June 30, 2008
| A Common Design Dilemma... |
What do you do when a family member offers to give you a treasured heirloom, and all you can think is, "How the hell am I supposed to fit this in my house?" Here in NYC, it's not only a matter of physical space -- accept a beloved antique chest of drawers and you may not have room to fit your, uh, bed anymore -- but also one of taste. Say you've designed a space with a thoroughly modern, minimalist feel...and then your Aunt Gladys bequeathes you her favorite, ancient chintz armchair. (Gah!) Turn it down and you risk seriously offending your loved ones.
Anyway, the New York Times article exploring this very design dilemma is dredging up some serious guilt over the china set we're hiding way in back of our cupboard (we have nowhere to put it, honestly!). Any advice for a tactful way to deal, Dish readers?
Take the items gratefully, Someday down the road you will look back and see the value of the person who gave them to you. If it is something large, like a piano, consider donating to an organization in your family member's name. If it is a set of dishes, incorporate one into a bookshelf display and store the rest. In the long run, people and relationships are far more valuable than having a house that looks perfectly decorated, but is cold and sterile!
I guess that I dont understand.If the show is supposed to be the real housewives of Atlanta why do they have women that are divorced and women that are girlfriends instead of actual housewives? I dont get it.