Massive organic and gourmet food market less than 1 block away? Check.
www.wsmarketnyc.com
All I have to say is 10 different kids of fresh, prepared tofu salad. Ya hear that? Brilliant.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Union Sq Greenmarket
Farmers market 2 blocks from apt? Check.
http://www.edinformatics.com/culinaryarts/food_markets/union_square_greenmarket.htm
Union Square Farmer's Market operates year-round and is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
http://www.edinformatics.com/culinaryarts/food_markets/union_square_greenmarket.htm
Union Square Farmer's Market operates year-round and is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
emotions of color
(from creativebehavior.com. thanks bok bok!)
Applying color principles fosters desired audience response. Warm colors tend to "move toward you" while cool colors tend to "move away from you." So a designer can use warm colors for emphasis and cool colors to minimize emphasis. Brighter colors attract our eyes first, and if overused, can cause visual confusion. Overusing a bright color as an accent reduces its effectiveness.
Emotional responses influence color considerations, and differences in color value and intensity can evoke very different emotional reactions. Light red is associated with cheerfulness, but bright or dark red can induce irritability. Light yellow-green is associated with freshness and youth, but the darker shade olive is associated with drabness and decay. Light sky blue is associated with tranquility, but the deeper value indigo is associated with depression.
Basically, in North American mainstream culture, the following meanings are signaled by color:
Red: urgency, passion, heat, love, blood, excitement, strength, sex, passion, speed, danger
Yellow: warmth, sunshine, cheer, happiness, cowardice, brightness
Blue: truth, dignity, power, coolness, melancholy, heaviness, trust, reliability, belonging, coolness
Orange: playfulness, warmth, vibrant
Green: nature, health, cheerfulness, environment, money, vegetation, nature, fresh, cool, growth, abundance
Purple: wealth, royalty, sophistication, intelligence, royal, spirituality, dignity
Pink: soft, sweet, nurture, security
Black: sophistication, elegant, seductive, mystery, death, rebellion, strength, evil
White: purity, cleanliness, lightness, emptiness, pure, virginal, clean, youthful, mild
Gold: prestige, expensive
Silver: prestige, cold, scientific
List above compiled from www.ergogero.com/FAQ/Part5/2Meaning.html and www.keysteps.com/Tips&Articles/feature3.htm
Notice how a particular color may have both a positive and negative connotation? This emphasizes the importance of careful color selection and coordination.
Different cultures interpret colors differently, and a savvy Web designer can avoid disappointing results and costly re-works by some upfront cultural research. "White is the color of death in Chinese culture, but purple represents death in Brazil. Yellow is sacred to the Chinese, but signified sadness in Greece and jealousy in France. In North America, green is typically associated with jealousy. People from tropical countries respond most favorably to warm colors, people from northern climate prefer the cooler colors" according to Keysteps. [www.keysteps.com/Tips&Articles/feature3.htm]
Imagine the negative first impressions made by selecting a culturally offensive site color scheme. That's only one example of why it's time well-spent considering how color choices support a site's message, its target audience preferences and demographics.
Written by Maura "Chip" Yost'sThis article originally appeared in WebReference.com
Applying color principles fosters desired audience response. Warm colors tend to "move toward you" while cool colors tend to "move away from you." So a designer can use warm colors for emphasis and cool colors to minimize emphasis. Brighter colors attract our eyes first, and if overused, can cause visual confusion. Overusing a bright color as an accent reduces its effectiveness.
Emotional responses influence color considerations, and differences in color value and intensity can evoke very different emotional reactions. Light red is associated with cheerfulness, but bright or dark red can induce irritability. Light yellow-green is associated with freshness and youth, but the darker shade olive is associated with drabness and decay. Light sky blue is associated with tranquility, but the deeper value indigo is associated with depression.
