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Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights published on 2 Comments on Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

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Brooklynites know where to go to see Christmas lights. It’s not 5th Avenue and Rockerfeller Center (although my parents did take me there too when I was a young’un). It’s Dyker Heights, which is that area between the better known Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst. Ah, Brooklyn at it’s finest!

The light and moving puppet thing (What do you call those?) shows are displayed on homes from 83rd to 86th Streets, between 11th and 13th Avenues. The greatest concentration is around 84th and 12th. Weekends are best, but it does get crowded. Be prepared to stand in line.

File under: Sooo not green and completely tacky. But 100% fun!Continue reading Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Finally! Home Depot Video From One of Our Own!

Finally! Home Depot Video From One of Our Own! published on 5 Comments on Finally! Home Depot Video From One of Our Own!

I just received this from a reader in Brooklyn. If he wins the 25 grand he should split it with me, dontcha think?

“Well, it took me a month since I first read about the contest on your blog. But since we’re actually still in the process of buying the house that has the project I want to win the $25,000 for — it took a lot longer to get around to filming and editing a 2-minute video.

I’ll be honest – it’s not the most creative entry. But as least I got it in under the wire!

Thanks again for publicizing the contest. I’m hoping I can win a $200 gift card… I’ll keep you posted.

And I love your blog. I visit every day and bookmark a bunch of your links so I can have reference for our future home renovation projects. We’re going to be thrifty, too!

– chuck & tiffany & sebastian “

Affordable NYC: Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Affordable NYC: Prospect Lefferts Gardens published on 3 Comments on Affordable NYC: Prospect Lefferts Gardens

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Ooh, people in Prospect Lefferts Gardens love their neighborhood! Jeez, I think I found more PLG blogs than I have in any other area.

I can see why PLG gets them feeling all warm and fuzzy on the inside. There’s the architecture for starters. The bricks, brownstones and limestones in this area are unique to other brownstone neighborhoods. To my eye, they just seem to have more detail. And I’m not even talking about the homes in the Lefferts Manor historic landmark district. These mainly single family homes are truly magnificent.

There are many PLG haters out there, but I’ll go out on a limb and say it’s probably coming from a racist place, as the neighborhood has a large Caribbean population. In truth, the area is very diverse and neighbors actually talk to one other.

Much like nearly every affordable NYC neighborhood covered here, newcomers are moving in and PLG is riding the gentrification wave. Amenities have increased in the past few years, including a new grocery, cafe and a jazz/comedy cafe. They’ve even got their own CSA.

Prospect Lefferts, which I’m pretty sure is part of Flatbush (I think the verdict is still out on that one), is about 30 minutes to Manhattan via the Q, B, 2 or 5 trains. The neighborhood sits right near Prospect Park and the Botanic Gardens. Kinda makes you wonder why people are paying 4x the price for homes on the other side of the park.

Photo by Bob Marvin

Across The Park
Planet PLG
Hawthorne Street
My Life In Brooklyn

LEED Platinum in Williamsburg

LEED Platinum in Williamsburg published on 3 Comments on LEED Platinum in Williamsburg

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Sustainable developer/architect Mark Helder is aiming for a LEED Platinum rating for his current project in Williamsburg. Platinum is the highest green rating and if he achieves this, it will be the first Platinum LEED building in NYC.

Construction on the 5 story building at 439 Metropolitan Avenue started in August 2007. The ground floor and cellar will act as Mark’s office space. There will be 2 duplex condos on the top floors. The building features radiant heat, filtered ventilation air with heat recovery, a green roof and passive and active solar design (PV and hot water). Low or zero VOC materials were used and all appliance are energy star rated.

Mark studied architecture at Hogeschool van Amsterdam. He is also director of The Urban Ore Initiative, an Amsterdam based non profit dedicated to showcasing quality sustainable design created by emerging artists and designers. He is coordinating almost all aspects of this project by himself, including financial, marketing, design, tax abatements, project managment and LEED documentation preparation.

Helder Design

Frankenstein Chairs

Frankenstein Chairs published on

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Via Ready Made

Italian designer Gamper Martino says “There is no perfect chair.” So he set out to design a fusion chair. In fact, 100 of them. In 100 days. The results were on display this October at the Design Museum in London. 100 Chairs in 100 Days, the book, is now available for purchase.

All chairs were salvaged from friends or the streets of London. See all the fun things you can create from salvage, kids?

Kate Pierson’s Inn: Rocket Through the Wilderness

Kate Pierson’s Inn: Rocket Through the Wilderness published on 6 Comments on Kate Pierson’s Inn: Rocket Through the Wilderness

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First of all, who doesn’t love The B-52’s and their sense of style? Kate Pierson (the redhead) is the proprietor of the Lazy Meadow Motel located in Mt Tremper, NY. Let’s just say if a motel could be a rock star, Lazy Meadow would be Kate Pierson.

