2012, my year.

How excited am I for 2012? I think that this picture pretty much sums it up -

Okay, so while the facial expression might be a bit (a lot) goofy - I am looking forward to all of the different ideas / goals / plans / dreams / aspirations that I have for 2012. I've decided that this is going to be MY year.

And while I'm not going to spill everything that I'm thinking of for the coming year, I do wanna share some of my plans with you.

So here it goes - 

1) Different wheels - while the trusty Alero has treated me well over the past couple of years (with the exception of that new transmission, four tires and rewired security system), it's time to trade up! I'd love to find something bigger - something that that I could throw a random furniture find, a bike or a couple friends into.

2) Volunteer - I've spent the past couple of years being so wrapped up in everything that I juggle at work, etc, that I really don't have any volunteer experience under my belt. I haven't figured out exactly what I'd like to do yet - but after talking with a couple of buddies this past weekend I've got some ideas!

3) Attempt camping - I've only ever spent one night in a tent....which I really don't think counts as camping. I'd love to pick a weekend, find some friends, buy a tent, pack up the new wheel and get on the road in hunt of some adventure! That's not to say that I won't try to glamp it up a bit...none of this sleeping on a rock business. I'm talking blankets and soft air beds, stainless steel martini glasses and blue cheese burgers...

4) Explore - Whether it's in or out of the city I want to explore! I've lived in the Peg for over three years, but it really doesn't feel like I know the city! I want to find new restaurants, check out shows, investigate festivals, discover hiking / biking trails, et cetera, et cetera! Beyond the outskirts of the city, I'd love to do some travelling this summer - maybe a road-trip or two?

5) Pick-out a new bike - If I'm going to be discovering biking trails wouldn't it make sense to have a bike to ride on them? I love biking, but for random reasons haven't had one in the city. Whenever I'm at my rent's I'll dig out my old bike from when I was a kid and go on the most random of excursions - finding old bush trails, riding from the farm into town, riding down to the lake to dip my toes in the water - wherever, it really doesn't matter! The old wheels aren't exactly city worthy so I can't wait to see what I can find...(it's a no to tassels and a basket....but a perhaps a yes to a bell....ooooh!)

6) More BBQs - Right before Christmas I found a gigantic BBQ book...to add to my collection of other BBQ guides. While I managed to use my grill a few times this past year, I want to take full adventure of using it this year - good food, fun drinks, great friends! Who could want more?

7) New digs - I'm not sure about this one, but there's a part of me that would like to explore the possibility of finding a different flat. Something closer to work, perhaps with a bit more character, high ceilings, a big balcony, a second bedroom wouldn't hurt...maybe within walking distance of some good eats & drinks (who wants to cab it across the city when you can just walk?), closer to friends....who knows! It's an idea....but a fun one!

There yah have it! I'm not going to share all my goals...a guy has to keep a couple of secrets!

While we all have that list of things that we want to achieve in the coming year...what's on the top of your list!

Cheers,

D-

And now for something different...

If you're a regular, or even semi-regular reader, you'll know by now that this is a style blog of sorts. One guy giving his thoughts and opinions on random interior design stuff. But right now, rather than discussing which table should go with which lamp, or what colours you should and shouldn't paint your bathroom, I feel like throwing some rather personal questions out there. Right now, rather than dishing out advice and wisdom I'm looking for some.

You see, right now I feel like I'm kind of at a standstill with my career. I basically feel like I'm filling in some time trying to figure out what to do next. It's like I know that I'm not supposed to be doing what I'm doing, because it's making me a miserable and moody beast, but at the same time I don't know how to get past it.

A few people have basically said "quit what you're doing and go for it," which is find and dandy, and probably easy in theory, but at the same time isn't nearly as easy as it sounds. I'm one of those over-achiever's who has basically spent the past couple of years busting my balls to get to the point where I'm at. Its been a rollercoaster to say the least, complete with some crazy long hours, empty bank accounts, some laughs, just as many tears and a lot of over-analyzing.

I've spent the past five or so years building a decent career for myself, but I've basically come to the realization, that while a lot of guys would be happy doing what I'm doing, and a lot of guys would thrive spending their days working as a hardware buyer for a growing company...I'm not one of those guys. I'm basically to the point where whenever I think about work I get antsy, really quiet or will ramble on and on about how frustrated I am....which isn't healthy. It's even worse when somebody starts to ask me about work....I hate lying, but at the same time I don't want to go on and on about what's irking me.

