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Cheap N’ Tasteful Window Blinds

February 27, 2008 RH 1 Comment

My two favorite places for inexpensive home decor are my top suggestions for window treatments as well. Surprise. Surprise.

Pearl River is the easy choice. You don’t have to leave the city. The carry fabric, wood and synthetic paper blinds, all very fashionable and cheap. I’d guess they are made in China (well, it IS a Chinese department store) and not very green, but since not everyone can afford to have a conscience, this will have to do for now.

Brown thread bamboo starts at $16.50.

Divinity Roman starting at $19.50

My husband thinks Ikea pushes a bunch of cheap junk, but I don’t care…I love it! Everything is so colorful and clean. Bright and shiny. And affordable! If you can hang on until the summer, you won’t have to schlepp to NJ or LI. Ikea, Red Hook (Brooklyn, not upstate) has already started recruiting staff. Hmm, I wonder what employee discounts are like?

Ikea Roman: $6.99 – $14.99

Melina starts at $19.99

Landlord Resources

February 27, 2008 RH 2 Comments

So, you’re a first time landlord. Congratulations! If you’re completely lost right now, here are some rental resources that I’ve found handy in the past.

The first thing you want to do is get the apartment in shape, set your price and market that baby. Keep in mind that your tenants will only be as good as the apartment. If do a schlock job, you’ll get get schlock tenants. I prefer to present quality accommodations and get market rate or slightly above rather than waiting to see if someone bites on a piece of crap.

Friends of friends or co-workers are always a good place to start spreading the word. They come with references you actually know. If that doesn’t pan out, Craigslist will. It’s the best free advertising you’ll ever get. You can swing for a $125 ad on the NY Times site, but don’t throw that $ away until you know Craigs hasn’t worked.

Whether you’re setting up appointments or having an open house, you’ll want to be prepared to screen your prospective tenants. You can download free rental applications from Legal Forms. Be sure to print out a few of them. You may not go with the first tenant who wants the place.

I always verify employment and get a reference from the previous landlord. It doesn’t hurt to look at W-2’s or pay stubs. Some apartment hunters are already prepared and come with these items in hand.

A credit check runs about $35 and yes, you may charge the tenant for that. Just disclose this up front under “fees” for the apartment. Transunion and Equifax are the two biggies in the credit check industry.

Download a free lease agreement from (once again) Legal Forms. Add as many riders as you feel is necessary. Pets? Smoking? Storage in hallway and basement?

I’ve never once received a lead pamphlet or disclosure from a landlord, but don’t let this stop you. Go to the EPA Lead page and download the booklet and disclosure form. These items should be presented at the time of lease signing.

Any questions?

Vintage Linoleum

February 26, 2008 RH 63 Comments

I did a search on vintage linoleum and it only brought up one source which I had already known about. The good news is that source is located right in here in Tribeca.

Second Hand Rose carries linoleum from the early 1900’s to the 50’s. All of the floors and lino rugs are in new condition and prices start at $10 per square foot. Warning: some of the rare rugs may cost as much as $3500 so don’t get yourself too excited.

Original linoleum was manufactured by oxidizing linseed oil to form a “linoleum cement”. It was then mixed with wood flour and pine resin and baked in large ovens.

Second Hand Rose advises installation by professionals only. I wonder why. Modern day sheet flooring is easy to install. Anyone know if there’s really difference? Or are they just covering their asses?

New Yawk Accents

February 26, 2008 RH 2 Comments

AMNY did a fun little interactive on the changing accents in the city. Click on the image above to listen to an accent from each of the boros.

The related article asks if anyone ever really spoke like those stereotypes anyway. As a third generation New Yawker old enough to remember my immigrant grandparents, I can say “Oh yes…they most certainly did!”

Grandpa Morris had the most distinct NY accent. He always asked us if we needed to use the “terlet” before a long trip. And sometimes he would come to visit us when we were “watchin’ the wrastlin” on TV. His son/my father still puts things in the “friggadaya”.

Most out of state people are surprised when I tell them I’m from NY. They say I don’t have an accent at all. But my husband, a Dublin native, likes to make fun of me. He says I “put the dawg in the drawa while having a cup of cawfee”.

My accent comes out more if I get angry, excited or drunk. Otherwise, I try to keep it in check.

Vintage NYC Images

February 25, 2008 RH 2 Comments

Construction Workers on Crossbeam, 1932

As a follow up to Friday’s photo post, I’d like to share some of my favorite moments of NYC’s history captured on film.

