ISO a certain KD

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

My question to you, CMU, is why are you are concerned about what anyone else chooses to spend on their stove? So what if I chose to spend 7K+ on it (which is what my 6-4 cost me, btw, and not the 10k that horrifies you :)? Would my "ostentatious" and "pretentious" choice of a cooking unit be more palatable (yes, pun intended)if you knew that, while I spent that amount on my range of choice I continue to drive around in my 12 year old car with 125k miles on it? Or that I don't have a flat screen TV, or even cable TV, for that matter? My point is, most of us in America (and especially those of us who are writing into a website called Brownstoner) likely have something in our lives that others might deem "ostentatious" or "pretentious."

Truth is, I actually agree with you that the cost of pro-style ranges, and other high-end appliances has become outrageously expensive. Indeed, there was once a point in my life when, like you, I would have thought it totally absurd to even consider spending this kind of dough on a range with 6 burners and 4 ovens (one each for roasting, convection, simmering and a broiler)). But, the peculiar circumstances of my life (including the loss of my antique stove in the midst of my neverending reno - a beloved unit I'd been cooking on for over 25 years, btw) combined in such a way that this choice of the Aga 6-4 ending up making a whole lot of sense to me. And, yes, for a period style/ country kitchen remodel, the Aga's looks were very much a part of that decision. But I fail to understand why this should irk you. Would you like me to come over to your house and start speculating on where and how I think you have wasted your money?

BTW, despite my enthusiastic response, please don't read my tone as antagonistic. I'm not looking to get into a drawn-out debate with anyone over an appliance decision I've made for myself that I am quite happy to live with. At the same time, as an Aga owner, I was only hoping to share some info about the product with the OP. To each his or her own.

Posted by: Brooklynista at August 26, 2008 12:00 PM in response to Aga ranges

Well, y'all got me so curious I decided to have a look at the website. I was looking at the 'Companion', a lil' stove only 24" wide.

Now I'm really curious. The specs call for a 220v 30amp dedicated circuit(!) You could power an entire electric stove with that and have room for a AC unit for the kitchen! What on earth does it use this electric for?

Posted by: denton at August 26, 2008 12:11 PM in response to Aga ranges

Oops, didn't realize the ovens were electric!

Posted by: denton at August 26, 2008 12:39 PM in response to Aga ranges

Thanks Brooklynista for the advice I appreciate it. Why would I defend my consumer choices on the internet? BTW, the question was about installation.

Posted by: deepBTUz at August 26, 2008 1:27 PM in response to Aga ranges

I think any handyman or plumber can install just about any range. Just make sure the gas line and igniter receptacle are in the correct position behind the range and that the line is the correct amperage.

Posted by: Bolder at August 26, 2008 2:05 PM in response to Aga ranges

I personally would use an authorized installer. You'd hate to have your contractor (no matter how competent they are) make a mistake and somehow void any warranties. To spend that much on the unit and skimp on the install doesn't seem worth it.

P.S. Both my aunt and my grandmother in England still cook with their original coal/wood burning AGA's and I've never tasted food so good in my life. It also heats their water. So I think if you actually use it then it's worth the scratch.(just my two cents)

Posted by: TownhouseLady at August 26, 2008 2:43 PM in response to Aga ranges

TownhouseLady,
Perhaps your aunt and grandmother are exceptional cooks because my mother in law in Ireland cooks with her original Aga and.....

I'd love to inherit the Aga, but shipping it would cost more than buying new here. Not that I cook. It would just be for show. And storage. So it wouldn't waste gas.

Posted by: rh at August 26, 2008 3:08 PM in response to Aga ranges

Just make sure that the warranty will still be valid if you DON'T use a certified installer.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at August 26, 2008 3:18 PM in response to Aga ranges

Yeah, what BrooklynButler said. Funny how sometimes the simplest solution goes right over your head! Thanks BB.

Posted by: TownhouseLady at August 26, 2008 3:31 PM in response to Aga ranges

The AGA was originally designed for draughty country houses in the British isles and being on 24/7 with locally supplied fuel was perfectly reasonable. It was not designed "in this day and age" a la 10.15.

Also CMU, the British gave us Bentleys and Aston Martins, and many of those jet engines that hold you aloft are Rolls Royce. We could say that the US gave the world the Ford Pinto and three mile island. Not really fair tho.

Posted by: dittoburg at August 26, 2008 3:31 PM in response to Aga ranges