on laying a rubber mat floor. That looks doable.

Some colourful towels and a great bathmat, shower cutains and, even shelving can go a long way to re-make a bathroom. If you want to spend money and do a project in there--what about the lighting?

JonathanB--I vote for files, too.

I bought this iron deer at Zone to use as a coat hook for guests. Its small and whimsical, I love it!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1038/1460183510_63a7617048_b.jpg

I'm going to install it on the low wall left of my door. But I'm wondering if I should paint it red like the door? I'm not sure the rusted iron finish is the best look for it (although I do like it).

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1391/1431159344_3fecd2e30a_b.jpg

thanks Alana, that's what I was thinking after staring into the bathroom half of the day...I just needed someone else to say it...

Jess2nola -- Here's the tutorial that Alana mentioned. (It's LA Cure, done by goodnightdean.

thanks Wende, I has just given up searching for it...

has...had...I really wish you could edit your comments...

We're having some friends over Sunday night so I plan to catch up on cleaning all day Sunday! I'm actually looking forward to it as things have been so crazy around here. We killed an enormous cockroach last night and although we're fairly certain it came inside in one of our many packages we've received lately, it has definitely motivated me to scrub my floors.

Boyfriend and I took a day trip up to Hyde Park today too! It was quite an exciting trip for people who don't own cars... We saw FDR's house, Presidential Library and Museum, as well has his Top Cottage hide-away, and Eleanor's Val Kill cottage. Geeze. Talk about some gorgeous furniture. It was a really fun day, especially for two history majors. I would reccomend the trip up there to anyone in the area (You can take the MetroNorth from Grand Central to Poughkipsie for $25 and then there's a free shuttle to the historical sites)! It was a really really fun day.

THEN, on the way back to the train station (on the shuttle bus) we passed a gorgeous 50's teak cradenza sitting in front of someone's house with a huge FREE sign on it. I almost died. How I hate to be car-less sometimes :( :(

Sorry, Jess2nola--I should have gone looking for the link for you.

I'm in one heckuva sleep deprived haze these days.

I went to Ikea today. 37 and a half weeks pregnant. I'm drained, and typing this one-handed with my head resting against a cupboard door. ;-)

The good news is, I did pick up some storage boxes and tubs for my toddler's bedroom and the final bits and pieces I needed for the kitchen - condiment trays, appropriately-sized draw dividers etc. And I ruled out some other possible stuff I was thinking of using once I saw it in person.

I feel a bit fuzzy and off-track, cure-wise. I think it's time to make a new to-do list and blog some progress.

No problem Alana, and thanks again...it does look like a do-able project...

Phillippa, that was very brave of you...I love Ikea, but it exhausts me on a good day...and last time I was there I think the off-gasing got to me and I returned home with a dizzying headache...

Jonathan I can't wait to here how it goes on Tuesday...how exciting...

Maxwell, thank you for the kind words. Lorijo's words are so true -- that we are closer for having been to each other homes than regular internet friends often are. I am glad that it gave you some perspective on being a father -- treasure every moment (as I'm sure you do)!

Here is the link to Olga's amazing DIY apartment, a picture of which was posted above and in my style tray: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/house-tours/inside-out-olgas-diy-like-youve-never-seen-diy-011333

I really have not gotten much done this week, but hopefully today will be more productive!

jess2nola - I used peel and stick tile in my kitchen and you know, I'm really impressed with how well it's holding up (not a single problem since I installed it about 9/10 months ago!). Of course, it mostly only endures my petite barefoot/socked frame and my cat's little feet. Your place may get lots more foot traffic. My tiles look really good (I went with a blonde wood parquet style). Laminates have come a long way. Whatever option you choose may work. I just worry for all the environmental changes your bathroom will go through (dry then steamy and wet). Don't know how the tile will hold up in that. Good luck!

Jess2nola- I have peel and stick flooring in my dining room , hallway, and kitchen. It's 3 years old now (when we moved in the flooring was HORRIBLE- I was very ill with cancer and pregnant and we were broke) and it has been great! We got the really really thick kind at Home Depot- Holds up well- (you can see it in most of my FLickr pics) even by the front door were it gets a lot of wear and water- we are rough on our flooring-dog, cat, and 3 yr old. It's not permanent- I figure we will re floor in another 5 years. But, I don't regret doing this at all....

Great deer/coat hook Eve! I'd leave it the rustic iron color. :)

Eve, I'm very jealous of the deer coat hook. And I have no idea where all of you find the time to blog so much! Its all I can do to blog once/twice a week! I got my landing strip finished-all I really had to work with was my front door. Its metal and I had to find lots of magnetic storage thingys (thanks Container Store!). Pics if anyone is interested-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12724657@N04/1463211593/

I have to say, after completing the landing strip, I really do get out the door faster in the morning.

I can hardly believe that I'm doing this in the middle of the Cure, but I have had or am having dinner or lunch guests three times in four days, or maybe four times in five days, including lunch for 50 people today.

