My new Pied a .terre

[Teacher Terry]

You can definitely move into the condo and decorate without the closet and windows done.

[iris lilies]

TIL ( Today I learned) it is now fashionable to have a sofa cushion that doesn’t match the rest of the upholstery.


Below you will see the sofa I bought today. I always buy sofas from this company because they have sponsored the pet neuter/spay clinic in my neighborhood. This will be the fourth sofa I buy from them.


So I went in thinking I should probably order the sofa because it’ll take several weeks to get here. Well, any custom work is now taking six months. The one sofa I liked has, strangely, a different color bottom cushion. The sofa is white linen but the bottom cushion is gray velvet. So, this is a fashion now I guess? I find these two colors jarring, not nice.

but because I really like the lines of the sofa, and because I like the white linen parts of it, I decided I would buy it as is and take the bottom home and re-cover it myself. Thing is if I paid to have a custom version made with all the same fabric, not only would it take six months, but it would cost $3000. This model on the floor cost $1500.

So I do will do a weekend’s worth of work and with about $50 worth of fabric have a cushion that is more in line with my decor, but it won’t be white. I’ll cover the cushion in navy and my accent color which is either going to be lime green or red. Actually, as I sit here thinking about it, I’m kind of excited about how this will turn into a custom sofa.

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[razz]

Interesting to see and read the new colour path to interior fashion. Why a sofa? I ask seriously as it seems large for a smaller space. I have a small space as well and opted out of a sofa with a number of friends commenting surprise. I chose 4 unique chairs instead which can be moved and add the good dining chairs if the number of guests require it.

[iris lilies]

Interesting to see and read the new colour path to interior fashion. Why a sofa? I ask seriously as it seems large for a smaller space. I have a small space as well and opted out of a sofa with a number of friends commenting surprise. I chose 4 unique chairs instead which can be moved and add the good dining chairs if the number of guests require it.

razz I have seen the 4 chairs solution to seating and I like it! It is very “now.” That would’ve been a cool option for my condo except that I would want 4 matching chairs. I already have purchased two vintage Charles Hollis lucite chairs. Those were practically the first thing I purchase for my condo more than a year ago.

oh, and also, this sofa serves as a bed for one of us, DH or me, when we both stay overnight.

The bed that’s in my condo is a single bed.

[catherine]

My chair dilemma centers around the fact that in my "living area" I have a wing chair and a recliner (which I bought when DH was going through a horrible time with nighttime leg cramps--we ditched the matching wing chair.)

I also have a farmhouse dining table and 5 typical dining chairs. Those dining chairs are very hard to sit on for a long period of time. So I am trying to come to a solution as to how to accommodate guests. I am looking for a two-comfy-chair solution. I recently considered a settee that is big enough for two, but no more. But for the while, I am going to just use our foldable camp chairs, which are pretty darn comfortable and good enough for when my DD/SIL come for dinner and want to stay for a movie.

As for the mismatched cushions: someday I want to get around to making a slipcover for my wing chair and it will definitely be a combination of fabrics. On Pinterest, those types of chairs are very appealing to me.

[rosarugosa]

razz I have seen the 4 chairs solution to seating and I like it! It is very “now.” That would’ve been a cool option for my condo except that I would want 4 matching chairs. I already have purchased two vintage Charles Hollis lucite chairs. Those were practically the first thing I purchase for my condo more than a year ago.

oh, and also, this sofa serves as a bed for one of us, DH or me, when we both stay overnight.

The bed that’s in my condo is a single bed.

What, you don't like DH anymore, even after all his hard work? :laff:

[sweetana3]

We bought our dining chairs 45 years ago because they were so comfortable. Wide seat!, thick built in flat cushion and a slightly curved back. We bought them after an extensive test drive to make sure they were comfortable.

We now need them recovered and will keep them. Nothing worse than uncomfortable seating. We have moved them around and the two arm chairs are fine in the living room.

[JaneV2.0]

I might like one of those upholstered chairs that folds out into a bed for the occasional sleepover. I have a couch I may have used once or twice.

[iris lilies]

What, you don't like DH anymore, even after all his hard work? :laff:
Neither one of us could get any sleep if we had to share a twin bed. But DH does wonderful work and I love him for it and I admire him, and he’s the greatest guy!

[happystuff]

I might like one of those upholstered chairs that folds out into a bed for the occasional sleepover. I have a couch I may have used once or twice.

I actually stayed at my step-mother's and slept in one of these for three nights. It was actually quite comfy!

[Teacher Terry]

Won’t a double bed fit in your condo? I have a loveseat and one chair in my living room. We also use the dining room chairs for extra seats.

[iris lilies]

Won’t a double bed fit in your condo? I have a loveseat and one chair in my living room. We also use the dining room chairs for extra seats.

Yes it fits, but I like the look of a single bed. I’ve got a nice antique daybed that I want to use.

[Tybee]

If anyone can find a photo of what happystuff is describing as "upholstered chairs that folds out into a bed" I'd like to see it as that would be a good thing for us.

[iris lilies]

If anyone can find a photo of what happystuff is describing as "upholstered chairs that folds out into a bed" I'd like to see it as that would be a good thing for us.


Try the Google search term “convertible chair.” There are more expensive versions than these, but these will get you started.


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Devon-Claire-Piper-Convertible-Chair-Brown/240456753?gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIpa8uR8ap4VyXO14Ss3EKrw 4&wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&&adid=22222222227268420436&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=t&wl3=319374132402&wl4=aud-1183291748582:pla-592838786589&wl5=9022859&wl6=&wl7=9022858&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=240456753&veh=sem&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIpa8uR8ap4VyXO14Ss3EKrw4&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4b2MBhD2ARIsAIrcB-Q39wNbULS7uPxcy-y04AmHMgp0jBktLO_UEIB71NWZz0BpS6ujDW4aArGREALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds



https://www.target.com/p/canvas-convertible-flip-lounge-chair-mint-green-urban-shop/-/A-83476192?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000012577538&CPNG=PLA_Furniture%2BShopping%7CFurniture_Ecomm_Ho me&adgroup=SC_Furniture&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=t&location=9022859&targetid=pla-955739937354&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&ds_rl=1247068&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYydumFAXiKRs2_fk9u2h8RE&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYydumFAXiKRs2_fk9u2h8RE&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4b2MBhD2ARIsAIrcB-Tg7srBO3VpiUdnd6LSJUFPewurM3iPI27L4dtwZrBVccv9RHiX L6saAofdEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[happystuff]

If anyone can find a photo of what happystuff is describing as "upholstered chairs that folds out into a bed" I'd like to see it as that would be a good thing for us.

I will see if I can get in touch with stepmother for the brand she has. She doesn't communicate quickly so I apologize in advance if it takes a while. I can also start looking as well. I do remember this one was upholstered in cloth and had "arms".

[Tybee]

I will see if I can get in touch with stepmother for the brand she has. She doesn't communicate quickly so I apologize in advance if it takes a while. I can also start looking as well. I do remember this one was upholstered in cloth and had "arms".

Thank you, iris lilies and happysuff, appreciate the help.

[happystuff]

I did a google search on "upholstered sleeper chair with arms" and got several listings that were the same style. Example: https://www.raymourflanigan.com/living-rooms/sleeper-sofas/brighton-twin-sleeper-chair-238123340?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GSH_PLA_Living+Room&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItc2n9M-V9AIVJPC1Ch0_KgSzEAQYBSABEgI_vvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[iris lilies]

I did a google search on "upholstered sleeper chair with arms" and got several listings that were the same style. Example: https://www.raymourflanigan.com/living-rooms/sleeper-sofas/brighton-twin-sleeper-chair-238123340?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GSH_PLA_Living+Room&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItc2n9M-V9AIVJPC1Ch0_KgSzEAQYBSABEgI_vvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

These are, then, just smaller versions of the old hide-a-bed sofas with metal structure.

