apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Before buying furniture, you should check with your employer to see if you can get discounts from where they order their furniture from. I was able to save ~50% on all the Herman Miller for Home furniture I purchased. I wouldn't have even known to ask if a co-worker hadn't told me he bought himself an Aeron chair for home use through work.

excellent tip. In addition, many NYC stores will give their designer discount to retail customers if they ask. When that doesn't work, I am happy to get clients discounts if they just pay me for the hour it takes to purchase....

My ex-boyfriend has a problem with his landlord, Marie. Last September 9, there was a huuuuuuuuuge downpour, and his apartment (on the second of three floors) got flooded from above. The ceiling leaked in many places, paint bubbled away from the walls and ceilings, chunks of sheetrock got so waterlogged that they crumbled off...you get the idea. It was a total mess.
Here's the problem. Six months later, it's still a total mess. Marie has made an insurance claim, but no work has been done. The ex thinks workers were upstairs fixing Marie's daughter's apartment, but short of seeing the actual work being done, he can't prove anything. He's asked the landlord several times about when work will begin, but she has been evasive ("soon," "I keep calling and they don't show up," etc.). Add to this that she's suddenly decided that she doesn't like him as a tenant (taking too many showers was one of his offenses).
What can the ex do? He's a completely inoffensive guy -- definitely not having parties in the apt., picks up garbage (and dead pigeons, yuck!) from outside the building, and in general is conscientious. He's said he's going to start putting rent in an escrow account until the problem is fixed. Is there anything else/anything more he can do? I know sometimes contractors take a long time to be free to do work, but this is ridiculous -- esp. since I was under the impression that winter, now almost over, was a slower time for them. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

I don't know the answer to this one, but the friendly folks at 311 will. I do know that my contactors were less busy in the winter and a friend who'd done a bunch of renovation suggested that I use people in the winter because they'd be more flexible.

Mary-Thanks for the 311 suggestion, but unfortunately, the ex is in the 6th borough, Hoboken.
Perhaps it's worth mentioning (or just venting) that the last time his apartment leaked, her repairmen refused to do work on his apartment on the grounds that it hadn't been adequately cleared to give them work space. This after she had given him notice of work the morning of! Other than the fact that it's owned by someone totally shady, the apartment is great and the rent is awesome, of course, which is why he is so reluctant to just cut his losses and move out. Grrrrr...

Put ALL communications in writing, send all written communications by registered mail. Try "Help me Howard" or the "Shame on You" guy from TV.

And yet another reason to have renter's insurance... so the two insurance companies can duke it out, instead of you having to do it solo.

NYC tenant/LL laws will be different to NJ but something that may be the same is that in NYC there is a specific process that you must go through before withhoding rent (even in escrow). Patrick has already started the ball rolling - you must have written, registered correspondence with the LL first, wait for remedial action and then escalate if no action is taken but you must have it in writing first that you are going to put rent into escrow.

tenant.net is a great resource but it does focus on NY. It has one link to a NJ resource
tenant.net/Other_Areas/Newjers/nj1htm.html

I hope this isn't too off topic. I've been dying to ask this question all week, but held off until a Friday, when maybe it's okay for the discussion to veer a little off topic?

I got a new light laptop for work. I now take my computer back and forth to work with me almost every day and often take the computer with me on client visits as well.

Can anyone recommend a computer bag that can carry other items, messenger bag style? I want something that isn't ugly like the black blocky omputer bags sold at Staples and has room for paperwork, the Times, gym clothes, a few things behind the computer. My bag feels like my "second apartment," my home away from home, so I thought AT might be able to help.

Oh, and I'm a guy. Some of the great computer cases I've come across (MOMA store) seem to be made for women, purse-like.

The closest I've come to what I want is my current bag from SpireUSA.com, but it's a little dorky and oddly shaped.

Oh my goodness, you've tapped into my obsession from a year or two back. I scoured the face of the earth (really!) for a non-black, non-boring bag for my new PowerBook. At that point, there were less options than there are now.

I ended up with a red leather bag from www.levenger.com - their stuff is a little more traditional, less urban, but it looks very nice and has held up great.

Other sites I lingered over (I'm leaving off the more "girly" ones)

www.sfbags.com/ (I bought a laptop sleeve from them)
www.acmemade.com/
www.ebags.com
www.standardtm.com.au/shoulderbags
www.crumplerbags.com
www.laptoptravel.com/CarryingCases.aspx

Good luck!

Chris--
Check out the "Portable Gear" category under Mac Accessories on the Apple Store (apple.com, Store tab). Axio, Brenthaven, InCase and Timbuktu among the brands carried.

Chris -- Check out flight001 on Greenwich Ave or look at their site, flight001.com. Usually the selection is better in the store.

my husband uses a dj bag that looks really great! it's hip, not super obvious that it's holding a computer (safety first!) and is expandable to carry more stuff. it depends on your style, though, i suppose.

