Apartment 528

Vintage Shops

2009-07-15T06:20:00.001-04:00

My blogging schedule's been thrown off lately. I planned on using a few posts to show you pics of all the changes we've made to the apartment. Unfortunately, I keep forgetting to buy batteries for the camera and the charger for the rechargeable batteries is broken. Batteries...just one more reason I hate my camera! I swear I'm going to get a new camera soon. If you have any recommendations, let me know. Something under $250 would be great!

Since I can't show you my apartment, I'll show you the next best thing: vintage shops.

First there's Artyczechs. Their awesome 1950's Bakelite Radio is so amazingly awesome that I just HAD to show you! I love the clean lines and futuristic design. It would go great with the rest of my radio collection.

Aside from great accessories (like the 1960's Bone China Vase below), Artyczechs also has an assortment of funky hanging lights. This glass Czechoslovakian chandelier is my favorite and seems to be in great condition.

Once you're done at Artyczechs, head over to Vintage Swank who lives up to their slogan of being "just plain cool!" Vintage Swank has everything from clothing to housewares. I love the Fabulous Fondues cookbook ($12). We have two fondue sets so this would definitely come in handy!

I've been drooling over these glass candleholders for quite awhile. I want them so bad I added them to my wedding registry!! I'm probably the only bride who has a registry full of vintage items. For those looking for something practical, check out this electric skillet from 1968, also from Vintage Swank. It's never been used...the cord is still coiled! For $75, you could definitely get good use out of it for short money. Not to mention, it comes in the original box with the original papers. Amazing!

Paint on the Floor

2009-07-13T04:42:00.001-04:00

I found this gorgeous before & after on Design Sponge. What a great way to brighten up a room and give your home a makeover. It's like having a room-sized rug. I'm someone who needs a rug/carpet in all the living spaces to really make a room feel complete. In this instance, I'd go for a solid color that plays off the sunny yellow of the floors.

If you're a renter, I doubt your landlord will let you paint the floors...it's not a temporary thing! You could always copy the idea by making a wooden wall hanging or floor mat. Ikea usually has extra wood flooring in the As-Is section and you can always find old floor remanents at salvage shops. Check out Design Sponge for more.

GoJo!

2009-07-08T07:15:00.006-04:00

You're doing a little DIY - making a fake platform bed, painting your bedroom, re-staining a thrift store find - when you decide to take a snack break. You head to the sink and start washing your hands, all the while thinking of that delicious sandwich you're about to devour. But, wait. The wood stain won't come off your hands. Now you're left with sticky fingers! Not fun.

If that's ever happened to you, I've got the perfect product to cure your sticky-hand-blues. GoJo Hand Cleaner works like magic to remove every trace of grime from your hands. It comes in sevearl different variations and is used in the home improvement, healthcare, and automotive industries. I chose the Natural Orange Pumice Hand Cleaner, which is an all-purpose cleaner that removes paint, grease, stain, and oil from you hands. The pumice scrub feels great on your hands and the orange smell is awesome.

I wasn't able to find GoJo on the Home Depot website, though they do sell it in their store for $3.49. If you search GoJo on Amazon.com, you'll find a huge assortment of GoJo cleaners. I recommend the gallon size for anyone who does a lot of DIY. I'm considering getting the wall mounted pump to keep in my workroom. GoJo also makes hand wipes...great to keep around the house or in your emergency car kit for those times when you have to change a tire or check your oil.

Now you can enjoy your snack break without sticky hands!

Apartment Wanted: Work Work Work

2009-07-05T11:01:00.013-04:00

Moving this summer? Don't forget to look for an apartment with a workspace. Whether you're a student or your employer offers work-from-home days, you'll love having a home office to hide-away in when it's time to buckle down.

Remodeled Victorian (Ohio City, OH)

3bed, 2.5bath

$1500/month

Figured I'd start with one from my beloved state of Ohio! This victorian's been completely updated with a modern kitchen, baths, and all new fixtures. According to the listing, there are several rooms that will work great as an office. There's even a billiards room! This 15 room house is by far the largest rental I've seen so far under $2000. I would consider moving back if I got to live here (don't hold your breath, mom!)