My problem with these is that they weigh a ton.

[happystuff]

They do weigh a lot, but less than a full sofa bed - lol. Interesting coincidence - saw one of these at Big Lots today. Ran about $500.

[JaneV2.0]

I like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Vicluke-Convertible-Adjustable-Multi-Functional-Apartment/dp/B09HZK33WK/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?keywords=convertible+chairs+into+b eds&qid=1636834402&sr=8-4-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVEQ1UlFPWlZHSFpOJ mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjcxNTQ3MjE0M04xM0Y0UjNUQSZlbmN yeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjc1MjMyMktXQ0Y3TEtIVldMUSZ3aWRnZ XROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05 vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Also, I'm eyeing a selection of twin-size iron beds from Benicia Ironworks, which I suspect would be heavy enough to anchor a yacht.
https://www.beniciaironworks.com/

[rosarugosa]

I like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Vicluke-Convertible-Adjustable-Multi-Functional-Apartment/dp/B09HZK33WK/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?keywords=convertible+chairs+into+b eds&qid=1636834402&sr=8-4-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVEQ1UlFPWlZHSFpOJ mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjcxNTQ3MjE0M04xM0Y0UjNUQSZlbmN yeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjc1MjMyMktXQ0Y3TEtIVldMUSZ3aWRnZ XROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05 vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Also, I'm eyeing a selection of twin-size iron beds from Benicia Ironworks, which I suspect would be heavy enough to anchor a yacht.
https://www.beniciaironworks.com/

Nice taste, Jane! I love both of the items in your links. If my bedroom could handle a headboard, I would probably order one of the iron beds with the birds right now!

[JaneV2.0]

So, Iris Lily, will you be doing the tufting? I'll be interested to see how that turns out. It's a handsome piece.

[iris lilies]

So, Iris Lily, will you be doing the tufting? I'll be interested to see how that turns out. It's a handsome piece.

I….don’t know.

I have done real simple button down upholstery on a headboard, so it is possible. It loses a lot of style without the buttons. I would like to make buttons in contrasting colors. We shall see.

[iris lilies]

I like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Vicluke-Convertible-Adjustable-Multi-Functional-Apartment/dp/B09HZK33WK/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?keywords=convertible+chairs+into+b eds&qid=1636834402&sr=8-4-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVEQ1UlFPWlZHSFpOJ mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjcxNTQ3MjE0M04xM0Y0UjNUQSZlbmN yeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjc1MjMyMktXQ0Y3TEtIVldMUSZ3aWRnZ XROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05 vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Also, I'm eyeing a selection of twin-size iron beds from Benicia Ironworks, which I suspect would be heavy enough to anchor a yacht.
https://www.beniciaironworks.com/
Those beds are nice. I would like a couple of them.

[Teacher Terry]

Jane, I love the beds!

[happystuff]

I really like that bed as well, Jane. I'm wondering, though, how those ridges might "feel" while trying to sleep.

[JaneV2.0]

I really like that bed as well, Jane. I'm wondering, though, how those ridges might "feel" while trying to sleep.

I'd probably use a mattress pad. There are a million different kinds now.

[JaneV2.0]

I….don’t know.

I have done real simple button down upholstery on a headboard, so it is possible. It loses a lot of style without the buttons. I would like to make buttons in contrasting colors. We shall see.

If you get really ambitious, you could have slipcovers for all occasions. :)

[iris lilies]

If you get really ambitious, you could have slipcovers for all occasions. :)
Making slipcovers is beyond my skill level. And slipcovers are a bit less formal than the look I am going for. I am shooting for a “formal/transitional” vibe. While I would like to push myself away from “traditional” decor, it keeps creeping into my condo. The living room has 5 contemporary style pieces and one hulking Victorian piece that almost dominates the room.

This tiny bedroom will be French directoire’ style in furniture but I am hoping to get some abstract drama on the walls to counter the formality.

slipcovers are appropriate look for my Hermann cottage, however.

[JaneV2.0]

I was thinking just slipcovers for the bottom cushion on your chesterfield. My mother, the should-have-been decorator, made slipcovers for some of our upholstered furniture. I remember her following their lines, then pinning...I didn't appreciate the skills she had until later, and I have none of them.

[iris lilies]

I was thinking just slipcovers for the bottom cushion on your chesterfield. My mother, the should-have-been decorator, made slipcovers for some of our upholstered furniture. I remember her following their lines, then pinning...I didn't appreciate the skills she had until later, and I have none of them.

oh I see. Yes, I have vaguely planned for this cushion to have a removable/washable cover, if I can pull it off. No zipper will be involved, though.


hmmm, does button tufting work with “removable” cover? I am thinking no, but I will investigate. The button has to grab onto something.

[JaneV2.0]

Nice taste, Jane! I love both of the items in your links. If my bedroom could handle a headboard, I would probably order one of the iron beds with the birds right now!

The second bed on the Benicia page--with circular installations--is almost identical to mine now, though I had mine powder-coated white with chrome accents back in the day. Benicia's look as sturdy, and I'd want a twin this time. That bed with the birds is a stroke of genius.

[iris lilies]

4083Following will be a discussion of accent color in my navy blue living room. The dilemma is this: will I use lime green or red as my accent color? Lime green is more contemporary, red is more traditional.


Following are examples of the two color schemes. this post: navy and lime.


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[iris lilies]

4084

navy and red

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[iris lilies]

Continuing the discussion of accent color (and for those for whom this is too tedious, I completely understand! Just skip over it!)

One of my concerns is that I want a traditional oriental rug in the future. Those rugs are easy to find in combinations of navy and red, that color combo is a traditional one.

If I go with a lime green accent color, I don’t know how to work that with a traditional rug. I certainly don’t want to have to use a particular rug because it has lime green in it. Yes there are Turkish rugs with lime green but they are not nice and they are expensive and they’re not ones I want. So maybe I’m circling around with this question:

Can I use a lime green color scheme for accent and still have a traditional Persian rug of any type and color? I’m just musing about that, I don’t really expect an answer.

[JaneV2.0]

I generally despise red, white, and blue as a color scheme. But that red couch--ooh la la! So I'd probably choose red, which would work fine with any one of the Persian rugs. I've toyed with a raisin, chartreuse, and coral color scheme, which will come to naught, as it's merely a thought exercise. Would navy-red-lime green work? The green is a strong color, so even tiny bursts of it might be stunning.

[Tybee]

I like the lime, and I have all sorts of Persian rugs and some would go with lime green quite nicely.

[Teacher Terry]

They both are beautiful but I like the red better.

[razz]

I bought lime green towels etc for the kitchen and found the strong colour exhausting and the appearance tacky as the colour faded. Red is my choice

[catherine]

My favorite topic: paint colors!

The red color is more on the pink/coral side than on the fire-engine-red side, which updates the color scheme considerably. But I do love the lime.

As for the question about Persian rug question--I agree that the traditional Persian rug would probably not go with the lime green. How about if you do a blue Persian rug--maybe you could find one with a touch of lime in it. Here's a blue color and white color scheme with a blue "Persian" rug.

https://www.hali.com.au/traditional-rugs/mathura-7/mathura-2/

Here's another one. I happen to like this company's rugs. They not expensive handmade Persian rugs, so if that's what you're looking for, it won't do for you, but it would probably work from a design perspective.

[Tybee]

I am reconsidering and voting red, notwithstanding how you can find rugs that will work with the lime. It seems to go better with the cozier jewel-box theme you are going for.
Thanks for the link, Catherine!

[iris lilies]

Here is a painting I bought earlier in the year expressing the (what I thought at the time) central color theme of my living room. I think I will stick with it, a coral/red theme. Will mourn the lime color.Perhaps I will,find ways to include lime if that color continues to stick in my brain.