Basically, in North American mainstream culture, the following meanings are signaled by color:
Red: urgency, passion, heat, love, blood, excitement, strength, sex, passion, speed, danger
Yellow: warmth, sunshine, cheer, happiness, cowardice, brightness
Blue: truth, dignity, power, coolness, melancholy, heaviness, trust, reliability, belonging, coolness
Orange: playfulness, warmth, vibrant
Green: nature, health, cheerfulness, environment, money, vegetation, nature, fresh, cool, growth, abundance
Purple: wealth, royalty, sophistication, intelligence, royal, spirituality, dignity
Pink: soft, sweet, nurture, security
Black: sophistication, elegant, seductive, mystery, death, rebellion, strength, evil
White: purity, cleanliness, lightness, emptiness, pure, virginal, clean, youthful, mild
Gold: prestige, expensive
Silver: prestige, cold, scientific
List above compiled from www.ergogero.com/FAQ/Part5/2Meaning.html and www.keysteps.com/Tips&Articles/feature3.htm
Notice how a particular color may have both a positive and negative connotation? This emphasizes the importance of careful color selection and coordination.
Different cultures interpret colors differently, and a savvy Web designer can avoid disappointing results and costly re-works by some upfront cultural research. "White is the color of death in Chinese culture, but purple represents death in Brazil. Yellow is sacred to the Chinese, but signified sadness in Greece and jealousy in France. In North America, green is typically associated with jealousy. People from tropical countries respond most favorably to warm colors, people from northern climate prefer the cooler colors" according to Keysteps. [www.keysteps.com/Tips&Articles/feature3.htm]
Imagine the negative first impressions made by selecting a culturally offensive site color scheme. That's only one example of why it's time well-spent considering how color choices support a site's message, its target audience preferences and demographics.
Written by Maura "Chip" Yost'sThis article originally appeared in WebReference.com
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
i want blue walls
and i found the most amazing paints on the ralph lauren site... and i can go here for them... (must remember, must remember)
RRL Bleecker
390 Bleecker Street
New York, NY
10014212-462-4390
and if it will work, this is what you NEED to see. right now. http://rlhome.polo.com/rlhome/products/paint/items.asp?haid=48&f=lp&start=0
if you go there you can scroll to the bottom and from the hint of red, through the purples, and into the deep blues... you see what i have been seeing in my head. i love this pallet. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
RRL Bleecker
390 Bleecker Street
New York, NY
10014212-462-4390
and if it will work, this is what you NEED to see. right now. http://rlhome.polo.com/rlhome/products/paint/items.asp?haid=48&f=lp&start=0
if you go there you can scroll to the bottom and from the hint of red, through the purples, and into the deep blues... you see what i have been seeing in my head. i love this pallet. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Monday, November 13, 2006
more ideas for apartment decor
The beautiful rooms featured here were the result of a joint project undertaken by the National Paint and Coatings Association and Woman's Day magazine for an article in the May 1981 issue of the magazine. Themed, Paint Tricks, Techniques and Treatments, the idea of the project was to actually transform a new, unadorned home with interesting uses of paint. The association hired an interior designer to create a houseful of fresh and exciting paint uses for the Virginia home chosen for the project. The result was a house with paint that looks like paneling and paint that looks like a satin wallcovering — rooms that were architecturally bland became stunning with rich new color combinations and clever paint tricks. The house became a showcase for the special versatility and beauty that only paint can offer in home decorating.
Perhaps the best aspect of the paint treatments used in the house is that they can all be done by the do-it-yourselfer with this explanation of how the techniques were done — a helpful guide whether you plan to do the painting yourself or oversee a contractor's work.
Living RoomThe living room in the house selected for the project was long and narrow. It had only two small windows at the front of the room, and no architecturally redeeming features.
Color and unique paint treatments were used to change the room from average-looking to something special. The walls were painted peach and the ceiling became sky blue — to brighten the dark room. A deeper peach was used to paint a ceiling border, since no decorative molding had been built into the room. The final distinction was made by outlining each window with a floral stencil to accentuate the floral fabric of the draperies. The back wall of the room was painted a shade lighter than the other walls. This helped to offset the problem of limited natural light
StencilingThe stencil pattern used in the living room is versatile — designed to work well with many different floral prints simply by changing the colors. Other stencil designs may be purchased at decorating centers and craft stores. Or, if you aren't satisfied with what is available in stores, you can make your own stencil using materials available in most office or art supply stores.
