tried to email you at the above email address and it was returned to me... my email address is jane@janeinteriorsnyc.com

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at October 8, 2009 1:37 PM in response to Free sconces

I have used both Kraft Maid (and a similar Canadian cabinet) and Ikea cabinets, when designing kitchens for my clients. I really don't see all that much difference.. and my clients have been happy with both. The Ikea boxes, only come in 2 colors and that bugs me depending on the door color that is selected. Also, I have needed semi custom cabinets for small kitchens, in order to maximize the space and this option is not available with Ikea kitchens. On my website there's a picture of a small kitchen I did (Small village kitchen with a view) www.janeinteriorsnyc.com. I could not have moved the sink to the corner, which made all the difference in the world in terms of opening up counter space, with Ikea cabinets. I also could not have had the sides and bottoms of the boxes match the cabinet door finish. In this particular space, the Ikea cabinets could not have gone all the way to the ceiling either. The automatic closing of the doors was a standard feature as well on the non ikea cabinets. After all this, I guess I am saying that there are more options when not using Ikea cabinets and using the same contractors, they felt the Ikea cabinets were easier to install. I had some headaches with all the right hardware showing up with the huge Ikea order. I always buy door handles and pulls in a better quality than Ikea offers.. it really takes them up a notch. Hope this helps in the decision making process.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at October 8, 2009 1:34 PM in response to Ikea vs. KraftMaid?

can interior designers participate?

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at October 6, 2009 3:54 PM in response to Flea Design Co-op Starts Oct. 10

You could leave a note on the wall in the hall, stating that there have been complaints about the foul odor on the floor and if it hasn't improved in a week, you'll have no choice but to go door to door to find the person who is interfering with the other tenants' right to enjoy their living spaces. This would give the offending tenant a chance to save face.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at October 2, 2009 3:12 PM in response to Bad Smell from Tenant

Most of my clients get overwhelmed by the many, many choices of tile, fixtures, etc., that are available. Looking at pictures in magazines that you like and showing them to the designer is a good start. The designer can help you create a budget, talk to the contractor or help you find one, narrow down your choices of materials, take into account all the small details such as location of outlets, etc. as well as assist with the selection of colors, light fixtures, and project management. My cell phone is 347-495-7580, if you would like to ask further questions.

Sincerely, Jane Rosenbaum

www.janeinteriorsnyc.com

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at September 27, 2009 10:32 PM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

are they solid brass? if they are and they are still shiny, it's because there is a lacquer finish.. if they are inexpensive, brass like things.. all the finish could come off and in that case, they would need a finish added after roughing up the surface.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at September 25, 2009 2:55 PM in response to Toning Shiny Fixtures Down

I've used Heights Woodworking.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at September 25, 2009 9:02 AM in response to Help Wood Moulding

KOPPELMAN MANAGEMENT, LOCATED ON E. 86TH IN MANHATTAN, HAS SOME BROOKLYN BUILDINGS AND RENT DIRECTLY TO THE TENANT. GOOD LUCK!

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at September 23, 2009 6:36 PM in response to No Fee Elevator Buildings?

Hello, Lots of my clients do some of the work themselves.. just need help making a plan and figuring out where to find things. My website is www.janeinteriorsnyc.com. Please feel free to call. I offer a free consultation. Jane

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at September 23, 2009 6:32 PM in response to Interior designers?

NO, I'm selling it for cost.You need to read the entire ad. It is enough for a very small bathroom.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at August 10, 2009 4:02 PM in response to BEAUTIFUL HIGH END TILE

Have you tried CB2 on Broadway in Soho? It is the very modern, lower priced store by Crate and Barrel.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at August 10, 2009 3:50 PM in response to Good sofa store

I think when people are talking about installing ikea cabinets themselves, they forget that having a contractor assemble them and install them adds substantially to the cost. The price then goes up depending on what you choose for countertops. I always use expensive knobs on Ikea cabinets and it makes a world of difference. Installing a backsplash with high end tile or cheaper tile, a simple pattern or a complex one, adds to the cost. Just as what you select for flooring and appliances does. I have also found that very small kitchens, need at least semi-custom cabinets, which cost more than IKEA,because IKea does not have enough size options to make the most of a very small space. I think it's important to have a good sized deep sink too... and this costs depending on the size you need. Adding outlets where you want them... dedicated lines for a microwave and dishwasher... the lighting.. all costs. It adds up fast.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at July 30, 2009 12:10 AM in response to Cost to Move B'stone Kitchen?