What makes this possible is the sukkah. I was diverted from Curing by building it, but it's sort of the suburban equivalent of entertaining friends at a restaurant or café in the city - that is, in the suburbs in the summer and fall, you can entertain outdoors.

Sometimes. On Friday evening it started to rain heavily just as the guests arrived. The dining room isn't finished, but with the chandelier (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1008/1397728699_7448b76a71_m.jpg) installed and the table in place at least it was possible to eat there. Having worked on the kitchen first helped a lot with all the cooking.

hi, has anyone purchased stuff from hivemodern.com? i want to pick up something small and was wondering what your experience is with shipping/returns/exchanges. thanks.

Okay everyone, I need your help.

My living room is going along smashingly! Here's what it looked like before:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mteson/49396522/

Here's the current state:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mteson/1464493475/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mteson/1464493483/

As you can see we've come a LONG way in terms of decluttering and opening up the space. One problem - There's a massive white wall that's just BEGGING for painting. What I need is a recommendation for an accent color to paint that big white wall. We intend to paint it, then either paint a mural tree (like Eric and Ammo) or use blik to make something cool there. We're still mulling over those options, but picking an accent color will be a BIG help. We like the red of our rug and the green of our curtains, but we want to make sure we don't overdo a specific color. Is there any other color that would work there?

Any suggestions?

I need help with my landing strip. Specifically, I need help figuring out how to stow away our bags nicely, without impacting traffic flow. Maybe the answer is to put them somewhere else, but this would not be part of the natural flow, and therefore wouldn't happen naturally. The closet in the background is for kitchen storage. Let's assume for now it is not an option. A bench would be great - this is where we would take off/put on shoes in the winter time - however I think benches generally would be deeper than desirable...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51036534@N00/1464598031/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51036534@N00/1465452162/

Anyone?

You can try hooks or a coat rack-type thing, but that may be an inelegant solution and it might not match your decor. On the other hand, The Container Store has LOTS of different hook options, you might find something you like. A few modernish coat rack hanging thingies would get your bags off the floor and wouldn't sacrifice flow to a piece of furniture.

What about using the kitchen closet door? Can you put hooks or something on that? Do those bags have to go there?

(PS - you have a gorgeous apartment)

Eve,
How about painting on some silver paint but then wipe most of it off? Then you'll have the best of both worlds; it will still be aged but also tie in to your door hinges, handle and the lamp on your landing strip.

I had a good Cure weekend. I got a lot done in the kitchen, although it's not finished. I also did the front hall and washer/dryer nook (front closet was already done during week zero)--that only took about an hour.

The kitchen is stretching out over several weeks, since going through and cleaning and considering everything is a big job. The next week in the Cure is the living room, also not a big deal for my place, since I keep it up and there's not much in there besides furniture and cat toys. A bit of catalog tossing, perhaps. So, since a holiday weekend is coming up, I'll finish the kitchen then.

One of the things I like about the Cure is that it gives me the space and structure to systematically go through the whole condo, clean it and see everything I have and think about why I have it, get rid of stuff, and optimize the space.

Ok, here are my week 3 accomplishment pics...
http://blackwhiteyellow.blogspot.com/

Ace, your home is beautiful...you have to get those bags off the floor...

If you check out my pics I have hooks, which work well for me...but I'm not sure that would be the solution in your space...do the bags have to go on that wall?

If yes, I think a shallow bench might be the solution...

JanelleP that ispiration board above is so lovely...I absolutely love the sea urchins...I can't wait to see pics of the results

It's slow going for me. It's hard to keep my focus to one room at any given time.

Yesterday, my shopping cart broke down as soon as I got out of the elevator in the basement. I was on my way to the libray to donate some more books, but never made it. I left everything in the basement along with a note. Less than an hour later the super rang my doorbell and asked that I round up whatever's not taken by tomorrow night and dispose of it properly. oh well...

And today, I had to go to the Time Warner branch out in queens to get a new cable box. Technology is great, except when things break down. My cable, internet and digital phone services were caput when that box died.

But I did get a few things done:

* moved the TV/VCR/DVD units inside the non-working fireplace on a "temporary" storage shelf.
* bought a 3"x5" zebra rug on sale at Urban Outfitters. It's gonna go between the sofa and TV
* got rid of more books
* all DVDs are now in sleeve binders instead of bulky cases

Last night I moved my printer from the bottom of my kitchen stand to the tv stand. This freed up the space to put my toaster and george foreman on the shelf of the kitchen cart instead of on the counter space, thus I have more precious counter space!

At one point, I said I was gonna do a one-room Cure on the Master Bedroom. So:

On Friday night, I sorted out some books and got rid of a few, put others away elsewhere. Saturday I re-arranged the 'annoying' wall in the master bedroom, hung the print, and hung a painting we'd been keeping in the closet till we found where to hang it. Doing all this freed just enough space to properly put away things that had been under the couch, so that was done.

Now, I'm starting in on the main room. The bedroom looks SO much better, it's amazing, and makes me feel bad about the living room. So that is next. We are *definitely* getting a couch in the spring, though.