Here's how:
Find a design that you like or use your creativity to design your own. A simple pattern is best — one that will be easy to trace, cut out, and paint.
Transfer the design onto a piece of clear acetate by tracing it with a wax pencil.
Using an artist's knife with a #11 blade, carefully cut out the design.
To apply the stencil design to a wall:
Measure the stencil as well as the distance of the area you will apply it to.
Compute how many times the design will be repeated, allowing for a neat arrangement at corners.
Hold the stencil in place and lightly mark the wall where the design should appear. You might want to reverse the design by flipping the stencil over each time it is painted, creating a more interesting pattern.
Before painting, tape the stencil to the wall to keep it in place.
Using fine artist's brushes, a sponge brush, a regular bristle brush, or even your finger, outline or completely fill in the design with either a latex or oil-based interior paint in your choice of colors.
Work slowly and use a small amount of paint on the applicator.
Wipe off the stencil each time it is moved to prevent paint smears.
Painting a Ceiling BorderBuilders rarely include crown molding in a new home these days. Homeowners can install it themselves as a decorative accent, or they can paint a border at the ceiling line as the designer chose to do in the living room, master bedroom and study of the house. To paint a ceiling border in a room of your house:
Prime the ceiling and walls.
Measure the border using a wooden yardstick to ensure a straight line. Mark the outer edges with a pencil or chalk. (Our living room border extended two inches onto the ceiling and three inches down onto the wall. In the master bedroom and study, the border extended two inches onto the ceiling and four inches onto the wall.)
Cover the sections of the ceiling and wall adjacent to the border with plastic tape. (We suggest using a plastic tape designed for painting racing stripes on automobiles. Unlike paper masking tape, the special tape will not allow paint to seep beneath its edges. It can be purchased at well-stocked paint stores or auto supply stores.)
Paint the border in your choice of interior wall paints.
Allow the border to dry, then remove the tape from the ceiling and walls.
Tape the border for protection while painting the walls and ceiling. Remove the tape when all walls have dried.
Dining RoomThe dining room in the home had similar beginnings to the living room — it was a bland room with no architectural details. The designer decided to remedy that situation by continuing the tudor theme found on the home's exterior. She had the ceiling painted mauve for a flattering dining atmosphere and she suggested a sand finish textured paint on the main part of the walls for a stucco effect.
A special paint treatment which simulates fine wood paneling was used for trimwork and the lower third of the walls and became the room's best feature. Without fail, first-time visitors to the house thought the dining room had been paneled and had difficulty believing that it was a creative paint treatment instead!
Simulating Wood PanelingThe simulated wood paneling effect was achieved with wood molding and tinted glaze. Glaze, a versatile coating used for many special paint techniques, can be purchased in ready-mix form at good paint stores. To get a certain color, the clear gaze is tinted with universal tinting colors — also available at well-stocked paint stores. Here's how you can use wood molding, paint and glaze to achieve the same wood paneling effect in your home:
Install crown molding along the ceiling line and chair rail molding about one-third of the way up the wall. Between the chair rail molding and baseboard, install strips of panel molding in evenly spaced rectangles.
Prime the molding with an alkyd enamel undercoat tinted slightly with universal tinting colors to match the color of the base coat of paint.
Lightly sand over the primer coat.
Caulk the molding at the joints.
Fill all nail head holes with putty.
Apply the base coat of paint to the crown molding, window trim, chair rail molding, baseboard, and the wall section below the chair rail. To determine what color base coat to use, select a sample piece of real wood paneling you would like to copy. Match the base coat to the lightest shade in the sample. A paint retailer will match and mix it for you.
Next, tint your glaze with universal tinting colors. Match the glaze coat to the darkest shade in the sample piece of paneling. Use a ratio of between 5 and 10 percent tinting color to the amount of paint -- or, less than one pint of tinting color per gallon of paint. We recommend adding a small amount of tinting color and then testing the mixture on sample wallboard. Keep adding the tint and testing the glaze until you get the exact color you want.
After the paint base is completely dry, brush a coat of the tinted glaze over it.
Allow the glaze to set about 10 minutes so that the solvents it contains may evaporate. Timing is important the glaze should set (it will begin to look dull), not dry.