4087

[catherine]

Here is a painting I bought earlier in the year expressing the (what I thought at the time) central color theme of my living room. I think I will stick with it, a coral/red theme. Will mourn the lime color.Perhaps I will,find ways to include lime if that color continues to stick in my brain.

4087

The lime looks awesome with that color red--but the blue mucks it up :).

I'm going through the same thing in a way--I've settled on blue as the predominant color bc DH loves it and I'm trying to do a compromise so that I can "neutralize" some of the walls. But my kitchen cabinets are "wabisabi"--the same color as the wall behind your painting. I love the combination of lime and red, but it's a strong combo.

Too many colors, too few rooms.

[JaneV2.0]

I like complementary colors--like different shades of red and green--together. Your painting is lovely.

[Teacher Terry]

The painting is great!

[iris lilies]

So Today I find that when I tried to escape the ubiquitous white kitchen trend, I stumbled smack dab into the middle of the trend of 2021, a baby blue kitchen:

https://www.livingetc.com/news/experts-react-to-baby-blue-kitchen-trend

I had no idea.I can’t believe there’s that many people who like a baby blue kitchen. I like it but really most people would go “blech.”

[JaneV2.0]

Lord, how I hate trends.
All those treatments look nice, save maybe the first.

[Teacher Terry]

That’s funny IL. I like my white kitchen with black granite but probably wouldn’t have picked it if I was redoing the kitchen.

[iris lilies]

That’s funny IL. I like my white kitchen with black granite but probably wouldn’t have picked it if I was redoing the kitchen.
I actually LOVE white kitchens and would very much like black granite with white cabinets.

[happystuff]

I'm really bad with colors, etc., but I do like the blue combinations.

[JaneV2.0]

Here is a painting I bought earlier in the year expressing the (what I thought at the time) central color theme of my living room. I think I will stick with it, a coral/red theme. Will mourn the lime color.Perhaps I will,find ways to include lime if that color continues to stick in my brain.

4087

That painting would go well with my thought-experiment color scheme, actually. :D

[catherine]

Just perused Benjamin Moore's Colors of the year 2022. Lots of nice colors--but not a blue in the bunch. :(

[iris lilies]

Just perused Benjamin Moore's Colors of the year 2022. Lots of nice colors--but not a blue in the bunch. :(
One of the things I liked about the Amish guys building my cabinets is that there was no up charge for a custom color. They painted it whatever color I chose from a standard paint dealer, Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams or etc. any color was the same price.

I have to show you my latest dream kitchen, I will never have this because I will not be doing new kitchens again in my lifetime most likely. But if I was really BRAVE I would have found a way to have a raspberry colored kitchen in one of these properties.

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[Teacher Terry]

It’s pretty but you need a lot of natural light to pull it off.

[rosarugosa]

I think I would find it unpleasant to spend any time inside the raspberry kitchen (although I do love to eat raspberries).

[iris lilies]

I think I would find it unpleasant to spend any time inside the raspberry kitchen (although I do love to eat raspberries).
And I just want to be close friends with the woman who has that raspberry kitchen so that I may sit in her kitchen and have tea.

[catherine]

I've noticed that there has been a strong trend (as evidenced in the raspberry kitchen) toward painting the moulding and doors the same color, or just one shade different, as the walls etc. This is another idea that's been rattling around in my head because in my mind having the walls, doors and mouldings one consistent color would probably make the house look bigger, right? I'm certainly not a color expert, but what are your thoughts on that?

As for the raspberry, they do say that red stimulates appetite. I kind of like it. Not sold, but I'm still working on abolishing the magenta in my house.

[JaneV2.0]

It’s pretty but you need a lot of natural light to pull it off.

I was thinking the exact same thing. The color is wonderful, though.

[razz]

I love raspberry - food, colour, clothes but paint a whole room the same dark shade! Actually my first impression was that kitchen looks like a room in funeral home.

Re varying the shade of a paint for mouldings and walls actually looks very effective provided the furniture and decor provide a pleasing contrast.

[iris lilies]

There is a FB group called "Thrift store and garage sale upcycling projects to share" where your projects would be appreciated.

I tried To become a member of that Facebook group but there’s never a response. Oh well.

[herbgeek]

I paint the moldings the same color as the walls, in the hope that my non dusting will be less obvious than it would if I painted the moldings white, for example.

[iris lilies]

Painting the trim same color as the walls is an interesting contemporary treatment.

We didn’t do that in my condo because I have newly installed wonderful crown molding and I really wanted that white crown molding to pop against the navy walls. However, we painted the radiator navy to blend in with the walls and I like that look.

[Teacher Terry]

I painted the trim in my condo the same white that’s on some of the walls. IL, smart idea to hide the radiator with paint but make your walls pop with color.

[happystuff]

Love the raspberry color, but maybe just not so MUCH of it! I think I would like it more as an accent color - not THE color.

[iris lilies]

While we wait to have kitchen countertops installed then I will show you a photo ( we are weeks away), now I will show you part of the light fixture in my tiny condo kitchen. You may remember that I was obsessed with French “Coolie” lights, an industrial style popular in the 1920s. My condo building is 1927.

So I bought this old light fixture from France. DH had to rewire it. The egg shaped thing is a weight where you can lower the lightbulb if you want to.

The “Coolie” shade is not on the light fixture yet. We are waiting until all kitchen installations are done before we put up the fragile shade. I love the light fixture just the way it is, without the shade! To me it’s very interesting, and when I think about the history behind it, it’s geographic origin, and then the current history where DH had to fix it up for installation, it makes it something worthwhile. It wasn’t even that expensive, I’m thinking it was around $150.

And yes that’s pricey but when you consider that elsewhere for my condo I’m looking at Art Deco antique lights where none are under $400, this old cool thing is fun for a good price.

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[razz]

Interesting and unusual

[rosarugosa]

I love it! It wouldn't last a day in my kitchen with the 7' ceilings though.

[iris lilies]

My faux painter is working on my tiny bedroom walls. I told him I want it to look like “a foggy4110 London evening.” I want drama, a theatrical effect.

He’s not done yet but this is halfway done:

[catherine]

My faux painter is working on my tiny bedroom walls. I told him I want it to look like “a foggy4110 London evening.” I want drama, a theatrical effect.

He’s not done yet but this is halfway done:

Awesome! It looks like a fresco.

[iris lilies]

Awesome! It looks like a fresco.
I know! It is cool.

He is an artist who paints pictures but also does wall painting to earn a living. He once worked in the major Department store downtown doing store displays, so he understands “theatrical.”

[Teacher Terry]

Very cool!

[JaneV2.0]

I get a "Starry Night" vibe--something about the color or the circular elements.

[JaneV2.0]

You'll be thrilled to know, Iris Lily, that Pantone's color of the year for 2022 is "Very Peri."

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[iris lilies]

You'll be thrilled to know, Iris Lily, that Pantone's color of the year for 2022 is "Very Peri."

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yessssssse! Wonderful!

I have a periwinkle colored stove in my kitchen which is a lighter shade than that Shown here, but this is still beautiful.

I’m pretty sure periwinkle is going to be the accent color in my Hermann House with main wall color being a lettuce green, and cream woodwork.

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[JaneV2.0]

I like a mellow green like that one--it's kind of reminiscent of the green that was featured in many quilts from the thirties.

[jp1]

yessssssse! Wonderful!

I have that periwinkle colored stove in my kitchen which is a lighter shade than that Shown here, but this is still beautiful.

I’m pretty sure periwinkle is going to be the accent color in my Hermann House with main wall color being a lettuce green, and cream woodwork.

4114

That sounds like some bold color choices. At least to a "there's nothing wrong with lots of off white" kind of guy like me. But you seem to have enough of an eye for how things should look that I expect the end result will be pretty fantastic. If i were to try and do something that 'creative' SO would probably come home from work and be all WTF...