I know I haven't posted any pics, but all I have right now is a my cell phone for taking them. I can post those if anyone would like me to? When I get the wire (eventually) for the dig cam, I can upload before pics of the bedroom.

Kitchen gets streamlined everytime I cook. And the holidays are coming :D

Eve, Love that deer hook! What about glossy black or glossy white? I think that would look smashing on your red door. Though, I like the current rustic look of it too.

I have basically done nada except re-read the book. I've realized that I really do most of what Maxwell talks about already in the whole house cure (like regular cleaning and not having a bowling alley) but that i don't really need a one-room cure either. I have a few things that need to be taken care of throughout my apartment, though I'm interested in redesigning my bedroom. But, right now, I don't have the time or money to put into it. So, I think I'm going to dial back and tackle a small list of cleaning and repair projects and begin the planning for the bedroom. What I don't want to do is feel pressured to grab whatever I can afford right now (i.e. lots of "carb" stuff). And i don't want to go piecemeal--I'd rather do it all at once.

Ace - gorgeous place!

Jess2Nola - love your blog, congrats on all the accomplishments!

I did very little curing this weekend, the Mets broke my heart :( I have made some tiny progress but I left my memory card at my work computer and couldn't take new pics to update. Will do tonight.

I know this topic has been discussed before--but landing strips: necessary? Or, rather--necessary right at the door? I have just always felt that if I put more stuff in my door area, it would just clutter it up and thus clutter up my living room which my door dumps me into. I have a coat closet near my kitchen that I put coats in. I drop my bags on my bench that is beside my door and then move them to a chair back or to the coat closet. My shoes, I line up under the bench and eventually move to my clothes closet. Keys are on a hook in the kitchen, where I also sort my mail. I stick the stuff that needs to be shredded inside my coat closet where I keep the shredder (this is actually a bad habit because then the "to shred" pile piles up) and the recycling in the kitchen. I have my "bills" and correspondence solution on my blog: http://compassandcoffeespoons.typepad.com/compassandcoffeespoons/2007/09/organizational-.html

Just curious if anyone else out there is in a similar boat....I keep contemplating other solutions, but then think "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

A lot of us (myself included) aren't disciplined enough to go into a whole other area of the house to put everything away. That's why having it at the door makes sense - it's the first thing you do when you get home.

I know when I used get home and there's no landing strip action, I used to plop my keys in one place, throw my coat on the couch (even though there's a closet where it technically belongs) and my girlfriend used to put her purse on the kitchen counter (even though there was a table that would do better). Making the landing strip has killed all that. Now we always know where stuff is.

That having been said, if you have a system that works for you and keeps the outside world outside, and you're disciplined enough to use that system exclusively, then you should be set.

I finally got my first wall covered with fabric yesterday! It has taken us a few weeks to find the fabric, and it was a bit of a chore to get it up, but much easier than wall paper. It will be easier to remove when we move too because it is just starched to the wall. It was the dividing wall between our living room and kitchen.

My wife and I also plan on covering the wall above our heads in our bedroom, we just need to make space in the living room in the bedroom.

Christine (the one in DC) - I don't have a landing strip per se. I already had a system that works great for me: when I walk in the door, I have a long hallway with a closet on one side and a skinny bench on the other. I hang my keys on a nail protruding from the brick wall (found organizer!), hang coat or whatever in the closet, put gloves and hats or whatever on hanging fabric shelves in closet, and sit on the bench to take off my shoes and put those in the closet. The bench also serves as a place for things going out that I don't want to forget.

Then, I bring the mail into the kitchen and either immediately deal with it - bills and important papers to inbox on desk, catalogs and magazines to their appropriate places, and junk is shredded with my shredding scissors or filed in my bag to shred at work. Occasionally, I won't deal with the mail for a day or two, other than taking out the important stuff, but it never piles up. Thank god I do that right.

Christine (the one in DC) - my landing strip is our kitchen table and the top of a DVD shelf next to it. Cell chargers and key holders are right there. By using the kitchen table I am *forced* to put things away ASAP (personal pet peeve: Kitchen table must be clear if it's not in use for something).

Your Cure sounds like mine - no cash and not really the problems he is talking about. Do what you can, and use the extra time to research your furniture: longevity, ease of use/upkeep, ease of moving it later, etc.

That said - any one had experience with Crate & Barrel beds? I found one we both like (Giselle? link is at home) and want to make sure it's sturdy. Cats, child, big move later, etc. It will get abused.

Michael K, do you have pics?

Thanks EastVillageAmy...

Christine, I really think its all about what works for you...if you have a system that works for I say go with...

To me the landing strip is meant to be a filter from the outside world...so I like it right at the front door...but I don't think it necessarily has to be on display...

Well, the minute I hit "submit" Maxwell will have the new post up, but since we all want that to hapopen sooner than later, I'll go ahead.

I'm debating whether or not to keep the drawer supports besdie my desk light--or whether I should go dark to match the computer desk. All the considerations are here;

http://prairiehometherapy.blogspot.com/

Thanks for any input.