dcirene's Profile

I would go with two smaller round storage ottomans instead of the one large one with no storage. As the kids get older, it'll be nice to have a quick place to throw the clutter into at the end of the day or when company arrives. Also, with the two smaller ottomans, you'll have extra seating and the ability to move them out of the way easily (even into another room, if need be).

The best advice I received was to microwave butternut squash for a few minutes to soften it a little before slicing it. Use a fork to make a few holes in the squash, place it on a plate, and microwave for 3-5 minutes. When it is cool to the touch, you can peel/slice/chop much more easily and safely than with a hard, uncooked squash. Then, proceed to steam or roast the pieces as you wish.

Now that you mention it, it's a "trifecta" I have in my own living room. I would also add: wood floors, abundant natural light, and pale walls. Notice, too, that the rugs favored tend to sport a strong red-blue combination--really lovely against a warm wood floor.

AT editors need to amend posts recommending hazardous practices that are clearly in violation of fire and building codes (I cringe especially when I see these for family/child related posts). A scarf over a light bulb is clearly a fire hazard. A plastic covering (the laundry hamper) that is not rated for heat is also a fire hazard. This is about about taking basic safety precautions, not an argument about function vs form.

1) Bamboo matchstick shades for all of the windows
2) Coordinating mat, dish towels to go with the rug under the table--black/white
3) Small, simple vase of flowers for the table
4) Inexpensive framed art for the walls that present a contrasting color to the black/white--try images that feature red or yellow as a dominant color.

@mindela, we found ours at an thrift shop. The table doesn't have a label, but I believe that it is a Drexel Heritage from the 1960s. I've seen on craigslist several mid-century "surfboard" style coffee tables with rounded edges that have one or two drawers. Round coffee tables with drawers are harder to find, but they do exist. You might also try a round storage ottoman to double as a coffee table, as these are easier to find and you can customize the fabric.

I'm a tenured professor and a mother. Being on the tenure-track is stressful and time-consuming, but it is also extremely flexible. If you read the literature on work-life balance in academia, mother-professors are often saddled with work and child-care because of the flexible schedule, while father-professors are often given a pass because researching, writing, and teaching are stressful and time consuming.

There's a reason why closets have doors.

We have that desk, but it was stripped down to the original wood (maple?) and stained. You might also want to try a greyish-taupe to bring out the accent colors in the lamp and chair.

Ranches are great when generous windows take advantage of gorgeous landscaping. Ranches are also fantastic for the elderly and aging--no stairs and fairly easy to update for accessibility.