Homestyle Advice

[Fox29]

Any advice from Adamstown residents?

Just wondering if any of the existing Adamstown owners had advice on what units / tiles / paint options to avoid or choose based on experience?

I'm not sure what previous levels of choice there were but if someone knew of a reason not to pick a certain colour tile for example, or promote a kitchen type then look no further folks - this thread is designed for you. Use it as you wish to express your interior decorating thoughts but be well aware that any falsehoods will result in an angry smiley in response....

I won't hold back either - I can see them all lined up on the right of the screen... obviously, good feedback will result in the award of a smiley which may not be angry.

Also, We've only got a couple of days left to hand in the choices so get cracking!

:tongueout:

[RazTazChick]

Hi there Fox29,

Now exact colours etc, I cannot recall names cause I when I chose them I just basically picked the ones that looked favourable at the time (I hate sitting over something and choosing and deciding for hours!). For my kitchen I chose the lighter coloured wood worktop and cream units & tiles...my kitchen is quite small so I didn't want to make it look enclosed by choosing the darker coloured units. I also liked the contrast between the wooden worktop against lighter units and tiles. Also, you can accesssorise with colour...red kettle etc and it looks really well against the cream.

The wall colours....i just picked them all with no thought really....all creams anyway, so not alot of damage to happen. Didn't put too much thought into it as I will eventually change all of the wall colours once I get a feel for the house....still not too sure what colours to put in. There was one cream though, that i put in the downstairs loo and it looks pinkish.....horrible!!! Also, the paint isn't the best at all...cream walls mark sooooo easy at it is but the quality of the paint they give you ain't the best. Defo need to get a painter in soon. Even heat rising from my radiators has marked the walls :eek:

Now, for the bathroom, i think i did make a mistake by choosing the dark brown tiles for the bathroom floors. Everybody who has visited loves them against the cream tiles I chose for the walls but I'm not too sure about them. I think i should have chosen the lighter colour floor tiles, but at as it was...my walls are light, my carpet it light, my blinds etc, so I wanted to add something dark somewhere.

That's all really...............come visit it you wanna check them out!

[Fox29]

Thanks RTC - Now tell me, what sort of food based product would accompany this house visit? I'm fond of pasta so maybe you could think along those lines perhaps!! :cool:


Thanks for that advice, definitely got me rethinking at least 2 places now!! it may require another show unit visit yet.....

I was sure that a 4th visit was not necessary!!

Thanks again, appreciate it!

:thumbsup:

[smp]

Hey Fox 29,

We also have cream walls - main problem is the paint is non washable and it marks very easily as RTC mentioned. Perhaps you could negiotate with Castlethorn.

We are really happy our choices for the kitchen and bathrooms - will send you some photos.


Smp

[gavinpaul]

Hi Fox. I picked the white paint all over the house so I could have any colour combination with the furnishings. Also, it's an easy colour to cover when I do decide to paint the walls after living in the place for a while. To echo RTC and SMP, the paint supplied isn't great for 'defending' the walls against marks and nicks. The walls are easily marked so a good quality paint or wallpaper will be required at some stage in the future.
For the kitchen - In my last gaff I had a black counter-top. Looks real nice but the colour shows up every stain, crumb, mark and water-stain. I found myself constantly wiping it. So this time I chose the wood effect counter top and it's great. And of course, bright neutral colours are always good in spaces that might be limited, plus you can add warm or luscious furnishings and be a bit adventurous.
Can I recommend places where I found real nice stuff...Domus in Coolmine, Blanchardstown, Kian Furniture, Kylemore Rd, and B&Q has recently got in a fantastic range of stuff (lamp shades, lighting, curtains, mirrors, etc) - well worth a visit.
Hope I earn a smiley :) and good luck with the move!

[RazTazChick]

Fox29,

You're lucky you're even getting an invite.........not many people have received an invitation from me :tongueout:

Good luck with the decorating. Best part of it all.

[Anders]

You'd be welcome over to have a look at our place too, if you'd be interested. Mostly furnished with stuff from IKEA too (for some inexplicable reason) .. *cough*

Send me a PM and we'll arrange some time, if you're curious.

[johnnyc]

You'd be welcome over to have a look at our place too, if you'd be interested. Mostly furnished with stuff from IKEA too (for some inexplicable reason) .. *cough*

Send me a PM and we'll arrange some time, if you're curious.

Love to come but I come out in rash sitting on Flatpack furniture.I'm afraid i might damage me nuts and bolts.

[RazTazChick]

Fox29,

You could get alot of free meals out of this post with the open invites you're receiving..........I like ur style!

[Fox29]

Top stuff this!! The 'Smiley Awards' will take place in the coming days once I finally finish deciding!

It's just making the waiting agonising.

Anders - I was in Moscow recently and all the luxury apartments are 100% decorated by IKEA and they look fantastic. It's a real plus over there to shop there too... Isn't there some crazy stat that some high % of Swedish people were concieved using an Ikea bed? Maybe it's propoganda!!

The one in Belfast is a nice place, totally worth a visit....