Don't get me wrong. There have been some good moments along the way. I've built a fairly good name for myself in what I'm doing - to the point where I have headhunters interested in me for similar gigs. I'm still crazy young and to be doing what I'm doing at my age is kind of unheard of. I work for a great company - they're very driven and see a lot of potential in me. They've taken a look at a lot of my quirky and out there ideas and have said (for the most part) "yah, let's try that." And while that's neat and gives me something else to add to my portfolio of things I've accomplished, when I look at everything, a bulk of what's I've accomplished really hasn't excited me.

I realize that everyone has to start somewhere - you can't get you want from the get-go. That sort of stuff just doesn't happen. You've gotta put in the time and bust your balls before you can reap the benefits and get to that place where you're respected and rewarded for all of your time, dedication, whatever. And though I'm at where I'm at...still "climbing the ladder" so to speak, it feels like I'm climbing the wrong ladder.

I feel like I know what I want to do. I know where I'd like to be, where I'd like to go. I've got some crazy big goals and aspirations. A lot of them are unrealistic - but seriously, why not. A person has to have goals and expectations. Things to push themselves, things to make themselves want to go further - to do more. My goal when I first setout was to become an import buyer. I had a few people that said it wasn't going to happen...so I set out to prove them wrong. Which I have, which has been a good feeling when I've been able to meet up with them. It's not like I've rubbed it in their faces or anything, its just been a good feeling to be like "so yah, I spent part of this afternoon talking to China, blah blah blah."

And though I still have a love for import - I feel like it's time to switch it up a notch or six. It's time for a new adventure. It's time for me to be doing something that I'm passionate about. I mean why not? I know too many guys that are spending their lives trapped in their offices wishing that they were doing something else. They've basically come to terms with the idea that "this is what I'm doing; this is what's paying the bills" and they just deal. I'm not ready to do that. I've got ideas. Big ideas. I'm passionate about so many things beyond hardware and tools (no passion what-so-ever). Wouldn't it make more sense to build a career that channels my interests? Wouldn't it make more sense to be doing something where I'm excited to tackle whatever the week has to throw at me rather than rolling out of bed and mumbling "fuck the world" while beating my clock. Yah, I thought so.

So that brings me to a couple of questions - if you're doing what you've always dreamt of doing, how did you get there? What steps did you take? What stumbling blocks did you face? How did you handle the naysayers? What advice do you have for a young guy who's considering breaking free from the career that he's worked so hard to build? What sort of timeline did you give yourself? How did you keep yourself in check, while making sure that you were moving forward to reach your goals?

That also leads me to ask - if you're like me and we're wearing similar shoes; both stuck working in professions that really don't interest us, what's holding you back? Security? Fear? Financial instability? Possible failure? Are you like me - you can see the big picture - the empire complete with this, that and the next thing, but you're just not sure how to get from A to B? Does the idea of change and switching things up make you feel like you're walking over hot coals?

I'd like to hear from you - whether you know me or not - give me your comments, your words of wisdom, how you figured things out, what steps you're taking, info on what's driving you or pushing you, what your ultimate goals are....even the ones that same so far-fetched that people roll their eyes when they hear you mention them. (I want my own line of products. I want to write. I want to import. I want to buy and sell. I want to create. I want a shop. I want freedom. I want to explore. I want to succeed.) Send me whatever...I'm not sure where we'll endup, but it would still be cool to get someone else's perspective.

Let's explore this together....

D-

askmrmitchell@gmail.com

This is why you hire a home stager.

I'm one of those nosey guys that likes to peruse the MLS listings on a somewhat regular basis. It's not that I have any plans to purchase a home - if anything it's just kind of fun to see how other people live, where they focus their energy and what they spend their coin on when it comes to decorating and furnishing their place. As well, I'm also the guy that likes to critique their space - regardless of whether it's nice or not, I'm bound to come up with a comment or idea or something else that I'd like to change.

Today's victim really isn't that bad, but at the same time, I'm going to show you a home that isn't fully living up to its selling potential. With a few tweaks and a couple cans of eggshell paint this place could have looked amazing...instead it's looking kind of meh.

