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living and more
TABLE OF CONTENT The Return of Wrought Iron A new look with an old craft
What Do You Say to a Bare Room? First steps in decorating.
Coney Island How it all began.
Retreating to Your Summer Home The do’s and don’ts
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of coming and going.
Modular Home, is it Right for You? Investing in Quality Furniture built to last.
To Sleep, or Not to Sleep What’s keeping you awake?
Get Organized! Unclutter that Closet Stop procrastinating and get it done!
A Baby Safe Nursery Think ahead when planning your nursery.
How to Find a Roofing Contractor A Task in itself, but here’s some help
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EDITOR’S NOTE
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elcometoSummer;andwhatbetterwaytoenjoy itthanNewYorkstyle,takingastrolldownthe boardwalkinConeyIsland.Thismonth’sfeature articletracesthehistoryofwhatwasoncethefun capitaloftheUnitedStatestotoday’spoliticalandeconomic battlefield.
living and more
PUBLISHER W MEDIA EDITOR IN-CHIEF CAROLE DELMONICO SENIOR EDITOR DAVID P. KAUFMAN ART DIRECTOR EFRAIM SCHNALL
Have you let Spring come and go without the seasons obligatorycleaningandreorganizing.We’llshowyouhow, and the tips and tricks that professionals use. Getting ready for your trip to the summer house? It’s more thanjustpackingabagandgassinguptheoldstationwagon. We’llwalkyouthroughthestepstotaketoclosedownthecity home and open up the summer retreat. To sleep, perchance to dream...William Shakespeare had the right idea. The solution to sleep disorders may as close as yourneighborhoodmattressstore.Weexplorethemysteriesof sleeplessness in this month’s informative article.
CONTRIBUTING GOLDY MILLER DESIGNERS RIFKY SCHMELTZER DIRECTOR OF WILLIAM A. MILES SALES & MARKETING PHOTOGRAPHY W MEDIA DIRECTOR OF MENASHE SCHWARTZ OPERATIONS
SALES RAIZY NEUFELD
Settingupanurseryforyournewbornismorethansomepaint, and furniture. Making it a safe and secure environment for baby requires planning and taking a view of his or her world from the floor on up.
PRODUCTION ABE BERKOWITZ COORDINATOR
One of the biggest purchases a family will make is furniture. Buyingqualityfurniturethatwillmaintainitsgoodlooksand provideserviceforyearstocomeisobviouslywhateveryone wants, but do you know what to look for?Yep.We’ll tell ya!
CONTRIBUTING JULIA LISANTI WRITERS ZACHARY SCHLEE C. R. ISAACSON
Theartofironworkhasevolvedovercenturiesfrommaking swordstoprotectthecastletomakingdecorativeandornate railings,gates,andwalltreatmentsforthehome.Thismonth we showcase the work of SoHo Iron Design.
SPECIAL AVI BOAS CONTRIBUTOR
So as you can see, this months offering is diverse and sure to havesomethingofinterestforeveryone.Wehopeyouenjoyit as much as we have putting it all together. David P. Kaufman
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ADVERTISING 5104 12th AVE OFFICE BROOKLYN NY 718 854 3773 www.interiornewyork.com
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THE RETURN OF WROUGHT IRON
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ntrywaysarethefirstimpressionofan interior. For a majestic look, an open staircasedefinesthefocalpointofvirtually any dĂŠcor.
Statelystaircaseswithroundedcurves,welcome your guests with old world charm. Reminiscent of a bygoneera,thescrollworkontheironworkdisplayadd anelegantfeeltoatraditionallook.Withaclassictwist, manyforgedentrywaysandstaircasesincorporatevarious finishes,suchaswoodstripsorbrassaccentsforatruly regallook.Ironworkshavetheabilitytotransformahouse intoanestate.Theyrequireadelicateprocessofcreation, yet the end results are always visually rewarding. Have you ever noticed the three-dimensional, brassfloralorleafyaccentsonironwork?Haveyouever wonderedhowtheyretainedtheirfinishthroughthe weldingprocess?Asolidlybuiltironworkdisplaywill alwaysfeelsmoothtothetouch.Haveyoueverwondered howtotellthedifferencebetweenmediocrehandiwork and high quality artistry? OntouroftheSohoIronArtfactoryintheCaribbean we discovered the difference. CentralAmericanartisansusingageoldknowledge, coupled with the latest in technology, are producing unusuallymagnificentironworkcreations.Mr.Solomon RosenbergofSohoIronArtexplainedtheironfabrication process, clearly an area of his expertise.
1. Creating on site templates 10 INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008
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BEFORE
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2 3 Makingagrandentranceintotheworldofdesign andartistryhasbeenthehallmarkofSohoIronArtfor close to a decade. Stately entryways and gallantly beautiful staircasesmakeSoHoArt’screationsthefocalpoint of any decor. Soho Iron Art’s creations are universally acclaimed for its unusual splendor and definitive uniqueness. Note the fine lines and impeccable workmanship on these intricate designs. SohoIronArt’sinteriorandexteriorironwork make a statement in both creativity and quality workmanship. The trained eye will notice the meticulousattentiontodetailthatisunsurpassedin theindustry.Customdesignedironworkincorporates bothtraditionalframeworkandinnovativethreedimensional designs presenting a large range of options. SohoIronArthasearnedareputationinartistic excellence.Allforgingsaredonesolelybyhand,this allowsforgreatattentiontodetailaseachpieceis artisticallydesignedandhandcraftedtocreateatruly magnificent piece of work. Theirapproachisatypical,sincetherearenoset guidelines.Whetheryouprefersymmetricallinesor gracefulcurves,antiqueorrusticstyle;thebeautyof SoHo’s ironwork is clearly evident. Theirdesignteamcanworkwithaclient’sinterior designer or provide their expert advice to produce anything imaginable.As an added benefit, SoHo’s designers,usingvirtualrealitygraphicscanprovide acomputersimulatedpictureoftheirvision.Another service provided is staircase design - especially in the initial planning process. Often this is done in conjunctionwiththearchitecttoensureaseamless, flawless concept. This is a valuable component of their design process, which eliminates potential issuesinlayoutandproduction.Floralorgeometric, delicateorbold;customtemplatesarecreatedfor everysinglejob.Imagesofironwork,frompaintings or publications can be replicated. 12 INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008
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6 2. Custom designing shop template 3. Full size shop template for precise placment and customer approval 4. Hot forging and bending the scrolls 5. Fabricating precisley to template 6. Fabricating the scroll work
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As the perfect backdrop for any setting, ironworkcanbedesigned,createdandimplemented fromconcepttofruitionwithunparalleledease whenyouchooseSohoIronArt.Thestep-by-step processisdoneentirelybyhandensuringoptimum qualitycontrol.Slantedandroundedcurvesrequire adelicateprocessandSoHo’sforgingprocesswill notdetractfromtheoriginalarchitecturaldesign. Multi-layeredeffects,three-dimensional, hand-coiledorfluteddesignsarejustsomeofthe detailsavailabletoaccentyourentryorstaircase. Theseoptionsrequirehoursofprecisionworkand canbedoneinvarioussizesandstyles.Infact,at SohoIronArtallordersarecustomsizedtotheir client’sprecisespecificationsandcanbestretched orminimizedtosuitanindividual’staste.Great emphasisisinvestedintoeachdesigntoprovidea truly unique presentation. Whetherproducinglamps,tables,designer fixturesorsconcesauniqueblendofmaterialscan beused.SohoIronArtsculpturesandmuralsare craftedfromarangeofmaterials,suchasbrass, copperoraluminum.Gearedforthehotelindustry, theyaredesignedtolast.Thelampandlantern productionatSohoIronArt’sfactoryhighlights theiruniqueprocessoffabrication.Forgedinthe traditionoftheoldcraftsman,theyprovideyears of beauty. Wrought iron doors, in particular, can be customdesignedandfabricatedinvirtuallyany style. Added details such as birds, flowers or leaves can be custom created to fit within any decorativemotif.Matchingendtablesisanother aspectoffurnituredesignatSohoIronArt.Brass Headboardsaremakingareturn,andincopper,as well. Brass accents are all the rage these days andaremasterfullycraftedintheSohoIronArt workshop.They can be designed and modified to suiteachindividualclient’sneedsastheproject progresses.Inadditiontopaintingandgoldleafing, SohoIronArtisrenownedforthecustomcasting 14 INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008