If you’re thinking of something to hang on your wall and not worried about investment value, the Library of Congress is a great resource, as I mentioned in the last post. The NY Times Store also sells fiber based prints starting at under $200.

There was a time I thought I was the reincarnation of Weegee. To this day, he’s on my top 3 photographers list. His images captured the raw, “naked” streets of NYC during the 40’s. Arthur Fellig got the name Weegee (Ouija) due to his arrival on the scene moments after the tragedy occurred. His car was equipped with a police scanner and darkroom. Some say Weegee’s pictures were set up. “The Critic”, above, was actually a set up. Weegee got the broad on the right drunk at a Bowery bar and set her loose on the two society dames. It was planned but it wasn’t posed.

This gal is brave! Although Margaret Bourke-White is the one credited with this image (that’s her atop the Chrysler), it was her assistant, Oscar Graubner who snapped the shot. But MBW was no slouch. The premier issue of Life magazine featured one of her images. She was also the first western photographer to go to the Soviet Union.

Erwitt is alive and well and (I think) still living in NYC. He’s the guy with all of those dog images. Probably his most famous one is the little Chihuahua at the feet of a Great Dane. “NY Pug” is more of a NY stoop scene that it is about the dogs, which is why I chose it for both this post and my wall. Yeah, it was one of my splurges.

The Flatiron is by far my favorite building in NYC. And this Edward Steichen photo, shot in 1904 is my favorite image of it. Steichen added color to the platinum print by using layers of pigment suspended in a light-sensitive solution of gum arabic and potassium bichromate. Take that, you digital photographers! If I ever develop the time or patience, I would love to take a course in old printing methods.

Gordon Parks died about 2 years ago at the age of 93. He grew up in a poverty stricken home in segregated Kansas and went on to become an award winning photographer, writer and film maker, paving the way for other African American artists. He was the first black photographer at Life magazine. FYI, Did you know he directed “Shaft“?

This image, taken in 1948, features sixteen-year-old Red Jackson, the leader of one of the toughest gangs in New York. After gaining the trust of the Harlem gang, Parks spent some time photographing them. Forty years later, Parks ran into Jackson at Penn Station. What happened? Ah, you have to read his book to find out.

Ok, the tour ends here. I have so many more, but I can be here for weeks. Let me know if this is of interest to you. If not, I’ll stop boring you with it.

The £4000 House

February 25, 2008 RH

Software engineer Steve James calls himself an “envisioneer”. He envisioned the £4000 eco-friendly home he built in Scotland and he envisioned other house plans that are copyright free for anyone wanting to take advantage of his designs.

James concedes that his straw and turf home would’ve cost £1000 less had he chopped the wood himself instead of using a sawmill.

This is probably a bit too “green” for New York standards. Although it is warmed by a wood burning stove and remains watertight, the home lacks some modern day conveniences that even the most fervent eco Nazi would back away from. The rainwater filtration system sounds fine, but it’s the compost toilet and car battery energy that I might have a problem with. Hmm, would that be to code in NYC?

Anyway, kudos to Mr. James for building this very cool home. His motto, “Be the world you wish to live in.” is truly inspiring. But I just need a toilet that flushes.

Check out the Independent article for details on how he assembled the home.

Envisioneer website has tips, diy and slideshows if you can get it to load properly.

Taking It Up A Notch: Brooklyn Under $500k

February 22, 2008 RH

Last week’s affordable Brooklyn under $600k was so popular, we thought we would do it again. Only this time, we needed more of a challenge. We’re taking it up a notch! Brooklyn homes for under $500k. And we haven’t even touched upon East New York or Canarsie yet.

$439k: Sheepshead Bay Single Family

3 BR brick, needs updating. It’s near the Belt, which means it’s closer to the water but far from the train. Eh. What do you want for $439k?

$495k: Prospect Lefferts 2 Family

Check out the interior photos. Lemme tell you something. If I bought this place, I would just carry on with the decorating vision. I wouldn’t bother restoring it. I’m groovin’ to the red carpet and mirrors. I’d totally go bordello style. So tacky that it’s AWE-SOME.

$499k: Bed Stuy 2 Family

Bless you, agent Andre. The only one who got back to me regarding availability of these homes. Looks cool from the outside. Hancock at Malcolm X, 2100 sq ft. You’re past prime Stuy Heights and in the middle of 2 train lines here, but it’s probably still a good deal at that price.

