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I wrote the other day about using color to reinforce a focal point within a room.  But that much color is not for everyone.  There's a reason why tan, off white and beige are the most popular colors for paint and upholstery--people like them (or are afraid of the alternative).  There are a few tricks to making a neutral room work. 
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Leaning shelf, $89 each
Millions of marketing dollars are spent every year by companies in an attempt to rebrand themselves into a source for desireable products.  Once a company has achieved a reputation as boring, old fashioned or just plain ugly, it can be pretty tough to shake.  Another designer had mentioned a surprising resource she had used to get great window treatments for her clients.  Lots of options and really well priced.  I took a look online to see the drapery and was very pleasantly surprised by their other offerings, too.
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Problem: You live in a tiny apartment and don't invite friends over for meals because there's no space for a table.

Solution: The Packet Table from Pure Design.
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Is it the most comfortable seating?  No, but it doesn't pretend to be.  This isn't meant for a fine dining experience.  It's able to go from 25"x25" footprint to up to tabletop surface for 4 (43"x43").  It would be terrific as an end table, laptop table or for eating.  You have a choice of white, charcoal or orange for both the table and chairs.  So cute.
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I had to do a second entry on the flea market because there was just too much good stuff to share.  Like these lamps, for instance.  They would great with a simple round shade (no trims) in a room painted a deep color (maybe a peacock blue?) so the white base really pops.  One note, matching lamps work best on end tables that are the same height to create a more cohesive look.  These would also work on a console or dresser, too.
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I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather yesterday and took a trip over to the outdoor flea market in Hell's Kitchen to do a bit of browsing.  I was pleasantly surprised by all the treasures I found there.  First off, ladies, if you are looking for jewelry (costume)--this is the spot!  But I was looking for some things for the home.  These antique keys here could be framed in shadowboxes, for a less expensive version of what you can find at Ballard Design. 
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Designer Daryl Carter's dining room
When does something stop being classic and start being trendy?  After all, we'd all like to invest in furniture that qualifies as classic--especially expensive furniture.  But lately, I feel like I keep seeing the same things in shelter magazines--linen, mohair, neutral colors  like grey or mushroom, weathered woods and nickel are just a few examples.  It used to be that I'd consider furniture with these features classic; Belgian linen drapes in a stormy grey, mohair sofas in a soft mushroom brown or an old farmhouse style table that's clearly been "loved."
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As I start to think more seriously about next month's impending move (yikes!), I decided to sell my dining room.  I had gotten a great deal a little while back through Ethan Allen but I never really loved it.  Besides, I don't want to limit my apartment search based on furniture I'm only lukewarm over.  So, after considering my options, I decided to brave craigslist to try to sell the dining room pieces.  I know, posting on craigslist invites all sorts of crazies into your life.  But it's the easiest and cheapest way to sell something.
Not all posts are created equal and, in an effort to close the deal as quickly as possible, I did some research on how to put the best one online.  Here is a list of helpful information.
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Last Saturday I took a little field trip to the Brooklyn area known as BoCoCa (I smite the people who come up with these ridiculous nicknames),perhaps better known as Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens.  I had been meaning to get down there for a while to check out some of the design shops and it did not disappoint.  I found several places of interest, but I'll focus on one that really captured my attention called B Moore Design on Atlantic Avenue.
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Lately there's been a lot of talk in my little world about moving.  My best friend moved last weekend, someone at work is moving the beginning of October, and I am growing more certain every day that it's time for me to finally move from my home for the past 5 years.  In addition to all of the regular drama that goes into moving (credit checks, sneaky brokers, inept movers.....), there's the worry about how to furnish the place to suit your needs--without emptying your already shrinking bank account.  This is especially true if you've downsized into a smaller space.
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Enter the Studio Sofa designed by Nate Berkus (Oprah's design guru) for HSN.  You read that right--Home Shopping Network.  Yes, the same place you can find discount knives and creepy makeovers, also offers this adorable settee.  The details-44" wide and 34" deep, 10 fabric choices (though you know my feelings on Ikat), and a price of $499.90.  You can even spread the amount into 4 payments--just in case that broker fee really wiped you out.
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Most living rooms have the same set up.  A TV across from a sofa with a couple of chairs.  I know it's what I have.  The furniture is all arranged around the television as if it's some alter to pray to.  But it doesn't have to be this way. 
I'm not saying ditch your television.  I mean, I know some people in New York who live without them, but not me, thanks.  What about instead of the traditional seating, four chairs around a round table or ottoman?  Any room I've been in that has this arrangement is always the spot everyone gravitates to. 
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There is something rather nice about having a seat all to yourself.  Ever notice there's always one person who insists on taking more than their share of space on a sofa?  Besides, with four chairs, it's not as though you're losing anything in the way of seating--two adults are usually the limit on a sofa.  But, more than that, four chairs around a table encourages conversation.  If you go for chairs that swivel, then it's easy enough to turn and watch TV all together, too.
This idea may not fit into your current living situation, but definitely file it away.  It's a smart way to gather together for conversation.  And now you must excuse me for mass; Top Chef is on. 
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