Norfolk Foreclosure (Norfolk, VA)

4bed

$1200/month

Foreclosures suck. No one wants to lose their home. On the other hand, foreclosures are great opportunities for renters and home buyers in the market for a new place. Like this gorgeous Virgina home. There's a built-in desk with cabinet space in the kitchen that's great if you just need a small work area for you laptop. If you need something bigger, there's a den with built-in shelving and a 4th bedroom, both good options.

Lofted Workspace (Austin, TX)

2bed, 2bath

$895/month

The loft space in this apartment is great for use as an office. There's nice natural light streaming in from the downstairs windows, and great built-in space to store your books and files. If you need a study break, check out the gym, theatre, or pool...all great perks of living in a gated community.

Make Your Own Grand Entrance

2009-06-30T02:55:00.003-04:00

I've been holding on to this post since November. I didn't see how a website that sold front doors would be relevant to you renters. Of course, I'd never even looked past the homepage. I finally decided to browse around the Crestview Doors website last night to see what they offer. Good thing I did! Whether you're a renter or an owner, Crestview has something for you'll love.

Crestview specializes in mid-century style doors and wall panels. Instead of buying the whole door, you buy a DIY Doorlite Kit. There's a video on their website that shows just how easy it is to create you own modern entryway. First layout the window lights on your door in the position you'd like them in and trace the outline. Next, use a jigsaw to cut out the shapes, then insert the window frame, caulk, fill, stain/paint and you're done!

If you're a renter and plan on living in your place for at least a couple of years, consider purchasing an extra door so your landlord doesn't kill you. You can easily put the original door back when it's time to move out. Doorlite kits start at $79 so it's affordable enough for everyone. I checked HomeDepot.com and was able to find a basic entry door for $116 which means you'll be able to completely transform the look of your house for under $200. Now that's what I call a deal!

If you're not sure what your house will look like with a certain window, check out Crestview's Door-o-vision to get a sneak peak. You can upload a pic of the front of your house or use one of Crestview's pictures. Then you can have fun playing around with all the different door options. While you're there, take a look at their wall panels (good for adding a hint of mod) and browse their Flickr gallery for pics customers sent in of their finished projects. The picture below is my absolute favorite!

{images via Crestview Doors}

Wall Panel Addiction

2009-06-26T06:06:00.002-04:00

I FREAKING LOVE these wall panels from B+N Industries' Reclaimed Wood Iconic Panel line. Words do not even begin to express how much I desperately want to own them. This isn't the first time I've fallen in love with B+N products; last year I wrote about their laminate Iconic wall panel series...as you can see, I have a panel obsession!

{image via B+N Industries}

You have to create an account on the B+N website before they'll even let you look at the prices which means they're way out of my price range so I'm not going to waste my time looking. It would only lead to heart break :(

If you're like me and don't see riches in your future, try a little DIY to create wall panels on your own. All you need are a few slabs of wood, some sanding, wood stain, stencils (optional) and a carving/engraving tool. I highly recommend a Dremel for this type of project. Dremels have many interchangable accessories, including several different engravers.

And while we're talking about DIY, don't forget to check out the Apt528 3rd Ward Contest for your chance to win a 10% discount on classes at 3rd Ward in Brooklyn, NY.

DIY on the Cheap

2009-06-23T13:32:00.009-04:00

This apartment is proof that you CAN have an awesome, unique space no matter what your budget. Using a Sharpie and a TON of talent, this guy turned his basement rec room into a muraled masterpiece. The detail he put into the mural is amazing. Talk about DIY!

I'm not brave enough to do an entire room like this (the mural above goes around the ENTIRE basement) but it's definitely a cool idea for an accent wall. Add splashes of color here or there to make it really pop. Just remember to paint everything back when it's time to move out!

For more pics, check out Dornob Design.

Apt528 Reminder: The Apt528 3rd Ward Contest ends Sunday...enter NOW for your chance to win 10% off a class of your choice!!