Lap top bags
www.axio-usa.com
www.booqbags.com/Search.bok?category=Laptop%20Backpacks

shock resistant sleeve that I have seen a lot of rave reviews about
shinza.com/product_info.php?products_id=46&osCsid=3bd4838f53b771a00e79d917ca9e7d67

Target has a very cute green one right now. I just ordered it, but haven't received it yet. It might be a little purse-like by a man's standards, but you should take a look.

I hadn't thought about the "safety first" reason of using a bag that doesn't look like you have a computer with you. Great tip . . . esp since I am always on the train light at night.

Thanks for all the recommendations. I've been peeking at the sites between work meetings. I like the Timbuk2, but it seems to me like lots of people have it. I love the idea of a custom, bright color inside the back so you can see where your gadgets are. And the idea of matching accessories is kind of fun too.

I have a beautiul Spire case, but I hardly ever use it. I just use my old messenger bag with a laptop sleeve to cushion the computer (I have a powerbook so I use the MacCase sleeve, but you can buy sleeves directly from messenger bag makers now, too).

btw, my first post -- but I love AT!!

Go to eBags and search for the "Lighting Messenger." It's an awesome bag with room for a laptop and more. It's also on sale for 29.95 with free shipping, so if you hate it (unlikely) you're not out too much. I've had one for over a year now and it hasn't let me down yet.

I bought my husband a bag from Ro. (www.gotoro.com) You can contact them to find a retail location. My hubby is really rought with his stuff (always brealing it...) This bag that he has had for a year looks brand new. Nice design above all.

I'm in need of therapy, because of my apartment!

My landlord has listed the building where I rent for sale, and I am getting calls from the real estate broker, wanting to show the apartment.

I work from home, and the calls and showings are beginning to negatively impact my work.

Anyone know if I have any rights of refusal to these showings? (my lease is still in effect-I am going to review it this weekend to see if there is anything obvious in it). If I have no literal legal rights, any suggestions on how to handle the situation with a modicum of grace (i.e. playing "nice-nice" with the landlord), while still getting the point across that this is negatively affecting my workday?

arrrggghhh, you may get more responses for this type of query on the craigslist housing forum

go to newyork.craigslist.org click on discussion forums and then housing
Maybe do a search first

Thanks jamie pup - I went to that forum as you suggested.

Sorry, I didn't mean to do a Friday afternoon buzzkill for the AT thread!

Dooney and Bourke has THE MOST GORGEOUS laptop case I have ever seen. Manly, elegant, hard case. But it's *very* expensive.

aaarrrrgggghh -- Have you tried simply asking the brokers not to call while you're at work? Give them your general schedule the first time they call [call between 5-7, I won't be around for showings during the week, etc.], and then screen your calls for their number. They aren't going out of their way to make you mad or disrupt your workday, even if they are pushy.

You should still have rights to your apartment even if they're selling it. Your lease is a prior agreement -- your lease and tenancy are part of what they're selling with the building -- and most of them come with clauses that let you decide when to end it. It's really very hard to evict people in the city, which is nice since so many of us are renters... Again, I don't know the exact rules, but people at 311 and nyc.gov will, and it sounds like jamie pup's craigslist forum will also help...

insurance -- My insurance on my studio apartment and posessions is just 200 or so a year, and since I own the place, I would have more to replace than a renter... like the bathtub, for instance...

Oh, and Molly -- Can't your ex-boyfriend do the old "borrowing a cup of sugar" trick and see if anything's changed upstairs? If he knows her, he should strike up a conversation about the flood and ask when her apartment is going to be fixed...

Why doesn't anyone design/invent a silent/somehow padded - deep sink to avoid the clanging and clashing of dishes against metal? It would have to be some cool, recycled anti-bacterial surface. It would also avoid shattering glasses etc...cuz clanging dishes against eachother and metal is as bad as the old chalk on the chlakboard. Now, I admit, I never thought of this until this morning when my husband was clanging away at the sink after my wonderful 9 months twin boys decided not to sleep last night. Is sleep deprivation the new mother of invention. Probably not.

lauried--there are many many other styles of sinks besides the stainless steel type. check out the Corian one-piece countertops with a sink in a single piece, for example.

loving flight001 and the ro bags...thanks for sharing the goods.

Arggghhhh, tell the broker that she can show only at certain times---like 12 to 2 tuesdays and thursdays and 6 to 7 on wednesday. She'll figure out a way to stick to that. And, if it suits you, have her email you when she has a showing instead of calling. Many brokers have blackberries now.

I use a padded laptop sleeve from TravelPro, then stick my laptop in whatever bag I feel like carrying that day.

