My Bathroom? Or...

THE GATEWAY TO HELL!!!???

I'm the Demolition Man

Hi all - week one came to a close and I made my first visit to the homestead and took a bunch of shots of empty messed up rooms.  And closets.  And here they are:

Kitchen.  Left the door and the sink.

Other side of kitchen.  Left radiator; window.

Inside of closet with shelves ripped out.

Front entrance/doorway/foyer looking into living room.

Living Room closet with shelves removed.

Living room.  With bathroom sink.

Living Room.  With garbage.

Doorway from living room to back hallway.

Bathroom.  Where the sink used to be.

Bathroom.  Tub coffin.

Bathroom floor; opposite wall.

Bathroom pipes and stuff.

Bathroom Radiator.

The tub beneath.

Bedroom.

Bathroom sink shelf.

Bedroom, other wall.

Door/hallway looking into living room.

Hallway Floors: Just Like Can-day

These are the floors in the common hallways in the new building.  The first time I saw them I wanted to eat them, which pretty much sealed the deal, even before I saw the inside of the apartment. 

And luckily there is no wandering sax player in the video of my life (2:51).

GE Cafe Has a Red Logo...

French-door refrigerator: internal

French-door refrigerator: external

Over-range microwave w/exhaust fan

Dishwasher

Gas slide-in range

...and I like it!

I've been searching high and low for the best prices on some of the lower-end models in this line of kitchen appliances (counter-depth French-door 'fridge, gas slide-in range, over-range microwave w/exhaust fan and dishwasher).  I looked around, compared/contrasted, and decided they had the high-end look of the really high-end brands, but were more "affordable" (I use that term loosely, however, as they aren't cheap).  GE also seems to get strong reviews for quality and service.  So I think I'm gonna go for it.  Will let you know where I get a good deal.

OH! Also, the co-op board of my building gave us the green light to start work asap, as long as, and I quote, "the plumber and electrician are licensed and you don't use a jackhammer." 

Oh well, they've dashed my jackhammering dreams. 

I'm taking three light fixtures with me

I need about eight light fixtures throughout the new pad.  I am taking three with me.  If my math is correct, that means I will need five new ones.  Here's what I'm starting with:

Chandelier currently in my kitchen, may end up in new bedroom.

Chandelier 2: Currently in bedroom, may move to desk area in new kitchen.  And yes, that's Timmy.

Glass fixture currently in hall outside bathoom.  May take same position in new apt.

Same fixture turned on.  Let there be light!

Apartment Reno: STAGE II

Hi y'all.  Yes, the process toward making the apartment a magical palace with a nod to the 1920's is taking longer than one would expect.  Except I was told to expect that.  So I guess it's expectedly unexpected.  So here are the likely candidates for tile, paint, countertops and cabinets...Can you guess which cabinet and countertop I am leaning toward?

Check 'em out:

Kitchen cabinet contenders: all cherry woods

Kitchen countertop contenders: Ceasarstone

Kitchen floor tile.  White tile from Nemo. Brown accent tile from American Restoration Tile.

Paint colors: Harmonious by BEHR for kitchen door; Antique Pearl for bedroom and Marilyn's Dress for bathroom by Benjamin Moore.

Black & white subway tile for bathroom all from Nemo.

AND SO IT BEGINS...1920s Restoration / Renovation Project Take 1

Before: Bathroom

And so it begins...this little effort is why my other shopping exploits have all but evaporated.  Here are a few photos recently taken of the apartment I am now officially allowed to rebuild, and make better than before.  Like the Six Million Dollar Man.  The goal is to save as much as possible...and do as little as possible...to bring this gem into the 21st Century, while maintaining its 1920's glow.  Interesting things such as NO ELECTRICAL OUTLETS IN THE BATHROOM make this a logistical challenge, but a quaint one at that.  Right now we are still in the waiting to exhale stage, but once we get our plans finalized and approved, the real work shall begin.  And so it goes.  

BEFORE: Bedroom, when still on market.

BEFORE: Front hall closet

BEFORE: Bathroom floor, after I cleaned it yesteray.  I think I'm going to try to save it!

BEFORE: Kitchen.  Scary stove - out.  Quaint cabinets, but they don't close so they got to go...

BEFORE: French door (love) heading into kitchen

BEFORE: Giant gas meter.  Giant refrigerator.  And look, another front door!

BEFORE: ...and...the Kitchen Sink.  Love.  Am restoring, keeping, and doing a jig around.

BEFORE: Living room windows. 

Tues., Dec. 13: Filnoir Hosiery (from Italy) Trunkshow in Soho

Hi all - I can personally attest to this one, seeing how I own a pair of black textured Filnoir tights! 

I have been told that this trunk show will offer Panettone, Spumante, models, and of course the collection itself to be admired, experienced, tested, and purchased (+free sample w/purchases!). 

Check it out next Tuesday night.

Lord & Taylor - A Christmas Miracle, Home-style

I'm not sure how this got by me, but the Lord & Taylor in NYC has a relatively new "home" department on the 9th floor that is DIVINE.  It features just a few select designers like Calvin Klein, Jonathan Adler, and Ralph Lauren and I LOVE IT.  It's not overdone.  It's not overstocked.  It's tasteful.  It has bedding, furniture, housewares.  And most of all, there are some MAJOR sales going on right now.  Like they almost owed me money at the register.  It's on the same floor as the Christmas decor, which makes the whole thing a nice mix. 

Sample Sale, Dec 8&9: Jane Post Coats & Rainwear

I love coats, and this looked good, but I will admit I don't own this brand...