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11 7. Melting brass for casting 8. Casting the flowers in sand 9. Applying the brass flowers 10. Quality control 11.Installation
AND THE FINAL PRODUCT
of their own brass leaves, flowers and finials. A Soho IronArt creation is not complete without providingtheutmostincustomersatisfaction.Duetotheir recent expansion, their focus has shifted to providing a quickerturnaroundtimeforalloftheirprojects.Withan emphasisoncustomerserviceandunparalleledquality control,theSohoIronArtexperienceisluxurydefined.Their goalistoconstantlyimproveandexpeditetheinstallation process to provide ease of mind to their clientele. Inthatvein,alltheirinteriorwroughtironandsteel furniture,stairrailings,fixturesandwallsculptures; can be powder coated to provide years of durability and easy maintainability. For exterior surfaces, an expert galvanization process provides a rustproof coating to protecttheartworkfromenvironmentalandweatherrelated corrosion.Foroceanfrontproperties,aluminumforged gatesarerecommendedtopreventprematureagingdueto
the elements. Forhomeowners,architectsanddesignersqualityand craftsmanshiphavecometopersonifytheSohodifference.
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOHO IRON ART
For More Information Contact Soho Iron Art at 212-343-9993 or Visit Them On The Web @ sohoironart.com INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008 15
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WHAT DO YOU SAY TO A BARE ROOM
? Celia Vogel
If
you’re a professional you would immediately be able to assess what needs to be addressed. If not, despite the shelter magazines, the home shows, your well-intentioned contractor, and your mother-inlaw...you will still be overwhelmed!! Understandably so, I have been an interior designer for 30 odd years and I am still learning and adapting new ways of new concepts.
It is my intention in this, the first of aseries,tohelpyouanalyzeandprioritize your personal spaces. Hopefully these articleswillhelpyoucollectyourthoughts, express your tastes, and stretch your imagination.Achieving this should be an exciting, enjoyable experience.
Walls do talk Infact,yourwallssayasmuchabout youastheclothesyouwearandthefriends you choose.You need to determine what youwouldwantyourwallstosayaboutyou. Do you want a laid-back, casual space or areyoumoreformalandreserved?Doyou want a “drop-dead” décor or is something low-keyandclassicmoreyourstyle?How willtheroomfunctionandforwhom? Do you need to pet-proof it? Child-proof it? Is it a private or public room? How much seating,storage,light,willitneed?These answerswillultimatelyinformallofyour choices.
With this goal in mind we now need to“converse”withthespace.Doesithave good bones? Are the windows and doors placedwellintheroom?Whatistheceiling height? Isthereanarchitecturalfocustothe space, such as a fireplace, French doors, panelmoldings,columns,etc.Doesithave a breathtaking view or one you need to obliterate?Itisatthispointthatafloorplan wouldprovehelpful.(Thereareseveraldoit-yourselffloorplanandtemplatekitsthat will instruct you as to how to do this.) Once you have drawn the plan you willwanttodetermineandindicatetraffic patterns.Isthisaspacewherepeopleneed towalkthroughtogettootherplaces? If so,youwillwanttoallowadequatespace forpassage.Drawingthesetrafficpatterns ontoyourplanwillallowyoutoplacelarge pieces of furniture in such a way as to not obstruct the movement of people.
Celia Vogel is the principal designer of CV Design Associates, Inc. She has worked since 1979 on numerous projects in the Metropolitan New York area, Long Island, Florida and Texas. She has participated in a dozen show-houses and has had her work published extensively. She can be reached by e-mail at celiavogeldesign@gmail.com 18 INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008
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Now where do we begin? Most professional designers begin withthelargerfurniturepieces....thedining table,thesofa(s),thehomeentertainment unitsorotherstorageunits.Theseshould be placed in a functional arrangement. The sofa should face the fireplace, the television,ortheview.Thestoragepieces shouldfunctionforthespacetheyarein. Abuffetorservershouldbewithinreach of the kitchen. Each “seat” should have accesstoasurface...aplacetoputadrink, a book, and a lamp. Even if space is at a premium you can find small tray tables, gardenstools,orarchitecturalaccessories thatdodoubledutyasoccasionaltables. Tallunits,suchaarmoires,breakfronts, or bookcases should be placed so they canprovideanarchitecturalbalanceor counterpointtoahorizontalelement.A fireplace, for example looks great with symmetrical pieces on each side. These can be tall pieces or shorter pieces that arevisually“stretched”bymirrors,art,or lighting.Youmayneedtoenlisttheservices ofaprofessionaltobalancemoreawkward spacesortocreateabalancebetweentwo unrelated pieces (an armoire and a desk, for instance). If you have satisfactorily placedthefurnitureyouwillnowhavea balanced and functional beginning. It is at this point that most clients beginbyaskingmeaboutcolor.WhatItell themisalwaysthesame.“Firstwe’llbake the cake and then we’ll pick the icing.” Color is personal. Some clients want a bright interior others want a monochromaticcolorscheme.Myadvice for both is always the same. “You can always add color... it is harder to take it away.”.Lookforinspirationintheclothes youwear.Cutoutmagazinephotosthat appealtoyouthenputthemaway.Youwill feeldifferentlyaboutthemafteraweek’s time.Oneofthebestdeparturepointsfor pickingcolorandstyleisarug.It“anchors and inspires” a room. Once it is in your home,withyourlight,thecolor(s)inthe rugwillspeaktoyou.(Remember...arug has a light and dark side...depending on howitisspread.)Youcanchoosetoaccent the rug’s dominant color(s), subdue, or 20 INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008
complementthem.Ioftentakepaintchips thatcorrespondtotherugcolorsandput them on an index card. Try to do this in theproportionthatthecolorsappearinthe rug(i.e.;alargerpieceforthemaincolor andsmallerpiecesfortheothercolors). Adigitalphotooftheoverallrugisalso helpful. These will help you to select fabricsincolors,textures,patterns,and scale to co-ordinate with the rug.
offerdurable,soilandfaderesistantfabrics tosuiteveryneed.Donotcompromiseon yourfabricchoices.Theyareusuallythe most memorable item in a room. Think aboutroomsthathaveimpressedyou.Do yourememberwhatthesofalegslooked like?Thehardwareonthedrawersofthe buffet?Thefinishontheoccasionaltable? Thecolor,texture,pattern,orhand(feel) of the fabrics?
