Home design 2008

No apartment is perfect—it seems like there’s always something that could be prettier, cleaner, quieter or better designed. But whether your problem is noisy upstairs neighbors, ugly fixtures or even a paralyzing fear of bedbugs, in the following pages, we draw on the city’s endless inspiration and talent to teach you how to make the most of where you live—easily and cheaply.

Love the space you’re in
Spruce up your pad with these nonpermanent fixes—none of which will sacrifice your security deposit.

Bugs in a rug… and everything else
Yeah, we know you love found furniture. We do too. But what’s hiding in that street-side score?

Pickup tips
If you bring home those secondhand items—whether from the street or the store—take these debugging and degunking pointers.

Steal this idea
Inspiration is all over the place in New York. Here’s how to bring it home when you find it.

Salvàge auction 2008
These five local designers regularly transform trash into artistic home-decor treasures. Bid for them now through October 30—all proceeds go to charity.

High on design
Home design objects we wish we could afford.