From the outside we're not looking too bad! Nicely trimmed hedges, cut grass, clean yard, safe, but not bad exterior colours -

But enter the living room and we have a few problems...

This living room is suffering from a serious case of "no personality."  Okay, so we've got a couch, loveseat, TV, a couple of poorly hung pictures and an ugly brown feature wall. Oh and lets not forget about the red panel curtains. How is this room supposed to entice a potential homeowner? I wanna see lamps! I wanna see a coffee table, area rugs, etc. I don't care if you have to rent them, borrow them or steal them (okay don't steal). When I'm a potential buyer I want to be able to visualize myself enjoying this room. Right now this room is basically saying "we ran out of money; deal with it."

Below I have a couple of great example of family rooms that was professionally put together. By adding different furniture pieces and an area rug, the designer has worked to help potential homeowners not only visualize what they could do with their own furniture in the space, but they've helped to draw the viewer's eyes upwards with the air work and by placing the flat screen higher up. As well, you can quickly see how it's the little things like the candle sticks, vases and throw pillows that have helped tie the space together.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com

http://www.decorpad.com/

Next, let's take a stroll into the kitchen. For a home that I'm assuming was built in the late 80s or early 90s, the kitchen looks like it has held-up fairly well. It's clean, it's neat, it's boring as hell. Though I'd love to see this kitchen with the cabinets painted and drop ceiling removed, it can get pricey when you're not sure what's hiding behind the panels and grid.

For this particular project I'm going to tell these folks to keep the cabinetry as it is. However, that paint colour is doing nothing for the space. It's never a good thing when your walls and your cabinets end-up blending into one and other. I'm thinking that something like Benjamin Moore's 'Branchport Brown' would add a bit of life to this space. As far as browns are concerned, it's a good 'neutral' and will help to give the this space a bit of character.

http://www.benjaminmoore.com

Punch up the space with a few new accent pieces, some fresh white tea towels, toss in some whiteware, get rid of the nasty dollar store window treatment and you'll have a space that's worthy of showing clients.

http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk

In any home the master suite is supposed to be a call, quiet, inviting space. An escape from the real world. Someplace where an individual can come at the end of the day and feel at peace. When I caught my first glimpse of this home's master suite I got none of those feelings. If anything, this space is making me panicky and has me wondering just how many coats of paint it would take to cover that eggplant.

Nothing about this space makes me want to kick back and just relax. The furniture looks cramped and compressed into one part of the room, it's far too over-sized for the space and way too bold. I'm going to suggest a neutral pallet for the wall, classic wood tones for the furniture and bedding that doesn't look like something out of an Amsterdam brothel.


How about we start with a low bureau style dresser - with mirror hung above; heck, while we're at it, the sconces don't look bad either and would be an improvement over what are currently in the space.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com

Next, this room needs a dose of softness - both in the form of bedding and also in a bed that while still stately won't scare those coming into the space.

Perhaps a side chair with a throw on it....the perfect place to curl up at the end of the day (or to throw laundry on if your name is Dan Mitchell). Something classic, but cozy. A bit like this guy - 

http://www.decorpad.com

And lastly some light and airy nightstands to keep the space looking large.

http://www.restorationhardware.com

And while you're out shopping for pieces for the master suite, I suggest that you pick up similar pieces for the guest bedroom. Shudder (that bed frame, paint colour and duvet need to be banished - never to be seen again)...

And last but certainly not least, we have what looks like it's the master bathroom. This space has a lot going against it. A nasty colour, a wonky layout and a shower curtain with fabric suitable for something from the Liberace house of crap. Where to begin?

When you have a space like this, the best thing to do is to go neutral. Not only will it open up the space and make it feel that much larger, but it will keep the occupant from feeling like they're hanging out in Barney the Dinosaur's bathroom.  For this room, I'm going to suggest Benjamin Moore's 'Cloud White.' It's white with a bit of kick to it...it's warm and inviting as opposed to cold and stark.

When it comes to spaces like this, an individual can add colour through towels, in the form of art, etc. That said, we're trying to sell this space so we want to keep it as neutral and inviting as possible. My picks? Either white or gray towels...the softest ones that you can find. Nothing says luxury and 'spa-like' like white towels.

When it comes to accessorizing with art in a space such as this, less is definitely more. One print, photo or art piece is all you need.