[iris lilies]

Some general color guidelines:

60/30/10 Where the main color compromises 60% of your room, secondary color compromises 30%, and an accent color is 10%. The colors need to work together. They can be analogous, complementary, etc. etc.

I always gravitate to yellowy greens so that’s what I use. In the last couple of years has been this trend for blues that are very gray-ish or greenish. I can’t do that. I’m not attracted to them.

Now gray is a neutral I love. Dark gray, light gray,love it. If a gray had not been the dominant color everywhere of the past five years I would have done my condo in it.

[Teacher Terry]

I like your colors IL. This is my first home with no green on the walls.

[JaneV2.0]

Some of the prettiest houses I've seen have had purple exterior paint. The very nicest one had a kind of mossy green trim.

[razz]

Lovely colour scheme, IL. Has a very spring-like outdoor feeling to me which is great.

[iris lilies]

You'll be thrilled to know, Iris Lily, that Pantone's color of the year for 2022 is "Very Peri."

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This color is the color of many iris varieties. They photograph purple but are a deep rich blue.

wpuld you all call this color, given only two choices, blue or purple?

purple is, of course, made up of the primary color blue plus some red.

[JaneV2.0]

The color I like best (periwinkle) skews blue with just a touch of purple.

[ToomuchStuff]

yessssssse! Wonderful!

I have a periwinkle colored stove in my kitchen which is a lighter shade than that Shown here, but this is still beautiful.

I’m pretty sure periwinkle is going to be the accent color in my Hermann House with main wall color being a lettuce green, and cream woodwork.

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Can I ask what is the name of the middle, grey beige?
Looks similar to a color that I know the name, but the paint store (and I think company) are no longer.
Thanks

[iris lilies]

Can I ask what is the name of the middle, grey beige?
Looks similar to a color that I know the name, but the paint store (and I think company) are no longer.
Thanks I don’t know the name of that color. These colors aren’t labeled.

[catherine]

Since I painted my house a sage-y green, when I do my window boxes I include a lot of purple with some yellow. I love the green/purple combo. Green/periwinkle works, too, of course. Love periwinkle.

[iris lilies]

Since I painted my house a sage-y green, when I do my window boxes I include a lot of purple with some yellow. I love the green/purple combo. Green/periwinkle works, too, of course. Love periwinkle.
I like the idea of that color, a sage with purple and yellow/cream

[iris lilies]

This morning I went to the granite place to lay out the countertop for my condo kitchen. You would think this big slab of marble would very easily accommodate my tiny kitchen, but apparently there’s not going to be a lot of excess because it’s based on how they cut it.

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[razz]

Are the blue lines defining the shapes to be cut? Did this granite come from somewhere in the eastern US? How think is a slab of granite for kitchen counters? Never had a chance to ask anyone before so that is why I am being nosy.

[iris lilies]

Are the blue lines defining the shapes to be cut? Did this granite come from somewhere in the eastern US? How think is a slab of granite for kitchen counters? Never had a chance to ask anyone before so that is why I am being nosy.
I welcome the questions! This slab is actually marble, I should’ve made it clear. The granite place also sells marble.

Yes the areas defined by blue tape are the pieces that will be cut. The longest rectangular piece is the sink counter piece. Because the slab has lots of swirly pattern, they let me come in to choose which portions would be used for which pieces of the countertop.

[Teacher Terry]

Very cool!!

[ToomuchStuff]

I am thinking that center one should have been raised a bit more, since the center is being cut out for a bathroom sink. (edge swirl kept, center not so much)

[iris lilies]

I am thinking that center one should have been raised a bit more, since the center is being cut out for a bathroom sink. (edge swirl kept, center not so much)
Too late! You may be right, but too late.

I spent an hour this afternoon at my condo with the sun shining through the big windows. It is really pretty. DH did a fabulous job in smoothing the plaster and in painting. He’s quite meticulous.

Kitchen cabinets are simply lovely. I thought I wouldn’t have kitchen cabinets that are as nice as the ones DH but I am wrong! The Amish guys did a great job. I’ll show a picture of the kitchen after the countertop is installed next week.

[iris lilies]

Here is my completed bedroom wall painting. A Stormy Evening is the look I was going for. The room’s theme is “Napolean Bonaparte. The furniture is French Directoire/Empire/Neoclassical. I’m not sure if I’m going for Napoleon’s Retreat, , or Napoleon and Josephine, or what exactly. That will evolve.

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[catherine]

Here is my completed bedroom wall painting. A Stormy Evening is the look I was going for. The room’s theme is “Napolean Bonaparte. The furniture is French Directoire/Empire/Neoclassical. I’m not sure if I’m going for Napoleon’s Retreat, , or Napoleon and Josephine, or what exactly. That will evolve.

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So cool! If I were you, I'd do the ceiling, too! Really make it feel like you're in the "eye of the storm"--maybe not necessarily a comforting theme for a bedroom, but I do find the idea of floating in the sky appealing.

Your accent color of hot pink brightens it up and there are lots of other colors that can balance the coolness. I think it's great!

[iris lilies]

So cool! If I were you, I'd do the ceiling, too! Really make it feel like you're in the "eye of the storm"--maybe not necessarily a comforting theme for a bedroom, but I do find the idea of floating in the sky appealing.

Your accent color of hot pink brightens it up and there are lots of other colors that can balance the coolness. I think it's great!

no no the hot pink is just a dust cover. I’m leaving my hot pink theme behind in my city house. I lived with it for several years and I love hot pink but it’s time to move away from that. Still will always love hot pink and any pink more than anything.


It would’ve been interesting to do the sky as well, I mean the ceiling. Or even to do just the ceiling itself and leave the well something different. But it’s done I can’t do any more.
I hired a ornamental painter to do the walls even though probably I could’ve done it myself. I thought about asking him to just do parts of the ceiling but… I’m done with that. Onto the next project.

[jp1]

Here is my completed bedroom wall painting. A Stormy Evening is the look.

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You’re going to have to download a white noise app that makes rainstorm sounds for that room.

[Tradd]

You’re going to have to download a white noise app that makes rainstorm sounds for that room.

Hahah! That’s a great idea!

[happystuff]

It makes me think of sleeping in a painting! Very nice.

[Teacher Terry]

IL, I love your bedroom! Very nice.

[JaneV2.0]

I think you need a trompe l'oell "window" overlooking the Arc de Triomphe. Get crackin'! :~)

[iris lilies]

I think you need a trompe l'oell "window" overlooking the Arc de Triomphe. Get crackin'! :~)
Haha!

[jp1]

I think you need a trompe l'oell "window" overlooking the Arc de Triomphe. Get crackin'! :~)

Or maybe, since she's in St Louis she needs one of the Gateway Arch. Perhaps not from this angle though since then it'd make it feel like her apartment was in East Saint Louis...
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[JaneV2.0]

Iris Lily, I saw this and thought of your new couch: 4161

[iris lilies]

Iris Lily, I saw this and thought of your new couch: 4161


I do like that. I have looked at French mattresses before. I had not thought of buying one like this.

in my head, I had planned to do a straight no button tufting cover with coral accents. It would be custom and then I would make pillows to match it. But that’s in my head you know, it’s not actually work I’ve done yet. Would it be work I would actually accomplish? That remains to be seen. I also want to paint pillow covers. I need to get Crackin.

[JaneV2.0]

I do like that. I have looked at French mattresses before. I had not thought of buying one like this.

in my head, I had planned to do a straight no button tufting cover with coral accents. It would be custom and then I would make pillows to match it. But that’s in my head you know, it’s not actually work I’ve done yet. Would it be work I would actually accomplish? That remains to be seen. I also want to paint pillow covers. I need to get Crackin.

Fifty bucks somewhere on Etsy. Worth investigating, I think. It's called a "topper," and is lighter weight than a cushion or mattress.