$499k: Flatbush 2 Family

Oooh…I like this. $100k cheaper than last week’s Flatbush brick which was in better condition. This one needs TLC but the details are intact. Do I see a clawfoot tub? Original plaster and parquet floors? Suh-weet. Map shows it’s close to Newkirk and Flatbush.

$499k: Sunset Park Single Family

Ok, agent Albert got back to me last minute. This property is still available. 43rd and 4th Avenue. So it’s not the prettiest part of Sunset Park, but it’s near the train. Ad says “move in condition”. Since there aren’t any interior photos, you won’t know what that means until you see it in person.

Sales!

February 22, 2008 RH

Eames Era furniture, artwork and lighting.
Showing Saturday in Williamsburg.
Lots of photos on Picasa.
Call Patrick at 914-374-4077.

Vintage medical office furniture from the 50’s.
Previews and purchase February 22nd or 25th.
Somewhere in Brooklyn.
The exam tables look like something out of a B horror film.
Prices start at $350.

Estate Sale
Danbury, CT, Feb 23 & 24
Waterworks tub and sinks never used, flat screen TV. Either someone got in over their head or these things fell off the back of a lorry. Either way, these high ticket items are significantly discounted.

Over 40 large vintage commercial lights for sale. Great deal if all are taken. Anyone need lighting for an entire home or store?

Collecting Photographs

February 21, 2008 RH 6 Comments

Within the next few weeks, we’re going to be bringing art dealer Elizabeth Heskin on board to educate us regular folks on collecting fine art. I tried to get her to write about affordable art for under $500, but she woke me out of my dream world.

Since I’ve been known to collect a photograph or two, I’ll get the ball rolling by sharing some tips on photographic prints. Keep in mind that I’m just a photographer, so I really know nothing about collecting.

I only buy black and white prints. It’s just my own personal preference. I’m not crazy about color and I won’t go near digital. In fact, I become really irate when I walk into a gallery that has digital images hanging on the wall. I feel cheated. Digital and fine art photography don’t mix! Unless it’s some funky Photoshopped image.

Prints should have been printed on fibre based paper or something that pre-dates that, unless you’re paying $50 for an RC or digital print at Union Square.

Some important factors to consider when parting with (much) more than $50:

Make sure you’re working with a reputable gallery.

Is this an established photographer?

Is the print signed?

Is the print part of an edition? Older photographers didn’t think of their work as “art” and therefore, didn’t number prints.

Condition of print.

Is it a vintage or modern print? Signed “modern” prints by masters are fairly affordable. They are still vintage, but were printed years after the photo was taken. I purchased a Henri Cartier Bresson just before he died. The signed, modern print set me back $5000 and has since gone up in value (Shame I never want to sell it). The vintage version would have been well over $100k if it even exists for private collections.

This is a cold and nasty tip, but they don’t call me a heartless bitch for nothing. As I did with HCB, look for aging and ailing photographers who won’t be around much longer. The values will go up after they kick.

But most importantly…..only buy what you like!

A good starting point is the AIPAD show. Several dealers under one roof. The show is usually in February but has been pushed back to April this year. That’s where I found the Peter Fetterman Gallery, with whom I’ve purchased a couple of prints.

If you don’t have thousands to spend but want an archival print from a master, go over to the Library of Congress site where you can order quality reproductions from their catalog.

Bio Glass

February 21, 2008 RH 2 Comments

Here’s another recycled countertop option for ya….Bio Glass is a solid surface material made from 100% post consumer waste.

Coverings, Etc is the company behind Bio Glass. The Miami based firm, founded in 1998, also has a New York showroom. Members of the US Green Building Council, their ECoverings line of products are produced from naturally occurring elements such as sand and clay.

But back to the glass. The slabs come in 4 colors: Fossil Amber, Ocean Saphire, Oriental Jade and White Diamond. The glass is made from almost 100% crystalline silica in the form of quartz. Here’s a spec sheet with a bunch of info I can’t understand.

Beautiful. Eco-friendly. So, can anyone guess what the down side is?

Bio Glass will set you back over $3000 for a 4×9 slab.

Available at A&K Tile in Brooklyn or a dealer near you.

Home Buying For Hipsters

February 20, 2008 RH

Eve Levine, founder of Home Buying for Hipsters is a self described “practitioner of many trades, master of none”. As with the rest of us who float around between various careers, she dabbles in the real estate business.

This free event educates “non traditional wage earners” on buying property.