Using coarse, dry brushes brush the surface in the order and directions shown in figure 2. You will probably need both a two-inch and a four-inch brush. The brushing directions are important in achieving the wood grain effect, so work carefully. If a section of the wall is too long for one smooth brush stroke, brush in from each end and blend the strokes by overlapping them near the middle of the panel.
Next, splatter a small amount of glaze lightly onto the wall and molding with a stiff-bristle brush. This prevents a too-perfect look by creating slight variations in the depth of color and by subtly adding texture to the finish.
Let the glaze dry for 24 hours and protect the finish with a low lustre/satin varnish.
Master BedroomA shimmering deep blue wall created with a special paint combing technique — lent luxury to the master bedroom. A putty color paint used for trimwork and the adjoining dressing room worked well with the blue to add a warm, welcoming feeling.
Combing A WallThe bedroom wall looked as if it were covered in moire -- an expensive, satin-like fabric — but it was actually combed paint. The technique of paint combing is done by first covering a wall with one or two coats of regular paint. Next, a coat of glaze is applied over the paint base. Then a toothed instrument is used to comb through the glaze. The result of this special paint technique is so beautiful that it may seem difficult to achieve, but you'll be surprised how easily you can create the same effect:
First, apply a primer-sealer to the walls, tinted to match the color you plan to paint the walls.
If you are combing only one wall as an accent, paint the other walls first.
For the paint base on the wall to be combed, mix the color you used on the other walls with white paint. (Combing will darken the color of a wall.) A 50/50 ratio is recommended. However, if you choose to make your accent wall darker than the others, don't lighten your wall paint.
Tint a ready-mix glaze with universal tinting colors to match the color of the wall (see glaze tinting instructions).
After the paint has dried, brush the glaze over the entire wall.
Allow the glaze to set about 10 minutes — until the surface begins to look dull. Be careful to let the glaze set not dry — or it will be impossible to comb.
Combing, or striating is done with a metal paint comb made specifically for this type of work, and available at well-stocked paint stores. (Although the bedroom wall was combed straight down, combing can be done in any direction. Another popular version is cross-hatching — combing the wall once straight down and once across the wall horizontally. Or, comb the wall diagonally — starting at the upper left hand corner and working toward the lower right hand corner. If you are really adventurous, comb in wavy lines instead of straight ones!)
Comb the wall twice, overlapping the second line between adjacent comb strokes
Wipe the glaze off the comb after each stroke to prevent glaze from building up. Don't worry about keeping a steady hand or applying consistent pressure — these inevitable irregularities help create the satiny appearance you want.
Allow the glaze to dry for 24 hours, then apply a low lustre/satin varnish for protection.
Perhaps the best aspect of the paint treatments used in the house is that they can all be done by the do-it-yourselfer with this explanation of how the techniques were done — a helpful guide whether you plan to do the painting yourself or oversee a contractor's work.
Living RoomThe living room in the house selected for the project was long and narrow. It had only two small windows at the front of the room, and no architecturally redeeming features.
Color and unique paint treatments were used to change the room from average-looking to something special. The walls were painted peach and the ceiling became sky blue — to brighten the dark room. A deeper peach was used to paint a ceiling border, since no decorative molding had been built into the room. The final distinction was made by outlining each window with a floral stencil to accentuate the floral fabric of the draperies. The back wall of the room was painted a shade lighter than the other walls. This helped to offset the problem of limited natural light
StencilingThe stencil pattern used in the living room is versatile — designed to work well with many different floral prints simply by changing the colors. Other stencil designs may be purchased at decorating centers and craft stores. Or, if you aren't satisfied with what is available in stores, you can make your own stencil using materials available in most office or art supply stores.
Here's how:
Find a design that you like or use your creativity to design your own. A simple pattern is best — one that will be easy to trace, cut out, and paint.
Transfer the design onto a piece of clear acetate by tracing it with a wax pencil.
Using an artist's knife with a #11 blade, carefully cut out the design.
To apply the stencil design to a wall:
Measure the stencil as well as the distance of the area you will apply it to.