Throwthefabricsontherugandpass byseveraltimesaday...indifferentlights. Viewthesefromallangles.Itwillbecome cleartoyouwhichonesworkandwhich toeliminate.Thoseyoulikewillhelpyou narrowfuturefabricchoices.Makecertain thatyourchoicesareconsistentwiththe functionofthefabric.Manufacturersnow
So now we have a place, a plan, and a palette. So what do we say now to our naked room?
We’ve got you covered!!
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Coney Island Past, Present & Future
T
he fascinating and somewhat tragic history of Coney Island begins in1609whenHenryHudsonfirstdiscoveredtheareawhilesearchingfor anewroutetotheIndies.OriginallyaDutchsettlement,theareagetsits namefromtheDutchphraseKonijnEiland,whichtranslatestoRabbit Island,areferencetothenumerousbunnieswhichoriginallypopulatedthearea. In 1829, Coney Island Road and Bay Bridge Company built Shell Road acrossthecreekthatseparatedConeyIslandfromthemainland,greatlyincreasing itsaccessibility.DuringtheCivilWar,horsecarsbegantomakeexcursionstothe centerofConeyIsland.Theareaofficiallybecomesaresortdestinationin1865 whenPeterTilyouestablishestheSurfHouse,ahotelandrestaurantwhichsold Bavarian Lager for 5 cents and rented, “fancy flannel bathing suits.” Inthelate1860’s,theareareallybeginstotakeoffwhenJohnY.McClane becomesconstableandbeginsleasingpubliclands,doublingthetown’srevenue to$1,527.50.CharlesFeltman,whoinventedthehotdogin1867,sub-leaseda tinyplotoflandandserved3,684hotdogsin1871.Thefollowingyear,Feltman boughta150x200footlotfor$7,500andopenedtheOcean’sPavilion,thelargest buildinginConeyIslandatthetime.Thehotelhadroomsforupto20,000guests, a ballroom for 3,000 and a piazza for 50,000 onlookers. ThedevelopmentoftheConeyIslandareacontinuedthroughoutthe1870’s and1880’swiththeconstructionvarioushotels,bathhouses,railroadlines,and evenahorseracingtrackin1879.Thearea’sfirstluxuryresort,theManhattan Beach Hotel, opens in 1877 and immediately becomes the most elegant and fashionablehotelintheU.S.,with258lavishrooms,restaurants,ballrooms,and shops. The development of Coney Island’s amusement rides also began in the 1870’s-80’s.ConeyIsland’sfirstcarouselwascarvedin1875byCharlesLooff, whobuiltitforWilliamVanderveer,theownerofseveralflourishingbathhouses. In1877,the300footIronTower,whichhadtwosteamelevatorstocarryridersto itstop,wasrelocatedtoConeyIslandfromthePhiladelphiaCentennialExposition. GeorgeTilyoualsoopenedthearea’sfirstFerriswheel,withadiameterof125 feet, in 1894. The world’s first roller coaster, the La MarcusThompson Switchback Railway, opened at Coney Island on June 13, 1884. Considered rather tame by today’sstandards,theSwitchbackRailwayfeaturedtwoparalleltracks,with raisedplatformsateitherend.Severalriderswouldboardacaratoneendof theplatform,coastdownthegentlyslopinghills,anddisembarksothatthe attendantscouldpushthecarontotheoppositeplatformforthereturntrip.The ride was unimaginably popular, andThompson grossed $600 a day, an amazing feat considering the ride only cost a nickel per customer. 1895 was a red letter year in Coney Island history.The area’s first true amusementpark,SeaLionPark,openedandbecametheworld’sfirstenclosed amusementparkthatchargedadmissiontoenter.Gettingitsnamefromthesea lionshowsthatwereoneofitsmajorattractions,theparkalsofeaturedShoot-the24 INTERIOR NEW YORK April 2008
The Library of Congress LC-B2- 2240-13
ChuteswaterslideandanOldMillride. The area also saw the first of a string of major fires on May 16, 1895. Everything between Feltman’s and the Iron Tower burned,includingtheFerriswheel,several hotelsandapartmentbuildings,andthe post office. Damages were over $250, 000. In1897,SteeplechasePark,arguably ConeyIsland’smostfamousandlongest livedamusementpark,opened.Thepark’s premiereattraction,theSteeplechaseride, wasanimitationofahorserace,complete with attendants dressed as jockeys and trumpeterswhosoundedtheirhornstostart therace.Twopassengerssatastrideeachof theeighthorsesastheyrodealongthehalf miletrack.Sincetheridewasdependant ongravity,theheaviestridersusuallywon, sowomenwerealwaysonthelookoutfor the heaviest men to be their partners. In theconservativeerathatwasthelate19th Century, it was one of the few instances in which it was socially acceptable for 26 INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008
womentoholdtighttotheirmalepartners. OtherridesinSteeplechasepark,likethe BarrelRollandtheFunnyStaircase,also gavesinglestheopportunitytobebounced into one another. Several other amusement parks opened in the 1900’s, most notably Luna Park in 1903 and Dreamland in 1904. LunaParkfeaturedaforestoftowersand spires which were lit at night by 122,000 electric lights. The park’s attractions includedATriptotheMoon,Shoot-theChutes, Canals ofVenice, Hagenbeck’s WildAnimals, Miniature Railroad,Trip totheNorthPole,InfantIncubators,Old Mill Ride, Eskimo and GermanVillages, ChineseandMonkeyTheatres,andaGrand Ballroom.Dreamland,althoughinitially successful,eithercopiedorpiratedmostof theirattractionsfromLunaPark,andasa resultpeoplefounditspretensionsboring andpreferredtogotoLunaParkinstead. Both Steeplechase Park and
Dreamlandburnedintheearlypartofthe 20thCentury.ThefireatSteeplechasePark began at 4 A.M. on July 28, 1907. Within hoursall25ofthepark’s25attractions burned, and damages were estimated at $1,400,000. The park was rebuilt the followingyear,withstructuresmadeof steel, glass, and other less combustible materials.Dreamlanddidn’tfairquiteso well.Whenfirelefttheparkinashes1911, 3.5milliondollarsworthofdamagewas done,withlittleinsured.Asaresult,the ownersdecidednottorebuild.However, SamuelGumpertzdidopenhisDreamland Circus Sideshow on the old Dreamland site that same year. His displays of humanodditiesweresomethingforwhich Coney Island would become famous. Hisattractionsincludedmidgets,giants, beardedladies,skeletonmen,fatladies, albinos,leglessmen,pinheads,andevena Bentoc head-hunting chief. ConeyIslandreachedthepeakofits popularityafter1920,theyearthesubway
The Library of Congress LC-B2- 2240-12
finallyconnectedthebeachtotherestof NewYork City.The subway’s nickel fare attractedmillionsofvisitorstothebeach. TheWonderWheelwasalsoinstalledin 1920,quicklybecomingoneofBrooklyn’s most iconic structures. In 1923 the first sectionofConeyIsland’sboardwalkwas constructed,andthestreetswerewidened toprovidegreateraccesstofirefighters. The roaring twenties lived up to their name as Coney Island’s three most iconicrollercoasterswerebuiltduringthis period.Thefirstofthese,theThunderbolt, wasbuiltin1925andwasthefirstroller coastertoutilizesteelsupportsundera woodenstructure.Thismayexplainwhy it took the city days to tear down the supposedlydilapidatedstructuretomake wayforKeyspanParkin2000.Thesecond iconicrollercoaster,whichwasfirstcalled TheBobsandlaterrenamedtheTornado, wasatrulythrillingtwisterrollercoaster with a complex layout which was built aboveandaroundmanyotherbuildings and structures. It was burned in a fire in 1977andtorndownthefollowingyear. Arguablythegreatestrollercoasterever built, Coney Island’s Cyclone, opened in 1927. A truly thrilling ride with an unbelievably steep 60 degree first drop, the ride remains open to this day and has 28 INTERIOR NEW YORK April 2008
become a New York City landmark.