The 1950’s cabins are situated on 9 acres fronted by the Esopus Creek. Decor is mid century modern/retro/50’s kitsch. Each suite has a different theme. There are two vintage airstream trailers which look even cooler than the cabins. Kate had design help from her friends William Stewart Design and tile artists Phillip Maberry and Scott Walker, original owners of, yes, The Love Shack.

Here’s my “pet” peeve: An animal rights activist, Kate has set aside (only) one room that is pet friendly. For an additional $25 per night, you can bring little Stinky, who must be under 25 pounds. As the mommy of 2 large dogs, I call that sizest!

You’re what? Tin roof….rust!

Weekender: Phoenicia

Weekender: Phoenicia published on 4 Comments on Weekender: Phoenicia

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Phoenicia is in the part of the Catskills where the landscape starts to become exceptionally breathtaking, but it’s still only 120 miles north of the city. That’s not to say I’m dismissing the southern Catskills. I just feel like it gets more beautiful the farther north you head.

Main Street Phoenicia is a quaint and colorful hamlet sandwiched between the mountains. It’s welcoming to weekenders. In fact, I might even suggest that it caters to weekenders.

And why not? Apart from just relaxing and taking in the sheer beauty, the area has much to offer. For active folks, 3 major ski areas are all located about 1/2 hour away. Hunter, Belleayre and Windham offer skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing for the graceful impaired (that would be me). In the summer, there are mountain hikes and tubing on the Esopus.

But back to the town. No visit to Phoenicia would be complete without breakfast at the world famous Sweet Sue’s. Ok, Ulster County famous. They serve 25 types of pancakes and offer vegetarian “meat” options. There are art galleries, cool shops and a retreat center as well as a nearby Buddhist monastery.

Adirondack Trailways travels to Phoenicia; however, getting around the area without a car could be problematic. The town is small enough to cover in a few hours.

Some Events To Consider

Some Events To Consider published on

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Design Blogfest Holiday Party

Tonight (Don’t blame me for the short notice. It was just posted yesterday!) 6-9pm at Henrybuilt, 79 Grand Street, NYC.
Hosted by: Treehugger, MocoLoco, Brownstoner, Curbed, Apartment Therapy and Cool Hunting.
  
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Real Estate Connect 2008

January 9-11 at the Marriott Marquis, Times Square

Register in advance.

Presented by Inman News. Lectures and workshops on all things real estate. Speakers include big wig brokers and magazine editors, but the most important speaker….my idol, Craig Newmark.

So, Why Are You Green?

So, Why Are You Green? published on 3 Comments on So, Why Are You Green?

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Eco Mansion

I just came across an old NY Times article on Your Free Press. “Buying Into the Green Movement” reminds us that buying green is still consumerism at its best. It’s just more guilt free, is all.

I’ve noticed this especially since starting this blog. In doing research and writing up companies, it’s clear that many businesses are jumping on that green bandwagon. As someone who would love to buy only sustainable products, but simply cannot afford to, I can say this first hand: Going green is for the rich.Continue reading So, Why Are You Green?

Dream Home: Recycled 747 Wing House

Dream Home: Recycled 747 Wing House published on

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I set out to write a post on Syndesis design firm and their eco friendly Syndecrete concrete material. But I got sidetracked.

Architect David Hertz, of Syndesis is working on a house made from airplane parts. His client requested feminine shapes for the home situated on a 55 acre property in Malibu. The used aircraft was purchased for about $40k. The wing of the 747 will act as a self supporting roof. Walls will be made from rammed earth.

David is attempting to use as many components as possible, much like Native Americans use every part of the animals they take. This means that material left over from the main residence will be incorporated into the guest house, art studio and meditation pavilion. Oh that I had a guest house, art studio and meditation pavilion! Oh yeah, and they’re contemplating an animal barn and sauna structure.

747 Wing House on Facebook

Raised Panel Wainscoting

Raised Panel Wainscoting published on 1 Comment on Raised Panel Wainscoting

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I’ve always preferred raised panel wainscoting to bead board. It’s not as readily available and I haven’t been able to locate FSC certified, but still…I like the look.

At one time, you would have to be a skilled carpenter to install this stuff. Now several companies offer kits for the do it yourselfer. They range in quality. Some are veneer. Some aren’t even wood. The better quality ones come in a variety of wood species that are stainable or paintable.

Have a look:

New England Panel
RJ Millworks
Deco Moldings
Architectural Depot

Related “This Old House” article

Eco X: Recycled Concrete

Eco X: Recycled Concrete published on 2 Comments on Eco X: Recycled Concrete

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Via Get With The Green

Meld USA, a concrete manufacturer out of North Carolina launched a line of recycled concrete countertops a few month ago.

Eco X is comprised of 76% recycled content from post-consumer bottle glass and post-industrial fiberglass in a cement base. The raw material used in the process comes from suppliers located within 500 miles of their manufacturing facility. The products are sealed with low VOC sealer. Countertops are stain resistant but not stain proof.

12 colors are available as is custom matching. The company can also customize texture and design. The product will eventually take on a patina, much like concrete counters.

No dealers as of yet in the New York area. Price range: $87-120 per sq ft.

Meld

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