I really do respond to spring’s arrival. I like to work around the house, fix things, run wires, do home improvement, think of and implement ways to improve house-life, and generally feel comfortable at my domicile. Yesterday it was gorgeous outside but I had plenty of work to catch up on at home since my matey Ashley left town the night before.
Even though I’m only subletting for the month, I took the liberty to rearranging my living room furniture, for the better, waaaaay for the better.
I didn’t get a before shot unfortunately, but basically the long couch was against the wall on the left, the short couch was where the long couch is now facing the long couch and the TV was on a small stand (below) in the middle, so sitting on either couch meant rubber-necking to watch the tube. There was always a table in the middle that because of its proximity to the front door meant it got clogged with the house mail and abandoned cups. I took the liberty to swapping the two tables, putting the more often looked at piece of furniture under the TV so its more-pleasant to look in that general direction, and placing the small table behind the short couch near the front door so it becomes a more-utilitarian piece of furniture; I’m certain it will still stack up with mail but eventually enough is enough and some will get thrown away.
Another purpose to putting the big couch facing the wall (with the TV at a slight angle) is to eventually project movies onto the big wall from behind the couch, theater-style!
My biggest improvement I think was integrating the plants with the surrounding design.
The speakers and stereo system were previously on the floor, which meant too much bending over and getting wires tangled on the floor. This way everything runs behind and is hidden, and sound travels better higher up too.
When you walk in now you’re confronted with your mail and gaming options, without needing to potentially bother someone watching TV by slamming mail on the table as some roommates might do.
SALES PITCH!
I love doing this stuff. I’ve done some home improvement around the five boroughs and can even refer clients but if anybody is looking for simple jobs or interior design work or painting or help with audio-visual cables and signal, drop me a note I want to do some more of this and am especially mobile in the months ahead! ( contact : nick [at] geekathon [dot ] net )
I am pretty sure I requested your help with some painting when you were in the Lou (per John’s suggestion) and I have yet to receive. Since thou art mobile, can I expect you soon?
rooooarrrr! I’m trying to sort out my summer schedule but tentative plans are to come back in May or June for around a week. Being there in the winter meant not as much outdoor activity as I would have liked but I’m certain we can arrange for something while your hubby is away at work 😉