The sleeve is pretty inexpensive anyway, but I got mine from eBay for like $15, and I've used it for a couple of years. I fly every week and it's saved my laptop more than once.

lauried -- I recently bought a undermount sink for my new kitchen that claims it will be muffled, but who knows if it'll work...

lauried -- I recently bought a undermount sink for my new kitchen that claims it will be muffled, but who knows if it'll actually work that way when installed... My ancient porcelain and cast iron sink was relatively quiet, but it stained if I left even a cup in it overnight...

aarrrgghhh - if it's any consolation, the brokers, for the most part, also don't want to show the unit while you're there - it's awkward for all parties and rarely results in a good showing. You absolutely have protections, and please keep this in mind - provided you're willing to leave at the expiration of your lease (lots of renters aren't), YOU'RE the one everyone should be very, very nice to. It's in the interest of the brokers, prospective buyers, and your landlord to please you. Write a note to your landlord stating at what times you are wiling to show the unit, as well as how much lead time you request. Provided your requests aren't unreasonable - and one of the open days is Sunday - you shouldn't have any problems. BTW, you can always refuse a showing. You're paying what most of the world would regard as a ridiculous amount of money for, among other things, the basic right known as "Reasonable Enjoyment of Premises."

I am relatively new to this website so I'm not sure if this is the proper place to post this, however I would like to pass it on.

I have been following this travel site that always provides great deals for airfare, travelguy. I in no way have any connection with this other than I enjoyed their service while they were still in business.

Recently they were unable to continue using their aol site and got shut down. I just recieved word that they have opened a new FREE website for airfare. The catch is that they currently are strictly doing fares to and from NY. I reside in Portland, Oregon so until they are able to expand their service they are of little use to me.

But since this is a site based out of NYC I figured many people could benefit from their service.

The web address is
travelguy.blog.com

If you're gonna travel I would recommend checking them out. They were and still would be the best site I have found for airfare until they got shut down.

Can anyone attest to the quality of modern repro's that one sees on CL ... such as saarinen, eames, arco repro's from made in italy bianca manufacturer etc etc?
Thanks.

Hi -

Anyone know a good furniture refinisher that's reasonably priced? I have a danish modern teak veneer table that has a bunch of water stains on it. Thanks.

I need help. My wife and I have a new Scavolini kitchen coming in 10 days, and I want to paint the wall behind it (it's in a temporary space as we do a complete renovation of our apartment). Unfortunately, I'm completely clueless when it comes to color. It's going to be along about 17 feet of wall, and is cobalt blue with a gloss finish.

We've only bought the base cabinetry for now, and are going to put a single glass shelf along the wall above to place our china. The shelf comes in 3-ft sections, and we thought it might be fun to paint under 1 section with blackboard paint (black). The problem is what to paint the rest of the wall behind. We have 11-ft ceilings (I know, I know), we essentially have a 17 ft x 11 ft space to paint. We're both open to experimentation (it's only paint, and it's not gonna be in that spot forever anyway), and would love to do something fun. We don't want to invest in any fancy-schmancy backsplashes, since this isn't the permanent configuration/location.

Home Depot's color matching service pretty much only suggested some boring greys and a muted brown. Does anyone with a better sense of color (or for that matter, whimsy) have any better suggestions?

Thanks so much. I plan on sending in a bunch of photos so people can follow along.

Ian -

Depending on how much whimsy you can take, Cobalt Blue might look pretty kicky with a really intense orange, such as the kind that they make some small household appliances and modern furniture these days. It's the complement (opposite) on the color wheel, because of the 3 primary colors, it contains the 2 that aren't blue in it -- so it should really POP. I think I would probably also want to use a gloss finish in this orange paint, while you're at it.

Otherwise, you could also do horizontal stripes of some neutral colors -- but they could be really contrasting shades. White and Black, Blue-Grey and Charcoal Grey. If you use blues, I would suggest that you actually make sure they contain cobalt blue in them, so they don't look too purple or too green or something and clash. If you're going to mix up a color yourself, I'm pretty sure there actually is a cobalt blue in universal pigment tubes.

Chris -

i recently just solved my "i need a new work bag" dilemma. try tumi.com they have a bunch of different styles. and they have a registration system where if your bag is lost and found, someone can call a number, report it being found and Tumi will return it to you. (too bad there's not a tracking device for if it got stolen). oh well.

does anyone know where i can get some cool outdoor foldable chairs for my back porch (don't trust the neighbors, want something i can carry in when i'm done enjoying the outdoors)? the buttefly chairs don't quite do it for me.

bridgett--
How about the canvas-covered Philippe Starck chairs that Target sells?

Ian--
What kinds of looks do you like? Does the kitchen open up to any other adjoining areas, and if so, what's the feel?

But hey, for someone unsure of color, kudos on taking the plunge with cobalt cabinets!!

I am looking for a simple, small, classic looking desk---basically something big enough to put a laptop on, w/a shelf below (or above?) for a printer. A sort of mini *workstation* for my home... any suggestions? Most *computer desks* are very modern looking, w/metal, glass, wire, etc. construction. I'd like something a little more classic looking.

Ian - how do you like your Scavolini kitchen? We are contemplating their cabinets right now and just curious...