Compute how many times the design will be repeated, allowing for a neat arrangement at corners.
Hold the stencil in place and lightly mark the wall where the design should appear. You might want to reverse the design by flipping the stencil over each time it is painted, creating a more interesting pattern.
Before painting, tape the stencil to the wall to keep it in place.
Using fine artist's brushes, a sponge brush, a regular bristle brush, or even your finger, outline or completely fill in the design with either a latex or oil-based interior paint in your choice of colors.
Work slowly and use a small amount of paint on the applicator.
Wipe off the stencil each time it is moved to prevent paint smears.
Painting a Ceiling BorderBuilders rarely include crown molding in a new home these days. Homeowners can install it themselves as a decorative accent, or they can paint a border at the ceiling line as the designer chose to do in the living room, master bedroom and study of the house. To paint a ceiling border in a room of your house:
Prime the ceiling and walls.
Measure the border using a wooden yardstick to ensure a straight line. Mark the outer edges with a pencil or chalk. (Our living room border extended two inches onto the ceiling and three inches down onto the wall. In the master bedroom and study, the border extended two inches onto the ceiling and four inches onto the wall.)
Cover the sections of the ceiling and wall adjacent to the border with plastic tape. (We suggest using a plastic tape designed for painting racing stripes on automobiles. Unlike paper masking tape, the special tape will not allow paint to seep beneath its edges. It can be purchased at well-stocked paint stores or auto supply stores.)
Paint the border in your choice of interior wall paints.
Allow the border to dry, then remove the tape from the ceiling and walls.
Tape the border for protection while painting the walls and ceiling. Remove the tape when all walls have dried.
Dining RoomThe dining room in the home had similar beginnings to the living room — it was a bland room with no architectural details. The designer decided to remedy that situation by continuing the tudor theme found on the home's exterior. She had the ceiling painted mauve for a flattering dining atmosphere and she suggested a sand finish textured paint on the main part of the walls for a stucco effect.
A special paint treatment which simulates fine wood paneling was used for trimwork and the lower third of the walls and became the room's best feature. Without fail, first-time visitors to the house thought the dining room had been paneled and had difficulty believing that it was a creative paint treatment instead!
Simulating Wood PanelingThe simulated wood paneling effect was achieved with wood molding and tinted glaze. Glaze, a versatile coating used for many special paint techniques, can be purchased in ready-mix form at good paint stores. To get a certain color, the clear gaze is tinted with universal tinting colors — also available at well-stocked paint stores. Here's how you can use wood molding, paint and glaze to achieve the same wood paneling effect in your home:
Install crown molding along the ceiling line and chair rail molding about one-third of the way up the wall. Between the chair rail molding and baseboard, install strips of panel molding in evenly spaced rectangles.
Prime the molding with an alkyd enamel undercoat tinted slightly with universal tinting colors to match the color of the base coat of paint.
Lightly sand over the primer coat.
Caulk the molding at the joints.
Fill all nail head holes with putty.
Apply the base coat of paint to the crown molding, window trim, chair rail molding, baseboard, and the wall section below the chair rail. To determine what color base coat to use, select a sample piece of real wood paneling you would like to copy. Match the base coat to the lightest shade in the sample. A paint retailer will match and mix it for you.
Next, tint your glaze with universal tinting colors. Match the glaze coat to the darkest shade in the sample piece of paneling. Use a ratio of between 5 and 10 percent tinting color to the amount of paint -- or, less than one pint of tinting color per gallon of paint. We recommend adding a small amount of tinting color and then testing the mixture on sample wallboard. Keep adding the tint and testing the glaze until you get the exact color you want.
After the paint base is completely dry, brush a coat of the tinted glaze over it.
Allow the glaze to set about 10 minutes so that the solvents it contains may evaporate. Timing is important the glaze should set (it will begin to look dull), not dry.
Using coarse, dry brushes brush the surface in the order and directions shown in figure 2. You will probably need both a two-inch and a four-inch brush. The brushing directions are important in achieving the wood grain effect, so work carefully. If a section of the wall is too long for one smooth brush stroke, brush in from each end and blend the strokes by overlapping them near the middle of the panel.