[iris lilies]

Here are images of kitchen cabinets with no countertop or backsplash. It is such a small galley kitche, it’s hard to get photographs. I’m very happy with the cabinets, they are beautiful. It’s hard to see that in these photos. The lower one with the handle is the dishwasher.

You’ll notice the upper cabinets with open areas. That is because I haven’t yet figured out what I want to go in there, what kind of glass.
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[iris lilies]

Here is the “Beverage Center” Which I like to call “the worlds smallest butler pantry. “ It is right next to the little kitchen as any Butler’s pantry should be.

It used to be a closet.
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[iris lilies]

This is the little bedroom, bare bones furnished, lacking window treatments, art, a rug.

The room is French in theme.

the daybed is a wonderful old one, probably made in Europe. Super heavy. I got such a good deal on it I’m still pinching myself, I paid $125 for it. The lady of the house very much liked it and appreciated it but it was time to let it go.

The two French chests are some of that cheap French knock off furniture made in the 30s, and I did not get a good deal on those but they were a small scale right for this room so oh well. Sometimes you have to pay thru the nose for the right thing.

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[Alan]

7 photos and they're all right side up. You go girl!

[iris lilies]

7 photos and they're all right side up. You go girl!
I learned that if I take photos with my phone rather than with my iPad they always load in the right orientation.

And then, often when I take a photo with my iPad, then take a screenshot of that photo, most of the time those load with the right orientation also.

[iris lilies]

Fifty bucks somewhere on Etsy. Worth investigating, I think. It's called a "topper," and is lighter weight than a cushion or mattress.
They are more expensive than 50 bucks for the size I need anyway, but I am seriously considering this.


I just can’t face recovering the sofa seat,it will never look professional. This French mattress is intended for casual furniture and I have a sleek contemporary sofa, but maybe I can live with the marriage of those two clashing styles just because I need to.

[Teacher Terry]

I love it all! Really beautiful cabinets and stove. How big is your condo?

[iris lilies]

I love it all! Really beautiful cabinets and stove. How big is your condo?
530 sq ft

[rosarugosa]

Things are really falling into place nicely. I'll admit that I could not appreciate how wonderful that decorative paint job is until seeing these photos, but now I love it!

[razz]

You have inspired me to consider painted kitchen cabinets in light colour. Mine are wood veneer and presently a black-brown.
Glad you shared how to get the photos upright when posting. Your condo is so wonderfully unique and compact.

[happystuff]

Very nice!! I like that the dresser has legs instead of sitting flat on the floor. And the kitchen cabinet color really turned out nice!

[iris lilies]

Countertops were installed early this week. They are marble, a honed marble not polished. I love the swirling pattern on this slab.

The countertops were a hair under $4,000. The marble backsplash, another $1,000-ish in supplies. Cabinets about $8,000 made by the Amish. New floor $850.00

entire thing, over $20,000 but less than $25,000. This is a tiny galley kitchen that measure about 8.5’ x 8.2’ In addition there is the Drinks cabinet just outside of the kitchen.

All labor performed by dh
except floor and countertops installation. He spent weeks working on pulling up old flooring and smoothing plaster walls.

We haven’t yet hung the French Coolie shade I’ve been obsessed with for one year because I wanted large men installing countertops to be finished in this tiny kitchen. I didn’t want to risk breaking it.

Appliances are diminutive apartment size, so expensive because non-standard and well the stove. It is blue. That fact cost me $$$.

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[jp1]

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I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted one time to see you laughing
I only want to see you laughing in the …

But seriously, that kitchen looks awesome!

[herbgeek]

That's a lovely kitchen Iris- and most importantly, all of your pictures of it were right side up. Brava! ;)

[catherine]

So beautiful! the colors and the counters all go together so well! The cabinetry is gorgeous! And I want that stove! What's the width--24"?

[razz]

What colour are the cabinets? They look a warm taupe or is that coloured by the lighting?

[iris lilies]

What colour are the cabinets? They look a warm taupe or is that coloured by the lighting?

oh my gosh, no! They are baby blue in color.

[iris lilies]

So beautiful! the colors and the counters all go together so well! The cabinetry is gorgeous! And I want that stove! What's the width--24"?
Yes, it is 24” wide.

[catherine]

Yes, it is 24” wide.

I have a 20" but I can actually squeeze in a 24"--I'd love to replace mine but I'm going to live with it for a while. No reason to spend the money to replace it when we have other priorities. But Im coveting yours.

[iris lilies]

I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted one time to see you laughing
I only want to see you laughing in the …

But seriously, that kitchen looks awesome!

Do these cabinets appear Purple to you? Odd!

[rosarugosa]

How exciting to see it all come together!

[Tradd]

Looks gorgeous. And yes, right side up photos!

[lmerullo]

That's a beautiful kitchen!

The cabinets don't look purple to me, I see them as blue...but if you said dove grey, I would also agree.

[iris lilies]

I have a 20" but I can actually squeeze in a 24"--I'd love to replace mine but I'm going to live with it for a while. No reason to spend the money to replace it when we have other priorities. But Im coveting yours.
We had a 20 inch wide stove in one of our tiny houses. For me in this condo, a 20 inch stove would’ve been OK. But I don’t think any of the companies that have colored stoves make 20 inchers. I believe 24 inches was the smallest they come in.


I had to have a blue stove, that was the primary requirement for cooking! Also, the oven had to be gas powered. By the time I figured out stoves, DH had already rewired the kitchen and he was not going to put in 220 wiring and it might not have been possible anyway.

[happystuff]

Very, very nice! And, more importantly, glad you are happy with the end results! I love the color blue on the cabinets.

[iris lilies]

Looks gorgeous. And yes, right side up photos!

I learned that if I took a screenshot with Ipad of an existing photograph I took originally with Ipad, those screenshots seem to load right side up nearly all the time.

[Teacher Terry]

The kitchen is beautiful!

[iris lilies]

Here is a nearly final tour of my condo main rooms. There’s no window treatments. Art is not hung on the walls. The living room and bedroom are 90% finished.


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[iris lilies]

Continuing the tour, here are photos of the finished kitchen. It is darling. It has a beautiful marble countertop and beautiful marble backsplash. I have no glass in the cabinet doors yet because I haven’t decided what I’m going to put in.

The first photo shows the vintage light fixtures I was obsessed with. The one is a pulley system from France.
The last photo shows an old blue vintage light fixture that fits right in with my blue kitchen. I haven’t yet figured out the correct bulb for this fixture. DH had to rewire it as he had to fuss with the French one. He is brilliant and got it all working.

The beverage center is all the white cabinetry, also with marble countertop and marble backsplash. I call it the world’s smallest butler’s pantry. It’s right next to the tiny kitchen.



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[happystuff]

Beautiful, IL! I love the clean, fresh look of everything. A simple elegance.

[rosarugosa]

It's looking great, IL!

[catherine]

Wow, you did a fabulous job, IL!! It looks like a room in a fancy French boutique hotel! Those dark walls are fabulous, especially against the shiny furniture. When you first described it, I couldn't envision it, but it's great! Also the charming kitchen. Not too stark, but very clean looking, classic yet functional. Those fixtures are beauties!

[Tybee]

It is very chic! I especially love the marble against the kitchen cabinets--what beautiful color--echoed in the cloud painting of the bedroom.

[iris lilies]

It is very chic! I especially love the marble against the kitchen cabinets--what beautiful color--echoed in the cloud painting of the bedroom.
Yes, the color theme for this condo is “blue.”

Even though the kitchen is not open to the living area, I had to settle on kitchen cabinet color before I chose the colors for the rest of the place.

[frugal-one]

I agree with Happy... a simple elegance!

[JaneV2.0]

Yes, the color theme for this condo is “blue.”

Even though the kitchen is not open to the living area, I had to settle on kitchen cabinet color before I chose the colors for the rest of the place.