And there you have it. A few more tips, suggestions and reasons as to why it's soooooooo important that you take the time to refresh your space to appeal to those who might eventually be signing on the dotted line!

D- 

Dan's cardinal sins of decorating. Outdoor edition.

Now that it's finally warmed up outside, rather than throwing my shoes in the car and heading to the gym I've been able to do three of my favourite things. First, I get to jog around the block. Second, I'm getting some fresh air and don't have to worry about being intimated by all the scary jocks and lastly, as I'm jogging and enjoying the fresh air / sunshine / jockless combo I get to critique the homes around my neighbourhood.

http://www.flickr.com

And though there are a lot of really nice homes in and around my neighbourhood, there also a few that could use a bit of, umm....work to say this. I'm sure we've all had this happen to us - we've been jogging, walking or driving down a street filled with beautiful homes when suddenly we come across one that that stands out - for all the wrong reasons.

http://activerain.com

Sometimes you'll come across a place that just makes you cringe - maybe it's the paint colour, or the landscaping or perhaps the rusty old Buick parked in the front yard. If you're like me you'll stop, put your iPod on pause and just stand there, almost in awe of whatever it is that the homeowner has done to unintentionally add attention to their residence.

http://papernstitchblog.com

And though we all want people to stop and stare at our homes from time to time, we want them to looking at the elements of our residences that make a great impression rather than having them wonder what the hell we were smoking when we were considering our home's exterior finish and landscaping.

http://uglyhousephotos.com

Therefore, to help you keep from having your neighbours picket your home and throw eggs at you any time you try to lounge on that old couch that's currently sitting on your front deck, I present to you my cardinal sins of decorating - outdoor edition.

1. Christmas decorations should only be seen at Christmas time.

http://www.youjustmademylist.com

I'm sorry, but when it comes to Christmas decorations, I am not one of those individuals that believes that it's okay to leave them on your house throughout the year. I do not want to see your icicle lights hanging across your garage after the month of January. I don't care how cold it is where you live. The same goes for inflatable   snowmen and other giant characters. I'm still seeing lights all over the place, but luckily I haven't seen any Virgin Marys, reindeer or over-sized cutouts during my evening runs. If you've still got Christmas stuff outside, do me, and your neighbours a favour by packing it up.

2. Landscaping with rocks, old cars and gravel will only make your neighbours hate you.

http://uglyhousephotos.com

Before considering any landscaping projects in your front yard consider walking or driving around the block and taking a look at everyone is doing. Well, maybe not everyone else. If someone has a Buick parked in the garage and unkempt hedges, keep driving. But no, seriously, take a drive. Get a feel for what others are doing. Grass? Shrubs? Maybe a couple of tasteful looking flowerbeds leading up the driveway? All good ideas. Giant rocks? Old vehicle parts in flower beds? Giant solar frogs in flowerbeds? Not good ideas. Not sure what you should be doing? find a friend that has a good looking yard and ask them what they'd do. Or, consider bringing a landscape designer or even a landscape design student in to give you some tips and ideas.

3. Colour me wrong. Finishing your home in a colour so ugly and garish that I should come over and slap you.

There are people that have taste and there are those that don't. Some people are born with it and should be allowed to pick out the colour of their home. The people that aren't born with it should not be allowed near paint chips. 

It's one thing if you live in a unique environment where everyone selects bright and unique colours for their homes. Where a bright purple or or mint green home might be encouraged. But when you live in suburban Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - you decide to go out on a limb and paint your house pink, I will come over and slap you.

http://retrorenovation.com

Though you might think that you're being unique and are creating a home that has a distinct feel to it, what you're really doing is offending your neighbours and creating what will probably be known as the neighbourhood eyesore. Again, drive around and see what your neighbours are doing - if everyone is doing earth-toned colours, it's probably a good idea to stick with lots of earth-tones. Are people sticking to the tried and true whites, browns, reds, etc. to accompany their post-war style homes? Again, probably a good idea to follow suit. If you really want that bright colour....consider using it as an accent colour for planters or for cushions on your patio furniture, or inside where your neighbours don't have to see it.

http://loftandcottage.blogspot.com

Still feeling lost? Hit up your local paint store for some advice. While the summer student working behind the desk might not be the best person to be giving ideas on what colours you should go with, you will find some great books and pamphlets produced by the different paint companies that show classic colour combinations.