Next, splatter a small amount of glaze lightly onto the wall and molding with a stiff-bristle brush. This prevents a too-perfect look by creating slight variations in the depth of color and by subtly adding texture to the finish.
Let the glaze dry for 24 hours and protect the finish with a low lustre/satin varnish.
Master BedroomA shimmering deep blue wall created with a special paint combing technique — lent luxury to the master bedroom. A putty color paint used for trimwork and the adjoining dressing room worked well with the blue to add a warm, welcoming feeling.
Combing A WallThe bedroom wall looked as if it were covered in moire -- an expensive, satin-like fabric — but it was actually combed paint. The technique of paint combing is done by first covering a wall with one or two coats of regular paint. Next, a coat of glaze is applied over the paint base. Then a toothed instrument is used to comb through the glaze. The result of this special paint technique is so beautiful that it may seem difficult to achieve, but you'll be surprised how easily you can create the same effect:
First, apply a primer-sealer to the walls, tinted to match the color you plan to paint the walls.
If you are combing only one wall as an accent, paint the other walls first.
For the paint base on the wall to be combed, mix the color you used on the other walls with white paint. (Combing will darken the color of a wall.) A 50/50 ratio is recommended. However, if you choose to make your accent wall darker than the others, don't lighten your wall paint.
Tint a ready-mix glaze with universal tinting colors to match the color of the wall (see glaze tinting instructions).
After the paint has dried, brush the glaze over the entire wall.
Allow the glaze to set about 10 minutes — until the surface begins to look dull. Be careful to let the glaze set not dry — or it will be impossible to comb.
Combing, or striating is done with a metal paint comb made specifically for this type of work, and available at well-stocked paint stores. (Although the bedroom wall was combed straight down, combing can be done in any direction. Another popular version is cross-hatching — combing the wall once straight down and once across the wall horizontally. Or, comb the wall diagonally — starting at the upper left hand corner and working toward the lower right hand corner. If you are really adventurous, comb in wavy lines instead of straight ones!)
Comb the wall twice, overlapping the second line between adjacent comb strokes
Wipe the glaze off the comb after each stroke to prevent glaze from building up. Don't worry about keeping a steady hand or applying consistent pressure — these inevitable irregularities help create the satiny appearance you want.
Allow the glaze to dry for 24 hours, then apply a low lustre/satin varnish for protection.
Walls, Windows and Floors
advice from move:
The designer's motto is: If your walls, windows and floors are well taken care of, all else will fall into place. You'll be surprised how attractive curtains, a tasteful arrangement of artwork and thick, quality rugs on your floors really make your room feel warm and complete.
Put these on your shopping list:
Collection of a series of old botanical prints, maps, paintings of animals or ceramic plates
Curtains or shades in colorful, quality fabrics
Architectural salvage to create a "built-in" dimensional feeling
Paint on the walls, if your landlord agrees
Large area rugs in living room and bedroom, even placing on top of wall-to-wall
Create a custom look with highly-styled designer curtain rods and finials.
Make good use of unique scatter rugs for kitchen, hallways, bathroom.
Whether braided ovals, flat dhurries or bound Wilton remnants from your local carpet shop, rugs add warmth and color while absorbing noise. Be sure to use a quality pad.
Curtains are apartment essentials for privacy in living room, bedroom, kitchen and bath. Make yours full and dramatic in olive velvet, shapely and natural in burlap or muslin, romantic and ruffled in chintz. Curtains let your personality shine through and suggest a polished finish. Create a custom look with highly-styled designer curtain rods and finials. Look for elegant gold-brushed artichokes, acorns, lions' heads and abstract geometrics.
Tricks of the TradeSearch for four tall, old shutters at a garage sale or flea market. Prop them up on the windowsill, gently leaning their tops against the window frame to create a fitted wooden "curtain."
Instead of hanging one lonely picture, cover your walls with a collection of photos.
Create a "wallscape." Instead of hanging one lonely picture, cover your walls with six botanical prints arranged in rows, a collection of rich green majolica plates, 12 black-and-white art photographs framed with extra-large matting. A collection is better for filling the big expanse of walls often found in newer apartments.