Or "bleu." ;)
Lovely. Everything is coming together nicely!

[Teacher Terry]

I love everything about your condo. Really beautiful!!

[LDAHL]

I wish I had taste like yours.

[iris lilies]

Somewhere on this thread I was crowing about the windows in my condo. They are old and original. They are double hung windows and they have haft and I like moving them up and down. See, All my other houses in St. Louis have modern windows.

Well folks, I’m staying in the condo and it’s 23° outside and yeah, it is cold in here! These windows are leaky.

The heat in our condo is provided by radiator and there’s no way to adjust it.

The windows, if I’m to hang onto them, certainly need reglazed and caulked at minimum. I had that on DH’s agenda a couple years from now. I also just this week decided to get simple sheer curtains along with new blinds, but neither of those do much to keep out the outdoor elements.

Shoot, I may give in and just get new windows. That would be many thousands of dollars of course, but I don’t mind that, I mind seeing these nice old windows go.

The condo association would like me to get new windows because it saves on heat. My windows are at the back of the building so aesthetics are not an issue, but everyone in the building gets new windows anyway, the only stipulation is they have to be the color brown.

[catherine]

Somewhere on this thread I was crowing about the windows in my condo. They are old and original. They are double hung windows and they have haft and I like moving them up and down. See, All my other houses in St. Louis have modern windows.

Well folks, I’m staying in the condo and it’s 23° outside and yeah, it is cold in here! These windows are leaky.

The heat in our condo is provided by radiator and there’s no way to adjust it.

The windows, if I’m to hang onto them, certainly need reglazed and caulked at minimum. I had that on the agents agenda a couple years from now. I also just this week decided to get simple sheer curtains along with new blinds, but neither of those do much to keep out the outdoor elements.

Shoot, I may give in and just get new windows. That would be many thousands of dollars of course, but I don’t mind that, I mind seeing these nice old windows go.

The condo association would like me to get new windows because it saves on heat. My windows are at the back of the building so aesthetics are not an issue, but everyone in the building gets new windows anyway, the only stipulation is they have to be the color brown.

Yeah, the band-aid approach would be to get thermal roman shades or triple cell honeycomb shades or even both. Our honeycomb shades do help keep drafts out.

But the best long-term option probably is to replace them, and as you know, I'm a lover of old windows, too. Maybe save one and repurpose it as a picture frame or something. Or at least donate them to ReStore or an architectural salvage place.

[nswef]

Oh IL I feel for you. We have been debating windows for a long time....our house is only 60 years old but I love the windows...but now we have storm windows-old aluminum outside and the homemade wooden frames covered with 3m film that we put up in the winter. It works...but it would be a lot easier if they just needed nothing. I don't trust that the new ones wouldn't still need storm windows on the outside. We've lost our window washing guy...so that is an issue, too. New windows would allow us to wash them without a ladder! So, I'll be interested in seeing what you do.

[rosarugosa]

We had replaced all our windows in the early nineties with Marvin tilt-in windows. They look great with the true divided lights, but functionally were not as great as I would have hoped, and the "tilt-in" functionality required a lot more brute-force wrestling than I had envisioned. Now they are nearly 30 years old and are letting in a lot of cold air. I have been considering some of the following options for interior storm panels that you might want to look at IL. I haven't come to any decisions just yet:
https://indowwindows.com/
https://stormwindows.com/
https://www.windowinserts.com/

[catherine]

We had replaced all our windows in the early nineties with Marvin tilt-in windows. They look great with the true divided lights, but functionally were not as great as I would have hoped, and the "tilt-in" functionality required a lot more brute-force wrestling than I had envisioned. Now they are nearly 30 years old and are letting in a lot of cold air. I have been considering some of the following options for interior storm panels that you might want to look at IL. I haven't come to any decisions just yet:
https://indowwindows.com/
https://stormwindows.com/
https://www.windowinserts.com/

Those are nice--do you have any ballpark as to price? Every year we do the shrink-wrapped plastic on the window thing, and it really helps a LOT, but it takes the better part of a day to do all the windows. The inserts would probably work better and be much faster to transition to.

I've realized with the plastic, and potentially with the inserts, that I get a bit claustrophobic in that it bothers me if I can't open at least one window in the winter. As I've mentioned before, DH's body thermostat skews very cold and he compensates with a need for the house to be about 75 degrees. Sometimes I go to the bedroom, shut the door and open the window just for some fresh air. Plus, I think about what if there's a fire and you need fast egress. With plastic, I can rip it out, but the inserts would have to be super easy to pull out for me to be comfortable with them.

[nswef]

We made removable wooden frames covered with the film to screw into the window in the winter. I leave one kitchen window, the bathroom windows and bedroom windows un covered by the frames. I do open the kitchen window several times in the winter. I've looked at the inserts and think they might work but I don't know if they'd be any better. I also saw some sash liners that are supposed to work, but cannot get an answer from calls to the only place I've found on line that carries them. We would need someone to install them. Thanks Rosa for the info on your windows. I guess after 30 years...We're 70 so maybe they'd be OK!

[rosarugosa]

NSWEF: It sounds like you have basically made something similar to what the windowinserts.com people are offering, and I'm sure for much lower cost.
Catherine: They all have pricing tools on their sites. I had priced out 7 quite small windows. Indows would cost $1726, and Innerglass was even more expensive. Windowinserts would only be $467. So given the number of windows in my house (28) and the fact that I had priced the smallest windows, I consider Indows and Innerglass cost prohibitive.

[iris lilies]

NSWEF: It sounds like you have basically made something similar to what the windowinserts.com people are offering, and I'm sure for much lower cost.
Catherine: They all have pricing tools on their sites. I had priced out 7 quite small windows. Indows would cost $1726, and Innerglass was even more expensive. Windowinserts would only be $467. So given the number of windows in my house (28) and the fact that I had priced the smallest windows, I consider Indows and Innerglass cost prohibitive.

dude! You have 28 windows in your house? I just counted the windows in mine and we have only 15, not including the sunroom which has a lot of windows but I know you don’t have a sunroom.

p.s. And I consider our Hermann House to be filled with light and rich with windows.

Our city house, built as a Victorian tall skinny townhouse, had only a few windows with windows on the front and back and one tiny window on the side.

[nswef]

I had priced them before and we have 13 windows that would be done. Window washer used to do them including storms for about $250. The company I called earlier would charge over $600...because of the storm windows and refused to consider doing just the outsides of the storms and inside the rooms of the regular- thus just 13 windows. He was also pretty snippy. So we washed the kitchen and living room windows...not nearly as well and sparkly as our guy, but he is in the wind somewhere.

[rosarugosa]

dude! You have 28 windows in your house? I just counted the windows in mine and we have only 15, not including the sunroom which has a lot of windows but I know you don’t have a sunroom.

p.s. And I consider our Hermann House to be filled with light and rich with windows.

Our city house, built as a Victorian tall skinny townhouse, had only a few windows with windows on the front and back and one tiny window on the side.

Our house is only 900 SF (not including the cellar) and we have 28 windows, plus all 3 of our exterior doors have windows, not to mention the two storm doors and one interior "French door" style door. I have spent much of my life washing windows.

[ToomuchStuff]

Those Indows look so much like the old wooden storm windows that several neighbors still had on their homes. You took them off the outside in the spring and replaced them with the wooden screen windows. Not real hard to make.

[littlebittybobby]

Okay---sounds like you are pouring a bunch into a money pit. Only the nexrt resident will benefit. You need to hang onto every dime, at present. So, what I'd recommend is sending DH to the home improvement box for several sheets of styrofoam board, 1" 4x8, and then cut them to fit zackly over the inside of your windows. Don't leave a gap, or you'll have condensation on your jams & windows. So, yeah--you might duct tape around it. This will let some light through, so don't get foil-backed bead board. See? That way, you can stay warm, without pouring money down a rats hole. That way, when you go to sell, anxious, hot-to-trot Tee-Vee- educated house flippers will snap it up as a great fixer-upper. Nice places sit on the market forever, if you insist on pricing it for all of what you've got in it. See? Hope that helps you some. Thankk mee.