Park closed.
The popularity of Coney Island continued unabated throughout the 1930’s and 40’s. The most significant development during this period was the installationoftheParachuteJump,which wasbroughtinfromtheNewYorkWorld’s Fair in 1939 and opened in 1941. The 262foottowerwasthelastofConeyIsland’s landmarkstructures,andalthoughitisno longerinuse,itstillstandsonthebeach as, “Brooklyn’s Eiffel Tower.”
VariousplanstorevitalizetheConey Islandareacameandwentduringthelast few decades, but none came to fruition. In the late 1970’s, the city came up with aplantobuildcasinosinthearea,butthe idea was dropped when the legislature failed to legalize gambling. In the 80’s, twoseparatebusinessmen,HoraceBullard andNormanKaufman,developedplansto rebuildSteeplechasePark,butbothplans failed over squabbling with the city. A thirdtheme-parkdeveloper,Sportsplex, had plans to develop a theme park, but thisplanwaskilledwhenRudyGiulliani tookofficeandhadtheKeyspanStadium parkinglotbuiltonthespaceearmarked for the Sportsplex construction.
Coney Island’s popularity waned afterWorldWarII,dueinlargeparttothe inventionoftheair-conditioner,andthe advent of the automobile. NewYorkers found it easier to escape the summer heat, and find amusements, much closer to home. Luna Park closed in 1946 after aseriesoffiresandbankruptcy.Coney’s declinecontinuedthroughoutthe1950’s and60’s,dueinlargeparttostreetgang violence. People began to see the area as unsafe, especially after the city’s disastrous decision to replace many of the middle income homes, as well as the lotonwhichLunaParkoncestood,with housing projects. Astroland opened in 1963andthefollowingyearConeyIsland suffereditsworstseasoninaquarterofa century,sobad,infact,thatSteeplechase
Next Issue:
The Present and Future of Coney Island
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Retreating toYour Sumer Home
F
rom the humblest cabin in the Adirondacks,tothemostpalatial mansion in Martha’s Vineyard, many NewYorkers have a place to ‘get away from it all.’ Lord knows we need it. The stress of living in NewYork can be overwhelming. We barely have time tothink,letalonerelax,andsomeofus absolutelyliveforthosefewmonthsin the summer when we can recharge our batteries. The problem is that getting ready to retreat to your summer home canalsobeoverwhelming.Hereareafew stepstotaketomakethemoveaspainless as possible.
Start Packing At Least A Week In Advance The sooner you start packing, the better.Aweekorsobeforeyouareabout to leave, simply put a box or plastic bin andasuitcaseonthefloor.Packallthe
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thingsthatyouknowyouwillneedfirst, butdon’tneglecttotakeanythingthatyou thinkyoumightwant.Now’sthetimeto getyourmoney’sworthoutofthatminivan or SUV you bought. Pack that book you’ve been meaning to read and those DVD’s you’ve been meaning to watch. Overthecourseoftheweek,addthings astheyoccurtoyou.You’llbemuchless likelytoforgetsomethingbypackingin advancethanwaitinguntilthelastsecond. Remember,ifyouforgetsomethingthat youabsolutelymusthave,it’salongdrive home. You also need to make sure that your children are packed. Depending on their age, you may actually want to do it for them, but at the very least you shoulddouble-checktheirbags.Before youleave,makesureyouhaveaseparate bagfortheitemsthechildrenwillneed inthecar.Thisincludesthevideogames, MP3players,andtoysthatwillkeepthem occupied,andyousane,duringthelong
This season we decided to revive the rococo cast chandelier with its effusive beauty and lighthearted appeal. Pictured is Milano, with Strass® crystal. The chandelier is fully cast, every surface etched and incised with leaf and flower motifs and tiny decorative patterns. Castings are made in Italy to Schonbek designs. See the newest Schonbek chandeliers in our showroom.
2148 Flatbush Avenue • Brooklyn, NY 11234 Phone: 718.252.7722 • Fax 718.252.6466 Mon - Thurs. 10-8 • Fri 10-3 • Sun. 11-6
We Ship Anywhere
© 2008 Schonbek Worldwide Lighting Inc.
Move outside convention to a playful, entertaining style of decorating.
car trip to your destination.The day you are leaving, pack some snacks and beverages for yourselfandyourchildren.(Itactuallymight notbeabadideatoemptyoutyourrefrigerator entirely, as you will be gone so long.) Also, if you have any pets make sure thattheyhavewhattheyneedduringthetrip, including food, water, and a sturdy carrier. If your dog usually sits on the seat, consider purchasingaharnesswhichcanbefittedthrough the seat belt of your car and used to prevent injurytoyourdogintheeventofanaccidentor shortstop.Ifyoudon’twanttotakeyourpets withyou,willhavetomakearrangementsthem tobeboardedorstaywithafriendorrelative.
Make Sure Your House is Secure While you are gone, having a family memberortrustedfriend house-sitforyouisa generallyagoodidea,ifit’satallpossible.They canlookafteryourpets,forwardyourmailto you,wateryourplants,andgenerallykeepthe place running smoothly in your absence. At the very least, you should consider having a friend or neighbor look in on your house at least once a week. Have them pick upallthosesupermarketcircularsthathave been building up on your stoop and empty the jam-packed mailbox. Criminals look for signs,likethese,thatyouarenotathomewhen determiningwhetherornottoburglarizeyour home. Think about leaving a light on in the frontroomofyourhouse.Itaddstotheillusion thatyouareathome.Youcanevengetatimer thatwillautomaticallyturnthelightonfora few hours at night.