Use old architectural salvage crafted from wood or iron. Find an interesting piece the width of your door and hang directly above it to fake a molding or door surround. Seek out interesting, carved pieces featuring fruit, eagles, cherubs or iron grillwork.
Not enough can be said about the power of color. In many states, a landlord is required by law to paint an apartment before any new tenant moves in. Ask him if a pale shade of blue, salmon, yellow or cream could replace the stark "apartment white" (paler colors are easier to paint over later). Painting even one wall gives a room an immense lift and acts as a mood enhancer—it's worth asking your landlord.
Use storage solutions that do double duty as display. Hang eight attractive hat hooks in your tiny entryway to show off your straw and woolen hats. An iron pot rack hung from the kitchen ceiling displays your basket collection. A coat rack in the boudoir turns into an elegant display of lacy lingerie and silk robes. Use tables that have shelves beneath for holding books, magazines and pottery.
The designer's motto is: If your walls, windows and floors are well taken care of, all else will fall into place. You'll be surprised how attractive curtains, a tasteful arrangement of artwork and thick, quality rugs on your floors really make your room feel warm and complete.
Put these on your shopping list:
Collection of a series of old botanical prints, maps, paintings of animals or ceramic plates
Curtains or shades in colorful, quality fabrics
Architectural salvage to create a "built-in" dimensional feeling
Paint on the walls, if your landlord agrees
Large area rugs in living room and bedroom, even placing on top of wall-to-wall
Create a custom look with highly-styled designer curtain rods and finials.
Make good use of unique scatter rugs for kitchen, hallways, bathroom.
Whether braided ovals, flat dhurries or bound Wilton remnants from your local carpet shop, rugs add warmth and color while absorbing noise. Be sure to use a quality pad.
Curtains are apartment essentials for privacy in living room, bedroom, kitchen and bath. Make yours full and dramatic in olive velvet, shapely and natural in burlap or muslin, romantic and ruffled in chintz. Curtains let your personality shine through and suggest a polished finish. Create a custom look with highly-styled designer curtain rods and finials. Look for elegant gold-brushed artichokes, acorns, lions' heads and abstract geometrics.
Tricks of the TradeSearch for four tall, old shutters at a garage sale or flea market. Prop them up on the windowsill, gently leaning their tops against the window frame to create a fitted wooden "curtain."
Instead of hanging one lonely picture, cover your walls with a collection of photos.
Create a "wallscape." Instead of hanging one lonely picture, cover your walls with six botanical prints arranged in rows, a collection of rich green majolica plates, 12 black-and-white art photographs framed with extra-large matting. A collection is better for filling the big expanse of walls often found in newer apartments.
Use old architectural salvage crafted from wood or iron. Find an interesting piece the width of your door and hang directly above it to fake a molding or door surround. Seek out interesting, carved pieces featuring fruit, eagles, cherubs or iron grillwork.
Not enough can be said about the power of color. In many states, a landlord is required by law to paint an apartment before any new tenant moves in. Ask him if a pale shade of blue, salmon, yellow or cream could replace the stark "apartment white" (paler colors are easier to paint over later). Painting even one wall gives a room an immense lift and acts as a mood enhancer—it's worth asking your landlord.
Use storage solutions that do double duty as display. Hang eight attractive hat hooks in your tiny entryway to show off your straw and woolen hats. An iron pot rack hung from the kitchen ceiling displays your basket collection. A coat rack in the boudoir turns into an elegant display of lacy lingerie and silk robes. Use tables that have shelves beneath for holding books, magazines and pottery.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Wednesdays - Flamenco at enyay (N)
Last night I went to see Alex's cousin, Laura, and her boyfriend, David, perform Flamenco at an awesome tapas restaurant called N (but the spanish N - with the accent on top). They perform there every Wednesday from 8-10. It's at 33 Crosby between Broom and Grand in Soho. Must keep this in mind - I'd love to go back! The shrimp tapas were excellent. The cod-filled peppers were awesome. the gazpacho had chunks of watermellon... YUM. the sangria was so good but I don't think it had any alcohol in it.