Betty's Bakery on Atlantic... everything is delicious and absolutely beautiful.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at July 29, 2009 11:45 PM in response to Best pastry store in Brooklyn

I would not use Brooklyn Kitchen and Bath.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at July 25, 2009 2:52 PM in response to Replacing Shower Doors, etc.

I have designed lots of different things to cover up radiators. You need to make sure that the heat can escape the built in around it, but it does not have to be a grate. I do a lot of work in Bed-Stuy. If you have friends who can build it for you, it should be very economical. If you are interested in help to design it, please feel free to contact me @ jane@janeinteriorsnyc.com.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at July 25, 2009 2:46 PM in response to Radiator Cover Or Window Seat?

I help my clients pick the fabric and have my workshop do the work. Recovering is just replacing the fabric. Reupholstering is new padding which can include springs, etc. The work is perfect and meticulous. If you would like to ask any questions, please feel free to contact me: jane@janeinteriorsnyc.com.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at July 25, 2009 2:42 PM in response to Upholstery Recommendations

My specialty is making the most of small kitchens. If interested, please contact me for pictures, as currently they are not on my website. jane@janeinteriorsnyc.com

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at July 25, 2009 2:32 PM in response to Looking for Kitchen Designer

I have had excellant luck with soundboard. Anywhere I have used it, my clients are very happy with it. I agree with making sure the noise is not coming in along the sides, top and bottom of doors. Have also designed bookshelves for people, built over the soundboard and the full shelves have helped with noise reduction also.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at July 25, 2009 2:25 PM in response to Sound Permeating Walls

Hi, I've used the guys on Atlantic Ave. between Bond and Nevins, at the rug warehouse. They have always done a really nice job and will use the method appropriate for your rug.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at July 6, 2009 1:13 PM in response to Area Rug Cleaning?

I've designed a couple for clients over the years and have a carpenter that builds them. My cell phone is 347-495-7580, if you would like to chat with about it. Jane

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at June 18, 2009 7:03 PM in response to Outdoor Trash Storage

I think you should definately put a door in the room for light and view, means of egress, etc. I would use french doors, very tall and narrow.... it would be lovely if the doors were a single undivided pane and would open out, rather than in. Go for the light... and in a smaller room, it's even more important. Even if you don't use it as a bedroom, it could be a lovely office or studio with the natural light.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at October 29, 2008 11:08 AM in response to Leaving a door on the garden level?? Thoughts, please.

Me too. I've never had this problem before either.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at October 29, 2008 11:02 AM in response to Adobe Flash Popup

I also recommend Nemo Tile. The showroom is kind of a pain and they are always swamped... but for more basic things like small glass tiles or slate tiles, etc., I go to their warehouse which is just around the corner and they have the basics on display. They will sell you individual tiles if you need a few more tiles. As opposed to the Complete Tile Collection that sells you an entire box of tile if you need only a couple of additional tiles and if tiles arrive broken, they insist you did it because it's sidewalk delivery and therefore you can not prove that it arrived that way. I also agree with the poster above that Nemo is honest. Fast delivery and fairly priced.. next day if it's in stock.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at October 29, 2008 10:58 AM in response to Tile shops in Brooklyn

Hi, I used this paint in an apartment for a client because I think many of the colors are more interesting than some of the regular Benjamin Moore paints. I used a fairly deep yellow color and it did need 2 coats over white. I used the matte finish and it is scrubbable and holds up well with repeated cleaning. It is very vibrant and has a feeling of depth, rather than a very flat feeling. I think it was worth the cost. It also was low odor... but since no one was living in the apartment yet, that wasn't really the motivation for using it.

I used it again in hallways of an apartment building in an off white. The color it was being painted over, was a dark gray and it required 2 coats over primer. For this project we had it mixed into the Benjamin Moore regular paint. It looks good... the halls are lit with fluorescent light and no natural light so I can't rally speak to the full spectrum aspect.

We found that many places refused to mix the Infinity colors into the regular Benjamin Moore base. They will do the reverse and mix any of Benjamin Moore colors into the Aura base, however.

Hope this helps.

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at October 29, 2008 10:41 AM in response to Aura paint

Note steps 5/6 at the bottom of the page:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4499916_remove-lacquer-finish-from-brass.html
Also:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2126150_use-ammonia-clean-tarnished-brass.html

Posted by: kelly at September 27, 2009 9:35 AM in response to Toning Shiny Fixtures Down

There are common solvents to remove lacquer, the commonest of which is called lacquer thinner aka acetone. As for dulling, many agents will work (besides expensive "dulling" solutions -- just an excuse to charge you up the wassoo) and I've always been happy with the results I've gotten from using -- no kiddin' -- oven cleaner.

