More Floor Plans

I've shared with you before here, that I love floor plans and especially the plans of small apartments in one of my favourite places, Manhattan.
Every once in a while I like to surf the real estate pages on The New York Times or Curbed looking for little apartments and of course checking out the floor plans that usually accompany each listing.

Here are a couple of my latest finds...

An adorable 1 bedroom on E 77th Street with 3 exposures and 2 balconies offered at $549.000.

 This kitchen is so perfect.

 Very nice architectural details-love the bookcase and the trim detail on the door and those windows are amazing.

The next property is a 599 square foot one bedroom in Harlem. It is listed for $449.000 and has a new kitchen and roof deck access.

Would love to get my hands on this space! Definitely needs new light fixtures and paint to start.

 Not a bad little kitchen.

Speaking of floor plans...check out Erin's plans for her home in Boston.

This adorable clapboard is going from this...

 To this...

                    I can't wait to see the finish product. Everything Erin does turns out amazing!

Drawn to New York

I have to admit that I've stolen the title of this post from the Australian magazine Wish. (Why can't I think of titles like this?) So many people for various reasons are drawn to New York, me included. I have had a love affair with the city for as long as I can remember. I think my obsession may have begun while watching reruns of Family Affair. Do you remember Buffy, Jody, Cissy and the doll Mrs. Beasley who all lived in a high rise off of 5th Avenue?
 When I was thirteen my parents ask me what I would like for Christmas and I, oblivious to the cost of things asked for a trip to New York. That year under the tree I didn't find plane tickets or a gift certificate to The Plaza Hotel, but rather a glossy coffee table book all about New York City complete with a note from Santa. (all presents came from 'Santa' even when I was a teenager) I still have that book today in my collection of  books about New York.
The Australian illustrator James Gulliver Hancock is also enamoured with New York. He now lives in the city and has made it his goal to draw every building in New York. I thought this was such a cool idea. You can buy prints of his work or commission him to do a particular building that is special to you. Check out his web site All The Buildings in New York.

He is constantly observing the city. He says, "I really love architectural details, funny little cornices, finding little alleyways. I like noticing how things change on a street in New York."

Here is a sample of his work...

This one would be great in a boys room.

Spring Break

We were planning on skiing over the spring break, but with the unseasonably warm weather we decided last minute to visit friends in Connecticut. We had a terrible experience with US Airways out of Buffalo, eventually arriving at JFK (not the airport we wanted) on another airline at 1:00am, and then driving another hour to Connecticut.

The story is the same old story, in a nut shell it goes like this...buy over priced ticket, flight is cancelled because plane is stuck somewhere, no other flights, airline refuses to get another plane, passengers are pissed off, lots of raised voices, mad dashing between desks trying to locate another carrier, finally after an hour of dealing with a guy called Lamar buy new tickets, go through security for second time, pat down by chick in blue rubber gloves, race to gate, new flight is delayed because engine is crap, said engine repaired with duct tape, reassured that duct tape is special "aeronautical" duct tape, son over hears pilot talking with repair crew and reports to mother that there is only a 2% chance of engine failure, mother searches in bottom of purse for medication to calm nerves, plane finally takes off, bumpy as hell ride, seat mate praying out loud in Spanish, husband is oblivious to the fact we are going to die and reads New York Times like a novel, arrive at destination dehydrated, sweaty and exhausted, swear never to fly again!

I am sure you all have lived it a thousand times too.

The good news was we ended up having a great time. Our dear friends Debby and Fred had an amazing week end planned for us. We visited the aquarium in South Norwalk, The Bruce Museum in Greenwich, had way too much amazing food and celebrated my birthday. Thanks guys for the great party and thoughtful gifts, you're the best!

We also spent Sunday in NYC. Normally when I am visiting New York I run around crazy trying to fit everything in, this time I had no agenda. We spent the day just wandering and enjoying the gorgeous weather.

Green line down 5th Avenue, marking St Patrick's Day parade route.

When in New York City

 

The Greek key motif has been popular in design for a while now. I have seen it used in many different applications and for some reason never tire of it. I think it's the classic graphic nature of the design that is so timeless. One of the best places for a huge selection of Greek key trim is at M & J Trimmings in New York City. On my last trip there I came home with a bag of trims, grosgrain ribbons, bamboo rings and leather strapping. I've only had a chance to use a bit of the trim. (Is hoarding pretty things an illness?)

Here is a pillow I made out of velvet in a grey/beige colour that works beautifully in the master bedroom at the condo.

Next time you are in New York check out M & J Trimming, it's the perfect spot to spend some time especially if it's raining.

via

via

via