Apartment 528 3rd Ward Contest

2009-06-21T09:57:00.006-04:00

Apartment 528 is doing another contest. Yea! This time, you can enter for a chance to win a 10% discount on classes at 3rd Ward, a design center based in Brooklyn, NY. The contest starts today and ends Sunday, June 28th with the winner announced Monday, June 29th.

About 3rd Ward

If you're able to make it to Brooklyn once a week, I HIGHLY suggest looking into 3rd Ward. They offer classes in everything from woodworking, furniture making (my two faves!), and welding to jewelry making, illustration, and video production. They even have Etsy craft classes!

All of 3rd Ward's classes are super affordable...whether you're a hobbiest, DIY-er, or looking to develop your skills professionally, you'll be able to work a few classes into your budget. If you're looking to save a little while still getting the most bang for your buck, check out one of 3rd Ward's memberships, starting at just $39/month. By becoming a member, you gain access to their 20,000 sq. ft. space, discounts on classes, use of their studio space and media labs, exhibit space, and invites to their social events and networking opportunities. It's enough to make you want to move to New York!

Classes at 3rd Ward

I'm all about building so I will of course highlight their woodworking classes. To get started, you take Intro to Woodworking to get a feel for working with both hand and power tools. Then it's off to Furniture Design and Construction class. The class is taught by Steve Pino, a custom furniture designer who's done pieces for Brooke Shields and Steven Tyler, just to name a few!

This next offering is probably number one on my list. Yesterday, I electrocuted myself while rewiring a hanging light into a sconce for my headboard. Not fun! If I'd taken 3rd Ward's Light Fixture class, maybe I wouldn't have mixed up the wires! The class, taught by designer Daniel Rossi, incorporates wiring and woodworking, all while using eco-friendly materials.

3rd Ward also offers classes in furniture refinishing, screen printing, handmade skincare, jean assembly, and much MUCH more. Check their website for a full list.

How do I win?

First, only participate in the contest if you're serious about taking a class at 3rd Ward. We don't want a good discount to go to waste!

Like last time, there are THREE ways to enter.

Post a comment below telling me which 3rd Ward class you'd like to take. Each comment counts as ONE entry.

Post a tweet about this contest on Twitter (@Apartment528) linking back to this blog entry. Put the link to your twitter post in a comment below so I can find it. Each twitter link counts as TWO entries.

Link back to this contest on your blog. Put the link to your blog post in a comment below. Each blog link counts as TWO entries.

The contest ends at 11:59PM on Sunday, June 28th. One winner will be chosen at random and announced Monday, June 29th.

Good luck!

In the Globe Again!

2009-06-17T22:36:00.004-04:00

Apartment 528 had the opportunity to participate in another great Boston Globe feature, this time in the Sunday Boston Globe Magazine - we're moving up in the world!

The article was on 100 Design Ideas Under $100. Many super talented designers and artists (and little old me!) contributed to the piece which was jam-packed with GREAT ideas for every room of the house. My favorite is from David Clancy, an artist who turned an old dresser into a display case for his Pez collection. He even used Pez dispensers as handles to the glass fronts. I like it already!

To get a little design inspiration for your house (or apartment!) and see Apartment 528's advice on nightstand alternatives, check out the Boston Globe's website. The ideas are sorted by room...click the links under the pictures on the left of the page to browse through.

{Image via Boston.com}

Apartment Wanted: Master Bedrooms

2009-06-14T11:14:00.005-04:00

Just because you're a renter doesn't mean you can't have a master bedroom. Believe me, I have one and it's the best thing ever. No more sharing a bathroom with guests or trying to cram all your clothes into a tiny closet. Here are a few master bedrooms you could be enjoying...

Rental Luxury (Charlotte, NC)

2bed, 2bath

$1100

GORGEOUS! I've spent so long dreaming about Chicago and Phoenix that I never even gave Charlotte a thought. Now I'm in love! This bungalow has everything you could want. The kitchen is jam-packed with ammenities (6 burner gas stove, wine fridge) and the bathrooms have been beautifully redone with marble floors. The master bath has a walk-in closet, and french doors leading out to the private patio. The master bath has a huge glass shower AND a soaker tub. Now that's what I call renting in style!

