Apartment Therapy Archive: Oct 7, 2010

Name: Robert & MichelenaLocation: Dallas, TexasSize: 1,600 square feetYears lived in: 5 months — Owned Coastal transplants, Robert and Michelena recently settled in Dallas and had, some said, an almost unattainable list of requirements when it came to buying their first home: “We wanted a home close to downtown and within walking distance to a fresh local market, yet in a cozy neighborhood with early 1900’s character.

一般来说我们好小电视机or even not having one at all in the living room. But what about mounting it off-center from the main viewing area? That’s what this homeowner did, working around the height issue and position of her fireplace. How would this sit with you from a viewer’s perspective?We’ve seen this type of solution before (above).

I moved into the apartment above one week ago today. I am the type of person that can’t do anything else until I finish my current project. Being in a new and exciting apartment cluttered with boxes makes me nuts! Over the past week I pulled a few all nighters and sacrificed a lot of of my time — but I was determined to get everything in place ASAP.With the exception of a yet-to-be-painted chalkboard wall and a dresser that needs to be refinished, my apartment is completely finished.

You may know your color wheel — you may even know your ROY G BIV — but when it comes time to talk about color, do you know your hue from your value? Your shade from your tone? October is all about color at Apartment Therapy and whether you are in the middle of a color crisis or paint chip madness we are here to help!Let’s establish some basic definitions of words that are commonly used to describe color.

Wallpaper is everywhere lately and even though it looks great on the walls, there are those that might not have the budget for such a large purchase. Although prices have come down, we still like the idea of buying one roll of a pattern you adore and making a big splash in smaller ways — here’s 5 of them!1. The Back of Shelving & Bookcases: Although it’s simple to paint the backs of bookcases, sometimes you’re looking for a little more zing.

I have never hired an interior decorator because I can’t imagine outsourcing something I find so fun and rewarding. And I imagine most Apartment Therapy readers feel the same way. Even if you could afford a full-service soup-to-nuts home makeover you probably wouldn’t want one.You don’t just love the idea of a beautiful finished product, you like the creative process itself.

“Bartender, I’ll have a soda. Hold the BPA please.” This is easier said than done. Nearly all Americans have BPA in their bodies because of its widespread use, and while countries like Japan and Canada have taken steps to ban it, America has been lagging. Read more to find out what it is and how you can avoid it.The Skinny Science:BPA, or bisphenol A, is an organic compound with two phenol groups. Manufacturers like it because it is clear and nearly shatterproof.

In case there was any question, LEDs are the lights of the future. Their presence dominated at West Coast Green over any other lighting alternative. So whether you’re working with an architect or doing your own research on various energy-saving lighting and control systems, you’ll want to keep these companies in mind:EST Energy Savings Technology: EST’s main focus is next generation LED products for interior lighting.

Over the weekend, when I walked into a very mainstream underwear-selling establishment only to see a sign that read, “Yoga Panties,” I did a double-take. As someone who has only recently taken up yoga, I understand it to be a practice of meditation and self-examination. Is it really something I need special undies for? And come to think of it, what about all the other paraphernalia?

Catrin and Chris live in a historic Washington DC townhouse, where they’ve perfected their “new traditional” style, mixing vintage and modern pieces. They’ve built an amazing collection of furniture by shopping at antique stores, thrift shops, and craigslist, while rounding out the mix with modern “investment pieces” like the Arco lamp.

So far this week we’ve tackled bookcases and coat racks both and we’re still loving the idea of lessening the amount of specialty furniture we have in our home by thinking outside the box and simply finding new ways to use existing items or Craigslist finds. Check out our latest 5 ideas after the jump!1. Side Table or Coffee Table: Add a piece of wood or plastic to the top to help balance drinks and keep moisture away and you’re all set.

THIS WEEK• Semiannual Sale @ DWR• Lightology Sale• TufenkianOutlet.

It can be stinky, and an unpleasant surprise should you stumble on it unexpectedly, but kitchen compost is anything but trash. So how do you tie in this kitchen essential without distracting from the design of your kitchen? • Read the full post at Re-Nest