At least when I head up to Adamstown I can have options like stopping in to see RTC for pasta and look at their tiles or check out the furniture in Anders place over some Coffee, SMP for ice-cream or BBQ - whichever suits you all most, I'm an easy guest!!

My best thread idea ever!! This may catch on....

(* If we ignore him, it will go away!)

[RazTazChick]

Fox29

On a different note.........how was Moscow? I'm thinking of heading over there in a few months time for a holiday for a week or so. Some ppl tell me it's quite expensive to stay there.

I'll give you pasta...........you give me info on Moscow :smile5:

[johnnyc]

Top stuff this!! The 'Smiley Awards' will take place in the coming days once I finally finish deciding!

It's just making the waiting agonising.

Anders - I was in Moscow recently and all the luxury apartments are 100% decorated by IKEA and they look fantastic. It's a real plus over there to shop there too... Isn't there some crazy stat that some high % of Swedish people were concieved using an Ikea bed? Maybe it's propoganda!!

The one in Belfast is a nice place, totally worth a visit....

At least when I head up to Adamstown I can have options like stopping in to see RTC for pasta and look at their tiles or check out the furniture in Anders place over some Coffee, SMP for ice-cream or BBQ - whichever suits you all most, I'm an easy guest!!

My best thread idea ever!! This may catch on....

(* If we ignore him, it will go away!)

Ikea fan too:
Guess you won't be winning the interior designer of the year award.I bet your kitchen chairs are on wheels no don't tell me three legs and three wheels yes resembling a tripod.Paper lampshades hmmmm the creativity is mindblowing.Don't get me started on the plastic knives and forks.
These apartments on Moscow where obviously on such a tight budget that there probably using plastic sheets for window panes.Ahhhhh.

[RazTazChick]

Ehhhh..........:what:

[Anders]

Anders - I was in Moscow recently and all the luxury apartments are 100% decorated by IKEA and they look fantastic. It's a real plus over there to shop there too... Isn't there some crazy stat that some high % of Swedish people were concieved using an Ikea bed? Maybe it's propoganda!!

One can actually make a nice looking home with that stuff, without paying an arm and a leg for it too! (Paper lamps or not) Quality is not too bad (in contrast to what some vendors would sell you here) for the money one pays for it. Actually, it's better then what some may think.

Heh, it's more probably due to the fact most Swedes would buy their beds there, as they are good beds, for little money.. :)

The one in Belfast is a nice place, totally worth a visit....

Indeed, we're considering going up there soon-ish again. Anyone wants their catalogue send me a PM so I know how many to nab!

At least when I head up to Adamstown I can have options like stopping in to see RTC for pasta and look at their tiles or check out the furniture in Anders place over some Coffee, SMP for ice-cream or BBQ - whichever suits you all most, I'm an easy guest!!

We got some nice coffee, and the missus makes a quite nice Cappucino too (beats Starbucks and friends any day)..

My best thread idea ever!! This may catch on....

Looks like it has, with those that don't have their nose pointing at the moon.

(* If we ignore him, it will go away!)

$DEITY, that'd be nice....

[Fox29]

Hey RTC - Moscow is Bizarre place. Definitely worth a visit but only if you are comfortable in the knowledge that you need to bring plenty of cash. We were lucky as I've a relative over there so we had a driver and accomodation all the time. It's a bit like visiting 1985 most of the time and you know in years to come it will be spectacular but they have quite a bit to go. The sights are stunning and worth the visit alone. Lenin's tomb is closed on Mondays though so that was a Major Paddy's day let down!!

The good clubs operate face control which is a strange one as they basically judge your appearance (Insert joke here Mr Predictable, Good Boy) to ensure you are wearing enough designer gear and are attractive enough. Average was about €20-€35 quid into clubs - Bottle of beer €18 and €22 for JD & Coke. All bars and clubs full of absolute stunners & models who don't have any personality but will gladly let you pay €45 for their fancy cocktail drinks before walking away... It's a wealth driven society so the average Joe exists in a different world.

Restaurants are comical - the local food is 'imaginative' but tasty and the rest is based on Westerners requirements. A pizza, Carbonara and 2 bottles of water set me back around €60 in the most average place. We went to one upmarket spot and our steaks were €50 each, side of fries was €11 and water was €8 if I remember correctly. However, that's just my experience and there are probably clubs and restaurants for all needs but it is expensive.

The one thing I hated was the VISA process. Our invitation from the Department of Sports was $400 for 2. Our VISA application in Dublin cost €250 for the two and it's mandatory for visitors to have their VISAs acknowledged and stamped within 3 days or arrival, another €60 each - If staying in a decent hotel I think this comes as part of the service.

Rather than bore the forum further, let me know if you need any more info and I'll PM you....

Worth a visit though. I did hear St. Petersburg was far superior for tourists.

P.S - Bought great Vodka at airport which was taken off me in Amsterdam. Apparently they will sell to you knowing that will happen!!

[johnnyc]

Only joking with yeah,
I too like Ikea.If a home is fully furnished from it ,its best to put up dark blinds,it looks so much better in a dimly lit room.The furniture is quite diverse .I thought I was buying a dartboard there only to realise it was infact a chopping board.2 uses bargain.