Lake House Relaxation (Goffstown, NH)

3bed, 2bath

$1700

I was recently in New Hampshire at a friend's lake house so I can tell you first hand how peaceful and beautiful it can be. For $1700, you get the WHOLE house to yourself, including the breathtaking lake views! The house was recently remodeled so everything is brand new. Gotta love that! The master bedroom has two closets, a built-in window seat, and en suite bathroom with dual shower heads. Bring your kayak and you're all set!

Living Large (Austin, TX)

3bed, 2bath

$1550

The outside of this home may not be much to look at, but the inside more than compensates. The kitchen is GIGANTIC, as are the rest of the rooms. The master bedroom is huge and comes with a walk in closet and double sinks in the bathroom. The house was built in 2005 so everything's still pretty new and modern. I'd put some flowers in the backyard to really jazz the place up.

Spice up your office

2009-06-13T18:58:00.003-04:00

It's summer which means a lot of work time spent daydreaming about the beach. Get your mind back in the game with funky office accessories from Think Geek.

This puzzle calendar ($9.99) will make you feel like a kid again! Use the included blocks to design your calender. They even have special icon blocks to mark events like vacations, flights, and birthdays.

Throw out your ugly Rolodex and grab this business card filing cabinet ($12.99). This mini file cabinet can store up to 800 business cards and comes complete with lettered tabs to help you stay organized.

Who said crayons can't be professional? These Crayola executive pens ($14.99) have the weight and functionality of a pricey executive pen without the boring executive look. They even come in a wooden display box!

If you hate filing as much as me, you'll probably love Think Geek's file folders with attitude ($7.99). My advice, use them in your home office so your boss doesn't catch on to what you're REALLY thinking!

This is by far my favorite. Thanks to Dornob Design for tipping me off! Get rid of your cat calendar immediately (I suggest burning it!) and start using calendar tape ($9.99). It's great for adding a funky flair to your apartment. Grab a bulletin board, cover it with calendar tape, and use it to keep track of your schedule and tack up reminders. There are so many ways to use this tape: on notebooks, on walls (not if you're a renter!), or on a desk. To make the calendar reusable, frame it behind glass and use a dry erase marker to fill in spots, then erase at the end of the month.

{images via ThinkGeek.com}

Lovin' Sweet Love Vintage

2009-06-10T05:40:00.003-04:00

I'm pretty sure you can never have too many vases, which is why I desperately need to buy this one from Sweet Love Vintage.

And of course, my life won't be complete without the owl business card holder.

I also think I HAVE to have this vintage Sunbeam iron and awesome blue case.

Oh, and did I mention the funky sifter, the 1980's cassette player (for listening to New Kids on the Block), or the vintage guest soaps?

Sweet Love Vintage, where have you been all my life?!

UPDATE: check out the Sweet Love Vintage blog for even more vintage delights.

The Lounge

2009-06-08T07:34:00.005-04:00

We've been working on this room FOR-EV-ER! It's supposed to be Jerome's lounge...a place for him and his friends to play music and hang out, or for me to escape to when they're playing video games in the living room. It's also our music room (vinyl records ONLY) and a display room for some of our vintage electronics collection.

No matter how much we tried, we couldn't work up the motivation to organize the junk we kept throwing in the lounge. After much complaining, we finally buckled down and got the room in working order. There's still more to do, but we're getting there!

The mustard yellow rug was $25 from Building 19. Awesome score!

Jerome's toys

A chest Jerome's dad refinished. Eventually we'll move the orange couch and chair from the living room into here, but for now this chest is the perfect height for the stained glass window.

Our record player. We're going to get rid of that green table and put the player in it's official spot with the speakers mounted. We're also going to take down some of the framed records and put more shelves up to hold our collection.