The FLAMENCO performance was even better than the one I saw in Barcelona this summer!
The FLAMENCO performance was even better than the one I saw in Barcelona this summer!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
quantum leap natural foods
thompson between w 4th and bleeker?
vegitarian with fish. low dairy content in food. YUMMY. this was a great, mellow place that was laid-back with very chill and attentive staff. i had curry vegi stew and on that cold, gray day it was PERFECT and amazing. and the brown rice had lentils in it. i give it 3 1/2 stars (out of 4). also known for the brunch, vegi burgers and sandwiches.
vegitarian with fish. low dairy content in food. YUMMY. this was a great, mellow place that was laid-back with very chill and attentive staff. i had curry vegi stew and on that cold, gray day it was PERFECT and amazing. and the brown rice had lentils in it. i give it 3 1/2 stars (out of 4). also known for the brunch, vegi burgers and sandwiches.
1 week down
Well... 1 week down and I've scored an apartment in Chelsea that I officially move myself (and necessarily my stuff) into 11/17. so fast, so sweet, love it. i'm living in a studio apartment in a really quiet yet central location and i am so excited about it. my mind is overly occupied with thoughts of separation. physical separation, that is... my 'main room' from my 'bedroom' in my 'one room.' thoughts of plants and asian screens and curtains and hanging windows and connected old doors. none of which strike me as the product of the creativity in my mind and within my mentor friends. so i keep thinking.
Friday, November 03, 2006
loft sites
i have no idea how to live in a studio so i'm thinking i need to have a loft build. the new zealand guy named mike (?) will build it, so i'm brainstorming. suggestions welcome. it really can't be looking like a dorm bunk bed and for some reason that's all i can picture...
http://www.loft-beds.net/
http://www99.shopping.com/xGS-Dorm_Loft~NS-1~linkin_id-8002381~r-1~CLT-INTR~RFR-search.yahoo.com
http://www.loft-beds.net/
http://www99.shopping.com/xGS-Dorm_Loft~NS-1~linkin_id-8002381~r-1~CLT-INTR~RFR-search.yahoo.com
Thursday, November 02, 2006
friends... we have lift-off
today i signed my lease! uhhhh-HUH. and it's become clear to me that i move faster than anyone. i took the second place i saw and it's a super cute place and amazing location. as the days have past i have thought long and hard about my decision to live there and i have only had positive and exciting thoughts and emotions. this place has good energy. i can feel the universe and its forces encouraging, nodding and embracing this decision.
here is one listing for my apt that i found online...
Large loft like studio! Big, open space with high ceilings and two closets, one being a walk in. Open kitchen with two large windows. Dressing area leads directly to full windowed bathroom. Beautiful grounds with open air garden, elevator and laundry on site.
i'm sure this will be disabled soon, but here are photos of the plce today: http://www.citi-habitats.com/popfiles/show_pictures.php?adID=714310
AND the best part is... when i saw it the kitchen was demolished and ripped out of the wall. when i was signing the lease today they told me they were renevating it and putting in marble countertops and a dishwasher :).
and in the meantime i'm staying at kara's with her roommate chris and they are both so amazing and welcoming and i feel so comfortable here. i feel so lucky. kara is so generous for giving me her room. chris is so chill and easy and great to 'live' with. coincidence, faith and destiny. mmhmm.
here is one listing for my apt that i found online...
Large loft like studio! Big, open space with high ceilings and two closets, one being a walk in. Open kitchen with two large windows. Dressing area leads directly to full windowed bathroom. Beautiful grounds with open air garden, elevator and laundry on site.
i'm sure this will be disabled soon, but here are photos of the plce today: http://www.citi-habitats.com/popfiles/show_pictures.php?adID=714310
AND the best part is... when i saw it the kitchen was demolished and ripped out of the wall. when i was signing the lease today they told me they were renevating it and putting in marble countertops and a dishwasher :).
and in the meantime i'm staying at kara's with her roommate chris and they are both so amazing and welcoming and i feel so comfortable here. i feel so lucky. kara is so generous for giving me her room. chris is so chill and easy and great to 'live' with. coincidence, faith and destiny. mmhmm.
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