The Last Look If you are ultra-paranoid, you might evenconsidergettingahomesecuritysystem. It’sbetterthanspendingyourwholevacation worryingaboutwhetherornotyourhouseis beingrobbed,orburningdown,forthatmatter. Mosthomesecuritysystemsofferfire,aswell asanti-theftprotection.Ifyouarestillworried aboutfire,unplugeverything,oratleastturn it off. Beforeyouleave,walkaroundthehouse andunplugallthoseappliancesandelectronics thatwon’tbeabsolutelynecessaryduringyour absence.Obviously,you’llwanttoleaveyour refridgerator and your answering machine pluggedin,butalmosteverythingelsecanbe unplugged.Manyappliancesdrawpowereven whentheyarenotturnedoffso,evenifyouare notconcernedaboutfire,unpluggingthemwill 36 INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008
save you money on your electric bill. Also, before you walk out of the door, makesurethestoveisturnedoff.Inthehustle andbustleofgettingreadytoleaveyoumay haveforgotten,andyoudon’twanttospend your whole vacation worrying. Once the car is packed, the kids are inside, you’ve unplugged everything, it’s timetolockup.Makesureallyourdoorsand windowsarelocked,unlessyouwanttoleave asecondstorywindowopenforaircirculation. If you have a security system, now is the time to turn it on. To make the trip as quick and painless as possible, make as few stops along the way as you can manage. The more stops you make alongtheway,thelongeritwillbebeforeyou canunpackthecar,sitdown,andrelax.Ifyour trip is only two hours or so, don’t stop unless someone needs to use the bathroom.
Getting There Once you get there, it’s time to air the placeout.Noonehasbeenthereinmonths,and it’sprobablynottoofresh.Putdownyourbags andopenthewindows.Taketheyourblankets offthebed.Evenifthesheetsandblanketswere clean when you left, hang them up outside. If not, put them through the wash. Take the pillows and cushions off the couch and beat themoutside.Youalsomightwanttoconsider dustingtheentirehouse.You’llbegladyoudid itwhenyouaren’tsneezinginaboutanhour or so. Nowthattheplaceiscleanandlivable, it’snotabadideatoinspectitfordamages.The wintermayhavebeencruelerthanyouknow. Makesuretherearenowetspotsonthefloor from a leaking roof, or cracked pipes in the basement. (This is an especially good idea if thewaterhasbeenturnedoff,asyoudon’twant to turn it on only to be given an unexpected shower.)Checkforholesinyourwallswhere animals might have gotten in and seal them right away. Put out some humane traps if you areconcernedthattheremightberodentsinthe house. If you find rodent droppings, chances are you have rodents. Last but not least, make yourself at home. Spruce the place up with some fresh flowers.Callalandscaper,orplantagarden ofyourown.Callyourfriendsandinvitethem over.Plansomeactivitiesforthekids.Mostof all- relax and enjoy. You’ve earned it. n
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MODULAR HOME, IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU ?
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es, that’s right.You need to consider buying a Modularhomeforyournexthomepurchase!With today’srisinghousingcostsandirregularitiesin thehousingmarket,youneedtoseriouslyconsidera modular home! I’m talking about a “MODULAR” home, not a sitebuilt home, a mobile home or a manufactured home! There is a huge difference between these types of homes. Make sure when you are talking to a builder that they are truly selling you a MODULAR home.
What is a Modular Home? A Modular home is built in “Modules” or “Sections”atafactorybyhighlyskilledcraftsmenin anenclosedenvironmenttoexactstandardstomeetthe codesandrequirementssetforthbythestateitwillbe deliveredto.AModularhomemustmeetallthesame buildingcodesasany“Site”or“Stick”builthouse.The homeis90%completewhenitleavesthefactorywith thewalls,flooring,ceilings,doors,windows,bathroom fixturesandvanities,kitchencabinetry,countertops, electricalwiring,interiordoorsandtrimandfloorvinyl installed. Your modular home is shipped with the carpet andpad“shippedloose”.Thecarpetisorderedandcut for your specific home.After the home is set on your land,alocalprofessionalcarpetlayerisbroughtinto laythecarpetandpad.Thisinsuresthecarpetiskept cleanduringthe“Set-up”ofyourhomeandisinstalled with the least amount of seams possible. Oncethehomeissetonyourlot,alocalbuilding inspectorwillchecktomakesurethehome’sstructure meets requirements and that all finish work is done properly.
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What is the difference between a Modular home and a Manufactured home? Manufacturedhomes,oncecalled “Mobile” homes or “Trailers” are built to conform to the same federal code, no matterwheretheyaredelivered.Thatcode is the HUD code. In many instances, the HUDcodeisnotasstringentasthestate and local building code requirements. Manufactured homes are built on non-removable steel chassis. Modular Homes are built with 2x8 or 2x10 floor joiststhatare16”OC.Wealsousedouble perimeter joists and 5/8” OSB decking. The homes are placed on “carriers” that arereturnedtothefactoryoncethehome is delivered and set. Buildinginspectorscheckthework donelocally(Electrichookup,waterhook up,etc.)butarenotrequiredtoapprovethe structure. Modular homes are built with 1⁄2” drywallonallwalls.Allexteriorwallsare 2x6, 16” OC. The home comes standard with7/16”OSBexteriorwallsheathing. Allinteriorwallsare2x4or2x6for plumbingwalls,all16”OC.Allwallsand the8ftceilingsaresmoothdrywallwith2 coats of primer paint. Many Manufactured homes use “factorybuilt”cabinetryintheirkitchens andbaths.Atacloserlook,thesecabinets are put together with many staples and donothavethestructuralintegrityor longevitythata“bought”cabinetdoes. Most Manufactured Homes have 42 INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008
“paper-wrapped”trimmoldingalsoaround theirdoorsandwindows.Ifthistrimgets scratched,thereisnowaytotouchitup.It must be replaced or painted. Mostmodularhomesusestrue“solid wood” pine molding with your choice of painted white, raw and unfinished or 2 differentstaincolors.Thereisnoadditional cost for these choices. ManufacturedHousingissometimes lessexpensivethansitebuiltormodular homes. However, buyers beware! You get what you pay for, which could mean materials of lesser quality and shorter life expectancy. Manufactured homes sometimes decrease in value over time, especially when they are placed in a ManufacturedHomecommunity.Because ofthis,manylendinginstitutionsshyaway fromManufacturedhousingfinancingor chargeahigherinterestratefortheloans.