Since it’s geared towards hipsters it takes place in, where else? Williamsburg.

Tonight. 6:30-8pm @ Huckleberry Bar, 588 Grand St.

What $300k Buys You In & Out of NYC

February 20, 2008 RH

$289k: Upper West Side Studio

Let’s start with Manhattan. Broadway at 107th Street…awesome! Doesn’t give the square footage of this coop, but I’m assuming it’s the size of a closet. Not a walk in closet. But hey, if you just need a place to crash, this is it! I’m lovin’ this chick’s website. Adina! Is she a broker or a teen idol?

$ 300k: Ft Hamilton: 920 Sq ft, 2 BR coop

Looks like a nice renovation. They fixed up, but left some retro details. Advice to agent: Remove the litter box from the photo before taking picture. Maintenance of $668 includes gas, heat, water and tax.

$ 300k: Jersey City: 4 Family in need of TLC

The bad news is: This house hasn’t been touched for years. The good news is: This house hasn’t been touched for years. From the one interior shot it looks like there may be some detail left. Do I wear rose colored glasses or what?

$299900: Mt Vernon 3 Family

I’m drooling over this one! 3 Family, 2600 sq ft home built in 1928. Needs total rehab. Fire damage. It looks so sad and forgotten, but I see the inner beauty. Come to mamma, I’ll save you!

$297900: Beacon 2 Family

Hmm, not bad. Two 2 BR units with a little backyard. No interior shots. It’s on the “mountain side” of town as opposed to the “river side” which means nice views, pleasant area…..far walk to train.

DIY: More Wood Stripping Tips

February 20, 2008 RH

This is a follow up to last week’s wood stripping post. One reader is having a hard time with the SPR and asked for some tips. As I responded in the comments, it’s not perfect, but it is, IMHO, the fastest thing out there.

The reader commented that their SPR only heats up the middle section. I thought it may be possible that this is a faulty unit or the power source isn’t strong enough. The SPR should be used on a 20 amp circuit with a heavy duty extension cord. Anything less may cause the tool to work inefficiently or trip your circuit breaker.Continue reading DIY: More Wood Stripping Tips

Vintage Chair Heaven

February 19, 2008 RH

Oy. Just call me Fred Sanford. I found a source for vintage and antique furniture over the weekend and next thing I know, my garage, basement and living room are overflowing with time-worn furnishings.

That’s a good thing as I’ve been stressing out that the Reclaimed store is totally lame and I won’t have enough inventory to set out for the Brooklyn Flea this spring.

Now I have too much. So here’s what I’m gonna do. Over the next few days/weeks I’ll be going over the inventory, pricing it and uploading it to the store. The plan is to restore all this crap and make some decent coin. Since I don’t have space, I’d be happy to part with items I don’t have to strip, paint, finish or reupholster. Mainly the chairs.

Have a look at the Flickr page and make an “as is” offer. The worst thing that can happen is I tell you to feck off. I’ll be putting them on Craigslist once I figure out the worth, but you get first dibs.

I’d like to properly restore a few items and get my price for them. If you think something has value, those are probably the items I’m not parting with too quickly.

“This here is the finest pile of junk in the world.”- F.S.

Air Quality Monitor

February 19, 2008 RH

It’s probably one of those things you’d rather not know. Too scary. But the Dylos DC1100 is the first affordable air quality monitoring system designed for the home. Up until now, the only systems available were high priced units for hospitals and other large facilities.

The model detects airborne particles such as tobacco smoke, pet dander, dust and mold. It stores data for up to 30 days. All you have to do is plug it in and it will configure itself.

The website lists some tips on achieving better indoor air quality. Among them:

Keep your heating, ventilation and a/c units clean. Ducts and filters.

Clean blinds and drapery. (I don’t do that)

Vacuum your house preferably daily if you have heavy foot traffic and/or indoor animals. Use an upholstery brush on your sofa and chairs. Remove cushions and pillows and clean them with the upholstery brush as well. (I have a futon and a shop vac in the pet area)

Bathe pets often, or better yet, keep them outside. (Keep my pets outside? Screw you, buddy! Hmm, my dogs get bathed maybe once a year.)

Wash bedding weekly with hot water to eliminate the possibility of dust mites living in your linens. Only use foam pillows and replace them every six months. (Wow, my pillow is at least 5 years old)

Like I said….don’t want to know! But if YOU do, the DC1100 sells for $200 and you can purchase it here.

Via LeedPro

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