Miss me. I finally got home.
2 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (24)
Related Discussions
I'm stoked, I finally got the D speciosums I deserve.
Comments (22)They don't get offered that big because the price would be too high. They cut them up and sell the pieces. 3 years ago, the Grandi I described earlier was in full bloom with 14 spikes, won 'Best Dendrobium of Show' at our modest little spring show and had 14 fewer canes than today. Someone offered me $1,000 which I declined in a nanosecond. If I wanted to sell it today however, I would be hard pressed to find someone with the ready cash, I'd be better off selling $100 pieces. I harp at our society sessions and at lectures I sometimes give at our shows about taking the plunge and paying way too much for what seems like a young plant with 3 to 5 canes. 4 to 6 years from, you'll be glad you did when you look at the spectacular display these guys put on. At every major show there are a few for sale, seemingly way overpriced in relation to what you pay for beautiful Cattleya types etc. If you take the plunge you'll probably wait a few years for first bloom. You can admire them at the spring shows only. Off the 'small' varieties I have a v capricornum with 18 to 20 fat canes which has yet to bloom and a v pedunculatum of equal size which finally bloomed last year. I heard that one of the two has a reputation for being a slow starter. Does someone know which one it is so Sue can be forewarned in case she jumps into the deep end. I sense she is tottering and needs just a little nudge. If and when you are ready contact 'Down Under Native Orchids' and order up exactly the type and size you want. He may go to a show in Canada all though I don't think so. I could pick it up for you in Santa Barbara next spring and mail it to you at a point of your choosing this side of the border. Check on the import requirements, I believe you can bring a bare-root house plant in without difficulty. I see Canadians in Santa Barbara every July who combine a summer vacation with orchid buying, who seem to have no problem bringing them over. You could always hide it in your bra. As you can tell by now its my favorite plant. One Aussie enthusiast wrote once that if they hybridize orchids for another 50 years, they may come up with something as beautiful and grand as a well grown D speciosum. Maybe a little exageraton there, but a point well taken. If you get one, it will be with you for the rest of your life or until you need to get rid of it because of size. My family of descendants is made up of 6 children, 5 and 8/9th grandchildren at last count, the D spec v grandiflorum , a 130 lbs Sulcata tortoise named 'Big Bob' and a mutt named 'Whiskey'. None are for sale. Nick...See Morelooks what's waiting for me when I got home!
Comments (9)Is the pinkish looking rose, second from the bottom, also Crepuscule? It seems like a different rose, very beautiful. I'd love to know its name. Lovely pictures, all of them. Ingrid...See MoreFinal Layout--Am I missing anything?
Comments (22)Aren't you glad you asked? :>) According to my guess-alations, you have ~34" between fridge and end of peninsula. That's gonna be a real tight fit, and a potential traffic blocker. Our peninsula is about the same distance from our beverage centre, but end of counter has a rounded radius with a bullnose edge so easier to scoot by than a hard edge like your knee wall and cabinet, AND, it's not the fridge door right there, but a cupboard that is rarely used. Can you bump the fridge into that back wall even a few inches? I like the idea of the corner sinks and cooktops. WE had a happy accident that the two appliance garages we ordered didn't arrive. WE are LOVING the extra counter space, (and we have a significant amount more than you), (though really, corner counter space is not all that useful for working). If you don't move sink there, definitely use cardboard boxes and do a mock-up, make sure the appliances will even fit. eg, our new bigger Toaster Oven wouldn't have fit in ours anyways! If you put sink in that corner, you won't need the high knee wall (no cooktop splatter to worry about), so you could eliminate the wall and stretch out your counter and create a little overhang. Again, you can never have too much counter space!...See MoreFinally got inheritance check!! Help me spend it on redecorating!