Why should I buy a modular instead of a “stick-built” or “site constructed” home? Modular Homes are built in a controlledenvironmentwhereitisnever exposedtotheelements.(Extremeheat, rain,snow,etc.)Thishelpstokeeptherepair billsdown.Awellbuilthouseisfareasier andlesscostlytomaintainthanthatofasite builthomethathasbeendamagedduring thebuildingprocessduetowetmaterial, sunexposureand/orextremetemperature fluctuations.AtModularhomesweARE “stickbuilding”yourhomeusingthesame materialsandfollowingthesamebuilding
codesassiteconstruction.Youneverhave toworryabouttheftofbuildingmaterial or vandalism with a modular home. It is secured the day it arrives to your site. Because we are working “inside”, ourcraftsmenaremorecomfortableand canmaintainahigherstandardofquality workmanship and efficiency. This also allowsusthetimetodotheextrathings that a site builder may not do such as sealaroundallreceptaclesandswitches to prevent air infiltration, using extra lagstosecureourwalls,placingbacker platesatallreceptacles,switchesandbath hardware. Amodularhometakesanaverageof 6 weeks from the time it is ordered until it is delivered.A site built home can take 6 months or more to complete! Because ofthis,manyfinancialinstitutionsprefer Modularhomes.Theturnaroundtimeis minimal and your mortgage rates can be locked in with no worry that they will expire before your home is ready. This also saves you interest payments on any constructionloan.Youknowexactlywhat thecostsarewhenyouorderyourmodular home. A site built home can often cost youmorethanthebuilderquotedinthe beginningduetodelays,overtimetocatch upandfluctuatingmaterialcosts.Modular homeshavecontractswiththeirsuppliers that give them “purchasing power” on materials.Thiscanresultinalowerprice toyou.Oftentimes,amodularhomewill costlesspersquarefootthanastickbuilt house. QualityAssuranceinspectionsare done at every stage of the production processinsteadofonefinalinspectionwhen thehomeisbuiltonsite.Anunscrupulous
thanthetraditionalconstructiontoday.This is because each home can be traced back to ourmanufacturingfacility,ourproduction team and our owner, Richard Schmidt. Atraditionalbuilderreliesonthecurrent construction market. He may not have a “track”recordthatgoesbackanysubstantial amount of time. In today’s market and low cash flow, he may not be in business tomorrow! According to the National AssociationofHomeBuilders,oneinevery 10 homes built is the northeastern United Statesisamodularhomewiththepercentage increasing yearly. Hopefully this brief over view has cleared up any misconceptions about ModularHomesandhashelpedtoeducate youonthebenefitsofpurchasingaProBuilt Modular Home. n Article and photos provided by Pro Built Homes
buildercanhidemanythingsandcutmany cornersthatcouldcausethehomeowneralot of money over the years. Ithasneverbeenscientificallyproven thataModularhomeisstrongerthanasite built home, but you have to question how many“Stick-Built”homeswouldbeableto betransportedonacarrierandtravelat55 MPH down the roads to a building site and arrive undamaged and in tact. ModularHomesaretransportedusing “heavyduty”carriersthatlimitthe“flexing” ofthemoduleswhileintransit.Thismeans our homes arrive in better condition than some of the other Modular Home builders homesdo.(Lessstresscracksinthedrywall, no movement of ship loose materials in the home and no twisting of doors and windows) ModularHomesappreciateinvaluethe sameasanySitebuilthome.Onceamodular home is “set”, there is no visible difference between it and a site built home. Modular homes started to become popular in the 1950’s after World War II. Theindustryhasnotsloweddownand hasbeencontinuouslyconstructingthemever since.Manyhomesthatwereconstructedin the1950’sarestillaroundandhavegreatly increasedinvalue.Modularisprovenmore 44 INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008
Investing in quality
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fter our homes and our cars, home furnishingsaregenerallythemost expensive items that many of us will purchase. Buying a used car may seem like a bargain now, but it won’t be inayearwhenyouareuptoyoureyeballsin repairbills.Thesametheoryholdstruewhen purchasinghomefurnishings.That$800dollar couch may seem like a good deal now, but it won’t be a year from now when its springs have popped and it begins to sag. Purchasing home furnishings is a major investment. As such, it is important that you purchase the highestqualityhomefurnishingsthatyoucan afford.Therearethreemajorcriteriatolook atwhendeterminingwhetherornotapieceof furnitureisatruevalue:quality,design,and function. The quality of a piece of furniture is determined both by the materials used to constructthepieceandthecraftsmanshipwith whichitwasputtogether.Alittleproddingon theshowroomfloorwillhelpyoudetermine thequalityofboththecraftsmanshipandthe materials. If you are buying a table, lift it bya cornerandshake it.Itshould feel solid and heavy, not wobbly. If you are buying an upholstered piece, sit on it and bounce up and down a bit. Listen for creaks which may indicatethatthespringsarehittingtheframe. Well-made wooden furniture should haveasenseweighttoit,bothintermsofthe 46 INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008
piece itself, as well as the drawers and hardware. The best pieces will bemadewithall-woodconstruction, whilelessexpensivepiecesmayhave particle board, or even cardboard, back panels. Wooden furniture, or case goods, should also have a smooth,consistentfinishthroughout the piece, smooth-gliding drawers, andcomplementaryhardware.Lookat thejoineryofapiecetoseehowwell itwasputtogether.Thebestfurniture haslegsthatareacontinuationofthe frame.Dovetaileddrawersarealways aplus,butattheveryleasttheback panelsshouldbeinset,notjustnailed totheback,asthiscontributesagreat dealtothedrawer’soverallstability. Upholstered pieces should be covered in taut, unwrinkled fabric whichsmoothlywrapsitscontours. Tightly woven fabrics, or leather, will stand up the best to wear and tear. If you have children, consider using synthetic fabrics, as they are the most durable, color-fast, and cleanable.Fabricssuchasbrocades, damasks,andsatinsaremoredelicate andshouldbereservedforhomesor locationswheretheywillreceiveless abuse.Theinnerpaddingandsprings ofupholsteredpiecesshouldnotbe discernable,andtheyshouldbefilled withaheavypolyurethanepadding. When considering the design of a piece, versatility and style are key. Upholstered pieces should be comfortable and have classic good looks.Avoidtrendyupholsteryand designs. That lime green sofa may look good when you see it on the showroomfloor,butitwillprobably be out of style by the time you get it home, and it certainly will not lookgoodinanyfuturedecorating scheme. Furniture should have classic good looks, no matter what its age. FromcontemporaryChippendaleto Frenchprovincial,classiclookscan be easier to decorate around, and will easily stand the test of time. Newfurnitureshouldbetastefuland clean-lined,nottrendyorgaudy.If it looks like it came out of a science fictionmovie,that’sprobablywhere itbelongs-don’tdecorateyourhouse withit.Conversely,noteveryantique is timeless. Some antiques may have
been trendy in their time. They may be overly ornate, too large to fit in yourhouse,orsimplynotfunctional. Antiques should have simple lines, architecturaltrim,taperedlegs,and pleasing proportions. Versatilityintermsoffunction is also important to consider when purchasing a piece of furniture. Today’sendtablecouldbetomorrow’s nightstand,solookforpiecesthatcan do double-duty. At the very least, considerpiecesthatwilllookgoodin morethanoneroom,orwithdifferent decoratingschemesorcolorpalettes. Finally, take your time. Rooms
should have the feeling that they haveevolvednaturallyovertime.A mixoroldandnewfurnitureisideal, so purchase your home furnishings from a variety of locations. Go to estatesales,antiqueshops,furniture showrooms, and even second-hand stores.Justrememberthatinvesting in your home extends to all that surroundsyou.Decorativeaccessories, artwork,fabric,andfloorcoverings shouldallreflectthesamelevelof styleandcraftsmanshipasyourhome furnishings,soalwaysbuythefinest things that you can afford. n
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?