Posted by: grand army at September 27, 2009 9:29 PM in response to Toning Shiny Fixtures Down

Masterbuilder's comments are pretty good. One of the facts of NYC renovation that seems to only occasionally get mentioned on brownstoner is the challenges many people have with their architects. Granted this is a limited sample, but of my 5 friends and acquaintances who have done extensive renovations in the past couple years 4 of them had significant issues with their architects -- usually issues with not being as organized or as pragmatic about building as one would hope. Get references if you use an architect (or any other tradesperson) and try to find someone you know who has had a good experience with them on a similar project.

Posted by: pmmtenement at September 28, 2009 10:45 AM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

Some great suggestions here. I think it totally depends on how much of the design you think you can do yourself. Do you have a REALLY good idea of what you want for both the kitchen and the bath? Colors, tile, replacement of fixtures, appliances, cabinets. etc? If you do have a good idea of what you want, can you document it in a detailed way that a contractor would be able to do the work correctly? Can you do scale drawings that show where things will move or be built or be installed? If you are doing a simple renovation - just replacing what is there with something new, and you know exactly what you want, you can probably go it on your own. But if you want to change stuff, you might want to go with an architect.

My first kitchen reno, I hired an architect who was just starting out on his own after working for someone else, so he was willing to give me a good price on his services so he could build his portfolio. He had enough experience though that he knew what he was doing.

It was great because he gave me new design ideas that I hadn't thought of, he made great drawings that the contractor was able to follow and not make mistakes and he knew all sorts of little details in ordering stuff that I never would have thought of (stuff like the back or side panel of cabinets that are exposed on an island). He also knew woodworkers who were able to do custom work for me.

One other suggestion: Do both of your renos either at the same time or back to back, especially if you are going to be living there when it's happening. It's a PIA to pack and move all of your stuff to renovate, clean, put it all back when it's done, then do it all again when you go to renovate the next space. If you are doing any sort of demo, plaster dust gets everywhere, so it's much better to only have to clean it up once. If you can afford it, do them both at the same time.

Posted by: kimmc at September 28, 2009 1:33 PM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

"looking to serve their own professional interests by attempting to diminish the qualifications of ..."

60designers, is that not what you just did with your post?

For the record, I have had experience with architects. Like others mentioned, very few have hands on knowledge. Fewer with original design skills.

Another thing I know for sure, if an architect is not necessary for the project and is removed from the total cost, the total cost will be significantly cheaper. Free consultation or not!

FWIW, I enjoy your honest straight forward approach with most of your post here on BS. Some other "professionals" like to instill fear in first timers or others looking for a little knowledge on a subject.

Posted by: pig three at September 28, 2009 2:11 PM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

"60designers, is that not what you just did with your post?"

Pig Three,

Actually, no I did not. My advice was for them to ask friends, neighbors, and/or the building management for referrals. I also suggested they ask for not just architect recommendations...but for design/build firms and/or contractors for advice and to make up their own minds based on their interviews. I did not suggest they contact me or use my services. I have never received a job as a result of my posts here, but I do receive questions regularly via email which I am happy to answer if I know the answers.

I'm really sorry you, and a few others here, have had problems with your architects in the past. Some of us in this profession work hard to deliver good work to our clients, so I think it's important to offer an opposing view to the posts that attempt to diminish the qualifications of Architects in general. That was the intention of my post. Nothing more.

Posted by: 60designers at September 28, 2009 5:18 PM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

I actually own a two bedroom apt in an elevator building that I would like to rent for that length of time. If you are interested let me know and I can send you information. Its in Prospect Heights.

Posted by: janus125 at September 28, 2009 8:48 PM in response to No Fee Elevator Buildings?

Dead bodies smell EXACTLY like garbage, not to alarm you or anything.

Posted by: infinitejester at October 2, 2009 3:12 PM in response to Bad Smell from Tenant

My guess is a dead rodent in the wall. It can be pretty nasty for a while...

Posted by: henrycurtis at October 2, 2009 3:23 PM in response to Bad Smell from Tenant

EW you might have a hoarder on your hands. it's actually illegal to hoarde once it hits certain levels. have you ever seen the show Hoarders on AE? scary stuff

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at October 2, 2009 4:02 PM in response to Bad Smell from Tenant