Comments (18)Jockewing, first, condolences. Glad the protracted struggle is behind you. My first suggestion is to only spend a portion of your inheritance now and save the rest as the financial outlook is bleak for the near future. (I know, that advice is a drag!) But truly, my advice would always be to upgrade slowly since finding quality pieces you'll love for the long haul takes time. That being said, I also know how important feathering your nest is and think you will enjoy getting a few pieces now. I have lots of general suggestions below, but really want to encourage you to take your time finding good pieces which will work over many years rather than succumbing to throw-away purchases. Unless you have enough money to buy everything now, I'd start with the DR since you call attention to it with the accent wall color. I'd look to replace the bookcase with a wonderful marble topped buffet, a Danish rosewood or walnut credenza or a taller antique secretary. Really consider older furniture pieces which are generally much better made than the particle board stuff readily available. Antiques don't have to be stuffy or ornate, and with luck and patience you can begin building a wonderful, clean-lined collection. These days, without a really big budget it's hard to find quality pieces unless you have a great consignment store neraby or shop ebay. Center your new DR chandelier on your table. I think all the wrought iron legs in the DR (as well as the hodgepodge end tables) add to the busy-ness you don't like. Earlier it was suggested to place a larger glass top over a table cloth if you keep the table, or I'd consider replacing the set with a wood pedestal DR table w/o a cloth. Look for some comfortable DR chairs; I love simple leather chairs which hold up really well. Rattan is a good look but not as practical with crumbs, cleanability, etc. In the LR, start with finding a hand-knotted rug, larger than your existing LR carpet and a runner in coordinating tones to replace the striped rug. Get two small patterned carpets for the front & dining area entry doors, unless you find a nice area rug for the DR, then you will want only an interior rug at the front door.. Overstock (must really read descriptions as photos aren't always accurate and avoid lead based dyes), ebay and craig's list are great sources, but many higher-end mfgs sell dicsontinued rugs directly on line at close-out prices. The trick is to be patient and wait for a wonderful bargain rather than spend a lot for instant gratification. Hand-knotted for the large rug(s) is best as it will hold up well. Extend the drape rods as was suggested to add presence to the panels. Your wall color has to coordinate with the taupe tiles unless you can upgrade to HW or laminate. Assuming you have to work with the tile, I'd be cautious of cooler, darker hues since that can be drab and depressing and you already have a sophisticated darker tone in the kitchen/dining area. Consider deep non-yellowy cream toward raw silk/linen tones (I find it helpful to look at art mats and/or fabric and have paint matched) which will combine well with the DR wall and the aquas, green and brown you love and that you're currently inclined to eventually bring more into the LR. I like your tv in its current location because it allows you to keep a cohesive conversational arrangement in the LR. HDGuy's advice to consider whether you want/need display/storage area is a good one in determining what size piece to look for btwn the windows. I'd consider 2 love seats (in a neutral tone to accommodate changing accents as your taste evolves) flanking the media wall, much sleeker than the bulky one you have, but still comfortable. Put a console table or low bookcase behind the one on the DR side. Definitely add more lamps, up lighting behind plants, maybe a torchiere in a corner and/or a swing arm low floor lamp by seating. Replace the ceiling fan with another more beautiful fixture, even if you elect to keep a fan there. Replace the two chairs with more compact ones, even a sleek recliner as long as it has raised legs. Or re-upholster the burgundy chair and just get one new chair. Get a large leather ottoman which can pull double duty as a coffee table. Consider tucking a power strip behind the small console under the mirror to minimize the cords. Definitely place all your lights on dimmers. Before you begin, scour this site and others as well as mags to find the style that most appeals to you and use them for inspiration. Best of luck!...See More
Related Stories
LIFEThe Polite House: Do I Have to Display Decor Given to Me as a Gift?
Etiquette columnist Lizzie Post tackles the challenge of accepting and displaying home decor gifts from frequent visitors
Full Story
COFFEE WITH AN ARCHITECTWhat My Kids Have Taught Me About Working From Home
Candy and Legos aren't the only things certain small people have brought to my architecture business
Full Story
LIFEYou Said It: ‘I Knew This Home Had to Be Mine’ and More Quotables
Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week
Full Story
ENTERTAININGGot Hand-Me-Down Dinnerware? Make a Memorable Meal
They might be mismatched and not your style, but those inherited plates and forks can help bring meaning to your table
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDESMissing the Ocean? Bring the Beach Vacation to Your Home
Check out these 10 easy ways to capture some coastal magic even when you’re landlocked
Full Story
PRODUCT PICKSGuest Picks: Take Me Home to the Ballgame
Create a winning look with baseball-themed furnishings and decor
Full Story
MOTHER’S DAYStyle Sense and Spatulas: The At-Home Gifts You Got From Mom
The woman who gave you life gave you heirlooms and original artwork too. We’re celebrating it all for Mother’s Day
Full Story
OutsidePlaying