4. Murals do not belong on garage doors.

http://www.rickartinteriormurals.com

While I can appreciate all of the hard work and creativity that goes into creating a mural, I'm one of those guys that strongly believes that they have no place on garage doors. Call me a prude, or a whatever you want, but seriously, I'd rather not see a lovely forest scene on the front of your home anytime I drive by your place.

I've only come across one mural door during my time in the city, but it seriously takes the cake for being one of the ugliest - I'd like to throw a picture of it up here, but I have this goofy fear that somehow the homeowner will discover it and be offended by my comments. Then again, that's kind of the point of this whole post. The particular door that I'm thinking about is on a newer home, finished in pink stucco. This particular home has a double car garage with a door that has recreated a wharf complete with fishing boats and lobsters. At some point I'll be brave enough to drive by and take a picture. It's pretty horrific. I'm surprised that the homeowners aren't being egged on a regular basis....cruel but true.

5. Unkempt landscaping will not win you any friends (unless you like small rodents).

http://fivetreestalk.blogspot.com

Here's a secret that I'd like to share with you - yards require upkeep from time to time. If you're going to have grass, shrubs, trees or flowerbeds, chances are that at some point or another you're going to have to get out there are cut that grass, trim those shrubs and branches and dig through those flowerbeds to keep them looking good.

Being the apartment dweller that I am, I'm stuck with pots. But there are times when I'm wandering around and I see beautiful homes where the homeowners have let grass take over their front flowerbeds. Gorgeous perennials and shrubbery being choked out by bush grass and dandelions. There have been a few times where I've been tempted to pull off my roller blades (that's right....I'm one of those guys) and walk across someone's front yard to start weeding. I'm not saying you have to go all Martha on me and plan thirty different perennials, etc, etc, but make what you've got look good. Pickup some check annuals or look for perennials and bi-annuals that grow quickly and keep weeds away.

And while I could go and on and on with further cardinal sins (and I might just have to) I'll basically sum up this post by saying that your home should be someplace that you take pride in, not an excuse for your neighbours to gossip and discuss how lazy you are. Think about it - you've invested a pile of coin into purchasing your home. Why not retain or add to the value of your residence? Not only will your home end-up looking good, but your neighbours will actually want to talk to you and you'll feel good about where you're add and over what is yours - regardless of whether it's an 800 SF bungalow or a 3000 SF suburban split-level. 

That and I won't be forced to come over and slap you.

Why have what's on the left when you can have (with a bit of work) the home on the right?!

D-

Dan's guide to picking out a couch (and liking it afterwards).

In most of our homes, the couch, sofa, davenport, chesterfield or divan is the focal point of our living room. Generally, it's a major investment that isn't as easy to switch out as the accents that also make up the room.  It's a buy that shouldn't be made without doing a bit of homework. Walking into a store and picking out the first piece that's somewhat comfy is not the answer. Trust me on this one.



http://www.google.ca

I made the ultimate mistake when purchasing my couch. I panic shopped and purchased an in-stock piece from a big box retailer - it was a Tuesday evening and I realized that I was going to be having company over that Saturday. Realizing that I wanted to have somewhere for them to sit other than the floor, I decided to hit up as many stores as I could, as quickly as I could.

My camel coloured beast right after delivery

Though I ended up a piece that was in my budget and is of decent enough quality, there are a number of things that I will do differently when I purchase my next couch. Therefore I offer to you, my own tips and guidelines to make sure that you end up with a piece that you truly love, rather than a camel coloured beast that looks out of place with the rest of your space (I'm really not bitter about it....).

http://acuratedlifestyle.blogspot.com

Tip Number One - Don't panic shop.

That's a given. But seriously, take the time to wander around showrooms, furniture stores, thrift shops, etc. to see which pieces stand out to and really catch your attention. I did this, but when it came down to crunch it, rather than let my guests sit on my lap or on folding furniture, I jumped the gun and purchased the first piece that looked decently made, fit into my budget and wouldn't look horrendous in my space.

http://www.shelterpop.com

Tip Number Two - Test drive potential suitors.