Everything in this picture (with the exception of Freddie Mercury, the pic of us, and the Rolling Stones book) is vintage. There's even more spread throughout the house!

LA Times DIY

2009-06-05T07:04:00.002-04:00

The LA Times is running a new feature where they challenge local artists to transform otherwise boring, mass-produced pieces. I couldn't be more excited! This week, they challenged Rebecca Johnson and Jeff Klarin of Bughouse Art & Design to transform the Ikea Varde wall shelf. Rebecca and Jeff were able to create three awesome designs:

As a record collecting faux bois lover who has a weakness for painting things chrome, I couldn't be happier with the pieces they created. I'm planning on using the faux bois technique to jazz up my bookcases a little more and you might see me doing a record decoupage too! For more, check out the LA Times article. Thanks goes to Ikea Hacker for pointing out the article.

New Vintage Etsy Store!

2009-06-02T06:55:00.001-04:00

No Accounting for Taste, one of my favorite vintage blogs, just opened an Etsy store! There are only a few items listed at the moment, but I'm sure she'll have more exciting stuff soon. Check out her blog for more info.

Vintage Tin - $8 (via No Accounting for Taste)

While we're on the subject, I figured this would be the perfect time to announce that an Apartment 528 store will be opening late summer, early fall. Stay tuned for more details...I'm excited :)

Happy 528!

2009-05-28T16:25:00.004-04:00

Today I want to wish a super happy birthday to my amazingly talented mother. Apartment 528 wouldn't be here without you mom!

Moving on Out!

2009-05-27T06:04:00.005-04:00

With all the students graduating or leaving school for the summer, I figured now is the perfect time to do a Move-Out Checklist full of tips to help you get your deposit back from your landlord!

1. Patch them holes!
If your landlord was nice enough to let you hang pictures, you probably have a hole or two left in your wall. Patch them the easy way with Patch-N-Paint. Spread the lightweight spackling over the hole, remove the excess, wait 15 minutes for it to dry, dab on a little touch up paint and you're all set. A half pint container ($3.48, Home Depot) works great for small jobs. If you're looking for a bargain, grab the 1 quart size. For $5.98 you'll end up with enough spackling to last you the rest of your renting life. Click here for more...

2. Uh oh!

Did you lose a burner cap for your stove or screw up the ice dispenser in the kitchen? Before your landlord kills you, check ApplianceHelp.com. Appliance Help carries every part you could ever need for every appliance brand you can think of. Break the dishwasher door handle? They've got you covered. Drop the a/c out the window (I've almost done it several times!)? They've got you covered. If the repair is a little over your head, try bargaining with your landlord. Perhaps they'll do the labor and give all or part of your deposit back if you buy the necessary parts.

3. Get on your knees...
and start scrubbing the floor. If you have carpet, try Resolve High Traffic Foam ($6.99, Walgreens) to remove stains. I've used this stuff on rugs and couches and it got the stain out every time. For wood, repair scratches with Old English Scratch Cover. It comes in two shades...one for light wood and another for dark. It won't get rid of the scratch but it will make them blend in. Once that's done, give the floors a good cleaning with Method Wood for Good ($6, Target). The almond scent is amazing! Click here for more...

4. Start replacing
If you removed something from your apartment, make sure to put it back. Door handles, window blinds, light switch covers, curtains, light fixtures...whatever. If it's your landlord's property they'll expect it to be there when you move out.

5. What's that smell?
Don't leave any lingering odors. Even if it's just the trash, your landlord will assume the worst. Oust Surface and Air Disenfectant will help get rid of any stubborn smells. If you want to leave a nice scent behind, try one of the airfresheners from Airwick. Their products tend to leave a nice, lasting fragrance. I love the Freshmatic Mini. It releases a scent every few minutes.

6. Don't leave anything behind!
Double check everything. Go through every drawer and cabinet one-by-one to make sure you didn't leave anything behind. Check in the back of the closet and in the pantry. There's always that one little thing that gets forgotten.

And we have a winner!

