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We want to maximize the storage potential in here, since it is the only space to stash stuff outside of the main rooms. An IKEA wardrobe unit got tucked into the corner and serves as linen closet and laundry/cleaning supply center. The mirrored doors balance out the space it eats up. Holes from electrical work have been patched and are waiting for sanding an painting. Next on the agenda are shelves/cupboards/hanging bars/hooks over the machines and along the walls.

The big To Do is still finding a good solution for covering the electric service. The box itself is not hard to cover but the wires coming out of the ceiling and gaps/holes around the box make it a challenge. Most likely we’ll ask the same carpenter who finishes the kitchen walls to cover this as well.

The hideous ceiling light is gone! The track lighting targeted for the bathroom ended up working better here. It’s nice and bright when you enter. A chalk board hangs over the bench; friends and family seem to enjoy tagging it. The plan is still to put some shelves, and possibly cabinets, above the chalkboard.

The primary hang out spot is the sofa in the fireplace nook, with most of the book collection behind it for easy access. The only solution for tv location (to get it off the bench where it currently resides) seems to be hanging on the wall or on the shelf part of the built in bench, which involves splurging on a flat panel tv. The plan was to buy foam for the bench cushion and cover it w/ nice fabric. Thrifty Jeph discovered that the twin (pink velvet) futon donated by the triplet nieces is a perfect fit, though, so as soon as we buy that tv, the cozy bench will be in action. The yucca palm from the outside patio is loving the deep sun from south, as is the Christmas cactus given to us last winter, which is blooming again. The cats enjoy sunning themselves by the windows and watching birds swoop down from the apple tree to the feeder we set up just off the patio. We found perfect drapes for the windows; they’re double-lined for insulation (the primary reason for buying them) and mod in color and print. They help keep the heat from escaping from all those windows (at night) and make the space feel cozier.

The multi-talented Jeph channeled his inner seamstress and made some rockin’ curtains of an orange/lime green/yellow/blue seersucker with orange grosgrain ribbon trim for the front window. The privacy at night is nice. In desperate need of a center island, we moved the wooden buffet into the island spot (and hung the glass front cabinet on the wall to the right of the range, beneath the small wooden shelf which is built into the wall and would leave a deep gash if removed.) The improvised island has worked great as our only prep area and storage for all tableware/etc. The open shelving is overflowing with food, pots and pans, and equipment. It’s time for cabinets and countertops (more work space!), and a dishwasher. Part of this process is finishing off the partial wall between the sink and the area to its right (~1.5 feet deep) and framing/finishing the wall to the right of it which is just made of tin/zinc (!) which we’ll hire someone to do. Wanting to be environmentally friendly involves more research, especially on a tight budget. Ideally the cabinet boxes will be made of recycled material and the fronts will be the same or reclaimed wood, or something fast growing like bamboo. Ideally the countertops contain a high percentage of recycled material. The manufacturing process for both should not involve chemicals or toxic byproducts. A new sink unit is probably involved (grrrr) because the free-standing one won’t match up with the new cabinets/counters (and having it not meet the wall means water likes to makes its way behind it onto the floor.) The dishwasher will likely be a mid-grade Bosch and, unless Jeph wants to tackle it, will be installed by Rich the plumber. The vent hood may come from IKEA because they seem to have the best prices and some decent styles. Jeph needs to cut and attach the cement board (hopefully utilizing a leftover piece.) We’re leaning towards tiling it (vs. stainless steel) which should be a fun project. The center island will be enhanced with the attachment of a beautiful piece of reclaimed hard rock maple. Jeph’s readying the attachment supplies and experimenting with finishes. Purchasing two bar stools will make it a new place to sit and watch (or help) the cook, do work, and eat. That will be fun.

A pellet/corn/etc stove would be great because it doesn’t involve fossil fuels. But, installing a freestanding unit would be tricky due to the floor plan and expensive. Doing it as an insert would cut down on costs but take away the pleasure of a wood burning fireplace. Either way, future owners may not want the hassle of it. Same goes for a wood insert/stove. Additionally, those units are only as good at heating a space as their output (higher the output = higher the price) combined with fans installed for distribution. So, chances are good that we’d still be relying on the oil to heat all but the main living space. We toyed with idea of a gas fireplace. The appeal is ease of use (pressing a button vs. building/maintaining a fire or feeding a hopper/cleaning ashes) which is a definite consideration for resale value. Installation would be even more expensive, though, would involve digging another trench (Jeph is running away screaming at the thought), and still depends on fossil fuels. Our solution for this year is to utilize all the free fuel on our land (wood) and have lots of fires, plus keep the windows covered at night. The new, programmable, thermostat Jeph installed in the bedroom definitely works better, and looks nicer too, so we put one in the front hall also.