To Sleep, or not to Sleep
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heysayyoushouldstartyourday withagoodbreakfast,butit’sa goodnight’ssleepthatwillget you off to a great start.
If you find yourself tossing and turningmostofthenightlookingforthat comfortablespotyouoncehad,andfind it’s no longer there, waking up feeling stiff,soreandstilltired?Thenit’stimefor a new mattress. Finding a new mattress is fairly simple. Manystoresspecializeinjustall typesofmattresses,fromyourstandard spring coil to the new foam style. The trick is to test each one, lying on them foratleastfifteenminutesintheposition youusuallygotosleep.Closeyoureyes,
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concentrateontheheavierpartsofyour body, shoulders, back and hips. Find onethatfirmlybutgentlysupportsyour torso.Ifyoufeelliketurningovertoget inamorecomfortableposition,thenit’s not right for you, move on to the next one. You’ll know the right one when youfeelverycomfortableandrelaxed. Ifyoualreadytriedreplacingyour mattressandstillhavetroubletheremay be other aspects of your daily routine keeping you awake. Refrain from drinking coffee and carbonated drinks after two in the afternoon.Caffeinewillkeepyoucounting sheep instead of getting your sleep. Try nottodrinkanythingtwohoursbefore bedtime, which will stop the urge to go in the middle of the night. If you smoke, don’t do it before bed. If light and sound are keeping you from dreamland, try eyeshades and earplugs. But, if you find that quiet has
your mind wandering in all directions, trylisteningtotalkradio. Itwillfocus yourthoughtsandthemonotonesoundof voicesmayhelplullyoutosleep. CD’sof thunderstorms,babblingbrooksorwhite noise can be effective. All time classic sleep-aids include a hot shower or bath before bed, along with a glass of warm milk; it contains tryptophan, which assists the brain in producingserotonin,achemicalthathelps thebodytorelax.Also,tryreadinginbed butuseabooklight,it’ssofterontheeyes andyoumayfindyourselfdozingoffafter a few pages. Don’tgiveupafteronenight;itmay takeafewdaystoregulateyoursystem. Ifyoustillhavetroubleaftergivingthese tipsatry,don’trunfortheover-the-counter sleepaids.Chronicsleepproblemsmaybe a sign of a serious medical disorder. See your Doctor for advice.
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GET ORGANIZED unclutter that closet
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oucautiouslyapproachthedoor.Thelast time you opened this closet, there was an avalanche. This time, you have come prepared. Donning your protective armor, you gentlyturntheknobandbackaway.Youarelucky. Havingpackedtheclosetsotightlythelasttime youwereinit,onlyafewstrayarticlesofclothing falltothefloor.Normally,thiswouldbeOK.You would simply hang up your coat, stuff the loose items inside, and slam the door shut using your shoulder.However,thistimeyouhaveaproblem. Youneedsomethingandit’ssomewhereinallthis mess. The problem is you have no idea where. I hate to be the one to have to break this to you, butit’stimetocleanoutyourclosets.Chancesare, theyarenotallasbadasthisone,buttheyareall probablyover-stuffedandsomewhatdisorganized. You’ll want to begin by sorting through your clothes (which may or may not rain down on you when you open the door). First things first, take themallout.Separatethemintotwopiles:those youwanttokeepandthoseyoudon’t.Agoodrule of thumb when sorting through your clothes is thatifyouhaven’twornitmorethanayear,you probablyneverwillagain.Getridofit.Callthe SalvationArmy,andtheywillgladlycometoyour house and take it off your hands. I realize that there are probably some items ofclothingthatyouarereluctanttopartwithfor sentimentalreasons,despitethefactthattheyno longer fit. It’s OK.You can keep them, but they mustberelegatedtothedeepest,darkestpartof your closet. Onceyouhavegottenridofalltheclothesthat you don’t wear or no longer fit into, it’s time to
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organizewhat’sleft.Youcandothisinany numberofways:groupingwholeoutfits together,keepingyourworkclotheson one side and your home clothes on the other,orperhapsyou’dliketoorganize thembycolor.It’syourcloset.Organize itinwhateverwayseemsbesttoyou.Just keep in mind that it’s a good idea to put the items that you wear every day, like yourjacket,intheveryfront.Puttheitems thatyouwearonceaweeknext,andthose youwearonceamonthfurthesttowards the sides or back of the closet. Keep out of season clothes in the back, on the top shelf, or store them under the bed. Now,let’sturntoeverythingelsethat occupies your closets. You must be as brutalwhensortingthroughtherestofyour belongingsasyouwerewithyourclothes. Remember, if it hasn’t seen the light of dayinmorethanayear,itprobablynever willagain.Irealizethatyoudon’twantto partwithyourhighschoolyearbook,your photoalbums,oryourstampcollection, but that’s why you’ve got to prioritize. Keeponlythoseitemsthatyouneed,either becauseyouactuallyusethemorbecause you are emotionally attached to them. 54 INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008
Eithergiveaway,ortossout,everything else.
“if it hasn’t seen the light of day in more than a year, it probably never will” As with yourclothes,onceyoufinished sortingthrougheverything,it’stimeto reorganize. The most important point here is to make sure you use every inch of available space. To this end, it’s time to browse through magazines and your localhomecentertogetideasaboutyour storageoptions.Thewiderangeofstorage itemsavailablethesedaysisreallymindboggling.Therearestorageracks,madeof metalorwood,whicharemeanttofitinto yourcloset.Therearestoragebinsmade outofeveryconceivablematerial,from plastictowicker,injustabouteverycolor oftherainbow.However,youmightwant tochoosesimple,clearplasticbinsasthey allowyoutoactuallyseewhat’sinside. Eitherway,it’snotabadideatoputalabel on whatever bin you choose.
Also make sure you take advantage of thestoragespaceonthebackofthedoor. Get a shoe bag or a thin wire rack. If you get a rack, use it to store small personal items, CD’s, DVD’s, or pantry items. Just remember, the same rules apply toeverythingelseintheclosetthatapplied toyourclothes.Startwiththoseitemsyou rarelyuse.Puttheminthebackfirst,and workyourwaytothefrontofthecloset, finishing with the items you use every day. Just make sure that everything has a permanent place, and try to keep your belongingsintheirdesignatedlocations. This is an important point and I can’t stressitenough.Onceyouhavefinished your reorganization, it’s important to maintainyournew-foundsenseoforder. Don’tfallbackintoyouroldhabitsand startthrowingyourclothesin,orstuffing thingswherevertheywillfit.Followthese simpleguidelinesandhopefullythenext time you open the closet, there won’t be an avalanche. n
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A Baby Safe Nursery
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aking your nursery a safe place for your baby isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Accident prevention takessomethoughtandalittlecommonsense. Beforeyoupurchaseyourbaby’sfurniture,or decidetouseAuntGinny’sheirloomcrib,there are a few things to consider.
mustbesecuredtothewallregardlessofthe size. Items should be kept off the top at all times;itwillremoveyourtoddler’stemptation to climb the shelves to reach them.