[iris lilies]

Okay---sounds like you are pouring a bunch into a money pit. Only the nexrt resident will benefit. You need to hang onto every dime, at present. So, what I'd recommend is sending DH to the home improvement box for several sheets of styrofoam board, 1" 4x8, and then cut them to fit zackly over the inside of your windows. Don't leave a gap, or you'll have condensation on your jams & windows. So, yeah--you might duct tape around it. This will let some light through, so don't get foil-backed bead board. See? That way, you can stay warm, without pouring money down a rats hole. That way, when you go to sell, anxious, hot-to-trot Tee-Vee- educated house flippers will snap it up as a great fixer-upper. Nice places sit on the market forever, if you insist on pricing it for all of what you've got in it. See? Hope that helps you some. Thankk mee.
I doubt I would ever price it for what I have into it because we almost always lose money on real estate. Just the way it is. Thankkk mee.

[frugal-one]

IL is happily in the “spend that dough” category. She worked and was frugal so now she can spend on things that matter TO HER. The hell what anyone else thinks. You go girl!

[iris lilies]

IL is happily in the “spend that dough” category. She worked and was frugal so now she can spend on things that matter TO HER. The hell what anyone else thinks. You go girl!
Yep!

[Teacher Terry]

50035003 This is my new coffee table to match my chandeliers and lamps.

[iris lilies]

50035003 This is my new coffee table to match my chandeliers and lamps.
Oh yes, that silver glam thing would fit right in my condo. Good job!

[Teacher Terry]

I knew you would like it IL!

[iris lilies]

Sigh. I reaaaaaaaakly pushed myself to embrace clean, contemporary or authentic Art Deco decor for this little condo from the Art Deco age and I was dead set on having only 1 pre-1900 piece in the living room.

But after going for 2.5 years without a ceiling fixture (everything I liked was too much money) I found this glass rod chandelier in an antique store and bought it. It is kinda sorta Art Deco even tho too fancy for my original vision.

I do love it, and it casts a pretty pattern on the ceiling.

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[catherine]

That is gorgeous! I love it! It's beautiful and elegant without being ostentatious. It looks like an angel.

[Teacher Terry]

That chandelier is stunning!!!

[gimmethesimplelife]

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3438-Russell-Blvd-Apt-204_Saint-Louis_MO_63104_M83794-39129?view=qv


The perfect unit came on the market yesterday morning, and we closed on the buy today. Yay! I have a tiny pied a terre now.

i’ve looked at 5 of these Units at 530 sq ft. and this one is perfect for me. It is on the second floor, so I don't have to worry about exiting many stairs in a fire. And I dont have to take the elevators. While the views from the top floor units were amazing, I like being close to the ground. My dad from his grave is telling me “ low floor is good! In a fire you Can get out fast! ” and I remember frugal-one saying fire ladders only reach to the 5th floor. Haha, i have some weird little phobias about fires and death by elevator.

I can hardly wait to start decorating. Since we have downtime with Covid, I wanted to secure a small city place and get it dolled up before my regular activities commence. DH will be adding crown molding as a first step. This unit has an ugly aged kitchen that I will have no remorse in taking out.

floor plan below. It is called a studio because there is no closet in the little bedroom/office
[ATTACH=CONFIG]3429[/ATTACHi]You are not the only one with a phobia about fire and death by elevator. Ever since 9/11, I have been wary of tall buildings and elevators. Part of this is that I am terrified of heights, part of this is that I remember how innocent elavators became tombs during 9/11. I'm so bad with this that when one of SO's friends went to Chicago and went to the top of the former Sears Tower, once the tallest building in the world (now I think the tallest is in Dubai?) - just looking at an image pointed straight down made my stomach react and my nerves get instantly wound up. One thing I believe that is great about remote work is that office workers formerly in these (in my mind, anyway) deathtraps (skyscrapers) don't have to take the risk involved when they work at home.

In Phoenix office towers are not that big a deal as for a city of this size, we really don't have that many. I'm thinking more of New York, Seattle, Philadelphia - cities that are scrunched together where land is very expensive and space is at a premium - these types of cities wind up my nerves should I think what it must be like to work that many floors up. I don't know if I could do it truth be told but I'm not in a line of work where that is an issue, thankfully. Rob

[Teacher Terry]

Rob, I am on the third floor but also right by the steps in case of a fire. We do have an elevator but use the stairs unless I am carrying stuff. I keep the dog’s leashes right by the front door.

[sweetana3]

Just found this one on the 3rd floor. I love the floor plan and the windows/floors. Not sure about the columns. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3438-Russell-Blvd-APT-301-Saint-Louis-MO-63104/2938437_zpid/?

[rosarugosa]

Rob: I spent a year working in I.M. Pei's glass John Hancock tower on the 18th floor (temporary relocation while renovations were being made in our new permanent location). The building had 55+ floors. If there was bad weather with heavy winds, the building moved and creaked and swayed a bit, reminding me of a ship on the high seas. I cannot imagine what it was like on the 55th floor! Learning that there were huge metal plates designed to shift and stabilize the building in high winds somehow made it seem scarier.
I also had a couple of truly dangerous situations when leaving the building during high winds, which created very strong wind tunnels. I was actually blown into the street and was very lucky not to get have gotten hit by a car. Fun times.
Two good things about working in this awful building: beautiful fresh flower arrangements in the lobby every day that I always made a point of enjoying, and an elevator system that somehow ran with amazing efficiency with hardly ever any wait time or interim stops. I was also closer to the Boston Public Library and the summer Farmer's Market, so I guess those were plusses too.
This is a very interesting read, and I'm glad I never read it while I was working there: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hancock_Tower

[iris lilies]

That chandelier is stunning!!!
DH had to perform surgery on it to get it to the right height. I have 9’ ceilings, and it formerly lived in a house with 10’ or 11’ ceilings.

DH has rewired every antique light fixture in this condo.

[iris lilies]

Rob: I spent a year working in I.M. Pei's glass John Hancock tower on the 18th floor (temporary relocation while renovations were being made in our new permanent location). The building had 55+ floors. If there was bad weather with heavy winds, the building moved and creaked and swayed a bit, reminding me of a ship on the high seas. I cannot imagine what it was like on the 55th floor! Learning that there were huge metal plates designed to shift and stabilize the building in high winds somehow made it seem scarier.
I also had a couple of truly dangerous situations when leaving the building during high winds, which created very strong wind tunnels. I was actually blown into the street and was very lucky not to get have gotten hit by a car. Fun times.
Two good things about working in this awful building: beautiful fresh flower arrangements in the lobby every day that I always made a point of enjoying, and an elevator system that somehow ran with amazing efficiency with hardly ever any wait time or interim stops. I was also closer to the Boston Public Library and the summer Farmer's Market, so I guess those were plusses too.
This is a very interesting read, and I'm glad I never read it while I was working there: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hancock_Tower

That link has scary stuff!

[iris lilies]

Just found this one on the 3rd floor. I love the floor plan and the windows/floors. Not sure about the columns. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3438-Russell-Blvd-APT-301-Saint-Louis-MO-63104/2938437_zpid/?

Yes! That condo is in my building. The decor is ..extra.

We went to a party on the 9th floor recently. The owners had 3 of the 4 units on that floor and had knocked out walls between them. It is a very big unit with a great view. They kept all 3 kitchens so the units can be put back together as separate in the future.

[happystuff]

Wow! Amazing chandelier! Glad you found something you like.

