Jan in Oregon's Profile

Love the rug. I'd do wall-colored curtains and the sofa in a yellow a little bit grayer than the rug, if you don't have a dog. Like the big dark reddish (?) table in the corner. Like the artwork over the sofa.

'Cheap' does not have to refer just to the price of something. I have some inexpensive wooden chairs and table from a local 'factory' that uses local wood. So far 14 yrs and going strong. Some fancy (second hand) clothing and handbags that are essentially junk. Not made to be durable because fashion is momentary and ephemeral. Perhaps this also works for furniture? Get bones, not fashion?
.One day I'd like to have a table or rocking chair from a craftsman/ artist that I see at local markets. Yes I have to save up for that $3000 rocker. It is unique, handmade, beautifully balanced and comfortable. Art in functional form. Not at all about fashion.

I get a product at the Coastal Farm supply called Nature's Bedding. It is large sawdust pellets that disintegrate when wet. No dust. The result dries pretty fast and no odor. The pellets have a kind of faint sawdust smell when opened. The solids get scooped and the pile of 'sawdust' gets dumped about weekly, or when kitty starts to track it out of the box in a big way. Something like $5.00 for 40 pound large bag. I think sweeping around the box is a constant chore or put a large mat or old towel down as a doormat.

I can see why you feel you can't open the window to the laundry area all the time. But maybe a fan for the window that you can use while you are at home, then lock the window when things are dry? This of course assumes an electrical outlet there. I am envisioning some way to stop the window part way open for security.
Or maybe a small direct vent fan for the wall that can be mounted in part of the window opening. I have seen louver/screen/fan units that are made for outside walls. Wait, then there is the problem of sealing off the draft when you are not using the fan...Hmmm. requires more thought. They may have a door of some kind.

100! Fun how information (and sometimes misinformation) gets stored in the brain over time and sometimes I surprise myself when stuff pops out.

The ottoman. Soft, can have a tray as a coffee table if needed, good for putting up your feet, can be extra seating. No curtains unless someone can easily look in the windows. I agree a different rug, in a colorful design would be nice.

Well yes, I would, I do, ask people to be careful with my counters. My house my rules. I have butcher block counters now about 14-15 years old. I have some water staining by the sink that is totally my fault. Otherwise looks pretty good. Not new, pretty good. I ask friends to use the cutting boards for cutting, and mats for hot stuff. No problem. I do get out the mineral oil and soak them about once a year. They have dents from dropped objects. Oh well, that's life. They are alder wood, local wood from a local mill and quite soft. I'd do it again..but... that marble looks yummy!

I moved to a small town to be with my SO. We were pretty much focused on the home and garden thing and I really did not have a large social circle. When he suddenly died I was surprised at the way local people reached out to me and pulled me out of myself. Years of vague acquaintance have turned into real friends. I think this is a small town thing. Everyone know at least who everyone else is. Even if you never met :)

I always see these tool chests and think - I wish i needed that great cabinet!
Not Sears at all. Very different shade of red and not chrome.
What good 'seeing' to visualize this use.

When we purchased our piano we knew it would be living in a poorly insulated cabin. So we also purchased an electrical gadget called a 'damp chaser' that sits inside the piano. It does not really heat anything, just drives off moisture. After 20 years of quite varied environments the piano is fine. It does make a good room divider.