ericasullivan's Profile

The wall planter looks like it might be the Urbio wall planter, which was a successful Kickstarter project from 2011.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1627079510/urbio-vertical-garden

I use a French press (for hot coffee as well as cold-brewed iced coffee). I have a nice insulated one that keeps the hot stuff hot all morning. I don't have to worry about filters, and cleanup is easy since I have a garbage disposal.

Yes, definitely add a rug! It would help define the space and make it more like a room (and less like a hallway).

Those chairs don't look very comfortable; I don't think they would encourage me to linger at the dinner table over a nice meal. TSPInteriorDesign's comment above me, about getting backless stools, might save space, but I think that would be even less comfortable.

I don't make coffee every morning, and I'm a bit of a fanatic about keeping my counters as empty as possible, so I don't have a dedicated space. I am not too fussed about preparation, so I use a humble blade grinder (I know, I know) and French press, with an electric kettle to heat the water. When not in use, they are stored away.

I'm curious -- what's that thingie to the left of the espresso machine in the bottom picture?

I think either the coffee table needs to be bigger, or there need to be a couple more side tables. Where are you and your guests supposed to put down a stray drink or book?

I have a clip-on thermometer. I keep it hooked over the edge of the pot and turn off the heat before the milk reaches 180F (that's when it starts bubbling up and overflowing).

I've had this issue when scalding milk for yogurt.

If you're trying to save money, or want to avoid disposable products:

- Buy a few microfiber cloths and use them instead of Swiffer dry cloths. I've seen them 2/$1 at my local grocery store. I use them (they fit right into the holes like the Swiffer cloths), brush the dust off into the trash, and pop them in the laundry. You can use them for damp mopping too; just get them wet first, and spray your cleaner of choice on the floor, then mop. Voila - a budget version of the Swiffer WetJet!

- Buy a sturdy toilet brush and use borax (non-toxic, cheap, found in the laundry aisle at your grocery store) or vinegar to clean your toilet. If you do this every week, neither your toilet nor your brush will get gross. I've had the same Mr. Clean toilet brush for six years now, and it looks and smells just fine.

- Replace surface scrub with baking soda in a shaker. If you like a fresh scent, add a few drops of essential oil (e.g. peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree).

- Use a squeegee to dry off your walls and tub after you shower. It takes an extra minute or two, but it'll save on tile cleaner and elbow grease!

@Battra92 --

There are different sizes, but the vast majority of bottles at your local shop are 750 mL.

Big bird lamp is visible in the first picture, on the shelving unit.

That rug is really jolly and brightens the space up, but the big creases look like somebody could trip over them. Maybe spritz it with some water to relax the folds, and put it outside in the sun?

I'm a woman and I carry a good-sized bag to and from work. Washability definitely played a role in my choice of bag! Still, when traveling, I keep it over my shoulder or in my lap -- I would never put it on the ground or the floor, much less a bathroom floor.