2009-05-26T06:22:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Green Yogurt for winning the Apartment 528 Lamp Giveaway! She'll soon be the proud owner of the Lights Up! Devo Round Table Lamp from CSN Lighting.

Thanks to all who entered the contest and thanks to CSN Lighting for sponsoring. It was the first giveaway on Apartment 528 but I plan to do more soon. Keep checking back for your chance to win!

Apartment Wanted: North Dakota

2009-05-24T10:03:00.007-04:00

North Dakota. It's not a place you think of much, until now. Today, I'm dedicating an entire Apartment Wanted post to the forgotten state of North Dakota.

Move-in Ready

2bed, 2bath

Price: $785

The kitchen and bathroom are updated with granite counters and new cabinets. The dining room has built-in cabinets and there's a large garage...you won't be lacking for storage space!

Charming Grand Forks Cottage

3bed, 1.5bath

Price: $1500

Location, location, location. This apartment is near schools, parks, UNH, the hospital, the air base, and within walking distance of downtown Grand Forks. The house features a den, jacuzzi, new flooring, and a 2nd floor balcony...not to mention it's SO cute!

Green Townhouse

2bed, 2bath

Price: $1100

I love the architecture. On the inside, there are new cabinets, new appliances, new washer and dryer, new windows, and new carpeting. Gotta love new! To complete the package, the living room has vaulted ceilings and the master bedroom has large walk-in closets.

Apt528 Reminder: The Apt528 lamp giveaway ends today at 11:59PM...enter NOW!!

Small Kitchen Solution

2009-05-22T10:25:00.006-04:00

At "five-figure sums," I definitely can't afford this but I'm sure anyone who's lived with a small kitchen would appreciate the design as much as I do.

This kitchen from Compact Concepts rotates to reveal countertops, a microwave, a dishwasher, and more! No more cramped galley kitchens that can only fit one person! I love the idea of using the kitchen to divide two rooms so that it's accessible on both sides...pretty cool.

For more on this and other wonderous designs, check out Dornob.com.

Apt528 Reminder: The Apt528 lamp giveaway ends Sunday...don't miss your chance to win a free lamp from CSN Lighting!

Method Madness!

2009-05-20T06:23:00.003-04:00

My favorite cleaning brand's been busy again! Method now offers Smarty Dish dishwasher tablets in an even more eco-friendly package. The pink grapefruit scent (also available in unscented) will have you jumping for joy when it's time to do the dishes! If you don't have a dishwasher, check out the dish soap which comes in four scents. Cucumber is the best - we use it at work!

If you like the convenience of cleaning wipes, Method now has wipes for every surface. I'm addicted to the Steal for Real stainless steel wipes with their amazing orchard blossom scent...it's like heaven! The almond Wood for Good wipes are my second pick.

Have a baby shower to attend or have a little one of your own? Try the Squeaky Green baby line. I bought my future cousin-in-law a bunch of Method Baby products for her baby shower. They're made with rice milk and mallow...I have no clue what mallow is but it sounds soft and fluffy and the packaging is cute! That's all that matters, right!?!

Apt528 Reminder: The Apt528 lamp giveaway ends Sunday...better enter today!

Apartment 528 Lamp Giveaway!!

2009-05-17T12:40:00.013-04:00

UPDATE (5/25/09): THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!! Congrats to Green Yogurt for winning the Lights Up! Devo Round Table Lamp.

Just when you thought this blog couldn't get any better (hehe!) it does! Today, I'm bringing you the first ever Apartment 528 Giveaway, brought to you by the fine folks over at CSN Lighting. That's right...one of you lucky readers will win one of the awesome lamps below!

CSN Lighting has just about any lamp or light fixture you can dream of. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself! It took me hours to sort through all the lamps in their home lighting section looking for the perfect lamp to offer my Apt528 readers. In the end, I couldn't pick just one...I found SIX lamps that I couldn't live without. Check them out below.

