I had Marvin all-wood windows installed. Some were just inserts (relying on the original wood frames); others were complete brick-to-brick installations. All were installed from inside the house in the dead of winter. No staging necessary.

Posted by: Brooklynista at April 7, 2007 3:09 PM in response to WINDOW HELP !

Call Cecil King at 917-531-4886. While a bit short on customer schmoozing, he's a straight shooter, prices fairly and has a very competent, respectful crew. They did an excellent paint job on my exterior windows and doors last year. Word of advice: As with many contractors, it is unfortunate that you might have to call a few times before you get a follow-up response. However, IMHO, it's worth it.

Posted by: Brooklynista at April 7, 2007 3:35 PM in response to Exterior painter for Cornice?

My dining room is about the same size as yours. I painted it an incredibly beautiful P&L red above the chair rail (sorry, can't remember the name of the color) and BM Chestertown Buff below the chair rail. All trim is BM Bavarian cream. IMO, and that of every person who has seen it, my red dining room simply rocks. And, no, the room definitely does not look smaller, just more warm and inviting. I also agree with the earlier poster who advised that you use a tinted primer and that you will need several coats of the red. Red is just a very tough color to get right. My painter (a perfectionist) actually used in excess of 5 coats.

Posted by: Brooklynista at April 12, 2007 10:19 PM in response to Pain and Room Size

I just installed white Lidingo Ikea cabs in my 1901 limestone. The kitchen floors are original oak parquet. The countertops will be soapstone. IMHO, there's nothing cold about the look at all. I agree with Yeshwant that you should go to the ikeafans website. Also, check out the kitchen forum on www.thathomesite.com (it's one of the Garden Web's home forums) as a generally excellent source for kitchen design and reno.

Posted by: Brooklynista at April 23, 2007 12:45 PM in response to Ikea cabs in limestone apt with details?

I am in complete agreement with you, Snapfish.

Posted by: Brooklynista at August 12, 2007 10:49 AM in response to Brownstoner 2.0 Coming At You Today

This kitchen is great!

And, thanks Mr. B for starting the series. Lots of us who frequent this site are currently in the midst of, contemplating, or have just completed, our own kitchen renos. I'm betting this stuff is of great interest to many. Keep it coming.

Posted by: Brooklynista at August 13, 2007 2:18 PM in response to Parlor Floor Kitchen #9: White-and-Black in Bed Stuy

Anna,

There is no need to apologize for asking that question! IMHO, it's an interesting problem. As for looks, I think you should get some samples of different flooring options (stone tiles, various hardwoods, bamboo, cork, marmoleum, etc.) and see what you think will work best with your dining room floor. As for functionality, I also concur with those who suggest that concrete, over the long haul, may be way too demanding on your feet.

You should also try posting your question to the Garden Web home forums. In particular, you might want to try the kitchen forum at
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath
or the home decorating forum at http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/decor

You are likely to be pleasantly surprised by the number of homeowners of various experiences and design tastes on those forums(including Brooklyn brownstone owners) who will be more than happy to offer you solid, constructive advice without making you feel guilty or silly for asking.

Posted by: Brooklynista at December 29, 2007 10:40 PM in response to flooring personality switch

I agree with 6:03 that Citibank is a nightmare of a lender these days. Although I just closed on a refi with them, getting a fantastic rate that neither Chase nor Bank of America could beat, it took months to close the deal! Meanwhile, it was hell to pay all the way, including at the closing itself where the process was held up because the numbers still weren't right.

Posted by: Brooklynista at December 29, 2007 11:26 PM in response to Best Banks for Co-Op Purchases

The OP has a great point. The quality of discourse on this blog has deteriorated greatly since Brownstoner changed from being a blog "about historic Brooklyn brownstones and the neighborhoods they define" to "Brooklyn inside out." Bottom line is that the earlier, more narrow focus of the blog probably didn't generate the revenue that the new, more major developer/real estate market -oriented blog now does. The latter change in focus has also brought in a different type of reader/subscriber as well. I'm guessing that, as on most blogs, the majority here are regular lurkers more than posters. However, that's also likely to be especially true for those subscribers who have been following the site for years --and used to post regularly -- but have now dropped off from commenting. Meanwhile, it is clear that juvenile snarkiness has become the new literary currency around here. How unfortunate!