Get your mind out of the gutter!! When I was wandering around the furniture store where I bought my couch, I sat on a few pieces, but I didn't dive into them, or flop around on them like I would a piece in my own home. Think about how you live and how you use your couch. Will the piece be sat on when you're entertaining? Do you nap on the couch? Do you want a cozy couch where you can snuggle up with your partner and watch a movie without being squished? My advice to you - jump around on showroom pieces, flop into chairs, lay on them, make yourself cozy in them. If you're going to be spending the coin, make sure you get what you want. Take it from me, there's nothing worse than spending half of the evening feeling like I'm going to fall off of the couch...and neither of us are big.

http://aimeewilder.com/



Tip Number Three - Know your style.

To be fair, my camel coloured beast isn't the ugliest thing that I've ever seen. It's actually quite handsome. That said, it's not what I was originally going for. It really isn't me. I wanted something casual. Something big and cozy with overstuffed seat and back cushions....a piece that I could basically live on. I wanted a sofa with a removable slipcover that I could throw in the wash so that I wouldn't have to worry about getting jam or whatever on the upholstery. Instead, I've got classic, formal and micro suede that, pardon the language, is a real bitch to keep clean. I hate the upholstery on my couch. It's a dust magnet and I swear that at some point Mister is going to knock me out if I 'pull a Dan' and go all crazy on him for having a piece of cheese resting on one of the arms. I got it scotch guarded which helps, but I'll never go with micro suede again. That said, there are people who adore micro suede for whatever reason....

http://www.crateandbarrel.com

Tip Number Four - Spend as much as you can.


When it comes to purchasing a couch you want to buy the best piece that you can possibly afford. Seriously. You should look at your couch as an investment piece - the more that you can afford to invest, the longer your piece will last. Sure you could go to your nearest big box and buy a door crasher two piece living room set (never, ever do that) for the princely sum of $799.99.... but seriously, how long do you expect that set to last? You might get three years - possibly five out of the set. Typically these pieces are import, which isn't necessarily a bad thing - there are a number of great import pieces, but a bulk of these pieces feature sub-par fabrics, stitching and fill. 


When it comes down to it, you can buy a 'choice' couches for $499.99 to $699.99, 'decent' couch for $799.99 thru $999.99 and a 'good' couch for $999.99 and up. I'm not even going to discuss those couches that you see for prices higher than the cost of my last car...I love designer pieces, but really, who of us can afford pieces that expensive?

Avoid at all costs (for obvious reasons)

Plus, when it comes to purchasing selections from your local big box furniture outlet, you're often limited to colours and finishes shown on the sales floor. If I hadn't panicked, I would have waited 6 to 8 weeks for my custom upholstery selection. It's totally worth it when you can get the colour and finish that you really want.


Related to this, I bring you my next tip -


Tip Number Five - Pick your couch before you pick your paint colour.

This is a tip that I failed to follow in my own home. I wasn't sure when I was going to purchase my couch and wasn't prepared to live with 'rental white' walls, so went ahead and painted. However, being that I painted my walls in earth tones, I lucked out for the most part. That said, I am thinking of shaking up the colour scheme this summer. The last thing that you want is to end-up with a room that looks like this...

http://www.lifeclever.com

And lastly, I bring to you, 

Tip Number Six - Think outside the box.

There are a gazillion furniture stores, designer boutiques and online retailers that sell some amazing couches. However, if you're open minded (I hope you are!) why not wander down to your nearest thrift store to see what's on offer. I'm serious.

http://www.flickr.com

Sure you'll see a lot of ugly upholstery, rips, tears and mysterious stains. That and the bad 90s marshmallow upholstery that's been hitting up thrift stores as of late....but seriously, there's a lot of great pieces to be found. Look beyond the ugly upholstery, rips, tears and you'll see some great classic shapes. These  pieces can be snapped up dirt cheap and allow you access to a 'semi-custom' piece. Thrift stores are filled with well constructed pieces looking for a second life. With widely available for under $150 + whatever you choose for fabric and finishing and the cost of upholstering you can have a piece that will last longer than anything found at a 'don't pay for 15 month' sale. That and the piece will be uniquely yours, which I dig.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com

So there you have it. My guide to picking out a couch (and liking it afterwards). The only question left is who's out there that wants to buy a slightly used camel tone, micro suede, Canadian made couch? Just kidding (although, if you're interested....it me up)! I'll be living with my couch for a few more years (I think), and I'm pretty sure that I'll be able to make it work it my space. If all else fails and I get sick of the camel micro suede there's always the option of a slipcover & throw cushions!

http://www.ikea.com

D-