[smp]

Hi,

Fox29 - BBQ is a plan! Hopefullly superquinn will start restocking the BBQ items...

Anders - I have been temporarily banned from going to IKEA in Belfast due number of visits in short period of time!!

I particularly like the sofa, chairs, bookcases and kitchen utensils!

We are only sorry that they didn't come sooner as it is such great value and we spent a fortune in Dublin when we moved in. I think it has a good mix of quality & price for lots of items.

Transiberian train journey anyone?!

Just got an email from Ikea ironically enough (yes I am on the list - no slagging) - 21% off for Ikea family(thats the card you get) on 19th April. I guess you might need that card first - if so you could by something small and get the card, go out and come back in :-)

[Anders]

Last time we were there, they had application forms at the entrance. Don't remember quite, but I think it is also specific to the store, so when they eventually open in Dublin you'll need a new one ...

The cards are attached to the form itself, so you might be able to use it right away and get the savings right off the bat. 21% is not bad, especially if you want to kit out a whole house ...

[RazTazChick]

Hey Fox29,

Thanks a mil for all the info on Moscow. Sounds a bit expensive all right......but reckon I will check it out next year......hold back on furnishing the house and bring the money to Moscow instead :tongueout:

Cheers, thanks a mil

[Fox29]

OK - it's been done...

Finally posted off the choices and would not have been as happy without your help folks. Really appreciate the invites too but I'm not going to be up there for a visit for another while yet but I will make it someday!

The Smiley Awards seem rigged as you all polled the same votes. In true Zimbabwe style though, RTK offered Pasta so gets the first name in the list...

RazTazChick - SMP - GavinPaul - Anders - TD Castle :bowdown: Joint Top smiley award...

Johnnyc -at least you contributed and it wasn't as angry as your normal posts in this direction.... Have this one, all is forgiven... - :lovesmile:

In all seriousness, I appreciate the advice...

[RazTazChick]

Woo Hoo!!! I won, I won! Sorry, there's a bit of a competive streak in me.

Fox29 and Johnnyc it's lovely to see you two making up, makes the world a nicer place again.

Ciao

[Anders]

I think we "tied", no? ;)

:cheers3:

[RazTazChick]

Eh, Anders I invited Fox29 into my home first though...so I'm going with a win for me :blah:

[Fox29]

Don't fight over the smiley!! In true award commentator fashion, there were no losers and you all won just by taking part....

Multiple invites and free food too so the decision was impossible...

That and a fear of alienating Adamstown cyber residents!! :embaresd:

[RazTazChick]

Ha ha.......ok I'll share my title :ytongue:

[Anders]

:lol3: This is just too funny ...

[daMuseAdamstown]

anyone know of a good sop that sells lights(tall ones) and shades etc

tried B&Q, Atlantic homecare and woodies but no joy?

thanks

[gavinpaul]

Try domus in Coolmine - http://www.domuscentral.com/irelandweb/catalogue/general_catalogue_08_09.pdf

[timmfive]

IKEA.
(maybe someone in the forum is driving up there and can bring you a few things back...?)

[kaz]

hicken lighting just off the quays is great for lamp shades, they have every shape and size. Next also very good for lights.

[gavinpaul]

Did I hear that Ikea is opening in Ballymun at Christmas?

[timmfive]

there is also at least one good light shop in Navan.
(if you happen to be up there looking at furniture)

[daMuseAdamstown]

thanks everyone for shedding some light on this issue :biggrin:

[timmfive]

ha ha.
was driving north on M50 the other day
and my wife started freaking out when she saw the Blue and Yellow IKEA building.
i can't believe how far they've come along with it
last i heard (aside from Gavin's mentioning of xmas above) is they were still going thru planning permissions, etc.
and then there was this huge building!

[daMuseAdamstown]

hicken lighting just off the quays is great for lamp shades, they have every shape and size. Next also very good for lights.

web site also

http://www.hickenlighting.com

[ellybabes]

ha ha.
was driving north on M50 the other day
and my wife started freaking out when she saw the Blue and Yellow IKEA building.
i can't believe how far they've come along with it
last i heard (aside from Gavin's mentioning of xmas above) is they were still going thru planning permissions, etc.
and then there was this huge building!

From the looks of things, I'd say they are nearly ready for opening, but it's not going to open on schedule.

Ikea can't open the store until the M50 upgrades in the vicinity are finished (part of the planning constraints) and the last report was that the opening was due to be delayed by 8 months - first Ikea store in the world to open behind schedule!

Anyway, with the exchange rate at the moment, you're much better going to Belfast - it's only 2 hours up the road, and you need to transport everything home anyway. Better to drive up and get more for yer euro.

[daMuseAdamstown]

web site also

http://www.hickenlighting.com


Theres another light shop on main street in swords, near Eddie Rockets ...
Have to have a look yet but it seemed good from the outside ...


Cant remember the name, think its Illumination

[daMuseAdamstown]

this is the best light shop(Illumination in Swords) i have been in so far, lots of choice for the average home. Some other shops had ridiculous ones for mansions ...