[Teacher Terry]

That condo was too much for me especially the wallpaper. But the size was nice. Looking at that one sent me down a rabbit trail looking at others that popped up and they are cheap. Although property taxes are 4xs mine. I was surprised that Kenosha’s real estate isn’t cheaper but probably because it’s commuting distance to Milwaukee and Chicago. Plus property taxes are high.

[sweetana3]

In the early 80s, we thought about moving to Chicago. A small unit was available on one of the top floors of the John Hancock building. I am so GLAD that hubby did not get the job. The company went bust and I would not have enjoyed being downtown. But we were young and it sounded exciting. Never gave a thought to fire or wind or anything.

[Teacher Terry]

Condos downtown are very expensive and it’s beautiful between the lights and Lake Michigan but it’s a pain to get out of there to go anywhere. The traffic has always been insane. We used to ride the train from Kenosha to Chicago to spend the day even though it was a short drive.

[littlebittybobby]

Okay--Them bike racks are very impressive. I like how they did that. Yup.

[iris lilies]

That condo was too much for me especially the wallpaper. But the size was nice. Looking at that one sent me down a rabbit trail looking at others that popped up and they are cheap. Although property taxes are 4xs mine. I was surprised that Kenosha’s real estate isn’t cheaper but probably because it’s commuting distance to Milwaukee and Chicago. Plus property taxes are high.

fortunately, for the St. Louis condo, y’all are talking about, that’s not wallpaper it’s just paint on the wall. It’s very easy to remedy.

[JaneV2.0]

Sigh. I reaaaaaaaakly pushed myself to embrace clean, contemporary or authentic Art Deco decor for this little condo from the Art Deco age and I was dead set on having only 1 pre-1900 piece in the living room.

But after going for 2.5 years without a ceiling fixture (everything I liked was too much money) I found this glass rod chandelier in an antique store and bought it. It is kinda sorta Art Deco even tho too fancy for my original vision.

I do love it, and it casts a pretty pattern on the ceiling.

5124

That does look like an angel, or maybe something Asian-inspired. I like that it appears fairly close to the ceiling, but it's hard to place it in context.

[iris lilies]

You are not the only one with a phobia about fire and death by elevator. Ever since 9/11, I have been wary of tall buildings and elevators. Part of this is that I am terrified of heights, part of this is that I remember how innocent elavators became tombs during 9/11. I'm so bad with this that when one of SO's friends went to Chicago and went to the top of the former Sears Tower, once the tallest building in the world (now I think the tallest is in Dubai?) - just looking at an image pointed straight down made my stomach react and my nerves get instantly wound up. One thing I believe that is great about remote work is that office workers formerly in these (in my mind, anyway) deathtraps (skyscrapers) don't have to take the risk involved when they work at home.

In Phoenix office towers are not that big a deal as for a city of this size, we really don't have that many. I'm thinking more of New York, Seattle, Philadelphia - cities that are scrunched together where land is very expensive and space is at a premium - these types of cities wind up my nerves should I think what it must be like to work that many floors up. I don't know if I could do it truth be told but I'm not in a line of work where that is an issue, thankfully. Rob

at a recent party in our condo building one of the residents said when she lived in Chicago the fire ladders reached to the 13th floor. I dont know what we have in St. Louis.

[iris lilies]

I like the ones that look like avant-garde propellers, personally. But I've never had one, and really have no use for one, so the fact that propeller chic doesn't go with any decor I'm likely to have is moot.
We bought one of those propeller type fans for our sun room in Hermann. I like the looks of it.

[littlebittybobby]

Okay----here's picture of summa my authentic, early-21st century pendant light fixtures, salvaged from an actual lirrrrrarrry. The picture is sideways, but you can figure it out. They use metal-halide bulbs, but operate on 120 volts. Or 277 volts, if you choose. But yeah---=the light output from these will enable you to skim through novels with the greatest of ease. Yup They told me that they were VERY expensive, brand new, but I forget how much. Yup.. 5150

[JaneV2.0]

We bought one of those propeller type fans for our sun room in Hermann. I like the looks of it.

The view from that room is lovely, too.

[littlebittybobby]

Okay---Hate to butt in with a non sequituer or whatever, but here's a house in Enngland thats for sale. It;'s sposta be at least 250 years old. Prolly older'n that. But yeah---looks quant. 5179

[JaneV2.0]

Okay---Hate to butt in with a non sequituer or whatever, but here's a house in Enngland thats for sale. It;'s sposta be at least 250 years old. Prolly older'n that. But yeah---looks quant. 5179

It looks pretty stark to me--hope it's cheap.

[catherine]

I like that style! Frankly, it looks no bigger than my "wee" bungalow, and I've always wanted a thatched roof. Also, I'm enamored of straw bale homes, and this could almost be that. Not sure.

I just don't like the neighbors so close, or the store, or whatever is right next door. If it were on the lake here, I'd grab it.

As you can see, if it weren't for the color and material, this house in England might look just like mine!

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[rosarugosa]

Catherine: location, location, location!

[iris lilies]

Getting closer to having the 3 main rooms completely done. Need a Persian rug in the bedroom. Perhaps I will add further window treatments in bedroom. I suppose I will get a coffee table even tho I do not like them. But 3 main rooms are 90% done.

Next up: new windows, $$$$$$

Then, at some point, DH will start work on the tiny hallway, 3 closets, and the tiny bathroom. The bathroom floor and wall tile are original and will be preserved.

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[Tradd]

Wow! Love that blue

[catherine]

That place has drama! I love your color choices. Also, I tried to enlarge the middle one so I could get a look at the artwork. Are they all originals?

[iris lilies]

That place has drama! I love your color choices. Also, I tried to enlarge the middle one so I could get a look at the artwork. Are they all originals?
3 are originals, 3 are prints. I found the biggest one on eBay and was obsessed with it, an abstract with lilies. I know nothing about the provenance and I’m guessing it’s probably a 1980s painting.

[ToomuchStuff]

Getting closer to having the 3 main room completely done. Need a Persian rug in the bedroom. Perhaps will be adding further window treatments in bedroom. I suppose I will get a coffee table even tho I do not like them. But 3 main rooms are 90% done.

Next up: new windows, $$$$$$

Then, at some point, DH will start work on the tiny hallway, 3 closets, and the tiny bathroom. The bathroom floor and wall tile are original and will be preserved.

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5273

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Love the dark blue, but am wondering about the third picture. Is that wallpaper, or some kind of painting technique like the sponge painting thing that was big a couple decades back?

I have some memories from when I was real young (earliest is as a two year old), and one of them my mother argued with me about was the neighbors daughter, where I was born, painting Irises. We got invited to visit a house on the national historic register and during that I saw a picture that I immediately pointed at and said that's the picture, and the guide went on to say that it was painted by the local artist Judith Ritchie and my mom just looked at me stunned.


3 are originals, 3 are prints. I found the biggest one on eBay and was obsessed with it, an abstract with lilies. I know nothing about the provenance and I’m guessing it’s probably a 1980s painting.

[rosarugosa]

Very beautiful, IL. Things are really coming together!

[iris lilies]

Love the dark blue, but am wondering about the third picture. Is that wallpaper, or some kind of painting technique like the sponge painting thing that was big a couple decades back?

I have some memories from when I was real young (earliest is as a two year old), and one of them my mother argued with me about was the neighbors daughter, where I was born, painting Irises. We got invited to visit a house on the national historic register and during that I saw a picture that I immediately pointed at and said that's the picture, and the guide went on to say that it was painted by the local artist Judith Ritchie and my mom just looked at me stunned.

so you remembered that painting from when you were two years old? Wow!

yes, the walls are one of those treatments that were, as you said, popular 20 years ago. It’s retro. While I could’ve done this myself, I did hire an expert in faux painting to do it. He used an airbrush to paint the clouds.

[JaneV2.0]

I like your bedroom--very moody, and there's your wonderful lamp!