brunoj's Profile

Agree with many others that the paneled walls should be the same white as the walls below. An old trick for drawing the eye upward (to highlight your spectacular fixture) is to paint the ceiling a very, very light shade of the palest blue or palest teal. I would also paint the handrail white to match and replace existing mounting hardware with a nickel finish hardware. If you are hanging art, think about natural birch frames to balance the overall black-and-whiteness. And, most importantly, anything that goes in the space should make you smile because you love it, not because it's matchy-matchy.

I will echo that this is a wonderful class and gift that you're giving to your students! After 7 years of inner-city teaching, I'm painfully aware of what happens to children (and adults) with limited resources and limited education or motivation. Cup O Noodles and beef jerky is not a proper meal!

Ranting aside, baked potatoes (jacket potatoes) are a fantastic starting point for a very inexpensive, satisfying meal. They and their fillings can be made in microwaves, ovens, toaster ovens, or crockpots. Potatoes are also a non-threatening ingredient - many of the men in my life will happily eat turkey chili spooned over a baked potato, but if I spoon the same turkey chili over brown rice or lentils, forget it.

Also, it is worth noting that one can usually find working crockpots at Goodwill or St. Vincent de Paul stores for a few bucks. I bought two crock pots last year for $10 total.

Happy teaching!