Sonneman: A Way of Light
With pieces designed by Robert Sonneman, Sonneman modern lights look like art but are totally functional at the same time. Since 1967, Sonneman designs have been sold and exhibited throughout the world. His passions for both contemporary design and architecture can clearly be seen in all of his designs. Unlike many designers who simply lend their name to a product, Sonneman remains deeply connected to all of his designs, from the conceptual stage right through to production.

Lamp #1: Sonneman Solid Table Lamp

Lamp #2: Sonneman Orbiter Double Floor Lamp

Lamp #3: Sonneman Essex Boom Floor Lamp

Lights Up!
The colorful pieces made by Brooklyn-based Lights Up! have the ability to fit right into any room of the house. With an offering that includes table and floor lamps, wall sconces and pendant lights, Lights Up! features a beautiful selection of printed shades made from 100% silk in exclusive patterns. All Lights Up! shades are manufactured to order at their Brooklyn headquarters.

Lamp #4: Lights Up! Oscar Boudoir Lamp
Base of lamp available in your choice of Carrot, Grass (pictured), or Olive

Lamp #5: Lights Up! Devo Square Table Lamp
Base of lamp available in your choice of Carrot (pictured), Grass, Olive or Soy

Lamp #6: Lights Up! Devo Round Table Lamp

Base of lamp available in your choice of Carrot, Grass (pictured), Olive or Soy

So how do you win one of these amazing lamps? Simple. First check out the info on the Sonneman and Lights Up! lamps featured above, then pick your favorite lamp. From there, there are THREE ways to enter.

Post a comment below telling me which lamp is your favorite. Each comment counts as ONE entry

Post a tweet about this giveaway on Twitter (@Apartment528) linking back to this blog entry. Put the link to your twitter post in a comment below so I can find it. Each twitter link counts as TWO entries.

Link back to this giveaway on your blog. Put the link to your blog post in a comment below. Each blog link counts as TWO entries.

The contest ends at 11:59PM on Sunday, May 24th. One winner will be chosen and announced Monday, May 25th.

Good luck and happy lighting!

Apt528 Couch Potato: For Rent

2009-05-14T11:21:00.002-04:00

Just when you think HGTV couldn't come up with another show idea they do.

This time, it's just for renters. For Rent, airs Thursday nights on HGTV. I usually watch The Office and CSI on Thursdays so I was psyched to finally catch a For Rent rerun this past weekend.

From what I can tell, the show is like My First Place for renters. The potential tenant(s) are shown three apartments that (semi) match their criteria. The host Jodi Gilmour helps the renters work around design flaws by showing them the hidden potential of one of the rooms in the space. Once the renters choose the apartment they want, Jodi surprises them by transforming the chosen room into a masterpiece while working on a slim budget.

I have to admit I was a little skeptical about some of Jodi's ideas at first, but they turned out great! I'm just happy to see a show that encourages renters to spice up their apartments instead of living in a white box...yea for color and design, even if it is temporary!

Check it out the next time you have a free Thursday night.

Bones!

2009-05-12T07:24:00.003-04:00

I'm addicted to Ikea Hacker which is why I'm always sending you over to see all the awesome hacks. This time, there's this super cool bone table designed by a guy who collects xrays...whowouldathunk?

(Images via Ikea Hacker)

Finally fixed the dining room!

2009-05-07T06:14:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd show you the new "art" piece I did for the dining room. As you know, we've had a gazillion different things on the dining room wall. First there were the three plain clip frames (my mom still hates that pic of my dirty stairs!). Then there were the three gold frames and the brown stripe. Still, nothing did it for me. For the past couple of months, the wall has been completely blank, waiting for a bolt of inspiration to hit me.

(Before...yuck!)

Finally I realized I was thinking too small. We needed something large to fill the space and set the tone for the whole room. That's when I saw this awesome piece on Ikea Hackers that was made using an Ikea Komplement hanger, wood, and paint.

(Image via Ikea Hackers)

Using that pic as inspiration, I made an Ikea art piece of my own! I went larger (6' x 4'), added random colors, and framed the piece out with this awesome molding that fit right in with our retro decor. Now I FINALLY have a piece that I LOVE!!! Who knew!?!

(After - yea!)