The slats on the crib should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart; this prevents your baby’sheadfromgettingstuckbetweenthem. Cornerpostsarenotagoodideaunlesstheyare flushwiththeheadandfootboards.Mattresses shouldbeveryfirm;thereisconsiderationthat soft mattresses might play a role in Sudden InfantDeathSyndrome.Themattressshould alsofitsnuglyinthecribtoprotectinfantsfrom slippingbetweenthesides.Whenthesiderail is lowered, it should be 9 inches or more from themattresssupporttokeepbabyfromrolling out.Tokeepyourolderbabyfromfallingoutit shouldbe26inchesormore from the support. Doublelockingmechanisms,oneoneachside, prevent accidental release.
Now it’s time to pretend you are the baby. Crawl around the room. Look for anything thatcouldbeunsafe.Electricalsocketsshould havesafetyplugs. Hangingelectricalcords
Toy chests with supports that lock in all positionsaregoodbuttoplessonesaresafer. Again, look for rounded corners and edges.
shouldbesecuredbehindfurniturewithheavyduty tape. Can your baby get stuck between furniture that is too close together? Move thefurniture.Continueuntilyou’resatisfied you’vecompletedmakingyournurserybaby safe. When the nursery is done you can resume,eliminatinganypotentialdanger,room by room, until your home is baby safe. Regardlessoftheeffortsyoutaketoprovide asafeenvironmentforyourchild,thesingle best defense against in home accidents is vigilance. n
“Plush bedding and toys in the crib should be avoided” Place cribs away from windows. Older babiescangrabholdofyourcurtainsorblind cords.Keepthecribawayfromanythingthose littlehandscangetagripon,includingbaby products you may keep on the dresser. Plush beddingandtoysinthecribshouldbeavoided. Be sure to remove the bumper guards when yourbabylearnstostand,soitisnotusedasa steppingstone out of the crib. If you decide you need a changing station, chooseonewithaguardrailcompletelyaround the changing area.A safety strap is a must. If it has wheels, forget it. Units with drawers may be a better idea; your baby will soon be a toddlerandeverythingonshelveswillbeworth exploring. Dressers should be short and wide, taller dressers have a chance of toppling over if your toddler climbs in the drawers.You can eliminatethisdangerifyousecurethedresser tothewallwithstrapping.Findfurniturewith roundedcornersandedgesandhandlesthatlie flatinsteadoftheprotrudinghandlesorknobs. Bookshelves, like dressers, should be short andwidewithroundedcornersandedges,and
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HOW TO FIND A ROOFING CONTRACTOR
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asyourroofnotweathered thewinterquiteaswellas youhadhoped?Havetelltalesignsstartedtoappearonyourceiling, like cracks and chipped paint? Do you havepotsandpanscollectingthedrips from your leaking roof? If so, it may be timetohirearoofingcontractor.Roofing is a job best left to the professionals, butfindingatrulyprofessional,notto mentionaffordable,roofingcontractor can be a daunting task. Here are some easytofollowstepstotakebeforehiring acrewtoreplaceyourroofthatwillhelp keepyourwallet,andyoursanity,intact.
Educate Yourself Firstthingsfirst,doyourresearch. Look through the Yellow Pages, the internet,andmagazinessuchasthisone tofindoutwhatroofingcontractorsare availableinyourarea.Askyourfriends andneighborsaboutrooferstheyhave used, and how much they cost. Be wary, however, about simply choosing someone because your neighbor recommended them, as your neighbor may have overpaid. Make sure you get atleastthreeestimatesbeforeyousettle onanyoneroofer,toensureyougetthe best price. Price shouldn’t be your only consideration,however.Youdon’twant to hire an unlicensed roofer simply because they are the cheapest. Look for signs of stability when hiring a roofer.Hastheroofingcontractordone businessunderthesamename,andbeen located in the same spot, for at least a few years? Have they done jobs in your neighborhoodbefore,andcantheygive you references?
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Because roofers can fit all the toolstheyneedintheirpickuptruck,a dishonestfewcanbeheretodayandgone tomorrow. It’s important to make sure thatifacontractorgivesyouafiveyear guaranteeonhiswork,hewillbearound longenoughtohonorthatguarantee.
Make Sure To Use A Licensed Contractor Although most states require roofingcontractorstobelicensed,itisn’t aguaranteeofhonestyorcompetency. However, it does mean that they have met the state’s minimum requirements regarding Bonding,andtraining.Don’ttake achancebyhiringsomeonewhohasn’t even met these basic standards, or you may live to regret it. Hiring an unlicensed roofer may save you some money, but it’s a big risk because they usually don’t carry insurance. If there is an on-the-job accident, you may end up having to pay damages for the worker’s injuries.
Know Your Materials Now that you’ve found some qualifiedlicensedroofersinyourarea, it’stimetothinkaboutroofingmaterials. Ifyoudon’tknowwhatyouroptionsare in terms of roofing materials, do some research On the Internet, or discuss your optionswithyourpotentialroofers.If you don’t have a preference, Discuss the pros and cons of varioustypesofroofingmaterialswith thecontractor.Makeyourdecisionbased onwhat’sthemostdurable,affordable, and aesthetically appealing. If you have your heart set on a particulartypeofroofingmaterial,and
yourcontractorhasnoexperiencewith thatstyleofroofing,hemaynotbethe rightrooferforyou.Youdon’twantthe roofertobedoingon-the-jobtraining at your expense; it may result in poor workmanship. Finally,onceallthedecisionshave been made, it’s time to get a written contract.Havingawrittencontractcan avert many difficulties because
“Hiring an unlicensed roofer may save you some money, but it’s a big risk” it establishes rules and roles for eachpartyfromtheoutset.Thecontract andattendingdocumentsshouldcover: who is responsible for obtaining any necessary building permits, when the workwillstart,anexpectedcompletion date, cost, a schedule of payments, materials,andguarantees.Materialsare usuallywarrantedbythemanufacturer for at least ten years, and the roofer shouldaddanadditionalinstallation guaranteeofatleastoneortwoyears.
Keep It Clean Lastly,makesurethecontractor explainshowwork-relatedrefusewill behandled.It’sanimportantbutoften overlooked step. I had my garage roof replacedtwoyearsago,andIopenedmy garagedoortofindthat,despitethefact thattheworkershadsweptthefloor,every othersurfaceinmygaragewascovered indebris.Makesurethecontractortells youwhatstepswillbetakentoprotect yourhomeandlandscapefromfalling materials, and make sure the job site isactuallycleanbeforetheyleaveGet Everything In Writing n
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air conditioning installations for all commercial and residential properties
Brilliant Home A full array of imported, elegant wall units, dining room and bedroom sets to fit every budget. SHOWROOM:
365 Dahill Road Brooklyn NY 11218 Tel: 718 686 9033 fax: 718 686 9036 e mail: info@poweraircon.com
oc powerair 2008
1797 CONEY ISLAND AVENUE (AVE N-O) BROOKLYN, NY 11230 718-645-1600
INTERIOR NEW YORK MAY 2008 65