I don't think that the rude, flaming tone that is fast-becoming the standard for this blog is simply a reflection of the "real world." NOT! True, these are definitely tension-filled times in which all of us are likely to be more stressed out, more impatient and more weary with the world than ever before. But few of us would ever dare to regularly address others, especially strangers, in real life in the manner that occurs here. (If that were the case, it might be wiser to shift financial investments from real estate to stock in hospitals or the mortuary business!) And, in fact, not all blog cultures are dominated by immature cyberspace bullies who hide behind their keyboards in order to vent about their various "isms", phobias and general social angst. I base that claim on my active participation on several blogs and internet forums where the posting community is able to discuss diverse points of view in a vigorous, honest and mutually respectful manner.

Although Brownstoner has always tolerated a few immature, ignorant cowards who would prefer to engage in nabe bashing, race and class baiting more than in healthy discussion, it seems as if such tolerance has now morphed into indulgence. The result is that the level of anti-social vitriol around here is beginning to skyrocket off the chart. Just the fact that it has now even crept into the Forum -- the last "safe" haven for mature dialogue on this blog-- is a damn shame.

It's a new year. One hope I have is that in going forward, we will also get back to practicing more civility in this online community.

Posted by: Brooklynista at January 3, 2008 1:28 PM in response to negative attitudes

I used them to rewire and refurbish my dining room chandelier (which looks quite similar to one you bought from them). As you say, they are not cheap. But they did an awesome job.

Posted by: Brooklynista at January 8, 2008 10:52 PM in response to Lamp Doctor

Here ya go: http://www.cheapsamsplantbargains.com/

I was there last month. Huge selection (acres of it) and good prices.

Posted by: Steve at July 17, 2008 11:43 PM in response to Brooklyn tree nurserys are rip offs

The Terminal Market isn't as cheap as it used to be. I always hit it the first warmish day in the spring to buy annuals. This year, the prices were the same as Lowes/HD and I didn't think the quality was any better.

Posted by: Steve at July 17, 2008 11:49 PM in response to Brooklyn tree nurserys are rip offs

try Glen Summit out in/near Frenchtown.

Posted by: werner at July 18, 2008 4:53 AM in response to Brooklyn tree nurserys are rip offs

Gee, Steve, thanks for bursting my "good deal" bubble! LOL. Doesn't matter though, Even if BTM is comparable to Lowes/HD in price, I would still prefer to buy my standard stuff at BTM. There's something about the energy of the wholesale marketplace, what with all the trucks, the movement of workers, the various vendors, etc. that appeals to me a whole lot more than the dreary warehouses of the big box stores with their interminable lines at checkout. I thought the quality was great at BTM at the top of the season. Now, is that "dead" time between spring-early summer and late-summer fall shipments. So quality? Not so much.

Werner, please do tell. Where is Frenchtown?

Posted by: Brooklynista at July 18, 2008 10:44 AM in response to Brooklyn tree nurserys are rip offs

I went today to Kings County Nurseries on New York Ave and Rutland. Nothing terribly unusual among the selection, but lots in stock for some more common trees and shrubs. Picked up a weeping cherry and a few rhododendrons - less expensive than gowanus and chelsea, etc. Prices closer to Home Depot - and quality is WAY better than HD.

Posted by: clintonhillbilly at July 20, 2008 9:31 PM in response to Brooklyn tree nurserys are rip offs

Anais Rogers 646-460-0100. She has a great eye and works with her partner Greg Jiritano as contractor who does beautiful work - amazing tiling, painting , cabinets etc.

Posted by: gkw at July 21, 2008 12:28 PM in response to Kitchen Designer?